Photo Credit: Ireland Cricket
DUBLIN – Following the release of the Cricket Ireland Safe Return to Training Protocols on Monday, many of the 118 cricket clubs across Ireland have started the process of preparing for the safe return to training.
The Safe Return to Training Protocols provide cricket clubs with detailed guides and checklists for preparing a cricket club for restarting activity including cleaning guides, a risk assessment, booking forms and contact tracing process, advice regarding training practices that comply with social distancing and health protocols, and access for a nominated representative for each cricket club to undertake an accredited online training course for dedicated COVID-19 Club Safety Officers.
Cricket Ireland has since been working collaboratively with the Provincial Unions to roll out support for clubs in implementing the protocols, while clubs have been busy establishing COVID-19 Safety Committees and nominating representatives to lead on their clubs compliance with the protocols.
Elaine Nolan, Participation Director at Cricket Ireland, said:
“Delivering on our public health and safety requirements has truly taken a team effort so far, and it has been a busy time behind-the-scenes. This week we have released an online Club Toolkit resource with checklists and templates available for download, and facilitated the delivery of COVID-19 Club Safety Officer certified training courses to 36 clubs to date with the remaining courses being delivered over coming days.”
“Cricket Ireland has additionally provided appropriate COVID-19 awareness signage for display at club grounds, and is supporting clubs through subsidising infection control & hygiene starter packs for clubs, which have started to be distributed over the last few days.”
“This has been a challenging time for the sport, but the enthusiasm to return to activity whilst ensuring a safe and healthy environment for players, coaches and volunteers has been great to see. Public health and safety has always been the lead priority for us over the pandemic, and we would like to thank those at Provincial Union and club level who have supported this work – this is indeed demonstrating that cricket is a true team sport.”
Information and protocol documents can be found at: www.cricketireland.ie/covid-19
