guidance notes for the provision and installation of non-turf ... - Ecb

04 Net and Cage GuidanceAll systems should conform to the ECB Performance and TechnicalStandards for cricket practice nets, cages, and supports and securityfencing, as they appear from time to time.4.1 Performance of the SystemThe system should prevent balls from going under, over, round orthrough the structure of the netting and cage / supports.4.2 Fixing of NetsThe nets should be fixed to the posts and horizontal cross membersor cables with an appropriate means either with ties, flexible clips, linewires, ropes, laces and any other flexible means.Stiff plastic ties used for gardening, DIY and fastening things in apermanent manner should be avoided because they can soon cutthrough the individual sections of the netting. Only where there is nostrain on the netting should they be used.4.3 Billowing of NetsPerhaps one of the biggest failings of clubs and organisationsselecting a net and cage system is a lack of understanding as to theextent of billowing that occurs when a ball impacts on a net. Billowingcan range from as little as 300 mm to 1.8 metres, depending on thesystem selected, which is governed by the extent of the slack in thesystem (the amount of netting greater than the length required whichis surplus to requirements and lays onthe ground).In some systems a rope is used to keep the net in position, whilstwith other systems weighted poles, tight lines, surface fixings likepegs, particularly outdoors, are considered to be the solution.Billowing can occur when the ball hits the net, players run into thenet and strong winds blow the nets out of position. The amountof billowing must be controlled in the interests of safety and thefunctionality of the system.4.4 Damage Caused by Rabbits,Foxes and other AnimalsA skirt is a way of protecting the bottom of the net from damage andit can also help to reduce billowing.4.5 TensioningTensioning also helps in reducing billowing but needs very carefulconsideration if the club are to maximise the use of the facility. Byensuring the net is controlled at an optimum position, greater use canbe made of the facility at all times despite the variation in weatherconditions. If the net is taught it can act as a sling with the ball beingquicker off the net than when it impacted on the net. When select aGuidance Notes for The Provision and Installation of Non-Turf Cricket Pitches and Net Cage FacilitiesECB 15.04.08 © 2008 ECB