WA Cricket will make complimentary sensory headphones available for all remaining home games of the KFC Big Bash League 2023-24 season and will continue providing them for Weber Women’s Big Bash League, BBL, and all WA Cricket domestic home games in the future.
Thanks to the WA Cricket Foundation, the Scorchers will make 50 headphones per game available to patrons with sensory sensitivity to provide the best possible game day experience.
Sensory headphones reduce the noise levels in decibels, with the headphones on offer providing a noise reduction rating of 26 dB. They do not eliminate all noise completely, allowing the wearer to experience the ambient sound of each match.
The headphones were first made available at the Scorchers Aboriginal Match on 3 January and can be collected from Lobby 107 at Optus Stadium for all remaining BBL home games, including finals.
WA Cricket Inclusion and Diversity Specialist Jade Wyllie says the idea to introduce the headphones came from a conversation at a WBBL game late last year.
“We had one of our inclusion cricketers attend a WBBL match and her mum mentioned they weren’t able to attend our BBL games as they were too overstimulating,” Wyllie said.
“Knowing many of our Belt Up Integrated Cricket League players also have sensory issues, we thought the same experience could possibly be stopping others from attending the BBL or having the best experience possible, so the Foundation decided to invest in the headphones.
“We have already had wonderful feedback after just one match, and we hope the sensory headphones will allow all Members and fans with sensory or other auditory sensitivities to have an equal game day experience.
“Initiatives like these would not be possible without the support of the WA Cricket Foundation’s generous donors and we thank them for their ongoing commitment.”