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Recreational Cricket CAN return

Following advice from the government and the ECB we await Guidelines for CONDITIONAL play from July 11th.

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"We are delighted that the UK Government has given the green light for recreational cricket in England* to return from Saturday July 11.

The latest update from the UK Government signals progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB’s roadmap to return for the recreational game, meaning competitive cricket matches in England with adjustments to respect hygiene and social distancing would be permitted.

ECB has maintained a constant dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) throughout this process and the UK Government have stated that COVID-secure guidance will be published in the coming days.

Guidelines are already prepared for the return of recreational cricket and following the Prime Minister’s comments, will now be finalised and published early next week."
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The Management Committee are considering a POSSIBLE schedule of competitive and friendly fixtures and we will consult with all teams when the situation is made more clear during the week.

Be Prepared in case Play Resumes

Given there is increasing pressure on the authorities that recreational play could resume, please check all club particulars and report any changes that should be notified.

I have the following amendments already:

1.3 North Star Correct mobile number for Zeeshan Bhati to 07723 585 096
1.4 Newcastle City Delete Raftab Khan and replace with Hamad Hussain Hamadhussain@hotmail.com 07980 013 515
1.7 Civil Service Change CWO to Andrew Kitchener kitch1964@hotmail.com
2.1 NE Tamils remove Subramaniam Prabhakaran as a contact; new Secretary and first contact is Kethanan Sarveswaran
3.6 GEMS Zohaib Shahid is the CWO
3.7 Kirkley delete Harry Ash as a contact.
3.9 Oddfellows Change CWO to Alan Gregg 07931 567 579 Alanjamesg@blueyonder.co.uk
3.12 Wylam. Change CWO to Eddy Jackson 07539 371 139.

The number of weeks available for mid-week games will be severely limited but some organised matches or else friendly games might still be possible.

Comments from clubs at this stage are invited to donc@blueyonder.co.uk, to guide Management Committee decisions on the season which might remain. Also please add any club news which can be shared in a follow up Newsletter.

Download Club Particulars

Progress towards Play

Some progress towards playing the game of cricket (remember it?) can be made with restrictions as updated by ECB below.

The NEPL have been meeting to try to bring forward the anticipated August 1st start schedule for senior games to take place.

Perhaps there can still be at least a few weeks for mid-week cricket this season?!

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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.

Online Courses

One way of making progress with your skills during the continuing Lockdown is an online umpire or scorers course.

ECB Association of Cricket Officials has created a range of free online courses for aspiring umpires and scorers. The courses are a great way for people to use the current downtime to learn a new skill or brush up on their knowledge.

Basics of Umpiring – This course is aimed at umpires who simply want to learn the fundamental laws and basic field craft and those players who umpire 5 or 10 overs at the weekend. Book now here:
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6UQEX-7G3KP5-41JLU3-1/c.aspx

Umpire Stage One – This course is designed to give an overview of the basic Laws of the game as well as providing information on how to apply them and introduce the principles of field craft and match management. This course is an ideal introduction for new club umpires, a refresher for existing umpires and the first step for those who aspire to umpire at higher levels. Book now here:
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6UQEX-7G3KP5-41JLU4-1/c.aspx

Basics of Scoring – This course is designed to provide all the skills needed to start scoring. The course covers the basics of scoring a game of cricket such as scoring symbols, umpire signals, dismissals and gives a helpful overview of the laws of the game. Book now here:
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6UQEX-7G3KP5-41JLU5-1/c.aspx.

If you have any queries, please contact Karen Cassidy
mailto:karen.cassidy@ecb.co.uk or
Martin Gentle
mailto:martin.gentle@ecb.co.uk. Alternatively please contact our generic email address here
mailto:ecb.aco@ecb.co.uk.

Will there be 2020 Lexit?

In case anyone has been asleep for the past 100 days, all cricket activities are on hold and there is no meeting tonight!

Actions from the AGM way back in February were all acted on by the Management Committee and the scorecards and Handbooks were printed off before the Lockdown. Now we all have to await Lexit and take guidance from the ECB and the senior leagues as to if/when a part 2020 season may be attempted.

In the meantime we must all follow guidelines and have extended patience.

The Management Committee wish all our players and supporters well in this difficult time and hope you and your families can all stay safe and be well prepared for resuming activities when permitted.