Introduction pitch protocol
Below you can see the so-called “pitch protocol,” which was prepared by groundsman Willem Ligtenstein. VCC has had grass wickets for several seasons now. It is important that our members have the necessary knowledge about handling the square. In the first “grass season,” in 2010, it appeared that the square gave rise to misunderstandings about when our own teams could or could not play on grass. This was partly related to the demands of international competitions. There are no international matches scheduled this season, so our own teams will have many more opportunities to play grass wickets. Please read the protocol carefully, as it is in everyone’s best interest that the square be treated with care and respect. Attached is the so-called ‘pitch protocol’ drawn up by groundsman Willem Ligtenstein. VCC has a grass square for some years now. It is important that club members acquire sufficient knowledge about how to treat it. In the first season, in 2010, it was apparent that there were certain misunderstandings about when our own teams could use the grass wickets, partly in relation the demands on it placed by the international matches. This season there are no international matches planned so our own club teams will have many more opportunities to use the grass wickets. Please read the protocol carefully as it is in the best interests of everyone that the square is treated with care and respect. See English version here
Foreword
We have been playing on grass wickets with VCC for several seasons, but the guidelines for handling the square are probably not known to many members. Hence this protocol. A completely different approach and mindset to how we use our main field is needed. The square is fragile. We obviously strive to play as many games as possible on the grass wickets, but the wickets are still relatively new. It usually takes several years for a square to “mature.
Methodology
Pitch preparation begins about a week in advance. The pitch is then mowed to a height of 7 mm and brushed and raked with a type of rake to bring up the lying (wild) grass and cut it off. The day before the competition, the pitch will be cut to 3 mm. Just before the game, the pitch is rolled and mowed again and the lines are drawn. During the week, all seven pitches are rolled and sprayed almost daily (when it is not raining). The unprepared pitches are cut at 17 mm. The match pitch will be kept dry a few days before the match and covered if there is a chance of rain (with the driving covers). Run up the other pitches and bowlers if necessary one or two days before the game. After a match, all pitches are re-sprayed and the following day the used match pitch is repaired if it is not to be used again immediately.
Consequences
- Pitches need light, air and moisture. During the week, we will not cover. If the pitches are wet from rain, there can be no play during the day or evening, including on the artificial turf pitch. Wet pitches are fragile and slippery and are easily damaged. However, practices and youth games on the outfield are not a problem and we will not spray the square before a game. Experience shows that in 9 out of 10 cases, it is possible to just play.
- Repaired pitches are also seeded. Avoid walking over these spots as much as possible (easily recognized by new clay and grass seed). Fielders and umpires: stand a little further away. Run as much as possible on the edge of the adjacent pitch and not over wet or repaired areas.
- Never run over the game pitch. If you bat first it can be interpreted as unsportsmanlike conduct. Bowlers right off the pitch after the deliverie.
- Cover the square also at games on the artificial turf pitch immediately when it starts raining. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of time before the game can resume. It is not wise to play on a grass wicket in the rain.
- Removing the covers:
1) Covering can cause the square to sweat. This makes the top layer of the square very fragile for the 1st hour. Therefore, remove the covers at least 2 hours before the race (depending on the weather, of course) This includes the approximate time (30-45 min) needed for the removal itself. The drying time can then be used to further prepare the field. 2) Should puddles form during removal, the free water can be removed with the bow-dry. Depending on the amount of water spilled and the size of the spot, this could mean a further delay of the race. In most cases, probably no more than an extra hour.
- It is impractical for some people to put on all the covers. If there is a chance of rain, we will need to cover during the week after practices. On weekends, it is then up to the playing teams to remove or reinstall covers. After the race on Sunday, store all covers – do not fold wet due to mold. Let dry at the edge of the field. Put away by Tuesday due to mowing on that day.
- Playing teams are responsible for preparing the field for play and marking lines and dots.
- drive out the slats and store them behind the fixed screen.
- Please notify the groundsman of all changes in the competition schedule. Then we can plan our work so that no one is inconvenienced.
The groundsman,
Willem Ligtenstein
0620973455
w_ligtenstein@msn.com