NWCU Update for clubs on Covid 19

The NWCU have been issuing updates to a number of different groups today in relation to the Coronavirus.

These groups included:

•  NWCU Clubs
•  NW Umpires Association
•  Derry Midweek League
•  NWCU Coaches Association

Below is a copy of a letter sent to all clubs today:

 

NWCU Club Update on Covid 19

Dear Clubs,

As I’m sure you are all aware the NWCU has suspended all cricket activity until the 29^th March based on direct advice from Sport Ireland and Cricket Ireland.

This is a complex and unique position for both the NWCU and clubs. I want to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and planning for a number of different eventualities.

NWCU Action

The health and wellbeing of staff, coaches, volunteers and players is our key priority and the NWCU have taken the following actions:

• Staff are working remotely from home and conducting meetings via video conferencing or telephone
• All training sessions, coaching courses and schools programmes are suspended until at least 29^th March
• Cancel of non-essential travel for staff

Club FAQs

We have received a number of enquiries from clubs and players about the impact on domestic cricket and the season ahead. We have tried to answer the questions as best as possible by a FAQs below and ensure clubs are up-to-date with the current situation.

1. Domestic and Interprovincial Cricket

We are not in a position to provide any guarantees or further information on a possible change in the start date for the leagues. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively looking at contingency plans for various scenarios, including several different start dates in the season. We will of course look at the impact on clubs and the league structure as part of these contingency plans and consult with clubs before any action or plans are agreed.

2. Club Training

Based on advice from Cricket Ireland, the NWCU have suspended all cricket activity until the 29^th March 2020. We would recommend that clubs also adhere to these guidelines and all club training (both youth and seniors) is suspended until this date. A further update on cricket activity will be issued closer to this date.

3. NWCU Affiliation Fees

We appreciate that this will be a difficult time financially for clubs. Therefore the NWCU is suspending the collection of £600 Affiliation fees from clubs until further notice.

4. Overseas Players

We are unable to provide any guarantees or assurances regarding the entry into the country of overseas players or the potential quarantine period they may face on arrival. We would advise clubs to monitor UK Government advice on travel both in and out of the country. This is a situation that is changing daily and clubs should monitor official Government advice.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

5. Ongoing Updates

We are mindful of how close this is to the start of the season and clubs are eager to put in place plans. The NWCU will continue to monitor developments on a daily basis and update clubs as and when we receive any further information. Please follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts for any more updates and we will also issue any further guidance direct to club secretaries.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know. I hope you all stay safe and hopefully we will be back playing again soon.

Kind regards,

Peter

 

Peter McCartney

General Manager