THE issue of helmets will no doubt be a topic of conversation at cricket matches across the Bega Valley this weekend in light of Phillip Hughes' terrible head injury this week.
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David Allen, publicity officer with the Far South Coast Cricket Association, said helmets were mandatory for local juniors, but not for adults.
“All the juniors, and by that I mean 17 years and under, must wear a helmet in the Far South Coast Cricket Association when they are batting or wicket keeping,” he said.
“However, it’s not mandatory for adults and there are no real guidelines.
“We do find that many of the players who are under 25 or so will wear a helmet because this rule was enforced when they were juniors and it’s just second nature for them to do it.
“When I was a youngster playing here it wasn’t mandatory or even as a young man playing in Sydney, so if it’s not something you grew up with you may not automatically think to put on a helmet when you go out to bat.
“A lot of older guys or players in the lower grades, they will just keep their cap on.
“It gets pretty hot out there and those helmets are very uncomfortable in the heat, so some blokes won’t bother.”
Mr Allen, who also plays first grade for Bega-Angledale Bulls, said although local teams were not playing Test-standard cricket it didn’t mean there wasn’t any danger.
“The reality is we don’t get a lot of balls coming at us at 140kmh, however there are some fast bowlers in the teams here and I’ve seen some blokes get knocks to the head, the teeth, and it’s not pleasant,” he said.
“There is always inherent risk in any sport and cricket is no exception.
“I think with the junior grades having mandatory helmets and these players joining the adult grades it might become the norm in the future,” he said.
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