Introduction
Following the release of the new Laws in 2017 by MCC, the ECB has considered a number of amendments to these new Laws to apply across the Recreational Game.
All amendments have been considered by the Recreational Assembly (RA) in their function as the voice of recreational cricket from the 39 County Cricket Boards.

Bat Sizes – Law 5.7
There has been concern about the management of this new Law. This concern has been voiced by players, parents and from the companies that provide equipment. The RA voted unanimously for a phased approach outlined below:-
2018 A moratorium of this Law across all Recreational Cricket.
2019 New Law to apply across the Minor Counties Cricket Competitions (MCCA) and the top two divisions (where there are two or more) of ECB Premier Leagues.
A moratorium to apply across all other levels of Recreational Cricket.
2020 All Recreational Cricket to adhere to the new Law.

Bowling of Dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries – Law 41.7 The ‘High Full Toss’
Law 41.7.2 has provided discussions at a local level, in particular, the effect it may have on developing cricketers and game day experiences. The RA believe that additional guidance should be provided as the principles behind the law have potential unintended consequences for young players. In discussions with MCC it is clear the question of dangerous/uncontrolled deliveries and the likelihood of injury is foremost in their thinking.

ECB maintains that Law 41.7.4 provides for the majority of these instances and that the removal of a young bowler falling foul of Law 41.7.2 through inexperience or early development but providing no danger to the striker is potentially damaging to the development of a young bowler and is likely to cause management issues between parents, coaches and players.

The RA approved the following guidance that provides a pragmatic approach to those charged with the management of player development and the Law when managing matches involving players below the age of 16.
• Open Age and Youth League Cricket (16 +) will be implemented in full across all hardball cricket.
• A bowler (Under 16 and below) will be no-balled for every ‘high full toss’. The player
will not receive a warning or be removed from the attack by the umpire unless deemed to be in breach of law 41.7.4 where any delivery deemed as dangerous or a deliberate act will result in the bowler being withdrawn immediately by the umpire for the remainder of the match.

Players’ Conduct – Law 42 ‘On-Field sanctions’ for Open Age and Youth Cricket (16+)
In applying on-field sanctions there is a requirement for umpires to have a level of training and support for the management of this process. Law 2.3 requires umpires to meet with the captains and Law 2.3.1.6 covers any special conditions of play. There is a feeling that at the meeting between umpires and captains the opportunity to explicit about behavioural expectations should be taken. Also, in the case of Junior and Schools cricket the opportunity to bring in the Master in Charge, coach and/or Team manager, both points should be addressed at a future date.

ECB ACO have created an extensive training programme designed specifically to bring their members up to speed and ECB would expect that any ACO member standing in the 2018 would be able to apply the law. This would account for approximately 8500 members or 25% of games played.

Leagues are encouraged to ensure that Club Umpires, qualified or unqualified, use the ECB and ECB ACO resources that will be made widely available before the start of the season.

In matches where players are acting as umpires throughout the duration of the game it is proposed that the Organising Body maintains its Competition Code of Conduct protocols but that on-field sanctions are not applied.

‘On-Field sanctions’ for Junior & Schools Cricket
In the event of an action or incident worthy of sanction under Law 42, ECB recommend the following applies: -
Law 42.2 – 42.7 in addition to the warnings provided to the captain, the umpires must advise the Master in Charge or Team Coach/Manager and request that the behaviour improves. In the event of any breach that results in a sanction at Level 3 or Level 4, a report to the organising body must be provided within 48hrs.

These Law amendments are strongly recommended to be used across all cricket by ECB. It is the responsibility of the competition organiser to provide final sign off and adopt these amendments ahead of the 2018 season.