Updated on 13 March 2025
Players in GMCL Open Age Competitions - Saturday & Sunday Leagues, GMCL Cups and GMCL20 Competition must be of a minimum age and for all players up to Age 19 there are restrictions on their level of participation in matches.
3.4. Restrictions for young players in Open Age Competition
3.4.1. Club’s Duty of Care for young players
(updated for 2025 season) in accordance with ECB’s Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations Feb 2025 (click link to view full regulations).
If there are any enquiries about the new regulations you can email - FAO: ECB Safety in Cricket Officer Email: safetyincricket@ecb.co.uk
3.4.1.1. In allowing any junior players to play in Open Age Cricket
3.4.1.1.1. It is essential that Clubs and Coaches recognise the “Duty of Care” obligations towards their young players.
3.4.1.1.2. Junior player’s safety and protection must be utmost in club officials’ and the match captain’s thinking
3.4.1.2. Decision-Making Framework for Juniors Playing In Open Age Cricket or Playing Up Out of Age Group
3.4.1.2.1. In addition to any other requirements contained in a Recreational Cricket Board or League’s competition eligibility rules, before playing a Junior Cricketer in Open Age Cricket or in an Age
Group above that player’s usual Age Group, Clubs must have regard to the following considerations:
a. The decision to play up should be a positive step in that Junior Cricketer’s development and should not be based on a need to make up numbers in an older Age Group team or in Open Age Cricket.
b. The Junior Cricketer should be of sufficient skill and/or physical capability to safely participate in the higher Age Group or in Open Age Cricket. Clubs should also be satisfied that the Junior Cricketer has sufficient confidence and emotional maturity to fit into a different Age Group team or in Open Age Cricket. A Junior Cricketer should not be put in a position that involves an unreasonable physical or emotional risk to them.
c. Before playing their first game, the Junior Cricketer should have been invited to train with the older Age Group or Open Age Cricket team or should otherwise be familiar with at least some of the individuals in that team, for example through being coached by them or having interacted with them around the Club.
d. The Junior Cricketer should be involved in all aspects of the game wherever possible, such as socialising, team talks, practice, decision making etc., so that they feel part of the team.
e. The Club must ensure that they adhere to the ECB’s Safe Hands Policy to ensure that a Junior Cricketer can safely participate in Open Age Cricket with adults. For example, the Club should have a plan in place, or suitable facilities, to ensure that the Junior Cricketer will not be required to change or shower alongside adults, and consideration must be given to use of social media groups and transport to/from cricketing activities.
f. The Club must have appropriately DBS checked adults to supervise Junior Cricketers playing in Open Age Cricket
3.4.1.2.2. Clubs must ensure that a Junior Cricketer playing up does not create a situation that places members of the opposing team in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they normally would do against adult players. Where a Club considers that the playing of a Junior Cricketer out of their Age Group and/or in Open Age Cricket is leading to situations of potential disparity where there is a concern regarding the safety or ability of a player (or players) to compete, the processes contained in the Disparity Regulations must be followed.
3.4.1.3. Concerns over opponents age
3.4.1.3.1. In Open Age Cricket, if a Captain suspects that any player in the opposing team is not eligible to play Open Age Cricket by virtue of their age, they must raise their concern with the opposing team's Captain. If after discussing the matter they are still not satisfied, the Captain concerned must report the matter to the relevant competition organiser
3.4.1.3. Consent
3.4.1.3.1. Parental or guardian written consent allowing a player not to wear a helmet (or face protector) will not be accepted.
3.4.1.3.1.1. If exceptional circumstances exist why a Junior Cricketer is unable to wear a helmet (or a face protector) as required by these Regulations, they (via their parents/carers) must contact the ECB for further advice by writing to safetyincricket@ecb.co.uk. They must explain in detail why they are not able to wear a helmet (or face protector),and provide supporting evidence as appropriate (for example, correspondence from a doctor or other health professional explaining why the player is unable to wear a helmet). The player must not carry out any of the activities until the ECB has confirmed that they can do so.
3.4.2. Age Restriction on taking part in Open Age competition
3.4.2.1. School Year 9 (under 14) and above
3.4.2.1.1. All players in School Year 9 (under 14) and above may play in GMCL Open Age Competition where it is considered safe for them to do so.
3.4.2.2. School Year 8 (under 13)
3.4.2.2.1. Players in School Year 8 must have explicit written consent from a parent or guardian lodged with their club before participating in Open Age matches.
3.4.2.2.1.1. Clubs must ensure that their player registration procedures ensure that consent is obtained.
3.4.2.2.1.2. The ECB guidance relating to changing and showering must be adhered to.
3.4.2.3. School Year 7 (under 12)
3.4.2.3.1. Players from School Year 7 must meet the following criteria
3.4.2.3.1.1. the player must be selected in a CountyStandard U12 squad (or latest equivalent) in Spring or a Summer squad for that season which is deemed by ECB Performance Managers to be of a standard above “District Level” (or its equivalent from time to time) to be eligible to play Open Age Cricket and
3.4.3.3.1.2. the player must be at least 11 years old on 1st September preceding the season and
3.4.3.3.1.3. the player must have written parental or guardian consent to play, lodged with their club.
3.4.2.4. School Year 6 (under 11) and below
3.4.3.4.5. Players from School Year 6 or below may not compete in GMCL Open Age Cricket
3.4.3. For GMCL Junior competition
3.4.3.1. All players must be amateur players who must meet the age group criteria,
3.4.3.1.1. Age group concessions, to allow junior players to play in a younger age group, may be granted for junior competition as determined by the junior committee upon application. (please email juniors@GtrMcrCricket.co.uk)
3.4.3.1.2. Full rules for the Junior competition are listed separately
Players Under 19 are restricted in their participation on the field
3.4.4. Batting - ECB Regulations for Under 19
(updated for 2025 season) in accordance with ECB’s Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations Feb 2025
3.4.4.1. Batting against a hard ball
3.4.4.1.1. Junior Cricketers must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard cricket ball during matches and practice sessions, and any Junior Cricketer whose sex is male (regardless of gender) must also wear a groin protector (box).
3.4.4.2. Consequences of Non-Compliance for Batters
3.4.4.2.1. Any reference to ‘Captain’ below means (a) in Open Age Cricket, the person acting as the captain of the team; and (b) in Junior Cricket, the Team Manager.
3.4.4.2.2. Where an Appointed Umpire is officiating and the batter has not started their innings
3.4.4.2.2.1. If at any time a Junior Cricketer joins the field of play and takes up their position at the crease to bat without wearing a helmet as required by Regulation 4.2.1, the standing umpire at the bowler’s end must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must wear a helmet. The umpire concerned must instruct the Junior Cricketer to leave the field and return wearing a helmet.
3.4.4.2.2.2 If the Junior Cricketer refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, after three minutes has expired the Junior Cricketer is deemed to be timed out and must be given out, and play will continue with the next batter (in accordance with Law 40.1).
3.4.4.2.3. Where an Appointed Umpire is officiating and the batter has started their innings
3.4.4.2.3.1. If at any time a Junior Cricketer that has started batting takes off their helmet, the standing umpire at the bowler’s end must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must wear a helmet.
3.4.4.2.3.2. If the Junior Cricketer refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem the Junior Cricketer to be wasting time, warn both batters and indicate that this is a first and final warning, and inform the other umpire and both teams’ Captains.
3.4.4.2.3.3. If the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this a further waste of time, award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side and inform both batters, the other umpire and both teams’ Captains (in accordance with Law 41.10).
3.4.4.2.3.4. If following the imposition of this penalty the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this as the batting side refusing to play and award the match to the fielding side (in accordance with Law 16.3.1.2).
3.4.4.2.4. Where an Appointed Umpire is not officiating
3.4.4.2.4.1. If at any time a Junior Cricketer takes up their position at the crease to bat without wearing a helmet or removes their helmet once they have started batting, contrary to Regulation
3.4.4.2.4.2. The Acting Umpire must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must wear a helmet. The Acting Umpire must instruct the Junior Cricketer to either wear a helmet or be replaced by another batter that has not already batted and that is wearing a helmet (if required to do so).
3.4.4.2.4.3. The Acting Umpire must not continue the game until the Junior Cricketer either wears a helmet or leaves the field and is replaced by another batter that is compliant If the Acting Umpire allows play to continue without either of these events occurring, the Captain of the fielding team must not allow their bowlers to bowl another delivery until either the Junior Cricketer is wearing a helmet, or they are replaced by another batter that is compliant. If play does not resume within 15 minutes, the game must be deemed forfeited by the batting team and awarded to the fielding team.
3.4.5. Bowling Restrictions – ECB Directives for Under 19
(updated for 2025 season) in accordance with ECB’s Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations Feb 2025
3.4.5.1. Under 19 Directives – “Fast” Bowlers
3.4.5.1.1. The ECB Fast Bowling Directives 2013 version will apply to all matches in the Greater Manchester Cricket League and Cup Competitions.
3.4.5.1.1.1. A “fast” bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in normal circumstances would stand back to take the ball and the restrictions apply to any bowler bowling “seam up” and still applies where a wicketkeeper chooses to stand up to the wicket.
3.4.5.1.1.2. The maximum overs are detailed below but all these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day. This is most likely to arise for Under 13s on a Sunday afternoon when they may have had an Under 13 game on Sunday morning.
3.4.5.2. Under 19 Directives – Bowling Spells
3.4.5.2.1. Under 13 age group (School Y7 & Y8) at date of match
3.4.5.2.1.1. Max overs per spell - 5 overs
3.4.5.2.1.2. Max overs per day - 10 overs
3.4.5.2.1.3. Defining a Spell
3.4.5.2.1.3.1. Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of that spell have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.2.1.3.2. A bowler can change ends without ending the current spell provided that the same bowler bowls the next over that the bowler legally can from the other end. If this does not happen then this bowler’s spell is deemed to be concluded.
3.4.5.2.1.4. Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game - Under 13 age group (School Y7 & Y8) at date of match, these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day.
3.4.5.2.1.4.1. 50 over league game - 10 overs
3.4.5.2.1.4.2. 45 over league game - 10 overs
3.4.5.2.1.4.3. 40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
3.4.5.2.1.4.4. 45 over cup game - 9 overs
3.4.5.2.1.4.5. 40 over cup game - 8 overs
3.4.5.2.2. Under 15 age group (School Y9 & Y10) at date of match
3.4.5.2.2.1. Max overs per spell - 5 overs (updated in Feb 2025 regulations) - REDUCED from 6 overs
3.4.5.2.2.2. Max overs per day - 12 overs
3.4.5.2.2.3. Defining a Spell
3.4.5.2.2.3.1. Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of that spell have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.2.2.3.2. A bowler can change ends without ending the current spell provided that the same bowler bowls the next over that the bowler legally can from the other end. If this does not happen then this bowler’s spell is deemed to be concluded.
3.4.5.2.2.4. Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game - Under 15 age group (School Y9 & Y10) at date of match, these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day.
3.4.5.2.2.4.1. 50 over league game - 12 overs
3.4.5.2.2.4.2. 45 over league game - 12 overs
3.4.5.2.2.4.3. 40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
3.4.5.2.2.4.4. 45 over cup game - 9 overs
3.4.5.2.2.4.5. 40 over cup game - 8 overs
3.4.5.2.3. Under 17 age group (School Y11 & Y12) at date of match
3.4.5.2.3.1. Max overs per spell - 6 overs (updated in Feb 2025 regulations) - REDUCED from 7 overs
3.4.5.2.3.2. Max overs per day - 15 overs (updated in Feb 2025 regulations) - REDUCED from 18 overs
3.4.5.2.3.2.1. Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of that spell have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.2.3.2.2. A bowler can change ends without ending the current spell provided that the same bowler bowls the next over that the bowler legally can from the other end. If this does not happen then this bowler’s spell is deemed to be concluded.
3.4.5.2.3.4. Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game - Under 17 age group (School Y11 & Y12) at date of match, these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day.
3.4.5.2.3.4.5. 50 over league game - 14 overs
3.4.5.2.3.4.2. 45 over league game - 14 overs
3.4.5.2.3.4.3. 40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
3.4.5.2.3.4.5. 45 over cup game - 9 overs
3.4.5.2.3.4.5. 40 over cup game - 8 overs
3.4.5.2.4. Under 19 age group at date of match
3.4.5.2.4.1. Max overs per spell - 7 overs
3.4.5.2.4.2. Max overs per day - 18 overs
3.4.5.2.4.2.1. Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of that spell have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.2.4.2.2. A bowler can change ends without ending the current spell provided that the same bowler bowls the next over that the bowler legally can from the other end. If this does not happen then this bowler’s spell is deemed to be concluded.
3.4.5.2.4.3. Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game - Under 19 age group at date of match, these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day.
3.4.5.2.4.3.1. 50 over league game - 14 overs
3.4.5.2.4.3.2. 45 over league game - 14 overs
3.4.5.2.4.3.4. 40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
3.4.5.2.4.3.5. 45 over cup game - 9 overs
3.4.5.2.4.3.6. 40 over cup game - 8 overs
3.4.5.3. Under 19 Directives – Interruption to play
3.4.5.3.1. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes,
3.4.5.3.1.1. any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group.
3.4.5.3.1.2. If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of that bowler’s spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.3.2. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for more than 40 minutes,
3.4.5.3.2.1. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.
3.4.5.4. Under 19 Directives - Change of Action
3.4.5.4.1. Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match,
3.4.5.4.1.1. the player cannot exceed the maximum number of overs per day for the player’s age group even if the player subsequently bowls spin or otherwise changes their action.
3.4.5.4.2. A player can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin
3.4.5.4.2.1. but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of the fast bowling spell have been bowled from the same end.
3.4.5.4.3. If the player bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell
3.4.5.4.3.1. the maximum will apply as soon as the bowler reverts to bowling fast.
3.4.5.5. Consequences of Non-Compliance (updated for 2025 season) in accordance with ECB’s Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations Feb 2025
3.4.5.5.1. Any reference to ‘Captain’ below means (a) in Open Age Cricket, the person acting as the captain of the team from time to time; and (b) in Junior Cricket, the Team Manager.
3.4.5.5.2. Where an Appointed Umpire is officiating
3.4.5.5.2.1. If at any time a Fast Bowler exceeds the bowling limits, the standing umpire at the bowler’s end must stop the game and inform the Fast Bowler and their Captain that the player has exceeded their bowling limit and that the player must stop bowling. If the Fast Bowler has already commenced an over, another bowler must replace them to complete the over, provided that player has not exceeded their maximum bowling limit. That over will then count towards the replacement player’s bowling limit.
3.4.5.5.2.2. If the Fast Bowler refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem the Fast Bowler to be wasting time and if the ball is in play, call and signal dead ball, and inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then warn the Captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning, and inform the batters.
3.4.5.5.2.3 If the Fast Bowler still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this a further waste of time and must inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then award 5 penalty runs to the batting side and inform the Captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action (in accordance with Law 41.9).
3.4.5.5.2.4 If following the imposition of this penalty the Fast Bowler still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem that player’s team as refusing to play and award the match to the opposing side (in accordance with Law 16.3.1.2).
3.4.5.5.3. Where an Appointed Umpire is not officiating
3.4.5.5.3.1. If at any time a Fast Bowler exceeds the bowling limits the Acting Umpire must stop the game and instruct the Fast Bowler and their Captain that the player has exceeded their bowling limit and that the player must stop bowling. If the Fast Bowler has already commenced an over, another bowler must replace them to complete the over, provided that player has not exceeded their maximum bowling limit. That over will then count towards the replacement player’s bowling limit.
3.4.5.5.3.2. The Acting Umpire must not continue the game until the Fast Bowler stops bowling and is replaced by another player. If the Acting Umpire allows play to continue without this occurring, or in circumstances where the Acting Umpire has not requested that the Fast Bowler stop bowling, the Captain of the batting team must not allow their players to continue playing until the Fast bowler is replaced. If play does not resume within 15 minutes, the game must be deemed forfeited by the fielding team and awarded to the batting team.
3.4.6. Young Fielders
3.4.6.1. Proximity of Young Fielders (updated for 2025 season)
3.4.6.1.1. No young fielder except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than the distances shown below, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off-side, until the batter has played at the ball: -
3.4.6.1.1.1. Age 10-13 players - 11 yards (10 metres) even if the player is wearing a helmet.
3.4.6.1.1.2. Age 14-15 players – 8 yards (7.3metres) even if the player is wearing a helmet.
3.4.6.1.1.3. Age 16-17 No minimum distance but if fielding within 8 yards (7.3 meters) in Hardball Cricket cricketers must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille, and any such player whose sex is male, (regardless of gender) must also wear a groin protector (box).
3.4.6.1.1.4. 18 and over - No minimum distance but if fielding within 8 yards (7.3 meters),in Hardball Cricket see ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines for the safety recommendations that should be considered.
3.4.6.1.2. Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance
3.4.6.1.2.1. Where an Appointed Umpire is officiating
3.4.6.1.2.1.1. The standing umpire at the bowler’s end must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must move back until they comply with the applicable minimum fielding distance.
3.4.6.1.2.1.2. If the Junior Cricketer refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem the fielder to be wasting time and, if the ball is in play, call and signal dead ball, and inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then warn the Captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning, and must inform the batters.
3.4.6.1.2.1.3. If the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this a further waste of time and must inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then award 5 penalty runs to the batting side and inform the Captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action (in accordance with Law 41.9).
3.4.6.1.2.1.4.If following the imposition of this penalty the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this as the fielding side refusing to play and award the match to the batting side (in accordance with Law 16.3.1.2).
3.4.6.1.2.2. Where an Appointed Umpire is not officiating
3.4.6.1.2.2.1. The Acting Umpire must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must move back until they comply with the applicable minimum fielding distance.
3.4.6.1.2.2.2. The Acting Umpire must not continue the game until the Junior Cricketer complies with their request.
3.4.6.1.2.2.3. If the Acting Umpire allows play to continue despite the Junior Cricketer not complying with their request, or in circumstances where the Acting Umpire has not requested that the Junior Cricketer move back, the Captain of the batting team must not allow their batters to face another delivery until the Junior Cricketer has moved back.
3.4.6.1.2.2.3. If play does not resume within 15 minutes, the game must be deemed forfeited by the fielding team and awarded to the batting team.
3.4.7. Protective Equipment – Fielding & Wicketkeeping
3.4.7.1. All Players should obtain and wear appropriate protective equipment before they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.
3.4.7.2. The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by younger players keeping wicket.
3.4.7.2.1. A helmet is to be worn by young players when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice.
3.4.7.2.2. A young player should not be allowed to stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without a helmet against a hard ball.
3.4.7.2. Consequences of Non-Compliance for Wicket Keepers and Fielders
3.4.7.2.1. Any reference to ‘Captain’ below means (a) in Open Age Cricket, the person acting as the captain of the team from time to time; and (b) in Junior Cricket, the Team Manager.
3.4.7.2.1.1. Where an Appointed Umpire is officiating
3.4.7.2.1.1.1. If at any time a Junior Cricketer takes up their position to keep wicket or field without wearing a helmet as required, the standing umpire at the bowler’s end must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must either move back or leave the field and return wearing a helmet.
3.4.7.2.1.1.2. If the Junior Cricketer refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem the Junior Cricketer to be wasting time and if the ball is in play, call and signal dead ball, and inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then warn the Captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning, and inform the batters.
3.4.7.2.1.1.3. If the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem this a further waste of time and inform the other umpire. The umpire concerned must then award 5 penalty runs to the batting side and inform the Captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action (in accordance with Law 41.9).
3.4.7.2.1.1.4. If following the imposition of this penalty the Junior Cricketer still refuses to comply with the umpire’s request, the umpire concerned must deem that player’s team as refusing to play and award the match to the opposing side (in accordance with Law 16.3.1.2).
3.4.7.2.1.2. Where an Appointed Umpire is not officiating
3.4.7.2.1.2.1. If at any time a Junior Cricketer takes up their position to keep wicket or field without wearing a helmet as required by the regulations, the Acting Umpire must stop the game and inform the Junior Cricketer and their Captain that the Junior Cricketer must either move back, leave the field and return wearing a helmet, or be replaced by another player that is wearing a helmet (if required to do so by the regulations, as applicable).
3.4.7.2.1.2.2. The Acting Umpire must not continue the game until the Junior Cricketer either moves back, leaves the field and returns wearing a helmet, or leaves the field and is replaced by another player that is compliant with these Regulations. If the Acting Umpire allows play to continue without one of these events occurring, the Captain of the batting team must not allow their players to continue playing until either the Junior Cricketer moves back, returns to the field wearing a helmet or is replaced by another player that is compliant. If play does not resume within 15 minutes, the game must be deemed forfeited by the fielding team and awarded to the batting team.
3.4.7.3. Guidance on Helmets
3.4.7.3.1. Any helmet required to be worn under this Regulation 4 must meet the latest British Safety Standard BS7928:2013. A list of helmets which currently meet this standard can be found here: https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/rules-and-regulations/helmets .
3.4.7.3.2. If a wicket keeper chooses to wear a face protector instead of a helmet, it must meet British Safety Standard BS7929 –2:2009. If a player chooses to wear a neck protector with their helmet, it must meet the latest British Safety Standard BS 7928:2013+A1 2019. Please refer to the ECB’s Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines for further information about selecting the appropriate helmet.
3.4.8. Mentor Care
3.4.8.1. Coaches, teachers, managers and umpires should always ensure that a young player wears a helmet.
3.4.9. Self-Governance
3.4.9.1. Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball
