In the 2nd Edition - 2003 version of the 2000 Code of the Laws
of Cricket the MCC has introduced changes to Law 40.2 - Gloves
for Wicket-keepers - which clarify the requirements and establish
a definition which should allow manufacturers to produce gloves
which meet the requirements of the Law and allow consistent interpretation
by umpires. In recreational cricket the ECB had not implemented
the new Law as contained in the 2000 Code for the seasons 2001
to 2003 inclusive because of concerns in these areas, and the
ECB welcomes the changes in the 2nd Edition.
However it remains the case that many gloves currently in use
in recreational cricket will not conform to the requirements of
the new Law and that manufacturers will continue to sell existing
stock and in some cases produce new stock which also does not
conform. We have therefore decided not
to implement the new Law 40.2 in recreational cricket in 2004,
except in the following ECB competitions:
Under 17 County Championships (male)
Super 4s (female)
County Championships (female)
The ECB believes that the clarification of Law 40.2 contained
in the 2nd Edition of the 2000 Code provides a sound basis for
the future implementation of the Law and appreciates the efforts
made by the MCC to address the issue. The ECB will review the
implementation of Law 40.2 in recreational cricket on an annual
basis, taking into account the practical implications of full
implementation and the degree to which manufacturers produce and
market gloves conforming to the new specifications.
Umpires will be aware of the requirements of the new Law and it
would be helpful if, during the coming season, they could advise
wicket-keepers, purely on an informal basis, as to whether or
not their gloves would meet the requirements of the Law if it
was in operation in recreational cricket.
Any questions on this subject should be addressed to the ECB Cricket
Department at Lord's - e-mail frank.kemp@ecb.co.uk or call 020
7432 1216.