Version: March 2002
ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives
Issued March 2002
Age Max. overs per spell Max. overs per day
Up to U13
4 overs per spell 8 overs per day
U14, U15
5 overs per spell 10 overs per day
U16, U17
6 overs per spell 18 overs per day
U18, U19
7 overs per spell 21 overs per day
For the purposes of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a
wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to
take the ball.
Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the
equivalent number of overs to the length of his* spell have been bowled from the
same end. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that
he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen
his spell is deemed to be concluded.
If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes any spell in progress at
the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum
number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued
after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the
equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have
been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether
scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.
Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed
the maximum number overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls
spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then
revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell
have been bowled from he same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the
maximum number of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to
bowling fast.
Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these
Directives are followed at all times.
*Any reference to he/his should be interpreted to include she/her.
Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31
st August in the year
preceding the current season.
ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives