1. This policy establishes guidelines for managing disparities in player strength, skill, and physique within WCC to ensure safety and fair competition in accordance with the Disparity Regulations set by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
2. Disparity refers to significant differences in player strength, skill, and/or physique that impact safety during play. It includes differences arising from age, experience, and physical attributes that may pose risks to players.
3. This policy applies to all players, coaches, officials, and administrators involved in matches, training sessions, and events organized by WCC.
a. Disparity Regulations take precedence over Regulation 3 (Eligibility of Junior Cricketers and Playing Out of Age Group) of the ECB Recreational Safety Regulations, and any regulations, rules or policies of a Cricket Organisation governing player eligibility (to the extent they are inconsistent). The fact that a young player may be permitted to play above (or below) their age group category, or in open age cricket, by any of those rules, does not mean that Disparity cannot arise in respect of that player as compared with other players playing at the same level of the game, which should be dealt with in accordance with these Regulations.
b. Similarly, the fact that a player may be permitted to play in certain categories of cricket by the ECB Gender Player Eligibility Regulations does not mean that Disparity cannot arise in respect of that player’s participation. A player’s general eligibility to participate in Recreational Cricket is always subject to any Disparity that might arise from their participation in a specific training or match environment, which should be dealt with in accordance with these Regulations.
4. Player selection: Team management will assess and place players in appropriate teams or competitions based on their skill and physical ability.
5. Umpire adjudication: Match officials will monitor safety conditions per ECB regulations, including suspension of play if necessary.
6. Protective equipment: Players must wear appropriate protective gear, including helmets, pads, and guards, as specified by the ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations.
7. Bowling and fielding adjustments: Umpires and team managers may implement tactical adjustments, such as modifying bowling lengths and field placements, to mitigate risks.
a. Captains and team managers could consider the appropriate fielding positions for less physically able players;
b. Ensure they are not placed in a position where the ball is likely to be travelling at speed; and/or
c. Whilst the protected area on the pitch is managed, umpires could permit batters to cross the pitch to complete a run.
8. Player conduct: Players are expected to uphold sportsmanship and adhere to safety measures when competing against players of varying abilities.
9. If a player, match official, or club representative identifies a disparity-related safety risk, they should deal with the matter at the time, but in all cases, they must report it to the Club committee.
10. If the risk cannot be addressed locally, an application may be made to the ECB Safety Panel following the process outlined in the Disparity Regulations.
11. The Club committee will document and implement any decisions issued by the Safety Panel and communicate them to relevant stakeholders.
12. All club members must comply with this policy and any ECB regulations related to disparity.
13. The Club committee will review this policy annually to ensure compliance with ECB updates and best practices.
14. ECB regulations are here.
Club Safeguarding Officer
Wendover Cricket Club
1 April 2026
