In liaison with the latest ECB advisory regarding the expected extreme hot temperatures this weekend and in to early next week the Worcestershire County League advises the following;

In all 50 overs per side matches (100 overs) There shall be no Over Rate Penalties applied.

Furthermore, it is advised that if both teams (and appointed umpires if present) agree drinks breaks can and should be taken at the end of the 13th, 26th and 39th overs of an innings or during the fall of a wicket in those overs.

In all 45 overs per side matches (90 overs) It is advised that if both teams agree drinks breaks can and should be taken at the end of the 11th, 22th and 33rd overs of an innings or during the fall of a wicket in those overs.

In all 40 overs per side matches (80 overs) It is advised that if both teams agree drinks breaks can and should be taken at the end of the 10th, 20th and 30th overs of an innings or during the fall of a wicket in those overs.

Below are some pointers that may help ‘Get the Game On’ this weekend. KEEP HYDRATED take extra drinks breaks .e.g. allow drinks to be brought on at the fall of each wicket to replace lost electrolytes

EMBRACE THE SHADE use sun cream, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, create additional shaded areas for the batting side, employ a 12th man to rotate fielders where competition regulations allow

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT The Grounds Management Association have published an essential guide for Cricket Grounds Managers on: · working safely in the heat and sun, and · how to adapt your pitch preparation and maintenance to keep pitches playing safely in dry, hot conditions.

You and your groundstaff can view the guidance on the GMA Toolkit for Cricket homepage; https://resources.thegma.org.uk/cricket/cricket-home Above all we encourage everyone to look out for each other and to stay alert to signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Symptoms include - dizziness, headaches, nausea. Please note that the heat poses an even greater risk to children so we recommend being particularly cautious with activity involving under 18s

Have fun and stay safe.