The England & Wales Cricket Board has published guidance for cricket clubs as they begin to slowly reopen.

In a partial easing of some lockdown restrictions last week, the government are now allowing people in England to exercise outdoors as often as they wish, and to use outdoor sports courts or facilities with members of their household, or one other person while staying two metres apart.

The ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise.

In addition to the government's guidance, the ECB has published the following guidelines:

  • Only one-to-one coaching is permitted per session.
  • Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
  • Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access, but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc are to remain closed.
  • Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them.
  • No indoor activity at all.
  • Use your own equipment if possible.
  • No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball.
  • Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.

The ECB is clear that outdoor facilities should only reopen if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely, following public health guidance: no club should reopen their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the requirements.

Clubs will need to have the following in place:

  • Properly maintained facilities.
  • A booking system for outdoor space or other means to manage access and demand.
  • The capability to advise individuals when booking to check for symptoms of Covid-19 and in turn to advise individuals when booking that if they are symptomatic, living in a household with a possible Covid-19 infection or if they are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, they should remain at home and follow government guidance.
  • A sanitation procedure between use/booking.
  • A representative of the club on site during the hours that the outdoor facilities are open for use.
  • Closed signs should be displayed when facilities are not open.
  • Updated signage and access points.

Individuals will need to:

  • Seek confirmation from the club that it has reopened and make a booking.
  • Check for symptoms of Covid-19, and stay at home if either symptomatic, living with someone who possibly has the virus or are classified as vulnerable.
  • Avoid public transport if at all possible.