SACA introduce new rules for cricket competition this summer to deal with COVID-19 pandemic
Adelaide’s most historic cricket competition is set to begin another campaign – but without an age-old tradition – as SACA introduces new rules in the wake of COVID-19. SEE the changes here.
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An age-old tradition is among a raft of changes introduced ahead of the return of SA’s Premier Cricket competition later this month.
The South Australian Cricket Association has brought in a variety of new rules for the 2020/21 Premier and community competitions as COVID safety measures.
One of the changes will affect a great tradition of cricket with afternoon teas being off the menu at Premier Cricket matches this summer.
Instead, players, coaches and volunteers will have to bring their own lunch or head to the canteen for some food.
Other new rules include:
■ No shining of the ball using sweat or saliva
■ No sharing of equipment (pads, gloves, helmets and protective equipment)
■ No sharing of drinks, with players to bring their own drinks bottle with their name on it.
■ No physical contact during matches including high fives and shaking hands
■ Physical distancing with players, coaches and volunteers to be 1.5m apart during pre-game huddles, at the fall of a wicket, meal or drinks breaks.
■ Players, team managers and match officials must sanitise their hands before, during and after the game.
SACA Premier Cricket manager Steve Busbridge said the new rules were put in place to ensure a season could get underway as the country learned to live with COVID-19.
“As a sport, I think we have a responsibility to ensure we create a safe environment for not only players, but umpires, coaches volunteers and spectators,” Busbridge said.
“We had a Premier Cricket information night last Wednesday and went through the regulations and guidelines and clubs were receptive to it.
“They understand we are dealing with a pandemic which no one has ever been through before and pleasingly clubs are taking on that responsibility so we can start and complete the season.”
Meanwhile, specific guidelines have also been developed to handle the ball.
Umpires will be required to check the condition of the ball but will not handle it at any stage.
The fielding captain will need to take the ball to the umpire for inspection.
At the fall of a wicket or drinks break, the player that fielded the ball should place the ball next to the stump at the end of the pitch the next ball will be bowled from.
At the conclusion of the session or at the end of a days play the fielding captain should place the ball back in its original packaging.
Tea Tree Gully player/coach Matt Weaver said his club would do everything to stick with the rules so a successful campaign could get underway.
“There are going to be some changes and not what people are used to,” Weaver said.
“I think everyone is just going to be happy and play some cricket.
“I think everyone will just suck it up for hopefully just a season and then things can return to normal.”
In March, the 2019/2020 Premier and Turf competitions were cancelled as the state grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier club delegates voted to award the titles to the minor premier in each grade of men’s, women’s and junior cricket.