1 RC Managers Manual

● U13 – U15 = £15
● U16 = £20
Referee Training
The FA have established a specific course for refereeing games for players U10 and below
and a full referee course for U11 and above. Where a referee is sourced from within a
team but they are willing to referee other RCJFC teams and where financially feasible,
RCJFC will fund the cost of the referee course otherwise courses are to be paid for from
team funds.
Pitch Inspections
FA rules are that only referees can make a decision to postpone a match due to pitch conditions,
however at Junior Football Level (U15’s and below) it is generally accepted that it can be the home
team managers decision, this is not an official rule or league recommendation. In any event
communication between the two team managers and the ref usually brings an amicable solution.
For advice in respect of pitch inspections, please be advised of the following that would be
considered best practice & should be adopted wherever possible.
The key is to be proactive and not judge or leave judgement minutes before the kick-off. Some
parents may well travel a significant distance to attend a game and therefore where-ever possible
judgement on pitch conditions should be made in as reasonably practicable amount of time prior
to the match.
Pre-Match Day - Inspection
It is good practice to assess pitch condition days before the arranged kick off, this to
initially evaluate basic pitch conditions are adequate for the forthcoming match.
Consideration should be given to:
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Firmness of ground
Water saturation
Pitch marking
Goal serviceability and safety
Access & Egress to the pitch
If there are any concerns then these should be addressed immediately to
Match Day - Pre-Inspection
As early as possible (a minimum 1 hour before kick-off) the pitch should be inspected for
serviceability.
To call off or confirm a match where there are could either be a conflict of interest or
could cause contention, it is recommended that a minimum if two people (ideally one or
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