What junior cricket formats are played in NSW, and at what ages?
Guideline- New South Wales
- Cricket NSW
- Cricket Australia
- Junior cricket
- Under 10-Under 18
- 2026/27
- Parents
Junior community cricket in NSW usually starts at Under 10 and runs up to Under 18 in some areas. Competitions are mostly organised by age group, with ability levels considered to keep matches fair. Cricket Australia's junior match formats set three stages:
| Stage | Indicative ages | Match | Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Learn the Game | Under 11 and younger | 15 to 20 overs a side | Modified ball up to 110 g |
| Stage 2: Play and Compete | Under 12 and Under 13 | 20 to 30 overs a side | 142 g |
| Stage 3: Play, Compete and Grow | Under 14 to Under 18 | 20 to 50 overs a side | 142 g (female) or 156 g (male) leather |
Before junior club cricket, children up to 10 can start in Woolworths Cricket Blast. Cricket NSW also runs school holiday carnivals (Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15) and the NSW Junior Community Cup.
The ages are indicative, and each competition sets its own age cut-off date. The Cricket NSW carnivals and Youth Championships use 31 August.
Sources: Cricket Australia Junior Club Cricket page and Stage 1, 2 and 3 Junior Rules (play.cricket.com.au, May 2026); cricketnsw.com.au/junior-community-cricket; Cricket NSW Metro Community Carnivals playing conditions.
Added 24 Oct 2026