​ECB share guidelines for the return of recreational cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has prepared guidelines for the return of recreational cricket.

The purpose of these guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take while undertaking recreational cricket activity in England from Saturday 11 July 2020 onwards, both in training and in matches. They should be read in conjunction with latest UK Government regulations.

The key update to the guidelines is the fact that as of Saturday 11 July 2020 competitive 11-a-side cricket matches can take place - as well as training - with adaptations in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19, including the overall group size (inclusive of coaches and officials) being limited to 30 people in total.

These guidelines currently apply to England only and could change in response to the current COVID Alert Level or other Government advice. Guidance specifically relating to Wales can be found here.

The Prime Minister’s announcement last week signalled progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB’s roadmap to return for recreational cricket. In Step 4 some adaptations will be in place for all cricket activity - applicable to players, parents, clubs, coaches, spectators, and officials.

Those adaptations relate to activity prior to, during and after cricket activity. A summary of the adaptations is listed below but please read the full guidance for comprehensive details.

• Individuals should undergo a personal symptom check prior to all activity and not take part if they demonstrate any COVID-19 symptoms.
• All groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches and officials.
• Club representatives should ensure that the facility is compliant with current Government legislation including legislation and guidance related to COVID-19.
• All activity should include regular hygiene breaks for participants' hands and the ball, e.g. every six overs or 20 minutes
• Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match/session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace.
• Players should remain socially distanced at all times (In England only: Wicket keepers & Slip fielders at 1m+).
• Players should minimise handling of the ball in all activity, by limiting contact as it makes its way back to the bowler and using small groups in training; no sweat or saliva should be added to the ball at any time.
• Limit the sharing of equipment where possible. Where not possible, practice strict hand hygiene.
• Batters to run in distinct running lanes to ensure they’re not within 2m of the bowler or their batting partner

The full detailed guidelines can be found here.

Downloadable infographics can be downloaded here and here.