Following recent criticism levelled at senior referees throughout the country, including myself, from spectators and pundits alike, I would like to take this opportunity to explain.

I am going to explain the procedures and assist you in coming to terms with the inevitable unpopular decisions that are not taken lightly.

I was recently the referee that postponed the Watford versus Burnley fixture ten minutes after the advertised kick-off time.

This was probably the hardest decision I have had to make in 20 years of officiating with 13,500 fans in the stadium waiting for a kick-off that never came.

All national list referees are contacted at least 24 hours prior to kick-off by the home club to establish our whereabouts leading up to the game, in the case of adverse weather and so on.

If any problems are anticipated, we would have to leave home and have overnight accommodation, so that an early morning pitch inspection can be carried out. We would also determine the anticipating number of away supporters and what time they are expected to travel.

At Watford, I arrived at the ground at 11.45am to find an excellent pitch, although it was raining at this stage. I monitored the pitch regularly until about 2.45pm when the groundsman knocked on my door (thankfully) to ask me to look at the pitch, as puddles were now forming.

With my fourth official, I inspected the pitch taking a ball with us and watched one team warming up. It became apparent at this stage that football would be a loser as the ball did not bounce or roll consistently and even professional footballers were having difficulties passing the ball just a few yards. If I started, I wanted to ensure that I could finish the game, a must in my opinion.

I asked the groundsman if he could get the pitch forked, but due to modern technology this was not an option with the pitch having interwoven plastic. This would have caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage. So that was a non starter and I had to allow natural drainage once the rain had stopped.

The weather forecast was no help and therefore I postponed this fixture at 3.10pm to the dissatisfaction of Burnley supporters, although both managers supported me publicly.

Some of you may say that as spectators these games are fun to watch. However in my opinion the players' footwear, the match ball and the financial rewards have improved our game beyond all recognition and those good old days are well gone.

Now the integrity of the competition must remain intact and be considered when postponing or abandoning any fixture.

When carrying out any pitch inspection, player safety must be paramount.

So how can I assist you in making your decisions? Arrive at the ground early. Carry out the inspection alone or with your colleagues and take a ball to monitor its performance. You need a consistent bounce and the ball must roll. Get the local weather forecast. Do not listen to managers, players or any outside influence.

Make up your own mind and stick with that decision. If all else fails pray for the weather.