Grounds & Facilities Criteria

THE NSSCPCL GROUNDS & FACILITIES CRITERIA

Further information can be found by clicking on the link below and viewing the following:

ECB Recommended Guidelines for the construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches and outfields at all levels of the game

1. THE GENERAL GROUNDS AND FACILITIES CRITERIA:

a The main objective of the Grounds and Facilities Advisory Committee is to ensure that the playing facilities and venues for our League Cricket are of the required
standard. Also to provide expert advice and guidance to any Club experiencing problems with their ground and pitch
preparation

b Is deemed to be incorporated into the League Rules and any breach may be referred to the Executive who shall address such a breach in accordance with League Rule 22 (2017).

c Clubs aspiring to be promoted to a higher Division must meet the criteria for the higher Division by the August inspection, prior to promotion

d Clubs must maintain the criteria for their Division throughout the season

e Clubs not meeting the criteria for their Division as determined at the August inspection will be penalised in accordance with League Rules

f If the Grounds and Facilities Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Executive Committee considers it appropriate to allow a period of time for a Club
to bring its standards and facilities up to the Criteria, the Chairman and Secretary of the Club shall be required to sign an undertaking with regard to the improvements needed and such improvements shall be completed by 1st August, in the following year. No extension to this timescale will be allowed.

THE PLAYING AREA

2. THE SQUARE:

a Shall be well maintained

b The pitch ends levelled and re-seeded throughout the Season and any holes or ruts on the Square caused by previous matches must be levelled and filled before any subsequent matches.

c Must be weed and worm free

d Have an even cover of grass suitable for Cricket and preferably dwarf rye grass.

e Suitable loam as recommended by the Grounds and Facilities Advisory Committee shall be used for the Square

f The Square should be in good condition with the whole of it being cut within two days of the start of each match.

3. THE PITCH:

a Shall be clearly distinguishable from remainder of the Square.

b Shall be free of horizontally growing grasses.

c Shall be rolled and marked before play.

d Shall be appropriate for matches of a least 110 overs or as determined by the League Rules.

e The bounce should be true and predictable throughout the match and not produce excessive spin or movement off the seam.

f The pitch markings/creases shall be in accordance with the Laws of Cricket.

g Shall be swept and re-marked between innings or at the tea break or as required by the Umpires.

h Must be capable of being seen from all parts of the outfield.

i In Division 7 and 8 only, matches may be played on an artificial pitch, as long as it is approved by the Grounds and Facilities Advisory Committee before the 1st April each year. The artificial pitch will be marked in accordance with ECB guidelines.

4. THE WICKETS:

a Shall be a proper matching set, in good condition and with matching bails.

b Heavy bails must be available in windy conditions as determined by the Umpires

c Shall be pitched by the Groundsman/home Club in accordance with the Laws of Cricket with the wicket holes adequately watered to allow easy resetting by the Umpires.

5. THE OUTFIELD:

a Shall be well maintained and adequately drained.

b Shall be closely mown with no noticeable grass cuttings remaining on the outfield.

c Shall be free from weeds.

d Balls should be able to run true.

e Shall be free of holes, ruts or obstructions that might pose

a hazard to fielders, batsmen or Umpires.

f When applicable fielding circles will be placed on the outfield and indicated with discs in accordance with League Rules.

6. THE BOUNDARY:

a Shall be clearly marked by:
■ A white line: or
■ A rope: or
■ Artificial rope/piping.

b Where the boundary is marked by a white line or rope or artificial rope/piping less than 1 inch in diameter or height then white flags shall be placed on the outside edge of the boundary marking at a maximum of 20 yard intervals.

c The Boundary must be no less than 45 yards and no more than 90 yards from the centre of the pitch for all Premier, Division One, Two and Three matches. Marks will be awarded for the boundary in accordance with ECB guidelines.

d There should be no dangerous obstacles placed within one metre of the boundary.

7. PRACTICE FACILITIES:

a Clubs shall ensure that all members have access to good quality practice facilities.

b The minimum must be either one artificial and one off pitch net or 2 off pitch nets.

c Shall be in good condition and well maintained with a true and predictable bounce on the practice pitch.

d All Clubs shall provide net practice facilities for use by both teams prior to a match

8. THE SIGHTSCREENS:

a The structure and non-reflective paintwork shall be clean and in good condition

b Shall be easy to move.

c Shall be a minimum of 12ft high and 12ft wide. However Clubs must ensure that at all times the screens should be large enough to cater for local conditions [undulating grounds may need larger screens].

d Shall be outside the playing area.[Where the sightscreen transgresses the boundary then the boundary shall be marked in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, i.e. around the sightscreen to allow normal movement of the sightscreen during the match while maintaining the integrity of the boundary]

e Shall be properly positioned by the home Club beforethe commencement of play.

f Should it is necessary to move the sightscreens during play then it will be the responsibility of the fielding team to move them as quickly as possible to ensure that time is not wasted.

g Shall be provided at the boundary edge at both ends of the pitch unless explicit dispensation is given by the League Executive Board.

THE CRITERIA REQUIRED FOR DIVISIONS

9. THE PREMIER DIVISION:

a A minimum of 40 points for the whole facility

b A minimum of 10 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 3 points in each category

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years

10. THE FIRST DIVISION:

a A minimum of 35 points for the whole facility.

b A minimum of 9 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 3 points in each category.

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

11. THE SECOND DIVISION:

a A minimum of 30 points for the whole facility.

b A minimum of 9 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 3 points in each category.

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

12. THE THIRD AND FOURTH DIVISIONS:

a A minimum of 27 points for the whole facility.

b A minimum of 9 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 3 points in each category.

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

13. THE FIFTH DIVISION:

a A minimum of 25 points for the whole facility.

b A minimum of 8 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfieldwith no score below 2 points in each category.

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

14. THE SIXTH DIVISION:

a A minimum of 23 points for the whole facility.

b A minimum of 7 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 2 points in each category.

c Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

d Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

e Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

15. THE SEVENTH DIVISION:

a There is no specific criteria for this Division but Clubs should aim to achieve:-

b 20 points for the whole facility.

c 6 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 2 points in each category.

d Clubs would have to attain the required points for Division 6 to gain promotion.

e Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

f Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

g Soil analysis at least once every 3 years.

16. THE EIGHTH DIVISION:

0a There is no specific criteria for this Division but Clubs should aim to achieve:-

b 20 points for the whole facility.

c 6 points for the Pitch, Square and Outfield with no score below 2 points in each category.

d Clubs will be allowed promotion to Division 7.

e Nominated Groundsman with Level One Spring and Autumn qualification.

f Membership of STAG or equivalent for the Club.

g Soil analysis at least once every 3 years

FACILITIES THAT ARE NOT PART OF THE PLAYING AREA

17. THE SCORE BOX:

a Shall be clean and tidy with adequate table and chairs and full protection from the weather.

b Shall display:
■ The running total of the innings in progress
■ Wickets fallen
■ Overs bowled or Overs remaining. [If overs bowled are displayed then the total overs for the innings in progress shall also be displayed.
■ First innings total if applicable
■ Last man’s score
■ Side batting home/visitor

c The numbers shall be:
■ A minimum of 12 inches in height.
■ Be clean, in good condition and working order.
■ Easily accessible to the Scorers and simple to operate.
■ Be visible from the far side of the Ground.

d Premier and First Division Clubs must also display the individual Batsman’s score in progression during the innings.

e The Score Box to be visible from the Pavilion and players viewing area.

f Umpires should be able to see the signals of the scorers clearly via the aid of a light. Scorers to be able to see at least 90% of the playing area.

18. THE COVERS:

a For Premier and First Division matches wheeled covers with the minimum length of 72 feet and minimum width of 10 feet must be available for use. [NB League Rule ??. Which determines the area of the pitch including Bowlers run up to be covered and the circumstances that apply.]

b For Divisions Two to Eight matches a plastic sheet with the minimum length of 72 feet and minimum width of 10 feet must be available for use. The use of wheeled covers is encouraged. [NB League Rule ??. Which determines the area of the pitch including Bowlers run up to be covered and the
circumstances that apply.]

c The home Club shall be responsible for the arrangements to put the covers in place as quickly as possible when required to do so..

d After the toss has taken place the responsibility of directing the placement and removal of the covers shall rest with the Umpire

e Clubs will be required to show that their covering arrangements are adequate to protect the pitch, taking into account the contours and draining characteristics of the Ground.

f Additional covering for areas likely to cause a delay in play e.g., ends of previously used pitches, should be provided wherever possible

19. DRYING EQUIPMENT:
a The home Club shall provide and make available an adequate supply of sawdust and cloths in wet conditions.

b At all Premier and First Division grounds mechanical mopping equipment must be available.

c All Clubs shall make available other drying equipment including brushes, forks, squeegees, sack cloth, sponge etc.

20. ROLLERS

a At all Premier and First Division Clubs a light [5 to 10cwt] and heavy [minimum 30cwt] roller shall be available for use during matches.b In all other Divisions at least one roller a light [5 to 10cwt] or a heavy [minimum 30cwt] roller shall be available for use during matches.

21. THE SURROUNDING AREA OF THE GROUND OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY, INCLUDING FENCES AND HEDGES:

a Shall be well maintained.

b Suitable fencing and hedges should be in place to ensure the prevention of lost balls that do not delay play.

c Entrance to grounds must be clearly sign posted.

d Seating for spectators should be in good condition and well maintained.

e Where there are ditches they should be clearly identified and well maintained.

22. THE CHANGING ROOMS:

a Shall be:
■ Of adequate size for 11 adults to get changed.
■ Clean.
■ Decorated.
■ Well lit.
■ Ventilated.

b Shall have:
■ Suitable seating.
■ Tables or shelving for bags and equipment.
■ A mirror.
■ At least one hook per player or Umpire.
■ Flooring suitable for bare feet.

c Shall be provided for visiting teams and Umpires.

d Shall be easily accessible from the playing area whilst preserving the privacy of the players

e Should allow viewing of the playing area wherever possible.

f The changing rooms must be capable of being locked.

23. THE UMPIRES:

a Shall have a separate changing room.

b Shall be:
■ Of adequate size for 2 adults to get changed.
■ Clean.
■ Tidy and free from all Club storage
■ Decorated.
■ Well lit.
■ Ventilated.

c Shall have:
■ Suitable seating.
■ Tables or shelving for bags and equipment.
■ A mirror.
■ At least one hook per player or Umpire.
■ Flooring suitable for bare feet.

d Shall be able to enter the Umpires’ accommodation without having to use the changing rooms of the players for access.

e Shall be ready for occupation at least 90 minutes before the commencement of the match.

f Shall be provided with Bowlers Markers, Umpires Coats, drying cloths, ordinary and heavy bails and spare stumps prior to the match.

g The Umpires accommodation must be capable of being locked.

24. SHOWER FACILITIES:

a Shall be available and adequate to meet the needs of Players and Umpires.

b Shall be clean, hygienic and well maintained.

c Shall be conveniently located to allow private access by players and Umpires.

25. TOILETS FACILITIES

a Shall be clean, hygienic and well maintained with washing and hand drying facilities. A mirror shall also be available

b Shall be available for both male and female and clearly marked as such.

c Access for spectators must be consistent with the security and privacy requirements of Players and Umpires.

d All facilities must meet legal requirements and take account of needs of disabled person.

26. HOSPITALITY FACILITIES:

KITCHEN

a Shall meet all legal and safety requirements for food preparation.
b Shall have sufficient crockery and cutlery that is clean and in good condition for used by players, officials and spectators.

Teas

c Shall be provided at a reasonable price.

d The area used for serving teas shall be:
■ Adjacent to the playing area
■ Adequate size to accommodate players, officials and spectators
■ Clean, well maintained and in good decorative condition.

e Umpires and Scorers’ teas shall be set out on a separate table from players and spectators.

Bar and Surrounding Area

f Shall have adequate facilities for players, Umpires and spectators, with proper heating and seating arrangements.

g Shall be adequately staffed and be open before close of play.

h Clean, well maintained and in good decorative condition.

27. FIRST AID FACILITIES:

a Clubs shall have a well and appropriately stocked First Aid Box with a book to record injuries.

b A person qualified in First Aid shall be available.

28. TELEPHONE FACILITIES:

a A dedicated telephone shall be clearly signed and must be available for public use at all clubs.

29. A CLOCK AND BELL:

a There shall be a permanent large working clock at least 2ft in diameter sited so as to be seen from the playing area at all Clubs.

b All Clubs shall provide a bell to allow the Umpire to signal the start and resumption of play.

30. A VIEWING AREA:

a A seated area ideally covered and sheltered shall be provided for the batting side to view the match.

31. CAR PARKING FACILITIES:

a Clubs shall make every effort to provide adequate parking for players, officials and spectators, either within the Ground or immediately adjacent to the Ground.

b Players, match and Club officials shall be given priority in respect of parking.

c The approaches to the Car Park and approaches to it should be of a suitable surface, without potholes or other hazards.

d Facilities for spectators to watch the match from their car should be provided wherever possible.

e Clubs should make suitable provision for Disabled access to the ground and social areas.

32. PUBLIC INFORMATION:

a Team sheets and match information shall be on display in a convenient location for the benefit of spectators and where possible displayed on the Club`s website.

b A Public Address System should be provided wherever possible.