NETS Policy
All members and legal guardians using the nets can only do so on the basis of having accepted the policy.
Kit & Equipment Rules
1. No kit bags inside the nets.
2. Wear suitable footwear i.e. rubber-soled (non-marking) cricket shoes or trainers. NO Spikes, NO heels, NO smooth soles, NO street shoes.
3. Batters working with a hard ball must wear adequate protection (helmet, box, pads, gloves)
4. All Under 18s must bat in a helmet.
5. Only proper leather cricket balls or bowling machine balls to be used in nets. Tennis balls or purpose made “incrediballs” may only be used in appropriate circumstances.
6. No footballs, rugby balls etc to be used in the nets.
7. Please refrain from excessively tapping bats at the crease.
8. No climbing, leaning or bouncing off the nets.
9. No eating or drinking in the nets.
10. No smoking or vaping in the nets.
Net Safety Rules
1. No spectators are to be in the nets.
2. Our nets facility is not a social area – concentration on the ball must be maintained at all times for safety. Persons not actively participating by bowling and batting must not sit or stand around chatting or on phones in the nets. Breaks must be taken outside the nets.
3. Batters must pad up outside the net area.
4. Bowlers must only bowl when the batter is ready and should face the batter at all times. They should not bowl if a loose ball is in the net.
5. Only one ball to be bowled at any time.
6. All activity in the nets must stop immediately on hearing a “STOP” instruction which is used to alert a safety concern.
7. Balls should be returned immediately by the batsman and not left to lie loose in the net.
8. Balls must be retrieved from the side netting by the Safe Method. The Safe Method is:
a. Check no one is bowling in the net next to you.
b. Once safe remove the ball from the net with your foot.
c. When the ball is away from the net pick the ball up.
d. Walk back to the back of the net keeping your eyes on the net at all times.
9. Bowling must be in accordance with the laws of cricket — from legal distance, legal action, no deliberate excess of short bowling.
10. Training in the play of short bowling must be coach supervised.
11. Bowling machines: These must only be used by those qualified and/or authorised to do so during arranged practice session.
12. Nets are to be used in the daylight hours only.
Nets used for ARRANGED practice sessions
For the safety of our youth members (those under the age of 18) the following procedures are in place.
1. The sessions MUST be conducted under the supervision of an ECB qualified coach.
2. When batting facing a hard ball the proper protective items including a helmet MUST be worn.
3. Before practice commences coaches MUST check the cage and netting to ensure a safe environment.
4. Any equipment including kit bags should be stored away from the nets.
5. All players using the net practice must behave in a proper and correct manner.
6. After each practice session the equipment MUST be stored away properly.
Nets used by members outside normal practice sessions
Anyone wishing to use the nets MUST be a current member.
1. Members are not permitted to share the codes. Each family should request these from a member of the committee or the age group manager.
2. The club will not accept responsibility for unaccompanied members under the age of 18 using the nets facility.
3. Members under the age of 18 using the nets facility are the responsibility of their parents/guardians/carers.
4. People using the nets without the supervision of a qualified coach do so AT THEIR OWN RISK.
5. The use of helmets and other protective wear is mandatory when using a hard ball.
6. The nets must be left in the condition they were found with stumps left in appropriate position and any rubbish removed.
7. If you are the last person in the nets you must ensure the nets are securely locked as well as the main gate.
Any user in breach of this policy risks suspension from further use and possible disciplinary action eg membership withdrawn
