Information for Parents

Player Gear Requirements

To make cricket fun, safe, and consistent across all grades, here are the minimum gear requirements for players this season. The club provides team gear bags, so families only need to supply a few personal essentials depending on whether your child is playing softball cricket or hardball cricket.

Softball Cricket (Division 10 and 9)

The only requirement is the official Papamoa Cricket Club Playing Top
Must be the current playing top (available from Cricket Express).
Please don’t use the old version as it has outdated sponsors, and it’s important we honour our agreements with our current sponsors by having the right logos on the field.
All other gear is supplied by the club, including bats, ball and training gear.

Hardball Cricket (Division 8 and 7)

For players moving into or already playing hardball cricket, the following minimum requirements apply:

Playing Top
Must be the current Papamoa Cricket Club playing top (available from Cricket Express).
Old tops with past sponsors should not be used.

Groin Protector (Box)
Mandatory for all players (male and female) playing hardball.
Available at Cricket Express
Cricket Undies (with a pouch for the box) make it much easier and more comfortable to wear.

Optional Playing Long Pants
Some kids prefer them for extra protection when diving around on grass.
Shorts are still fine in Div 8 (Usually there is a sense of long pants are way cooler by Div 7)

Available in season at Cricket Express

Sports Shoes
Regular sports/running shoes are fine – no need for cricket spikes at this stage.

Gear Supplied by the Club
Every hardball team is issued with a club gear bag, which includes:
Bats
Pads
Helmets
Balls (for both game and training)

There’s no obligation to buy extra gear unless you’d like your child to have their own.

Transitioning to Hardball Cricket
If this is your child’s first season of hardball:

A box (groin protector) is compulsory – no exceptions.
A helmet must be worn when batting and wicket-keeping (supplied in the team gear bag, or you may buy your own for comfort).
Coaches and managers will help players gain confidence as they adapt to the faster, harder game.

Optional Sun Protection

Papamoa Cricket Club Caps and Wide-Brim Hats are available from Cricket Express.

Both are designed for comfort and protection on sunny days.

The wide-brim hats provide excellent coverage, making them especially popular with younger players and parents who want extra sun safety.

The caps are a classic option for those who prefer a traditional cricket look.

Wearing the official Papamoa gear not only helps protect players from the sun but also ensures our teams look united and professional while proudly representing the club.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Softball vs Hardball – what’s the difference in gear?
Softball = only the club playing top required. The club supplies bats, wickets, tennis balls and rubber balls.
Hardball = playing top + box (for both boys and girls) + optional long pants + sports shoes. Club supplies the rest.

Do I need to buy a bat, pads, or helmet?
No – all teams get a gear bag with these. Many kids eventually get their own, but it’s not required.

What if my child forgets their Groin Protector?
They won’t be able to bat or field close in hardball cricket without it. Please make sure it’s always in their bag.

Do girls need a Groin Protector?
Yes– groin protectors are required for girls.

Do players need cricket-specific shoes?
No – basic sports/running shoes are fine.

You may purchase specialty cricket shoes if you prefer.