‘Our major aim is to have a network of key Groundsmen who can offer support and advice to Groundsmen across the county no matter how experienced they are’ - DCBGA 

Clubs, coaches and umpires in Devon all have local associations at hand for assistance and development and have done for several years now. Devon groundsmen now also have an association to represent and assist them thanks to the formation of the Devon Cricket Board Groundsmen's Association (DCBGA).

 
The Devon Cricket Board and Devon Cricket League have worked together to facilitate the formation of the DCBGA but it is the expertise of local groundsmen that will ensure its success. Whilst the DCBGA is a county-wide association it will be run locally by regional head groundsmen it order to best fulfil the needs of clubs in Devon.

The regional head groundsman are the point of contact for clubs and groundsmen alike and are available to assist and advise clubs on any number of matters. Contact for the regional support is below:

 

North Devon		Andrew Cameron
Mobile:		07831 644198
E-mail:		andy@instow.net
South Devon		Charlie Woolnough
Mobile:		07977 784144
E-mail:		woolnough65@gmail.com
East Devon		Colin Whitehall
Mobile:		07828 873792
E-mail:		colinwhitehall121@btinternetcom
West Devon		Vacant
Mobile:
E-mail:
DCL / Mid-Devon		John Smith
Tel:		01884 243519
Mobile:		07753 897663

The benefits of regionalising the DCBGA will include; local point of contact/pitch advice, potential bulk purchasing of stock, machinery sharing and improved communication between clubs and groundsman. Other benefits to clubs post formation of the DGA will be IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship) courses run in Devon at a discount to affiliate clubs and regular ECB pitch inspections for clubs.

ECB pitch inspections have already taken place at twelve clubs in Devon this year with the detailed findings utilised by the clubs to improve the standard of wickets produced. The DGA have been tasked with ensuring clubs in the top four DCL divisions receive an ECB pitch inspection once every four years.
The regional head groundsmen will also be used by the DCL to support those clubs who are struggling to meet the required standards for the leagues based on umpire reports.

More news on IOG A & B course, local meetings/seminars, machinery grants/offers will be forthcoming from the DCBGA.

In the meantime please use your regional head groundsmen as many clubs already are, they are there to benefit you!