Return to Play – COVID conditions

Dear Victorian Cricket Community,

As Victorian cricket continues its staged resumption in line with the State Roadmap, we felt it was timely to provide some additional guidance for clubs and associations working through the many questions that COVID-normal may generate.

As per State Health Orders, the following conditions apply:

• Vaccination for outdoor community sport is not mandatory however Cricket Victoria strongly recommends all eligible people are vaccinated in the interests of broader community health.
• Service Victoria QR code must be displayed and used for check in for all players, coaches, volunteers checking in for training or matches

Conditions from local authorities/venue operators:

• Some Councils/Shires may elect to take further steps regarding mandatory vaccination in their facilities. It is important to contact these authorities, where applicable, to understand the circumstances for your club or association
• Some cricket grounds will be located within larger properties (such as schools or universities) that may require mandatory vaccination for every participant to enter the site.
• In the event mandatory vaccination is required as a condition of entry, both home and away teams have a responsibility to select a team of eligible players who can meet the vaccination requirements of the facility or local authority.

Training and match environments:

• Masks are not mandatory in outdoor settings where social-distancing can be maintained. Masks remain mandatory in all indoor settings.
• Saliva cannot be used on the cricket ball at any time. Participants may use sweat to maintain the cricket ball but it may only be taken from areas other than the head and neck.
• Players are reminded to avoid unnecessary physical contact
• This is general guidance only, valid at the date of issue. Continue to keep updated via cricketvictoria.com.au/clubs-support/covid-19

Statement from Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins:

“It has been really pleasing to see Victorians get vaccinated in the numbers we have. From a cricket perspective, vaccination is our ticket to a safe and enjoyable summer with limited disruption. Getting vaccinated is not just your means to support a healthy and safe community – it’s also your access to club events and the many social settings you enjoy throughout our cricket season.

“More broadly than that, it’ll be fundamental to your ability to attend Stars and Renegades games, the Boxing Day Test, Women’s Ashes and so much more.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic season and I know how keen everyone is to get underway. By following the simple measures in place, we’ve got a fantastic summer ahead of us.”