Postponed Matches

I wrote to the FSF (Football Supporters Federation) last week concerning postponed matches. I have since spoken to them and been informed that the issue has also been raised by supporters from other clubs during the recent period.

The FSF will raising the issue at their next meeting with the ELF which will be held shortly.

When the minutes of the meeting are released I will published if possible and endeavor to keep you informed of any news in the meantime

See letter below - they were just my thoughts and there are no doubt others that could be done. However, the issue is now on the agenda going forwards.

Click her to find out more about the work that the FSF carry out on behalf of supporters.

I am the SLO at Cambridge United and would like your advice if possible
 
For the second time in recent years we have had matches postponed within a short timescale of kick off and involved long journeys.
 
These matches have involved Accrington and Morecambe. These take supporters a long time to travel from Cambridge. If I remember correctly others cancelled were at Newport having reached the Seven Bridge and Kidderminster. Both I believe were evening matches
 
I wonder if the FSF have any views concerning compulsory pre match inspections taking place earlier in the day if a match is at risk to avoid travelling and if you know what the actions/rules are in place if a club believes a match is risk?
 
At what stage should a local referee be brought in to do a pitch inspection. For example if a match is at risk should it be automatically done at 9am. Is it at the discretion of the host club if one takes place? Could a pitch inspection be taken using a calculation for example the kick off - average time to travel 
 
Should football be looking at a traffic light system to inform supporters the risk of travelling to matches. Today, some were setting off from areas with snow to travel and found the match cancelled on route
 
The traffic lights would be as follows and could possibly operate during the morning of the match on the host club website.  A tweet or facebook message would not reach everyone as not everyone uses social media.

• green is match on - no problem
• amber match is at risk – due to weather conditions
• red – cancelled

 
There may be a hundred reasons why it can not be done but is there a better way of keeping supporters informed that a match is at risk.
 
Can individual supporters take out insurance or are they in some strange way insured if they use a credit card for the cost of travel etc? Tickets, I understand purchased in advance may be re-funded
 
Have FSF looked into the issue previously and do you believe there is a way for it to be  resolved?
 
I also wonder if Bank Holiday matches could be treated in the same way as Christmas with sides given local matches to reduce travelling times and public transport changes in timescales etc
 
Thank you
 
Dave Matthew-Jones