The Munster Cricket Board met once again using video conferencing on Monday 18th May with all the directors participating on the call.
The main item under discussion was in relation to Return to Training and Return to Play protocols that are being developed by Cricket Ireland and each of the Unions including ourselves. At this point, the Munster Cricket Board wishes to reconfirm the position that to comply with Government Directives and Cricket Ireland Guidelines, no practice nor training activity is to take place in club grounds or premises before the 8th June.
It is expected that the finalised Return to Training Protocols for clubs, coaches and players will be issued in the very near future to allow the required planning work and risk assessments to be completed in advance of the anticipated 8th June start for Return to Train for small groups, with strictly limited numbers, for non-contact type team sports training where social distancing can be maintained.
The playing of matches will still not be allowed in Phase 2. The requirements for all clubs will likely be quite strict and very demanding but are essential to enable training to proceed in a safe manner.
It is also expected that the Return to Play Protocols will be published in good time to allow cricket matches commence in July under Stage 3, provided if the overall situation with Covid-19 enables progression to stage 3 of the Government roadmap. Once these protocols are received, our General Manager, Joe Moynihan and the Operations committee will devise a season structure that will be achievable in the context of the time available and the requirements of the Return to Play Protocols.
The meeting also considered a detailed budget for Munster Cricket for 2020. This will receive further consideration in coming meetings as the impact of Covid-19 on certain elements of income and expenditure becomes clearer. These include matters such as the shape of the 2020 season, the possibility of undertaking Development work in schools this Autumn and the feasibility of running winter training programmes.
The group established to work on the Strategic Plan for 2021- 23 reported on the work they are undertaking to structure their information gathering plans. It is hoped to contact key stakeholders such as clubs, coaches, and players for input into the development of the plan in the coming weeks.
The Board set a provisional date of June 2 for its next meeting, but this may be brought forward, if, to deal with any evolving requirements relating to the plans for returning to training and play.”
