The Cheshire Cricket League

Issued October 2009

• For the purposes of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.
• Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.
• Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of the spell have been bowled from the same end.
• A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell providing that he bowls the next over that he legally can bowl from the other end. If this does not happen the spell is deemed to be concluded.
• If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes 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. 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 the spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end.
• If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence the new spell immediately.
• Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the number of overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls spin.

• Not to place a young player in a position that involves an unreasonable risk to that young player, taking account of the circumstances of the match and the relative skills of the player.
• Not to create a situation that places members of the opposing side in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they would normally do against adult players.

1. Making the step up from junior to open age cricket is a significant event in any player’s cricket experience. Ensure that the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience are considered.
2. There is no definitive age at which they should be introduced to open age cricket but determine each case on an individual basis dependent on their ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take part at this level, taking into account the requirement that no Junior Cricketers younger than the age group of under 13 can play in open age competitive cricket.
3. ECB Fast Bowling Directives and Fielding Regulations should always be adhered to for junior players in open age cricket. All young players who have not reached their 18th birthday must wear a helmet with a faceguard when batting and either a helmet or faceguard when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket. A young player acting as a runner must also wear a helmet even if the player they are running for is not doing so.
4. Any player in the Under 13 age group must have explicit written consent from a parent or guardian before participating in open age cricket. Clubs must ensure that their player registration procedures ensure that consent is obtained.
5. Provide an opportunity for players to show their talents in an appropriate way. Children who are just used as fielders will not fully experience the game.
6. Be supportive at all times for all forms of effort even when children are not successful. Try and put them in situations where they will experience some success (however small) and ensure plenty of praise and encouragement.
7. Try and involve them in all aspects of the game wherever possible i.e. socializing, team talks, practice, decision making etc. so that they feel part of the team.
8. Children will often feel more comfortable and able to perform if they have a family member or friend also playing in the side.
9. Remember, children’s early experiences will remain with them always and will often determine whether they want to remain playing the game or give up and do something else!
10. Clubs and Leagues can apply more strict restrictions on the participation of young players in open age cricket at their discretion. It is strongly recommended that a parent, guardian or other identified responsible adult is present whenever a player in the Under 13 age group plays open age cricket. This could include the captain or other identified adult player taking responsibility for the young player.

• No young player in the Under 15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball.
• For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres).
• These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet.
• Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.
• In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 6 yards (5.5 metres) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.
• These fielding regulations are applicable to all cricket in England and Wales.