This memorandum has been issued on 17th July 1998 by the football Association, to Secretaries of all county Associations.

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 suitable 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:

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

Referees should not rely on protection from a civil claim on Decision 1 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 at the club.

More specifically, a club must ensure that nothing is omitted to be done or done which is likely to cause bodily harm to the public, club members 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 arrangements are complied with.