Clubs' bulletin no 10 of 2025 - 11 July 

 

We would like to remind clubs that, under the new ordering arrangements, there is now no second ‘ball drop’. Clubs need to order from the relevant manufacturer’s website for delivery to their own addresses. 

 

 

The ECB has revised the Concussion Guidelines for the recreational game. There are no changes to the protocol around concussion management and return to play. The revision simply makes the information clearer and more accessible. 

 

The key points of the guidelines are still that there is doubt about whether a player is concussed, they should take no further part in the game, and that anyone with a suspected concussion should be assessed by a Healthcare Professional within 24 hours. 

 

 

The Senior Section has recently ruled on a complaint that an ineligible Whiston Forge 2nds player played in a game against Worsbrough Bridge 2nds. The complaint was upheld, and the result of the game overturned. Unfortunately, the response to the complaint was not communicated within the timescales laid down in Administrative Rules, and an appeal was made on the basis that the correct procedure had not been followed. The appeal panel, in these most unusual circumstances, had to uphold the appeal. However, it recognised that the original decision itself had been correct, and that it would be unfair on Worsbrough Bridge, who were blameless, to overturn it. The appeal panel therefore decided to let that decision stand, and to recognise the validity of the appeal by also awarding Whiston Forge 12 points and refunding their appeal bond. 

 

The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the Head and Deputy Head of Senior Section were both recused from the original decision-making process. We will take steps to ensure that this most unsatisfactory situation does not arise again. 

 

 

The YCB have recirculated the ECB Extreme Heat Guidance from a couple of years ago. A lot of this is common sense, but please do remember to cover up in the hot sun and use sun cream. For many years, some of us never did, and we have paid the price! 

 

 

The League Equity & Diversity Group has undertaken a reset, including a refreshed membership, and its first task has been to review and revise its Terms of Reference. The new Terms of Reference are now published on our website. 

 

 

If anyone would like a League polo shirt, please contract David Ward and let him know the required size. They are £25 each. 

 

 

Lincolnshire CCC will again be hosting a 50-over game against Nottinghamshire CCC, which this year will be at Cleethorpes Cricket Club's Chichester Road ground on Monday 14 July, starting at 11am 

 

Entry is £6 for adults (payable on entry, cash or card, and including a prize draw) and is free for under 16’s. Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day. 

 

 

Earlier this year, the ECB announced that, ‘Leagues must take steps to ensure that every club in the top two 1st XI divisions of their competitions have at least one Girls’ Section. A grace period will apply such that Leagues must be in a position to comply with this condition by 31 March 2026.’ 

 

Recognising the potential challenges for some clubs, the YCB has worked with the ECB to produce a supportive and phased approach towards achieving this requirement. Premier Section clubs – and those with ambitions for promotion to the Premier Section – must fully engage with this process. 

 

We also strongly encourage clubs in the Senior Section to consider starting their girls’ sections, as it can have really positive benefits in terms of increasing the player pool, volunteers, and club house usage. They will be able to call on the relevant YCB support in the same way as Premier Section clubs. 

 

 

The South Yorkshire Police cricket team has been re-formed, and is looking for Sunday friendly fixtures. If your club would like a Sunday friendly, please contact Mick Holmes on 07734 285000 or Neil Vaughan. Mick has obtained the use of the Holmesfield CC ground in Cordwell Lane, Millthorpe, Dronfield, for 20 July, and is looking for some opposition to play a game. If your club is interested, again please contact Mick or Neil. There would be no restriction on the constitution of the team – it could include guests and non-registered players. 

 

 

The YCSPL T20 finals day takes place at Wakefield Thornes CC this coming Sunday, starting at 11.00 with the T20 Plate final between Sprotbrough and Whiston Parish Church. The Blast final, between Doncaster Town and Wakefield Thornes, follows at 15.00. All are welcome. 

 

 

Please remember that then deadline for transfers between YCSPL clubs, and of players into the League, is on 31 July. Transfers need to be completed in time to register on Play-Cricket by that date. 

 

 

The YCSPL has been saddened this week to hear of the passing of League Life Member and stalwart of the former South Riding League, William Pye. William joined the South Riding League committee as the representative of Treeton CC, became its secretary in 1976, and also took on the role of treasurer six years later. From then, he effectively ran the League for many years, finally resigning his positions due to ill health and being appointed an SYSCL Life Vice-President. We send our sincerest condolences to William’s family and friends.