Autumn cricket insurance advice for cricket clubs

In this update from Howden, the ECB’s cricket insurance partner for the recreational game, we share advice for clubs prepping for the off-season.

The arrival of Storm Lilian – in August, for goodness sake – was a reminder that change is coming. It ripped off giant tree branches opposite Cricket Yorkshire HQ and lobbed them about like candy bars.

While we can all rightly bemoan the speed at which autumn is approaching, it’s worth reflecting that this has been a particularly difficult year for clubs affected by the weather.

From last October to April or May, dry days were a complete novelty. Of course, we seem to say this every year but its importance lies in how you safeguard your cricket or sports club for the wetter, stormier months of the off-season.

Off-season checklist

As Head of Recreational Clubs at Howden Sport & Entertainment, Colin Mico is well placed to offer some top tips to consider when closing up for Autumn / Winter.

If the clubhouse / pavilion is not to be used during the period from 1 October to 31 March then this checklist is worth reviewing:

✅ Water system drained
☑️ Water turned off at stock cock
✅ Electricity turned off (unless required for alarms)
☑️ All windows and doors locked
✅ Broken windows mended
☑️ Covers dismantled (cover tops removed and stored inside leaving only skeletons outside)
✅ Sightscreens stored in sheltered location (next to buildings) and secured where possible

Speaking of reviews, whenever your cricket club assesses its insurance requirements then downloading the free Howden Cricket Club Insurance Guide is well worth it.

It looks at: Buildings and contents insurance, equipment out in the open, business interruption, public liability and cover for coaches, captains and officials.

Back in whites

On Sunday 28 July, there was the Maori Oxshott Centenary match & 25 year-celebration since the merger between Maori Cricket Club and Oxshott Cricket Club.

Former players from Maori CC included Tony Murphy (Lancashire, Surrey and most recently England Over 60s), Richard Thompson (ECB Chairman), Scott Paulson (ex-Canterbury CC in New Zealand), Billy Dewsall (Middlesex) and Howden’s very own Colin Mico who all turned out against the current Maori Oxshott CC team.

I’m told that Colin opened the bowling with ECB Chairman Richard Thompson for a few overs; a comeback for the “Mico Metronome” who took over 300 Surrey Championship wickets at an average of 21.

As these matches often do, it went down to a margin of a few runs with Maori Oxshott scoring 197.

Add in bespoke clothing for the day, a hog roast lunch, cakes from the local church and a case of Steinlager along with other prizes and it sounds like an ideal way to bring everyone together to celebrate past and current players.

Howden Worcester Kit Exchange

Howden Worcester started a cricket kit exchange earlier this year to help individuals and clubs to either donate equipment or collect items.

As we know, the cost of everything you need to play the game can be a significant barrier and much like the Cric-Kit scheme in Yorkshire, Howden decided to help.

It was the idea of insurance consultant Jonathan Fletcher, who said: “We’re on a mission to make cricket accessible to all, regardless of their background.”

He added: “We believe every child should have the chance to play, learn, and maybe even become the next cricket superstar!”

Kit donations are a proven way to help those who’d like to play cricket to have what they need; both practical but also empowering. Any leftover kit will be stored by Howden Worcester and attention will turn in autumn to football and rugby boots.

Need advice? Talk to Colin Mico’s team

Reviewing your insurance cover is a must for cricket clubs. If you’ve not done it for some time and perhaps your circumstances have changed (teams, activities, facilities) then contact Howden for a quote.

Their expertise lies in cricket-specific knowledge around the cover you need and the various insurance risks that can affect a club’s liability.

Whether you’re already with Howden or assessing your club insurance ahead of renewal, chat with their club cricket specialists.

t: 01883 868521

e: [email protected]

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