ORCC Nets’ Policy 2024

You may only use the outdoor nets in accordance with the rules below:

You are a paid up playing member of Old Rutlishians’ Cricket Club (not playing for any other club or a member of any other club), visiting playing teams, or persons who have permission from the Committee. Parents of junior members may use the net when supervising their children.

You follow the net safety rules (details below).

You use the correct kit in the nets and abide by the equipment rules (details below).

Use of the nets is subject to availability with arranged club sessions taking priority.

Nets are only to be used between 9am and 7pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sundays to respect our local neighbours. Any use outside of these hours will lead to net access being revoked.

The committee reserves the right to withdraw the privilege of using the nets from members who do not follow these rules.

The issue of the code for a combination lock to the nets is deemed to be acceptance of these rules. You must not pass the combination on to any other individual.

Kit & Equipment Rules

No kit bags on the artificial playing surface, or within the hitting direction of practice.
Wear suitable footwear i.e. rubber-soled (non-marking) cricket shoes or trainers. NO Spikes, NO heels, NO smooth soles, NO street shoes.
Batters working with a hard ball must wear adequate protection, helmet, box, pads etc.
All Under 18’s must bat in a helmet.
Only proper leather cricket balls or bowling machine balls to be used in nets. Tennis balls or purpose made “incrediballs” may be used in appropriate circumstances.
No footballs, rugby balls etc to be used in the nets.

Net Safety Rules

No spectators are to be in the nets.
Batters must pad up outside the net area.
Bowlers should 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.
A loud cry of “STOP” should stop activity in all nets immediately to address any safety problem.
Balls should be returned immediately by the batsman and not left to lie loose in the net.
Balls must be retrieved from the side netting by the Safe Method. The Safe Method is:
- Check no one is bowling in the net next to you.
- Once safe remove the ball from the net with your foot.
- When the ball is away from the net, pick the ball up.
- Walk back to the back of the net keeping your eyes on the net at all times.
Bowling must be in accordance with the laws of cricket — from legal distance, legal action, no deliberate excess of short bowling.
Training in the play of short bowling must be coach supervised.
Bowling machines: These should only be used by those qualified and/or authorised to do so during arranged club training sessions.

Use of nets by members outside of normal practice sessions

The club will not accept responsibility for unaccompanied children using the nets facility.
Members under the age of 18 using the net facility are the responsibility of their parents/guardians/carers.
People using the nets without the supervision of a qualified coach do so AT THEIR OWN RISK.
The use of helmets and other protective wear is essential when using a hard ball.
The nets must be left in the condition they were found with stumps left in appropriate position and any rubbish removed.
A maximum of 5 people per net.
Any junior member aged 13 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Use of nets for ARRANGED practice sessions

For the safety of our junior members (under 18 years) the following procedures are in place:
The sessions MUST be conducted under the supervision of an ECB qualified coach.
When batting facing a hard ball the proper protective items, including helmet MUST be worn.
Before practice commences coaches MUST check the cage and netting to ensure a safe environment.
Any equipment including kit bags is to be stored away from the nets.
All players using the net practice must behave in a proper and correct manner
After each practice session the equipment MUST be stored away properly.