Postponed Matches. Coaches may, of necessity, reschedule a match. This must be done at least 6 days before the scheduled game start time. Should a coach propose postponement of a game with less than 6 days notice the opposing coach may choose to accept the postponement, or to accept a win by default (applies only to division where scores are posted). It is the responsibility of both coaches to notify the League of a postponement. The League will notify the home team’s field assignor and referee assignor. Within 14 days of the original game date, coaches are to advise the League of the new date/time for the match. If the League has not been advised of the new date/time within this deadline the League will re-schedule the match on behalf of the teams. Teams which are not able to play the game on the League-scheduled date will lose the match by default. During a “Heat Wave” Game Officials will confer with Coaches and Team Officials before the start of the game in regards to providing water-breaks, consider shortening the time played or postponing the game if both coaches agree to do so. During games, Game Officials are encouraged to incorporate a water-break during injury stoppages, penalty kicks, goal kicks, and other appropriate stoppages, etc., to address this concern of ensuring the health and safety of our athletes. For full field divisions all games (including rescheduled games) must be played before the date of the start of the Cup Competition. For grassroots divisions all games should be played before the year end festival. If a match is not played before this deadline then both teams shall be charged with a loss-by-default (applies only to division where scores are posted) regardless of the original reason for postponement.
Postponed Matches. (a) If a fixture is in doubt due to the pitch being unplayable because of bad weather or the forecast of bad weather, the visiting team must be informed as soon as practicable. A suitably accredited independent RFU Referee (not a person, whether a Referee or not, who regularly acts as a Clubs' Fifth Official or who is a member of the home club) must confirm the postponement after an inspection of the match pitch. Such a pitch inspection by an independent Referee must take place before the time the visiting team intend to travel to fulfil the fixture. Where a pitch inspection has taken place on the day prior to the day of the Match and it is decided that the match should not be postponed, a further pitch inspection must take place on the day of the Match by no later than 10am on that day or 3 hours prior to kick off of the Match (whichever is earlier).
