Adelaide Turf Cricket Association rejects Cricket Australia’s new junior rules
Adelaide Turf Cricket Competition has risked major sanctions by Cricket Australia after refusing to abide by new rules for under-12 players.
The Adelaide Turf Cricket Association (ACTA) has run the risk of Cricket Australia sanctions after rejecting calls to play its under-12 players off a shortened wicket.
Association executive officer David Heyzer said members voted on Monday night to inform the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) it would not abide by the new Cricket Australia rule for players in the under-12 competition to play off an 18m wicket.
Turf association under-12 teams currently play off a full 20m-long pitch.
The Messenger revealed earlier this month SACA had been working with associations across the state since 2016 to align them to uniform national junior formats.
However, the association and its junior clubs were concerned playing off a shortened wicket would add to curating costs or force clubs to hire other ovals.
The association had been threatened with sanctions by SACA if it did not follow the directive — to allow children of all abilities to play the game — including having its access to online cricket portal My Cricket restricted.
It could also lose access to insurance rebates from Cricket Australia.
Clubs involved in ATCA’s junior competition are Goodwood, Unley, Brighton, Reynella and Marion.
Mr Heyzer said the association had no choice but to stand its ground.
“The board while not totally against the under-12 format agrees with the concerns clubs have with additional costs associated with the shorter pitch and support the claims of financial assistance is a must if we are to play under-12 games on turf wickets,” Mr Heyzer said.
“It will do damage to cricket pitches and add to curating costs. That’s our biggest beef.
“The ATCA is a turf association and proud of it.
“We don’t want to be forced onto hard wickets.
“It would be an ongoing cost for us.”
He said with the season “fast approaching” the association had to make a “quick decision”.
“I hope SACA can see why we’re doing this,” Mr Heyzer said.
“It would be unfair if the clubs or the association are penalised financially or administratively.”
SACA declined to comment.