Perth's WACA Ground members areas dress code puts women offside

THE WA Cricket Association will review its strict members' dress code after female journalists were told their clothing was "inappropriate" and "indecent". Photo / Twitter.

THE WA Cricket Association will review its strict members' dress code after female journalists were told their clothing was "inappropriate" and "indecent".

The announcement follows a backlash after three women reporting on last week's Test against South Africa at the WACA Ground were spoken to about their attire.

In a crazy case of legs before cricket, stewards enforcing the dress code told the journalists their skirts and dresses were too short for the venue's members areas.

WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said "as a result of feedback" changes would be considered for the rest of this season, with a full review to be carried out at the end of summer.

She also confirmed a dress code would be enforced at the members areas at Perth Stadium, which could host next year's blockbuster Ashes Test.

One reporter, who was working at the media centre in the Lillee Marsh Stand, told The Sunday Times she was spoken to a couple of times about her clothing.

Empty stands but @WACA_Cricket steward warns @melindafarrell for "inappropriate dress". Hilarious or tragic? pic.twitter.com/bgR1KiqrMH

— Neil Manthorp (@NeilManthorp) November 7, 2016

She'd never encountered clothing problems at any other cricket ground in the world, even at Lord's in London.

"I was told I needed to wear a longer skirt because of Members' regulations. I've never had a problem with it at any other ground," she said.

WACA Members Enclosure dress standards state shirt or dress straps "must span the width of the membership card (5cm)", while the seam of shorts or skirts "must rest within the length of the membership card (8.5cm) to the knee".

A crowd of 7207 watched the Test last Sunday, on the same day 13,290 were at Perth Glory's draw at NIB Stadium.

ESPN Cricinfo reporter Melinda Farrell tweeted: "It must be SUCH a comfort to WACA members, as they gaze at all the empty seats, to know their 1960s dress code for women is being upheld. Should point out it's the voting members, not the WACA admin, who find kneecaps so offensive. They SHOULD be offended by poor Test crowds."

In a barrage of comments from other social media users, the incident was described as "tragically hilarious", "sexist" and "archaic".

ESPN Cricinfo's Firdose Moonda said she had received an apology from the WACA, which told her she was "actually dressed just fine".

"As a result of the feedback received during the recent Test match, the association is reviewing its approach to dress standards for the remainder of the season. Details of these changes will be communicated in due course," Ms Matthews said.

"A full review of the dress code will be carried out at the end of the summer to determine the success of the new approach prior to finalising any future dress code changes, including the standards we intend to apply for the members areas at Perth Stadium."