Anticipation is growing within the cricket community as clubs prepare for a return to training.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After NSW reached the 70 per cent double dose vaccination mark and the Public Health orders were updated on Thursday, training sessions will be allowed from Monday.
There will, however, be a number of restrictions.
People aged 16 and over can only attend if they are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption, while no more than 30 people will be allowed at one gathering.
All clubs and associations are expected to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place from Monday.
READ ALSO:
Matches of any kind won't be allowed until the state hits the 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone, with official junior and senior competition in the Dubbo region set to start on October 30.
"The news that you can have 30 people out at training is really good," Cricket NSW's Cricket Manager for Far West, Matt Ellis, said.
"There's still a fair bit of work behind the scenes for clubs to make sure they can do it in the best possible way but it's fantastic to see things are heading towards, potentially, a start of the season that's hopefully on October 30."
Ellis gets to witness the love those young and old have for the game in his role as he travels around the western area of the state each summer.
He expects that passion to be on show in a big way in the coming weeks as players come out of lockdown and get the chance to spend time together and take to the field.
"The social side of cricket, getting together and being part of a team," he said.
"That's something we all look forward to and the game itself, there's only so much you can do in your front and backyard.
"I know my shoulder has been getting a pretty solid workout in the front yard but my kids are really keen to get back playing in a team situation, develop in their skills, and get some fresh air out in the community again."
The 30-person limit at gatherings includes all participants, coaches and officials, and parents or spectators.
That number will allow many sides to train without a great deal of change but Cricket NSW and Ellis are urging those involved not to become complement.
"One of the good things about cricket is the physical distancing that naturally occurs a lot of the time," Ellis said.
"It's a well-spaced out game but you've got to make sure you've got those COVID plans in place so you're making it as safe as possible for everyone taking part."
Those who aren't double vaccinated won't be able to attend outdoor gathering or be part of the opening weeks of the season.
Restrictions for those who are unvaccinated will ease from December 1.
Monitoring that is one of the challenges for sporting associations and officials who have already had to deal with a huge amount during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ellis has been a regular at board meetings for junior and senior competition in Dubbo and the wider western area, and has seen how much work has been done to help ensure a return to play is possible.
"I can not speak more highly of the volunteers," Ellis said.
"Not only here in Dubbo, where there's a wonderful group of people doing a massive amount of work behind the scenes, getting their heads around the rules and regulations and communication to clubs and playing members.
"They've given up a lot of their time because they're passionate about the game and love the game, and want people to have the opportunity to play.
"Cricket is a game that exists on the hard work of volunteers, here in Dubbo and right across regional NSW."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News