TOP TIPS FOR CRICKET CLUBS DURING THIS CRISIS

Guidance Notes/Templates – PLEASE REMEMBER to follow the playing & facility guidance which can be found on our website along with various templates for you to use to ensure the safe running of your sessions/fixtures - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Community Coach Role – We are recruiting! We are looking for a new Community Coach for the North/Mid Sussex area. Job description can be found HERE, candidates must be Level 2 qualified. Closing date for applications is 12pm, Friday 28th August, please pass on to anyone who may be interested. Any enquiries please contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk
 
Tea 4 Two - This initiative encourages local cricket clubs to use their recently re-opened facilities as a hub for donations of food. Club members and the local community will be able to drop off food donations while training and matches are taking place. A volunteer, nominated by the club, will then pick up the donations and deliver the food to the chosen food bank. For further information on how to get involved, please contact; Jon Filby Chair, Sussex Cricket Foundation – jon.filby@sussexcricket.co.uk or visit our website -  https://sussexcricket.co.uk/community-initiatives
 
Return to Cricket Scheme/Emergency Loan – the ECB Return to Cricket Scheme and Emergency Loan remain open. The criteria for the Return to Cricket Scheme which helps clubs financially with running costs has changed slightly which should make it easier for clubs to apply. Guidance notes and application form can be found on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/club-development-facilities-funding  
 
NatWest Cricket Force – registration for NatWest Cricket Force closes on 28th August, to register your club please visit - https://www.ecb.co.uk/be-involved/club-support/club-events/natwest-cricketforce
 
Photos – please send us any photos of your return to cricket! Please tag us in on Twitter (@SussexCricketFD) or Instagram (sussexcricketfoundation). We will show a selection of our best photos on our website.
 
AllStars Cricket - Have-A-Go Club Challenge
 
🗓 Sun 6 Sep
⏰ 10.30am start
🏟 Arundel Castle Cricket Ground
 
Morning of fun skills challenges for All Stars Cricket clubs! 🏏
 
🔘Small groups of up to 8 All Stars & 1 Activator from your club can come along
🔘Chance to win some prizes & meet Twinkle! 🌟
 
If your club would like to take part & find out more details please contact our All Stars Lead, Ollie Smith on oliver.smith@sussexcricket.co.uk ASAP!

Afternoon all,
 
Hope everyone has so far enjoyed their return to cricket and are looking forward to the 1st Central August Cup that starts this weekend. Thank you to everyone who dialled into last nights Club Webinar, for those unable to join a recording will be available on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Ahead of this weekends games, please see below our weekly club update:
 
Community Coach Role – We are recruiting! We are looking for a new Community Coach for the North/Mid Sussex area. Job description can be found HERE, candidates must be Level 2 qualified. Closing date for applications is 12pm, Friday 28th August, please pass on to anyone who may be interested. Any enquiries please contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk
 
1st Central August Cup – ahead of the start of the 1st Central August Cup please ensure you have read through the playing guidance, this can be viewed on the 1st Central Sussex Cricket League website – Click HERE 
 
Guidance Notes/Templates – remember playing & facility guidance can be found on our website along with various templates for you to use to ensure the safe running of your sessions/fixtures - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Return to Cricket Scheme/Emergency Loan – the ECB Return to Cricket Scheme and Emergency Loan remain open. The criteria for the Return to Cricket Scheme which helps clubs financially with running costs has changed slightly which should make it easier for clubs to apply. Guidance notes and application form can be found on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/club-development-facilities-funding  

Groundsman Trailer – any clubs that would like to hire our Groundsman Trailer for their autumn end of season renovations, please book via our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/groundsmen
 
Photos – please send us any photos of your return to cricket! Please tag us in on Twitter (@SussexCricketFD) or Instagram (sussexcricketfoundation). We will show a selection of our best photos on our website.
 
I hope you find all of these updates of use and I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of the 2020 season.

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to returning to playing cricket this weekend, the forecast looks good so good luck to everyone playing this weekend. All of the ECB guidance in relation to playing and opening your facilities can be found downloaded from our website, please ensure you have fully read the guidance before you start to play - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Please see below some key updates ahead of your return to cricket this weekend:
 
Club Webinar – for those unable to dial into our webinar on Wednesday a recording can be found on our website – https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Women & Girls Club Webinar – please join us on Monday 20th July for our first ever W & G Club Webinar where we will be joined by guests from the ECB & Sussex Cricket to discuss developments and opportunities with the W & G game. The webinar will be held on ZOOM with joining details sent out next week.
 
ECB Return to Cricket Scheme – if your club requires any financial support then this scheme remains open until next Friday. To request guidance notes and an application form please contact Gary Wallis-Tayler gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk
 
August Cup – entries into this summers August Cup close on Sunday, to enter - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1EyAUcHDlUapmG4rI0WKaJ6dszg0a3pAlgZdbHxnPERUN1ZaWTVBM1MxNkQ4QkQwSURJVkZCNERCWS4u
 
Sussex Slam – entries into this summers Sussex Slam close on Sunday to enter - http://www.sussexslam.co.uk/
 
Womens Sussex Slam – newly created for this summer, for further details and to enter - http://www.sussexslam.co.uk/womens-slam.html
 
Junior Leagues/SJCF – details regarding our plans for Junior Cricket and entries into this summers SJCF were sent round on Thursday, any questions please feel free to contact Matt Parsons – matt.parsons@sussexcricket.co.uk

‘Drop In’ Sessions – every Wednesday from 15th July – 5th August from 4.30pm – 5pm we will be holding a drop in session for clubs so we can answer any questions you have on a return to play or any other club related matters. To sign in click HERE
 
Useful Tools

Tracking App – Visitance Free contactless visitor registration designed for the leisure industry to help enforce social distancing requirements. https://visitance.net/
 
Slate App – Less contact than contactless. The smart and safe way to collect weekly match fees and more. https://slateapp.co.uk/
 
We hope you find these updates useful, if you require any support please feel free to contact Gary Wallis-Tayler – gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk
 
Once again, enjoy your return to cricket this weekend and stay safe!
 
Many Thanks

Gary Wallis‑Tayler​
Interim Head of Community Cricket
Sussex Cricket Foundation

Afternoon all,

Hope everyone is keeping well.

Please see below this weeks key updates from the Sussex Cricket Foundation. For information regarding getting your clubhouses ready and other key updates please visit our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates

Sussex Cricket Foundation Team – We are pleased to welcome back Matt Parsons (North/Mid Territory Manager) from furlough leave. Matt will be resuming his duties in his area as well as leading on our Junior Cricket and Coach Education programmes. Any questions relating to Junior Leagues please feel free to contact Matt – matt.parsons@sussexcricket.co.uk

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy – please see details regarding Sussex Cricket’s new 3 year partnership with Brighton Aldridge Community Academy. The partnership sees Sussex Cricket leading the way in giving children at state schools the chance to break into the top tiers of men’s and women’s cricket.  https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/sussex-cricket-announces-baca-its-state-school-partner

Funding – applications for the ECB Return to Cricket Scheme closes on 17th July, if you need any financial support to help with running costs at your club please contact Gary Wallis-Tayler gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk to request an application form.

Club Surveys – To help us plan for a return to play and create as many playing opportunities possible we have 3 club surveys open which would like you to complete:

1st Central Sussex Cricket League – Deadline to enter into the August Cup is Friday 10th July, to enter – https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1EyAUcHDlUapmG4rI0WKaJ6dszg0a3pAlgZdbHxnPERUN1ZaWTVBM1MxNkQ4QkQwSURJVkZCNERCWS4u

Junior Cricket – to complete our Junior Cricket playing survey – https://s.surveyplanet.com/PG7DsCCW1

Women & Girls Cricket – to complete our Women & Girls playing survey - https://s.surveyplanet.com/Ktrw5Bj3O

SCF Club Umpire Challenge - We’ve created a Club Umpires Challenge in partnership with 1st Central. If you’re missing cricket as much as we are here’s something which will hopefully engage you and your club’s competitive spirit! The ECB recently released a free online version of the Stage 1 Umpiring Course and we thought we would set your club a challenge to see who can get the most members signed up and through the course over the coming weeks. The club that gets the most sign ups by 31st July 2020 will win a signed bat. The club that gets the most course completions by 31st August 2020, 1st Central will offer a prize of 18 cricket balls! To access this FREE course visit our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/umpiring-scoring-aco

Groundsman Q & A – On Tuesday 7th July the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be hosting a Groundsmans Q & A. Ben Gibson (Sussex CCC Head Groundsman), Chris Geere (Sussex CCC Deputy Head Groundsman) and Brian Sandalls (ECB Pitch Advisor) will all be on hand to offer expert advice on your grounds and answer any of your questions. To sign up to this FREE event please email foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

We hope you find these updates useful, if you have any questions please feel free to contact Gary Wallis-Tayler gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

Many Thanks

Gary Wallis‑Tayler​

Interim Head of Community Cricket

Sussex Cricket Foundation

We hope everyone is continuing to keep well, please see below some important updates from the Sussex Cricket Foundation. It is worth noting, that every single thing we suggest here, must fall in line with the government guidance in force at the time - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
 
For a full list of updates on all things from Sussex Cricket & The ECB, keep in touch with: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
 
Club Webinar – thank you to everyone that dialled into our webinar on Wednesday evening, we hope you found it useful and informative. For those unable to dial in, the slides/recording of the webinar can be found on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates. We will look to hold another webinar mid-July once we have further guidance regarding a return to play.
 
1st Central Sussex Cricket League – if you are yet to do so, please remember to complete our short survey regarding the August Cup. Deadline is Friday 3rd July.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1EyAUcHDlUapmG4rI0WKaJ6dszg0a3pAlgZdbHxnPERUN1ZaWTVBM1MxNkQ4QkQwSURJVkZCNERCWS4u
 
Junior Cricket – again, if you are yet to do so please remember to complete our Junior Cricket Survey - https://s.surveyplanet.com/PG7DsCCW1. This will help give us an understanding of how many clubs would like to start playing junior fixtures so we can continue with our planning to make as many opportunities available as possible.
 

Matt Prior Virtual Dinner –  An Evening with Matt Prior. Join Matt for a spectacular evening of entertainment & cricket-themed fun.  1st July 19:30 - 21:00  FREE Online using Zoom. To book your place please visit - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8zkqjsl1Ta-QxHAKTND-8Q

SCF Club Umpire Challenge - We’ve created a Club Umpires Challenge in partnership with 1st Central. If you’re missing cricket as much as we are here’s something which will hopefully engage you and your club’s competitive spirit! The ECB recently released a free online version of the Stage 1 Umpiring Course and we thought we would set your club a challenge to see who can get the most members signed up and through the course over the coming weeks. The club that gets the most sign ups by 31st July 2020 will win a signed bat. The club that gets the most course completions by 31st August 2020, 1st Central will offer a prize of 18 cricket balls! To access this FREE course visit our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/umpiring-scoring-aco

Groundsman Q & A – On Tuesday 7th July the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be hosting a Groundsmans Q & A. Ben Gibson (Sussex CCC Head Groundsman), Chris Geere (Sussex CCC Deputy Head Groundsman) and Brian Sandalls (ECB Pitch Advisor) will all be on hand to offer expert advice on your grounds and answer any of your questions. To sign up to this FREE event please email foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk
 
We hope you find these updates useful to your club. As usual, if you have any questions or require any support please contact gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

Hope everyone is keeping well, please see below some important updates from the Sussex Cricket Foundation. It is worth noting, that every single thing we suggest here, must fall in line with the government guidance in force at the time, regarding social distancing and the current ‘lockdown’ we are facing - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For a full list of updates on all things from Sussex Cricket & The ECB, keep in touch with: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates

Club Webinar – Our next SCF Club Webinar is due to take place on Wednesday 24th June at 7.30pm (joining details to follow). We will once again be joined by special guests who will be providing key updates including Funding, 1st Central Sussex Cricket League, Sussex Slam, Junior Leagues and more. Guests will include:

• Gary Wallis-Tayler, Steve Pickup & Jon Filby (SCF)
• Andy Lees & Duncan Jenkinson (ECB)
• Gary Stanley & Daniel Oliver (The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League)
• Matt Camp (Sussex Slam)
• Chris Geere (Deputy Head Groundsman, Sussex CCC)

If anyone has any questions please send them through to Gary Wallis-Tayler before the webinar – gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

SCF Club Umpire Challenge - We’ve created a Club Umpires Challenge in partnership with 1st Central. If you’re missing cricket as much as we are here’s something which will hopefully engage you and your club’s competitive spirit! The ECB recently released a free online version of the Stage 1 Umpiring course and we thought we would set your club a challenge to see who can get the most members signed up and through the course over the coming weeks. The club that gets the most sign ups by 31st July 2020 will win a signed bat. The club that gets the most course completions by 31st August 2020, 1st Central will offer a prize of 18 cricket balls! To access the course visit our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/umpiring-scoring-aco

Groundsman Q & A – On Tuesday 7th July the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be hosting a Groundsmans Q & A. Ben Gibson (Sussex CCC Head Groundsman), Chris Geere (Sussex CCC Deputy Head Groundsman) and Brian Sandalls (ECB Pitch Advisor) will all be on hand to offer advice on your grounds and answer any of your questions. To sign up to this event please visit – SP TO ADD

iCoach Cricket – There are a huge amount of activities and drills that can be adapted to help with your sessions. If you are yet to download iCoach Cricket the visit the ECB website - https://icoachcricket.ecb.co.uk/

We hope you find these updates useful to your club. As usual, if you have any questions or require any support please contact gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

Hope everyone is keeping well, please see below some important updates from the Sussex Cricket Foundation. It is worth noting, that every single thing we suggest here, must fall in line with the government guidance in force at the time, regarding social distancing and the current ‘lockdown’ we are facing - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For a full list of updates on all things from Sussex Cricket & The ECB, keep in touch with: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates

UPDATED ECB Guidelines – please find below updated guidance just released from the ECB in regards to outdoor practice. Please ensure you read the guidance fully before you take the next steps in your outdoor practice sessions. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me – gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

Head of Community Cricket – Chris Coleman who has been the Community Cricket Director at the Sussex Cricket Foundation for 2 ½ years, departs Sussex Cricket today to take up a new role at Surrey Cricket Foundation as Director of Participation. We wish Chris every success in his new role! Gary Wallis-Tayler will now take over as Interim Head of Community Cricket initially until end of August - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/gary-wallis-tayler-appointed-interim-head-community-cricket

Club Webinar – thank you to everyone that dialled into our webinar on Wednesday evening, we hope you found it useful. If you were unable to dial in a recording is now available on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates Our next webinar is currently scheduled for Wednesday 24th June, 7.30pm.

Junior Leagues Update – please find attached an update from the Junior Leagues outlining their plans for junior cricket this summer. You should have received the attached from your respective league.

Covid-19 Working Group – Sussex Cricket have put together a working group to identify ways, during the Covid-19 epidemic, Sussex Cricket can ensure that it makes a significant beneficial contribution to communities across East & West Sussex, If there are any charities that you feel we should support during this crisis please let Jon Filby (Sussex Cricket Foundation Chair) know jon.fliby@sussexcricket.co.uk The group is also looking to support Food Banks and are aware that some clubs may already be supporting these, if you are please could you let Jon Filby know.

My Sussex Story - Have you been coming to the County Ground in Hove for as long as you can remember? Perhaps you've been to the ground whilst it's had several different names? Well now, in partnership with our current ground sponsor 1st Central, Sussex Cricket are launching 'My Sussex Story'. We are asking for supporters to tell us why they support the famous Sussex by the Sea and share their greatest memories, and players of the club, with us. To find out more visit - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/we-want-hear-about-your-favourite-sussex-memories

Sussex Cricket join #raisethebat campaign - Sussex Cricket has joined the #raisethebat campaign, which highlights key workers from the world of cricket who have helped to support their local community during COVID-19. To read more visit - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/sussex-cricket-join-raisethebat-campaign

The Cricketer’s Lockdown Heroes Awards - The Cricketer has launched a series of awards designed to recognise the feats of compassion, generosity and creativity among the cricket community during the coronavirus pandemic. To read more visit - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/nominations-cricketers-lockdown-heroes-awards-open

For a full list of updates on all things from Sussex Cricket & The ECB, keep in touch with: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates

ECB Guidance – hopefully you have all had chance to read and digest the latest ECB guidance on use of outdoor cricket facilities. All of the information including FAQs can be viewed on the ECB website - https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1671670 Please also find attached the latest ECB Update for Clubs & Leagues.

SCF Club Webinar SAVE THE DATE! – Next club webinar is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3rd June from 7.30pm. The issues regarding accessing the webinar have now been resolved so hopefully you can join us for another informative evening. We will again be joined by guests from Sussex Cricket, the ECB and the 1st Central Sussex Cricket League. Joining details will be sent to you by the end of next week.

Good news stories!

Funding – several clubs in Sussex have benefited from Government, Sport England or ECB funding recently. Over £350,000 has been awarded to clubs in Sussex which is a fantastic story in these challenging times – https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/sussex-cricket-foundation-help-affiliated-clubs-obtain-over-ps350k-support-funds Remember ECB funding (Emergency Loan & Return to Cricket Schemes) remain open, details and how to apply can be found on our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/club-development-facilities-funding

Together Through This Test – yesterday the ECB launched Together Through This Test which is a nationwide campaign shining a light on the work undertaken by the game in response to COVID-19 and highlighting the resources available to the public. Cricket staff, volunteers and players across the country – from both the professional and the recreational game – have already taken part in over 200 initiatives during lockdown. A powerful short film, narrated by cricket fan Stephen Fry, captures the spirit of the cricket community and celebrates the way in which society has come together during this difficult period - https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1671239/cricket-family-is-together-through-this-test-during-lockdown

Chance to Shine – yesterday Chance to Shine celebrated its 15th birthday and also announced that its delivered to its five millionth child in the process! Chance to Shine, who work closely with the Sussex Cricket Foundation, has delivered coaching in more than 16,000 schools across England and Wales, and runs over 200 Chance to Shine Street cricket projects in urban and disadvantaged communities - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/chance-shine-celebrates-15th-birthday-coaching-five-millionth-child

We hope that you find these updates useful. If you have any questions or require any support then as always please feel free to contact me – gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

Dear Clubs,

Please see below the SCF weekly club email including some top tips on what you can be doing as a club and for your members to keep up engagement during this challenging period. This will ensure that when we get the go ahead to start playing, we can jump right into it.

It is worth noting, that every single thing we suggest here, must fall in line with the government guidance in force at the time, regarding social distancing and the current ‘lockdown’ we are facing - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For a full list of updates on all things from Sussex Cricket & The ECB, keep in touch with: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates

Week Five – Top Tips

• Next Club Webinar – Thank you to everyone that dialled into our first ever SCF Club Webinar call recently which was a huge success. The next webinar will be held on Wednesday 13th May from 7.30pm. Details of how to access the webinar will be sent out later this week.

• Safeguarding – For the recent update sent out by the ECB regarding Safeguarding click HERE. Please ensure this message reaches your Child Welfare Officer at your club. We have had plenty of questions regarding DBS checks, if anyone needs a DBS check or to renew then please contact Eddie Hick (County Welfare Officer) who will be able to assist you – eddie.hick@sussexcricket.co.uk

• ECB Clubs & Leagues Update – For the latest clubs and leagues update from the ECB which was circulated last week click HERE. You should have all received an update sent by The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League which stated that they are moving to Stage 3 of their process which is working towards a mid-July start, playing half a season.

• Sussex Cricket Activity Booklet – Sussex Cricket & the Sussex Cricket Foundation have launched a children’s activity booklet to help keep children informed, entertained and engaged during this challenging period. The booklet can be downloaded from our website, please can you forward on to your Junior Coordinators for them to send out to junior members at your clubs – https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sites/default/files/file-downloads/sussex_cricket_childrens_activity_book.pdf

We hope you find these updates useful, they will all be listed on our website, so that you can refer back to any ideas you would like to explore. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me. In the meantime please continue to stay safe.

• Club Webinar – Thank you to everyone that dialled into our first ever SCF Club Webinar call on Wednesday, I hope you found the content useful. If you were unable to dial in then the presentation and recording can be downloaded off our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates Below is where you can currently find key information for your club:
  • • For grants and funding https://sussexcricket.co.uk/club-development-facilities-funding please also see attached PDF which you may find useful when applying for funding from the ECB or Sport England.
    • For the latest Covid-19 updates https://sussexcricket.co.uk/covid-19-updates
    • For top tips for clubs during this crisis https://sussexcricket.co.uk/top-tips-cricket-clubs-during-crisis
    • To complete our Club Survey - https://s.surveyplanet.com/RKKtbfTiP
    • To get in touch by email: club enquiries gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk or anything else foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

• Next Club Webinar / Club Contact – Following the success of Wednesday’s webinar and based on feedback received we will hold the next club webinar early next month following the next League Committee meeting where a further league update will be provided. If we are yet to hear from you then please do get in touch, we are here to help all clubs in our County. If we do not hear from you then expect a member at your club to receive a call from us to see what we can do to support you.

• ECB Clubs & Leagues Update – Please find attached the latest clubs and leagues update from the ECB which was circulated today. You may have seen this morning that the ECB announced professional cricket is now suspended until 1st July. In line with Government advice, recreational cricket also remains suspended until further notice.

• Specsavers Virtual Sussex School Games – This summers Sussex School Games has been cancelled due to the ongoing issues regarding Covid-19. It will be replaced by the Virtual Sussex School Games which starts on Monday. The competition will run over 11 weeks, with eleven different sports, one of which will be cricket. Children (and parents) can sign up FREE of charge to take part where they will be scoring points for schools that they represent. For further details and how to sign up please visit our website - https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/virtual-sussex-schools-games-begin-monday-27-april

• League Cricket Balls – Please be aware that in recent days we have had some clubs ordering cricket balls for the upcoming season. Please can we request that you hold off ordering balls for now as staff at Gray-Nicolls have been furloughed and as such are not on hand to support clubs through the process. As a league committee we will be in contact as to when the balls ordering process can continue. If you have place a ball order, no action in required and it will be processed in due course. 

• Sussex Cricket Activity Booklet – Next week Sussex Cricket & the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be launching a children’s activity booklet to help keep children informed, entertained and engaged during this challenging period. Details will be sent out to you next week which can be sent out to junior members at your clubs.

• County Grant Scheme – This funding stream has currently been suspended. The money has instead been put towards the two new ECB funding streams which is to support clubs during this period. We hope the County Grant Scheme will go live next year and we will keep you fully updated on developments.

Week Three – Top Tips

• Covid-19 Club Survey – With the current & ongoing issues regarding Covid-19 , we would like to get an understanding from clubs on what we can do to support you during this challenging period. We would be grateful if at least ONE person at your club could take the time to complete our short survey so we can look to support you as best we can. If you could attempt to complete the survey by Friday 17th April so we can tailor our support to you that would be great - https://s.surveyplanet.com/RKKtbfTiP Thank you to those who have already taken the time to complete the survey.

• ECB Grants/Loan Scheme Update – You hopefully would have seen information sent out from the ECB regarding their Emergency Loan & Return to Cricket Schemes that are due to go live. A further update regarding these two schemes will be sent out THIS FRIDAY. Please also find attached the latest ECB Update for Clubs & Leagues that was sent out last Friday.

• Top Tips for Club Groundsman – The IOG & ECB have released some Top Tips for Groundsman focusing on playing surfaces, their ongoing maintenance and what works may need to be carried out to provide a fit for play surface when Cricket resumes. Please pass this information on to your club groundsman - https://www.thegma.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/inline-images/interim_works_-_cricket_-_1_april_2020.pdf

• Top Tips for Player Engagement – During this period continuing to engage with your members is important. Our top tips include:

• Use What’s App to keep members updated on developments
• Use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram to share stories
• Sign up to Zoom (which is FREE) so you can host club socials e.g. quizzes online – https://zoom.us/
• Create skill challenges, home coaching drills to share with your members and wider cricket community. Check out the ‘toilet roll challenge’ from West Wittering CC as some inspiration - https://www.facebook.com/westwitteringcc/videos/699961157210409/

For further tips, tools and ideas on helping to keep your club functioning, and on working with your members visit the Sport England Club Matters site who are updating their page frequently - https://learn.sportenglandclubmatters.com/course/view.php?id=71

• Sport & Recreation Alliance – The Sport & Recreation Alliance bring together the sport and recreation sector and support members to tackle the challenges and take advantage of opportunities. They are the voice of the sector with Government, policy makers and the media. They help get the nation active at the grassroots by providing advice, support and guidance. Their website contains some really useful information and guidance regarding finances at your club including financial support, insurance & tax which you may find of interest - https://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/news/covid-19

Finally….

• Legionnaires Disease - Legionnaires' Disease is a pneumonia like illness caused by the Legionella bacteria and can be fatal. The infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria. The disease cannot be passed from one person to another. Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold water systems. They survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20 - 45°C if the conditions are right. They are killed by high temperatures at 60°C or above.

The risk from Legionella may increase if the property is unoccupied even for a short period. It is important that water is not left to stand in the hot or cold water systems. As a general rule, all outlets on hot and cold water systems should be used at least once a week for at least 2 minutes to maintain a degree of water flow and minimise the chances of stagnation. For long periods consider draining the system. Make sure that the system is flushed through when it is re-occupied by running all outlets for at least 2 minutes.

Week Two – Top Tips

• Sussex Cricket Update – please see an update regarding the furloughing of non-playing staff at Sussex County Cricket Club https://sussexcricket.co.uk/news/sussex-cricket-furlough-majority-non-playing-staff. The Sussex Cricket Foundation team is currently being run by Chris Coleman (Community Cricket Director), Gary Wallis-Tayler (Territory Manager) and Steve Pickup (Business Support Manager). Any club queries can be directed to Gary Wallis-Tayler gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

• Covid-19 Club Survey – With the current & ongoing issues regarding Covid-19 , we would like to get an understanding from clubs on what we can do to support you during this challenging period. We would be grateful if at least ONE person at your club could take the time to complete our short survey so we can look to support you as best we can - https://s.surveyplanet.com/RKKtbfTiP

• Sport England Funding – Sport England have made £195m of funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. To find out more about the fund which may be of benefit to your club please visit the Sport England website - https://www.sportengland.org/news/195-million-package-help-sport-and-physical-activity-through-coronavirus

• ECB Funding – Please see attached information regarding funding that has been allocated to the recreational game to help support clubs during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. The ECB anticipates that this support will be accessible for relevant cricket clubs and leagues within the next two weeks.

Finally….

• #SCFSkillsChallenge – Each week on a Friday, there will be a new #SCFSkillsChallenge across our social media channels, which we encourage you to share with your junior (and senior!) members to have a go at and share with us – keep the cricket community talking and active at home. Check out this week’s challenge on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

• Isolated Groundwork – this is a question we have been posed by a number of clubs, ‘are we allowed to look after the square’ for example. We know that keeping up with maintenance at the club is hugely important for being ready for the green light. A statement was released by the ECB on 26th March, which is attached and confirms the position for essential ground maintenance.

• Easyfundraising – In our current situation, income is going to be of paramount importance for clubs. Easyfundraising gives your club money, simply from your club members shopping online! To register your club to receive donations click here*, then get the word out to your members, to register, choose your club as their ‘cause’ and get shopping! *for clarity, this is a referral link, which means the SCF will get £5 for free for every club that signs up!

• Coaching Resources – there are a number of free coaching resources out there, which you can sign up to, for activities to do at home and to expand your coaching knowledge. The first one we are sharing with you is the ECB’s icoachcricket, which is available on desktop and as an app - https://icoachcricket.ecb.co.uk/

• Fraudsters – we have been made aware of some people trying to take advantage of this situation, offering refunds & grant funding via email. Any source of funding that becomes available, you will receive from us directly, the ECB or other reputable sources like Active Sussex or Sport England. If you are ever unsure on an email you’ve received, please do not open it or it’s contents. Feel free to contact your TM if you have any concerns.

• #SCFSkillsChallenge – Each week on a Friday, there will be a new #SCFSkillsChallenge across our social media channels, which we encourage you to share with your junior (and senior!) members to have a go at and share with us – keep the cricket community talking and active at home. Check out this week’s challenge on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

A quick note on our sponsorship deal with Kingfisher Beer, this has been postponed by Kingfisher due to the pandemic, but we hope to reinstate this deal for clubs as soon as possible.