Clubs' bulletin no 3 of 2026 - 27 February 

 

Recent guidance from the Grounds Management Association advises that, ‘ECB recommends that a safety margin of at least three yards beyond the boundary should be maintained. This safety zone should be clear of any hard or injurious material object.’ This recommendation will not be enforced in the YCSPL, but we do encourage clubs to review their boundary arrangements, and ensure a safe distance between the boundary and any hard obstacles like walls and sightscreen wheels. 

 

 

Clubs who have not yet completed their 2026 Club Contacts questionnaire are asked to do so as soon as possible. If this will not be possible by 6 March, please contact Roger Pugh. 

 

 

The Grey Fox Trophy is an annual competition exclusively for people over 50, administered by the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation. The tournament spans April to September, featuring a round-robin group stage; with the four highest-placed teams after the group stages competing in the semi-finals, and the two winners going forward to the Grey Fox Trophy final. The four next best-placed teams after the group stages will compete in the Plate semi-finals, with the two winners going forward to the Grey Fox Plate final. The semi-finals are scheduled for Bank Holiday Sunday, 30 August, at a venue to be arranged, and it is intended that both finals will take place at Scarborough CC on Sunday 13 September. Applications from YCSPL teams to enter will be welcomed – see further information and entry form. 

 

 

The ECB has updated their concussion guidance. Please see Concussion: information for clubs on the League website. 

 

 

The ECB has issued an update about Overseas Players and Managed Migration, including details of the support available. we have posted this on our website. 

 

In addition, following a review of safeguarding policies, all new applications for a Governing Body Endorsement will now require a Police Clearance Certificate, valid from within 90 days of the applicant’s planned arrival in the UK. A GBE will not be issued without this. 

 

For applications already submitted since 1 September 2025, and where the accompanying police clearance certificate is more than 90 days old prior to the applicant’s arrival in the UK - an additional police clearance certificate that has been undertaken within 90 days of the applicant’s arrival in the UK and taking up of their role will be required to be submitted to the ECB’s Managed Migration team. 

 

It is the club’s responsibility to ensure that all individuals engaged in regulated activity possess the necessary qualifications for their role, in accordance with the Safe Hands policy. For example, if an overseas Coach/Player is scheduled to arrive in the UK on 1 May 2026, they just provide a police certificate dated no earlier than 31 January 2026. If for any reason the applicant can no longer fulfil the role, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to inform the Home Office. 

 

 

Steve Ward has arranged the pre-season sessions for all scorers in the top four divisions (Premier, Championship, Divisions 1 and 2) for the weekend of Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April at Whitley Hall Cricket Club. There will be two sessions on Saturday (9.30am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm) and one on Sunday 10am to 1pm). Scorers only need to attend one session. Please book here. 

 

 

An introductory course for new umpires has been arranged for 29 March 2026 at S20 The Boundary in Sheffield. Please book here. For YCSPL clubs, if the following discount code is applied, it will discount the fee from the standard £70 to £0 - 'YCSPL2026' 

 

The Module B course is suitable for any person aspiring to become a panel umpire. It looks at some of the more common cricket laws in more depth, whilst expanding on some of the others not covered in the UDC above. This is on 21 March at Elsecar Cricket Club. Please book here.  

 

 

The night promises to be a celebration of the achievements of the women and girls playing in the SYWGCL over the course of winter 2024/25 and the summer 2025 seasons. Also included will be the 2025/26 indoor winners! 

 

There will be a buffet, special guest speakers, and the usual opportunity to win some goodies on a raffle. The SYWGCL Committee very much hope all clubs can attend, and be part of an enjoyable and enlightening evening that acknowledges the many successes of the women and girls sections at your clubs. 

 

Venue: Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre, Sheffield, S6 1LU 

Date: Thursday 26th March 2026 

Time: 19:00 - 22:00 

Price: £8.00 per person, which includes the buffet 

Booking required - please email Tracey Helliwell by Friday 7th March to book your places. 

 

 

We will shortly be ordering some more League polo shirts. If you would like one, please contact Roger Pugh by 6 March, stating the size required. The cost is £28.