Pitch Covers and Weather Protection

In this lesson you will learn why weather protection is so important. A match pitch takes many days to prepare and can be spoilt by one heavy shower at the wrong moment. Rain on a prepared pitch softens the surface and may leave it unfit for play. Rain on bowlers' run-ups makes them slippery and dangerous. Covers protect that work, reduce the time lost to rain and help play restart sooner. Covers also protect pitches in preparation from excessive rain, and can be used to stop dew forming. Knowing when and how to cover is a key matchday skill for any ground team.

• One shower can spoil days of preparation
• Wet run-ups are slippery and dangerous
• Covers reduce time lost to rain
• Also protect pitches during preparation

In this lesson you will learn about the main types of covers. Flat sheets are laid directly on the pitch and are light and cheap, but water must be carefully removed and they can make the surface sweat in sunshine. Raised or mobile covers sit on a frame with wheels, keeping air flowing beneath and allowing quick deployment. Run-up covers protect the bowlers' approaches. At large grounds, powered hover covers protect the whole square. Club grounds usually use a combination of mobile pitch covers and flat sheets. Each type has a correct method of deployment, so learn the club's own equipment carefully.

• Flat sheets: light but can sweat the surface
• Mobile covers: raised on wheels, quick to deploy
• Run-up covers protect bowlers' approaches
• Hover covers at large grounds

In this lesson you will learn to use the forecast to plan covering. Check a reliable forecast and rainfall radar before and during matchdays and through preparation. Watch the sky for building cloud, and note wind direction, because that is where the rain will come from. Sudden showers can arrive quickly, so covers should be positioned close to the square and ready to go before rain arrives. Agree in advance who will deploy covers and who gives the signal. In prolonged sunshine, a flat sheet left on too long can damage the grass, so covering decisions balance rain risk against harm to the surface.

• Check forecast and rainfall radar
• Watch cloud and wind direction
• Position covers close and ready
• Balance rain risk against sweating the grass

In this lesson you will learn what the Laws say about covering. Law 10 sets out that the pitch must not be completely covered during a match unless the regulations or agreements made before the toss allow it, and the umpires are told before the toss what covering arrangements apply. In practice, competition playing conditions usually specify whether the pitch and run-ups are to be covered during the match and outside playing hours. Because these arrangements can vary between competitions, always check the WFA competition regulations, and make sure the umpires know the arrangements before play starts.

• Law 10 governs covering of the pitch
• Arrangements agreed before the toss
• Competition rules usually set covering
• Check the WFA competition regulations

In this lesson you will learn how a covers team works. One person, normally the lead groundsperson, gives clear instructions. Each team member knows their position on the cover. Push or carry it steadily onto the square, never running, and align it so the whole pitch and creases are protected. Secure covers against wind with weights or pegs as the club directs. Lay run-up covers in place. Then check for gaps where water could get through. When the rain stops, remove covers in reverse, guiding water away from the pitch. Practising before the season makes the team quicker and safer when it counts.

• One clear leader gives instructions
• Move steadily, never run
• Align and secure against wind
• Practise before the season

In this lesson you will learn the safety rules for covers. Covers can catch the wind like a sail and drag people over, so never handle them alone in strong wind. Mobile covers are heavy and can run away on slopes or trap feet under wheels, so keep feet clear and use brakes where fitted. Lift with bent knees and a straight back. Wet sheets are slippery and heavy. Keep players, spectators and especially children away from moving covers. Stop work in thunder and lightning. If a cover is damaged, report it rather than improvising repairs that might fail at the worst moment.

• Wind can turn covers into sails
• Keep feet clear of wheels, use brakes
• Lift safely and work as a team
• Keep spectators and children away

In this lesson you will learn how to keep covers in good order. After use, remove water, let covers dry before folding or storing to prevent mould and smells, and store them off the ground in a secure place. Inspect for tears, worn seams, broken wheels and frame damage, and report problems promptly so repairs are made before the next match. Keep wheels and frames clean and lubricated as recommended. Count the weights and pegs back in. A well-cared-for set of covers lasts many seasons and is ready to protect the pitch whenever it is needed.

• Dry before folding and storing
• Inspect for tears, seams and wheels
• Report and repair damage promptly
• Count weights and pegs back in