HELMET SAFETY REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES 2026
Safety when playing cricket is our primary concern. Please read the advice, guidelines and regulations below, and refer to the links for all the details.
HELMET REQUIREMENTS FOR JUNIORS (UP TO 18 YEARS OF AGE)
* All cricketers up to the age of 18 must wear a well fitted helmet when batting or wicketkeeping up to the stumps
* Helmets must comply with BS7928:2013 (or more recent) safety regulations. PLEASE CHECK THAT YOUR HELMET MEETS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. The ECB strongly recommends that junior players use helmets which have been tested against the junior sized ball. Not all helmets have been tested against all size balls
* Neck Protectors/Stem Guards™ are strongly recommended for all hardball matches and training
NB HELMETS DO NOT COME SUPPLIED WITH NECK PROTECTION
HELMET REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULTS
* Helmets are strongly recommended for batting, wicketkeeping up to the stumps and close fielding (within 8 yards)
* Neck Protection/Stem Guards™ are strongly recommended for all hardball matches and training
NB HELMETS DO NOT COME SUPPLIED WITH NECK PROTECTION
WOMEN’S CRICKET
In addition to the above, due to the size of the ball in women’s cricket, a helmet tested on both Junior and Adult (Men’s) balls is recommended.
WHAT ARE NECK PROTECTORS/STEM GUARDS™ ?
Neck protectors/Stem Guards™ offer additional protection to the back of the neck and back of the head for batters facing hardball deliveries. These guards clip on to the rear of a cricket helmet. They cover the lower part of the back of the head and neck to shield batters from potential injuries caused by short pitched deliveries and fast paced bouncers. They minimize the impact from blows to the neck and skull with sturdy padding.
REPLACING YOUR HELMET
Helmets need replacing periodically depending on usage, sizing, general wear and tear, and impacts. If a significant helmet impact has occurred (by hard ball or by dropping/throwing, for example) then replacement is advised.
Please refer to link here for ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations, Section 4 referring to protective equipment including helmets and neck protectors/Stem Guards™
Please refer to link here for a list of helmets that comply with safety standards BS7928:2013 and neck protectors/Stem Guards™ BS7928:2013+A1:2019