TALKING POINT
Pitch Protection Regulations regarding warm-ups and warm-downs
Time for a rethink? I
They cause a great deal of damage to the playing surface, and the problem needs to be addressed. Do the regulations require amending? Do we need more precise clarification of what is an acceptable practice? To investigate these questions, Lee Williams gains the thoughts of groundsmen from a variety of football clubs
n my time as a Head Groundsman, I too have had many problems and encountered disrespect from some visiting coaches, so I completely understand the concerns and frustrations from across all levels of football. In this article, we speak to a few groundsmen about their experiences and thoughts on the subject.
Mike O’Brien, Groundsman, Stockport County FC
Having spoken to numerous groundstaff over the last couple of years, it’s very clear that a lot of clubs encounter the same problems as we do on a weekly basis.
On match days, groundstaff invariably encounter fitness coaches leading the players onto the pitch without having the courtesy to liaise with them and advise on the best area of the pitch to conduct their warm-ups. Consultation is of paramount importance to ensure that those areas that are “off limits” are avoided. This is especially significant during adverse weather conditions.
It is essential for “fast feet drills” to be conducted at the side of the pitch. Goalkeepers must use the warm-up goals to avoid unnecessary damage to the goalmouth areas. Strict timescales must be followed to allow the groundstaff enough time to set out and remove goals and other equipment; they must not start warming up too early or finish too late. Fortunately, half time does not usually cause many problems, however, occasionally, players do need to be reminded to stay out of the goal areas.
Warm-downs seem to be the most problematic area. Players appear to be confused as to what constitutes a warm- down. The consensus defines post-match warm-downs as “easy exercise following intense activity to allow the body to transition
12 PC February/March 2019
to a resting or near resting state gradually.” Recommended activities include a slow jog or walk and gentle stretching. They are thereby allowing the heart and breathing rate to return to normal levels and to give the body time to remove waste products, such as lactic acid, from the muscles.
It is commonplace to see players who have not even taken part in the game - and in some cases have not even been named on the team sheet - take to the pitch and start sprinting up and down. This is unacceptable; the warm- down time is not for this purpose. I would be interested to hear from fellow groundstaff and ask them to share their experiences and difficulties encountered. Can you offer any suggestions for improvement? Personally, I would like to see:
• Coaches to consult groundstaff before warm-ups commence
• Warm-up/down time to be reduced in bad weather
• Clarification of what exercises are permissible for warm-ups/downs
• Educate coaches and players that Pitch Protection Regulations actually exist and why there is a need for them. It is not just a matter of the groundstaff being difficult
• Form a standard complaints procedure to deal with teams that do not comply with the regulations
Our main concern is our wish to prepare an acceptable playing surface to the best of our ability, enabling players to enjoy the game, demonstrate their skills, and for the supporters to experience a good game of football.
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