Message Board: Cricket: [CLOSED] Net safety

3rd Jul 2009 by Vic Demain

When running coach education courses, we always instructed candidates that it was their responsibility to check the netting, surfaces, surrounds and structures as well as the kids protective equipment - interesting how you check if a 13 year old boy is wearing a box, in this day and age - now I am told by my employers that safety of the nets is the Head Groundsmans responsibility. Whilst I feel it is correct for me to check for various matters whilst working, I am not keen to sign anything stating that I will ensure the structure, netting and surfaces of the nets are safe to use.

In addition to the nets being used every night of the week and most days, they are used by anyone who cares to come through the gates, member or not. They are used in all weather both the grass and artificial, also the grass block was never laid to any specification, it is just reclaimed outfield with a layer of stone one inch below the surface.

Any wise thoughts please?

"I don't believe it".

3rd Jul 2009 by jlawrence

hmmm, likewise I wouldn't be happy signing to say that the structure, netting and surfaces were safe to use.
I'd be happy to sign that they were maintained at to a specific set standard (ie maintained as per xyz document).
The maintenance of the net area can be my responsibility, but the safety of that area at any given moment has to be the responsibility of whoever is using the facility.

Of course there's no bounce, bend your back and put some bloody effort in.

3rd Jul 2009 by barry glynn

The sensible option is for the club/school/organisation to put up a disclaimer saying that the nets are only to used by members and any injury obtained by members or otherwise cannot be the responsibility of the club etc.

I have 2 Nottingham nets which are pretty good but they get used constantly and I dont have the time to monitor their state every day or even every week. Players abuse them anyway. I have put up signs saying they should checked , swept and rolled before use but no one does apart from me when I rememmber or have the time.

4th Jul 2009 by Mal

I think you could sign it as safe but the important thing is that you are only saying that it is safe at the time of your inspection. If they insist that you sign something then you should insist on a closing clause.

This equipment was safe at the time of inspection and date and time stamp it. Important to record what you checked.

The same should apply in all instances as with a club minibus. you can do your checks and record it, but at the end of the day it is down to the driver to ensure that it is safe before taking it on the road.

Geography is everywhere

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