Purpose

Blythe Cricket Club prioritises the safety and welfare of all players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators. Weather conditions can present significant risks. This procedure ensures that matches, training, and events are managed safely during extreme heat, thunderstorms, and adverse weather.

 

Responsibilities

• Captains & Coaches: Primary responsibility for player safety during pre-match/training.

• Umpires: Have authority to suspend or abandon matches due to unsafe conditions, it is umpires responsibility for player safety during the match.

• Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO): Ensures safeguarding implications (children & vulnerable adults) are addressed.

• Grounds Person: Monitors pitch and ground conditions.

 

Extreme Heat Guidance

Based on ECB and Sport England welfare advice:

• Hydration: Mandatory drinks breaks every 10–16 overs in hot weather (>28°C).

• Shade: Players must have access to shaded rest areas during breaks.

• Clothing: Light-coloured kit, caps/visors, and sunglasses recommended.

• Sunscreen: Factor 30+ strongly advised; juniors should apply before sessions (coaches/team manager/volunteers should not apply directly unless parent/guardian consent is given).

• Heat Illness Signs: Coaches/team managers/captains must monitor for dizziness, confusion, headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Any suspected heat exhaustion = immediate removal, first aid, and possible 999 call.

• Junior Safeguards: Under-18s must not be exposed to prolonged direct sunlight without regular breaks and hydration.

 

Lightning/Thunderstorms

Aligned with ECB / Met Office “30–30 Rule”:

• Immediate Suspension: If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of lightning, all play/training stops.

• Shelter:

  • All players/spectators must leave the field immediately.

  • Safe shelter = clubhouse, changing rooms, or fully enclosed cars with windows closed.

  • Unsafe = open pavilions, under trees, metal fencing, sight screens.

• Resumption: No play resumes until 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder or lightning strike.

• Metal Objects: Helmets, bats, stumps, covers and other equipment must not be handled during a lightning storm.

 

Rain, Wet Pitches & Ground Conditions

• Surface Water: No play if standing water is present or if conditions risk injury (slips, trips, heavy mud).

• Artificial Nets: Must not be used when wet (increased slip risk).

• Covers: Home team responsible for deployment during and after game .

• Junior Safeguards: Extra care must be taken with U18s regarding exposure to cold, wet, or slippery conditions.

 

Cold Weather

• Matches/training should not take place in temperatures below 5°C with windchill for juniors.

• Coaches must ensure juniors wear adequate layers.

• Warm-up breaks to be increased if conditions are cold/damp.

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Decision-Making Hierarchy

• During Matches: Umpires have ultimate authority. Captains, coaches, team managers and the CSO may request consultation if they believe welfare is at risk.

• Training: Lead coach (in consultation with CSO if juniors are involved) has authority to suspend or cancel.

• Festivals/Events: Event lead, in consultation with CSO, will decide.

 

Communication

• Captains/team manager/coaches must brief players on weather-related risks at the start of training or matches in extreme conditions.

• Parents/guardians must be informed promptly if sessions are suspended or cancelled due to unsafe weather.

• WhatsApp/social media groups may be used for urgent updates.

 

First Aid & Emergency Response

• First Aid kits and the defibrillator location must be known by all coaches, team managers, and captains.

• In case of heat stroke, hypothermia, or lightning strike, 999 must be called immediately.

• Incidents must be recorded in the Club Accident Book and reported to the CSO.

 

Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee, Updated in line with ECB, Met Office, and Sport England guidance. This procedure is publicly available on the Club’s website and noticeboard.