ECB Announcement – How to Return to Cricket following Lockdown

Following the government’s announcement on Sunday May 10th regarding a slight easing of restrictions relating to sport and physical activity the ECB has developed specific and detailed guidance to assist cricket clubs that wish to open their facilities in line with this advice. The ECB announcement can be found here and attached is the 11 pages of guidance along with an info graphic for consideration and use, if required.

The ECB is not expecting all clubs to offer this and expects each club to carefully consider if any reopening can be achieved whilst maintaining a safe environment for its members. If safety and compliance cannot be achieved the ECB believes clubs should not reopen any facilities.

This guidance is very detailed and prescriptive and currently, Ashford CC does not feel that it is in a position to open the facilities to allow one-to-one coaching or practice in a socially distanced and safe manner.

It is very important that we all take responsibility to ensure that we get this right. The safety and well being of everyone is paramount and should be the number one consideration. As a game Cricket cannot afford to fall short of the government guidance as this will undoubtedly lead to negative coverage and the potential of the advice being reversed around outdoor sports.

In short, the cricket facilities at Ashford will remain closed for the time being in line with the previous and continuing ECB guidance. Should any member have any questions about this announcement or would like to try to develop written procedures and perform a full risk assessment to ensure Ashford CC can open safely, then please contact a member of the Committee.

ACC will review matters regularly and if we feel we are able to relax these restrictions, we will, so watch this space.