The Ref Stop

The Heat

There was a Saturday a few years ago where temperatues were ridiculous, think about 37 in London. I refereed a contrib game in Hertfordshire and the pace was certainly reduced as the players were really struggling. I was actually OK, as the pace was so slow I could stroll around and covered way less ground than normal.

Had it been predicted to get into the 40s that we saw that month I think we'd be looking at postponements, but I think the threshold will just fall short this time and step 6 and above will play regardless, albeit with water breaks.
 
The Ref Stop
Our pitch (step 7) is a barren, cracked wasteland. Anakin Skywalker would hate it. No idea why anyone's expecting to play on it come Saturday.
 
There was a Saturday a few years ago where temperatues were ridiculous, think about 37 in London. I refereed a contrib game in Hertfordshire and the pace was certainly reduced as the players were really struggling. I was actually OK, as the pace was so slow I could stroll around and covered way less ground than normal.

Had it been predicted to get into the 40s that we saw that month I think we'd be looking at postponements, but I think the threshold will just fall short this time and step 6 and above will play regardless, albeit with water breaks.

I noticed this last week when it was very warm. It was physically the easiest game I've reffed between step 7-5. Way less ground to cover and nobody in a rush at restarts
 
I noticed this last week when it was very warm. It was physically the easiest game I've reffed between step 7-5. Way less ground to cover and nobody in a rush at restarts
Wouldn't want to be observed on a game tomorrow. Games likely slow and bereft of much action
 
Interesting request today ahead of a step 6 game. Dugouts are plastic and in direct sunlight. Request to put benches in front of the stand on the opposite side of the pitch which will be in shade. Seems very sensible to me. Always something different happening...
 
Our pitch is much like that. 8 of our first 9 at home as well, absolutely bonkers.

Hopefully the leagues see sense and start in September or at least late August next season. I played m last cricket game in the 3rd week of July and it would be nice to be able to play the summer sports in summer!
 
Was a little surprised, but my match did go ahead yesterday. Hard work and watch says I was around a km down on what I would normally run, but wasn't too bad overall.
 
Step 6 middle for me. Yes it was stinking hot but the pitch was decent and all the players (and us officials) coped with the conditions. The extra drinks breaks really helped everyone.
 
Hopefully the leagues see sense and start in September or at least late August next season. I played m last cricket game in the 3rd week of July and it would be nice to be able to play the summer sports in summer!
One of the issues in England is that clubs which qualify to enter the FA Cup have their initial game early in August to facilitate the completion of the rounds on schedule.
Our local Step 5/6 clubs have a lot of league games to fit in, plus FA Competitions and County Cups, so starting four weeks later would be very difficult.
For parks teams, September is fine in most areas, as Leagues/Divisions are smaller.
 
Step 6 middle in 32C heat with zero breeze was hard work yesterday!
About a KM down on usual distance covered and lost 3 stone in sweat but overall everyone coped well.

Lost a player at HT with heat stroke but lots of fluids taken onboard at every injury and opportunity for players.
 
One of the issues in England is that clubs which qualify to enter the FA Cup have their initial game early in August to facilitate the completion of the rounds on schedule.
Our local Step 5/6 clubs have a lot of league games to fit in, plus FA Competitions and County Cups, so starting four weeks later would be very difficult.
For parks teams, September is fine in most areas, as Leagues/Divisions are smaller.
Agree, there is absolutely no wiggle room. Even starting August some teams end up playing three games a week in April just to get the season finished, especially when the weather has been bad. There's no way they could lose three weekends in August, the schedule just wouldn't allow it, especially when you throw in the Vase and Cup.
 
lost 3 stone in sweat
I need to go on that diet
Lost a player at HT with heat stroke
Twitter has lots of tweets (unsurprisingly) about players taken unwell with Heat Stroke (also unsurprisingly)

Ultimately, it was a few degrees cooler than forecast. I'm a bit undecided as to whether it was wise to play in the hottest areas. Aside from 'frozen pitches', summer poses far more risk to health & safety than the conditions games are postponed for during the winter months, but football is increasingly being pushed into the summer
 
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