Pitch Advisor

GLOUCESTERSHIRE PITCH ADVISORY SCHEME

Introduction:

The ECB Pitch Advisory Scheme is funded by Sport England and ECB, and represents the first governing body to address the issue of Groundsmanship, in particular at recreational / non-professional level. The project is to place 45 County Pitch Advisers across England and Wales and for their activities to be fully embraced into the work of County Cricket Boards (CCB’s).

As part of the project the Pitch Advisor is able to assess facilities on a standard that is recognised nationally and conforms to nationally accepted criteria (IOG Performance Quality Standards – see attached information).

The Gloucestershire Pitch adviser Jason Hobbs

Jason has been involved as a cricket groundsman for some 20 years as a volunteer to the recreational game having gained his qualifications with the ECB as Gloucestershire Cricket advisor 10 years ago.

A founder member of the Gloucestershire Association of Groundsmen Jason is in position to advise volunteers in the preparation and maintenance of fine turf (grass) and non-turf (artificial) facilities. The Pitch Advisory service allows Jason to carry out the advised facility assessments as identified in the schedule overleaf for recreational cricket clubs affiliated to the Gloucestershire Cricket Board.

Aims & Objectives of the Pitch Advisor Scheme

The purpose of the Pitch Advisor scheme is to address issues regarding:

Minimum Performance Quality Standards
Consistent advice across England and Wales
Active response to clubs
Higher profile for Groundsmanship
Accurate assessment of cricket priority sites
Identified costs
Proactive move between professional and voluntary sector

Jason’s role as Pitch Adviser

To advise on the quality performance of specific pitches / squares and produce recommendations (where necessary) for any improvements.
To monitor the developments of any facilities (including Non Turf (artificial) Pitches) on which recommendations are being implemented.
Available, if required, to assess pitches / squares / Non Turf Pitches (artificial) TP’s
Help build an effective Groundsmanship Association