Dear Club/Safeguarding Officials,
I am aware that a solar eclipse will be visible across our region on Wednesday 12 August 2026 and wanted to provide some general guidance for clubs that may have matches or training sessions taking place during the evening.
For the Manchester area, the eclipse is expected to take place between approximately 18:13 and 20:03, with the maximum eclipse expected at around 19:10. In Liverpool, the timings are approximately 18:13 to 20:04, with the maximum also expected at around 19:10. These times are approximate and will, of course, depend on local conditions and visibility on the day.
The main safety concern is eye damage from looking directly at the Sun. This can cause serious and permanent damage to eyesight.
Safety advice for clubs
Clubs are asked to consider the following:
- Players, coaches, officials and spectators should never look directly at the Sun during the eclipse.
- If anyone wishes to view the eclipse, they should only use purpose-made solar viewing glasses or filters that are specifically designed and certified for viewing the Sun. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable.
- Clubs should make players and parents/carers aware of the eclipse and the associated risks, particularly where junior cricket is taking place.
- Where the timing of a match or training session coincides with the eclipse, clubs should consider pausing play, particularly around the expected maximum at approximately 19:10.
- Captains, coaches and officials should use their judgement and take account of the changing light conditions when deciding whether it is safe to continue.
- Particular care should be taken with fielders and wicketkeepers, as changing light levels may make it more difficult to track the ball, especially when looking upwards for catches.
- Play should be stopped if players or officials are unable to see the ball clearly or otherwise feel that conditions have become unsafe.
- Junior players should remain appropriately supervised during any break in play and should not be encouraged to look towards the Sun.
- Clubs should consider their arrangements for spectators and parents/carers, particularly where large numbers of young people are present.
- Any decision to suspend or resume play should be clearly communicated to players, officials and coaches.
Cricket considerations
The eclipse should not present a particular risk to normal cricket equipment, but the changing levels of daylight may affect visibility. This is particularly relevant when the ball is in the air and could make catches more difficult.
Captains and coaches should therefore consider the positions of players on the field and the direction in which they may be looking. If conditions make it difficult to follow the ball safely, play should be paused until visibility improves.
For league and competition matches, clubs should also follow the relevant competition rules and any instructions given by the umpires or match officials.
The purpose of this guidance is simply to encourage clubs to plan ahead and make sure that everyone involved in cricket is aware of the eclipse and the potential risks. It is not intended to cause unnecessary disruption to match or training.
Please ensure that coaches, team managers, captains, officials and relevant safeguarding personnel are aware of the eclipse where cricket activities are taking place during this period.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our players, volunteers and spectators safe.
GMCL League Safeguarding Officer
