Fast Bowling Directives in Adult Cricket - 2003 Season
The
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued the following
clarification of the procedure to be followed when implementing the
ECB Fast Bowling Directives in adult cricket. All ECB Premier Leagues
must adhere to the Directives and it is hoped that they will be
followed in all other Leagues and other recreational cricket in order
to protect young fast bowlers.
It is
the responsibility of the Captain to inform the Umpires, prior to
the commencement of the match, of the age group of any player under
the age of 19 as at midnight on 31st August 2002. This should be
done when the teams are nominated, in writing, as required by the
2000 Code of the Laws of Cricket. It is also helpful if the Captain
identifies those players who are expected to bowl fast and be
covered by the Directives. The ECB has produced team sheet cards
which are available to clubs, leagues and Umpires free of charge to
help with this procedure.
Captains are responsible for ensuring that any fast bowler who falls
within the Under 19 age group and younger does not exceed the ECB
Directives for maximum overs per spell and maximum overs per day. It
is essential that the maximum overs per spell and minimum rest
period Directives are strictly followed.
Umpires
will monitor the above and inform Captains of any potential breach
of the Directives prior to the commencement of the over which would
bring about the breach.
In these
circumstances, should the Captain refuse to withdraw the bowler, the
Umpire will inform the Captain that there will be a breach of the
ECB Directives and that the Captain will personally assume full
responsibility for this action including the transfer of all
legal liabilities from the Umpires to the Captain. The match should
then proceed. At the conclusion of the match the Umpires should
report the breach to the Executive of the fielding side and to the
League or other Governing Body responsible for the match. It is also
recommended that, if the bowler is a member of a County squad, the
relevant County Coach is informed of the breach.
The
definition of a fast bowler, as one to whom a wicket keeper in the
same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the
ball, should be interpreted on a reasonable basis - for example, if
the bowler is Under 17 would it be reasonable to expect an Under 17
wicket keeper of average ability to stand up. If Captains have any
doubt as to whether a young fast bowler is covered by the Directives
they should consult the County or Club Coach for the relevant age
group for guidance.
All Club
Captains, Coaches and Umpires should be made aware of this Procedure
as soon as possible.
