Hi - I would like to know your thoughts on this question please. A Ref is refereeing a game before your allocated game. Upon your inspection of the pitch you notice how their are no or not very visible line markings on the pitch. Nets and corner posts are ok. Do you play the game or delay/postpone because the markings on the pitch are no good? FYI the markings would have been like that for the first Ref. Thoughts please. Ray

Simply ask the home club to remark the ground before the start of your game.

Shame on the first referee for either not getting them re-marked or not being there early enough to inspect the pitch! (I assume this was a juniors match)

I have asked clubs to re-mark lines on several occasions recently.

My approach is:

IF the lines are visible but not very good, I usually ask them to remark the boundary lines and penalty area as these are the markings that are most required while the ball is in play and I need to make a quicker decision.This is so that I can get the game going without an extended delay. Junior matches are often so close together in time that a small delay can set back a whole day of matches. Most other markings on the field are there for placement of the ball (goal area, corner arc) or for restricting the locations of players at set plays (half way, center circle, 10 yard arc on PA). As long as these other markings are at least a little visible (i.e. I can see them when I am standing closer) I am ok with it.

In a seniors match, I expect that lines are well marked. No ifs or buts.