Further to our meeting with Clubs to discuss the Safe Return to Playing Protocols and our update last week following the announcement from the NI Executive, we would ask clubs to note the following ahead of this weekend's fixtures.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL ONLY

Only those people who are taking part in or assisting with a match should be in attendance. This permits players, coaches, umpires, scorers, grounds staff, Covid-19 Safety Officers, media, club officials and others who have a specific match day function to attend the match. Whilst previously there was a limit of 30 people there is now no limit on the number attending but an approved suggested list of match day personnel is attached.

A list of "Essential Match Day Personnel" must be held by the home club for each game. The away team must inform the CSO of the home team by email of the names of their essential match day personnel the day before the match. Away team personnel who are not on the list should not expect to be granted entry to the ground and we ask clubs to respect the protocols that the home team must follow.

Match day Essential Personnel (Excel)

NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED

Clubs are reminded that the NI Executive has provided that no spectators are permitted to attend matches and it is important that clubs and supporters respect this regulation. We hope that this can be relaxed soon but it has been put in place for public health reasons and we must all work to minimise the risk of spread of coronavirus.

CLUBHOUSE BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Separately, by a previous amendment to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (NI) 2020 travel is permitted for the purpose of visiting a registered club and people may participate in a gathering where the purpose is a visit to a registered club. No limitation has been placed on numbers. Members and their guests may visit club bars and restaurants from where they may watch a game taking place. Care should be taken to abide by the Regulations and the Registration of Clubs (NI) Order 1996 in both the provision of alcohol and the area is which it is served.

CHANGING ROOMS

Players should arrive changed and ready to play. Changing Rooms must remain closed before, during and after the match and may only be open to allow toilet access or emergency treatment.

GENERALLY

Your designated NCU staff are available to deal with any queries you may have in respect of the protocols.

PAYING OUR RESPECTS

Public Health and wellbeing remains a priority and we must be mindful of this in our approach to managing activities and games.
In that spirit we feel it is appropriate to ask clubs to observe a minute's silence before the start of this weekend's games to remember all those who have lost their lives to coronavirus and to acknowledge the work of the NHS and also to take the opportunity to pay our respects to those members of our cricket family who have passed away recently and whose funerals we have been unable to attend.

We wish all our clubs well for this weekend and the season ahead.

Bryan Milford
General Secretary