Paul March, the CEO of the Australian Cricketers Association, expressed his concern that intensive cricket training and tight scheduling of events are contributing to the recent soaring of injuries.
Baptist Minister Mark Tronson, pioneered the respite facilities for AIS athletes and coaches, "Basil Sellers Moruya" and "Basil Sellers Tweed." Both facilities are open to athletes, coaches and most recently, the wider cricket fraternity. The purpose of the facilities is to give athletes and associates a place to relax and unwind away from the hectic world of professional sport.
"During the Ashes series in England, Ricky Ponting the Australian captain came home for a rest period with his family…. then head coach, Tim Nielsen had his stint at home too, allowing Troy Cooley to take over the reigns in his absence" said Mark Tronson.
On a slightly different slant, former Australian vice captain, wicket-keeper and batsman, Adam Gilchrist, warned that spectators may tire from watching cricket if it is played in the public arena too frequently, a sentiment recently acknowledged by Cricket Australia.
Not long ago, Australian cricketers began jet-setting to the UK in the off season to play English County Cricket, clashing with Australian test matches and putting pressure on already hectic gaming schedules. With the IPL, the Champions League, the World Cup, the Champion's Cup and other tournaments, the cricket season never seems to end and respite for athletes had been put on the back burner.
Mark Tronson is also anchorman for the Australian Missionary News IPTV, and he recently interviewed the AIS Men's Cricket head coach Greg Chappell on this subject of respite. http://tv.bushorchestra.com/ (follow link for full interview).
In their meeting Greg Chappell mentioned his recent policy, of giving the new generation of cricketers training at the Cricket Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, regular breaks to reconnect with their family and friends. Upon returning, Chappell has found the sportsmen to be refreshed and in a better state of mind.
Baptist minister Mark Tronson has seen it all. He was the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years, pioneered the Sports and Leisure Ministry with Heads of Churches and established Well-Being Australia, a group that largely focuses on athlete respite. At the end of 2000 Mark moved sideways to 'Life after Cricket', and in 2007 'Cricket Family Respite'.
For the 25 years serving Australian cricketers, Mark has written a start of season letter to the Australian contracted cricketers every year, but this year he changed his approach, using the letter to address the value of respite in sport.
Australian contracted cricketers now receive a mid year letter on respite as well as the 'Retired Australian Cricketers Bi-Annual Newsletter' (published 30 November and 30 March each year) in which he has a Chaplain's Chat.
The editorial team of Allan Border (Qld), Phil Emery (NSW), Shaun Graf, Jason Baker (VIC), David Boon (TAS), Greg Chappell (SA) and Kim Hughes (WA) have continued to give the newsletter their solid support to ensure that it is widely read.
'This strategy provides an all year round connection with the cricketers,' said Mark Tronson.