Safe Equipment and Playing Areas

In this lesson you will learn why equipment and facilities deserve careful attention. Many cricket injuries are linked to equipment that does not fit, is damaged, or is used in the wrong way, and to playing areas with hidden hazards. A cracked helmet, torn netting, a loose sightscreen or a pothole in the outfield can each cause serious harm. Safe equipment is not about buying the most expensive kit. It is about checking what you have, using it properly, storing it well and reporting problems. In this module you will learn simple routines that every member can follow, so that faults are spotted and fixed before anyone gets hurt.

• Many injuries link to faulty kit or hazards
• Check, use properly, store well, report
• Simple routines catch faults early
• Everyone can help

In this lesson you will learn how to check protective equipment. Helmets should meet the current British Standard for cricket helmets, fit snugly, and have a grille that is correctly adjusted so the ball cannot pass between the peak and the grille. Inspect the shell, padding, grille and chin strap before use, and replace any helmet that has been cracked, damaged or taken a heavy blow, following the manufacturer's advice. Never modify a grille. Check pads, gloves, boxes and thigh guards for worn straps, splits and broken padding. Club kit used by several people should be cleaned and checked regularly, and juniors should have kit that fits them properly.

• Helmets to the current British Standard
• Check shell, padding, grille and strap
• Replace helmets after damage or a heavy blow
• Never modify a grille
• Check club kit regularly; juniors need proper fit

In this lesson you will look at bats, balls and stumps. Inspect bats for cracks, loose handles and splits, especially around the toe and edges, because pieces can break off. Use a ball of the right size and weight for the age group and format, and use softer balls for informal games and young children. Damaged or misshapen balls should be removed. Stumps and bails can splinter and fly when struck, so check that they are in good condition. Store bats, balls and kit bags so they are not left lying around in walkways, where they can cause trips, and keep balls in a bucket during practice rather than scattered on the ground.

• Check bats for cracks and loose handles
• Use the right ball for the age and format
• Remove damaged balls and splintered stumps
• Keep kit out of walkways
• Keep practice balls in a bucket

In this lesson you will learn how to check nets before use. Look for holes, tears and gaps in the netting, especially at the base and where sections join, and make sure the netting is properly tensioned and secured. Check the surface for damage, raised edges, standing water and debris. Make sure the run-up is clear and not slippery. Nets should only be used under the agreed rules for the session, with clear lanes and a safe place for waiting batters and bowlers. Bowling machines must be operated only by a trained, responsible adult following the manufacturer's instructions, with nobody standing in front of the machine while it is loading.

• Check netting for holes and gaps
• Check the surface and run-up
• Clear lanes and safe waiting areas
• Bowling machines: trained operator only
• Nobody in front of a loading machine

In this lesson you will learn what to check on the playing area. Walk the outfield before play looking for holes, divots, stones, glass, sprinkler heads and animal mess. Check that the boundary rope or markers are secure and that there is enough space between the boundary and fences, walls or spectators to allow fielders to slow down safely. Make sure sightscreens are stable and cannot blow over, and that heavy equipment such as rollers and covers is moved well away from the field of play. Any hazard you cannot fix should be reported to the umpires and organiser before the start, so a decision can be made about whether it is safe to play.

• Walk the outfield for holes, stones and glass
• Secure boundary markers with run-off space
• Stable sightscreens
• Rollers and covers away from play
• Report hazards to umpires before the start

In this lesson you will look at ground equipment. Covers, rollers, mowers and other machinery are essential for preparing pitches but can cause serious injury if used carelessly. Only people who have been trained and authorised by the club should operate powered machinery or heavy rollers, wearing suitable footwear and protection. Children must never ride on or operate machinery and should be kept well away while it is in use. Moving covers can take several people, so lift correctly and work together. Store fuel and chemicals securely and out of reach. Lock away machinery when not in use. Report any fault immediately and do not use it until it has been repaired.

• Trained and authorised operators only
• Keep children well away from machinery
• Lift covers correctly as a team
• Store fuel and chemicals securely
• Do not use faulty equipment

In this lesson you will learn what to check off the field. Pavilion floors, steps and changing rooms should be clean, dry and well lit, with fire exits clear and unlocked during use. Check that electrical equipment looks safe, with no damaged cables, and keep kitchens hygienic. Spectator areas should be away from the line of play, with seating stable and walkways clear. Check that the first aid kit is fully stocked and in date, that ice packs are available, and that everyone knows where the nearest defibrillator is. A defibrillator should be checked regularly to make sure the status indicator shows it is ready and that the pads and battery are in date.

• Clean, dry floors and clear fire exits
• Check electrics and keep kitchens hygienic
• Spectators away from the line of play
• Stocked, in-date first aid kit
• Check the defibrillator is ready

In this lesson you will learn what to do when you find a problem. If equipment is damaged or unsafe, stop using it straight away and take it out of use, labelling it clearly so nobody else picks it up. Report it to the organiser, captain or the person responsible for equipment, and record it so the fault can be fixed or the item replaced. For hazards that cannot be moved, such as a damaged net or a hole in the outfield, cordon off the area if possible and warn others. Never assume that someone else has already reported it. A quick report is one of the easiest ways to prevent the next injury.

• Stop using faulty equipment straight away
• Label it and take it out of use
• Report and record the fault
• Cordon off and warn about fixed hazards
• Never assume someone else reported it