Recreational Cricket Activity in Small Groups

Guildford Cricket Club

Recreational Cricket Activity in Small Groups

under ECB guidance

Public Health Guidance for outdoor recreational cricket in small groups from Strict Conditions and Website Booking System

This guidance is driven by public health considerations.

Update for Club Members, 12 June 2020

The ECB recently released a further update regarding small groups being able to take part in limited recreational, outdoor, cricket activity. The summary of the guidelines is shown below with links to, further, more detailed information. Please also refer to previous advice given “Controlled access to the cricket nets” on the Guildford CC web-site, dated 30^th May 2020, all of which is still relevant and must be strictly complied with.

In light of this the GCC Cricket Committee have block booked some net availability so, fully paid up, Club Members are being offered the chance to take part in small group activities at Woodbridge Road. These block bookings have been made for:

• Monday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm for the 3^rd X1 squad.
• Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm for Women members and 2nd XI.
• Thursday evenings from 5.00pm to 8.00pm for the Senior Men.
• Friday evenings from 5.00pm to 6.15pm for the Under 12s and Under 13s and from 6.30pm to 7.45pm for the Under 14s and the Under 15s.

Junior members aged 16 and 17 can book to join the senior groups subject to being accompanied by a parent or an adult living in the same household throughout the whole session.

• Saturday afternoons from 12.00pm – 3.00pm for the 1^st XI squad.
• The younger age groups will be offered slots on Sunday morning from 10.00am to 10.45am for the Under 8s and 9s, and from 10.00am to 10.45 for the Under 10s and Under 11s.

A new booking system has been set up and members are invited to book to take part, in a session, up to 12 hours before the scheduled start time.

Notes:

1. All Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or an adult living in the same household who are asked to stay on site for the duration of the session and to observe social distancing.
2. You should look to join your booked session 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
3. If you arrive earlier please remain in your car.
4. At the end of the session you are, politely, asked to leave the ground immediately to facilitate the safe arrival of the next group.

The English Cricket Board Guidelines

Updated small group guidance on permitted Recreational Cricket Activity during COVID-19

The purpose of these guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take while undertaking recreational cricket activity and informal cricket activity in an outdoor environment given the current restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key update in the guidance is the allowance of small group sizes (now up to six individuals), however a number of other subtle but important changes are listed throughout the document.

These guidelines currently apply to England only. Guidance specifically relating to Wales can be found here.

Consistent with UK Government guidance, published on 1 June 2020 relating to the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England, the following applies to outdoor cricket:

• For all activity, social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (except between members of the same household).
• Playing cricket individually is permitted e.g. practice of individual cricket skills or fitness activities.
• Playing cricket with people living in your household is permitted.
• Small group cricket activity, training or fitness in groups of no more than six (6), is permitted, keeping two (2) metres apart at all times.
• Cricket coaches, can now undertake small group sessions of up to six (6) people including the coach (1:5) and they must comply with ECB safeguarding policies (as well as being able to conduct one-to-one coaching).
• Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets. Note that for nets within a security fence, occupancy numbers could be limited by social distancing requirements.
• It is permissible for two or more groups of six (6) to train at the same time provided they are kept separate, and social distancing and strict hygiene measures are observed. However, clubs should carry out a risk assessment to determine the maximum capacity for their facility that can be achieved safely whilst maintaining social distancing and not exceeding the current limits on training group size.
• Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc. are to remain closed for general use.
• Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided and they are cleaned regularly.
• No indoor cricket activity at all.
• We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment. Players should stick to using one ball in training either by bringing their own or being assigned a numbered ball that is cleaned in between sessions.
• No saliva or sweat should be applied to the ball at any time.
• Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.