‘Decision for each association’: Cricket NSW powerless in battle for compulsory helmets

Despite compliance in the junior space, Cricket NSW still has its hands full in the battle for compulsory helmets in local senior competitions. HERE’S WHY

Advances in concussion management have initiated change in many sports. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Sydney cricket competitions are failing to adhere to strong Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW recommendations to mandate the compulsory wearing of helmets when facing fast bowling.

Nearly ten years since the death of Phillip Hughes after he was struck by a bouncer at the SCG, local cricketers are still allowed to play against fast bowling on suburban grounds wearing only a cap.

While competitions administered under the umbrella of Cricket NSW must wear helmets, other associations administered locally are left to follow their own protocols with some opting to avoid any helmet rule.

Helmets have been embraced across the board in junior cricket. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It has led to farcical situations where opposing teams are playing under different rules.

For senior players in the St George District Cricket Association helmets are compulsory, while in the nearby Moore Park & South East Cricket Association (MPSECA), batters are free to make their own choice.

A difference in protocols is one thing, but with teams from both associations competing against each other in merged competitions, contests with a rule for one and not the other are commonplace.

Mitch Marsh sporting a neck protector against Pakistan at the MCG. Photo by William WEST / AFP

For Cricket NSW, which is still grieving the death of Hughes, frustration is growing as the protocols at the elite level continue to widen from those on suburban grounds.

In a major momentum shift this season, neck protectors have become mandatory for every Australian player at international and domestic level when facing fast or medium pace bowling.

Under the rules introduced by Cricket Australia, sanctions for non-compliance apply.

But just as international umpires are powerless to enforce the regulation like in Australian domestic cricket, when it comes to compulsory helmets in community competition, the waters are just as murky.

For General Manager of Community Cricket Martin Gleeson, it’s a headache his team at Cricket NSW could do without.

“The CA helmet recommendations are embedded in playing conditions for all pathway competitions administered by CNSW.” said Gleeson

“A strong recommendation exists from CNSW for the adoption of the policy for all affiliated associations.”

Back in the day a cap at the wicket was commonplace.

With a wide variety of cricket formats falling under the community banner, Gleeson explained the exceptions and current obstacles.

“It is important to note helmet recommendations refer to hard ball competitions only, and not to “soft ball” junior or social cricket,” said Gleeson.

“CNSW is unaware of any junior competitions administered by our affiliated associations that do not comply with helmet mandates for junior players.

“In regards to senior competitions it is ultimately the decision of each individual association to adopt the policy or otherwise,” he said.

“Many have passed on a strong recommendation to players within their competitions to wear British Standard Helmets as per the policy.”

But in the battle of head versus ball at the grassroots, despite best intentions, Gleeson admits even the best CA policies can still be let through to the keeper.

“As our affiliated associations are separate legal entities it is ultimately up to each association to decide whether to adopt or not,” he said.

It’s nothing new, associations have marched to their own beat for over 100 years but according to MPSECA secretary David Power, their association wouldn’t hesitate to comply if a mandatory ruling was handed down from above.

“Our association has an ageing list of players who have played all their cricket without helmets,” Power explained.

“There isn’t a long list of juniors coming through, and the majority of clubs are worried about losing players should they be forced to use a helmet.

“Each year all the clubs are asked to vote, and so far majority rules.”

For Cricket NSW, without overarching powers the focus continues to be on education.

“The incidence of head injuries in cricket is significantly lower than many other sports and the subsequent risks of concussion are lower,” said Gleeson.

“However, the sport remains diligent as the understanding in this space continues to evolve. And the policies, guidelines and work with community clubs will continue to evolve accordingly.”