EBFA Matches Called Off Due To Weather
If a match is called off and no other pitch is available then teams must inform opposition, referee and divisional secretary as soon as possible.
If a match is called off then the away team can provide their own home pitch or other venue. The home team must accept the change if the new kick-off time can be arranged for within 1 hour of the original kick-off. Inform the divisional secretary.
If a match is postponed but the allocated pitch is used by another team on the same day then an explanation of the circumstances must be provided to the divisional secretary.
The Referee has the final decision for the suitability of the pitch at the time of kick-off.
Cup
competition matches have priority over all other league and friendly matches. If a cup or plate match is moved to another pitch at short notice then the kick-off times of any league fixtures allocated to that pitch can be moved by up to 1 hour or the league fixtures shall be postponed in accordance with these guidelines.
Teams shall agree the date of the rearranged fixture which shall be notified to the divisional secretary within 3 days otherwise the divisional secretary will rearrange for the fixture to be played on the next available fixture date for both teams which could be the following Saturday.
More detailed guidelines for each of the points above are available on the league website www.eastberksfa.com and in the league Rules. Please use common sense and ensure fixtures are played as soon as possible.
Mark Gittoes, Hon Secretary, East Berks Football
Alliance , Aug 2013
EBFA Guidelines For Matches Postponed Due To Weather
Protect Pitches From Damage
Clubs shall take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition for the remainder of the season and the wellbeing of the pitch is more important than a single match so don't play if the pitch will be damaged. Teams are advised not to practice or warm up on the pitch or in the goal mouths.
Inform Opposition etc
If a match is postponed because of the condition of the pitch or to protect the pitch from damage then the opposition, referee and divisional secretary shall be informed as soon as possible. Some schools and local authorities will close their pitches with several days notice and teams must be aware of this so that they can inform the opposition and possibly have time to arrange an alternative venue. You must also ensure that the communication is received and acknowledged by the other party.
Change The Venue
Fixtures are normally arranged on the Sunday evening for the following weekend. If the pitch becomes unavailable then the home team can rearrange the fixture and the away team must accept if the kick-off time is within 1 hour of the original kick-off time. If a home pitch is not available then the away team can arrange to play on their home pitch or at an alternative venue. The original home team must accept the change if the new kick-off time is within 1 hour of the original scheduled kick-off time. The home team must pay any reasonable pitch costs which must be backed up by an itemised bill or receipt from the appropriate school or local authority. If the alternative pitch is available to the away team at no extra charge and there are no material expenses then no charge shall be made. If the originally agreed Referee is not available then the two teams shall agree a replacement according to the league policy for appointment of Referees.
Pitch Used By Another Team
If a match is postponed because of the poor condition of the pitch or to protect the pitch from damage but the pitch is to be used for other matches on the same day by any other team or club or is actually used for other matches on the same day by any other team or club then a written explanation of the circumstances must be sent to the divisional secretary.
Referees Decision
If there is any doubt about the suitability of a pitch at the time of kick-off then the final decision rests with the Referee. The Referee can take advice from both teams and can decide to accept a best of 3 decision involving the home and away teams €and the Referee himself.
Kick-off Times
For Saturday matches the kick-off times are between 9am and 1pm (U7 to U11), 9am and 1pm (U12 to u15) and 9am to 3pm (U16 to U18). Teams may agree to kick-off before 9am (as has happened in the past). The home team shall notify the away team of the fixture details on the Sunday evening before 9pm and the away team must accept the arrangements.
