Australia launch ground-breaking parental leave policy for players

The policy, which has been developed over a two-year period, was designed in partnership with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and the players themselves

Australian cricket has broken new ground in launching a landmark parental leave policy, which will provide players through pregnancy, adoption, parental responsibilities and returning to the sport.

The policy, which has been developed over a two-year period, was designed in partnership with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and the players themselves.

As a result, players who become pregnant will be able to move to a non-playing role until the birth of their child, while also being eligible for 12 months of paid parental leave. Subject to medical clearance, the player may return to the game at any point within those 12 months.

They will also be guaranteed an extension to their contract for the following contract year, in line with their contractual arrangements.

“Were a woman cricketer to become pregnant, it typically signalled the end of their career,” said Alistair Nicholson, chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association.

“The travesty of this is that so many great athletes have not been given the chance to reach their true potential, denying the rest of us the opportunity to enjoy and admire their talent.

“It is a vitally important policy – one that is part of a broader story worth telling because of the messages it sends.”

Another aspect of the new arrangement will see any player whose partner gives birth or completes the adoption of a child handed three weeks’ worth of paid leave.

Meanwhile, players who act as primary carers will be given transport assistance until the child is four years of age. Such support will include flights, accommodation and travel expenses.

^{Alyssa Healy (left) said that she recognised the "physical and emotional toll parenting can have"}

Alyssa Healy, the Australia wicketkeeper who recently broke the world record for the highest ever score in a WT20I against Sri Lanka and has played a key role in Australia’s record-breaking ODI run, said she was “proud to be part of a game with such a comprehensive and fit-for-purpose parental leave policy”.

She added: “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.”

Drew Ginn, the executive general manager of high performance at Cricket Australia 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 taking into consideration all player and key stakeholder feedback.”

The announcement of the new policy comes ahead of the start of the Women’s Big Bash League – the first time that the competition is to take place as a standalone event.