MARKING PITCHES AND OUTFIELDS

1.     The reason the League requests pitch and outfield markings is to help maintain and improve the quality of grounds in the League and the markings should identify those which do not reach an acceptable standard. 

2.     It is important that marks are objective and relate to the whole game. A mark should not be based on whether the away side won or lost the match, or how badly they batted.

3.     Pitches are not expected to be of Test Match standards. A marking of “5” should be attainable.

4.     Criteria to be considered:

·         The markings should be based only on the strip and outfield on which the game is played, not on ground facilities.

·         Variable bounce, for example too many balls keeping low, or bouncing high to the throat or head from just short of a length.

·         The length of the pitch.

·         Poor or incorrect line markings.

·         Whether the pitch is too dry or too wet.  However, weather conditions should be borne in mind, for example a low marking might not be applicable if it is possible to play on a pitch that is wet due to rain.

·         Whether the outfield is bumpy or the grass is very long.

·         Whether there is significant litter in the outfield.

·         Whether boundary markers are in place.

NOTE:  The absence of sight screens, boundary lines (providing a rope or markers are in place) or covers shall not form part of the marking criteria.

GROUNDS, FACILITIES AND PITCHES

The Executive Committee has developed criteria for pitches and ground facilities in respect of all member clubs within the League and any future new applicants. This was considered necessary to improve and maintain the standard and quality of cricket available to member clubs and for the League to retain its position within the structure of Surrey Cricket and the associated leagues. In addition it would offer encouragement for Premier Division sides to remain within the League instead of considering a move to another league to access better grounds without necessarily improving their playing level of cricket.

During 2009, a review of Premier and Division 1 grounds/facilities was commenced. This will be completed in 2010 and each club will be allocated a grading (A/B/C) using a Committee approved set of criteria (see next page) supplemented by personal inspections by members of the Grounds sub-committee.

By the close of season 2010 all Premier Division clubs must achieve a minimum A or B classification to remain in that division for 2011. By the same time (season end 2010) any Division 1 side attaining a promotional position will not be granted promotion unless their ground/facilities satisfy an A or B rating. Should a Premier side's ground rating fall below a B grading at the conclusion of the season 2010 there will be significant risk of demotion to Division 1.  If a club changes ground, the new ground will be inspected by the Grounds sub-committee and must be approved acceptable for Premier Division cricket/promotion to the Premier Division.

The grading of grounds and pitches is not related or linked in any way to the pitch and outfield markings provided by clubs which is a separate entity.

GROUND CRITERIA

CATEGORY

CRITERIA

Grades

A

B

C

Pitch & Square

Pitch

Able to play 90-over matches

Y

Y

Y

True and predictable bounce

Y

Correct marked

Y

Y

Y

Re-marked during intervals

Y

Square

Well maintained and in good condition

Y

Y

Y

Cut before each match

Y

Y

Y

Previously used pitches repaired

Y

Y

Outfield & Boundary

Outfield

Well maintained

Y

Y

Y

Closely mown and no noticeable grass cuttings

Y

Y

No holes or hazards

Y

Y

Y

Boundary

Clearly marked with white line, rope, flags or fence

Y

Y

Y

Markers every 20 metres (approx)

Y

Y

Y

Normally a minimum of 50 metres from centre of pitch

Y

Sight screens

Provided at both ends of the ground

Y

Suitable size and in good condition

Y

In position before the match starts

Y

Scoreboard or Box

Scoreboard

Displays all information required at the end of each over

Y

Y

Y

A scorebox, internal area or cover for scoring purposes

Y

Numbers unambiguous, accessible and in good order

Y

Y

Y

Scorer

Availability of good scorer and good communication with umpires

Y

Y

Y

Ground General

Covers

Optional and subject to agreement between club and Ground Committee

Sawdust / towels

Sawdust and towels available

Y

Y

Y

Equipment

Rollers available for use during innings breaks

Surrounds

Well maintained

Y

Y

Y

Exclusive control

Private ground or ability to influence high level maintenance standards

Y

Practice facilities

Grass nets or artificial nets (optional)

Changing Facilities

Dressing rooms

Separate facilities for the visiting team

Y

Y

Y

Maintained and in good/clean condition

Y

Y

Y

Adequate size and facilities

Y

Y

Suitable security and privacy

Y

Easy access from playing area

Y

Umpires room

Separate and secure room not used for other purposes

Y

Stumps, etc

Stumps, bails, bowlers’ marks, umpire coats, etc available

Y

Y

Y

Hot showers

Clean hygienic and working with suitable privacy

Y

Y

Y

Toilets

Clean hygienic and working with suitable privacy

Y

Y

Y

Pavilion / Clubhouse

Hospitality

Meal area is of adequate size and in good condition

Y

Y

Y

Teas of good standard and reasonably priced

Y

Y

Y

Kitchen

Clean and hygienic

Y

Y

Y

Adequate crockery and cutlery in good condition

Y

Y

Y

Telephone

Access to working telephone/mobile to originate calls to emergency services

Y

Y

Y

Viewing area

Seating for players’ use

Y

Y

Y