PMC proposes monthly passes of Rs 300 to Rs 600 for solo practice at Sanas ground

Players who practise alone at Pune's Late Baburao Sanas ground may soon have to pay for it. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed introducing a pass system. Under the proposal, players below 18 years of age will pay Rs 300 a month, while those above 18 will be charged Rs 600.

The administration has drawn up a full policy covering entry to the ground, use of the synthetic track, and rules of discipline for players and coaches. The proposal has been placed before the standing committee and the general body through the corporation's sports committee. The policy will be implemented only after the general body approves it.

At present, players practising alone can use the ground free of charge. The new policy sets practice hours from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. The time from 9 am to 4 pm will be reserved for competitions.

Between Monday and Saturday, the ground can be given only for athletics competitions, but the corporation's prior permission will be required. Organisers will have to apply to the corporation's sports department. Regular practice will not be allowed while a competition is on.

The ground will be closed for maintenance every Sunday. No competitions will be held there on that day either.

The proposed rules also say players must come to the synthetic track and the ground properly dressed in sports shoes. Slippers and everyday footwear will not be allowed. Bringing in food or eating on the track or the ground will be strictly prohibited.

Parents of players in training and other citizens will not be allowed inside the track or the ground under any circumstances. There will also be no facility for walking on the ground.

Every player and coach practising alone will have to get an identity card made from the sports department. The card must be shown to staff or security personnel at the entrance.

The policy also states that responsibility for any injury or accident during practice will rest with the players and coaches. The administration will not be held liable for it.