Cricket Pitches

We offer 3 Levels of progressive one-day training courses for the maintenance and management of cricket surfaces. We have 4 courses in total (two at Level 1).

Level 1 Cricket Pitches: Spring Preparation and Summer Maintenance

These courses raise awareness of what is involved in preparing cricket surfaces ready for the playing season and then how to maintain them during the playing season.

The Level 1 courses are ideal for volunteers, new employees or just as a refresher for established employees.

Course Programme

  • Definition of surface
  • Assessment of surface
  • Early spring maintenance
  • Mowing,
  • Scarification and brushing
  • Irrigation
  • Rolling
  • Fertiliser application
  • Preparing the square
  • Preparation of a match pitch
  • Pitch repair and renovation
  • Maintenance of the outfield
  • Maintenance of non-turf pitches
  • Turf problems: Weeds, pests and diseases
  • Safe and effective use of equipment

Level 1 Cricket Pitches: Autumn Renovation and Winter Maintenance

These courses raise awareness of what is involved in renovating cricket surfaces to create a suitable foundation for the following spring's preparation work and the maintenance work needed over the winter period.

The Level 1 courses are ideal for volunteers, new employees or just as a refresher for established employees.

Course Programme

  • Definition of surface
  • Assessment of surface
  • Early spring maintenance
  • Mowing,
  • Scarification and brushing
  • Irrigation
  • Repairs and renovation
  • Overseeding
  • Top-dressing
  • Fertiliser application
  • Maintenance of the outfield
  • Maintenance of non-turf pitches
  • Safe and effective use of equipment

Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture

These courses introduce and explore some of the theory involved in maintaining cricket surfaces.

The Level 2 courses develop and reinforce craftsperson skills and knowledge and are ideal for experienced volunteers, employee professional development or just as a refresher for established employees.

Course Programme

  • Playing surface requirements
  • Performance Quality Standards: Undertaking an assessment
  • Safe working practices
  • Soils, pH and top-dressings
  • Turfgrass identification
  • Fertilisers and nutrients: Types and effects on plant growth
  • Pests, diseases, moss and weeds: Identification and general controls
  • New developments

Level 3 Cricket Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture

These courses explore aspects of turf culture which are applied in managing cricket pitches.

The Level 3 courses develop and reinforce applied technical management skills and knowledge and are ideal for experienced employees and line managers.

Course programme

  • Soils: Choosing cricket square and outfield materials
  • Irrigation management
  • Drainage: Impact on playability
  • Grasses - choosing seeds and cultivars
  • Managing nutrient levels for optimum playing surfaces
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Managing surfaces with Performance Quality Standards

Note:

All course programmes are subject to review and change