PLAYER SAFETY
Concussion Guidelines
-
Should any player batsman or fielder receive a blow to the head or upper neck, whether wearing protective equipment or not from a ball or other piece of equipment during play or training they must be assessed for a possible concussion, utilising the Cricket Australia Diagnosis of Concussion Guidelines, available here.
-
If the player fails the test, they shall take no further part in the days play/training and must be assessed by trained medical professionals. Players should not return to play for a minimum of 14 days from the time they become symptom free, as per the Cricket Australia Junior Players Concussion Guidelines, available here.
-
If a player is removed due to a suspected concussion, it must be reported in writing to the club president and the WA Cricket Affiliate Services Specialist at MJCC.admin@wacricket.com.au within 24 hours of the incident.
All other guidelines as per the Cricket Australia Junior Players Concussion Guidelines should be followed to ensure the safety of Junior Players. This guide is available here.
Heat Policy
Matches
-
Where conditions are forecast to be hot on game days, WA Cricket will monitor conditions and provide recommendations based on information available, the MJCC General Rules and Cricket Australia’s Heat Stress Rating Index tools.
-
The MJCC Competitions Subcommittee may implement any additional measures they see fit to prioritise player safety regarding heat concerns. This may include, but is not limited to, match cancellations, shortening match lengths, and mandating or recommending earlier start times.
-
All participants must adhere to these recommendations, with decisions made in the interests of player safety.
Training
-
Clubs should utilise the Heat Stress Rating Index tool to monitor conditions for training as required.
Helmet Policy
Helmets must be a specifically-designed, properly-fitted cricket helmet with a face guard.
Current “best of breed” helmets are those that are compliant with the British Standard for helmet safety (BS7928:2013 Specification for head protectors for cricketers). This Standard has been described by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the de facto international standard for helmets and now supersedes the existing Australian Standard for helmets which dates from 1997.
Any individual taking responsibility for players should take all reasonable steps to ensure that all batters and wicket-keepers keeping up to the stumps must wear a helmet at all times.
Junior Cricket
Helmets are mandatory for junior cricketers (any player under 18 years of age), including when they are playing senior cricket.
Junior Batters
Helmets must be worn by all junior cricketers when batting
Junior Fielders
Helmets are not mandatory for junior cricketers while fielding, as junior cricketers are not permitted to field in close proximity to the batter unless otherwise directed or stated in the Age Group specific MJCC rules.
Junior Wicket-Keepers
Helmets must be worn by all junior wicket-keepers when keeping up to the stumps.
Administrators, club coaches, team managers, parents and other volunteers are also encouraged to consider mandating the use of helmets for junior wicket-keepers (even if “standing back) to medium/fast bowlers) if there are concerns about the skill level of the wicket-keeper, bowlers and fielders. In many instances, the skill levels of the wicket-keeper, bowlers and fielders may still be developing and when combined with variable pitch/ground conditions it may place wicket-keepers at greater risk of receiving a facial/head injury from the ball.
See Age Group Specific Rules for current mandatory use of helmets by age group however refer to above where appropriate over any above the current mandatory helmet use.
Umpire Safety
Umpires should also consider what protective gear they feel is necessary for them. Advancements in bat technology mean that the larger bats available today are capable of producing stronger and faster shots which may be directed towards the main umpire or the square leg umpire. This is particularly relevant for modified formats of the game such as T20 and Super Sixes, however also applies to traditional formats. Umpires should consider the use of shin pads and some kind of facial/head protections. Accordingly, some umpires may elect to wear a helmet compliant with BS7928:2013 and other protective equipment. This is encouraged by Cricket Australia.