Helmet and Neck Protector Guidelines

Cricket helmets and neck protectors help reduce the risk of serious head and neck injuries. The best protection comes from wearing a correctly fitted helmet and neck protector that meet the recognised British Standard for cricket.

Cricket Australia (CA) strongly recommends the use of British Standard BS7928:2013 helmets in community cricket for players when batting, wicket-keeping up to the stumps, and close-in fielding.

When facing fast or medium-pace bowling, players are strongly encouraged to wear a British Standard A1:2019 neck protector fitted securely to their British Standard helmet.

Umpires and player support persons if wearing a helmet are encouraged to use helmets that meet the British Standard. This could be in scenarios where individuals may be exposed to high-velocity impacts such as when umpiring on field in T20 competitions or during throwdowns.

Why this matters?

Cricket helmet safety standards exist because being hit in the head or neck by a cricket ball can have serious and sometimes catastrophic consequences. A correctly fitted helmet and neck protector which meets the British Standard offers the best protection.

What do I need to do?

The British Standard (BS 7928:2013+A1:2019) is an independent safety specification developed specifically for cricket helmets and neck protectors.

It specifies requirements for the materials, construction, markings and information to be supplied for head and neck protectors to be worn by cricketers in adult and junior cricket.
A helmet that complies with BS 7928:2013+A1:2019 is tested to ensure:
- a cricket ball* cannot pass through the faceguard and strike the face;
- the grille does not deform and push back into the face during impact;
- the helmet absorbs and disperses impact forces to help reduce the severity of a blow; and
- neck protectors provide coverage and impact attenuation to the back of the head and upper neck.
*Helmets are tested using the cricket ball sizes relevant to the intended user. Separate testing is conducted using men's and junior cricket balls to ensure the protection is suitable for different age groups.

It is recommended that women opt for helmets which have been tested at a minimum against the junior size ball as the standard women’s cricket ball is between the standard men’s and junior ball sizes.
When purchasing a helmet, look for a label on the packaging or inside the helmet.

This label confirms the helmet has been independently tested and certified against the British Standard. It should also indicate whether they have been tested using men's balls, junior balls, or both.

If a helmet does not display an appropriate certification label, it may not have been tested against the recognised cricket safety standard.
Each helmet manufacturer should provide fitting instructions. As a guide, a properly fitted helmet should:
- sit level on the head;
- feel secure without excessive movement;
- have a grille positioned according to the manufacturer's instructions; and
- include correctly fastened adjustment and chin straps.
Players should always follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and check their helmet fit regularly.
Not necessarily, if your helmet is BS7928:2013 compliant and has not had previous damage and has been maintained following manufacturer instructions you should be able to purchase a British Standard neck protector that attaches to your existing helmet.

When it comes time to replace your helmet you may consider an option that meets the BS7928:2013 +A1:2019 standard – making sure this is displayed on the packaging.
Research and cricket have changed over time. Our understanding of risk of serious injury to the head and neck has evolved.

The risk of being hit in the head or neck during training or a match is not just about your skill. You can’t control those around you, the pitch, or surrounds.

Helmet and Neck Protector Guidelines