SAFETY REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ON NECK GUARDS AND NETS

Date: 28th January 2026

Extract from an ECB Regulation Update for 2026

Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations and Net Safety Guidelines

The ECB was 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 (sometimes known as a ‘dog stick’).

In light of this tragic event the ECB has reviewed its relevant safety regulations and policies and is making the following updates:

The Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations have been updated to state that all junior cricketers are strongly advised to wear neck protectors at all times that they are required to wear helmets.

Minor amendments to the Regulations have also been made to clarify that they apply to the Tier 3 Competitions, talent pathway programmes and ECB-organised national club competitions.

New Safety Guidelines for Training Environments have also been created.

These cover: Safe set up and operation of net facilities; Operation of bowling machines Use of ball throwers

The Guidelines recommend 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. The Guidelines also strongly advise all cricketers to wear neck protectors at all times they are required or recommended to wear helmets.

These updates are designed to enhance the safety of everyone involved in recreational cricket in England and Wales.

L&DCC 28.1.26