return to play 2021 season

12 Oct

Pending the Government's announcement on Monday October 18th, it is still hoped that play can start on October 30th for all grades, provided the covid restriction levels are down to covidL3:2 or better still, covid L3:1. Should there be another week of holding pattern annonounced on October 18th, then it will become complicated to organise teams, grounds, facilities etc in under two weeks, so it may be that the season start will be pushed out another week, to November 6th. ACA will make that decision after next week's government press conference. The priority for the Club is to get all the intending members registered, and teams entered by the end of this week with a view to being ready to go if we get the alert change we want next week. ACA and the Clubs are working on the return to play protocols aound Covid, but the two things that are clear are everyone must follow the health and safety mandates as put out by the government, and it would be a significant advantage to both Clubs and players, if players, coaches, suporters and club officials are fully vaccinated. So, the strong message is get registered, get vaccinated, and get ready to play.

FROM Auckland Cricket:

Guiding Principles

Allow sufficient time and notice for play to resume safely under L2 (or its alternative), including:

  • Administration set-up (draws etc), grounds to be prepared and communication to parents, players, officials etc.
  • Train to play – allow appropriate time for teams/players to train before taking the field.

Note we will update stage 1 if we get further clarification from Sport NZ, however, at this stage put simply our interpretation is:

  • No equipment can be shared between households (this includes cricket balls), therefore, the only cricketing activity permitted (i.e., nets) is within your own bubble/household or if you can keep a 2 metre distance and not share equipment (i.e. bowling in a net).
  • All other physical activity must not share equipment, therefore, any group activity must be group exercise i.e., boot camps etc.. not cricket trainings.
  • And must be outdoor.

Step 2

  • Week starting 18 October (TBC)
    • Outdoor gatherings increase to 25 people.
    • Multiple households can gather outdoors if it is not over 25.
    • Team trainings can commence (and possible pre-season games).
    • Indoor centres must remain closed.

Step 3

  • Week starting (TBC).
    • Gatherings increase to 50 people in a defined space (indoor or outdoor).
    • Team trainings and pre-season games can commence.

Step 4 (Level 2 or its old equivalent)

  • Week starting (TBC)
    • Gatherings increase to 100 people in a defined space (indoor or outdoor).
    • Team trainings, and ACA competitions can commence.

Regards

Garry Wood

Club Manager

papatoetoecricket@kolmar.org.nz