Dear Club Secretary,

Please find a note from Gus Mackay regarding the completion of an important survey. Please do take the time to complete on behalf of your club. The more information that we have the stronger our lobbying power will be.

Introduction from Gus Mackay, CEO, Cricket Scotland

The purpose of this survey to all clubs in Scotland is to establish the financial impact COVID-19 will have on Cricket Clubs across Scotland. It is important that as the National Governing Body we understand the financial impact for us to consider and ensure the survival of our Clubs and the game.

Our financial resources are limited compared to other sports and are unable to fund financial shortfalls to Clubs as a result of the COVID-19. However, by gathering the information it will give us information to be able to lobby organisations to try and mitigate the financial risks to clubs and potentially provide some form of financial support during this difficult time.

We are therefore grateful for you taking the time to complete this short survey by 31st March 2020. To complete the survey please click the following link:

Club survey

Cricket Scotland has today confirmed that as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and Government recommendations on social distancing, it recommends that all cricket activity in Scotland is further suspended until the 1st of June 2020.

Chief Executive, Gus Mackay confirmed that this decision has been taken in consultation with all the leagues across Scotland and will continue to be reviewed.

This recommendation for suspension applies to all cricket activity including pre-season training, friendlies and any cricket programmes from recreational through to professional teams across Scotland.

These are worrying and uncertain times for all our clubs. At present, it remains premature to speculate as to when or if we will get cricket this season, as things are changing so rapidly.

In the meantime, the WDCU Executive Committee have been discussing how the Union might offer some practical assistance to member clubs.  We have a strong balance sheet, and in the past we have been questioned whether this should not be used. This is exactly the situation where we can use it in a measured way for the benefit of our member clubs. We have therefore agreed the following measures:

• Refund all 2020 subscriptions already paid. Clubs who have not already paid these will not require to do so.
• Refund any ball order payments already made, and we can start again if the season does get underway. Free balls to apply still, as and when cricket is played again.
• Provide an additional cash payment – a dividend/hardship payment, to all clubs on the same basis as the subs but based at £200 for a Class 1 club, scaling down for Class 2 and Class 3 in line with subscription payment levels. This is intended as a contribution towards necessary cricket costs such as ground maintenance, etc. We appreciate that it is a relatively blunt rather than targeted strategy, but the cost and logistical challenges are more significant to implement quickly.
• Allow clubs with existing WDCU loans to defer loan repayments for an agreed period on application. Please advise, via the Administrator, if you wish to take this up.
• Consideration to be given to loans to club for a wider remit than normal such as essential ground running costs.  Usual terms to apply.  Again, please make initial contact via the Administrator.

The implementation of refunds and the cash payment to clubs will be made by Keith Young, the WDCU Treasurer as soon as possible.

We are also in regular dialogue with Cricket Scotland regarding the overall situation, including the financial situation facing clubs.

Finally, we hope that all your members and supporters come through these difficult times safely.

WDCU Executive Committee.

Please see a note below from the WDCU Executive Committee regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus).

“In light of the rapidly developing situation in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus), we have decided to contact all clubs regarding this.  You may have seen that Cricket Scotland have issued a statement on the matter, which is broadly consistent with what we note below. Although the situation is changing by the day, there are a number of issues which have become clearer from yesterdays advice from both UK and Scottish Governments.

“These include the need to stop or very significantly reduce all non-essential social contact and travel, and practice social distancing or isolation where appropriate.

“In light of this, the WDCU have decided to cancel the pre-season EGM scheduled for Thursday the 16th of April.

“It remains too early to make definitive decisions or pronouncements regarding the playing calendar, but it would be prudent to expect that material and lengthy disruption of this is likely.  The WDCU committees will be giving this more detailed consideration in the coming days, and this will include discussions with Cricket Scotland where relevant.

“In the meantime, clubs require to consider very carefully, if they have not already done so, the potential ramifications for any overseas players that they have made arrangements to engage for the coming season. It is of course very possible that they may not be able to enter the country at all.

!This is a very difficult and challenging situation for everyone and we will update clubs as soon as practicable.”

Further statements will be published as the situation progresses.

Please see below a press release from Cricket Scotland regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). Further updates will be posted as they become available.

Cricket Scotland press release – Coronavirus statement

The arrangements for the pre season WDCU EGM are as above. Papers for the meeting will be forwarded in due course. Please remember it is important that you attend this meeting as information for the season ahead will be provided along with your cricket ball order.

The final of the 2019 Greenwood Trophy which unfortunately didn’t get played last season has now been rearranged. The final between Dean Park and Victoria will now be held at Scott Ellis Field Kilmarnock on Sunday 10th May with a start time of 1pm. Hopefully the weather will play ball and the game will go ahead!!

Having consulted with sportscotland, our plan is to wait until closer to the start of the season when the governmental advice may have changed significantly in light of the evolution of the virus.

Please note current advice on infection control as follows:

You can reduce your risk of getting and spreading respiratory infections by:

• avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth;
• maintaining good hand hygiene – washing hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser:

1. after coughing or sneezing;
2. after going to the toilet; and
3. before eating and drinking;

• avoiding direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and avoiding using their personal items such as their mobile phone; and
• covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use.

Prestwick Cricket Club are holding their dinner on Friday the 20th of March at 7pm. There are two main speakers, one being Chic Young from BBC Scotland and the other Gordon Hollins, recently retired CEO of ECB and former West Lothian CC opening batsman.

For more details, and tickets, please contact the club directly.

THIS DINNER HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.

This year’s WoSACO dinner will once again be held at Ralston Golf Club, Strathmore Avenue (off Glasgow Road), Ralston, Paisley, PA1 3DT on Friday, 13 March 2020, starting at 7.30pm. The price is £25 per head.

The speaker will be Sue Strachan, newly appointed President-Elect, Cricket Scotland. An additional speaker may be arranged.

In order to gauge interest in the event, Jim McClymont would be grateful if you could let him know if you, your friends and any club members are likely to attend by emailing him (jmbmcclymont@gmail.com), or phoning (0141-587 4820 or 07504-702697), by Sunday, 1 March.

As usual, the evening’s proceedings will also include a raffle. Donations of additional prizes will be gratefully received on the night.