The ECB have released new and updated Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations, with significant changes clubs and competitions must familiarise themselves with.

The updated regulations and new guidance have been introduced by the ECB to enhance the safety of those involved in recreational cricket and are now in force ahead of the 2025 season.

Major changes include:

  • Male players aged under 18 MUST wear a groin protector (box) when also required to wear a helmet.
  • Regulations apply to a player’s age, not their age group.
  • Players aged 12 can play open age cricket.
  • Written approval MUST be obtained from parents/guardians and the County Pathway Lead before a player aged 11 and who has started School Year 7 is eligible to play open age cricket.
  • Clubs MUST have regard to certain considerations before playing a junior cricketer in open age cricket or in an age group above the player’s actual age group.
  • Umpires, captains and team managers MUST take certain steps to enforce the new safety regulations in matches.
  • Reduction in the number of overs per bowler, per spell and other additional regulations.
  • Updated fielding regulations relating to ages and distances from striking batter.

Somerset County Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Foundation would like to stress to all that although a player may be permitted under the regulations to play in open-aged cricket it doesn’t mean that they must be selected and play. Clubs have a duty of care to ensure that every young person has the right level of maturity both physically and mentally to safely participate in open age cricket. Further information can be found in our Duty of Care document found here

The ECB also recommends:

  • Each club appoints at least on First Aider, and that at least one First Aider is present when any cricket activity is taking place at the club.
  • Clubs carry out risk assessments for activities at their club to inform necessary safety procedures.
  • Clubs have fully stocked First Aid Kits and develop annual Medical Emergency Action Plans.
  • All coaches, umpires, captains and team managers undertake concussion e-learning and a basic life support course.
  • Fast bowlers aged 19 or under:
    • Consider adhering to recommended maximum and minimum numbers of overs bowled each week, as well as certain recommended rest periods.
    • Follow a ‘Ready to Bowl’ programme to build up to regular bowling following a break from bowling of two weeks or longer.

Clubs, competitions and volunteers are asked to familiarise themselves with the full documentation below:

Contact

Any questions on the new Regulations and Guidelines should be directed to:

SafetyInCricket@ecb.co.uk

Any questions regarding safeguarding in Somerset please contact:

Brian Hoyle

County Safeguarding Officer

Brian.hoyle@somersetcricketfoundation.org

Amanda Counsell

Deputy County Safeguarding Officer

Amanda.counsell@somersetcricketfoundation.org