Cricket urged to use gender-neutral terms
AN Australian cricket administrator has called for terms like batsman and 12th man to be dropped in favour of gender-neutral versions like batter and 12th, to encourage women and girls to play the game.
Western Australia Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said that words matter and the “gentleman’s game” needed to be more inclusive.
She said cricket should adopt words like batter, 12th and third – instead of third man – calling the traditional terms a bit like bullying.
“Here we are, in 2017, using terms like 12th man, batsman, fieldsman and nightwatchman without a second thought,” Matthews said.
“In my view, there’s no commonsense reason why [the terms can’t be changed].
“I think it’s just something people have held on to,” she said.
“Words matter, and words demonstrate respect as well.
“By not changing the terms, you are disrespecting half the population.
“I’m not saying people are deliberately trying to offend, but it’s a bit like bullying.
“Whether you’re bullied or not is dictated by the person who is on the end of it, not the person who’s doing it.”
Perth Scorchers fast bowler Piepa Cleary backed Matthews, saying it was important to take steps towards gender equality in cricket.
“Everyone still says female athletes or female cricket, but we’re athletes playing cricket,” Cleary said.
“We need to stop being compared with the men’s game and be recognised for playing the same sport in our own field.
“It’s going to take a long time to change.
“But hopefully it will start to happen sooner rather than later.”