Should a pitch inspection be needed at Edgar Street in advance of tomorrow's League One match against Leeds United - what is the procedure as the match referee, Graham Horwood, lives near Luton?
In the Premiership and Championship it is normal practice for the officials to stay in a hotel fairly close to the ground the night before a game. Then they are on hand should an inspection be requested.
However at lower levels, official often travel to games on the morning of the game. This keep costs to the clubs somewhat lower.
Here are the rules as listed by the FA:
Playing Condition of the Ground
(i) Each Club must take every precaution to ensure that its ground is in a fit playing condition. In the event of doubt regarding the condition of the pitch, the Home Club shall immediately notify The Association to enable a Referee to conduct a pitch inspection.
(ii) A Referee shall whenever possible examine the ground and decide as to its fitness for play in sufficient time to save the expense of unnecessary journeys being incurred by Clubs. The pitch inspection must be made by the Match Referee or a Referee appointed by The Association who must immediately contact The Association with details of an inspection (and the Match Referee if relevant).
(iii) Subject to this Rule, the Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches.
(iv) The Referee must report to the ground 90 minutes before the time of kick-off. If necessary, the Home Club or The Association may, by notice, require the Referee to visit the ground more than 90 minutes before the time of kick-off any time during the season.
So if there is a doubt about the condition of Edgar Street for tomorrow's game then it is up to Hereford United to call the FA. Should the match referee not be available, another more locally based referee will be asked to inspect the pitch. Ideally this should be carried out as early as possible to help prevent unnecessary journeys.
However pressure can be put on referees to delay inspections, or to have a second inspection, when it is thought that conditions might improve as kick-off time approaches.
With tomorrow's game probably destined to be the best attended of the season at Edgar Street, every effort is expected be made by Hereford United to ensure it goes ahead. If it is postponed a Tuesday evening replacement won't have the same attraction.
The latest forecast for Hereford suggests it will be cold this evening but sunny on Saturday. Last night temperatures fell to a low of around -4C.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next: Friendly At Walsall's Training Ground On Saturday 12th July - Kick-Off At 3pm (Behind Closed Doors)
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