It is recommended that a helmet is worn by young players when batting and when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and practice.

Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball, together with pads, gloves and for boys, an abdominal protector (box).

There is a British Standard [BS7928:1998] for cricket helmets and it is in the best interest of players to ensure that their helmet conforms to this standard.

Your attention is brought to Aire-Wharfe Rules 3.12 3.13 & 3.14 regarding players playing in any of our senior teams:-

3.12 - Helmets

All players under the age of 18 must wear a helmet with a faceguard when batting or keeping wicket standing up to the wicket. The only exception to this is where a player is unable to wear a helmet for religious reasons. In this case the player will only be allowed to play without a helmet if a signed disclaimer form is shown to both umpires prior to the start of the game.

3.13 - Under 15s Fielding Close

No young player in the Under 15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball. For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres). These minimum distances apply even it the player is wearing a helmet. Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back. In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 6 yards (5.5 metres) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.
3.14 - ECB Bowling Directives

The ECB Bowling Directives will apply in all 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI League and Cup games under the auspices of the Senior League.

England & Wales Cricket Board Forms:-

ECB Welfare of Young People in Cricket Policy Guidelines (a big download ~1.5Mb)

ECB Welfare of Young People in Cricket Policy Appendix

ECB Welfare of Young People - Discipline & Complaints Procedure