Why Referees MUST Carry Out Pitch Inspections

Referees have a key role to play in ensuring that our grounds are fit and safe to play on and they are required as part of their official duties to inspect the safety of a pitch prior to each fixture.

The photograph shown here reveals why, sadly, this is so necessary….taken yesterday, it shows a kitchen knife left on the grass at Cardwells Keep, used by our 9v9 teams. It goes without saying that the blade could have caused serious injury to a player on match day.  Cardwells Keep is no different to other municipal grounds that are used by the general public and so we continue to ask for a high degree of vigilance – not only from our match officials but from all of us involved in delivering safe and fun football for our Club’s players and opponents.