Late cancellations

If a late decision on the fitness of the ground is needed once teams have turned up on the day of the match, it is the responsibility of the team captains to decide on whether the pitch is fit for play. If they disagree then the match day referee should be asked to decide on the fitness of the pitch.

The referee should make it clear to the two captains as to what his decision is. It is for the Clubs to decide as to whether the match proceeds once a decision has been given. If he has decided the pitch is not fit he must not referee the match.

The Referee must before giving a decision thoroughly inspect the playing enclosure and give his decision solely on the basis of his opinion as to its fitness for the match. Once he has clearly communicated the decision he should not engage in any debate on it or why he has made the decision he has. 

Once a match has started the referee is the sole judge of fact and law as to whether the pitch is fir for it to continue and of course regardless of the number of minutes played he should abandon a match if he believes it is appropriate so to do.