Covid Alert Level 2 Update #1

Auckland is currently in COVID-19 Response Level 2 at the moment with a review due this Friday after which Cabinet will review whether it can move to Level 1 at the start of the weekend.

While in Level 2 cricket activity is permitted, including the playing of games and training. 

Cricket Under the Levels

The following is a guideline on what cricket will look like under Alert Level 2

Level 2

Under Level 2 (L2) all cricket activity can occur if Ministry of Health and NZ Cricket COVID-19 guidelines are followed, including restrictions on mass gatherings (100), contact tracing and hygiene protocols. 

Resources and Information

Can be found via ACA’s dedicated website page – they will keep this updated as applicable - Auckland Cricket C19 Website - https://aucklandcricket.co.nz/covid-19/

What we are doing

Before Clubs can host cricket under L2, we must complete the following documentation for Auckland Cricket (ACA) and have the processes as outlined in them set up.

• Return to Play Plan including site maps if we plan to host separate gatherings at the same time;
• Training Plan;
• Club and Changing Room Plan;
• Contact Tracing Plan;
• Level 2 Approval Plan.

We will reinvogorate our plans from the last time we were in Alert Level 2 and amend where necessary.

We will plan as though we will still be at Level 2 this weekend.

Match Day Management

• Under L2 gatherings must be 100 or fewer.
• If we meet this requirement, normal procedures (with hygiene practices/contact tracing) can commence. This will include spreading out games over venues or days i.e., playing Year 1-4s spread over Friday night and Saturday morning.
• In a similar way to last time, Windsor Park will need to be sectioned off into 100 person ‘bubbles’ with different entry and exit points. There will also be separate parking points and separate toilet facilities.
• The 100 person limit applies to all people, not just players therefore parents and support staff need to be included.
• Similar to last time the ACA are undertaking a modelling process aiming to limit venues to four wickets or fewer (at one time) for ACA competitions to play under L2.
• The ACA believe gatherings at venues can remain under 100 based on;
• Senior or 11-a-side cricket – 4 pitches/games – 8 teams – 88 players plus 12 support staff (umpires, scorers, administrators) – only paid staff are allowed (no supporters) at these venues.
• Junior or modified versions – 4 pitches/games – 8 teams – 64 or 72 players depending on the format – each team may have 4 supporters/parents at the venue – these parents must umpire, score, and look after the players. Parents to be designated before the game. Carpooling to be encouraged, with parents not in the 4 to drop off and pick up as appropriate.
• If the ACA cannot limit grounds to four games per venue due to demand, they will establish site maps and action a similar process to the above – different entry/exit points – creating safe bubbles.

Ongoing Communication

 As we have expereinced the Covid-19 situation can be very fluid thus the above is subject to change and we will continue to communicate with you to ensure you have the latest information.

If you have any queries please contact me via email at ecbayscricket@gmail.com or by phone on 0275 825 693.

Andrew Diver

Club General Manager