You may have heard directly, or since, that the Government’s COVID-19 daily update yesterday focused on a further relaxation of restrictions relating to sports, including cricket, both for the professional game and at the recreational level – although Professor Van-Tam’s comments stole the headlines !
Essentially the announcement says that, from tomorrow, sports can be undertaken in small groups involving up to 6 people from different households. However, this will still be subject to social distancing measures. There are a couple of things to note.
First, cricket’s governing body – the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – issued a statement yesterday evening saying they welcomed the announcement but that they need to have more discussions with Government to come up with some specific guidance for Clubs. Second, Dulwich CC will need to consider what arrangements can be put in place to enable coaching and training activity to take place in small groups. We will be led on this by both the ECB’s guidance and that of our coaching team led by Allen.
For the immediate future, and until the Club hears and announces anything different, the present arrangements will continue with regard to the 1-2-1 junior coaching sessions and the availability of the outdoor nets for wider use through the booking system (no more than 2 people participating unless from the same household).
The signs are becoming increasingly more positive but I should stress that the suspension of cricket matches remains in place until 1st July at present. These changes announced yesterday will mainly affect the coaching and training side of things.
Kind regards.
Graeme Hough
President
Dulwich Cricket Club