Scroll down for the latest updates from the ECB, Sussex Cricket League and other affiliations of WCTCC.
In summary...
Recreational cricket recommences 11 July.
Sussex Cricket League has been cancelled with an August Cup proposed
Junior cricket league fixtures will be played as friendlies only
SJCF is intending to go ahead
Senior training recommenced on Thursdays
Up to six person net sessions are allowed and can be booked.
Bank Holiday Monday Tournament still planned to go ahead
All other events are either postponed or cancelled.
Professional cricket suspended until August
24 July - WCTCC
Dear Member/player/supporter,
I am sure you are all aware that senior cricket has resumed at the Rec and after two weekends the home teams have racked up two victories and we have seen some excellent cricket.
Last weekend, an exciting victory for our 1st XI over visiting Burgess Hill was watched by crowd of approximately 100 people, which was great news.
However, in the last few days the club has received comments from local residents about the apparent flaunting of some of the key Covid 19 guidelines.
This is something the club must take seriously and to be honest the comments aren’t without merit
Therefore before this Saturday’s home game against Brighton & Hove 1st XI could I please remind all those intending to come to the ground that we are still operating under “Covid 19” guidelines, the implementation of which is the club’s responsibility.
As a local, community minded cricket club it is essential that we play our part in limiting any spread of the disease and although cricket is now permitted we must still adhere to the Governments guidelines.
Therefore, please remember
Upon arrival visit the santisation station and “anti bac” your hands.
Add your name and contact details to the “track and trace“ attendance book.
Follow the two-metre rule… there is plenty of room. Very important.
Also please be aware that
The club cannot provide seating.
The balcony will be closed off and will be for the use of players only (different from last week).
Toilets will be accessible.
The use of the wooden benches and picnic tables will be restricted (bring your own chairs if you can).
The bar will be open but please ensure you return to your seats after being served.
Large groups of people gathering on the steps/base of the steps will be asked to maintain two metres or to disperse.
One of the criticisms from last Saturday was that people attending seemed to think it was “cricket as normal”, which of course it isn’t.
Thanks for reading and if you are planning to come down to watch please try and follow the guidelines.
Thank you, Stephen Hodgson Chairman
9 JULY - ECB
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.
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: wicketkeepers and 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.
9 JULY - Junior Leagues and SJCF
Please see the latest from Matt Parsons, Area and District Programme Co‑ordinator
"As you will all of seen, the government have now given the green light to start recreational cricket from Saturday the 11th of July. This in turn will mean junior matches can be organised and played, along with a full calendar of SJCF competition.
"As we've always said, Sussex Cricket, all four Junior Leagues and the SJCF are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and well run opportunity for all young players of all abilities to both enjoy and learn the game.
"Each of the four area set ups will look to act as mini fixture bureaus, aiming to help line up clubs with other suited contacts so that those two clubs can organise as many fixtures as they desire. The aim for the rest of this summer is for all our clubs to be able to get as much cricket as they both want to play and feel safe organising.
"The SJCF will operate as it does every summer and will run age group competitions for all the normal age groups from U11 upwards and for the first time will include a T20 week for U13 and U15 girls with the U13's being softball and the U15's hardball."
3 JULY - ECB
Please see the latest update from the ECB in relation to grassroots cricket:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is delighted that the UK Government has given the green light for recreational cricket in England* to return from Saturday 11 July.
The latest update from the UK Government signals progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB’s roadmap to return for the recreational game, meaning competitive cricket matches in England with adjustments to respect hygiene and social distancing would be permitted.
ECB has maintained a constant dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) throughout this process and the UK Government have stated that COVID-secure guidance will be published in the coming days.
Guidelines are already prepared for the return of recreational cricket and following the Prime Minister’s comments, will now be finalised and published early next week.
ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “It will come as great news to our nation of recreational cricketers that the UK Government has given the green light for the game to return from next weekend. We are grateful for the support of Government to achieve this, in particular Oliver Dowden, Nigel Huddleston and those across DCMS who have helped the return of international, professional and now recreational cricket.
“We have had a responsibility throughout this period of time to work with the UK Government and to plan alongside the cricket network to try and mitigate COVID-19’s impact on the 2020 season. We have maintained a constant dialogue with UK Government and they've been supportive of our desire to see recreational cricket return when it is safe.
“They now agree that with appropriate measures in place to mitigate the risk, it is safe.
“We know how difficult it has been for everyone to go without cricket this summer, and we thank you for your patience.
“As the nation's summer sport we believe we have a role to play in getting people active across the country, especially young people, and it is heartening to know that club cricket – albeit with social distancing in place and some other adaptations – will soon be back across England.”
19 JUNE - Sussex Cricket League
Please see the latest update from the SCL in relation to recreational cricket:
"You will doubtless have seen the 'Roadmap for the Return of Recreational Cricket' published by the ECB last week. The roadmap is a 5 Step plan to recreational cricket starting up again, with the current position being Step 3. The key piece of information required was the date at which we could go to Step 4, which was described as 'adapted gameplay'. Broadly speaking, this is cricket matches adapted to the Covid-19 environment. On the ECB call this week, it was made clear that two pieces of Government advice are required for the ECB to move the Step 4, being clearance for recreational team sport to recommence and an increase to at least 15 in the size of gatherings allowed (it is currently 6). Simply put, that has not happened yet and we do not expect it in the next week or so. Therefore, the Executive Committee cannot tell you today that league play will be able to start on 11th July and so we have no option but to abandon the 'half season' plan. In its place, we are going to offer the following options for our Clubs:
We are putting together an 'August Cup' that is tailored to how we think Stage 4 is going to look. It will be based around shorter formats (likely T20), local matches (given the issues with car sharing) and social distancing measures on and off the pitch - the ECB are currently formulating guidance around Stage 4 and this will hopefully be available in final form around the end of June. We envisage groups of 6/7 teams (so 5/6 matches each), aligned by location and broad ability level, with a finals event for group winners in early September. Entry is entirely optional, it is simply our best effort to provide some meaningful competitive cricket in the circumstances we find ourselves in. Current plan is for the August Cup to start on 1st August, but this will need to flex based on when cricket can start.
If you are not interested in the August Cup, everyone has an existing set of league fixtures from 11th July that can be played as friendlies. They will stay on Play Cricket for ease of reference, but it will be up to you to arrange between you. Of course, these will also be in 'adapted play' format as and when that is allowed. If your scheduled fixture cannot be played because of travel distance or the opponent not wanting to play, we will try within reason to help you arrange alternate fixtures.
A mixture of the above or, if you wish, no cricket at all.
"It is of course possible that, by 11th July, we will have clearance to play some cricket. However, everyone will have different lead in times for their ground to be ready. Some clubs could probably play tomorrow, others will require several weeks, especially those relying on local authorities. For some clubs, you might get some friendlies in July, perhaps before entering the August Cup. Others may wish not to play at all. The Executive Committee respects the wishes of all Clubs and recognises that you all have different circumstances.
"Once we know how many teams are entering the August Cup, we will put more meat on the bones. More information will be provided on the Sussex Cricket Foundation Club Webinar on Wednesday 24th June from 7.30pm. We would encourage ALL clubs to dial in to hear key updates from Sussex Cricket & the ECB as we move steadily towards a return to play."
5 JUNE - ECB
Please see the latest update from the ECB in relation to grassroots cricket:
"Consistent with UK Government guidance, published on 1 June 2020 relating to the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England, the following applies to outdoor cricket:
For all activity, social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (except between members of the same household).
Playing cricket individually is permitted e.g. practice of individual cricket skills or fitness activities.
Playing cricket with people living in your household is permitted.
Small group cricket activity, training or fitness in groups of no more than six (6), is permitted, keeping two (2) metres apart at all times.
Cricket coaches, can now undertake small group sessions of up to six (6) people including the coach (1:5) and they must comply with ECB safeguarding policies (as well as being able to conduct one-to-one coaching).
Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets. Note that for nets within a security fence, occupancy numbers could be limited by social distancing requirements.
It is permissible for two or more groups of six (6) to train at the same time provided they are kept separate, and social distancing and strict hygiene measures are observed. However, clubs should carry out a risk assessment to determine the maximum capacity for their facility that can be achieved safely whilst maintaining social distancing and not exceeding the current limits on training group size.
Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc. are to remain closed for general use.
Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided and they are cleaned regularly.
No indoor cricket activity at all.
We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment. Players should stick to using one ball in training either by bringing their own or being assigned a numbered ball that is cleaned in between sessions.
No saliva or sweat should be applied to the ball at any time.
Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible."
3 JUNE - Sussex Cricket Foundation regarding Junior Cricket
Please see the latest statement regarding Junior cricket leagues. As we enter June, policy has now moved into Stage 2 of the Junior League plan which moves things forward a little in terms of what will happen this summer.
"In line with the Junior League action plan published as we went into lockdown, we now enter Stage 2 of the plan. Subject to Government and ECB guidelines, we anticipate following Stage 2a of the plan, which is where the SJCF goes ahead as it does every year.
"In turn, this will now mean that all Junior League fixtures for each of the four local Area leagues will become friendlies, as and when Government and ECB guidelines allow age group cricket to begin.
"All competitive County run competitions will now not go ahead this summer. This includes the SCF U9/10 softball Cup, the ECB U13 & U15 National Knockout and the ECB U19 T20 competition. It also includes the girls softball and hardball competitions.
"As per the action plan, the SJCF will remain the “competitive” opportunity for clubs to take part in, with all four local Junior Leagues working closely together to ensure as much cricket can be organised and played throughout what will remain of the summer. This will include support for girls cricket and those clubs who originally entered the County-run girls leagues organised by Charlotte Burton.
"We are looking to delay the SJCF entry form as late as possible to take advantage of any relaxation of lockdown and to give all clubs the best possible chance to discuss, plan and seek availability of facilities, players and parents before committing to entering.
"Clubs who don’t or can’t enter the SJCF for whatever reason, will be supported by their local Junior League in organising friendlies throughout the rest of the summer.
"As with everything any activity and competition will be dictated by Government and ECB guidelines and these small steps forward in preparing for Junior Cricket is by no means a sign that clubs can start organising fixtures or setting up matches.
"When the time comes to move things along, all four Junior Leagues, the SJCF and the Sussex Cricket Foundation will work closely will all clubs to ensure a consistent and clear direction is outlined for everyone to follow."
28 MAY - ECB
Please see the latest update from the ECB in relation to professional cricket:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can today confirm a further delay to the start of the professional domestic cricket season, with no domestic cricket to be played before 1 August.
The specifics of the season remain subject to ongoing advice from UK Government and health experts, but the ambition remains to host domestic men's and women's cricket across England and Wales later this summer.
The Professional Game Group (PGG) will look to outline a number of opportunities for domestic play, which will be presented to the ECB Board in June.
These plans include a number of options for both red-ball and white-ball cricket including matches played at all First Class Grounds, the use of a regional group model as well as consideration for matches played behind closed doors or with a limited number of supporters while strictly adhering to Government guidance on social distancing. The working group is also exploring options where non-televised games can be live streamed for members and supporters.
As the ongoing COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, these scenarios will be worked on and assessed. Learnings from the return-to-training programmes for England Men’s players will be incorporated, in addition to those sourced from any international matches played behind closed doors.
The recreational game currently 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. The ECB will seek to progress discussions with the UK Government to begin mapping out a return, including the potential for an earlier return of junior cricket.
ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level. We remain hopeful of seeing both domestic and recreational cricket this season and planning with the PGG has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play.
“While traditional formats of our competitions are the preference, we are not against exploring the unorthodox to ensure that we can return our players to the field.
“That can only happen though when it is safe, and we have said throughout this crisis that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the game is our key priority.
“We have learned a lot and continue to learn about the safety protocols that would need to be in place to stage international cricket behind closed doors in this environment and those protocols will also need to apply to the domestic game.
“Across the recreational game it has been heart-warming to hear of clubs where players have returned to the nets. As children start returning to school in the coming weeks, we look forward to exploring how those guidelines and learnings can be deployed for cricket. This can then see the recreational game continue its phased return as soon as we have Government approval.”
24 MAY - WCTCC
We have some exciting news regarding net practice! As of this today, you are now able to book a net session, and can do so for use starting Monday 25 May!
As many of you may have seen, the ECB released guidance around re-introducing cricket practice and your committee and volunteers have worked hard to get the nets ready for use and have agreed the following procedures to ensure the Club complies and everyone is kept safe within the guidelines.
It is essential this procedure and its guidelines are followed. Please remember a breach of these guidelines could impact on the club and we may be forced to remove the facility to practice, but more importantly puts the health of your coaches, teammates and their families at risk so please take these seriously. Thank you in advance.
15 MAY - ECB
Please see the latest update from the ECB in relation to grassroots cricket:
"All activity should be consistent with the Government guidance regarding health, social distancing and hygiene. In ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’, the UK Government stated that team sports should not be played outside of a household. 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 as set out in our detailed guidance document. Our primary and ongoing goal is to protect the health of everyone in and around the game. The adjusted lockdown restrictions provide an opportunity for the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise. Summary of guidelines for outdoor cricket facilities use:
You can exercise outdoors on your own, with members of your household or with one other person from outside your household while keeping two metres apart at all times. You must only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless you are exercising exclusively with members of your household.
Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (unless all participants are members of the same household).
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 (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc are to remain closed for general use.
Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided.
No indoor activity at all.
We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment.
No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball at any time.
Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.
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." You can read the full ECB statement here.
There are further guidelines pertaining to how the Club should manage the use of any of our facilities and we will be reviewing these and releasing a statement of our intentions very soon. In the meantime thank you for your patience.
12 MAY - ECB
Please see the latest update from the ECB in relation to grassroots cricket: “We are aware that the UK Government has announced changes that affect sport and physical activity in England, which are due to come into effect on Wednesday 13 May. We are expecting to receive further clarity from the UK government in the coming days and in turn we will share greater detail and guidelines with the game as soon as we are able. Our priority is to support our colleagues and clubs across the game to deliver elements of outdoor cricket in a responsible way that does not compromise safety. We completely understand the level of patience that recreational players have had to demonstrate so far, and know that most will be desperate to return to the nets to practice. We ask for a little more time to plan out the best way to deliver this opportunity to everyone as safely as possible. The health and wellbeing of everyone in cricket remains our No.1 priority. We will share further updates towards the end of the week along with a support plan for our clubs to follow.’’
5 MAY - Sussex Cricket Foundation
The below comes from Gary Wallis-Tayler, Territory Manager (South) of the Sussex Cricket Foundation.
"Junior Leagues inc. Girls Leagues, Sussex Junior Cricket Festival & Competitions – as per the statement attached sent on 24th March we are heading towards Stage 2 of the process where a further update will be provided at the start of June. The ECB Competition programmes e.g. U13 & U15 National Cups & ECB U19 T20 remain suspended until further notice. All Stars/Dynamos – the sign up process for both programmes has been suspended and we are currently awaiting further guidance from the ECB. The ECB remain hopefully that they will be able to run reduced programmes later this summer dependant on Government advice/guidelines. If any parents enquire about refunds my advice would be to hold fire until further guidance is received regarding the programmes. Sussex Cricket Activity Booklet - Sussex Cricket & the Sussex Cricket Foundation have launched a children’s activity booklet to help keep children informed, entertained and engaged during this challenging period which can be found here."
1 MAY - Sussex Cricket League
Today we recieved further update from Gary Stanley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Sussex Cricket League:
"You will all have seen the recent ECB announcements that no pro cricket would take place before 1st July and that recreational cricket remains suspended indefinitely. Therefore, it will likely come as no surprise that the SCL Executive Committee has concluded that we must now move to Stage 3 of our plan. The earliest possible date for SCL cricket is now Saturday 4th July. As I said last time, this is an aspirational date that remains dependent upon Government and ECB guidance. However, if we are able to start on 4th July: -
We will play the second half of the season as scheduled, beginning on 11th July, with everybody playing each other once. This means nine matches in 10 team divisions, eight in 9 team divisions.
4th July will be used to play the 26 matches, originally scheduled in the second half of the season, that were moved to 2nd May, in order that those teams have an equal number of matches to everyone else.
4th July would also be used to play Rounds 1 and 2 of the T20 competitions. which will obviously have fallen behind. We will need to utilise a couple of extra Sundays in July and August to catch up.
There are three options that we see for Promotion and Relegation, based on nine (or eight in some divisions) scheduled matches.
Normal promotion/relegation as per current rules
No promotion/relegation as the season is too short
Still some promotion/relegation but reflecting the shorter season. Perhaps one up/one down where there would normally be two, or something similar.
As and when we are able to start playing cricket, it's clear that there will need to be some social distancing measures in place, be it around changing rooms/tea provision or on the pitch. We will of course react to the guidance available at the time and will let you know accordingly."
20 APRIL - Memberships
Firstly, it has been noted that in anticipation of the season ahead a good number of you have already paid your subs for which we send our thanks.
In recent weeks questions concerning the collection of annual subs have been discussed at length. Opinions have ranged from “we should collect as normal” or “we should suspend until we know what’s happening”.
I am pleased to report that the club is in a reasonably sound financial position. Nevertheless, a lack of cricket will have a substantial impact on our finances, especially as our usual sources of revenue such as match fees, sponsorship, bar revenue, social events, foodie Friday’s etc will all be severely hit. Effectively, without the payment of our Annual Subs, income could be close to zero.
Whether cricket is played or not, the club has running costs; rents, fees, insurances and utilities, to name a few. Also, now that we are responsible for our new facility at Thakeham our costs have increased still further. In addition, we still need to invest in basic, new equipment and continue to prepare as though the season will start at some stage.
After much deliberation it has been decided to suspend the formal payment of annual subs until such time as the season starts.
However, for those who feel able and would like to, we would be very grateful to receive donations, akin to your normal annual subs, simply to help cover the basic running costs of the club. If this is not possible, we would be pleased to receive any donation you can make to the club. As a reminder the 2020 season membership fees are shown at the end of this message.
Our proposals for payments are set out below. If you have any queries, please contact us via info@wctcc.org.uk and we’ll come back to you as soon as possible.
9 APRIL - Sussex Cricket League
We have today recieved this from Gary Stanley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Sussex Cricket League: "We will be moving to Stage 2 of the plan immediately, therefore no league or cup matches will take place in May. The EARLIEST that SCL cricket could possibly begin is 6th June as detailed below. For the avoidance of doubt, I stress that we are not telling you the season will begin on that date, it is obviously subject to developments and Government advice in the meantime. However, IF WE WERE TO START ON 6th JUNE: -
The league matches currently scheduled for 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th May and 6th June will be cancelled. Please do not do anything in Play Cricket, the fixtures will be updated in due course by the Admin committee.
We would instead look to utilise 6th June to play the league matches that are currently scheduled for 2nd May (except those that had been moved there from the five dates mentioned above, which will be cancelled). The aim here is for all teams to lose five matches, no more and no less.
6th June would also be used to catch up on the T20 competition matches currently scheduled for 2nd May. League matches will take precedence if there is a clash. The Exec are reviewing the situation constantly and will continue to do so. A decision will be made in early May as to whether the above plan is feasible in the environment at that time. and we will advise you further by 8th May.
It is understood that the target date is still within the advised 12 week isolation period for those over 70 and with certain pre-existing medical conditions. That could have an impact on umpire panel numbers among other things, but we will work these issues out at the time."
25 MARCH - Junior Cricket and SJCF
Below is the latest update from Matt Parsons, Junior Competitions Co-ordinator
Junior Leagues & SJCF
"The intention and aim for all those involved in junior league cricket, the SJCF and all of Sussex Cricket is to ensure that when it is safe and allowed to start, the cricket season will give the opportunity for maximum participation for both boys and girls, of all ages.
However, we are mindful of government guidelines on social distancing and group gatherings and as such need to ensure that 1-day festival events, larger cluster competitions and any form of larger scale activity is entirely within what the recommendations allow.
At this stage, we are still currently planning to run the SCF U9/10 softball 6-a-side competition, ECB U13 and U15 National knockout competitions, ECB U19 T20, girls softball U10, U11 and U13 events and the boys County Champions League. However, we will hold off sending round the specifics of these until we know more about how the summer will look.
In regards the four regionally organised leagues, for both boys and girls, it has been agreed to implement and follow the following 3-stage plan:
Stage 1
If recreational cricket is able to resume at any stage prior to Monday the 1st of June, all junior fixtures and competitions will be played as planned. Any matches or organised events prior to the 1st of June resumption that haven’t been able to be played will simply be cancelled and not counted towards any competitions or leagues, unless re-arranged between the clubs themselves, in accordance with each of the regional Committees.
Providing matches are started by the 1st of June, all leagues will be recognised as such and league places awarded at the end of the season, based on the fixtures that get played (U12 upwards).
If the start date is after the 1st of June, Stage 2 will come into effect:
Stage 2a – If the SJCF continues
If the annual age group weeks of competition for the SJCF do go ahead as planned and there is scope to run them as they ordinarily would, the SJCF will provide the ‘competition’ element to the 2020 season and all surviving junior league fixtures will become friendlies. They will be played in the same way they would have been without any changes, but the results and tables wouldn’t be published as league competition.
Stage 2b – If the SJCF doesn’t run
If the age group weeks of competition for the SJCF can’t go ahead or be delivered as they ordinarily would, all fixtures from the point at which the season starts will be played as planned.
Any fixtures that were cancelled or not played prior to the start date of fixtures will be added onto the end of the original fixture list, using the weeks of what would have been the SJCF to complete the full calendar of matches.
Each individual league Committee will guide clubs on how this will look and there may need to be ‘double headers’ and/or two matches a week in order to ensure a full list of matches is completed.
At this stage the SJCF can’t make a final decision on whether they can offer the usual weeks of age group competition, as the decision on when the school holidays will/won’t take place is unclear.
Stage 3 – Irrespective of whether the SJCF runs
If recreational cricket is not able to start until the w/c 6th of July or later, all matches that are left in the calendar will be played as friendlies, any leagues will not be published or league places awarded this season and clubs will be asked to organise additional friendlies best they can with their local neighbours.
As a County and in conjunction with the four regional set ups, we will look to support clubs to do this and provide contact lists and club details.
It goes without saying that 2020 will be a very different and unique summer for all clubs but it’s essential that wherever possible we maintain the fantastic levels of participation and opportunity we have within Sussex.
All four regional leagues, the SJCF and Sussex Cricket will work closely together to ensure this happens and with all our clubs support we can ensure that junior cricket is ready to go, as and when it’s safe to do so."
20 MARCH - Sussex Slam
In addition to updates from the Sussex Cricket League, Matt Camp of the Sussex Slam has followed with similar contingency planning and has released the following statement:
"It is highly likely that by now you will have seen the ECB’s statement with regards to the suspension of all recreational cricket (see www.ecb.co.uk for full details) and The Sussex Slam fully intends to adhere to both this and any future advice as part of the collective effort to manage the situation. As with so many elements of all our lives at the moment, we have no timeline of when things will improve, however we wanted to ensure that we are prepared to get cricket played as soon as possible once we are given the all clear to do so. In order to do that we have put together a staged contingency plan for the competitions to offer Slam cricket in varying formats depending on when we are able to commence.
If we are to maximise the amount of cricket played this Summer then it is vital that we all work together pragmatically and I am confident we will do that for the overall good of our game."
20 MARCH - Sussex Cricket League
We have received the following from Gary Stanley, Chair of the Executive Committee, Sussex Cricket League:
"Over recent days and weeks, the Executive Committee has been discussing the impact of Coronavirus on our league and its clubs. Following the ECB's recent announcement regarding the suspension of all recreational cricket, which I am sure you have now all seen, we have reached a conclusion as to how we should proceed. At this stage, I must stress that it is the absolute priority of Sussex Cricket, and the Executive Committee as a part of Sussex Cricket, that the health and welfare of everybody involved in the Sussex Cricket League is protected, be it players, officials or any other volunteer. Every decision we have made or will make in the future has this at its centre.
We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation that nobody could have expected and we appreciate that all of our clubs will be facing challenges that they will not be prepared for. The Executive Committee, along with your SCF Territory Managers will do whatever we can to help you get through this uncertain period.
It is pointing out the obvious to say that things are moving at a fast pace and that the landscape will undoubtedly change over the coming days and weeks. We have formed a strategy for dealing with this, which is intended to be fluid and based on securing as much cricket as possible, but doing so on an informed basis, in a timely manner, with as much expert information to hand as possible and having the health and wellbeing of our clubs, players and officials as the main priority. The strategy is in three stages, as detailed below: -
Stage 1
Cancellation of all league related meetings in March / April including the League Council meeting on 30th March and the umpires meeting on 19th April. We will disseminate all necessary information by e-mail or by post (specifically the playing conditions books). Depending on what happens in the meantime, we may offer a conference call on a date TBC for clubs that want to discuss anything.
Stage 2
If we conclude by Friday 10th April that the season cannot begin on 2nd May as scheduled, we will cancel all scheduled fixtures in May. This would allow us time to see how things develop and place us in a position to make further informed decisions. Please note that that there is no possibility of delaying the season and extending past its current scheduled finish, because around half of all clubs use council facilities that are given over to football in September.
Stage 3
If it becomes apparent that we will be unable to resume cricket by the beginning of June, we will work on the basis of cancelling all fixtures for the first half of the season and playing the second half. This would effectively mean beginning the league season on 11th July, with all teams playing each other once. In the top two divisions, all matches would be limited overs rather than declaration. We would look to catch up with the T20 competitions on the previous one or two Saturdays. We see this as the last stage at which the league can be treated as competitive with promotion and relegation implications. Any start after this date would need to be discussed if we get to it. The advantage of invoking this stage would be that we buy some more time to assess the situation as we move through early summer when the epidemic is now being forecast to peak.
I want, once again, to stress that these stages are not set in stone, but they give us a reasonable template for action, with flexibility built in, to amend if circumstances dictate or allow.
We believe this plan gives us the time to consider each phase of the epidemic as it progresses, make decisions based on fact and is, at present, a structured approach to the current unprecedented situation. We, along with the Foundation, will continue to keep you abreast of material developments, if and when they occur, including any further advice from the Governing Bodies."
19 MARCH - ECB
Further to our recent decision to cancel junior and senior pre-season nets we have recieved the following from the ECB...
"Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended. This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity."
As things stand we do not know what this means for the Sussex Cricket League season and our youth and women's competative cricket. We will obviously continue to monitor the situation and let know you know as soon as we know anything more. Please keep and eye on our social media channels for the latest updates.
Until then, stay safe, there are more important things than cricket on the horizon. If you have any questions please get in contact.
18 MARCH
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, all current training/net sessions for Men, Women, Boys & Girls are cancelled.
In the current worldwide situation, WCTCC’s priority is the health and wellbeing of our members, both young and old. We have therefore decided that all training/net sessions are cancelled until further notice.
This impacts all Men's, Women's, Boys & Girls sessions at all venues. (Arundel Castle Friday evenings and Saturday mornings) amongst others.
Whilst the season is due to start in about 5 weeks, we are currently awaiting ECB, Sport England and Sussex Cricket advice on participation in recreational cricket, along with other information from the Government & the WHO.
If further information allows, we will arrange outdoor training at the Rec nearer the start of the season, however, there is likely to be no further information on this for a few weeks. We will, of course, keep you all updated as we receive further information.
We hope all members and their families remain active but most importantly, stay safe and healthy in these uncertain times.