In the event of wet weather and concerns about pitch playability, the following procedures must be followed to ensure the safety of players and adherence to FA and League regulations:

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1. Referee's Authority:
   The appointed match referee is solely responsible for determining the fitness of the pitch. Their decision is final and binding, based on player safety, rather than whether the pitch is too wet or muddy. Referees receive training to make this judgment independently.

2. Early Communication:
   The home club must contact the appointed match referee as early as possible to arrange a pitch inspection. The referee must personally inspect the pitch, and a home club official should be present during the inspection.

3. Inspection Process:
   The referee will conduct the pitch inspection alone, unaccompanied by club officials or managers. After inspection, they will communicate their decision to the home club official. If the pitch is deemed unplayable, the home club must cancel the match promptly.

4. Travel Expenses:
   If the match is cancelled after the inspection, the referee is entitled to claim travel expenses from the home club.

5. Multiple Pitches:
   If multiple pitches are scheduled to be used at the same venue, one referee may inspect all pitches, and their decision will apply to all matches.

6. Club Officials:
   No club official, manager, or non-appointed person can make a decision about the playability of the pitch. Only the referee has this authority.

7. Early Cancellations:
   Pitches should not be declared unplayable before Saturday/Sunday unless in exceptional circumstances.

8. Alternative Venues:
   If a pitch is declared unplayable, the home club must contact the away team to see if the match can be hosted at their ground. If the away team can host, the match should be moved and played at the alternate location.

9. Council-Owned Pitches:
   In cases where the local Council or another ground authority controls the pitch, their decision on playability is final. No referee inspection is required in this scenario.

10. Away Team Considerations:
    While early pitch inspections are preferable to avoid unnecessary travel, if a match is not called off in advance, the away team must travel to the venue and be ready to play at the scheduled kick-off time.

11. Postponement and Rescheduling:
    If a match cannot be played at either venue, the home club must notify the League and the match will be postponed and rescheduled, the Home Team Manager must inform Ami at Cornwall Youth Football immediately to update the fixture schedule using the form below followed by an email to Luke Wilkes if a ref has been appointed 

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https://forms.clickup.com/9015696968/f/8cp17j8-2435/QBMUO4LAUAFODWE2XG

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This protocol aims to maximise the number of matches played while ensuring player safety, minimising wasted travel, and maintaining the spirit of football for all.

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Thank you for your cooperation

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CORNWALL YOUTH LEAGUE COMMITEE