Rain, rent and RCR: Temperature rising for clubs

Across club cricket, the temperature is rising – in more ways than one – as incidents like ‘Clickgate’ at Saltburn have laid bare.

An interview with returning England Test captain Joe Root, speaking to the Sky Sports Podcast, revealed the excessive burden that Covid had on the Yorkshireman.

Fast-changing circumstances that were hard to plan for and shouldn’t have been in his remit – but led to mounting pressure all the same.

It feels as if cricket clubs and their volunteers must be equally adaptable and react to swirling change on a number of fronts.

In this feature with our insurance partner Howden, we’ll look at three areas that are currently trending in the grassroots game: Weather, leases and conduct.

This is a general discussion and not legal advice, it’s important to stress. Also, photos used here are just for illustration purposes.

Pitch battles

The Met Office announced that summer 2026 was the hottest on record. However you interpret data, the effects for cricket clubs were significant.

Everything from grounds maintenance to sun safety are extra things to think about. Once upon a time, muttering about floods rather than droughts dominated committee discussions.

In July, I suffered from severe heat exhaustion at the cricket. My own very chastening reminder not to under-estimate how our climate is evolving.

This is not the first hot summer but multiple heatwaves are things to factor in.

Pitch safety, hydration breaks, first aid and the like are here to stay. We shouldn’t be surprised – but plan for it and I’m sure clubs do.

Cricket insurance plays its part in considering risks and sensible cover for 2027. The extremes that have transformed grounds into stark, white, dustbowls is a stress test of sorts.

According to Howden, their Public Liability insurance can protect clubs against claims for third party property damage or bodily injury arising from their activities.

As an unlikely (but not impossible) scenario… if an opposition player was seriously injured as a result of a dangerous pitch and the club faced a liability claim, public liability insurance may respond, subject to circumstances.

Equally, Howden’s employer’s liability can help cover a cricket club against claims arising from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

It’s not just clubs that need to seriously consider how the hottest summer since 1976 affects everyone.

Cricket leagues can be plunged into the middle of controversies and practicalities. They also have precious little wriggle room given the volume of fixtures (both juniors and seniors) for shifting games.

Is now the time to be more proactive around start times, overs reduction and anything else to mitigate the heat?

A thought in all of this for umpires too.

Umpires are often forgotten but stand out in the heat longer than everyone else and it must be tough. At a certain level, there is a required formality to club cricket officiating (black trousers).

There may well be conversations by governing bodies and umpire associations to better protect their members.

Now, I’m aware that as you read this – it may be absolutely chucking it down with monsoons nestling on cricket squares. In a way, that only reinforces my point about extremes and mitigating for them.

Conduct

The Recreational Conduct Regulations (RCR) was updated in April 2026. It’s an 18-page pdf and one of 40+ documents on policies and regulations.

Not all clubs need all documentation but the point illustrates what busy volunteers have to untangle.

Conduct has a wide scope for interpretation and reaction but it’s never been more crucial to get right at grassroots.

It’s important to say that I have no legal expertise whatsoever and none of this article constitutes legal advice.

However, Howden’s policy does have protection on a number of fronts:

The Professional indemnity insurance covers (third party) financial loss due to wrongful advice. Meanwhile, Directors & Officers liability covers the Committee for professional negligence.

Breaches of the RCR should be included in the Public Liability and / or Directors and Officers liability, depending to what degree a committee member is responsible.

How cover may respond to matters arising from the RCR will depend on the circumstances. Clubs should speak to Howden about their individual arrangements rather than assume a particular incident will be covered.

My suggestion? Definitely speak to Howden for clarity about your cricket club or league policy.

Land-ing in hot water

We have highlighted the issues around club cricket lease and land disputes before on this website.

It continues to be a considerable worry for many as control over land dictates everything from a very real sense of insecurity to ineligibility of some grants.

At a time when we need more cricket grounds, some clubs are acutely aware that a lack of their own destiny jeopardises growth and stability.

Clubs’ relationships with local councils and landowners vary enormously – some amicable, some fraught.

As for Howden’s club cricket insurance, legal expenses cover may provide support for certain property disputes. Depending on the circumstances, this may include legal costs arising from lease disputes.

Autumn audit

As the 2026 cricket season heads towards its final few chapters, cricket club and league committees may have a bit more capacity for things like future insurance.

When you do, review what’s happened this year, think about your plans for 2027 and chat to the team at Howden about whether your current cover still reflects your club’s needs.

Get in touch with Howden

If you’re a cricket club reviewing its insurance over the coming year, you can get an online quote from Howden and also have a chat to see how they can help.

Howden’s expertise in helping clubs with bespoke cricket insurance is considerable.

As the ECB’s cricket insurance partner for the recreational game, all registered clubs receive Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and Cyber Liability.

t: 0121 698 8160

w: Get a Quote Online from Howden

Cricket Yorkshire partners with Howden to share news and advice relating to cricket insurance.

This is Partner Content for Howden – if the mood takes you, click to read Cricket Yorkshire’s policy on Partner Content.