The next three months are the worst months of the year for a groundsman. Try to keep machinery off the pitches as much as possible. If you can, chain harrow or Quadraplay the pitches in two directions - the earlier in the week the better. That way, you have replaced the divots, put a pattern on the pitch and will have no need to go back onto the pitch during the week apart from to mark it out. Â If there is a cold snap I advise that you roll the pitch as this will help save matches by flattening the surface. However; do not use anything heavier than your mowers to avoid compaction. A well-grassed pitch will cope with frost better than a bare one. Â It may be useful to work with the club committee to make a policy decision on whether the or not you will play on the pitches if they are frost bound.
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If you need to play a game and the forecast is for frost use a roller after you have chain harrowed the pitch or use a Quadraplay. Have a little stock pile of sand which you can use to top dress any areas that may be rutted after scrums and the like. Â Use the same sand that you top dressed with. Two men and a wheel barrow can move and spread a fair amount of sand. If you work as a team you can be chain harrowing and spreading sand at the same time. Â If however you decide that it is too hard to play, keep off the pitch and let the referee see that it is rutted and unplayable.