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Player safety
France Cricket
Player safety.
The recent tragic death of a player in the south west has highlighted the risk faced by senior players.
The south west association of clubs (ACCS-O) as well as France Cricket require that all players taking part in their competitions produce a medical certificate of "non-contra-indication" permitting them to play cricket. However, because the sport is not widely recognised in France there is the possibility that doctors may not be aware that playing cricket can require sustained and sudden bursts of effort; for example when fielding, chasing a ball on its way to the boundary, or when batting and taking a quick single, or running three - the equivalent of a 60 metre sprint. A sustained spell of bowling will also make severe demands on the player.
It is therefore very strongly recommended that when requesting their medical certificate senior players, particularly those who have not maintained a sporting regime, and anyone with the slightest doubt as to his fitness, ensure that they tell their doctor that cricket is a potentially highly demanding sport. Where the doctor does not suggest a visit to the cardiologist, they should ask for one, and there ideally undergo a standard stress test (épreuve d'effort). If anyone already in possession of a certificate of "non-contra-indication" has the slightest doubt concerning his doctor's familiarity with the game, it is suggested he should make the doctor aware of the potential demands on a player to see whether the doctor recommends further examination.
Obviously these examinations will not prove conclusively that a player is fit to play, but they could bring to light a potential problem.
Now that the weather has warmed up somewhat players of all ages should take steps to avoid the risk of dehydration, taking full advantage of drinks breaks, and not hesitating to ask for water between breaks if the need arises. It is recommended that clubs buy some of the proprietary brand re-hydration tablets available in pharmacies and leading sports stores, but attention should be paid to the instructions for use, as some players may not be able to take them.
The purpose of these recommendations is not to restrict participation in our sport, but to ensure that those who do wish to play do so as safely as possible.
Eddie Cannon (Vice-president France Cricket)
© France Cricket
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