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National Programmes 2024 FAQs for Clubs

This document contains frequently asked questions covering the themes listed below relating to National Programmes in 2024

Existing National Programmes Equipment

Health and Safety

Participant and Centre Equipment in 2024

Pricing Structure and Financial Model for 2024

Participant and Course Registration in 2024

Delivery of National Programmes in 2024

Participant Refunds

Activators

Marketing, Communication and Resources

2025 National Programmes

Further Questions

 

Latest updates

Do we need to change our course RRP to £30 in line with ECB Recommendations?

No, we will automatically be reducing the RRP of all courses by £10 before 3rd April (so for any courses that were originally set at £40, these will then be £30, and for any courses that were set either higher or lower, £10 will be taken off these).

For any clubs or centres who wish to set their course price at either more or less than the £30 RRP, please contact the help desk who will be able to do this manually for you.

When will the system automatically take £10 off our course price point?

This will happen on Wednesday 27th April 2024.

 

Existing National Programmes Equipment

Which National Programmes products are affected?

The items listed below should no longer be used. We are seeking advice on the best ways to dispose or recycle and will update in due course.

Programme

Product Name

All Stars Cricket

All Stars Cricket Yellow Ball (Club)

Dynamos Cricket

Dynamos Cricket White Ball (Club)

All Stars Cricket

All Stars Cricket White Ball (Participant)

Dynamos Cricket

Dynamos Cricket Pink Ball (Club)

Dynamos Cricket

Yellow Batting Tee

All Stars Cricket & Dynamos Cricket

1 x 2 metre PVC banner

 

Are all of the All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket balls from 2016 affected?

The products tested were from 2023. We have not tested products from 2016 – 2022. Out of an abundance of caution the ECB is therefore making these communications in relation to all affected equipment from previous years. 

What do I do if I have one of the balls?

Out of an abundance of caution, existing All Stars and Dynamos plastic balls should not be used and we recommend using tennis balls instead.

The ECB has reported the matter to Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards are also aware.  Neither has indicated that a product recall is necessary in respect of the balls. 

Can children still use their All Stars Cricket bats from previous years?

Yes, children can use existing All Stars Cricket bats.

If bats and stumps are compliant, why aren’t they provided this year? 

Whilst we are confident that the existing bats and stumps do not contain the phthalates, we have not been able to receive a guarantee from the existing supplier, or from an alternative supplier, that new equipment would be compliant. 

Can I buy alternative cricket equipment and use that instead?

The ECB will provide additional funding for clubs and centres within the 2024 pricing structures to support new and existing clubs to source equipment they may need.  This comprises of £5 cash payment per participant across both programmes, and specifically for All Stars, an additional £10 per participant. This payment will only be made once registration is complete therefore clubs must consider this when planning what equipment will be available for the start of the course.

If the above investment and process does not provide enough funding for clubs and centres to source equipment, regrettably, we would recommend that unless they are able to share kit with other clubs or with the county board, 2024 programmes will need to be cancelled.

Which National Programmes equipment has been tested?

The ECB has arranged independent testing for the bats and stumps given out to programme participants and can confirm these do not have the same issue, and can therefore continue to be used.

We are awaiting independent test results for some other items but can confirm that the items in the table below have all been tested. They do not have the same issue and can therefore continue to be used. 

Programme

Product Name

All Stars Cricket

Yellow Cone

All Stars Cricket

Orange Cone

All Stars Cricket

Blue Cone

All Stars Cricket

White Cone

All Stars Cricket

Orange Stump Base

All Stars Cricket

Orange Stump

All Stars Cricket

Orange Bat

Dynamos Cricket

Yellow Cone

Dynamos Cricket

Pink Cone

Dynamos Cricket

Blue Cone

Dynamos Cricket

Pink Stump Base

Dynamos Cricket

Pink Stump

 

What do the affected products look like? 

Images of the affected products are shown below

ASC DC equipment

 

Health and Safety

What are the potential health and safety impacts?

An independent expert company have carried out a risk assessment in relation to the balls and have not determined any direct risks to participants in the programme in relation to the balls, but the safety of all participants, volunteers and staff is our priority, so out of an abundance of caution, the balls should no longer be used.

We will provide an update on the outcome of the risk assessments in relation to the Dynamos Cricket batting tee and National Programmes PVC banners (and any other items which require a risk assessment following independent testing) in due course. The Dynamos Cricket batting tee and the National Programmes PVC banners should no longer be used.

What is the level of risk?

The independent risk assessment for the balls has not determined any direct risks to participants in the programme in relation to the balls. We will provide an update on the outcome of the risk assessments in relation to the Dynamos Cricket batting tee and National Programmes PVC banners (and any other items which require a risk assessment following independent testing) in due course.

What’s the advice to someone who says they felt unwell after playing with a ball?

Given the risk assessment in relation to the balls did not determine any direct risk to participants in the programmes it is unlikely this would be as a result of this issue. However, should anyone feel unwell we would recommend that they seek medical help as appropriate.

What reassurance can we offer to people who have been using the affected balls/equipment?

We want to send our apologies to any clubs and All Stars and Dynamos participants impacted by this and hope we can resolve the situation as soon as possible. While the independent risk assessment in relation to the balls did not determine any direct risk to participants in the programmes in relation to the balls, we are taking a cautious approach and the balls should no longer be used. We will provide an update on the outcome of the risk assessments in relation to the Dynamos Cricket batting tee and National Programmes PVC banners (and any other items which require a risk assessment following independent testing) in due course. The Dynamos Cricket batting tee and the National Programme PVC banners should no longer be used.

I’m an activator, what should I say to parents/guardians who ask me whether the kit is safe?

The ECB has attempted to contact parents/guardians of participants to inform them of what we have found and that the affected equipment should no longer be used. We have tested the All Stars bats and they have not been found to have the same issue, so these can continue to be used, and we will be supplying centres who are running All Stars and Dynamos this year with new supplies of phthalate-free balls. In the meantime, we are recommending clubs use tennis balls instead. 

 

Participant and Centre Equipment in 2024

What will be included in centre equipment packs for new and existing All Stars Cricket clubs and centres in 2024?

The ECB have been working hard to try and provide full kit for clubs in 2024 but due to the challenges communicated, regrettably, new centre equipment won't be available in 2024.

What will be included for new and returning All Stars Cricket participants in 2024?

In 2024, All Stars participants will receive a personalised t-shirt, complemented by a discounted recommended retail price – see Pricing Structure.

What will be included in centre equipment packs for new and existing Dynamos Cricket clubs and centres in 2024?

The ECB have been working hard to try and provide full equipment for clubs in 2024 but due to the challenges communicated, regrettably, centre equipment won't be available in 2024.

We will provide Wild Cards (formerly known as Cricket Attax Cards) for each club running Dynamos Cricket programmes.

What will be included for new and returning Dynamos Cricket participants in 2024?

In 2024, Dynamos Cricket participants will receive a personalised New Balance t-shirt as in previous years.

Will we still receive Wild Cards (formally known as Cricket Attax Cards)

We are pleased to confirm that clubs will still receive Wild Cards to distribute to participants this season.

 

Pricing Structure and Financial Model for 2024

Will the RRP of National Programmes change in 2024?

The RRP for 2024 will be set as follows:

  • All Stars Cricket - £30 per participant (a reduction of £10 from the 2023 price)
  • Dynamos Cricket - £40 per participant

What will the financial model be for All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket for clubs and centres?

In total, in 2024;

  • All Stars Cricket clubs and centres will receive £25 per participant.
  • Dynamos Cricket clubs and centres will receive £30 per participant.

This comprises:

  • From the RRP, All Stars Cricket clubs and centres will receive £20 per participant. This is an increase on the £10 received in 2023, to provide additional club support.
  • From the RRP, Dynamos Cricket clubs and centres will receive £25 per participant. This is the same as in 2023.
  • All clubs and centres will receive an additional £5 per participant, automatically added to the payment amount above. This replaces the £5 per participant online shop credit offer in previous years.

Can clubs and centres still set their own price, above the RRP?

Clubs and centres can increase the RRP, based on their running costs.  The price of courses may vary from club to club, as it is subject to each club’s individual discretionary pricing.  As in 2023, any costs above the RRP will be subject to a 1.5% Stripe charge.

*Updated* What happens if a club has already advertised an All Stars Cricket course price to the public?

As in previous years, the ECB will not communicate the new RRP within marketing assets. The price of courses may vary from club to club, as it is subject to each club’s individual discretionary pricing.  To reflect the reduced RRP in 2024, All Stars Cricket courses currently set up on Clubspark will automatically be reduced by £10 per participant.  It is important that the reduction in price passed onto the person registering, to acknowledge the fact there is no participant equipment provided in 2024.

If a club would like to edit the course price, they should contact the helpdesk before 2nd April 2024.

Is there funding for clubs and centres to support financial losses?

We have increased the financial investment back into clubs and centres in 2024. This is to support clubs and centres to cover any losses felt due to the changes to kit and equipment. This investment includes a £5 cash payment per participant, which was previously restricted to online shop credit. All Stars clubs and centres, will receive £20 per participant from the RRP, compared to £10 in 2023. This is to provide additional club support.

What happens to the credit clubs had on the online shop?

There will be no online shop in 2024, and therefore no shop credit.  Instead, £5 per participant will be paid to each club, replacing the £5 shop credit model from 2023. For clubs and centres that had unspent online shop credit from 2023 delivery, this information has been reported and stored and will be reimbursed as shop credit once this functionality is made available in the future.

If participants were registered and paid for 2024 programmes starting after 1st March 2024, and before the booking links closed on 7th March, how does a club gain the additional £10 All Stars payment per participant and the additional £5 per All Stars or Dynamos participant?

All the booking data in Clubspark was recorded and saved before the links were closed on 7th March.  Payments that are due to clubs and centres will be calculated using this data and will be manually paid into each club’s account. These payments will begin on Monday 25th March and may take up to 60 days to be received.

Once booking links open for the priority window on 3rd April 2024, clubs and centres will gain the additional payments automatically, through the usual Stripe method.

Can clubs and centres cancel courses due to the information communicated about equipment?

If clubs and centres would like to cancel their programme for 2024 please contact allstarscricket@ecb.co.uk before 2nd April 2024 who can process this and issue refunds to any participants who have booked and paid.

 

Participant and Course Registration in 2024

Why have direct booking links been removed?

The direct link functionality has been removed until the priority window opens on 3rd April 2024.  We want to ensure that, on being made aware of the equipment challenges, clubs and centres can evaluate their approach to delivering National Programmes in 2024. The change in the RRP for All Stars requires us to ensure that all new registrations are set at the new price within the system.  Removing the direct link functionality means that clubs can communicate any course changes in time for the priority window opening on 3rd April, and that all registrations made for 2024 courses are done so at the correct price.

Can clubs and centres still login to Clubspark and set up courses for 2024?

Clubspark remains open to clubs and centres for them to log in and upload their course details, as in previous years.

Will the challenges with equipment impact the participant booking experience?

The registration process and booking system remains unaffected and parents can continue to use it as in previous years.  Any questions regarding equipment have been removed.

Why is Clubspark still closed for direct link registrations? 

There are two reasons why we are not be able to open Clubspark for bookings, including via direct links, until 3rd April in line with the priority window launch.  

The changes to equipment provision may require clubs and centres to review their approach in 2024, as they assess the implications on delivery. We are sensitive to the decisions clubs will need to make and have therefore given them the time to come to decide the best course of action by 2nd April. If we open direct links before this time, we risk participants signing up to clubs before they are ready to do so. 

With the changes in RRP and the removal of equipment, we are required to make updates to the booking system. Clubspark have been incredibly supportive in working with us on this process however need until 2nd April to ensure that this new process works for both clubs and participants. 

Once the priority window opens, do All Stars participants on courses starting before 10th May still get a t-shirt? 

When Clubspark registration opens on 3rd April, All Stars participants who book onto courses through the Clubspark system will be sent a t-shirt. For any courses that begin before 10th May, we will endeavour to get t-shirts delivered to participants as close as possible to course start dates. 

  

Delivery of National Programmes in 2024

Can I use non branded equipment to deliver National Programmes in 2024?

We have increased the financial investment to clubs and centres this year. Clubs can use this as they wish, and it may include purchasing alternative cricket equipment to support with their delivery. 

Will you be providing balls which can be used instead within our National Programmes sessions?

ECB will be providing some new balls to clubs and centres that have registered to deliver an All Stars or Dynamos programme in 2024. More information will follow on the process to receive the balls.

It is likely that the new balls will arrive after programme start dates. The balls will be easily distinguishable from all existing balls due to their design and colour. In the interim we recommend that tennis balls are used.

How will we distinguish between existing balls and the new balls that are provided?

We have placed an order for new phthalate free balls. These will be easily distinguishable from all existing balls due to their design and colour.  The new ball will be white, with a light blue seam and will have both the All Stars and Dynamos logos on.

Can we use other existing National Programmes equipment to deliver in 2024?

The ECB has arranged independent testing for the bats and stumps given out to programme participants and can confirm these do not have the same issue and can therefore continue to be used. A full list of tested products can be found in the Existing National Programmes Equipment section.

What can we do with the ball we have from last year? 

Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards have been informed of the issue of the ball, and neither as indicated a need to recall the products in circulation.  

However, the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff is our priority, so out of an abundance of caution we would advise that the affected equipment should no longer be used.  

For those who wish to dispose of the balls, we are working to provide a sustainable solution for what to do with the balls and will update as soon as we can. 

 

Participant Refunds

Will refunds be available?

All Stars Cricket participants who booked and paid for 2023/2024 programmes between 14th November 2023 and 29th February 2024, where the course start date was between 14th November 2023 and 29th February 2024 will receive a £10 refund. We will contact them individually to explain the reason for this.

All Stars Cricket participants who booked and paid for 2024 programmes between 14th November 2023 and 7th March 2024, where the course start date was on or after 1st March 2024, will have the option to cancel their place on a 2024 course. In this instance they will be offered a full refund by contacting the Help Desk - allstarscricket@ecb.co.uk. This will be communicated to the affected bookers via email. For those who wish not to cancel, a £10 refund will be automatically sent to them to ensure they have paid the RRP of £30 in 2024. This will be communicated to all affected bookers.

Dynamos Cricket participants will have the opportunity to cancel their place on a booked course based on the Terms and Conditions made available to them during the Clubspark registration process. No partial refunds will be issued for Dynamos Cricket as the participant offer remains the same as advertised.

Participants who booked using a voucher code where no money was exchanged, will be contacted with an apology and explanation.

Can clubs and centres cancel courses due to the information communicated about equipment?

If clubs and centres would like to cancel their programme for 2024 please contact the Helpdesk - allstarscricket@ecb.co.uk before 2nd April 2024 who can process this and issue refunds to any participants who have booked and paid.

When will participant refunds be given?

Refunds will begin being processed from Monday 25h March and may take up to 60 days to be received in the bookers bank account.

Some participants were sent packs earlier in the year that didn’t contain a ball, and were told they would get a ball sent to them, is this still happening?

In February 2024, a number of participants were sent kit and equipment packs without balls. Unfortunately, due to the challenges communicated, they will now not receive a ball.  Participants who booked and paid for a course will be contacted directly with an apology and explanation and automatically issued a refund of £10 to the bank account they booked with.  Participants who booked using a voucher code where no money was exchanged, will be contacted with an apology and explanation.

 

Activators

How should Activators follow the curriculum without equipment?

For clubs and centres who have run National Programmes in the past, we support the use of existing kit with the exception of the items we have stated are not compliant. We recommend that tennis balls are used to substitute the existing All Stars and Dynamos Balls. This should allow activators to continue following the curriculum without significant impact. The ECB has provided additional funding (£5 cash payment per participant) to source additional balls if required.

For clubs and centres who are new to the programme and do not have existing kit, regrettably we would recommend that unless they are able to share kit with other clubs or with the county board, 2024 programmes will need to be cancelled.

What should activators say to parents/guardians who ask them whether the equipment is safe?

The ECB has attempted to contact parents/guardians of participants to inform them of what we have found and to no longer use the affected equipment. We have tested the All Stars bats and they have not been found to have the same issue as the balls, so these can continue to be used, and we will be supplying centres who are running All Stars and Dynamos this year with new supplies of phthalate-free balls. In the meantime, we are recommending clubs use tennis balls instead. 

 

Marketing, Communication and Resources

What imagery can be used to promote National Programmes?

We appreciate many programmes running in 2024 will already be advertised.  The ECB is not instructing clubs and centres to remove or change any already printed imagery or assets.

We have created new resources, saved as ‘collections’ on Resource Hub, which should be used to replace or change any digital imagery or advertising wherever possible.

 

2025 National Programmes

Do you anticipate kit and equipment returning for 2025?

Yes, we have already started conversations with suppliers and are confident in our ability to provide kit in 2025.

 

Further Questions

Where can we direct people who have further questions or want more information?

For Clubs: Please contact the Helpdesk via allstarscricket@ecb.co.uk

For participants, parents and guardians: Please contact the Helpdesk via allstarscricke@ecb.co.uk