IT’S all systems go for South Coast District Cricket Association (SCDCA) clubs this weekend, despite the tragic death of former Australian player Phillip Hughes.
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Some associations have cancelled games of respect for Hughes, who was hit in the head by a bouncer at the SCG on Tuesday, but South Coast believes it would be better for teams to play and show respect in other ways.
“We have asked all teams, both seniors and juniors, to observe a minute’s silence before their games this weekend and for all players to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Phillip,” SCDCA president Tony Panecasio said.
“I am sure everyone has been deeply saddened by his passing – it’s a terrible shock and something I am sure has affected many, many people, not only in our local area, but throughout Australia.
“I suppose it puts safety to the forefront of everyone’s mind and I have always encouraged players in teams I coach or manage to wear helmets.
“This was a tragic accident and probably puts life into perspective – no-one dies playing cricket, but this was just a freak incident that has thrown our game into turmoil.”
Mr Panecasio said cricket has come a long way from the days when no-one wore helmets – in fact the mere appearance of a helmet sent bowlers into a frenzy as captains probably gave incentives to any bowler who could knock the helmet off the batsman’s head.
“Yes, I certainly have seen that,” he said. “But we have come a long way.
“Now helmets are compulsory in junior cricket and up to under-14s play with softer cricket balls, and, maybe as a result of players coming into grade and being used to wearing them, we are now seeing many senior players now wearing helmets.
“They are now better designed and I would love to see it become compulsory in all grades of cricket.”
Around the world people are marking Hughes's death in a lovely tribute by putting their cricket bats out.
Sydney father Paul Taylor started the move which has overtaken Twitter by placing his bat at his front door as a “mark of respect” and tweeted the image using the hashtag#putoutyourbats.