Adelaide Turf Association could be partially banned from My Cricket
An Adelaide cricket association could lose support from Cricket Australia if it does not adhere to new junior rules.
The Adelaide Turf Cricket Association (ATCA) has been threatened with sanctions if it does not follow a Cricket Australia directive to play its Under-12 competition off shortened wickets.
The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has been working with associations across the state since 2016 to align them to uniform national junior formats.
Turf Association Under-12 teams currently play off a full 20m-long pitch.
But now the SACA wants all competitions in this age division to play off 18 metres, to comply with Cricket Australia guidelines.
In a June 28 SACA report seen by The Messenger, the association could face penalties if it does not obey the directive.
It would not “have complete access” to the My Cricket online portal — which lists teams and fixtures — or receive discounted insurance from Cricket Australia.
Association executive officer David Heyzer told The Messenger the ATCA was “predominantly a turf competition”.
Forcing juniors to play off a shortened wicket would add curating costs and hard-wicket hire to clubs’ bottom lines.
“It’s a possibility,” Mr Heyzer said of a partial My Cricket ban.
“They talk about not having complete access, so we’re not sure what part they will block.
“Some clubs and associations are pushing back (on the directive).”
He said the pitch directive was “the main sticking point”.
The association is due to meet with SACA next week to talk about the issue.
Mr Heyzer said with Under-12, 15 and 17 games using senior pitches on Sundays, clubs could not handle the extra wear and tear if shortened wickets were introduced.
“It could do damage to drier wickets,” he said.
“We’re a turf competition — clubs don’t want to go onto a hard wicket.”
Western Suburbs Junior Cricket Association president Arnold Kretschmer said the league had been “bullied and harassed” by SACA into being compliant.
“And now they’re threatening us,” Mr Kretschmer said.
“It really disappoints us — we’ve tried to rectify this for three years.
“I’m getting tired of it.
“We have done everything they have asked except play off a short pitch.”
He said getting Under-12 children playing off a shortened wicket would create a “severe cost burden” for clubs with extra pitch preparation needed.
“We are happy to continue to work with the SACA and find a solution,” he said.
The association is set to hold its annual general meeting on July 22 and vote on the shortened wicket directive for the coming season.
The Messenger understands the SACA realises a reduction in the length of the pitch will pose challenges for some clubs and associations.
However, the SACA would not confirm if the Turf Association’s free access to My Cricket could be restricted if it did not sign up to national guidelines.
SACA’s general manager of high performance, Tim Nielsen, said it had worked with clubs and associations across the state on changes to junior games.
“By introducing some changes, we are ensuring all clubs are given the best chance for young players to not only improve their skills and enjoy the game, but to stay involved in cricket long-term,” Mr Nielsen said.