ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives
Issued October 2009. For any subsequent changes visit
www.play-cricket.com
| AGE |
MAX. OVERS PER SPELL |
MAX. OVERS PER DAY |
| Up to 13 |
5 |
10 |
| U14, U15 |
6 |
12 |
| U16, U17, U18, U19 |
7 |
18 |
For the purpose of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to
whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances
stand back to take the ball.
Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again,
from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of their
spell have been bowled from the same end. A bowler can change ends
without ending their current spell provided that they bowl the next over that
they can legally from the other end. If this does not happen and their
spell is deemed to be concluded. If play is interrupted, for any reason,
for less than 40 minutes any spell in progress at the time of the interruption
can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell
for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after
the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the
equivalent number of overs to the length of their spell before the interruption
have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes
or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.
Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled
in a match they cannot exceed the maximum number of overs per day for their age
group even if they subsequently bowl spin. They can exceed the maximum
overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an
equivalent number of overs to the length of their spell have been bowled from the same end.
If they bowl spin without exceeding the maximum number
of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as they revert to bowling fast.
Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to
ensure that these Directives are followed at all times.
For guidance it is recommended that in any 7 day
period a fast bowler should not bowl more than 4 days in that period and for a
maximum of 2 days in a row.
Age groups are based on the age of the player at
midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.