Clubs are being encouraged to avoid indoor gatherings in the days leading into a match to help the cricket season proceed in the face of rising COVID-19 cases.
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The recommendation is part of a new set of preventative "tips" released by Cricket Victoria.
The governing body has advised clubs they should meet and exceed state government directions and any requirements from local councils or facility owners.
"Remember: quality protocols = reduced likelihood of the virus spreading and increases the chances of (DHHS) confirming that all teammates simply need to monitor symptoms (compared to getting tested and isolating until returning a negative test)," CV's guide read.
CV has split its preventative guide into two sections, "good practice" and "best practice".
GOOD PRACTICE
- Spend less than 15 minutes together indoors and stay outdoors 48 hours before matches
- Strong encouragement for full vaccination
- No indoor gatherings in the period 48 hours prior to matches. This reduces the chances of players awaiting test results on match day
- Physical contact minimised (elbow/fist bumps post-game only)
- Match ball sanitised at breaks. No saliva to be used. Sweat allowed (other than from neck/head area)
- Spectators can attend but must maintain distance from players
BEST PRACTICE
- Stay outdoors and stay 1.5m away from others at all times (before, during and after cricket)
- All players, volunteers and umpires are to be fully vaccinated
- Require players to have Rapid Antigen test kit available should a match day test be required
- Indoor access closed for training nights.
- No physical contact at all (no high fives, handshakes or team huddles)
- Match ball sanitised at breaks and no sweat/saliva used at any stage
- Spectators not to attend training and keep distance at matches
The BCA board has stated it will move forward on the following premise: "when we can and where we can, we will continue to play and that impacted clubs must endeavour to field as many teams as possible based on the number of eligible players available".
Player availability is expected to worsen this coming weekend with thirds, fourths and fifths all returning from the holiday break.
The BCA board, has ruled that from January 15 if clubs are unable to field teams due to player unavailability, the lowest grade will be forfeited. No fine will apply.