Fields will be considered OPEN unless notification is specifically given by an authorised club delegate, FFNC or determined by the applicable council authority. The closure of a field due to adverse weather or condition of the field should occur at the earliest opportunity. This may include prior to the day of a scheduled fixture (e.g. notified by club/FFNC/Council) or by these authorities on the day of the fixture or finally by the referee after assessment of the field and conditions on the day of the fixture, to say that a specific field has been closed.
Individual clubs should resolve how information is shared with coaches, players and parents.
Play should not proceed if lightning exists in the immediate vicinity of the ground. The referee has the primary authority in such instances to make this judgement. Click here to view the Northern NSW Football Lightning Policy
Fields that are CLOSED cannot be re-opened on the same day without express approval of FFNC. This includes postponing junior fixtures in preference to senior fixtures. Fixtures CANNOT be moved to another location (or field) without specific approval from FFNC.
PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION OF FIELD CLOSURE
> AUTHORISED CLUB DELEGATE TO CALL OR TEXT 0438 215 593
> PARENTS AND/OR PLAYERS/COACHES SHOULD CONTACT THEIR OWN CLUB ABOUT FIELD CLOSURES
COMPETITION FIXTURES (i.e. 12’s to Senior)
Once a ground/field is deemed unsuitable for play, the HOME club should call or text Steve Mackney on 0438 215 593 to advise of the field closure AND to seek instructions on any potential rescheduling.
The HOME club is to contact FFNC with highest priority when a ground/field is deemed unsuitable for play (e.g. wet weather). Be aware that opposition players and parents are sometimes travelling a reasonable distance to get to games at opposition venues.
Do NOT provide advice to your teams or opposition teams UNTIL instructions have been provided by FFNC.
When FFNC makes an assessment whether competition fixtures will be moved to another field/venue, FFNC will issue that advice (generally by text) to each club that is impacted.
If FFNC makes a decision that a fixture will be postponed, FFNC will communicate with respective clubs.
MINIROOS FIXTURES
Each respective HOME club is required to make an assessment about the conditions of MiniRoos fields.
When an assessment is made by a club that MiniRoos fields are unsuitable for play, the HOME club will contact the respective opposition clubs (and FFNC) to advise that the MiniRoos fields are CLOSED and that MiniRoos games are CANCELLED.
NEUTRAL VENUES
Where a fixture is scheduled at a neutral venue the host club shall contact Steve Mackney (0438 215 593).
Both clubs will be advised by FFNC when a decision is made to either relocate a fixture or to postpone a fixture.
FITNESS OF GROUNDS
Refer “Fitness of Grounds” within the FFNC Competition Regulations & Procedures. We do NOT need to know if a field is doubtful, ONLY when it is closed.
PAYMENT TO MATCH OFFICIALS
The HOME club is liable for the match officials fees if insufficient notification of a field/ground closure is given to FFNC.
