CNSW takes the safety of its participants seriously and at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, conducted a review into a series of incidents arising from community players sustaining injuries from collisions with fencing or hard objects marking boundaries. Following an in-depth risk assessment and consultation with the NSWCUSA, it was established that most of these injuries resulted from inconsistent application of boundary clearances across various competitions. The CNSW Board considered the matter following recommendation from its Audit and Risk Committee, resulting in a minimum boundary clearance directive that was provided as guidance last season to enable Affiliates to adapt to the change. It is now mandated for all cricket competitions managed by Cricket NSW or its Affiliates from the 2024-25 season. The CNSW minimum boundary clearance directive provides: All boundaries must be designated by a rope, soft dome marker (or similar) or marked line including boundary markers of a minimum standard as authorised by Cricket New South Wales from time to time. At all times, rope, soft dome marker (or similar) or marked line must be placed a minimum distance of 2.74 metres (3 yards) inside the perimeter fencing, advertising signs or any other hard or immovable object inside the perimeter fencing or advertising signs. All Affiliates must ensure that the boundary clearance provisions are inserted and notified to all relevant bodies who are affiliated or associated with the relevant Affiliate. CNSW owned or managed competitions will insert the requirement into Playing Conditions. It is noted that the minimum standard is any object that can mark the boundary, including soft dome markers, small cones (witches' hats), rope, or similar. A line may also be spray painted or painted onto the playing surface. This directive is made in accordance with the CNSW Constitution and is binding on all Affiliates and their clubs and associations. Minimum Boundary Clearance Directive
