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. 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.

9. 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.

10. Postponement and Rescheduling:
    If a match cannot be played at either venue, the home club must notify the following people

• The away Team Manager

• Referee & Luke wilkes via email 

• 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

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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR NEW MANAGERS – POSTPONING A MATCH

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1. Conduct a Pitch Inspection Early

• On match day, complete a pitch inspection as early as possible.

2. Contact the Referee if the Pitch is in Doubt

• If the pitch condition is uncertain, contact the appointed referee as soon as possible to discuss an official pitch inspection.

3. Keep the Away Team Informed

• Ensure the away team is updated at all stages to prevent unnecessary travel.

4. Officially Postpone the Match

• If the match needs to be postponed due to pitch or travel conditions:

  • Update the match status on Full-Time.

  • Complete a ClickUp form and submit it to Ami Dickens using the link provided.

  • If possible, include a proposed rescheduled date for the fixture.

5. Notify the Referee and Key Contacts

• Send an email to the referee, notifying them of the postponement.

• Copy in Luke Wilkes for record-keeping.

By following these steps, you ensure clear communication and proper procedure for postponing a match.