The ECB would like to  bring to your attention the decision in late November by the ECB Board to   endorse changes to the regulations governing the use of helmets across the   professional and recreational game.

ECB is recommending   that all recreational cricketers wear helmets which meet the latest British   safety standard from next season. The use of protective headgear is already   mandatory for all Under 18s within the recreational game.
 
  From next season, all male and female cricketers playing in professional   cricket matches will be required to use helmets which meet the latest British   safety standard. 

Click here   to find out more about the ECB & PCA guidance on Head Protectors/Helmets. Full   details and amended regulations will be published in the New Year.

Over 70,000 players in the past three years have had their say on what type of cricket they want to play,
through the National Cricket Playing Survey. Off the back of this valuable
feedback, the ECB has responded and created a ‘League Blueprint’ for open age
weekend cricket.



The Blueprint is a series of recommendations that leagues are being encouraged
to embrace to help keep more players on the pitch, enjoy the game and get more
games played.



What can you do?



If the players at your club want change, we would like you to represent their
views in league meetings and vote for the cricket players want to play in the
future.



If you would like to view or download the League Blueprint click below



www.getthegameon.co.uk/blueprint



Furthermore the ECB have recently launched a league helpdesk. A service for all
leagues to access support, help and guidance when needed, such as information
on player loan schemes, format changes and registration. Contact the helpdesk
by emailing getthegameon@ecb.co.uk

Just a quick reminder about the EWCT Small Grant Scheme 2016 Supported by Waitrose.

The scheme aims to make an impact in the 2016 season by supporting clubs to make small changes to improve their long-term sustainability and / or to increase the number of games played.

Clubs can apply for a small grant (from £1,000 to £4,000) towards the purchase of any relevant products or materials (and associated professional labour costs) under one of the following project themes:
• Covers
• Social Areas – kitchen / indoor / outdoor
• Energy / Water Consumption
• Flood Defence Measures 

For a copy of the 2016 Guidance Notes and Application Form, please contact your local County Cricket Board.

Clubs have until Friday 22 January 2016 to submit their applications.

Click here for more information on the EWCT Small Grant Scheme, supported by Waitrose

We are pleased to confirm the Jewson Privilege Account Scheme will return in 2016!! 

This funding will be open to NatWest CricketForce registered clubs only and is designed to support clubs undertaking maintenance jobs as they prepare for the season ahead. As in previous years there will be a limited number of Jewson Privilege accounts and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

An email containing further information will be sent to all NatWest CricketForce registered clubs in the new year, with details of the scheme being published on the ECB website. 

Click here to register for NatWest CricketForce today and ensure you don't miss out!

The England and Wales
Cricket Board

Lord's Cricket Ground

London NW8 8QZ