Support from the Football league

Support from the Football League

Pitchcare has received confirmation from the Football League that steps have been taken to support groundsmen in their efforts to reduce the damage caused to pitches by unnecessarily excessive warm ups. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Professional Game Match Officials. Subsequently, we have received the following:-

I can confirm that a letter was sent to all National List referees, and later copied to the 92 clubs. Highlighted were the main areas of concern;

• Excessive warm ups by the competing teams
• Disregard for any 'no-go' areas marked out by the groundsmen
• Warm ups in the goalmouth when alternative facilities are provided
• Additional markings made in the goal area and penalty area that result in long term damage to the pitch.

Referees were reminded of their responsibilities in respect of additional markings, and also to report to the respective league any concerns about the actions or attitude of a team disregarding specific requests.

I hope that this is helpful.

Regards
Jim Ashworth, National Group Manager for the Playing Surfaces Committee