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Use of Helmets by Younger Players

Safety Requirements for Protective Equipment

ECB Safety Guidance

Since 2000 the ECB has issued safety guidance on the wearing of helmets by young players up to the age of 18.

Who This Applies To

This guidance applies to all players up to the age of 18, both in open age group cricket and in all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball. The guidance also applies during all practice sessions.

Responsibility

Any individual taking responsibility for players should take all reasonable steps to ensure this guidance is followed at all times. With the assistance of schools, cricket clubs and leagues, the wearing of helmets by young players is now standard practice in cricket throughout England and Wales.

Helmet Standards and Requirements

British Standard Compliance

Helmets are widely available and are covered by a British Standard (BS7928:1998). A face protector represents an alternative head protection system for young wicket keepers. Face protectors are, at the time of application of this guidance, a relatively new innovation.

Wicketkeeper Face Protectors

Wicketkeeper face protectors are covered by a new British Standard (BS7929 – 2 :2009). Helmets with a faceguard or grille should be worn when batting against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice sessions. Wicket keepers should wear a helmet with a faceguard or a wicketkeeper face protector, when standing up to the stumps.

Protective Equipment Requirements

For Young Players

All young players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box).

For Young Wicketkeepers

All young wicketkeepers should regard a helmet with a faceguard or a face protector as a normal part of their protective equipment together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box).

Important ECB Requirement

The ECB asks that young players are not allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard ball without wearing appropriate protection.

Summary of Requirements

  • •All players under 18 must wear helmets with faceguards when batting
  • •Wicketkeepers under 18 must wear helmets with faceguards or face protectors when standing up
  • •Helmets must comply with British Standard BS7928:1998
  • •Wicketkeeper face protectors must comply with BS7929-2:2009
  • •This applies to all matches and practice sessions with hard cricket balls

Last updated: December 2025