After significant consultation with players and administrators across Australian cricket, the policy, officially launched last week, is aimed at supporting professional cricketers’ through pregnancy, adoption, their return to play and parental responsibilities.
👉 12 months of paid leave for players who are expecting/adopting
👉 Guaranteed contract extension following year
👉 Partners entitled to 3 weeks of paid leave
CA announce parental policy for all players who have state, national or Big Bash contracts:https://t.co/Rr9ZYMW8ti
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 11, 2019
It has been designed to give professional players peace of mind when starting a family.
For players who fall pregnant, they can transfer to a non-playing role until they give birth and be eligible for 12-months paid parental leave. They will also be guaranteed a contract extension for the following contract year, in line with their contractual arrangements. The policy is funded by the players’ payment pool.
“This policy is the combination of three years of collaboration within Australian Cricket, the ACA and the players, and we’re delighted with the outcome,” Clea Smith, General Manager of Member Programs at the Australian Cricketers’ Association, says. “This is a world-leading, player-centred policy providing balance in the lives of all players. The policy is designed to keep female players in the game for longer which will have a positive impact at all levels of the game.”
Proud hosts of @CricketAus's world leading parental leave policy launch @TwitterAU ~ a big step forward in the journey towards changing the game for women in sport🙌 Thank you for sharing your stories @ahealy77 @drewginn @HeatherGarriock they unite us in creating #ASportForAll pic.twitter.com/XGx9ce1RsB
— Suzy Nicoletti (@suzynicoletti) October 11, 2019
“As a player, I’m proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy,” Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy says.“Seeing friends and family raise children, I know the physical and emotional toll parenting can have. The policy is a game changer for players planning for the future while providing job security.”
The Executive General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Australia Drew Ginn said the consultation means the policy is fit for purpose.
“High performance sport is anything but a normal work environment and our policies for our players need to reflect this,” Ginn said. “The job is physical, the hours irregular and 100 per cent commitment is expected at all times. This is why we’ve developed such a tailored policy taking into consideration all player and key stakeholder feedback.”
🏏 @CricketAus are hitting it for six with their new #ParentalLeave policy. Transfers to non-playing roles until the birth of the child, 12 months of paid parental leave and guaranteed contract extensions. Great work! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/1NYxEYzySw
— WGEA Director (@WGEADirector) October 11, 2019
Other highlights of the policy include:
- Players who have a partner who gives birth will be entitled to three weeks paid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child;
- At any time after giving birth, the player can return to the game subject to medical clearance; and
- Travel support for players who are primary carers including flights, accommodation and other applicable travel expenses for the child and a carer will be available until the child is four years of age.