BCB Guidelines For Junior Cricket Players
The BCB has issued guidance covering the selection and participation of young players in open age group cricket, and said that “making the step up from junior to open age group cricket is a significant event in any player’s cricket experience.
“This guidance is to help clubs decide when to select young players in open age group cricket and how best to help their cricketing development when they play within open age groups,” the BCB said.
“The BCB Cricket Committee will continue to monitor the impact of these guidelines. Any interested party is invited to feedback their thoughts and comments in writing to the BCB Cricket Committee Chairman.
The guidance is as follows:
- No player may compete in senior domestic cricket unless they have already reached 13 years of age on or before August 31st of the preceding season. For example, to be eligible to compete in the 2013 senior domestic season the player must be 13 before September 1st 2012.
- Written parental consent is required for any players under the age of 16
- Clubs should consider the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience before selecting them to compete in senior domestic cricket.
- Clubs and Coaches are expected to adhere to the BCB Fast Bowling Directive and the Fielding Directives included in the BCB Playing Regulations and not to create a situation that places members of the opposing side in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they would normally do against adult players.
- Not to place a young player in a position that involves an unreasonable risk to that young player, taking account of the circumstances of the match and the relative skills of the player.
“If any parent believes that their child can safely compete in open age cricket and does not meet these guidelines they may appeal to the BCB Executive requesting an exception be granted. The decision of the BCB Executive will be final and binding,” the BCB said.
