Please be reminded that individual clubs are responsible for ensuring a safe and playable pitch for all participants. To support this, the attached Grass Pitch Inspection Form should be used by clubs and Match Officials when assessing pitch conditions and must be completed in line with the protocols below.

Hard Ground – Protocol for Calling Off Games

A common-sense approach must always be applied.
If the pitch is considered unplayable in advance by a Club Groundsman, Local Authority Groundsman, or another appropriately qualified person at the club, every effort should be made to source an alternative pitch.
On the day of the game, the Match Official (aged 18 or over) has the responsibility and authority to postpone the match if the pitch is deemed unplayable.
A pitch inspection can also be carried out up to 24 hours prior to the away team travelling.
The Match Official should:
Make the decision in accordance with the Grass Pitch Inspection Form
Consult with the Groundsman or appropriate club representative (if available)
Discuss with both coaches before confirming the final decision
The completed Grass Pitch Inspection Form must be submitted by the Match Official to the relevant Competition Administrator.
For matches without an appointed Match Official (e.g., Primary Rugby League), coaches should make an informed, joint decision based on player welfare. The Pitch Inspection Form may still be used in this context.
Where a full-size pitch is not required, clubs are encouraged to consider alternative venues such as local schools, parks, or other grassed areas.

Grass Pitch Inspection Report

Player Welfare

Matches mustn't proceed on excessively hard pitches, due to the increased risk of injury, including head injuries and concussions.

Clubs are strongly encouraged to assess the condition of their pitches as early as possible in the lead-up to fixtures, allowing appropriate decisions to be made in good time.

Hot weather advice

When a FA believes that the heat and/or humidity is such that players require additional water they should approach the Referee to request one or both of the special measures below. The Referee shall grant this request and shall ensure that both teams are aware of his decision.

The positioning of water containers around the ground (ensuring that there is no danger to players or spectators) to enable players to help themselves.
A two-minute break at an appropriate natural pause in the game, approximately halfway through the first and second halves, to allow players to take on extra water.
FA should be familiar with recognising and managing heat-related illnesses. Please refer to the World Rugby Hot Weather guide for detailed advice.

Player Welfare Guidelines | World Rugby

SUNSCREEN

Research has shown that people do not apply sunscreen frequently enough. FA should reinforce messages about using high SPF sunscreen to all players and in particular juniors and those with fair skin before training or playing outdoors, and at half time in matches. Cancer Research recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, are preferred, in addition to considering a waterproof nature given sweating during exercise. Sunscreen should be applied generously and regularly to remain effective.