Sydney Shires Cricket: COVID protocols in place for 2020/21
The Sydney Shires Cricket Competition will look slightly different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with a number of rule changes.
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One of Sydney’s most popular cricket competitions will kick off this weekend, but things will play out slightly different on the field this summer.
The Sydney Shire’s Cricket Competition begins on Saturday, almost a month after its typical starting point in late September, and will have a number of rule changes to combat the spread of COVID-19
Cricket NSW’s Competitions Officer Sean Mantle said the starting date was pushed back due to an agreement with winter codes, and the schedule will look slightly different to accommodate the change.
“We’re playing a lot more one-day cricket, which gives us some flexibility if something was to happen (with COVID),” he said.
“We’ve also been able to schedule the first half of the season so a lot of teams are playing local to minimise the travel.”
Mr Mantle said changes would also be seen on the field to keep the competition COVID safe.
“We’ve followed what’s been put in place with Sheffield Shield cricket,” he said.
“Saliva or sweat from the face, neck or arms must not be used to shine the ball, but you can use sweat from your clothing.
“There’s a warning if an umpire believes the rule has been broken, and teams get up to three warnings before potential run penalties come into effect.
“Both players and umpires will be sanitising their hands at regular intervals, umpires will be in control of the stumps, and if they need to inspect the ball, they’ll be required to sanitise their hands.”
COVID changes will also be seen off the field.
“Every player has to bring their own individual bottle that is clearly marked,” Mr Mantle said.
“We’re recommending a dedicated person who brings those out in some sort of carry case using gloves.
“Usually a traditional afternoon tea or lunch is compulsory for the home side, but we’re not making it compulsory this season.”
Cricket NSW has also recommended clubs to have a QR code sign-in system for players, volunteers, and spectators to track any potential positive COVID cases.
“There’s a limit on the amount of people at the grounds we have, but it’d be rare that we’d hit that at Shires Cricket,” Mr Mantle said.
The first-grade competition starts for 12 teams this Saturday morning at 10am. Balmain-South Sydney’s season will start on November 7.