Coach's Guide to Cricket Australia All Abilities Cricket All ages 2025/26

Cricket Australia's All Abilities page lists these programs:

• Woolworths Cricket Blast (ages 4-10): a first step into cricket built on running, throwing, catching and hitting in short, active sessions.
• Smash Series Cricket (ages 9+): shortened 60-minute games with modified balls and simple rules, in high-energy, social sessions with music.
• Junior Club Cricket (ages 8-18): club cricket with shorter pitches, modified rules and stage-based progression that increases the challenge as players improve.

The page says players should contact their State or Territory association for local programs and competitions. State pages it links include cricketnsw.com.au/all-abilities, qldcricket.com.au/play/all-abilities, cricketvictoria.com.au/all-abilities and wacricket.com.au/play/cricket-with-a-disability.

Source: play.cricket.com.au/play/for-all-abilities.

Cricket Australia's guide says effective coaching puts the player first. Speak to the player and/or their parent or carer about ways to adjust training or matches so they are safe and inclusive for everyone.

Communicate modifications positively and supportively, for example: "we are applying modifications to the game today to ensure everyone can participate". Players requiring modifications should not be singled out or have their needs disclosed unless they choose to share with the group themselves.

The guide also says to foster a fun, respectful and encouraging environment, and to stay aware of each player's preferences, strengths and support needs.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025).

Cricket Australia's guide says to simplify or tweak rules, and change them again as skills and confidence improve. Examples:

• Allow more bounces when bowling.
• Have more or fewer players fielding. Reducing the fielding team size can maximise participation.
• Adjust team numbers or the number of turns to increase engagement.
• Try different scoring systems and keep things less competitive.
• Have no fielders in certain areas to give players more opportunities to succeed.
• Use a buddy system, where one player bats and another "runs" so everyone gets a go.
• Modify the duration or structure of a game or activity to suit the group.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025), "Adjust the Rules", and the play.cricket.com.au disability inclusion page.

Cricket Australia's guide says to vary the size and type of equipment so all participants can have success:

• Use lighter bats or alternative equipment, for example a tennis racquet.
• Make sure equipment stands out against the playing area for better visibility.
• Use larger, brightly coloured or noise-making balls.
• Use a softer ball to support initial skill development (its example is a new player with autism).
• A player with low vision may prefer a more brightly coloured ball when batting or bowling.

Blind Cricket uses balls with rattles inside so visually impaired players can locate the ball by sound. The guide says this adaptation can make the game more accessible for everyone.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025), "Swap Equipment".

Cricket Australia's guide suggests changing how space is used so all participants can have success:

• Reduce the size of the playing area and use smooth or indoor surfaces.
• Create zones within the playing area to simplify instructions.
• Change the shape or size of the playing area to make the game easier or harder.

Its example: both teams agree to reduce the playing area for a match, and the coach directs fielders to leave a zone with no fielders so the batting team has a better chance to score.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025), "Modify the Environment".

Cricket Australia's guide suggests:

• Bring the group together when giving instructions, to support shared understanding.
• Stay within appropriate proximity to players who may need extra support or use alternative communication methods.
• Use clear, simple language and visual aids such as tactic boards, demonstrations and pictures.
• Use a buddy system to support understanding and social connection.
• Keep instructions brief and check understanding regularly, with quick prompts like a thumbs-up or asking a player to repeat the task.

Its example: a coach uses a tactic board and simple language to explain drills, which builds confidence.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025), "Change Up Your Style".

Cricket Australia's guide (with Sport Inclusion Australia) lists these tips:

• Minimise background noise and distractions, and avoid unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
• Avoid sarcasm, jargon and figurative language. Use simple, clear, direct language.
• Face participants when giving instructions.
• Be patient and allow time to process information and respond. Do not rush instructions.
• Support spoken instructions with visual aids (signs, pictures), demonstrations, gestures and facial expressions.
• Ask specific, targeted questions, and check in regularly about each person's communication preferences.

Some people find social aspects of communication challenging, such as non-verbal cues, eye contact, turn-taking or personal space, or abstract language like sarcasm and jokes. The guide says to approach misunderstandings with patience and adjust your communication.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025).

Cricket Australia uses person-first language (for example "person with disability"), but it understands that some people prefer identity-first language (for example "autistic person"). It respects each person's choice and aims to support them in the way they prefer.

In practice:

• Be mindful of how participants refer to themselves and use their chosen terms.
• Do not use baby talk. Use an age-appropriate tone and language.
• Speak directly to the participant, not their support worker, carer or companion, unless assistance is needed or they ask for help.
• Recognise and support alternative communication tools such as sign language or assistive devices.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025), communication section drawn from Sport Inclusion Australia.

Cricket Australia says people can contribute meaningfully through non-playing roles such as volunteering or becoming a club official.

Clubs should offer flexibility in how people engage:

• A formal position, for example committee member or scorer.
• Smaller, regular tasks, for example helping with set-up, social media or equipment.

These options create inclusive pathways for involvement regardless of a person's playing ability or access needs.

Source: Cricket Australia Disability Inclusion Resource Guide (2025).