COVID-19 FAQs

NEW: What are the tops tips for clubs to consider re: COVID-19?

The key recommendations (based on Department of Health advice) is –
(1) for people who have any symptoms or have been in recent close contact with a COVID-19 case to stay away, get tested & isolate until receiving a negative result;
(2) to stay outdoors wherever possible – no more than 15 minutes indoors with others at training / matches;
(3) maintain 1.5m distance at all times; and
(4) maintain strong COVID-19 hygiene practices.
Please see the attached one-page overview for more information here

What are the current general restrictions in place for sport / exercise? 

This link provides the most up-to-date information from the State Government in respect to current COVID-19 protocols for Sport including general FAQs not covered here – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise  

What are the rules around vaccination status for community sport this summer?

Cricket Victoria strongly recommended that all eligible people get fully vaccinated asap.
N.B.: The below information is based on current information available on the Victorian State Government coronavirus website:

Unless an individual council, school, university or other landowner has rules in place that exceed these requirements, the following rules will apply:

(a) Matches & training sessions?

People directly involved: Players, coaches, umpires, scorers and any other person directly required for running the match / training session e.g. canteen/bar attendants
Full vaccination status is NOT required for the duration of matches & training sessions. These people can access indoor spaces without showing proof of vaccine status

All others people 12 years and over (unless you have a valid exemption) – e.g. spectators, parents/guardians, club committee members not directly required for running the match
Full vaccination status IS only required to enter any indoor spaces such as social rooms – except for toilet or emergency access which shall be open for all

(b) Other cricket related activities – including after-match social functions, club meetings?
Full vaccination status IS required to enter any indoor spaces such as social rooms – except for toilet or emergency access which shall be open for all.

NEW: What are the current quarantine / isolation rules re: COVID-19?

N.B.: The below is a guide only based on currently available information from DHHS. DHHS will confirm exact details re: individual circumstances and can be contacted via 1800 675 398

• Positive case – 10 days home isolation. You must inform ‘household contacts’, ‘close contacts’, your employer, your cricket club and others you deem should know asap.
• Household contacts – 7 days isolation (or 14 if not fully vaccinated). N.B.: This includes people who have been at the house of a positive case for 4+ hours.
• Social contacts – Get tested, isolate and wait for a negative test result. N.B.: This includes those who have been in face to face contact with a positive case such as teammates at training and possibly opposition teams.

NEW: What advice is available to people who test positive or are deemed to be social contacts?  

See this checklist for more information – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist

NEW: Who determines whether a person is a social contact when it comes to cricket?

In some cases it will be the DHHS, however in most cases it will be based on time spent in near contact with the COVID-19 person – therefore based on the advice of the COVID-19 positive person or an authorised club representative.  The relevant time period is 48 hours prior to someone feeling symptoms or 48 hours before they tested positive (e.g. if a person tests positive on Wednesday night and you spent time with them on Monday or Tuesday night, you should get tested, isolate and wait for a negative result).

A ‘social contact’ can disagree with the need to isolate based on not spending time with / near the positive case and chose to not isolate, however if they then spend time with their teammates at training / matches they could unnecessarily risk them or others catching / spreading COVID. It is better to be safe than sorry.

NEW: If an opposition player tests positive to COVID, would our players need to test & isolate until receiving a negative result?

Any advice from DHHS would take precedence over the details below, however the following guidance should be used for consideration by Associations and Clubs in setting their own requirements:

(a) If the match finished more than 48 hours before the player received a positive test or developed symptoms:

Recommended – but not mandatory. At least monitor closely for symptoms

(b) If the match started within 48 hours from when the player received a positive test or developed symptoms:

Strongly recommended – for those who DID NOT spend 15 minutes+ in the same indoor space as the player AND

• Required – for those who DID spend 15 minutes+ in the same indoor space as the player (e.g. afternoon tea / after-match socialising) or spent considerable time outdoors near the COVID-19 positive player.
• If in any doubt – get tested. COVID test results are generally known within 24 hours and a negative result will help ensure that you help protect yourself and your family, friends, work colleagues etc.

What penalties are there for clubs that do not abide by Covid-19 guidelines?

Penalties range from around $1,000 & up to $110,000 depending on the offence.

(a) Low levels breaches include failure to display signs such as mandating mask-wearing, density quotients and cleaning records as well as exceeding density quotients by up to 50%.

(b) Medium level breaches include individuals failing to wear masks indoors and failure to display QR code signage.

(c) High level breaches include failure to have an approved QR code system and failure to have a COVIDSafe Plan in place.

(d) Serve breaches include not adhering to vaccination requirements and exciting density quotients by more than 250%

(e) Extreme level breaches may include significant or blatant disregard for Chief Health Officer Directions and COVIDSafe practices.

More information can be found here

What do we do if someone who is a confirmed COVID-19 case has been at our club? 

After hearing details, the following (as a minimum) should be actioned by the lead COVID-19 Officer (or authorised club representative): 

• Check with the Department of Health on 1800 675 398 and Worksafe Victoria 132360 for any advice re: necessary actions and whether any facilities will need to be closed (& for how long) – and follow the instructions immediately. 
• Review the checklist on the Coronavirus website for information – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist
• Inform people who would have been in contact with the confirmed case in the preceding 2-3 days before the person tested positive – especially teammates, club officials and potentially an opposition club
• Inform the Association, local council and the local Cricket Victoria Cricket Manager to seek advice

• N.B.: The club may be instructed to conduct a “deep clean” of the facility by the Department of Health, Worksafe Victoria or the local council. These organisations should able to assist with providing contact details of companies who can assist with this. 
• The club should keep in regular phone contact with any people who are isolating to check on their health and isolation compliance. 
• If closed for cleaning, the club should keep all key stakeholders updated in relation to when the facility is safe to return to (based on Department of Health advice) and when training / matches can re-commence. Only return after approval from the Department of Health and your local council. 
• The Association will consider a range of options for current and future matches where one of more players need to isolate and/or the club facility is not available for use.  

What financial support is available if a Cricket facility needs to complete a deep clean?

The COVIDSafe Deep Cleaning rebate is available for clubs where a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case has been on the premises when they may have been infectious. The rebate will cover up to 80 per cent of the cleaning costs at each site, capped at a grant of $10,000 (for a total cleaning cost of $12,500). More information can be found here

Do we need a COVID-Safe Officer? 

Yes. Each Club must nominate at least one COVID Safety Officer who can be the lead for ensuring that the club is seeking to provide a COVID-19 safe environment (e.g. visible signage in place, compliance with QR code check-ins are happening, compliance with training & match day requirements, ensuring the club is promoting its policies widely etc.). Clubs are encouraged to have multiple people take ownership of this role and share the responsibility (e.g. at least one per team). 

Do we need to appoint a COVID Marshall &/or a COVID Check-in Marshall?

 “Covid Marshall” – No. These is only required for certain designated industries such as abattoirs, hospitals, construction sites etc. At a cricket club, the COVID Safe Officer (see above) is the key person responsible for the key tasks for a cricket club.

“Covid CHECK-IN Marshall” – Yes. It is simply the person/people who will ensure that people check-in via the QR codes at training, match day & events. Clubs will ensure that this is allocated to anyone appropriate and likely to arrive early – e.g. Coach, Captain, Scorer, Team Manager, or Canteen rep etc. Clubs will need to ensure that all teams have someone who will ensure that people are checking-in each time.
Tip: Players and regular club attendees should save the home ground(s) as a favourite in their Services Vic app to make it even quicker to check-in at training / matches. 

Does the club need to ‘store’ any personal details about people checking in?

No. Clubs don’t have to store any data about people checking-in. The State Government has access to the information directly via the Service Vic check-in system and will make contact will people who might be impacted about a positive case and will contact the club to outline requirements.

Where can our Club / Association find an editable COVID-19 safe plan for endorsement, promotion and for showing our local council 

Along with a range of other resources, the latest Cricket Victoria editable plan can be found on the CV website via this link – https://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/clubs-support/covid-19/   

Clubs / Associations should read the information carefully, commit as an organisation to adhering to the requirements, edit & endorse the plan and promote it widely (including website, social media, email) to current players, members and also external stakeholders such as your local council / sponsors etc. This will help to promote the pro-active steps that your organisation is taking to be COVID-19 safe. 

Can we still use the Microsoft QR code system from last season? 

No. Several months ago, the Victorian State Government announced that all organisations needed to use the standard QR code system through Services Victoria.  

The State Government Coronavirus website linked below has a simple step by step guide where the club registers for a new QR code and after completing details about the organisation / locations, you can print out a poster containing the new QR code. Once complete, you don’t need to worry about storing / deleting any data captured as it goes directly to the Department for Health. 

Please visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/register-to-use-vic-gov-qr-code-service  to register, complete the application process and print out your new posters containing your QR codes. These posters should be on display at your next cricket event / meeting and for all activities moving forward. 

How does the cross-border restrictions apply with NSW / SA for border towns?

This information is updated regularly by the State Government – with up to date information contained here – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/information-cross-border-communities

Players and officials shall continue to take direction from their local Association which will take in account current requirements in Victoria as well as NSW or SA as the case may be.

What is used to sanitise the ball, hands or equipment? 

The ball shall be cleaned with “minimum 70%-alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) based antibacterial wipe or spray” at least once every 20 overs. 

What type of cleaning needs to take place in change rooms and facilities before and after use? 

Cleaning procedures may differ depending on the local government authority (e.g. Council), school or other management body that run the facilities and cleaning procedures. Clubs will still have a major responsibility in making sure facilities are clean and safe. On match day, cleaning can include: 

– Taking all reasonable steps to ensure that frequently touched surfaces accessible to members of the public, including tables, bars, toilets and handrails, are cleaned regularly (including when visibly soiled) and post events or between groups by wiping the surface with a disinfectant that has anti-viral properties.
– Cleaning principles can be found via the WorkSafe Australia website which should help as a reference point to what cleaning guidelines are recommended: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/managing-coronavirus-covid-19-risks-sport-and-recreation-industries  

Will elite cricket arrangement be different to community cricket? 

Yes. Elite Cricketers are required to be fully vaccinated to ensure that they reduce their risks associated with COVID-19 and also to ensure that they meet any State / Territory or overseas requirements. They are also subject to increased COVID-19 testing, have increased educational opportunities about COVID protocols and often are subject to strict quarantine / bio-security (or ‘bubble living’) arrangements as required. As such they will be often be able to train when community cricketers are in ‘lockdown’ and the match day experience may be different – such as umpires holding caps, high fives / team huddles, frequency of sanitising the ball etc.  

Does our insurance under the National Risk Protection Program through Marsh still apply? 

Yes. Participants will be covered under the Personal Accident policy and Clubs & Associations under the Public Liability and Club Management Liability policies that make up the National Club Risk Protection Program noting that there is no “infectious Diseases” (including COVID-19) exclusion on the policies. Cover under these policies remains under their current terms, conditions and exclusions. For more details CLICK HERE. 

Where can we find more information about COVID-19? 

There are a number of great resources for Clubs and Associations. Below is a list of resources & websites which may assist the Association and Affiliated clubs to obtain more information and guidance to deliver quality practices: 

Cricket Victoria

 https://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/clubs-support/covid-19/  

• Editable COVID-19 plan, COVID-19 resources, posters, useful links, Grant information etc. 

 Cricket Australia  

https://www.community.cricket.com.au/CLUBS/COVID-19/  

• COVID-19 resources, posters, useful links 

 COVID-19 equipment, signage, posters etc. 

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/signs-posters-and-templates  

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/signage-and-posters-covid-19  

 Optional online e-training module for COVID-19 Safety Officers 

– HTTPS://WWW.COVID-19TRAINING.GOV.AU/LOGIN 

Safe Work Australia 

– HTTPS://WWW.SAFEWORKAUSTRALIA.GOV.AU/COLLECTION/COVID-19-RESOURCE-KIT 

–https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/signage-and-posters-covid-19  

PLUS 

Reach out to your local council / facility manager to discuss facility access, cleaning, signage etc. 

Do people need to be fully vaccinated to attend training sessions?

See the relevant FAQ under the GENERAL heading for more information.

Will change rooms / social rooms be accessible during training days? 

Yes – subject to any restrictions imposed by the council, school or university. Until overall COVID-19 case numbers reduce to low levels, facility access should be minimised (except for toilet / emergency access) – no more than 15 minutes indoors is recommended. Players should ideally arrive ready for training.

NEW: Can the club host after-training dinners / social events?

Ideally these are held post match or several days before the next match – especially if indoor areas will be used.

For example, if the club hosts an indoor Thursday night dinner before expecting to play on Saturday and a player then tests positive on Friday, all people who were indoors at the dinner would be deemed a “social contact” and need to get tested & isolate until getting a negative result. This would likely result in all teams not being able to play on the weekend as the test results would not be back in time. If however on Thursday all teams trained separately and did not gather indoors afterwards, only that training group for the COVID-19 positive player would likely need to test & isolate.

An after-match or Monday/Tuesday club function would allow the impacted players to receive negative tests before the next match

How many people can attend training sessions?

To help reduce the chances of spreading the COVID-19 virus, it is strongly recommended that only those who need to attend– e.g. Players and coaches. All participants are to always maintain a 1.5m distance from others within their group & from other groups. Parents / Guardians of children (&/or vulnerable adults) may attend if required, however must also check-in, maintain their distance etc.

Where possible / practical, Cricket Victoria continue to recommend that clubs consider small training groups of 6-8 (or team size) if possible and to not mix before, during or after training. This will reduce the impact if someone is infectious whilst at training – i.e. only those in the small group may need to test & isolate if they are close to a COVID-19 positive case at training and not the entire training group.

It is important to remember all key COVID-19 protocols (COVID-19 Safety Plan adhered to, everyone checks-in, adequate signage & sanitiser available). If you are training in small groups, keep a record of the small training groups to help determine who is a ‘social contact’.

Will people need to check in for training?

Yes. Clubs are required by the Victorian State Government to utilise the Services Victoria QR code check-in system for everyone who is involved in training sessions. For any club who hasn’t do so already, please visit HTTPS://WWW.CORONAVIRUS.VIC.GOV.AU/REGISTER-TO-USE-VIC-GOV-QR-CODE-SERVICE  to register, complete the application process and print out your posters containing your QR codes. These posters should be on display at training and all participants should scan upon arrival. Clubs who created QR code registration from last season (e.g. Microsoft Office) should be removed to avoid confusion.

If a player or official has symptoms they should immediately leave training and only return after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result.

Tip: People checking in should save the home venue as a favourite via the Services Vic App on their smartphone to save time each time they check-in.

Can a parent / guardian “check-in” for their son/daughter? 

Yes. Ideally it is the player themselves – but if this is not possible, a parent can do this for a player with that players permission and providing the information about the player. The Victorian QR code service allows for additional registrations once the QR code has been scanned which parents/guardians or coaches may choose to do on behalf of others.  

Will participants need to wear masks at training? 

No. Masks can still be worn indoors if maintaining a 1.5m distance is difficult. 

Can indoor training sessions take place? 

Yes

Can sweat & saliva be used to shine the ball this season?

Saliva – No

Sweat – Yes, so long as it NOT taken from the neck / head area. Updated advice from Cricket Australia for this season is that sweat from the neck / head area is not allowed as it may contain aerosols from the mouth/nose area. Otherwise sweat is relatively safe to use.

Do people need to be fully vaccinated to attend cricket matches this season?

See the relevant FAQ under the GENERAL heading for more information.

NEW: Can a player who receives a negative COVID-19 result on match day (even after the match has started) play in the match?

Subject to any applicable Association rules, they are free to join the match asap after receiving the negative result. Obviously the player should still be isolating at home until they receive their negative result – not waiting at the ground ready to play & the result may have been positive.

NEW: What happens to matches in the situation where a player in isolation receives a positive test result whilst the match is about to start (or already underway) and the COVID positive player has been in ‘close contact’ with players in the match in the preceding 2-3 days?

Whilst the player in question will need to prove the positive result, the Association will decide what occurs. The following is guidance should it be required by Associations to make their decisions:

1. If the match has yet to commence – the match is cancelled and a decision reached asap by the Association whether the match is deemed a draw or postponed. OR
2. If the match has already started – the match continues with increased COVID-19 protocols immediately put in place before the match resumes (e.g. mask use when off-field, only one person at a time to spend time in the change rooms, no team huddles / fist bumps, heightened need to maintain 1.5m distance, nobody other than players touch the ball, anyone feeling unwell must leave immediately the match to get tested, no congregation after matches etc.)

Who needs to ‘check-in’ via the QR code? 

All players, officials, volunteers (and spectators / parents who spend any time near the scorer’s table, canteen or other people) should ‘check in’ via the QR code on arrival. The 5-10 second process will enable all attendees to be contacted directly by the Department of Health should a COVID-19 positive case be detected from the training session / match.

N.B.: If spectators sit and watch from a distance away from players / officials and the main pavilion area, the club does not need to chase these people up to ‘check-in’.

Tip: People checking in should save the home venue as a favourite via the Services Vic App on their smartphone to save time each time they check-in.

How will clubs monitor vaccination status for matches?

All attendees will need to check-in via the Services Vic QR code. Clubs need to ensure they monitor the QR code check-in.

• People directly involved in the match simply need to check-in via the QR code system in place – vaccination status does not apply
• All other people 12 years and over (i.e. spectators / parents) need to check-in AND show proof of their vaccination status when accessing indoor spaces. This can be showed to a person at the canteen/bar or other designated person

N.B.: A player, coach etc. will need to be fully vaccinated to attend any after-match / after-training social event (see separate FAQ on this).

Tip: People checking in should save the home venue as a favourite via the Services Vic App on their smartphone to save time each time they check-in.

How do we manage the situation around ‘un-vaccinated’ players being in rooms after matches and before social functions start?

People directly involved in the match (e.g. players, umpires) who are not fully vaccinated should be allowed adequate time before matches (e.g. up to 1 hour) and after-matches (say 30 minutes) in any indoor spaces such as change rooms. After this time, the venue is to be treated as a indoor space for socialising – not playing community sport – and therefore align to the wider rules around hospitality / cafes – e.g. full vaccination status is required to enter indoor spaces.

Are spectators allowed to attend cricket matches & do they have to be vaccinated?

Yes. Spectators do not need to be vaccinated to attend matches, however will require proof of vaccination status when entering any indoor spaces (such as social rooms).

What should the club do if someone refuses to check-in &/or refuses to show proof of their vaccination status when entering indoor areas?

If someone is aggressive or intimidating, clubs should seek to avoid unnecessary confrontation where possible. Some Do’s & Don’ts as suggested by the Government include:

Do’s

• Stay calm and listen to their concerns
• Have someone designated as the person best equipped to deal with complaints
• Remind the person that the club is simply following the State Government directions and they need to check-in and where required show proof of vaccination status
• Ask for help – including other volunteers, contact the council (or even the Police if the situation escalates)

Don’t

Argue, raise your voice or put your safety at risk

How can a spectator / parent show proof of full vaccination status when entering an indoor space?

There are many ways for a spectator / parent to show their vaccination status, but the easiest way is by getting their COVID-19 Digital Certificate and linked it to their Service Victoria app. When they check-in using the QR code, this will automatically verify their vaccination status if they have linked their COVID-19 Digital Certificate.

Visit how to get your COVID-19 Digital Certificate and link it to the Service Victoria App. A parent / spectator can also provide evidence of being fully vaccinated via:

• A COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Medicare App or equivalent smartphone wallet
• A printed version of your COVID-19 Digital Certificate or immunisation history statement provided by your vaccination provider, medical practitioner or the Australian Immunisation Register.

What proof is required for a medical exemption from a spectator / parent to enter an indoor space?

Written evidence provided by any of the following is required:

• general practice registrars on an approved 3GA training placement
• public health physicians
• infectious disease physicians
• clinical immunologists
• paediatrician
• GPs who are vocationally registered
• GP who is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• GP who is a fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
• medical practitioner who is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians

What happens to match results if one or more players need to isolate / quarantine as a result of COVID-19? 

This is for each Association to confirm their ruling, however Cricket Victoria recommend the following. Where one or more player(s) from a club has been directed to isolate / quarantine by the Department of Health, the relevant club shall immediately notify the Association of this ruling. The club and Association shall abide by any directions from the Department of Health in respect to access to facilities and potential suspension of any further cricket matches. In addition, the Association shall decide on one of the following actions: 

1) If permitted by the Department of Health, matches can proceed involving the affected club/team and relevant opposition teams (excluding any players required to isolate / quarantine); or
2) Any matches affected by the isolation / quarantine ruling by the Department of Health, shall be postponed to a date / time post the isolation / quarantine period; or
3) Any matches affected by the isolation / ruling by Department of Health, shall be deemed a DRAW and the points evenly split by the affected teams. 

Are change rooms & social areas accessible on match days? 

YES – Change room usage access should be minimised (ideally less than 15 minutes) – to help reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus from one person to another. This may also help to avoid being deemed a ‘social contact’ and needing to isolate

Remember that people not actively participating in the match (e.g. parents / spectators) will need to be fully vaccinated to enter indoor spaces (except for toilet or emergency access).

Are clubs able to operate a canteen or bar on match day? 

Yes. So long as clubs are complying with their liquor licence arrangements and ensure that people not actively participating in the match (e.g. parents / spectators) need to be fully vaccinated to access indoor spaces. People who aren’t fully vaccinated can purchase food / drinks from any areas where they do not have to go indoors.

If required, detailed guidelines of the requirements for cafes, restaurants and food and drink facilities are available on the Business Victoria website: HTTPS://BUSINESS.VIC.GOV.AU/BUSINESS-INFORMATION/COVID-19-BUSINESS-INFORMATION

Are we able to play matches on school ovals & promote the local club to the school?

The Department for Education & Training has given support to activities to proceed at school facilities in line with the current “Open Premises Directions” (which allows Cricket to proceed in a COVID-19 safe manner). Ultimately this will be a school or university specific decision, but Cricket Victoria is of the expectation that most schools will be available for full use during the season – so long as it complies with directions in place at the time and the club maintains strong COVID-19 practices at all times. This will include training & match day access to ovals, nets, toilets & change rooms as well as in-school promotional opportunities.

Clubs are reminded to check specifics with their local school / university for local arrangements.

Can sweat & saliva be used to shine the ball this season?

Saliva – No

Sweat – Yes, so long as it NOT taken from the neck / head area. Updated advice from Cricket Australia for this season is that sweat from the neck / head area is not allowed as it may contain aerosols from the mouth/nose area. Otherwise sweat is relatively safe to use.

Can we have communal afternoon teas/drinks that are shared by players/officials? 

Teams having afternoon tea together is ok. Strong suggestions are:

• Avoid share plates where people put their hands on the same plates of food & cordial jugs where several people push the same button on the container. Therefore bring or buy your own food or consume things that aren’t share plates (such as a plate of 1/4 sandwiches) & BYO water bottle; &
• Minimise time spent inside changerooms / social rooms to no more than 15 minutes

These are strong recommendations as opposed to a State Government or Cricket Victoria rule as it helps to minimise the chances of the virus spreading in a similar way to sanitising the ball at breaks in play, umpire not holding caps etc.

Does the scorebook or iPad need to be sanitised? 

Yes. Any equipment used (iPad, scorebook, pens) shall be cleaned with an alcohol-based antibacterial wipe (with minimum 70% alcohol) before use and each time a new scorer is required. 

Are clubs able to have 12th or 13th man in case of a player needing to pull out of a match because of COVID? 

We encourage this from a COVID-19 perspective, but this will be based on the playing conditions adopted by each individual association. 

 Can players travel to matches together? 

Yes. To help reduce the likelihood of transition, where possible: 

• Increase ventilation in the vehicle by opening windows wherever possible. Avoid having air-conditioning on recirculate 
• High touch surfaces in the vehicle should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. 

Are Hotel Quarantine workers allowed to play cricket? 

Yes. At this stage, the Department of Health is not preventing hotel workers from engaging in the community as they normally would – including playing community sport. There are strict protocols at their worksite in place and regular testing / checks etc. If clubs do have Hotel Quarantine workers involved at their club, Cricket Victoria strongly recommend the following: 

• The club maintains a high vigilance with its COVID-19 protocols – including QR code use by all, masks use where required, sanitiser available and encouraged, COVID-19 posters on display etc 
• The club encourages the player to adhere to guidance & requirements set out by their employer at all times and 
• The player(s) ideally minimise their time at the club whilst working in Hotel Quarantine facilities to minimise the chance of spreading the virus before they become symptomatic. This may include the player(s) not training or attending functions – only playing matches. Whilst training and attending functions is not banned, it presents an additional risk to the balance of club members, their families and the wider community. 

Will anyone need to wear masks at matches? 

Unless they have an exemption, those 12 years of age and older will only need to wear a mask when indoors.  

Can the umpire hold the hats, glasses and clothing of bowlers when they are bowling? 

No. Umpires are advised not to touch items of clothing to reduce the contact of equipment and exposed risk. This includes the items and clothing of bowlers. 

Items are to be placed by the bowler themselves at the nearest of the following three locations:
– Over the boundary at any point; or
– At a point at least 3m behind the keeper in line with the stumps; or
– At a point at least 3m behind the umpire at the bowlers end in line with the stumps (e.g. at the top of run-up). (This is our recommendation as it will reduce lost time during a match) 

N.B.: When an item is left on the field behind the stumps, they should be placed so they are no wider than the width of the stumps and if struck the ball is declared a ‘dead ball’ and re-bowled (except for helmets and fielding equipment). 

Can clubs still pay umpires with cash? 

This is up to each individual association, but CV recommend umpires are paid directly by the association and clubs are invoiced for the umpire payment. 

Do teams get penalised for breaching a COVID rule? 

Possibly. This will be at the discretion of the umpire on duty (if this occurs on a match day) as to whether the breach was intentional or unintentional (e.g. application of sweat or saliva on the ball). 

To view the ‘workflow’ for an on-field breach please click here. 

Clubs who breach the off-field requirements can be punished by their association or Department of Health if the breach is of a significant level. 

Will Wicket Keepers be able to keep up to the stumps? 

Yes. Wicket Keepers can keep up to the stumps but should still sanitise, remain 1.5 metres apart when possible and maintain good hygiene. 

Will fielding positions be changed to allow for social distancing? 

No. Traditional fielding positions may remain however, players should try to remain 1.5 metres apart where possible and avoid contact with each other. This includes unnecessary touching of the ball and equipment. 

When will sanitising take place during matches and who will need to partake? 

All attendees shall sanitise their hands upon arrival at the ground. 

All players, umpires and officials (including scorers, coaches etc.) shall also sanitise their hands at least once every 20 overs. 

With sanitising breaks adding extra time, how can we make the day quicker? 

Associations are encouraged to help teams make up time lost through a range of options including:

– Bowling five overs at a time from one end ;
– Have designated spots for sanitiser storage and where bowlers’ items can be placed when bowling which is safe and consistent;
– Be aware of COVID safe rules prior to play and have contingencies in place; and
– Communicate with players and coaches the COVID guidelines before play to save time when stops are needed to sanitise or follow other protocols. 

Are we able to share equipment between players? 

Equipment sharing between players is discouraged to help reduce the spread of COVID-19
Tips to reduce the potential virus spread:
– Wear ‘inners’ inside batting or keeping gloves.
– Wear leg and thigh pads over clothing (not directly on skin).
– Do not share groin protectors.
– The longer the equipment is left to dry in the sun after being cleaned the better (e.g. 30 minutes).
– Avoid shared team kits – consider a season long loan for players in need of club equipment. 

Equipment sharing cleaning requirements:
– After use, remove your gloves, sanitise your hands and wipe or spray the item with a minimum 70%-alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) based antibacterial wipe or spray.
– The person then borrowing the equipment, shall sanitise their hands before use and clean after use.

Will shared equipment such as stumps and cones need to be sanitised when used? 

Yes. As COVID-19 can be spread through touching a surface that the virus lives on, minimising the number of training items to be used will reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading and reduce cleaning time. 

What COVID-19 signage and messaging are available to clubs? 

Signage and messaging will be important in communicating COVID-19 protocols to participants and the public at training and during matches. Local councils may be able to provide appropriate signage relevant to clubs and associations. Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria also has many templates and information which can be found at: 

HTTPS://WWW.CRICKETVICTORIA.COM.AU/CLUBS-SUPPORT 

HTTPS://COMMUNITY.CRICKET.COM.AU/CLUBS/COVID-19/ADDITIONAL-RESOURCES 

HTTPS://WWW.CORONAVIRUS.VIC.GOV.AU/SIGNS-POSTERS-AND-TEMPLATES  

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/signage-and-posters-covid-19