BREAKING NEW GROUND

VICTORIAN PLANNING FORUM 4 - 5 JUNE 2016 South Australian Cricket Forum 2017 FORUM REPORT

SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE - OUTCOMES AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES & RECOMMENDED ACTIONS The following document provides an overview of outcomes and recommended actions identified by SMC Strategies (SMC) in response to the Cricket Connects Forum stakeholder consultation. These focus upon the following key areas: 1. Collaboration & Communication 2. Volunteers & Resources 3. Facilities 4. Flexibility & Formats 5. Profile & Visibility 6. Inclusion 7. The Cricket Connects Forum Commitment 8. Governance and decision-making processes SMC considers that the proposed actions contribute to the objectives of SACA’s new five year strategy: SACA Strategy 2017-2022: • We will transform junior cricket to be the number 1 sport for children in • Number 1 teams in all competitive formats, female and male • We will be the leading sport for women and girls • We will tailor the game to secure the future of cricket • We will use technology to deliver great experiences for fans, participants and volunteers • We will drive investment in the game via innovative revenue solutions We will support our strategy by: • Sporting leader in stakeholder engagement • People and culture are our top priority • Best practice governance structures for cricket

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 1.1 Continuation of the Cricket Connects engagement program. 1.2 Assignment of dedicated internal SACA resources to collaboratively develop and implement activity and programs arising from the results of Cricket Connects program consultation. 1.3 Sector based workshops. 1.4 Formation of ongoing issue-specific working groups as required. 1. COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION 1.5 Premier and community cricket player consultation. 1.6 A Cricket Connects Forum update meeting in late 2017 and early to mid 2018. 1.7 Collaborative development and implementation of a project plan to deliver on the Cricket Connects commitment. 1.8 Regular Cricket Connects activity updates and opportunities for contribution by all stakeholders.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 2.1 In collaboration with Clubs and Associations, develop options for providing increased administrative assistance through SACA based and in-the-field resources. 2.2 In collaboration with Premier Clubs, investigate options for part-time paid administrative support (a matter raised in particular by Premier Clubs, where demands upon volunteer resources can be extremely high). 2. VOLUNTEERS & RESOURCES 2.3 This should be aligned with Club delivery on specific objectives, including improved opportunities for junior cricket and girls and women’s cricket development and regional zone contribution. 2.4 Identify options for how SACA (in collaboration with ) can provide improved programs and resources directly assisting Clubs with volunteer attraction, recognition, management and training.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 3.1 SMC understands that SACA is currently developing a new South Australian Infrastructure Strategy that will identify priorities, strategies and key actions in regard to facilities provision and development over the next ten years. 3.2 SMC understands that this is being delivered and supported by the appointment of a new State Infrastructure Manager in late 2017. 3.3 The Infrastructure Strategy will be informed and supported by Cricket Australia’s National Facilities Audit results, together with consultation with local governments, Clubs and Associations. Knowledge of local needs and capacity will be a key plank in achieving 3. FACILITIES required future facilities funding, development and provision. 3.4 SACA should consider working more closely with Clubs and Associations to achieve improved local government relationships and awareness of cricket’s community role and facility requirements. 3.5 SACA should consider working more closely with State Government to increase and accelerate investment in development of gender equal facilities for cricket, including female change rooms. 3.6 SACA should consider developing a strategy in consultation with stakeholders to achieve increased shared use of schools facilities.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 4.1 SACA should consider establishing a working group composed of representatives of all levels and sectors to explore competition structure and format options and identify potential reforms for implementation. 4.2 SACA should consider working directly with girls’ and women’s cricket representatives to identify flexible approaches to formats that will encourage greater participation. 4.3 New formats might also be collaboratively explored for social cricket, with the potential to develop a game format (including modified equipment) capable of play between males and 4. FLEXIBILITY & females together. FORMATS 4.4 SACA should consider consulting with male and female Premier and community cricket players to identify appropriate approaches to competition fixturing that achieve balance between formats (and alignment with elite levels). 4.5 Collaborative exploration by SACA and stakeholders of potential for greater integration with school programs. 4.6 Joint development and implementation of a project plan related to the Cricket Connects commitment will contribute to this process (see Section 7 below).

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 5.1 SACA should consider establishing a girls and womens cricket working group (consisting of representatives of all levels) to identify means to more strongly promote the female game. 5.2 SACA should consider working to ensure that current South Australian female cricketers and Australian stars are engaged in a coordinated program of promotion including regular Club visits and community activity. 5.3 SACA should consider strongly supporting Premier and community cricket clubs and 5. PROFILE & Associations in renewed efforts to promote the game locally. SACA has significant capacity to promote the game through social media channels and it is considered that there is opportunity VISIBILITY to heighten focus on the local game and participants through these means. 5.4 A specific local cricket marketing campaign, including social and traditional media, to be rolled out at season commencement, could also be considered for investment and development. This could be developed in a manner that also allows Club and Association to tailor campaigns to their local markets. 5.5 SACA should consider working directly with representatives to achieve improved visibility and integrated promotion.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 6.1 There are excellent examples in other states of how individual Clubs and Associations (with the support of the State Association and local governments) can very effectively engage with and support new arrivals and young people of diverse cultural backgrounds. 6.2 SACA should consider establishing an inclusion working group to identify strategies to improve inclusion and diversity at Club and Association level. 6.3 Opportunities and programs aimed at increasing Club engagement with multicultural communities should be explored (including new competitions and formats), along with 6. INCLUSION working in partnership with State Government and Inclusive Sports SA to deliver new programs for all abilities participants. 6.4 SACA should consider working more directly with Clubs and Associations to develop, support and resource multicultural strategies. 6.5 As part of the Cricket Connects commitment action plan, cricket stakeholders should work together to identify ways to make the game more inclusive and fun for all. This should include creative exploration of new formats, social competitions and events.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION 7.1 Creation of a Cricket Connects Working Group representing all levels and sectors of cricket with a clearly defined charter, objectives and timeline for draft Action Plan delivery. 7.2 Allocation of dedicated SACA resources in support of the Working Group and the resulting Action Plan. 7. CRICKET 7.3 Joint commitment by SACA and the cricket community to implementing the Action Plan CONNECTS within defined timelines. COMMITMENT 7.4 In SMC’s view, the Action Plan should recognise and deliver on One Team principles and increase South Australian cricket’s capacity to fully realise the value of Cricket Australia support. 7.5 In SMC’s view, the Action Plan should also recognise the importance of achieving State and local government support for the growth of cricket in South Australia.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

AREA ACTION SMC understands that SACA has been exploring governance reform options at Board and management levels for some time. SMC understands that SACA is now employing significant resources in undertaking a full consultation process with members and SA cricket stakeholders to develop broad reform proposals to be put to a vote of the membership at a Special General Meeting, which is expected to be held prior to the end of May 2018. 8. GOVERNANCE & DECISION MAKING SMC recommends that the consultation process include: PROCESSES • Direct member and cricket stakeholder communications and consultation • Direct engagement with the Grade Cricket Committee in relation to possible changes to the current Grade Cricket Committee model • Opportunities for contribution to and comment on reform proposals • Presentation of reform proposals to members and stakeholders • Three open member information and feedback sessions to be held before 31 May 2018.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 1. COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS SMC considers that there was a strong desire In SMC’s view, the continued nurturing of new demonstrated by all sectors to actively engage in the opportunities for engagement, communication and Cricket Connects consultation program and, in the great collaborative planning will strongly underpin future majority of cases, a keen appreciation that this was an success. SACA should consider the following actions: important opportunity to be heard and contribute to 1.1 Continuation of the Cricket Connects engagement future planning. program. A strong theme that emerged was that many sectors 1.2 Assignment of dedicated internal SACA resources of the South Australian cricket community felt that to collaboratively develop and implement activity improved and ongoing opportunities for communication and programs arising from the results of Cricket and collaboration (at all levels) were critical to the future Connects program consultation. growth of the game. 1.3 Sector based workshops. While in some cases it was felt that this should be led by 1.4 Formation of ongoing issue-specific working SACA, it was also clear that, by the end of the Cricket groups as required. Connects Forum, participants recognised a strong need for Clubs and Associations to also take action themselves 1.5 Premier and Community player consultation. to communicate and work more closely together. 1.6 A Cricket Connects Forum update meeting in late By way of example, numerous Forum participants 2017 and early to mid 2018. reported having made meaningful new connections 1.7 Collaborative development and implementation (particularly between Premier Clubs and community of a project plan to deliver on the Cricket Connects Clubs) that had not been forged before. commitment. This clear desire for deeper connection between the 1.8 Regular Cricket Connects activity updates and various sectors was also strongly reflected in theCricket opportunities for contribution by all stakeholders. Connects commitment endorsed by Forum participants.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 2. VOLUNTEERS & RESOURCES

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS Issues regarding volunteer resources, retention, 2.1 In collaboration with Clubs and Associations, management and co-ordination were highlighted by develop options for providing increased the Forum participants. administrative assistance through SACA based SMC recognises that growing participation also places and in-the-field resources. greater demands on Club and Association resources, 2.2 In collaboration with Premier Clubs, investigate with many stakeholders identifying the fulfillment of options for part-time paid administrative support administrative and operational needs as a present and (a matter raised in particular by Premier Clubs, increasing challenge. where demands upon volunteer resources can be Responses from Clubs and Associations demonstrated extremely high). recognition that these issues will not be solved by 2.3 This should be aligned with Club delivery increased financial investment alone and that there is on specific objectives, including improved joint responsibility to ensure that existing resources are opportunities for junior cricket and girls and effectively employed. women’s cricket development and regional zone However, there are also clear areas where Clubs and contribution. Associations identify the need for greater support. 2.4 Identify options for how SACA (in collaboration These include assistance with administrative and with Cricket Australia) can provide improved operational requirements, volunteer attraction and programs and resources directly assisting training, coaching resources and training, umpiring and Clubs with volunteer attraction, recognition, delivery of inclusion programs. management and training. The role of SACA development and community engagement officers is in general valued but Clubs and Associations also identified the need for increased support from these areas.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 3. FACILITIES

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS A lack of availability of appropriate, good quality 3.1 SMC understands that SACA is currently facilities in some metropolitan and regional areas was developing a new South Australian Infrastructure identified by stakeholders at all levels as a key obstacle Strategy that will identify priorities, strategies and key actions in regard to facilities provision and to participation opportunities, access and growth. development over the next ten years. This was considered to be of particular importance in 3.2 SMC understands that this is being delivered and regard to providing sufficient access for junior cricket supported by the appointment of a new State and encouraging growth in girls’ and women’s cricket Infrastructure Manager in late 2017. participation. 3.3 The Infrastructure Strategy will be informed and While it was recognised that facilities development is supported by Cricket Australia’s National Facilities a current strategic priority for both Cricket Australia Audit results, together with consultation with local and SACA, with increased resourcing being allocated, governments, Clubs and Associations. Knowledge of local needs and capacity will be a key plank stakeholders identified that a cohesive approach to in achieving required future facilities funding, facilities development would be beneficial. development and provision. In SMC’s view, nurturing strong Cricket Australia, State 3.4 SACA should consider working more closely Government and local government relationships, with Clubs and Associations to achieve improved together with collaborative planning, will be critical to local government relationships and awareness of future facilities development funding and realisation. cricket’s community role and facility requirements. Improved club and Association engagement with local 3.5 SACA should consider working more closely with State Government to increase and accelerate government will also be critical to facilities provision investment in development of gender equal and development. facilities for cricket, including change rooms. The potential for greater shared use of school facilities 3.6 SACA should consider developing a strategy for matches, training and program delivery was also in consultation with stakeholders to achieve identified by participants as a means to alleviate facility increased shared use of schools facilities. challenges.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 4. FLEXIBILITY & FORMATS

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS Many stakeholders identified an opportunity to attract 4.1 SACA should consider establishing a working and retain participation through enabling a flexible group composed of representatives of all levels approach to formats, particularly for junior cricket and and sectors to explore competition structure and girl’s and women’s cricket, as well as in regional areas. format options and identify potential reforms for Due to its capacity to be played over a shorter time implementation. frame, T20 cricket is seen as the most attractive format. 4.2 SACA should consider working directly with girls’ This aligns with Cricket Australia’s strong focus on T20 and women’s cricket representatives to identify cricket and introduction of revised formats for entry flexible approaches to formats that will encourage level and junior cricket. greater participation. Stakeholders identified shorter format games as having 4.3 New formats might also be collaboratively the potential to alleviate issues with ground availability explored for social cricket, with the potential and access, by permitting more games to be played. to develop a game format (including modified Indoor cricket is seen as a means to maintain and equipment) capable of play between males and increase engagement with cricket through the 14 - 25 females together. year old age group. 4.4 SACA should consider consulting with male and Better linkage and integration with school cricket female Premier and community cricket players to programs was also identified as a means to further identify appropriate approaches to competition encourage and maintain participation. fixturing that achieve balance between formats In SMC’s view, the introduction of modified and more (and alignment with elite levels) flexible formats is critical to promoting participation, 4.5 Collaborative exploration by SACA and ensuring that all who wish to play the game can, to stakeholders of potential for greater integration allow maximum use of available facility resources. with school programs Providing a range of format options has the potential to keep more people playing the game for longer. With 4.6 Joint development and implementation of an increasing competition not only from other sports but action plan related to the Cricket Connects lifestyle factors, it is also important that cricket maximises commitment will contribute to this process (see its attraction by offering time-friendly options for play. Section 7 below).

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 5. PROFILE & VISIBILITY

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS Premier Clubs, Associations and community cricket 5.1 SACA should consider establishing a girls and clubs all identified raising the profile and visibility of womens cricket working group (consisting of the game at community level as vital to attracting and representatives of all levels) to identify means to growing participation and support. Representatives of more strongly promote the female game. girls and women’s cricket, in particular, considered that 5.2 SACA should consider working to ensure that stronger promotion was critical to future success. current South Australian female cricketers and Australian stars are engaged in a coordinated Many responses centred around the need to create program of promotion including regular Club “heroes” for new and aspiring participants and increase visits and community activity. awareness of the opportunities for young girls to play 5.3 SACA should consider strongly supporting (and progress through) the game. Premier and community cricket clubs and Associations in renewed efforts to promote the Stakeholders also identified the potential for greater use game locally. SACA has significant capacity to of modern marketing channels (e.g. social media) by promote the game through social media channels Clubs as a means to achieve higher levels of connection and it is considered that there is opportunity to and visibility. Creating local “heroes” was also raised as heighten focus on the local game and participants a means of lifting the profile of the game and driving through these means. higher levels of community connection. 5.4 A specific local cricket marketing campaign, including social and traditional media, to be The unified promotion of cricket in all formats (including rolled out at season commencement, could also indoor cricket) was seen by some stakeholders as be considered for investment and development. important to creating the strongest profile for the This could be developed in a manner that also game and helping to achieve participation growth. allows Club and Association to tailor campaigns Being the leading sport for women and girls is a key to their local markets. strategic objective in SACA and Australian Cricket’s 5.5 SACA should consider working directly with 2022 Strategy. It is a critical area for cricket, particularly indoor cricket representatives to achieve in light of the high level of activity undertaken by improved visibility and integrated promotion. competing sports in this area. CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 6. INCLUSION

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS The importance of cricket in South Australia as being 6.1 There are excellent examples in other states of a game that welcomes, supports and encourages all how individual Clubs and Associations (with who desire to play the game – and makes it fun for all the support of the State Association and local - no matter their cultural background or abilities, was governments) can very effectively engage with strongly recognised by stakeholders. Forum participants and support new arrivals and young people of diverse cultural backgrounds. These should be were highly engaged in listening to and articulating explored by SACA, Clubs and Associations. views on how inclusion could be enhanced at Club level. 6.2 SACA should consider establishing an inclusion SACA’s strong investment in support for and delivery working group to identify strategies to improve of inclusion programs (including the new All Abilities inclusion and diversity at Club and Association Development Academy) was acknowledged and level. supported. 6.3 Opportunities and programs aimed at increasing Key measures identified to improve inclusivity in cricket Club engagement with multicultural communities included: should be explored (including new competitions and formats), along with working in partnership • higher levels of Club engagement, education and with State Government and Inclusive Sports SA to training deliver new programs for all abilities participants. • the co-ordination of more events for multicultural 6.4 SACA should consider working more directly and all abilities cricket with Clubs and Associations to develop, support • promoting awareness among the cricket community and resource multicultural strategies. of the benefits and means of inclusion 6.5 As part of the Cricket Connects commitment • making the game more fun and accessible action plan, cricket stakeholders should work together to identify ways to make the game In SMC’s view, a high level of commitment to inclusion more inclusive and fun for all. This should include at Club and Association levels is vital to South Australian creative exploration of new formats, social cricket’s growth and sustained success. competitions and events.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 7. CRICKET CONNECTS COMMITMENT

OUTCOMES The Cricket Connects commitment provides a powerful The Cricket Connects commitment creates an obligation basis for addressing many current challenges and on the part of SACA, Clubs and Associations to work opportunities identified by stakeholders. honestly and openly with each other to create an Action In SMC’s view, the future success of cricket in South Plan to achieve the key goals. Australia (and across Australia) will be highly dependent In SMC’s view, this is central to the collaborative upon its ability to maintain and build attraction to approach to planning and reforms that is desired by people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. SACA and cricket community stakeholders. In particular, growing and retaining participation at entry- to-junior level and in girl’s and women’s cricket is critically reliant upon ensuring that Clubs provide a welcoming, fun, family-friendly and inclusive culture - together with offering programs, opportunities and facilities that promote gender equity and access for people of all backgrounds and abilities. It was recognised by SA cricket stakeholders that if Importantly, it offers an unprecedented Clubs are to more closely and effectively connect with opportunity to harness the great knowledge their communities, then increased efforts need to be and experience residing in the South Australian made to build knowledge of the local ‘market’. cricket family at Club and Association levels to Club promotion, programs and participation address current issues, grasp future opportunity opportunities can then be tailored accordingly. and realise the full capacity of the game to connect and serve the community. The desire of Premier Clubs and community clubs to work together to create better opportunities for cricket participants is CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 7. CRICKET CONNECTS COMMITMENT

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS SMC considers that the next steps should include the In SMC’s view, investment of time and resources in following actions. developing a collaborative action plan will: 7.1 Creation of a Cricket Connects Working Group • deliver the unified ‘engine’ that drives positive representing all levels and sectors of cricket with change a clearly defined charter, objectives and timeline for draft Action Plan delivery. • create the capacity to develop real and innovative solutions to key issues 7.2 Allocation of dedicated SACA resources in support of the Working Group and the resulting • foster a culture of collective endeavour that will Action Plan. support the future health and growth of South Australian cricket. 7.3 Joint commitment by SACA and the cricket community to implementing the Action Plan Importantly, it will offer an unprecedented opportunity within defined timelines. to harness the great knowledge and experience residing in the South Australian cricket family at Club 7.4 In SMC’s view, the Action Plan should recognise and Association levels to address current issues, grasp and deliver on One Team principles and increase future opportunity and realise the full capacity of the South Australian cricket’s capacity to fully realise game to connect and serve the community. the value of Cricket Australia support. The desire of Premier Clubs and community clubs to 7.5 In SMC’s view, the Action Plan should also work together to create better opportunities for cricket recognise the importance of achieving State participants is evident and will also be critical to Action and local government support for the growth of Plan development and implementation. cricket in South Australia. The keys to success discussed and endorsed by Forum participants (as included in the Forum report) should form key focus areas for Action Plan development.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 8. GOVERNANCE & DECISION MAKING PROCESSES

OUTCOMES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS When Cricket Connect Forum participants were asked SMC understands that SACA has been exploring ‘What is required for SA cricket to be able to make the governance reform options at Board and management best decisions to overcome identified challenges?’as part levels for some time. of the table exercises at the Cricket Connects Forum, a SMC understands that SACA is now employing significant number of responses related to a desire for significant resources in undertaking a full consultation SACA governance reform. process with members and SA cricket stakeholders to While these responses varied in nature, a common develop broad reform proposals to be put to a vote of theme was a desire for change to constitutional the membership at a Special General Meeting, which is arrangements regarding decision making processes expected to be held prior to the end of May 2018. and Board of Management structure. 8.1 SMC recommends that the consultation process A desire for changes to the current Grade Cricket include: Committee model was also noted by numerous • Direct member and cricket stakeholder stakeholders. communications and consultation SMC considers that constitutional change will be • Direct engagement with the Grade Cricket critical to achieving the governance structure that will Committee in relation to possible changes to enable South Australian cricket to work most effectively the current Grade Cricket Committee model together and fully capitalise on future opportunity. • Opportunities for contribution to and comment There was also recognition by numerous stakeholders on reform proposals that greater collaboration and communication at all • Presentation of reform proposals to members levels of SA cricket would contribute to enhanced and stakeholders decision- making for the benefit of all. • Three open member information and feedback sessions to be held before 31 May 2018.

CRICKET CONNECTS - SMC STRATEGIES RESPONSE OCTOBER 2017 BREAKING NEW GROUND

VICTORIAN CRICKET PLANNING FORUM 4 - 5 JUNE 2016

South Australian CricketFORUM Forum REPORT 2017 Contents

1. Introduction 3 2. Pre-Forum Stakeholder Engagement 4 3. Forum Snapshot 5 4. Program 6 5. Participants 9 6. Proceedings 12 7. Pre-Forum Survey 13 8. Session Reports 14 9. The Cricket Connects Commitment 28

The Cricket Connects Forum was delivered by independent consultants SMC Strategies in August 2017 as part of an ongoing consultation program with South Australian cricket stakeholders. This report has been prepared and produced by SMC Strategies for the information of participants. INTRODUCTION SMC Strategies would like to thank all members of the South Australian cricket family who participated in the initial phase of the Cricket Connects consultation program from June to August 2017. The willingness of people from diverse cricket sectors, backgrounds and localities across the State to come together to share their views and engage was both impressive and a positive demonstration of cricket’s power to connect. We hope that you also share our belief that the process has provided a strong foundation for future collaboration by South Australian cricket stakeholders that will drive change benefiting all who enjoy and participate in the game. Cricket truly does connect and we believe that South Australia has an important opportunity to be the most connected, inclusive and innovative cricket state in Australia. PRE-FORUM STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT While this report (and the accompanying summary of outcomes and recommended actions) relate specifically to the Cricket Connects Forum, the Forum program was also informed by direct consultation by SMC Strategies that included: • Consultation meetings conducted by SMC Strategies with representatives of over thirty South Australian cricket community stakeholders in the period June – July 2017. Sectors consulted included: • SACA Grade Cricket Committee and SACA Game Development Committee • Premier (Grade) Cricket Clubs • Women’s Premier Cricket Working Group • Metropolitan Senior & Junior Cricket Associations and Clubs • Regional Senior & Junior Cricket Associations and Clubs • Multicultural Cricket • All Abilities Cricket • Indoor Cricket • An opt-in online membership survey provided to all SACA members in July 2017. The survey invited members to identify key issues and opportunities for South Australian cricket. Over 1250 responses were received. In response to the question ‘What one thing would you most like to see change in relation to South Australian cricket’, the top five areas of response were matters relating to: 1. EVENTS 2. SHEFFIELD SHIELD CRICKET 3. GRASSROOTS & JUNIOR CRICKET 4. PREMIER CRICKET 5. HIGH PERFORMANCE • A pre-forum survey provided to all Cricket Connects Forum participants in August 2017 (see P13) Belinda Clark AM and Greg Chappell MBE addressing the Cricket Connects Forum dinner PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTING ALL SECTORS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN 100 CRICKET

SESSIONS OVER 2 DAYS INCLUDING PRESENTATIONS, INTERVIEWS & DISCUSSION PANELS 10

RESPONSES TO GROUP QUESTIONS, SURVEYS AND 500+ EXERCISES

PRESENTERS & PANELLISTS 36 SATURDAY 12 AUGUST - AFTERNOON

10

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST - EVENING 36 SUNDAY 13 AUGUST 1. FORUM PARTICIPANTS Over 130 people representing all sectors of South Australian cricket were invited to attend the forum. Over 90 accepted the invitation to attend and participated over the two days at Adelaide Hills Convention Centre in Hahndorf on Saturday 12 August and Sunday 13 August 2017. The attendees represented: • Metropolitan Clubs & Associations (Senior & Junior) • Regional Clubs & Associations (Senior & Junior) • All Premier Cricket Clubs • Regional Zone Cricket Councils • Multicultural Cricket • All Abilities Cricket • • SA Country Cricket Committee • SACA Game Development Committee • Umpires & Scorers • School Sport SA • Inclusive Sport SA • South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) • Cricket Australia Also in attendance were representatives of the following organisations: • Local Government • State Government of South Australia • SA Office for Recreation and Sport • South Australian media (Andrew Capel - Adelaide Advertiser) FORUM PRESENTERS & PANEL MEMBERS South Australian Assistant Minister to the Premier & Chair - SA A Game For All - Grassroots Cricket Panel Women in Sport Taskforce - Hon Katrine Hildyard MP Shadow Minister for Sport & Recreation - Corey Wingard MP • Tanya McGregor (Co-chair - Aboriginal Cricket Advisory Belinda Clark AM Committee) Greg Chappell MBE • Kylie Taylor (GM - SA Office for Recreation & Sport) SACA President - Andrew Sinclair • Deepak Chetry (Friendship Cup Team Co-ordinator, Adelaide SACA CEO - Keith Bradshaw University Cricket Club) Cricket Australia - John Watkin • James Neiderer (Junior Co-ordinator - Reynella Cricket Club) Cricket Australia One Team consultant - Sean Faerhmann • Lee Spurling (President - Murray Districts Cricket Association) Adelaide Strikers General Manager - Bronwyn Klei • Jess O’Reilly (Indoor Cricket Player/Coach/Convenor, Premier Cricket Player/Women’s Co-ordinator - Southern District Cricket Connects Panel Cricket Club) • David Heyzer (EO - Adelaide Turf Cricket Association) A Game For All - Inclusion Panel • Arnold Kretschmer (President - Western Suburbs Junior Cricket Association) • Joanna Connolly (Manager - Australian Cricketers with an • Vicki Venning (NE Junior Cricket Association, Strikers Girls Intellectual Disability Team) League) • Eugene Negruk (President - SA) • Paul Charman (President - Southern District Cricket Club) • Nathan Pepper (Sport & Recreation Co-ordinator - Inclusive • James Lang (SACA Game Development Committee, SACA Sport SA) Country Cricket Committee) • Justin Millard (President SA Deaf Fire CC, State Deaf Cricket • Robert Snewin (President - Glenelg District Cricket Club) Team Member • Jake Brown (Captain - Kensington Cricket Club) Heart of the Game - Volunteers Panel Clearing the Boundaries (Girls and Women in Cricket) Panel • Bronwyn Klei (Adelaide Strikers, President - Hills Netball • Sonya Thompson (, Head of Female Cricket) Association) • Denis Brien (President - West Torrens Cricket Club) • Brett Nitschke (Junior President - Barossa and Light Cricket • Vanessa Walker (Former Secretary - Woodville District Cricket Association) Club, SACA Senior Operations Manager) • Jonno De Conno (Treasurer - NE Junior Cricket Association) • Susie Smith (Chair - Women’s Premier Cricket Working • Elaine Figallo (President - Para Districts CA, Women’s Group, SACA Game Development Committee) Community Cricket Competition Convenor) • Scott Smith (Mid North Strikers Girls League convenor, • Andrew Caldwell (Committee Member - SA Metropolitan CA, Country Cricket Sub-Committee) Life Member Para Hills Cricket Club) • Rebecca Law (Women’s co-ordinator and Player - Adelaide University Cricket Club)

2. FORUM PROCEEDINGS

Forum Facilitator - Ron Steiner Ron is an experienced conference facilitator whose career has included extensive periods in senior executive roles with Australian Cricket and Australian Rugby, working closely with senior executives and senior coaches of Australian companies and teams. He presently mentors and coaches a number of senior executives at the MD and GM level across a range of industries and is Director of the Australian Drug Foundation; Life Member Melbourne University Cricket Club and Weary Dunlop Club; member of the Melbourne University International Law Public Advisory Board.

Forum Sessions & Activity Response Collection & Analysis Each of the forum sessions included extensive • All responses were collected and recorded through opportunities for response from all participants, in the the Forum polling app and in written form. following forms: • See following sections for summary and analysis of • Group table discussions and provision of oral responses to key questions. responses to the Forum by table leaders Table Groupings • Text responses and scored ratings in response to survey questions through the Forum polling app • Day 1 - participants were seated at tables of eight in mixed groups • Questions and comment from individual Forum participants to discussion panel members and • Day 2 - participants were loosely grouped at tables by presenters sector (e.g. Premier cricket, regional and metropolitan cricket etc.) • Opportunities for all individual participants to address the entire Forum group on specific and general themes of interest 3. PRE-FORUM SURVEY

Prior to the Forum, all participants were invited to RANK RESPONSE CATEGORY respond to a simple anonymous survey, consisting 1 ATTRACTING & RETAINING PARTICIPATION of the following two questions: 2 VOLUNTEERS & RESOURCES • What do you consider to be the three key challenges facing South Australian cricket? 3 OVALS & FACILITIES (QUALITY & ACCESS) ELITE DEVELOPMENT & REDBACKS SUCCESS • What do you consider to be the three key 4 opportunities for South Australian cricket? 5 CLUB FUNDING & COSTS The charts at right display the top five ranked KEY CHALLENGES FACING SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CRICKET results from the 53 survey respondents. All responses have been collated and will be RANK RESPONSE CATEGORY retained for future reference in South Australian CONTINUED GROWTH OF GIRLS AND 1 cricket planning. WOMEN’S CRICKET JUNIOR CRICKET - FORMATS, PROGRAMS & 2 COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT 3 & VOLUNTEER SUPPORT 4 FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT & INVESTMENT 5 SUCCESS OF STATE TEAMS KEY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CRICKET SESSION 1 State of the Game KEY POINTS Presented by SACA CEO, Keith Bradshaw

• Overview of the strong participation growth of South Australian cricket, particularly at Club, entry and junior levels over the last decade. • Review of the last occasion that representatives of SA cricket came together at a conference to discuss challenges and opportunities in May 2007. Key issues identified at that conference remain pertinent today. • Summary of SACA’s diverse areas of responsibility and oversight of the SA game. • Summary of the SACA’s new five-year strategic plan to 2022 and its alignment with Cricket Australia objectives. This included a snapshot of areas where SACA is increasing investment, including community cricket, high performance, female athletes, elite juniors and securing quality elite cricket event content. • Summary of the key challenges facing SA cricket and the need for a creative, shared approach to attracting and retaining participation, underpinned by a strong commitment to listen to each other and work together.

One Team: Australian Cricket SESSION 2 John Watkin - Cricket Australia Head of Game and Market Development Sean Faerhmann - Cricket Australia One Team Consultant KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Sean Faerhmann provided an overview of CA’s One Team objectives: • Unify cricket through national leadership with the collaboration of all states • Reduce inefficiencies and costs arising from lack of co-ordination so that greater investment could be made in the game, particularly at grassroots levels • Draw individual boards and management together and seek active planning contributions from all states John Watkin provided an overview of national game and market development objectives: • Focus on investment in grassroots cricket is best way of future-proofing the game • Improved, shared approach to achieving key facilities development through increased resources at State level • Focus on bolstering State and local government relations networks to increase facilities funding • Focus on improved technology for grassroots competitions (My Cricket scoring, Help Desk etc.) • Better talent identification and coaching resources – CA to assist in training and on ground resources SESSION 2 ONE TEAM: AUSTRALIAN CRICKET

QUESTIONS Each table was requested to respond to the following question. What is the single most important thing that South Australian cricket needs to respond to? Grouped responses are listed below:

AREA RESPONSE TOTAL FLEXIBILITY & FORMATS Flexibility in formats for different levels, abilities and communities 4 VOLUNTEERS Support for volunteers 3 Greater participation at grassroots level requires greater investment, resources and CLUB INVESTMENT support 3 ENGAGEMENT/CHANGE Engage at all levels and embrace change 2 RETAIN PARTICIPATION Retention of players following junior pathway 1 SCHOOLS Promotion in schools 1 WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CRICKET NEEDS TO RESPOND TO? SESSION 3 Cricket Connects KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Panel Discussion and Forum Q & A

PANEL DISCUSSION • Drop off of junior players from 14 years onward • Need more focus on community cricket. Can Clubs also be more pro-active in generating and • Club capacity to field and support teams at all using own resources? age groups. • Better linkage and communication between • Junior development is suffering in some areas Premier Clubs/Community Clubs is desired through lack of resources and ground access. (raised by both Premier and Community Club • Lack of people willing/able to devote volunteer representatives). time, and increased support for volunteers • Potential for a club Cricket Council to assist needed. Could Clubs better use Council volunteer alignment and co-ordination? Community clubs support and recruitment resources? to better communicate their needs to Premier • Lack of access to school facilities, requires Clubs? government support. • Greater profile for Premier Clubs and • Lack of direct funding to support facilities competitions desired required for community Clubs, therefore can’t • Can SACA provide a subsidy to reduce cost to support participation growth. parents/players? • More development officers required to support Clubs, volunteers and relationships with Local Government. • Possibility of a paid administrator for each Premier Club? • Better representation of all sectors to SACA decision making processes would be desirable SESSION 4 Clearing The Boundaries - Girls and Women in Cricket KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Panel Discussion and Forum Q & A

The panel discussion and subsequent forum response raised the following key points: • The general culture of cricket could still be more welcoming to girls – need more role models, better opportunities, more equitable facilities and males supporting the development of female cricket at Club level. • Girls and women’s cricket remains an afterthought for some Clubs. • Pathways for girls must be more clearly defined and supported. • Representation of girls and women’s cricket on Grade Cricket Committee is desirable. • Enabling women to make decisions on what is best for the female game. Clubs must talk to participants to identify their needs. • Provide opportunity for girls to customise the way they play and adapt to the desires of their communities. • Make the game more accessible to anyone who wants to participate by enabling flexible formats and times of play. • Must build the female cricket brand and create heroes – use social media and all available channels. • Cricket has an opportunity to be gender equal like tennis and hockey.

Assistant Minister to the Premier Hon Katrine Hildyard MP addresses the Clearing the Boundaries session SESSION 4 CLEARING THE BOUNDARIES

QUESTIONS Each table was requested to respond to the following question. Nominate two ways to promote growth in girls and women’s cricket Grouped responses are listed below:

AREA RESPONSE TOTAL MARKETING Marketing, social media, community visibility and promotion of elite players/heroes 7 SCHOOL PROGRAMS School program linkage 4 CLUB CULTURE Cultural change – clubs to embrace and support equal opportunity 2 WBBL Capitalise on WBBL success 1 COACHES/OFFICIALS More encouragement and support for female coaches and officials 1 CA GRANTS Better take up and utilisation of CA’s grant programs 1 OTHER SPORTS Partner with ‘off-season’ sports 1 FIXTURING Program games to align with men’s cricket – one club approach 1 GRADE CRICKET Representation on Grade Cricket Committee COMMITTEE 1 NOMINATE TWO WAYS TO PROMOTE GROWTH IN GIRLS AND WOMEN’S CRICKET SESSION 5 A Game for All (Grassroots) KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Panel Discussion and Forum Q & A

The panel discussion and subsequent forum response raised the following key points: • New and flexible formats are required to maintain and grow participation. T20 cricket is highly important to generate interest among juniors and multicultural cricket. • Clubs must become more family friendly and reflective of the composition of their communities. • Effort is needed to break the “cricket tradition” barriers – junior cricketers don’t care about historical differences and divisions. • Indoor cricket plays a big role in participation but does not receive sufficient resourcing or promotion. Communications between outdoor/indoor cricket is poor. • Clubs must become multicultural “community champions”. • Increased understanding and communication between Community and Premier Clubs is vital. • Need more “blue sky” thinking about structure of cricket at all levels in ten years’ time. • Need for more homogenous competition structure at junior level, promoting the same pathway no matter where you play. • Primary school cricket needs to be linked and elevated. A Game for All - Inclusion SESSION 6 Panel Discussion & Forum Q & A KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

The panel discussion and subsequent forum response raised the following key points: • High current level of support from SACA for All Abilities cricket, including new Development Academy and covering of player’s costs • Often lacking numbers in Blind Cricket to play against Club and social sides • Inclusive Sports SA are looking to Clubs to take on and develop programs, but must be able to sustain support and delivery • Clubs may be unaware of where to get support, education and advice – this can be alleviated by consulting with SACA community engagement team and parents of players • Inclusion must be driven by authentic desire on part of Clubs, not just attracting grants • Potential to centralise support for running of programs and take pressure off Clubs SESSION 5 & 6 A GAME FOR ALL

QUESTION 1 Each table was requested to respond to the following question. What are two key things that your organisation could be doing to improve cricket in South Australia? Grouped responses are listed below: AREA RESPONSE TOTAL CLUB CULTURE Make the Club more friendly, welcoming and inclusive 4 MARKETING Promote the game through modern channels & create local heroes 3 CUSTOMER Better understanding of our communities and ‘customers’ – and bring different KNOWLEDGE community groups together 3 GIRLS & WOMENS Encourage girls and women’s cricket integration and participation CRICKET 2 FLEXIBILITY & FORMATS Offer new formats and opportunities 1 INDOOR/OUTDOOR Break down barriers between indoor and outdoor cricket CRICKET 1 ALL ABILITIES CRICKET Promote All Abilities cricket through more inclusive, diverse events 1 MULTICULTURAL Multicultural cricket T20 concept to be explored 1 PREMIER/COMMUNITY Work in partnership with Premier Clubs 1 WHAT ARE TWO KEY THINGS THAT YOUR ORGANISATION COULD BE DOING TO IMPROVE CRICKET IN SA? Heart of the Game (The Volunteer Challenge) SESSION 7 Panel Discussion & Forum Q & A KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

The panel discussion and subsequent forum response • If Clubs encourage people, make it fun and provide raised the following key points: support then people are more willing to be involved • Clubs must be active in recruiting the right people to – need to design own volunteer programs. the right roles. Clubs need to ensure that all people • SACA, Premier cricket and community must work on Committees are effective and have a defined role together collaboratively to answer the volunteer – volunteer position descriptions can be useful. challenge. • Use Cricket Australia resources (community.cricket. • Greater administrative support in Clubs is required com.au) and embed into planning with SACA. and would be highly valued if provided by SACA. • Volunteer management resources for sports clubs are • SACA provides volunteer support and training, but also available from SA Government (VSTAR - https:// Clubs must capitalise on this. www.recsport.sa.gov.au/v-star). • Integration with Volunteering SA WeDo app. • Succession planning for key Club roles is vital, together with creating pathways for administrators and volunteers. • Leaders must be able and willing to delegate (“if I keep doing everything, everyone else will do nothing”) – the key is to make all feel important. • Improve volunteer recognition at Club level. SESSION 7 HEART OF THE GAME (VOLUNTEERS) Panel Discussion

Each table was requested to respond to the following questions. Grouped responses are listed below:

AREA RESPONSE TOTAL ROLE DEFINITION AND Clear definition of volunteer roles and accountability - alleviate lack of AWARENESS understanding or fear of what volunteering might involve 9 RECOGNITION Providing recognition and acknowledgement 3 ADMINISTRATION Volunteer Management, red tape and administration 2 EXPECTATIONS Expectation of service in return for registration fee 1 NOMINATE THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES WITH ATTRACTING AND RETAINING VOLUNTEER RESOURCES?

AREA RESPONSE TOTAL RECOGNITION Assistance with reward and recognition 6 ROLES & PROGRAMS Clearly defined programs and roles 3 PLANNING Better planning and identification of skillsets 3 PAID RESOURCES Paid staffing resources and honorariums. Game Development Officer in each zone. 2 CULTURE Foster a culture of volunteering from young age 1 ROSTERING Roster roles to avoid burn out 1 COMMUNICATIONS Better communication 1 EMBRACE CHANGE Stop resisting change 1 NOMINATE TWO WAYS IN WHICH THE VOLUNTEER CHALLENGE COULD BE EASED? SESSION 8 Each table was required to identify one thing that South Australian cricket should MEASURING UP stop doing, one thing it should start doing and one thing that it should continue All of Forum Group Discussion doing. The collated results are provided below.

STOP DOING START DOING CONTINUE DOING Collaborating, communicating and Supporting juniors, female cricket and Delaying change and take action embracing change volunteers What we have started with this Forum Thinking about only our own Building awareness, understanding and and continue communicating and organisations and blaming others relationships through all levels collaborating Knowing our communities better and Making and promoting cricket as more Operating in silos being more inclusive fun and inclusive Being negative - tell people about the More club administrative support and Supporting grassroots clubs and good things resources associations with dedicated resources Filling in the pathway gaps for female Focusing too much on Premier Cricket Fully communicate to attract volunteers cricket Thinking that competition structures SACA to become the champion of Encouraging, challenging and planning can’t change change and lead our clubs Multiple formats to promote fun and Too much admin & paperwork Formalised links between Associations participation Seek understanding of other groups wants, needs and issues SESSION 9 THE WAY FORWARD

All participants engaged in an all of Forum session to identify key ways forward. A summary of identified issues and responses were submitted to the Forum for discussion and consideration. The following keys to success were discussed and agreed.

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS Club Culture – inclusive, family friendly, community connected and fun Community Clubs, Associations, Premier Clubs and SACA working together Promote and grow girls’ and women’s cricket Relationship building with all stakeholders SACA support, resources and collaboration Better talent identification and development Build schools relationship - facilities, programs, participation and alignment with clubs/pathways Strategy for local government relationship development Address regional club and regional association issues Continued regular, open and honest communication A UNIFIED COMMITMENT TO POSITIVE CHANGE THE CRICKET CONNECTS COMMITMENT

This resulted in unanimous endorsement by all Forum participants present of the following commitment.

“We will work and communicate honestly with each other to develop and implement an innovative Action Plan to make South Australian cricket, through its Clubs and stakeholders, the most fun, family- friendly, inclusive and community connected of any sport in Australia”

SACA CEO Keith Bradshaw and President Andrew Sinclair signing the Cricket Connects Commitment