ECB Guidelines for Junior Players in Open Age Group Cricket
The ECB has issued guidance covering the selection and participation of young players in open age group cricket. It is designed to help clubs to 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.
1. Making the step up from junior to open age group cricket is a significant event in any player’s cricket experience. Ensure that the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience are considered.
2. There is no definitive age at which they should be introduced to open age group cricket Each case should be determined on an individual basis dependent on their ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take part at this level,
3. ECB Fast Bowling Directives and Fielding Regulations should always be adhered to for junior players in open age group cricket.
4 District and club players who are not in a County or Area squads must wait until they reach the Under 13 age group, 12 years old, Year 8 on 1st September of the preceding year prior to being able to play in any Open Age Cricket, again written parental consent is required for these players
5. Players who are selected in a County U12 squad in Spring for a summer squad or in another squad deemed by SCB Performance Manager to be of a standard above 'District level' for that season are eligible to play Open Age Cricket. This is providing they are at least 11 years old, and in School Year 7 on 1st September in the year preceding the season and have written parental consent to play. In allowing these players to play in Open Age Cricket it is essential that Clubs and Coaches recognise the 'Duty of Care' obligations towards these young players.