The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has invited tenders for the supply of junior cricket helmets which are both lighter and better ventilated, in a plan which will make helmets more freely available for young cricketers next season.

It is intended to make three helmets available, on a subsidised basis, next year to each school and club that wishes to participate in a support programme being initiated by the ECB, in association with BBC Sport. In total, it is anticipated that up to 20,000 helmets will be supplied under this initiative before the start of the 2001 season.

The ECB recognises that some of the helmets currently available are heavier than is desirable for younger players and it is urging manufacturers to seek innovative ways of reducing the weight of both the helmet and the grille.

Research has also been commissioned into the dehydration effect of wearing a helmet, particularly on younger players before their temperature management system reaches maturity. Manufacturers have been asked to identify the ways in which their helmet improves on the currently available designs in this important area.

The ECB has also asked suppliers to ensure their helmets, which will be used on a communal basis by young players, meet a number of requirements: