Recreational cricket in England can go ahead from Saturday 11 July, with the England & Wales Cricket Board releasing its guidelines on how to achieve that safely.
After much speculation on what form the adapted gameplay would take, the progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of the ECB’s roadmap permits 11-a-side cricket with no restrictions on numbers of overs.
The proviso is that groups are limited to a maximum of 30 including players, coaches and officials.
The ECB has a Return to Cricket Plan for Step 4 to help clubs and individuals as they prepare for the return of recreational cricket.
It includes adjustments to be made in relation to hygiene and social distancing requirements.
The plan covers a number of areas of the game, including:
- Pre-match adaptations regarding transport and symptom checking.
- In-game adaptations applying to social distancing measures, hygiene, match officials and the use of equipment.
- Post-game adaptations, including the possible use of club facilities.
- Help for coaches specific to individual sessions and junior cricket.
Let’s pick apart some of the detail for you. For the full picture, do download the ECB guidelines.
Pre-match Adaptations
Travel – Minimise public transport and car sharing. If you don’t have a car then that makes it tricky, but not impossible.
Cricket clubs will have to risk assess and comply with all the Government legislation and advice on COVID-19. This includes making all visitors aware of social distancing during cricket but also increased risk in small groups while on-site.
That could be alleviated with hygiene stations, posters and a club official available to answer questions. Obviously, signage around social distancing, hand sanitiser and education on what’s required will embed in over the rest of the season.
Players and officials will need to have a pre-match briefing so they’re clear on what’s expected.
Changes for playing cricket in 2020
It’s not revolutionary stuff here; common sense although no sweat applied to the ball on a hot day will be impossible.
Much of this is already enforced for outdoors nets; although many club cricketers have yet to train – so this will be all new.
- No sweat or saliva on the ball
- No spitting (good luck with that)
- Limit sharing equipment
- Regular hand sanitisation
- A ‘hygiene break’ (every 6 overs or 20 minutes) to clean the ball
- Everyone must clean their hands (using a suitable sanitiser) at the start of drinks breaks or close of innings
- Players to bring their own cricket teas
On club cricket, can’t help but feel that it wasn’t smart to grandly announce we could all play cricket from this Saturday but still not yet get the advice to facilitate that.
— Cricket Yorkshire (@cricketyorks) July 8, 2020
Cricket Yorkshire Observations
My view is that there is an enormous amount to comply with here – as there should be – and if clubs intend to then it will take weeks, not days, to get ready.
That might not go down well but read all of the ECB guidance and then tell me otherwise.
I don’t want to sound a negative note but my gut reaction is that half of these measures will not be followed.
Will a batsman sanitise his bat after getting triggered for a duck? How many clubs have anti-bacterial wipes conforming to BS EN 14476 (I’m not making that up!)
While we’re at it…how many cricket clubs are run by a handful of volunteers who are meant to digest and action all of this? I’d be surprised if some clubs decide not to open at all (I know of some already) and that has consequences for next season.
Many cricket leagues are gearing up for half a season from 18 July. That delay at least leaves time to wrap your head around how to get everything right.
I’ve seen cricket clubs rare hosting friendlies this weekend – folly perhaps, but then they had been unwisely told by Government that cricket can re-start from 11 July.
Of course, all cricket clubs could run an inter-club match this Saturday and I’m seeing examples of that on Twitter.
Clubs have been in dialogue with county boards and leagues throughout this meandering process so maybe they are in a better state of readiness to start immediately than I appreciate.
With regards to umpires; they won’t touch the ball, hold clothing or equipment or sanitise the ball (fielding captain’s job). They will reassemble the wicket and sort the bails after a thrilling stumping attempt.
I’m told ‘there is no requirement for officials to wear any form of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment); despite selling face masks in their online shop.
I also wonder about spectators. I’ve read the ECB guidelines and the Government guidance. It nearly broke me.
Sometimes they’re included as ‘participants’ and sometimes they’re not.
My latest understanding is that clubs can welcome spectators in groups of up to 6 at a time (all socially distancing).
Editor’s note – Updated Friday 10 July – The UK Government guidelines state: ‘Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups.’
Look, this is a step forward and I, like many others, welcome it in the sense that everyone needs the lift that recreational cricket will bring.
In the context of a massive threat to future participation in the game, we need loads of cricket and we need it now. It has decimated cricket businesses too.
Yet, purely through the prism of providing a safe environment to play cricket, there will be a huge disparity in those who can achieve it and those who can’t.
Of course, we have to try or recreational cricket will take a shuddering step backwards. It already has.
Most have not picked up a cricket bat since last September and there is a real risk of adults and children alike turning away from the game forever.
That said, cricket is ahead of other team sports with their roadmap of playing competitively and it must ride this momentum.
Those volunteers running recreational cricket now know what it takes to get back playing again. It has been a long, long road but soon we will see cricketers in whites in action.
Won’t that be something?
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I can’t disagree with a word you wrote. To expect the handful of volunteers each club seems to rely on to implement 6 pages of assessments and registrations is wishing for a lot. One league has decided, as it’s only half a season, to have 1 up 1 down promotion and relegation! It must be either none or the normal two surely.
Thanks Andrew, lots of pressure on volunteers, some will thrive, others may walk away is my honest assessment.
The wife wants to know where the grounds are? Also does the umpire at square leg need a minder for a girls game? I have umpired Yorkshire Ladies on 3 occasions and never felt the need for additional security.
Consult the ECB ACO! (He says diplomatically!)
I have read the regulations and checklists. I am afraid not many clubs will strictly follow them all. As players are very keen to play. Biggest blocker I see is somewhere for participants to go in bad weather and most score boxes cannot hold 2 scorers. Will there be enough umpires? Many are of that certain age. I for one love my cricket but will have to think hard about how I can watch my beloved game safely.
Thanks Peter, inevitably it throws up all kinds of questions. It’s progress but with all kinds of queries that go with it.
Will photographers be allowed ?
It’s a really interesting point. ECB guidance refers to a max group of 30 ‘participants’ (and that includes spectators) outdoors. Can members be indoors?
I guess the answer to your question is unclear; partly depends on how busy it is at a club which you won’t know in advance. Certainly no cup final crowds this season.
I don’t think spectators are included in the overall basic group of 30. I understand from the guidance that spectators can be in groups of six, scattered around the ground. The point about a small band of volunteers enforcing every last detail of the guidance, is well made. I don’t think the ECB truly knows what it is like to run a town or village club.
Rightly or wrongly, that’s how I understand it, Peter.
So, individual clubs can welcome any number of spectators, providing they’re arranged round the boundary in groups (all group members to belong to a permissible ‘bubble’, presumably) no larger than six and spaced a sensible distance from all other spectators (whether in groups of six, fewer than six or alone).
And we can’t stop the ball hurtling into a patch of nettles (or worse) after it’s crossed the boundary rope.
Is that it?
The Leagues need to do a lot of work turning the ECB information into how the game must be paid. No law changes mean lots of regulations. Will they do it? I doubt it..ECB wanted the game on but have produced information which is basically..over to you guys (and eventually) ladies. Spectators could be a major concern
Paid players will expect to get their own way so some matches (particularly in league games which could mean relegation or promotion)). Puts a lot of pressure on umpires. Scores were an afterthought..and the way that is set up zeros across Law 3 and what scorers are taught…ie keep checking the scores with your colleague.
Thanks Barry; yes, a load of unanswered questions from this but I guess we have to start somewhere. Managing spectator numbers could well be a concern as you mention.
It’s great that cricket can be played again , but the nidderdale league are proposing to have promotion and relegation , how can that happen if some teams have vulnerable people. Or players that just won’t play . I guess changing rooms won’t and can’t be used and I& it rains where is everyone sheltering. Thanks for your articles John much appreciated
Cheers Steve, I thought most leagues are shelving promotion/relegation but teams can still win the trophies. Glad you like the articles.
Well John I think that answers my 30 in a group ruling question. By my reckoning it leaves room for a total of 4 spectators and that’s not counting the volunteer noting everyone’s details!
To say I am somewhat deflated this morning a bit of an understatement.
Just loved your last book. Keep up the good work.
Trevor
Denby Dale CC
ECB have as many say put the onus on clubs and volunteers , .As a player , coach and administrator of 40 years it scares me. From talking to pals there is unease amongst many at the raft of procedures that must be adhered to. Will Mr Vaughan be at his local, club with clipboard and ensuring his club is compliant.