Writing this from the depths of Lockdown with the pandemic still raging, prospects for recreational cricket in 2021 may seem a long way off. However, we remain optimistic that a combination of Lockdown restrictions, vaccinations and better weather will bring the virus under control in time to enjoy a full season of cricket. That is certainly what your committee are preparing for.
These are the things we are thinking about:
- Spring meeting, probably via Zoom (or Teams/G-meet) on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 (date to be confirmed).
- Registered teams same as 2020 (please let us know of any changes)
- Fixture pattern and divisions as originally planned for 2020, with dates adjusted and 10×10 competitions pushed back to the end of the season
thus allowing us to delay the start date of the League to the first week of May. - Rules as 2020 with teams encouraged to use pink balls and fielding restrictions in place for all matches
- We urge all teams to be adequately insured, have a welfare/safeguarding officer, and follow any government and ECB guidelines.
- All rules will be on the league’s website for you to access and/or download and use as required.
- The league we are being prudent with funds as sponsorship in the present climate may be somewhat comprised.
To save money in uncertain times we probably won’t be publishing a handbook this year, relying instead on the website and electronic communications. We were fortunate last year that we were able to pull the plug on publishing the handbook at the last minute, which saved us £600.
Finally, congratulations to Howard Burley on his elevation to Honorary Life Member of the National Association of Cricket Officials (ACO).
I will issue further updates when I have more news to tell you. In the meantime please adhere to government restrictions on recreational sport. For the most up to date guidelines on cricket please follow this link to the ECB website.
Stay safe out there!
Mark Hall
Chairman
WIECL
