CABThe Cricket Association of Bengal

CAB to Prepare Guidelines
and Standard Operating Procedures


29th May 2020
Meeting of the Medical Committee of The Cricket Association of Bengal was held via video conference to discuss protocols and guidelines to be adopted by the Association prior to opening back its office and also prior to taking decisions on resumption of training for the Bengal Cricket teams. The meeting included Doctors of repute who are members of the committee and are also attached with top hospitals in the city.
“We had a very fruitful meeting and we would soon follow up with the decisions taken. In the meantime, it may be stated that Resumption of Office or any of the activities would be in compliance with guidelines on health, social distancing and hygiene to ensure safety of all stakeholders. Efforts would be made to ensure they are conducted safely so that it does not risk increase of transmission of the virus,” said CAB President Avishek Dalmiya.
"We had a very important meeting involving some of the top doctors to set up safety protocols to get back slowly to work. We are making sure all safety norms and protocols are in place as we strive to fight this pandemic and get back to the game slowly but assuredly," said CAB Secretary Snehashis Ganguly.

After detailed discussions, the following decisions were taken:

A) Disinfection of Premises including sanitisation would be done. All areas within the Club House and the indoor facility would be disinfected using approved disinfectants which have no side effects on exposure through touch or smell. Special care would be taken for cleaning of toilets. Thorough guidelines would be issued in this regard shortly.

B) There would be an isolation room reserved for emergency situations in case anyone practicIng develops symptoms. Provisions would be made for tele check up.

C) In case of any emergency references required to be made to hospitals relating to covid symtoms of players during practice, Dr. Asif Iqbal of Apollo Hospitals Kolkata assured that immediate steps such as transferIng the person to the hospital as well as his / her treatment would be done by Apollo. Other reputed hospitals would also be kept as back up options.

D) Protocols and precautions to be adopted for training were discussed in details. The ICC Back to Cricket guidelines were referred to. It was decided that a manual stating do’s and dont’s would be prepared for easier understanding at the earliest.

Some of the steps suggested includes:

i) Restriction of using Saliva as well as Sweat on the balls for the time being during practice.

ii) Sanitisation of equipment would be made compulsory while entering the practice facility. Also, no sharing of equipments as far as possible. Balls would be numbered and provided to bowlers.

iii) Training should initially resume for small groups so that social distancing norms could be met.

iv) Ready to train approach to be adopted to minimise use of changing rooms, etc. Players would be required to come in their practice clothes.

E) A monitoring group would be formed headed by Vice President Naresh Ojha. It would include Chairman of Medical Committee, Benevolent Fund Committee and Membership Committee amongst others. The group would ensure communications are made with stakeholders explaining measures to be adopted. It would also monitor compliance of other steps to be taken to manage risk and submit action plan to the administration on regular basis.

F) Separate Guidelines for Gymnasium would be prepared. However, Gymnasium to be opened only if allowed by Government Guidelines. Swimming Pool would be closed at the moment.

G) Security procedures at the entrance to be framed immediately. Compulsory screening by way of thermal tests will be performed on all persons entering the premises.

H) Consent Forms as well as Declaration Forms would have to be submitted by players as well as staffs. It would include undertaking for adherence to norms and suggested safety precautions as well as declaration that they have not been in any close contact with corona positive person.

I) The Doctors felt that the environment is still not conducive to resumption of play at local grounds. Their opinion and observation would be placed before the Tournament Committee Meeting to be held in the next 7-10 days when it would consider issues relating to the Tournaments of the current season.

J) Extensive education and awareness programs would be held. Each staff member as well as cricketers who would undergo practice would be educated on Covid precautionary measures which are to be implemented at the facility. Emphasis would be given on proper hygiene and health safety practices as well as precautionary measures regarding usage of common facilities.

While the Association intends to reopen its office shortly, decision on resumption of training would be taken in due course of time.





CAB MEDIA DESK
Arindam Basu