Club Update and Return to Play Guidance
The domestic cricket season gets under way on Saturday with the Best Western White Horse Hotel T20 Competitions and after a very long winter, many will be looking forward to following their clubs’ fortunes over the coming months.
All clubs have been issued in recent weeks with Return to Train and Return to Play protocols alongside a number of club information nights held virtually. With all that has been going on however we thought it might be worthwhile just to reiterate some things that players and clubs should be aware of as the season gets under way.
Competitions Regulations
The first six weeks of the new campaign will be T20 matches only. Games start at 2pm with a 15-minute break between innings. There are no replays available for T20’s and the points system remains 20 for a win with 5 bonus points on offer as well.
The 30 minutes ‘grace’ before overs are lost has been removed. This applies right across the board and in all formats. If a match is interrupted by the elements, the umpires will start calculating reductions from the minute play is suspended.
On top of that, games cannot be brought forward under current guidance. Matches have to stay at the date set at the start of the season, although this will stay under review.
Coloured Clothing
Coloured clothing will be used in all competitions this year so white balls will also be in use. That means that coloured pads (or clads) must be used accordingly. Batters who arrive at the crease with white pads will be asked to change by umpires.
DLS and Live Scoring
The new DLS4 system has been sent to all clubs. This is the only system that will be in use in 2021 so it is up to clubs to ensure that they have the correct programme loaded.
The Union is currently working on a live-score app that we hope to have available for the first or second week of the season. A further update will follow in due course.
Clubhouse Facilities
No spectators are permitted at any matches under current guidelines and only essential personnel are allowed at the ground.
There is no access to clubhouses or changing rooms except for toilets until further notice. Players should arrive changed ready to play and bring their own food and drinks.
Hospitality
There is limited provision for members facilities at clubs with licensed premises and these are subject to relevant hospitality guidelines. Currently this is limited to outdoors service only and a maximum of six people from two households can be seated together. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.
Updates
The NW Twitter page will carry updates from a featured game every Saturday with a comprehensive round-up on the website on Saturday night.
Best of luck for the season one and all.
Further guidance can be found here:
https://northwestcricket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/C19-R2P-CC-NI-290421.pdf
