COMP STATEMENT ON CURRENT SITUATION.

Date: 31st May 2020

RESTART GROUP formed to be ready to play if and when opportunity arises.

As we reach the beginning of June during the Coronavirus, it is time for (1) a catch up on what the League has done so far, (2) an assessment of where we are now and (3) a clear signpost to where we hope to be.

(1) So far we have ensured that the League has been fully informed and engaged with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation (LCF) and the ECB, receiving all communications and taking part in 2-way Video conference meetings with both organisations. We have published and sent to clubs, every document received.

During this time we have focussed on the well-being of clubs and in particular their financial positions contacting and helping clubs access all appropriate loans and grants. We now know that Liverpool Competition clubs have made maximum use.

(2) Clubs now have the ECB go ahead for using outdoor cricket facilities although we do understand that for various reasons, some clubs are not able to take advantage of this. We do know that many have successfully started up and we say a big thank you to all the volunteers in clubs for making this happen. We also understand that further guidance will come from the ECB this week in relation to coaching and practicing with small groups of players.

The recent ECB Statement (29 May) has helpfully clarified the position of the recreational game in relation to the Professional Domestic Season saying that “ recreational cricket will work to a different timescale” and that “it is our hope that we can provide opportunities to play to everyone this summer” and confirms that for now “ the recreational game remains suspended”.

(3) Although details and timescales are clearly not known, we have, during the past week or so, established a Comp Restart Group to ensure that our League is fully prepared and ready to start playing cricket immediately, under whatever prescribed conditions, if and when the green light is given. The group is to meet this week via Zoom and comprises:

John Williams, Chris Weston, Rob Durand, and Eddie Shiff (Committee)

Nick Caunce, Mike Rotheram, George Johansen, Danny Murphy, Jonny Broad and Leo McCarthy (Captains)

Hughie Evans, David Laybourne and John Farrell (Umpires)

The group is initially tasked with coming up with a structure and format for the playing of competitive Saturday cricket from whatever date materialises, working up a number of scenarios. This will be shared with clubs as soon as we are able. Considerations of Sunday cricket will follow.

Meanwhile Phill O’Brien has pulled together a similar (but smaller) group to do the same for Junior Cricket and the 23 clubs now in our Junior set up. Paul Bate and his Women’s and Girls Committee are doing the same.

Please remember. None of this can happen if the circumstances across the country worsen and Government health guidance prevents any progress.

Our message to all clubs, players and members is:

STAY RESPONSIBLE * IF YOU WANT TO PLAY CRICKET THIS SUMMER

John Williams On behalf of the Liverpool Competition Management Committee

31 May 2020