Dear all,
Following the update that we shared with you earlier today, below is the latest COVID-19 weekly update.
Recreational Game following Government Announcement
The purpose of these guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take whilst 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.
The below provides a summary of the latest guidance. Detailed guidance in relation to outdoor cricket activity 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.
Google Digital Garage
In March, a number of you signed up to the ECB & Google Digital Garage sessions, which were due to be held in London, Bristol and Leeds. Unfortunately we had to postpone these due to COVID-19 but we are now thrilled to be able to offer these in virtual format.
The webinars will run on three consecutive Monday’s from Monday 15th June, with each session live streamed on YouTube and lasting 60 minutes.
To sign up for one or all of these sessions, please register via the links below. Please also share these links within your own networks.
Monday 15th June 09:30 – Register here
Digital Marketing Strategy - An introduction to the main digital marketing channels and how to use them to build strategy.
Monday 22nd June 09:30 – Register here
Get started with Digital Advertising - social, search and display advertising.
Monday 29th June 09:30 – Register here
Get Your Business Visible on Google - Learn how to increase your visibility to reach more people online.
Celebrating our Cricket Heroes
We are delighted to share further details of the #raisethebat campaign which went live on Monday.
The #raisethebat campaign highlights key workers from the world of cricket who are helping to support their community during COVID-19.
Key workers who have been nominated by their cricket clubs are featured on over 300 billboards across England and Wales. Meanwhile, the whole cricket family has been asked to shine a light on the many more key workers who deserve recognition using #raisethebat on social media.
England players have helped to lead tributes as the game joins together to #raisethebat for cricket's key workers across the country and you can watch our video below.
Assets can be downloaded from the ECB Resource Hub and we would encourage you to use these across your websites and social media channels, encouraging your members to tag their heroes using #raisethebat.
It has been moving and inspiring to hear of the incredible work being done by individuals right across the country and we at the ECB raise our bats to all key workers doing such fantastic work.
COVID-19 Support from NatWest
As the cricketing world begins to re-emerge, the NatWest Club Cricket Finance Guide will be shared with grassroots clubs across the country offering practical advice and tools ranging from dealing with the impact of Coronavirus to tips on boosting club income. Here are a couple of insights into what the guide offers ahead of its imminent release.
Dealing with the impact of Coronavirus
Coronavirus is a huge threat to the grassroots game so it’s very important for clubs to manage this crisis in a way that allows the grassroots community to thrive. The Finance Guide contains a section which specifically addresses key areas that clubs can focus on to look after their community, plan ahead and also looking ahead to opening the clubhouse up to members again.
Keeping your money safe
Unfortunately fraudsters are using the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to attempt a variety of scams and cybercrime, so it’s never been more important to be cautious over your clubs’ finances. The guide includes tips on spotting fraudulent attempts to help safeguard you and your club against such threats.
Keep your eyes open for the release of the NatWest Club Cricket Finance Guide, which we’re launching together with the ECB soon.
In the meantime, take a look at some other useful tips on how to keep your money safe here
Maintaining well-being in the officiating community
Spring is here and summer is around the corner! As Umpires and Scorers, we’d expect the cricket season to be in full swing but sadly, that’s not the case this year in this country and world-wide, due to the significant measures implemented to minimise the effect and spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are all having to make changes to our way of life and for many those changes can have a huge impact. What started out feeling a bit like a holiday-at-home is beginning to prove taxing and it is easy to minimise the effects of a prolonged isolation that can creep up on us.
Last season, the topic of the day to either engage in or avoid, was Brexit. This season life has thrown us a googly, on a world-wide scale, and when we thought we would be talking about The 100 or the forthcoming County Championships, T20 Blast, or Test Matches, the subject is Covid-19. Our vocabulary, when we can exchange conversations, often across a driveway or the width of two shopping trolleys, has extended to include phrases like lockdown, social distancing, furlough, and sadly self- isolation.
The restrictions in place for lockdown have begun to place a strain on many people and the longer they go on the greater the impact on our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Various organisations, from a wide variety of perspectives, are producing guidance on how to cope and so here’s something for Umpires and Scorers.
ENGLAND & WALES CRICKET BOARD
05 JUNE 2020