This week, the ECB have updated their 'Spectators Code of Conduct' with some new rules which will come into force for the 2023 season which we will need to abide by. The new rules affect spectators, and in particular where ‘crowds’ are in excess of 50 for cricket matches.

The new rules read…
Rule 53: For matches across all formats of cricket (both the professional and recreational game) where the number of spectators (paying or free entry) exceeds 50 people, the following conditions must be enforced

• 53.1: All spectators must remain seated unless acquiring refreshments from a licensed outlet or visiting toilet facilities.
• 53.1.1: All licensed outlets/toilet facilities must be suitably located a safe distance from the field of play
• 53.2: Designated seating areas must be defined for both ‘home’ and ‘away’ fans with clear segregation marked
• 53.3: No spectator is permitted to walk around the boundary unless there is a clear distance defined of (at least) 3 metres from the boundary edge

The new rules have been brought in to ensure the health & safety of players and spectators at all times on the back of recent incidents of both spectators being hit by cricket balls, and an increase in hostility between opposing fans.

Clearly, as a club with a healthy support base which exceeds these numbers every week, this will have an impact on us and measures will have to be put in place.

We will trial the new rules for the pre-season game against Port Sunlight on Saturday 15th April and make necessary adjustments to the procedures we believe will work for the start of the league season.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

The Governing Committee
1st April 2023