Mar 21, 2020, 6:49 pmNORTHUMBERLAND & TYNESIDE CRICKET LEAGUE
Action Plan 2020: Coronavirus
The League Executive Committee, as previously reported, have been giving careful consideration to the best way of planning, for the forthcoming season, bearing in mind the considerable uncertainties which exist. To that end the Committee has sought to identify the range of alternative actions, which could be available dependent upon how circumstances develop.
The idea is that a strategy be adopted to maximise the amount of cricket played whilst ensuring that the health and safety of clubs, players, umpires and officials are the prime consideration. It is intended that the approach be designed to support careful thought through decisions whilst retaining flexibility in response to unexpected events. There will also need to be clarity such that clubs, players, umpires and officials are comfortable with the decisions made.
Set out below, are stages within the plan. The first element (paragraph 4) had already been implemented and the second element (paragraph 5) now takes effect in the light of today’s ECB decision. The remaining steps (paragraphs 6 & 7) are ones, which will be carefully examined with decisions made taking into account issues identified below, feedback received and decisions made by the ECB and Government.
As a starting point, the first step taken has been to call off scheduled meetings. Thus the pre-season club meeting (14th April) has been cancelled and the pre-season umpire refresher training evening (16th April) postponed. Suitable arrangements are being put in place for distribution of handbooks, cricket balls (a note from Andrew Hodgson has been circulated) and information briefings.
Secondly consideration was being given to postponement or cancellation of the early League fixtures. Recent growth in virus transmission, coupled with Government announcements, suggested the scope for sports activity in spring and early summer appeared unlikely. The ECB’s latest advice confirms that view and hence the League’s fixtures in the early part of the season will not be taking place. Thus, Executive Committee members will be keeping the virus situation under continuous review with the aim of starting the season as soon as possible after ECB advises that it is safe to do so.
A possible option, dependent on ECB decisions, could be to start fixtures mid-season (July 2020). If adopted then a decision on whether promotion/relegation would take place becomes necessary and clubs would be consulted. Also the cup competitions would be reviewed. The difficulties arising are whether clubs will be able to retain their full playing squad if the season starts late (especially if football changes dates) and will club landlords co-operate (there is evidence some are reviewing ground availability). These issues could be discussed with clubs if a mid-season start emerges as feasible. If ECB’s decisions led to an alternative start date the Executive would seek to ensure the most appropriate fixture format(s) were put in place following consultation with member clubs.
The other stage is the worst case, namely cancelling the fixture programme although, if events allow, arranging competitive cricket in August/September.
It is important to emphasise the above is seen as a template for action with flexibility built in to amend if circumstances dictate or allow. In the meantime this plan gives time to consider each phase of the epidemic as it progresses, make decisions based on fact and present a structured approach to the current unprecedented situation that is a helpful guide to our clubs. It would be the League’s intention to try and keep all clubs abreast of material developments if and when they occur.
The League fully understand the concerns all our clubs have and if there are any issues arising out of this note that you would like clarification on then initially please contact the League Secretary.
Issued on behalf of the Executive Committee PAL (18/03/2020)
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