Bassetlaw and District Cricket League Official Handbook 2018

4 Constitution, Rules & Playing Conditions 41  3.1.4 ECB FAST BOWLING DIRECTIVES  The ECB Fast Bowling Directives are as follows and apply for the full season:  Date of Birth  School Year  2018/2019  Age Max Overs  per Spell  Max Overs  per Day  From:  To:  1 Sep 2004 31 Aug 2005 8 U13  5 10 1 Sep 2002 31 Aug 2004 9 or 10  U15  6  12  1 Sep 1998 31 Aug 2002 11, 12, 13 or FE U19  7  18  Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until  the equivalent number of overs to the length of their spell having been bowled  from the same end.  For the purpose 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.  3.1.5 JUNIOR FIELDING RESTRICTIONS  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.  A fielder shall  be allowed to move into the restricted area to make a catch or field the ball  provided that they were outside the area when the stroke was made.  For players in the Under 13 age group 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 (or Captains where no Umpires’ are present) 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 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.  3.1.6 ECB SAFETY MEASURES FOR HELMETS WITHIN RECREATIONAL CRICKET  The ECB has recently announced new helmet safety measures, which are  being introduced with a view to reducing the risk of head and facial injuries  within the game. The purpose of this brief note is to assist Leagues and Clubs  at the recreational level to understand the key elements of these changes and  what they mean.