23 March 2020
Dear Hertfordshire Affiliated Club,
Thank you for bearing with us this week whilst we try to gather deeper insight into what the near future holds for us all involved in cricket. These are unprecedented times that we are living in and we wanted to give a short update to all clubs on the current situation. ECB released a statement last week which recommended against all recreational cricket activity with immediate effect. HCL have therefore suspended all cricket activities until further notice but all staff, in line with government guidance but will be continuing to work remotely, where the team are available to give support through this difficult period.
Finances – We know clubs will be very worried about their finances. We therefore recommend that all clubs review current spend and minimize expenditure where possible. At the same time, and we know this is going to be difficult in the current climate, please encourage those who can continue to support your club financially in these difficult times to do so.
Councils and Landlords – We recommend that clubs who play on council/rented land contact the landowner to explain the situation, and cancel hiring’s for the time being (where grounds are hired or seek a reduction of rent (where the ground is leased).
Groundstaff – Please keep them aware of the situation as much as you can. Please also comply with government advice regarding travel and social gatherings. But if the advice allows, do what you can to keep the ground, and particularly the square, in good condition.
Indoor nets/ Training – Please take appropriate action as recommended by ECB/HCL and government to cancel any planned upcoming indoor sessions.
Overseas players – Please contact them and their agents as the situation obviously will alter their plans, we do not know when the 2020 will begin.
Club Welfare Officers - We are seeking guidance from ECB about those CWO's who have been unable to attend training this winter.
All Stars/Dynamos - We await an ECB statement on these programmes so we are not able to comment further at this stage.
We will continue to update you all as and when information is received from the UK Government and ECB.
My phone is always on if you have any further questions.
Regards
Dominic Chatfield
Club & Community Manager
Hertfordshire Cricket Ltd
Mobile: 07530 878930
Email: dominic.chatfield@hertscricket.org