Return to Play – Clubs Update
The NWCU held a webinar last night for all clubs to explain in the detail the ‘Safe Return to Play Protocols’ and ensure clubs are prepared for the return of competitive cricket on Friday 17th July.
Players and clubs should refer to the Cricket Ireland document for ‘Safe Return to Cricket’: Return to Play
The keys points ahead of the weekend games are summarised below:.
No spectators permitted
Clubs are reminded that no spectators are permitted to attend matches and it is important that this regulation, as set out by the NI Executive, is adhered to by clubs. We would again appeal to clubs to ensure these conditions are met – we must all remember that if there is a breach(es) we are not only increasing the risk of Coronavirus spread but are also increasing the risk of restrictions being re-imposed.
Essential Personnel Only
Only those personnel that are participating in or assisting with the match should be in attendance. This permits players, umpires, scorers, grounds staff, Covid-19 safety officers and a limited number of club volunteers who has a specific match day function to attend the match. An approved list of match-day personnel has been circulated to clubs in advance of games this weekend.
A list of ‘Essential Match Day Personnel’ must be held by the home club for each game. The away team must inform the CSO of the home team of their ‘Essential Match Day Personnel’ the day before the game and this should be communicated by email. Away team personnel who are not on the list will not be granted entry into the ground and we would ask clubs to respect the protocols that the home team must follow. These lists are essential for contact tracing.
Clubhouse bars
Club bars and hospitality venues which are situated in sports facilities are to be treated as a separate to facility to the playing arena. It is essential they are managed within the current hospitality legislation. If people can watch sport from a hospitality facility that is permitted but they must remain in the defined hospitality areas. Hospitality guests are therefore not permitted outside the hospitality area on the sports ground/playing arena.
Changing rooms
Players should arrive changed and ready to play. Changing rooms must remain closed before, during and after the match and may only be open to allow toilet access. Players are to bring their own drinks, food and suncream.
NWCU Covid Support
Our NWCU Covid Support staff will be in touch with clubs today and tomorrow to help explain any queries you may have ahead of this weekend.
Minute’s Silence
Clubs may wish to observe a minute’s silence before the start of this weekend’s games to remember all those who have lost their lives to coronavirus and to acknowledge the work of the NHS and also to take the opportunity to pay our respects to those members of our cricket family who have passed away recently whose funerals we have been unable to attend.
