Helmets/ Head Protectors

The ICC incorporated into the ICC Clothing and Equipment Regulations a regulation that stipulates that if any player elects to wear a helmet while batting in international cricket, it must be compliant with the British Standard (BSI) - BS 7928; 2013. In 2019, the standards were updated to BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019 to include specifications for neck protectors.

Key features of the specification, BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019

• Facial contact projectile test that assesses for penetration of the ball through the faceguard, and contact of the faceguard onto the face, using realistic ball impact speeds and conditions.
• Head protectors have been tested separately against men’s and junior sized cricket balls (a five-and-a-half ounce ball and a four-and-three-quarter ounce ball, respectively).
• Coverage and impact attenuation drop test for neck protectors to reduce the frequency and severity of localised injuries to the base of the rear of the head and upper neck.

Purchasing a helmet

When purchasing a new helmet, it is important to look at the label. Head protectors that have been tested against and comply with the new specification will be clearly labelled “BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019” and will contain clear labelling setting out whether the head protector has been tested against:

(i) a men’s standard ball size of 5 ½ ounces,
(ii) a junior standard ball size of 4 ¾ ounces, or
(iii) both men’s and junior size balls.

Replacing a helmet

The protection given by a head protector depends on the circumstances of the accident and wearing a helmet, faceguard and/or neck protector cannot always prevent death or long-term disability. A proportion of the impact energy is absorbed by the head protector, thereby reducing the force of the blow sustained by the head, face, or neck. The structure of the head protector might be damaged when absorbing this energy and any head protector component that sustains a severe blow needs to be replaced even if damage is not apparent.

The list of known helmets that met the BSI (BS7928:13) and BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019, as of 16 December 2023, is below.

About the List

The list distinguishes between helmets which are approved for use in senior (men’s) and junior cricket, and also includes some helmets which have been approved for use at both levels.

There is neither a pre-existing specific women’s helmet nor is there any BSI specification. However, as the size of the standard women’s cricket ball is between the standard men’s and junior’s balls, it is recommended that women use helmets which have been tested against both the men’s and junior sized ball or at least against the junior size ball. This is because the smaller ball could potentially get through the gap above the faceguard on a men’s helmet.

British Standard (BS7928:2013 and BS 7928; 2013 + A1:2019) Compliant Helmets as of 17 January 2024

ICC Clothing and Equipment Regulations