It is important that when using our nets facilities here at BSCC you adhere to the rules of use. Cricket nets are a great tool in helping our club improve - but they must be used is a safe manner.

Please follow the booking process in order to secure your lane - and please make sure you adhere to the nets policy at all time.

Any misuse may result in individuals being prevented from further use, or closure of the nets.

Kit & Equipment Rules

Wear suitable footwear i.e. rubber-soled (non-marking) cricket shoes or trainers. NO Spikes, NO heels, NO smooth soles, NO street shoes.
Batters working with a hard ball must wear adequate protection, helmet, box, pads etc.
All Under 18’s must bat in a helmet.
Only proper leather cricket balls or bowling machine balls to be used in nets. Tennis balls or purpose made “incrediballs” may be used in appropriate circumstances.
No footballs, rugby balls etc to be used in the nets
Kit bags should be stowed at the back of the practice area.

Net Safety Rules

No spectators are to be in the nets.
Batters should pad up outside the net area.
Bowlers should only bowl when the batter is ready and should face the batter at all times. They should not bowl if a loose ball is in the net.
A loud cry of “STOP” should stop activity in all nets immediately to address any safety problem.
Balls should be returned immediately by the batsman and not left to lie loose in the net.
Balls must be retrieved from the side netting by the Safe Method. The Safe Method is:
Check no one is bowling in the net next to you.
Once safe remove the ball from the net with your foot.
When the ball is away from the net pick the ball up.
Walk back to the back of the net keeping your eyes on the net at all times.
Bowling must be in accordance with the laws of cricket — from legal distance, legal action, no deliberate excess of short bowling.
Training in the play of short bowling must be coach supervised.
Bowling machines: These should only be used by those qualified and/or authorised to do so during arranged practice session.

Nets used for ARRANGED practice sessions

For the safety of our youth members (those under the age of 18) the following procedures are in place.

The sessions MUST be conducted under the supervision of an Age Group Coach or Responsible adult.
When batting facing a hard ball the proper protective items, including helmet MUST be worn.
Before practice commences coaches MUST check the cage and netting to ensure a safe environment.
Any equipment including kit bags is to be stored at the far end of the nets.
All players using the net practice must behave in a proper and correct manner.
After each practice session the equipment MUST be stored away properly.

Nets used by members outside normal practice sessions

Anyone wishing to use the nets MUST have booked a time slot via our booking system (Skeeda).

The club will not accept responsibility for unaccompanied children using the nets facility.
Members under the age of 18 using the net facility are the responsibility of their parents/guardians/carers.
People using the nets without the supervision of a qualified coach do so AT THEIR OWN RISK.
The use of helmets and other protective wear is essential when using a hard ball.
The nets must be left in the condition they were found with stumps left in appropriate position and any rubbish removed.

Bowling Machine Policy

The bowling machine is for the use of ALL members of the Club. It may be used with prior agreement from the Committee. The Committee has agreed that any user wishing to make use of the bowling machine MUST follow the guidelines set out below:

You may only use the bowling machine if accompanied by a qualified user (Age group coach or reposnisble adult).
Any member using the machine does so at his/her own risk.
The qualified user must ensure the safety of all people using the machine whilst in their care. All users must inform people of the importance of health and safety and gain their acceptance of this policy as well.
Any user that breaches the manufacturers recommended operating procedures does so completely at their own risk and the Club will accept no liability for the users failure to comply.
Any user found to be using the machine improperly will be suspended from further use and may lead to disciplinary action.
Any user causing damage may be liable for repair charges.
Any user accepts FULL responsibility for the machine and sundries including balls. Any loss will result in the user being liable for replacement charges.
Any user in breach of any of this policy risks suspension from further use and possible disciplinary action.

Nobody under the age of 18 may operate the bowling machine.