RETURN TO PLAY IN A CRICKET CLUB SETTING
This guidance comprises information on preparing your grounds now that recreational clubs can return to playing cricket (Step 4 of the ECB Roadmap for the Return of Recreational Cricket).
Full guidance can be found in the document below, we would draw your attention to the section on End Of Season Rennovations (point 10 in the guidance).
There is also an interesting article here, thanks to 'Turf Care Blog' and Brian Sandalls
Should you have any questions on ground maintenance, please do not hesitate to contact our County Pitch Advisor, Wilson Carlisle (wcarlisle@falklandcc.co.uk , 07768 696291)
Recreational and grassroots playing facilities will currently have many questions about the current and potential restrictions the Government may impose to reduce the transmission of Coronavirus with regards to playing surfaces, their ongoing maintenance and what works may be carried out to provide a fit for play surface when sport resumes.
This document sets out what may happen to playing surfaces and the soils beneath should they be left alone for lengthy periods, what can currently be done to maintain them and also what works can be carried out should play resume.
1: Preparation to start playing matches
Now is the time to prepare your ground for play – that means getting the grass to the right heights for play, making the ground safe and getting all the equipment ready.
Have a walk over the outfield and square, fix any holes or damage. Get ground equipment such as sight screens and covers ready, and if you have not done so already – get your practice facilities ready for use.
Check that your grounds maintenance equipment is in good and safe working order. It is possible that annual servicing could have been missed during lockdown so make sure that your equipment servicing is up to date. You should check whether the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply in your club’s circumstances and act accordingly.
Regular maintenance so far (70-100% of normal)
The work required will depend on how the square has been maintained, if Regular maintenance (70 – 100% of your normal in-season maintenance) has been carried out and practice has taken place on the square, your normal pitch preparation will now be required to be reinstated (Normal Pitch preparation is between 7 – 14 days).
When preparing and using pitches on the square for net practice, ensure that a number of pitches are allocated for use when play starts (at this point in the season the square would normally have had 50% of play/usage)
Limited maintenance so far
If you have only been able to carry out limited maintenance the first operation is to reduce the grass height on both square and outfield, the height of cut on the square/outfield must now be lowered to the normal height for the playing season (Square 12-15 mm. Outfield 14 -18mm). This should be done gradually, reducing the height of cut by no more than one-third of the leaf height (a rotary mower maybe needed first, once the grass height is 25mm and below, use your normal pitch cylinder mower (square) and your normal outfield mower) all clippings must be collected.
A gradual increase in other maintenance activities including a fertiliser application will help to produce a suitable playing surface quickly. The actual length of time needed to become fully playable and to what standard will also depend on the condition of the surface in the first place.
No maintenance so far
No Maintenance carried out – contact your local County Pitch Advisor (Through your Cricket board) to arrange a visit to assess the square/outfield and devise a plan for playing again.
When the correct height of cut has been achieved and any damage has been repaired, normal maintenance should be resumed.
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