League statement: Pitch inspections and communication

Chairman Andy Hosker said: "Unfortunately we had at least two teams travel considerable distance last Saturday due to home teams not informing the away teams early enough that the game was in doubt / postponed due to frost / waterlogged pitches.

"If a home team has any doubt whether a game will go ahead or not, check with the away team and find out what time they will be setting off.

"Then get a referee in and make a decision at least 15/20 minutes before they plan to set off.

"Let the away team know what the referee has decided by telephone (emails aren’t always seen immediately) - game on/game off/ requires a further inspection nearer to kick-off time.

"Teams do not want to be travelling if the game is being postponed.

"While this system is not 100% fool proof it should provide an accurate decision at the time prior to them departing.

"It may rain again in the meantime but at least a check has been carried out and the away team have been informed."

Referee Appointments Officer Dave Hesketh has urged his referees to contact home clubs on Fridays to check the prospects of the match going ahead and arrange an inspection if needed.