Please see below, all senior cricket cancelled tomorrow. Reasoning as outlined below.

The ATCA Emergency Committee has had numerous discussions over the last few days regarding a decision as to proceeding with play on Saturday 17 October.

A decision has been made that play in all Senior cricket Premier A1 to C3 and Limited Overs competitions WILL NOT PROCEED.

The reasoning behind this decision is to err on the side of caution and we have considered the following

1. Player safety

2. The ATCA office has taken advice from a large percentage of clubs confirming pitches have not been able to be prepared

3. Damage to playing pitches at this stage of the season and the long term effect this may have as the season unfolds.

4. Damage to surrounding pitches and the playing square with the obvious traffic should games proceed.

5. The impact of the toss on the final result of the match should it proceed under dubious conditions.

6. The opportunity to reschedule the fixture (Premier A1 to C3) as a one day match on 24 October.

There will be disappointed clubs as a result of this decision but it was the view of the emergency committee that, at this early stage of the season, clubs reliant on pitch preparation outside of their direct control (Council/Schools etc) should not be placed at a disadvantage to clubs which have their own curators and ground staff.

The decision does not include ATCA Junior competitions at this stage. With the weather on the improve, if clubs have the facility and resource to be able to prepare a ground to stage a Junior fixture then it is to proceed as sceduled. The ultimate responsibility for Junior matches to proceed will fall to captains/coaches and umpires (should they be in attendance).

Many thanks to all clubs for keeping this office advised of their individual situations via the telephone and email, these decisions are not taken lightly and we thank the clubs for their understanding and support.

A message confirming this decision will also be placed on the recorded service (telephone 1900 950 598), please be aware a fee applies to access this service. I will also be in touch with radio station 5AA with a view to having the decision broadcast via this outlet.

Wayne Phillips

Executive Officer

Adelaide Turf Cricket Association