Important Information

Tuesday, 14 September 2004.

The article below has been released by the Football Associttion.

INJURIES TO PLAYERS ON THE FIELD OF PLAY

(DUE TO PITCH CONDITION)

 

A GUIDE FOR REFEREES, CLUBS AND LEAGUES

 

During the last Season there was an increase in the number of insurance claims made against Clubs and Referees related to injuries suffered by Players, which they alleged were due to the poor state of the pitch.

 

The Responsibilities of Referees

 

This applies to both registered and substitute Referees.

 

As a Referee, you should do all you reasonably can to prevent injuries from happening on the field of play.  You have the authority to ask for a pitch to be made safe, or to cancel a game if you feel the pitch conditions are unsuitable for play.  This may be an unpopular decision to make in some circumstances, particularly at the end of the Season, but it is vital that you exercise this authority at all times.

 

Claims have been made against Referees where injuries have allegedly been suffered due to:

 

v      Poorly prepared pitches, where there are large or excessive tufts of grass, or sizeable ruts or holes in the pitch;

v      The effects of weather such as excessive water, mud or particularly hard grounds.

 

Referees must take very seriously their responsibilities in relation to a thorough pitch inspection before kick-off.

 

Referees should not rely on protection from a civil claim on Decision 1 of the Decisions of the International Board in respect of Law 5 – The Referee.  This is unlikely to be upheld in English Law as giving Referees immunity in the way that it states.  Referees should certainly not see it as an alternative to carrying out a full inspection prior to each game.

 

The Responsibility of Clubs and Leagues

 

Clubs and Leagues also have a duty of care and must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of injury to their players and the players of the opposition team.  Furthermore, this must be explained clearly to everyone involved in the Club.

 

More specifically, a Club must ensure that nothing is omitted to be done or done which is likely to cause bodily injury to the public, Club member or others.  This of course extends to the preparation of any pitches for which it is responsible.  Clubs should also take great care that any obligations under pitch hire agreements are compiled with.