Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at comms@balmainsouthscricket.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How do I register?

What is included in registration?

All registrations include a Balmain South Sydney Cricket Club playing shirt and hat.
Balmain Academy training is also available free of charge for committed cricketers on Friday afternoon’s at Birchgrove Oval nets from 5-6pm for U9-U11s and 6-7pm for U13-U17s.

When are teams formed?

The club generally forms teams throughout August, with coaches, managers, and training grounds typically allocated by mid September.

What are the age groups and competition formats?

We offer programs for a variety of ages:
- Cricket Blast: Aimed at kids aged 4–8, focusing on skills sessions and small-sided games.
- U9s: Modified 7-a-side games played on Saturday mornings.
- U11s – U13s: Competitive format played on Saturday mornings.
- U15s – U17s: Competitive format played on Sunday mornings (u15’s) and Sunday afternoons (u17’s).

What surface to we play on?

All teams play on synthetic wickets with the exception of U17’s Sunday PM competition which is on turf.

How are teams coached and managed?

Each team requires a volunteer coach and team manager. Once nominated, the committee provides full support to help you get started.

When and where do we train?

Training days, times, and venues are determined by the team's coach to best suit their availability. Generally, training occurs Tuesday through Friday, between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Council rules prohibit training on Mondays.

Approved Training Locations: Cohen Park (Annandale), Easton Park (Rozelle), Callan Park (Rozelle), Birchgrove Oval (Balmain), and Wentworth Park (Glebe).

When do the matches start and end?

Games typically commence in early-October. U9 to U13 games usually take place on Saturday mornings (approx. 8:30 am – 11:00 am) at grounds within the Inner West of Sydney.

How do we coordinate attendance?

While PlayHQ is used for official registration and team lists, most teams find that a WhatsApp group is the most efficient tool for weekly attendance polls and team communication.

Do I need cricket skills to coach or manage?

No, prior cricket experience is not required. It is a bonus if you have it, but the club supplies all necessary information, training materials, and support to help you get started.

What are the requirements for volunteers?

All coaches and managers must:
1. Formally register with the club via PlayHQ.
2. Obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC), which can be applied for online through Service NSW.

Where do I pick up the kit?

Kit collection typically takes place at the Alan Davidson Oval (400 Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria) in late September or early October.

How do we score matches?

Scoring is performed online via the PlayHQ electronic scoring application. The club provides instructions and resources for using the digital scoring tool. The home team scores electronically and the away team use a physical scorebook as a backup.