ECB Safety Regulations

Update to ECB Safety Regulations - February 2026

 

All at Sarisbury ACC were deeply saddened to learn about the death of a young cricketer in Australia in October 2025, who it is understood was struck in the neck from a ball delivered by a ball thrower (also known as a ‘side arm’).

 

Considering this tragic event the ECB has reviewed its relevant safety regulations and policies, and is making the following updates:

 

• All cricketers are strongly advised to not only wear a helmet but to always wear neck protectors.

• It is recommended that ball throwers and bowling machines are only operated by adults who are suitably experienced, competent, and familiar with their safe operation. Bowling machines and ball throwers should not be operated by U18s unless they have the head coaches permission from the club.

• New Safety Guidelines for Training Environments have been created. These cover:

  • Safe set up and operation of net facilities

  • Operation of bowling machines

  • Use of ball throwers

•  

The updated Safety Regulations and Guidelines can be viewed here:

 

Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations_15.12.25

 

Recreational-Cricket-Safety-Guidelines-Dec-2025-Update

 

These updates are designed to enhance the safety of everyone involved in recreational cricket in England and Wales. The full updated Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations and new Safety Guidelines for Training Environments (found within the wider Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines) can be viewed using the links above, and we would urge everyone involved in the game (whether playing or delivering cricket) to read these documents carefully.