Following the Government’s decision to allow recreational cricket to be played from this weekend, Blackheath CC will start the season with a club match commencing at 2pm, this Saturday, 11th July. The following weekend, the L’Anson League will start with a shortened season of 9 or 10 games, with all three Blackheath men’s elevens participating in this year’s competition. Ladies cricket will commence shortly thereafter, and colt’s matches are being lined up to commence within the next week. The format of the respective competitions is currently being worked on by the relevant leagues.With a raft of guidelines issued by the ECB following the Covid 19 pandemic, cricket is going to look and feel very different in this truncated season. There are a considerable number of measures to consider and rather than repeat them, I would draw your attention to our new Covid-19 information section, which shows in detail the requirements laid out by the ECB. In particular I draw your attention to –
Can I ask all Members, be you a player, coach, volunteer, parent, official or spectator to read the documentation and consider how it might impact you.There is plenty to consider from a general guidance perspective. The ECB has indicated that the guidelines are, at this stage, very fluid and are likely to change as the season proceeds.What I wanted to do in this blog is to be a little more specific about our Club and this Saturday and future weekend dates, now that the cricket season is about to start. Following ECB and Government guidelines is paramount to the successful operation of the Club, both at the Blackheath and Grafham grounds.
So to adhere to these current guidelines the following is necessary –
Both Blackheath and Grafham pavilions will be closed to all players, officials and spectators. Only approved bar staff will be permitted to enter the building.
The changing rooms will only be open for access to a toilet. All players must be changed prior to their arrival. If you have used the toilet, we request that you clean the surfaces you have touched. Cleaning equipment will be provided by the club.
No teas or drinks will be provided to players and officials, so please bring your own.
At Blackheath, a limited outside bar, (by the kitchen side door), will operate with a reduced list of drinks available and only recyclable plastic cups where necessary. No draft bitter, lager or cider will be available.
Only contactless payments can be made at the bar. No cash or tabs will be accepted.
All drinks will be brought to you to reduce social distancing issues around the bar area. On Saturday 11th July, it will be open between 5pm and 8pm only. This will be kept under constant review once the season starts.
At Grafham no bar is currently proposed owing to the current guidelines.
At Blackheath, a marquee without any side panels will be set up within the next few days to provide some cover from the elements.
Hand sanitisers will be located around the sites.
Everyone who has played cricket, including officials, is required to ensure that they are on the daily attendance register. All Members and spectators who purchase items from the bar will also be required to provide their name and contact details.
These measures will be in place as long as Government and ECB guidelines require. I appreciate that these measures will cause considerable inconvenience but they are necessary to ensure everyone is safe whilst playing and watching cricket.
Further updates will follow as more details emerge.