FURTHER GUIDANCE re ECB GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF OUTDOOR CRICKET FACILITIES IN LOCKDOWN

Date: 21st May 2020

From ECB via LCF

Subject: Coaching Questions

"Morning Everyone

Please see below a couple of direct questions concerning the recently distributed Coaching guidelines that have been answered by the ECB.

1. The guidelines stipulate there must be a club representative present during each booked session. What is a club representative?

The club representative is a person appointed by the club to undertake the role of managing the facility during a booked session. The person must understand the guidance, be familiar with the setup of the ground under COVID restrictions and emergency procedures. They should also be able to make arrangements to open toilets (if available).

The club, in appointing this person, must be sure that they can carry out the club’s operational duties which would apply under normal circumstance but also those additional duties under the COVID-19 guidelines and communicate the club’s conditions of booking, and if necessary control timings of activity if there is a mix up or people go beyond the allotted time. The club should identify such persons and maintain a list of these people who have agreed to and are appointed to carry out this role.

A representative can participate in a session or run a number of sessions within a continuous series (such as a coach who is an appointed representative and can carry out those duties safely), there is no requirement for a ‘third’ person in those circumstances.

2. We know the FA guidance has caused some contradiction and possible confusion in relation to 1-1 coaching:

1 to 1 coaching is very much subject to interpretation. ECB are aware that 1 to 1 coaching is practised in open environments, where other people are occupying for the use of training. For example a bowling coach is working with one bowler, separately a batting coach is using the same open facilities working with another young person. This would be considered a safe and open environment that would mitigate the risk. The relationship between the coach and the player, is the key to this and maintaining those professional boundaries during training and away from training. This cannot be looked at in isolation, safeguarding is more than a single set of practices. Creating a safe environment where people can share concerns mitigates a lot of risks. Encouraging situations where coaches are placed at risk of allegations, is not what we are looking to do by allowing 1 to 1 coaching. Coaches should be constantly assessing their professional boundaries and ensuring their actions could not be subject to allegations of poor practice. This should be no different during COVID."

Best Regards

John Murphy | Clubs and Leagues Director

Lancashire Cricket
Emirates Old Trafford, Talbot Road, Manchester, M16 0PX

T: 07584 058267

E: jmurphy@lancashirecricket.co.uk

W: lancashirecricket.co.uk