Saturday 15 August 2020

 2nd Team Table

                                 P            W         L         PTS

 

Pontardawe              3             3          0           54

Dyffryn                    3             2          1           46

Baglan                      3             1          2           22

Margam                    3             0          3           16

 

 1st Team Table

                               P           W        L         PTS

Baglan                  3              3         0           60
Pontardawe          3              2         1           43
Margam                3              1         2           35
Dyffryn                  3              0         3           21

Friday 17 July 2020

ECB RETURN TO CRICKET PLAN FOR STEP 4 IN WALES
JULY 2020
Adaptations for all organised outdoor cricket activity, applicable to players, spectators, volunteers, clubs, coaches & officials in Wales, in Step 4 of the ECB Return to Cricket Roadmap
This plan provides measures that should be taken by players, clubs, officials, volunteers, coaches and spectators before, during and after all outdoor cricket activity as well as specific advice relating to clubs, coaches, match-play and children’s activity in Wales. It should be read in conjunction with the latest Welsh Government regulations and advice and participants should be aware of the additional risk associated with gathering in groups which are not part of their extended household, if they have chosen to form one.
For all activity, Welsh Government social distancing guidance should be adhered to at all times (including throughout warm-ups) with the sole exception of close fielders who may, during competitive play, be placed momentarily between 1-2m of another player.
This document refers to current Welsh Government guidance for Wales and it should be noted guidance could change in response to the current COVID-19 Alert Level, community prevalence of COVID-19 and/or to reflect additional or updated Welsh Government advice. Detailed information on the phased return of sport, recreation and leisure in Wales can be found here.
Prior to all cricket activity
• All participants (players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators) should check for symptoms of COVID-19. In line with current Public Health Wales advice, if an individual is symptomatic and/or living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection they should remain at home and follow Welsh Government guidance. In addition, any participants who have been asked to isolate by NHS Test, Trace, Protect because they are a contact of a known COVID-19 case, must not exercise outside their home or garden and must not exercise with others.
• Participants should follow Welsh Government guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (found here) if it applies to them.
• Participants should follow Welsh Government advice on protecting themselves and others outside the sports setting to reduce the risk to their fellow participants when they do attend a cricket club or venue.
• Personal hygiene measures should be carried out at home before and after cricket activity.
• Participants should bring their own hand sanitiser where possible and maintain strict and frequent hand hygiene measures at all times.
• Participants should follow Welsh Government guidance on best practice for travel, including minimising the use of public transport and limiting car sharing (found here).
• Time spent congregating at the venue prior to activity should be strictly limited and social distancing should be observed at ALL times, including during any warm-up activity or preparing of the facility, e.g. removing covers, moving sightscreens, putting the boundary rope/flags in place.
• Use of the clubhouse and toilets should adhere to the latest Welsh Government advice. Currently, there should be no use of changing rooms in Wales and players should arrive changed and leave in playing kit. The only exceptions to this will be for safety or safeguarding measures e.g. supporting disabled participants or for a child requiring a change of clothing.
• Club representatives should ensure that the facility is compliant with current Welsh Government legislation and guidance specifically related to COVID-19.
• A COVID-19 Plan and risk assessment should have been completed and risk mitigation measures put in place and monitored PRIOR to any activity taking place.
• In the case of third party-owned or managed facilities, adherence to these guidelines should be agreed collaboratively between club and facility. Facilities
• operators should refer to Welsh Government guidance for sports, clubs and facilities.
• Club representatives should make all participants aware of expected social distancing and hygiene behaviour during play and whilst on site.
• Club representatives should make all participants aware of the increase in transmission risk associated with partaking in even socially distanced group activity and should ensure that all participants are clear that they are opting in to participate in cricket activity and agree to adhere to the Code of Behaviour.
• For Welsh government advice on COVID-19, see here.
During all cricket activity
• Cricket activity must take place outdoors only.
• 11-a-side cricket can return as long as groups are limited to a maximum of 30 participants, including coaches and officials.
• Participants should enter the site and prepare their personal equipment whilst maintaining social distancing.
• Where possible players should limit sharing of equipment, particularly that used around the head and face e.g. helmets. If they do, they must practise strict hand hygiene before and after use and the equipment must be cleaned before use by another person. More information is available here.
• No sweat or saliva is to be applied to the ball at any time.
• All participants should wash their hands prior to the start of the activity.
• Hand sanitiser should be used at all breaks in activity and prior to consuming any food or drinks.
• Players should refrain from spitting or rinsing out their mouths.
• In line with current Welsh Government guidance, clubs should not prepare food for participants. Individuals should bring their own food and drink for ‘teas’ or practice. Water bottles or other refreshment containers should not be shared.
After all cricket activity
• All participants should sanitise their hands after the completion of activity.
• Social gathering after the activity will only be allowed in line with current Welsh Government guidelines on hospitality, and social distancing must be maintained at all times.
• Participants should exit whilst maintaining social distancing.
• One club representative/volunteer should be responsible for collecting and disinfecting any shared equipment.
• Regular cleaning of equipment and the facility should take place, particularly between one group finishing, and the next group starting.
• Individuals should be responsible for laundering their own playing shirts and other garments.
• Clubs should encourage all participants to report any infection of their household to the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect system following use of the facility to limit the spread of the virus: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect
Additional Advice for Clubs & Club Representatives
Preparation of the cricket venue
• Prior to reaching Step 4 of the ECB Roadmap, club representatives should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Welsh Government legislation including legislation and guidance related to COVID-19. In accordance with the ECB’s guidance on Getting your Clubhouse and Ground Ready for Step 4 here. A risk assessment should have been completed and risk mitigation measures put in place and monitored.
• On any day of the activity, club representatives and volunteers should ensure that all COVID-19 measures are in place according to the club operating and safety plans, whilst maintaining social distancing – developing your own ‘opening up checklist’ is helpful for this. This should include:
o Set-up of public health operating procedures and access signage (available from ECB Resource Hub)
o Set-up of cricket facility including all ground safety requirements.
• Venues should have entry and exit and parking arrangements which ensures that social distancing can be maintained and that allow for 2m physical distancing rules to be implemented at all times.
• Venues should implement traffic flow/one-way systems where possible and appropriate.
• Venues should outline physically distanced areas for teams, officials and spectators.
• Venues should ensure that all accessible provision within the site and the facility are available.
• The duty of care which the club already owed remains and therefore other matters such as First Aid must continue to be provided. First Aid equipment (including AEDs where available) and suitable PPE for First Aid must be made available. Advice on First Aid during the COVID pandemic is available from St John Ambulance Wales.
• Clubs should make hand washing facilities and hand sanitiser available for all site users.
• Clubs and groundskeepers should mark running lines on the square in line with the popping crease at 2m+ intervals on either side of the pitch.
Clubs should support Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect efforts by keeping a temporary record of all participants in any cricket activity for 21 days and support NHS Wales’ requests for data if needed. For the latest information in relation to Test, Trace, Protect please click here.
Many clubs already have systems for recording their participants, however, if you do not already do this, please ensure that you do so in line with data protection legislation.
Additional advice for socially distanced match-play
• Players must practise social distancing at all times, with the sole exception of close fielders who may, in competitive circumstances, be placed momentarily between 1-2m of another player.
• If this is the case, especially in the case of wicket-keepers, fielders must be no closer than 1m from another participant at any time and they must walk away from their position and any other participants between deliveries in order to minimise physical proximity.
• No sweat or saliva to be applied to the ball at any time.
• A ‘hygiene break’ should take place every six overs or every 20 minutes, whichever is sooner, in which the ball is cleaned with an anti-microbial wipe and all participants’ hands are cleaned using a suitable sanitiser. This routine should also be followed at the start of any drinks break or the close of an innings. The responsibility for sanitising the ball during the match will lie with the fielding captain, not the umpire.
• Batters to sanitise their bat when leaving the field of play and Wicket Keepers should sanitise their gloves.
• Bowlers should not hand any personal items to the umpire. Bowlers should place these items at the boundary themselves.
• Batters are to run in distinct running lines to ensure they are not within 2m of the bowler or other batter. Lines to be marked on the square on either side of the wicket.
• If two scorers are required, social distancing must be maintained with only one official inside the scorers’ box and no players to be allowed in the scorers’ box. The scorers’ box should be well ventilated.
• Communal scorebooks passed from one player to another should be avoided.
• Social distancing must always be maintained including during post-wicket celebrations, drinks breaks and tactical discussions.
• Minimise sharing of the ball in a match by limiting contact as the ball makes its way back to the bowler e.g. ball goes straight from wicketkeeper to bowler instead of around surrounding fielders.
• Spectators should be limited at this stage to only those persons who need to attend e.g. parents or guardians of children who require their attendance for health or safeguarding reasons. All spectators must remain socially and physically distanced from each other and the area of play at all times, including accessing and leaving the venue, use of any facilities and whilst watching game play. They should also refrain from all contact with the ball e.g. returning it to the field of play.
• Anyone on the area of play, or closer to it than social distancing rules would permit, will count towards the total number people considered to the gathered for the organised outdoor cricket activity, where a limit of no more than 30 persons applies.
• Umpires should refrain from any contact with the ball, it can be returned to the base of the stumps at hygiene-, drinks- or other breaks in play and at the fall of wickets.
• Umpires should be responsible for the stumps closest to them and should be the only person replacing the bails if dislodged.
• Use of the clubhouse, changing rooms and toilets should adhere to the latest Welsh Government advice. Currently, there should be no use of changing rooms.
• Detailed guidance relating to officials has been released by the Association of Cricket Officials (ACO), including appropriate sanctions for participants not adhering to COVID-19 guidance, including but not limited to, player ejection and match cancellation.
Advice for Special Occurrences e.g. rain
• In the event of rain, participants should return to their own vehicle to maintain social distancing if there is insufficient outdoor cover from the rain to maintain social distancing.
• Application of covers in the event of wet weather should be done whilst maintaining social distancing.
Additional Advice for Children’s Activity
• For junior activity and matches, maximum groups sizes of 30 should include one qualified coach per group and additional adult(s) required to meet cricket safeguarding ratios (1:8 aged 8 and under, 1:10 aged 9 and over). All groups are to be self-sufficient e.g. a coach cannot oversee two separate groups.
• Each group must have sufficient adults to meet cricket safeguarding ratios as above.
• A lead coach is permitted to move between smaller groups provided each group independently has sufficient adults to meet cricket safeguarding ratios.
• Parents should drop off and collect participants via a protocol that maintains social distancing.
• Parents should remain socially distanced on the side-line.
• For younger age groups, plastic equipment should be used and should be disinfected at the end of each session.
• Example junior cricket activity can be found at icoachcricket.ecb.co.uk.
• For ECB National Participation Programmes, e.g. All Stars Cricket, the ECB will provide recommended activities to minimise contact between participants and minimise the sharing of equipment, whilst still creating a fun and creative learning environment.
• It is recommended that junior participants take part in solo activity in practice, before moving to pairs activity that maintains social distancing and allows participants to operate in the same pair for the length of the session.
Additional advice for training & other activity
• The Guidance for Wales relating to outdoor practice and nets, released on 19 June 2020 is still applicable, with the exception of maximum group sizes rising from two households to up to 30 people, in line with the new regulations announced on 10 July, which take effect in Wales on 13 July.
• Where participants cannot provide their own individual equipment, we recommend numbering cricket equipment such as balls, so that each participant has a specific numbered ball and/or cone and uses that for the entirety of the session to minimise sharing of equipment where possible.
• If bowling machines are used, they should be cleaned thoroughly between uses with dry cleaning products and all balls should be cleaned with disinfectant. This is the responsibility of the bowling machine operator.
Additional Advice for Coaches
These measures cannot cover every eventuality and coaches must conduct a risk assessment, ensuring appropriate measures are put in place to keep participants and coaches safe.
Playing and coaching cricket in itself carries some degree of risk and whilst being mindful of the guidelines regarding COVID-19, coaches should not lose sight of the normal safety rules or safeguarding standards relating to playing and coaching cricket which continue to apply and must be complied with (DBS, safeguarding, First Aid etc).
• Coaches should make themselves aware of and abide by, all guidelines set out by the Welsh Government, the venue and the ECB regarding use of facilities.
• It is the coach's responsibility to ensure that they coach players in a safe environment and follow relevant guidelines.
• Coach should explain the safety guidelines of what is expected pre-, during and post- session, including what the player is expected to do to maintain complianc

Club cricket guidelines released for Covid-safe return

Q&A Pontardawe Cricket Club


If I have experienced symptoms of Covid-19, is it okay for me to play recreational cricket?

No. If you or anyone in your household has displayed symptoms you must self-isolate for a period of 14 days, order a test and contact NHS Test & Trace. You should not make yourself available for selection, nor should any other members of your household.


Can I drive a teammate to a match?

Individuals from different households should not share a vehicle unless absolutely necessary, as per current government guidelines. In the event that carpooling is essential, the vehicle should be well ventilated and all occupants should wear masks.


Should I bring my own hand sanitiser to games?

Yes. All recreational players should bring sanitiser to every game they play. Additionally, clubs should provide hand-washing points in communal areas and keep a supply of sanitiser.


Can I share equipment?

The ECB advise against the sharing of kit. Helmets and gloves are the most at-risk pieces of cricket equipment when it comes to the transmission of Covid-19. If it is absolutely necessary to share kit, it should be disinfected after use and should only be handled after washing your hands.


How many people can be involved in a game?

11-a-side matches are permitted under the new guidelines, with a maximum of 30 people allowed to be involved - including players, umpires, scorers and coaches.


Is there a limit on how many overs can be bowled in an innings?

No. Clubs can play any format they wish.


How regularly should I wash my hands during the game?

ECB guidelines say a hygiene break should be implemented every 20 minutes for all players involved in the game to sanitise their hands.


Do I need to wear a face mask before, during or after the match?

There is no obligation for recreational cricketers to wear a facemask before, during or after a match, though it is advisable to do so in well-populated undercover areas.


I’m a wicketkeeper… can I stand up to the stumps?

Yes. Within the ECB guidelines, special mention is given to wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps. Although it might strictly contradict the official metre-plus rule for social distancing, it is permitted.


Do the slips have to abide by the metre-plus social distancing rule?

No. The ECB guidelines stipulate slips do not necessarily have to be one metre or more apart, though health experts encourage the practice.


Can I use sweat or saliva to shine the ball?

No. The use of saliva and sweat to shine the ball is strictly prohibited. Saliva in particular acts as a potent vector for transmission of Covid-19. Players should refrain from spitting or washing out their mouths anywhere around the venue.


Can the ball be thrown around the fielding side between deliveries?

ECB guidelines state that ball-to-hand contact should be minimised between deliveries. Ideally, it should be thrown back to the bowler directly by the wicketkeeper.


Do I need to disinfect my kit after use?

Yes. Batsmen should sanitise their bats after leaving the wicket, regardless of whether or not it is shared equipment. Wicketkeepers should do the same with their gloves.


Can I give my jumper or sunglasses to the umpire?

No. Any item which the bowler wishes to discard during an over should be placed by the bowler on the boundary’s edge.


How do we keep score?

One designated scorer should be assigned for the match, and scorebooks should not be passed between players. If there is a need for two scorers, social distancing should be maintained. Scoreboxes should be kept well ventilated.


Can we celebrate a wicket?

High fives, hugs, handshakes and other celebrations that cannot be successfully completed while social distancing should be avoided. Improvise. Innovate.


Should we throw the ball back to the umpire after a wicket falls?

No. At the fall of a wicket, the ball should be placed at the foot of the stumps or returned to the bowler. Umpires should minimise their contact with the ball.


Who should put the wicket back together in the event of the bails being dislodged?

The umpire standing closest to the stumps in question should be the only person responsible for reassembling the wicket at any time during the game.


What happens if someone needs first aid during a game?

All clubs should provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for the safe delivery of first aid, such as facemasks or gloves.


If it rains, can we stay dry in the pavilion?

ECB guidelines say players can congregate under covered areas only if social distancing can be successfully maintained. In the event the pavilion or clubhouse is too small, players should return to their cars during a rain interruption.


How do we operate the covers in the event of rain?

Multiple players can push covers onto the pitch, providing they maintain a one-metre plus social distance. All involved should sanitise their hands immediately after the task is complete.


Can we have teas?

No. As per government guidance, shared meals should not be provided or consumed during cricket matches. Water bottles and other containers should not be shared. Those taking part should bring their own refreshments with them to the ground.


Can we stay for a beer?

Yes, but with strict social distancing protocols in place. Anyone staying behind after games should remain at least two metres apart from anyone else who is not in their household. Clubs must keep a register of all those participating in cricket activity, and their contact details, for a 21-day period in order to assist NHS Track & Trace where necessary.


Can spectators watch?

Yes, as long as they abide by social distancing rules. Groups of no more than six people may watch from the boundary. Clubs should mark out areas around the edge of the area of play to separate groups. Spectators should not touch the ball - for instance, if the ball crosses the boundary nearby a spectator should wait for a member of the fielding side to retrieve it, rather than returning it to the field of play themselves.


Can we play indoor cricket?

No. The relaxation of restrictions applies only to outdoor sport. No indoor sporting facilities, including indoor nets, should be opened.


Will there be sanctions for anyone not abiding by Covid-secure measures?

Yes. The Association of Cricket Officials will release details of these penalties shortly. They will include the possibility of players being ejected from the game or matches being abandoned.


The following advice is specific to committees and groundstaff


Do we need to undergo a risk assessment of our ground?

Yes. A full risk assessment should be completed and measures put in place to counter potentially compromising situations.


Do we need to provide extra first aid equipment?

Yes. Relevant personal protective equipment - such as facemasks, visors and gloves - should be provided for the safe application of first aid.


Do we need to provide additional hand-washing facilities?

Yes. All clubs should have a supply of hand sanitiser. All players should bring their own to each game, but there should be adequate hand-washing stations around every venue.


Are additional parking measures necessary?

Yes. Clubs should identify, where possible, a traffic flow system and ensure that parking arrangements allow for the application of social distancing.


Do we need to add any additional pitch markings?

Yes. Groundskeepers should mark running lines on the square in line with the popping crease at two-metre intervals on either side of the wicket.


Do we need to keep a record of those who attend?

Yes. Clubs should register who has used the facilities and their contact details for a rolling 21-day period. This should apply to anyone taking part in the match, in a playing, umpiring or coaching capacity, and anyone who accesses a clubhouse.

This is in order to assist NHS Test & Trace.





Wednesday 8 July 2020

ECB - Covid 19 Update   July 8th


Dear all,

Following the latest update from the UK Government, the ECB is pleased to announce the return of recreational cricket in England, signalling a progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of the ECB’s roadmap to return for the recreational game.

This also allows us to advise that clubs who have previously run All Stars Cricket can now do so again (we will release specific guidance for All Stars Cricket next week).

We thank you for all of your efforts in helping cricket return.

ECB has maintained a constant dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) throughout this process and we have prepared a plan to support clubs and individuals as they prepare for the return of recreational cricket, including details of adjustments which should be made to respect hygiene and social distancing requirements.

That plan - available here - covers a number of areas of the game, including:
  • Pre-match adaptations regarding transport and symptom checking.
  • In-game adaptations applying to social distancing measures, hygiene, match officials and the use of equipment.
  • Post-game adaptations, including the potential use of club facilities.
  • Advice for coaches specific to individual sessions and junior cricket.

To support this, please also find here an eight step infographic, and an infographic for pre-match, in-game and post-game adaptations here.

Saturday 4 July 2020

Friday 26 June 2020