Alex Holowczak - The Warwickshire County Association of Cricket Officials

Return of Recreational Cricket

June 23, 2020 by Alex Holowczak

The following letter has been sent to County Cricket Boards by Nick Pryde, the ECB Director of Participation & Growth. It is reproduced verbatim below:

Hello all,

After the Prime Minister’s comments today around the return of cricket, I wanted to write to you all this evening to share our desire and commitment to see the return of recreational cricket. Additionally, I also want to reassure you that we are continuing to work hard with Government to achieve this.

As you know, cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted. It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4th July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.

It is heartening that the Government has already permitted the return of other ball sports, including tennis and basketball, and we are sure that our interpretation of the risks around ball transmission is consistent with these other games. Any guidance we share with the game will include directions on how to mitigate any risk from handling the ball as we continue to prioritise the health and safety of the cricket family in all our decision-making.

I ask that you continue to work closely with your clubs and leagues to prepare for the season and I will provide an update on tomorrow’s call. We will shortly release a public statement that reflects this sentiment.

Regards,

Nick Pryde
Director of Participation & Growth
England and Wales Cricket Board

ECB ACO Update

June 19, 2020 by Alex Holowczak

WCACO has received an email update from ECB ACO, which has been slightly tweaked for the benefit of improving appearance on the website below.

ECB Update

“The ECB has released a statement for CCCBs and Premier Leagues, which you can read by clicking here. You will notice that this is a more positive statement about a potential return for recreational cricket in early July and refers to the roadmap I circulated to you last week which is also attached. I will keep you updated as developments occur.

On line courses update

We continue to see new registrations. The updated registration data as at 15/06 is as follows:-
Basics of Scoring – 1124
Basics of Umpiring – 2090
Online stage 1 umpire – 3174
There are a number of the people who have completed the course and have agreed to be contacted by their local County ACO. Additionally we now have a number of County Board Umpire Challenges registered that has generated another 1492 registrations so far.

Umpire Grading 2020

The ACO Management Committee and Regional Development Officers have agreed that for 2020, umpires existing grades will carry forward to 2021 with no movement either upwards or downwards. We believe this is fair to all umpires and is a recognition that even if play restarts, some umpires may not want to officiate in the circumstances and we don’t believe they should be penalised if they feel that way. Members will be advised in the next Over & Out which is going out early next week.

ACO Insurance

I have received many enquiries in recent weeks about the impact of Covid 19 on ACO insurance cover in the event of a return to cricket. Providing the match takes place in accordance with government guidelines at the time, insurance cover remains in place as specified in the schedule which you can read by clicking here.

We will make a definitive statement regarding insurance cover at the appropriate time.”