Recreational Regulation and Safety Changes for the 2026 season

The ECB and Essex Cricket are adopting new recreational regulations and safety guidelines for 2026.

The changes which were announced in December 2025 are outlined below.

ECB regulatory updates for the 2026 season

There are three key regulatory updates for the upcoming season following feedback form clubs across England and Wales. They are:

• General Conduct Regulations
• Recreational Conduct Regulations
• Disparity Regulations

To find all the Recreational Game regulations, please click here.

ECB updated recreational cricket safety guidelines for 2026

The ECB felt that it was necessary to update their safety guidelines due to many preventable injuries occurring. The new guidelines include:

• It is now strongly advised that neck protectors are worn whenever helmets are worn.
• New Safety Guidelines for Training Environments include the use of ball throwers and bowling machines, as well as net setup.
• Please read the updated documents carefully to ensure the safety of participants.

To read more about the Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines, please click here

You can e-mail any queries regarding the above points to the ECB safety team [email protected]

Juniors in Open Age Cricket Policy Update

The ECB changed their policy in March 2025 regarding the age when a child can start playing in open age cricket. Essex Cricket have now implemented this policy so the regulations around when a child can play now are:

• Junior cricketers are eligible to play open age cricket from their 12^thbirthday, subject to written parental consent.

It is important to highlight that a player’s age group (e.g. U13) or school year group (e.g. year 7 or year 8) are no longer the deciding factor with regards to ‘Juniors Playing in Open Age Cricket’ - it is the players actual age on the day (e.g. 12 years old)

This is also applicable to the ‘ECB Fast Bowling Regulations’.

Responsibility lies with clubs, adult players and parents/carers to ensure a safe and appropriate environment.

Please note: Essex County Pathway will not provide consent for players younger than 12 years old to play in open age cricket.

Full policy details and consent forms can be found below:

• Essex Cricket policy
• ECB policy and consent form under templates
• ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations