Guidance for Match Days

The good name and reputation of a Club depend to a large degree on the impressions gained of your Club by opposition and referees. Team Captains are the people most able to help in this respect. It is always the home team’s responsibility to make visitors welcome. Captains should ensure that their visitors and the referee are met and informed as to their allocated dressing room and, if applicable, which pitch is to be used and any arrangements for the security of valuables and money, etc. The league strongly recommends that teams do not leave valuables in changing rooms at any ground.

Referees and opposition must be informed of arrangements for after-match hospitality. The home side shall provide the visiting side and the match officials, without charge, on site refreshments, at the end of the match, with a minimum of a hot drink, and hospitality at a nominated venue, and shall provide either option if using a satellite venue.

Referees must be paid before the game. The home club shall provide at least two footballs that are fit for match play and they must be given to the referee in the changing rooms prior to the start of the match.

Check nets, corner flags, etc. are in good order and in position well before the game.. (Note standards of Amenities listed in the Rules, section 10). Captains should also be aware of the locality of the nearest open Accident and Emergency Department.

Both home and visiting Captains must ensure their teams are ready for kick-off at the appointed time. Late kick-offs, besides being discourteous, may also make the offenders liable to a fine.

For away fixtures, check the location of the ground and allow plenty of time for travel, bearing in mind any seasonal or other reasons for possible delays en route.

Remember that the referee is in charge from the moment he arrives until he leaves the ground and try to ensure that your players do not show dissent by word or gesture. The referee’s decision is final, and no good can come of not accepting it. Both players and Clubs may be liable to disciplinary action should this advice be disregarded. Above all, ensure your familiarity with the Rules of the League, especially those concerning the playing of matches and what to do in such circumstances as the non-appearance of a referee, etc.