Junior Fielding Regulations
(extract from 'ECB New Safety Guidance on the Wearing of Cricket Helmets by Young Players' issued on 28 Feb 2000)
The ECB has extended the existing regulations covering the minimum fielding distances for young players in all matches where a hard ball is used ...
1. No young player in the U15 group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 8 yards (7.3m) from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played the ball.
2. For players in the U13 group and below, the distance is 11 yards (10m)
3. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet
4. In addition, any player in the U16 to U18 groups below the age of 18, must wear a helmet when fielding within 6 yards (5.5m) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Boys must also wear an abdominal protector.
5. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.