Female journalists told clothing 'indecent' during first Test

Three female journalists reporting on the cricket at the WACA Ground in Perth were told they were dressed “inappropriately” for the game, prompting the WA Cricket Association to review their dress code.

The reporters were briefed about the venue’s standards last week while they were covering the match between Australia and South Africa, and were told their outfits did not meet the criteria of the member’s standards.

The women were told the length of their dresses and skirts were too short, and should be no more than 8.5cm above the knee.

Shirt and dress straps must also be at least 5cm wide, according to the WACA Members Enclosure dress standards.

WACA CEO Christina Matthews confirmed changes would be made to the rules following a backlash from the women and the public.

ESPN reporter Melinda Farrell took to Twitter to slam the venue, saying they needed to 'get with the times'.

"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," she wrote.

"Should point out it’s the voting members, not the WACA admin, who find knee caps so offensive. They SHOULD be offended by poor Test crowds."

She told her followers that she was also disgusted to see officials informing a heavily pregnant woman that her dress was too short.

The woman "ended up taking off her belt so that her hem dropped a couple of inches," she wrote.

Ms Farrell added that the WACA had apologised over the incident.

Another reporter told The Sunday Times she was spoken to several times about her choice of clothing.

"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.

Ms Matthews said the dress standards would be revised “as a result of the feedback”.

"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," she said.