Nottinghamshire Cricket Groundsman’s Association
Groundsmen are fundamental to cricket. No other surface affects the sport it is played on more than a cricket pitch, and while it may not always seem like it, groundsmen are vital, as they are instrumental in the enjoyment and safety of those who play on our grounds and pitches.
The NCGA was initiated to support the counties groundsman, with the aim to support the continued improvement of playing surfaces at all levels of the game.
The association provides a link between the volunteer groundsman in village cricket, through club cricket right up to the first class arena. It allows like minded, dedicated individuals access to a wealth of knowledge from their peers, who are working in similar conditions and, more often than not, encountering similar issues.
The association is currently able to:-
•Organise educational courses in cricket groundsmanship and related courses
•Offer local support, help and advice
•Offer access to specialist machinery
•Provide access to savings on soils and other materials / supplies
•Promote cricket groundsmanship and good practice
•Provide all its services in a way that is fair to all members
•Represent the best interests of cricket groundsmen in Nottingham at local and national level
Benefits of association membership includes invitation to a range of meeting dates, where members enjoy sharing information and ideas, as well as listening to a series of presentations by experts who share their knowledge through talks and demonstrations.
Membership also includes discount fees on IOG/ECB courses as well as locally run training courses. These give Groundsmen new and old the opportunity to increase their knowledge, from the basics to the more advanced aspects of turf management.
The Nottinghamshire Cricket Board has 2 qualified ECB Pitch advisors who are available to members to support them in the development and improvement of playing surfaces across the county.
The role of a pitch advisor is:
· advise on performance / quality of pitches
· provide recommendations on improvements that can be made
· Carry out basic or detailed assessments
For more information on the role of the pitch advisor check the ECB Pitch Advisor web site or contact the NCB through
The NCGA members also have access to specialist equipment that can be used to provide square maintenance and repair. This equipment will be delivered and demonstrated by experienced groundsman / turfcare specialists. These resources are provided at discounted rates as agreed and set by the NCGA in order to give groundsman across the county access to both the best equipment and knowledgeable resource.
Anyone involved or interested in cricket pitch preparation are welcome to become a member, and the learning potential alone is enormous, as just talking to other local groundsmen can be rewarding in itself.
The first meeting of the NCGA in 2013 is scheduled for April 7th at 10.00am in The Long Room at Trent Bridge. The guest speaker will be Edwin Roberts of Classic Mowers. Edwin has over 30 years experience of maintaining turfcare equipment, and will be demonstrating tips and advice on how to get the best from your machinery whatever it’s age or condition, as well as answering any questions or queries.
If you or anyone at your club is interested in joining the NCGA, annual membership is just £10 per person. For an application form please contact The Chairman at