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The Coroner went further
and recommended NSW Cricket
implement a policy of a pre-
match medical briefing to allocate
emergency responsibilities
amongst officials and better
training of umpires in requesting
urgent first aid.
IMPLICATIONS
The coroner’s report provides
some comfort that the potentially
dangerous game of cricket is being
well managed by its custodians
in terms of promulgating and
enforcing the rules and the use
of safety equipment. However no
system is perfect and areas for
further refinement were identified
in clarifying some rules and further
exploring the effective use of neck
guards. This case study highlights
the unavoidably dangerous nature
of some sport. It is part of the
courage and greatness of top class
batsmen that they can handle and
dominate terrifyingly fast bowling
and this is a quintessential element
of this game steeped in history and
tradition. The game and its rules
have evolved over time with past
threats such as the Bodyline Series
of the 1930s and must continue to
do so when justified. However all
hazards can never be removed and
a balance must be struck between
reasonable precautions and
inherent risks.
Sledging continues in the
game, some within the bounds of
acceptable competitiveness and
gamesmanship, some beyond it. A
solution is not obvious nor was it
necessary for the Coroner to make
a finding upon. It will remain the
province of the umpires to exercise
their discretion to keep this within
acceptable limits. The inquest has
served to shine more light on the
darker side of this practice and
might hopefully cause a change
of general sentiment and player
conduct.
The most telling findings relate
to the importance of having
an appropriate, efficient and
documented emergency response
protocol. Whilst even the best
emergency response would
not have saved Phillip Hughes,
the recommendations and the
improvements already made
highlight the importance of these
emergency response procedures
for various sporting organisations
to ensure that preventable deaths
do not occur and serious injuries
can be minimised. In particular,
ensuring that appropriately
trained medical staff are available,
that medical equipment is easily
accessible and that there are
clear procedures for summoning
emergency services can mean the
difference between a near miss and
a tragic outcome. These steps are
also important for risk management
and protection from legal liability.
Ultimately, the inquest found
that Phillip Hughes’ death was a
tragic but unavoidable accident. It
nonetheless allowed his family to
vent their concerns and have these
properly answered and thoroughly
examine the adequacy of relevant
safety measures in the game.
Nothing can undo the terrible
tragedy and senseless loss of one
of the heroes of the game. It is only
perhaps a small consolation that,
Phillip Hughes’ death has lead to
great improvements in emergency
response equipment and
procedures that may save several
lives in the future.
FEATURE -
CRICKET