While recreational cricket remains suspended, those wishing to have an outdoor net session in England have been given the green light by the ECB.

The ECB has released a set of guidelines in conjunction with government guidance on outdoor activity following the partial relaxing of lockdown measures. These measures only apply to England as lockdown restrictions remain in place in Wales.

Below is the summary of guidelines the ECB has provided for the use of outdoor cricket facilities. Full statement here.

1. 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.
2. Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (unless all participants are members of the same household).
3. Only one-to-one coaching is permitted per session.
4. Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. No indoor activity at all.
8. We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment.
9. No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball at any time.
10. Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.

The ECB’s guidelines place emphasis on clubs only reopening their facilities “if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely”.

Clubs reopening require “properly maintained facilities”, a booking system and the ability to advise those booking to check they have symptoms for coronavirus before advising them to remain at home if they are symptomatic, classified as extremely vulnerable to the virus or living in a household that may have a possible COVID-19 infection.

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Furthermore, clubs will require a sanitation procedure between the use and booking of facilities, a club representative on site while the outdoor facilities are open for use and updated signage and access points that ensure people are aware what facilities are closed and not for use.

Individuals must check with clubs that they have reopened and make a booking if they wish to use nets. When travelling to the nets they must “avoid public transport if at all possible”.

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