Please note the following protocols which must be followed by all participants this season:
BEFORE PLAY:
- Check for symptoms of Covid-19. If you are symptomatic and/or living in a household with a possible infection, you must remain at home and follow Government guidance.
- All participants MUST complete and sign our "Opt in" form for NHS Track & Trace.
- All participants MUST register attendance at each session they attend
- Follow Government guidance on public transport or car-sharing.
- Limit the time spent congregating before activity begins. Participants should arrive changed and ready to begin.
- Adhere to social distancing EXCEPT when the ball is in play: any close proximity and face-to-face interactions must be kept to an absolute minimum and for the shortest time possible.
- Adhere to social distancing on sidelines.
- Disinfect all personal equipment before and after warming up and before the game (alcohol wipes will be available at all sessions).
- Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible, use it and wash your hands regularly (hand sanitiser will be available at all sessions).
- Players must use hand sanitiser prior to warming up with equipment or the game itself.
- Players must avoid sharing equipment and use their own helmet, glove, mitt, batting gloves, bat, etc., where possible. Sharing of equipment is discouraged and items disinfected between use if shared.
- Spectators are discouraged and must adhere to social distancing if present.
DURING PLAY:
- If a player fails to reach base while batting, they must pick up their own bat (by the handle) upon leaving the field.
- If a player gets on base while batting, the on-deck batter must remove the bat (by the barrel).
- Sharing bats is discouraged. If shared, they must be disinfected between uses.
- Balls must be disinfected after warm up and prior to each inning.
- Balls used in tag plays should be taken out of play and disinfected immediately before being returned to play.
- Catchers must be positioned a minimum of 1m behind the batter.
- If the umpire assesses that in calling balls and strikes, a 1m+ distance from the catcher can be regularly maintained, no mitigations are necessary. Otherwise, umpires may choose to call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher, without need for face coverings.
- Players should bring individual drinks containers and refrain from sharing drinks with other players.
- Chewing gum, tobacco or seeds, spitting into gloves/mitts, licking fingers, smoking or vaping not permitted.
AFTER THE EVENT:
- Socialise after the event in line with current Government guidelines on hospitality.
- Report any subsequent Covid-19 case of self of household to the NHS and your event organiser.
