Tropical weather

[andrewshields]

Quite apart from the fact that I can't see anyone dishing out sponsorship on this scale, I think you'll find the major reasons why many clubs don't already have covers and sightscreens are storage and vandalism. At South Loughton we've wanted screens for years but only now have plucked up the courage to buy one for £1000 and trust that it stays in one piece or doesn't end up in the river. If it survives, we'll probably buy another. Aesthetics were not top of the list when it came to choosing a model; the key requirement was for it to be vandal-proof (and able to be dismantled at the end of the season). We really envy clubs who can leave equipment out or keep a hose on the square overnight; for us, everything has to be locked away or securely padlocked. Covers would be an impossibility. I'm sure many other clubs will agree.

[ginster]

Two very valid points again!

Getting even the slightest sposonship to cover the running costs of the league takes up enough time. I've not investigated it for this league, but in roles in sports clubs at uni that I held, trying to get any significant money out of companies to sponsor a minor club or league is like getting blood out of a stone. There is already a sponsorship secretary on teh comittee, who no doubt is aiming ot get as much moeny through the league sponsorship as he can. However, I would suggest that its not up to the league to provide money to the clubs for equipment... if a club wants sponsorship for equipment, it is somehting they should look into on an individual basis.

The vandalsim/theft point is also valid, althoguh its a shame that issues like this need ot be considered at all.

cheers,

Ginster

[pauly462]

Hi Alex,
This something we try to do at High Beach , cover wickets , i would be intrested to know where you got your cover from , and some contact details, we have looked at building some before and our skipper is very keen to try to make some , have you or any one got any details on how to go about it? if so i would be very gratefull for some advice etc, on the subjct to sight screens we did have some canvas ones some years ago for each end of the ground , not the biggest things in the world but they worked , a sort of pole and guy rope affair, havnt sen anything like them any were else, they also doubled up as screens for gents toilets on bar b q days, carefully placed of course!
Paul Smith HBCC

[thomaswp]

We have pretty bad vandalism in Newport (our garage was kicked in again this week), so sight screens are not an option. But our new covers are the sides of articulated lorries. They work fine to save a game (like yesterday) as long as we muppets don't pour the water on to the pitch when we take them off (like yesterday) ;-).

[alexfrancis]

Seeing we have tropical storms hitting out region lately i thought that i would post something that could be looked in to by the committee. As we all know the cost of ground equipment is expensive and man clubs cannot afford sight screens or covers. Could the league in any way manage to find sponsorship for the league and give contributions to the teams for covers or sight screens. I know it would have to be a huge sponsorship but any amount to give to clubs which would spur them on to carry on fundraising.

Speaking personally (Hockerill) we have managed to get a new type of cover this year. It is 25m long by 12ft wide. It is on the same lines as ground sheet but is completely waterproof but keeps the pitch from sweating. the cost of the cover was £300 and has already saved one game on a sat and many on a sunday.

Any thoughts?

[alexfrancis]

thats a shame to hear about you local area and not being able to keep stuff out. it was just a thought i understand the difficulty that the league would have.

Thanks

Alex