Responsibility for pitch inspection and timing

[Matthew]

Are people honestly bickering over groundsmen? Some places have them, some don't.

Generally speaking, managers tend to take responsibility and inspect the night before. It can sometimes be helpful to check a pitch yourself though; I had a game on the pitch next to my house a few months back after a week of rain, I met the manager there the day before and it was a waterlogged and unplayable. He would've called it there and then but knowing the pitch as I do, I encouraged him not to because it drains really well. We got the game on the next morning!

That's not something you have to do though, just try to arrive early if you feel the game may be at risk.

 

[HullRef]

If the pitch us close to me (and it normally is) I will have a quick look the day before the match, if I do get there and it is borderline then I try and help the teams in making it playable but if it isn't then I'd call it, if it's a local game then I never bother with half fee or expenses, it'll get you a bad reputation when you start off. But these are just my opinions and I know that others will disagree, especially with me helping sort the pitch out

 

[Aled]

I don't mind helping a team clear a pitch of water to prevent a postponement provided that it's in a clear-able state and not 100% waterlogged.

 

[haywain]

if it's a local game then I never bother with half fee or expenses, it'll get you a bad reputation when you start of

Some of us need that money to supplement our benefits, hull

 

[Colt]

I've had some games which have had groudsmen and some which haven't. Either way I text the manager the night before if its been raining all day asking how the pitch is looking and again early in the morning.
If it hasn't been called off my the time I arrive the decision on whether to play on the pitch is mine and mine only...

 

[HRW]

Loving reading this - it's all L7 & 8 commenting over groundspersons, hahaha. Suppose it goes to show that some subjects are improtant to some and not to others. Simple things ......

For what it's worth, 3 seasons in and around London on Saturday & Sunday AM and PM games, each and every one has had a representative from the pitch owners, be it club, council or local authority.

Instead of it being an "area" thing it think it is probably more like a "what level is the league" thing. AFC - top league - has standards - always decent hanging rooms and showers - and yes staff present. London Cypriot League - lower league - poor standards of players, teams and comms - changing in the car park (for those of us over 18 - got to rememebr child welfare in these situations) - poor pitches, lines - no staff.

So instead of making it a here v there, if you officiated on higher standard leagues (even at the lower end of them) then your conditions would be better. Don't ask which league wants you - but which league you want.

I do Sunday mornings once a month and the 2 local teams are the Sunday squads of high level Sat teams so get grandstands, club house, refreshments, medical team, teamsheets and even (sometimes) programmes, as they are judged as a CLUB not as a TEAM.

Just saying.... (insert rhetorical cynicism and irate replies below)

 

[Mike]

Touché.

 

[HRW]

Haha Mike - read that as "Touchey" the first time, took a second read.....