CRICKET HELMETS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

ECB REGIONAL MEETINGS FEB 2000

Background

Increasing number of requests for guidance

Existing ECB/NCA guidance inadequate

EEC Personal Protective Equipment legislation now in force

Schools, Junior & Youth Group request for new guidlines

The Issues

Risk of claims for negligence against coaches/managers/teachers/umpires

Existing ECB guidance is inadequate but may still create legal liability

Different organisations adopting different approaches

Governing Body responsibility for safety issues

Existing Advice and Guidance

ECB Coach's Manual and NCA Safety Booklet

"When facing quicker or short pitched bowling, the risk of injury rises and batsmen should be advised to wear additional protective equipment, e.g. Helmet, Thigh Pad, Arm Guard, Chest Guard Where British Standards have been laid down it is in the best interests of players to ensure thier equipment conforms with those standards".

Advice on Batting Equipment - Other Equipment

"Helmets, box protectors, spiked footwear, arm and chest guards are seldom used in school PE currriculum activities. However, when cricket or other hard balls are used the appropriate protective equipment MUST be worn. N.B Boys should always wear a box when a cricket ball or any other form of hard ball is used".

Level II Batting supplement

The Hook Shot

"The advent of the helmet has made this shot less of a physical risk. A helmet should be worn when practising this shot".

Practising the Sweep Shot

"In full net practice when cricket or hard balls are being used helmets and visors are recommended".

Northumberland Cricket Board

Paper by Russel Perry, ECB Staff Coach and Insurance Claims Inspector with Prudential Assurance. Main conclusion;

"Whether young players at school or at clubs are in the nets, playing a junior match or playing senior cricket the message must be the same. The player must wear a helmet".

Parental Consent

Children would not be allowed to bat or to stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without wearing a helmet unless the parent had given consent. Parents to say if they want their child to wear a helmet or not and if they will provde the helmet if they want their child to wear one. Will allow continuation of existing arrangements in schools and clubs if parental consent is obtained.

New Guidance

1. It is recommended that a helmet is worn by young players when batting andwhen standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and in matches.

2. A young player should not be allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without a helmet against a hard ball except with written parental consent. Coaches, Teachers, Managers and Umpires should always ensure that a young player wears a helmet if this written parental consent has not been received.

3. Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box).

4. There is a British Standard (BS7928:1998) for cricket helmets and it is in the best interests of the players to ensure that their helmet conforms to this standard.

Definition of a Young Player

The ECB is recommending that this guidance is followed by all players up to the age of 18. It applies to young players in adult cricket as well as to junior cricket played with a hard ball in clubs and schools.

Faceguards

It is recommended that a faceguard or visor is used whenever available. Increased risk of injury if not used. Generally sold as part of the helmet rather than as an optional addition. Adds significantly to the weight (e.g. Gunn & Moore Teknik 440 grams, faceguard 360 grams) Covered by British Standard

Wicket Keepers

Young wicket keepers often more at risk (when standing up ) than batsmen. Occasional use in first class game. Potential advantages in coaching/development of young keepers Certain to provoke adverse comment from former (and current) players.

Close Fielders

Under 15 and younger continue to be covered by fielding distance restrictions (U14/5 - 8 yards, U13 - 11 yards from middle stump except behind the wicket on the off side) and CANNOT FIELD CLOSER THAN THESE DISTANCES even if they wear a helmet. If a player comes within the restricted distance the umpire should stop the game immediately and instruct the player to move back. Any young player, from U16 up to the age of 18, fielding within 6 yards of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side, should wear a helmet.