Reminder to Clubs: Follow ECB Concussion Guidance During Dry Summer Conditions
With prolonged dry weather leaving many cricket grounds across Berkshire with particularly hard and fast outfields, Berkshire Cricket is reminding all clubs, players, coaches, parents and match officials of the importance of following the ECB’s Recreational Cricket Concussion Guidelines.
While concussion incidents remain relatively uncommon in cricket, the current ground conditions can increase the severity of impacts following dives in the field, slips, falls or collisions. The ECB’s guidance reinforces a simple but vital message:
If in doubt, sit them out.
Anyone who is suspected of having suffered a concussion should be removed from play immediately and should not return to training or a match that day. They should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional or by contacting NHS 111 within 24 hours.
The guidance applies across all recreational cricket in England and Wales and provides clear advice for clubs, coaches, captains, players, parents and umpires on recognising the signs of concussion, managing suspected head injuries and supporting a safe, graduated return to cricket.
Concussion is not limited to being struck on the head by the ball. It can also result from collisions with other players, impact with the ground or boundary surroundings, or sudden movement of the head following a fall. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop over the following 24 to 48 hours, making it essential that anyone with a suspected concussion is monitored carefully.
The ECB guidance also explains the graduated return-to-play process following a confirmed concussion. Players must not return to competitive cricket for a minimum of 21 days and only after being symptom-free for at least 14 days.
As clubs continue to enjoy a busy summer of cricket, Berkshire Cricket encourages everyone involved in the game to refresh themselves on the guidance and ensure that player welfare remains the priority throughout the remainder of the season.
The full ECB Recreational Cricket Concussion Guidelines can be downloaded here