Using the nets

Guidelines for using the SMCC nets

Nets lock code

This will be the same as the car park lock code.

At all times

• Ensure you supervise children and that they use the nets safely. 

• Groundsmen may be working with dangerous machinery such as lawnmowers and chemicals such as weedkiller, and may need to leave these items unattended at times. Children must be kept well clear of any such dangerous items. This is your responsibility, not that of the groundsmen.

• Clean all leaves, twigs, acorns etc off the playing surface before use. This will avoid unexpected bounce as well as preserving the performance and lifespan of the nets.

• No spiked shoes 

• Spectators must stay to side of nets where they cannot be hit by ball

• Keep head 1m away from side netting at all times

• A loud cry of “Stop!” should stop all activity in all nets immediately to address any safety problem

• When there is a batter on an adjacent lane, only batters in protective kit should retrieve balls from the side netting

• Retrieve balls from side netting only when batter in adjacent lane is not about to hit a ball

• Bowl only at stumps (do not use plastic chairs as they shatter very easily)

Batting

• Put on / take off protective batting kit outside the nets where you cannot be hit by the ball

• Wear full protective batting kit (helmet, gloves, leg pads and for males, a ‘box’) at all times if batting against a leather ball

• Only one batter at the striker’s end at a time

• If batting in pairs, non-striker must be at bowler’s end, watching each delivery being bowled

Bowling

• Check run-up is not slippery before bowling

• Bowl only when batter - and if relevant, keeper and non-striking batter - are all ready and watching the ball being bowled

• Bowl only when lane is clear of other balls

• When walking back to bowl and another bowler is about to bowl, turn to watch the ball

Keeping wicket

• Wear full protective wicket keeping kit (helmet, wicket keeping gloves, leg pads and for males, a ‘box’)

Use of bowling machines

• SMCC coaches may be provided with bowling machines for official training sessions

• SMCC does not supply bowling machines for individual use

• Members who have their own bowling machine may use the electrical outlet

• If using mains power, use the left-most lane to avoid cables being a trip hazard

Maintenance

• Fix holes in nets with a suitable twine (will last longer than cable ties)

• Periodic rolling of surface (hand roller only) to be conducted by groundsmen only in accordance with the installers’ instructions (see separate sheets)

Private coaching

• Private coaching sessions allowed only if player being coached is an SMCC member and outside of busy times

Unlocking and locking the car park gate

• The code for the combination lock on the car park gate is for current members only (we will let you know the code upon joining and you can contact us if you have forgotten it). We will change the code periodically.

• Do not tell anyone the code. If someone doesn't know the code who you think should know it, ask them to contact us.

• If you are the last to leave the club (or even if you're not sure and think you might be the last to leave the club) you must shut the car park gate and lock the combination lock (spinning the numbers to a random number).

Usage of grass areas

• Usage of the outfield is fine, as long as the ground is firm (usage when very wet and soft can result in an uneven playing surface when it dries out).

• There must be no usage at all of the 'squares' - the central areas of each pitch where the grass is cut shorter which are used as wickets for matches.

• Dogs are allowed at the club but must be kept under control and on a lead at all times.

Use of club equipment

• Do not attempt to move the batting cages from the practice nets area, or alter the nets in any way

• It's fine to use club stumps (there will usually be some in the scorer's box - the 'cupboard with a window' on the corner of the main clubhouse), but stumps must be put away after use to avoid them being stolen. Sets of stumps cost in the region of £40 each. Do not leave stumps in the nets.