Latest coronavirus advice for grassroots cricket and football

CRICKET and football’s governing bodies have released updated guidance for grassroots players, following the latest government advice.

Training in groups of six people is now permitted, but other restrictions remain in place social distancing and good hygiene must be maintained, and use of indoor facilities is still not allowed.

The Football Association says that playing the sport indivudually, with others in your household and in groups of no more than six, as long as they are two metres apart, is allowed.

But the FA said sharing of equipment should be kept to a minimum and strong hand hygiene practices should be in place before and after.

Football coaches can now undertake small group sessions with five people but must follow FA safeguarding policy.

Coaches can organise a training session that has two or more groups of six (including the coach) involved in the session, as long as the groups of six are kept separate, everyone is socially distancing and strict hygiene measures are in place with any equipment.

All cricket training must also be two metres apart, and is only allowed between members of the same household and between no more than six people.

Cricket coaches can now undertake small group sessions of up to six people, including the coach, and they must comply with ECB safeguarding policies, as well as being able to conduct one-to-one coaching.

Nets should be used on an ‘every other basis, leaving one net free between nets.

Clubhouses can be re-opened in a limited way for access to first aid equipment or toilets, but all communal areas should remain closed.

No club should re-open their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the safety requirements.