January

Dealing with waterlogging and pitch usage

The first thing to say is that it’s important to try and consider pitch usage from all perspectives when assessing whether pre season training or early season fixtures should go ahead in wet weather. Whilst the hours of preparation and potential repair, pitch condition and the short- and long-term effects of play will be at the forefront of the ground keepers mind its helpful to be mindful of other factors. Club officers and coaches will be thinking about the team, player fitness and a potential loss of revenue amongst other things, whilst match officials tend to deal in the here and now and will primarily be focused on player safety and pitch playability.
If training goes ahead under possible unsuitable conditions how the pitch is used is crucial in limiting long term damage. Repetitive drills should be moved position regularly to avoid over use. Work down the centre of the pitch should be limited to non contact if possible. The centre of the pitch is the most used in community rugby and damage incurred now may lead to issues further in the summer if the grass has not grown back and the pitch becomes hard.