The following guideline information is provided to Members and Fans, and to assist Media with their reporting of the 2010 International Cricket Season at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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Why is there a zero tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour at the cricket?
All cricket stakeholders want to provide a safe and comfortable match day experience for all fans. They are united in the stance against anti-social behaviour. We encourage fans to have fun, but have a commonsense approach and not impact someone else’s enjoyment. We want fans and families to attend the cricket and be confident that they will have a comfortable and incident free day. The fans support of the zero tolerance policy is reflected by the record SCG crowd for a Test between Australia and South Africa last summer.
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Why are Mexican Waves banned?
It is Cricket Australia’s policy to ban the Mexican Wave. It is not the Mexican Wave itself that is the problem. Prior to the ban, fans unfortunately used the Mexican Wave as a means to throw rubbish, liquids (including urine) plus large and potentially dangerous objects such as bolts and coins into the air. This caused discomfort and injury to some fans. Cricket Australia reported almost 100 people were injured after being struck by objects thrown in Mexican Waves at the MCG in 2006-07.
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Why are beach balls banned?
The ICC bans beach balls because they regularly enter the field of play and interrupt and hold up the game while they are being removed. We also saw how a beach ball recently interfered with an English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sunderland. Furthermore the accompanying activity around beach balls can be hazardous. Some fans become excited when beach balls emerge and become over zealous and over enthusiastic in their attempt to reach and hit the ball. There have been many examples where fans have stumbled and fallen over innocent spectators, causing injury in their attempt to hit the ball. For example, a 13 year old girl suffered a broken arm at the Gabba when a fan fell on her when trying to hit a beach ball while another had her jaw broken when one fan tried to punch a beach the ball, missed and instead mistakenly hit her.
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Why are beer snakes banned?
The plastic beer cups are not dangerous but it is the activity surrounding the mounting of the cups which is the issue. There are dozens of cups in a beer snake that still contain residue liquid. And when this is hoisted into the air, this liquid then spills over innocent fans and impacts their enjoyment. The same applies to spillage when cups are being thrown or collected for the beer snake. Further, the raising of the beer snake involves a wall of people standing up in their seats and consequently blocking other spectator’s view of the game.
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Why are ‘beer wenches’ banned?
This activity is in breach if the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) regulations as it is the secondary supply of alcohol. This activity is also in breach of Trust regulations as ‘beer wenches’ may be operating a paid business on Trust lands without authorisation.
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Why is low or mid strength alcohol only served in public areas at the cricket?
The low alcohol policy at One Day Internationals was first introduced in 1998 and for Test matches from 2006. This policy was developed after an in-depth analysis of crowd behaviour patterns. Unfortunately, the instances of violent anti-social behaviour were high, forcing authorities to implement
the policy. Following the implementation of the policy, the number of violent anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced dramatically. This has led to significantly improved overall crowd behaviour. NSW Police may request a reduction in the number of servings of alcoholic drinks per transaction and close bars, if necessary.
If fans wish to consume alcohol, then
we recommend they enjoy responsibly and drink in moderation.
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Why is full strength alcohol available in Members and corporate areas?
Full strength beer is available in these areas as the instances of violent anti-social behaviour is relatively low.
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Why do RSA staff request the removal of sunglasses when purchasing alcohol at the cricket?
All bar staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol and can be fined up to $5500 if they serve an intoxicated person. The request to remove sunglasses, so that staff can clearly see a patron’s eyes, is one method used in assessing whether a customer is or is not intoxicated.
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Why must I wear a shirt and shoes when purchasing a beer?
General social and hygiene standards apply at the SCG.
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Why are there so many Police and security at the cricket?
Personnel numbers are determined by the anticipated crowd attendance which is based on match pre-sale tickets, and the historical match day walk-up of supporters who have not pre-purchased tickets. Full risk assessments are carried out by law enforcement authorities prior to each game. What has changed is the visibility of Crowd Safety Officers (green fluorescent vests) and Customer Service Officers (orange tops) via their coloured vests and tops. These vests and tops have been provided to ensure fans can easily and quickly seek and ask for assistance, if required.
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Who sets the price of cricket match tickets?
Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW set all ticket prices.
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How are food and beverage prices determined?
Food and beverage costs at the SCG are the most affordable at any major stadia in Australia. Venue food and beverage outlets do not operate 365 days per year, but only when events are being staged. Consequently, casual labour is used and their pay rates are higher than full-time workers. Staff at cricket games work longer hours and outside the normal 9-5 working hours, so therefore penalty rates apply. Furthermore, despite their part-time event day usage, food and beverage outlets require the latest premium permanent equipment and technology to service high volume patronage on event days.
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What should I do if I am subject to, or witness anti-social behaviour?
Fans are urged to immediately contact a Crowd Safety Officer, Customer Service Office or Police officer so that the matter can be addressed.
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Why do police enter the field of play and circle the players when a pitch invader jumps the boundary fence?
This is a standard procedure determined by the ICC which has been adopted by Cricket Australia for implementation at all international cricket venues in Australia.
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What should I do if I hear, or am subject to racism?
There is no place for racism in today’s society and all stakeholders do not condone racism in any form by any person. The ICC has an anti-racism code which is adopted by Cricket Australia. If any fan witnesses or is subjected to racist comment/s, they are urged to immediately contact a Crowd Safety Officer or Customer Service Officer so that the matter can be dealt with.