‘The policy is a game changer for players’ – Cricket Australia break new ground with parental leave
Alyssa Healy has called Cricket Australia’s groundbreaking parental leave policy which aims to support pregnant players and their families a “game changer”.
Following three years of consultations with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, the players’ union, CA has announced that a player who becomes pregnant can switch to a non-playing role until giving birth.
Thereafter they are eligible for 12 months of paid parental leave – though they can return to cricket anytime after giving birth, subject to medical clearance – and are promised a contract extension in line with their arrangements.
Other benefits include travel support for players who are primary carers, while a carer is available until the child is four.
Healy, who has featured in four Tests, 73 one-day internationals and 101 Twenty20s and was instrumental in Australia’s retention of the Women’s Ashes this summer, has welcomed the raft of initiatives.
She said: “As a player, I’m proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy.
“With the playing and travel demands on cricketers, I’m pleased this policy provides support to players, so if they choose to, can both care for their child and participate in the game.
“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.
“This policy is funded by the players, for the players, for the future of the game.”
The policy also guarantees players whose partners have given birth to three weeks of paid leave.
Drew Ginn, executive general manager of high performance at CA said: “High performance sport is anything but a normal work environment and our policies for our players need to reflect this.
“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.”
Clea Smith, general manager of member programs at the ACA, added: “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.”
Follow us on Twitter @Cricket365 and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.