Constitution of the League - The Executive Committee - League Meetings - Voting - Annual Fees - Player Eligibility - Results - Playing Conditions - General Rules - Special Rules for Sunday Games - Run Rate - Additional Sunday Cup Rules - Special Rules for Wednesday Games - Additional Wednesday Cup Rules - Fines - Umpires - ECB Team Sheet and Umpire Liability - Disciplinary Procedures - Rules for Players under the age of 18 - Disclaimer

(rule numbers in bold indicate rules with change of wording from last year)

Constitution of the League

1)  The Wilden Industrial Estates Cricket League (formerly The Stainweld Cricket League, Terry Church Print League and Kidderminster Friendly Cricket League) shall be referred to throughout the Rules as “the league”.

2)  (a) The league has been in continual existence since 1976 and aims to provide competitive cricket for clubs in and around the Kidderminster/Wyre Forest locality and its immediate surrounds.

(b) Clubs currently playing in the league must register their intention of continuing to play the following year at the September general meeting.  Fees for the following year will be due at the AGM in November.  All member clubs must provide the league with full contact details of at least two people for listing in the handbook, and at least one e-mail address for correspondence with team officials.

      (c) The Governing Executive Committee (G.E.C. see rules 3 - 5) shall satisfy themselves that existing teams continue to meet minimum standards (e.g. of ground facilities and organisation).  All clubs must also adopt the ECB “Safe Hands” policy, including submitting to the league the name of at least one officially vetted Club Welfare Officer from within their ranks.

      (d) New clubs are welcomed but must first be proposed, seconded and voted in at the AGM.  The GEC shall satisfy themselves as to the new teams facilities and eligibility to join the league.

      (e) New grounds must be within a 15 mile radius of Kidderminster Town Hall (exceptions at the discretion of the GEC).

The Executive Committee

3)  The G.E.C. shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to administer the league in accordance with its rules, interpreted fairly in the best interests of the league, and to promote cricket within the local community (for instance by setting aside a sum of money for youth development).  The GEC shall have the power to deal with internal domestic issues without the right of appeal by the clubs or players.

4)  The GEC shall comprise of the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Umpires Association Representative plus up to five other elected members who will each have one vote at League Meetings.

5)  The GEC will meet at least once a month throughout the year, usually on the second Tuesday, or at their discretion.  They have the power to bring to General Meetings proposals for changes to league rules or structures, as they see fit, in the best interests of the league.

League Meetings

6)  (a) General League Meetings will be held three times a year, as advertised in the handbook or at the discretion of the GEC.  All teams are obliged to send a representative to General Meetings.  Failure to do so will result in a fine (see rule 66).

(b) In addition to General League Meetings an AGM will be held once a year on the 2^nd Tuesday in November commencing promptly at 7.30pm; the following Tuesday being reserved should business dictate.  All teams are obliged to send a representative.  Failure to do so will result in a fine (see rule 66).

7)  The GEC have the right to call additional General or Extraordinary League Meetings, as they deem necessary.  Teams may also call an EGM if they have the written support of more than half the teams in their league (Wednesday or Sunday).

8)  Trophies will be handed in at the September league meeting.  Teams failing to return a trophy (cleaned) by the stated date will be fined.

Voting

9)  At League General Meetings teams may only vote on issues that affect them (e.g. Sunday teams on Sunday league issues).  Each team will have one vote per issue even if they play in both Sunday and Wednesday Leagues and may only vote provided the team is represented at the meeting.  Votes will be passed on a simple majority.  The Chairman will have the casting vote in the event of a tie.

Annual Fees

10) Annual fees will be as follows:

£65 for one team

£85 for two teams

£110 for three teams
 

(above fees agreed at Sept 2008 general meeting; to stand until the next review)

Fees for the next year will be set at the September General Meeting and paid at the AGM in November.  Late payment will incur an additional registration fee of £10.

Player Eligibility

11) (a) Any player may represent a club in the league or cup provided that they have not played for any other club in the league that season, excepting when a player is correctly transferred (rule 14).  All players should be covered by club insurance preferably by being members of the club.  Guest players are permitted so long as insurance allows and they have not played for another club that season.  Once a player appears on the results card for a club the league will consider him signed by the club for the season.

(b) Clubs represented by more than one team in the League or Cup may play players as selected providing:

            (i) Such teams do not operate independently

      (ii) Players who play more than 3 times for any one team in the League become cup tied to that team.

      (iii) Players who play a cup match for one team are tied to that team for the remainder of the cup and may not play for the other team/s (see also rule 14 and 15).

 Any team playing non registered players will lose all points (or the tie in a Cup match) gained in such matches and be fined up to £10 (see also rule 15).

 (c) Since not all teams enter the 10x10 competition a movement of players between teams is allowed before the start of the 10x10 competition.  Once the competition begins eligibility becomes the same as for other cup competitions with players tied to teams they play for.

12) Players owing monies to one club shall not be allowed to sign for a new club until such debts are paid.

13) Substitute fielders need not be signed players, however clubs should ensure all players are covered by insurance.

14) (a) New signings (not previously appeared for the club, or previously appeared for another club) must be indicated (by asterisk) on the results card.  Once appearing for a club the player is tied to that club for the season unless officially transferred.  Players wishing to transfer must have written agreement from the secretary (or other official) of both clubs, which will be forwarded to the GEC.  If there is a dispute the matter will be resolved by the GEC. No transfers will be allowed after the June General Meeting, except by permission of the GEC and only in exceptional circumstances.

(b) Where a club is cited in a disciplinary matter, all players tied to that club may be held liable for penalties imposed (e.g. suspension from the league; see disciplinary procedures).

15) Players in Semi-Finals or Finals of the Cup/Plate competitions must have already played in at least one cup or league fixture for the team that season.  Returning players (e.g. from long standing injury, university etc.) may be permitted to play if the club can show they are established, signed players (e.g. have played in previous seasons).  If, due to the qualification system, a club is unable to field a full team they may appeal to the GEC with suggestions of alternate players.  The league may grant permission to field alternate players but they may not bat above no. 7 and may not bowl.  Teams found guilty of fielding unqualified players shall forfeit the match, be fined up to £50 at the discretion of the GEC and may be reported to the ECB.

16) No artificial limits are to be placed on the standard of players that a team can field in the league.  Indeed, the league welcomes players of any standard, from novice to international.  However, umpires will be reminded of their powers to intervene in the case of intimidatory bowling, and captains are reminded of their responsibilities under the Preamble to the laws of cricket (Spirit of Cricket).

Results

17) THE HOME TEAM shall be responsible for ensuring the result (including abandoned games) reaches the fixtures secretary on the night of the match.  Results may be conveyed by phone, results card or e-mail. Failure to notify will result in a fine.

18) BOTH TEAMS shall be responsible for correctly completing (in full) and signing the official results card.  Any fines associated with incorrect data on the card shall be directed at both clubs.  The HOME TEAM is responsible for forwarding the card to the fixtures secretary, to reach him no later than the following Wednesday (for Sunday matches) or the following Saturday (for Wednesday matches), as applicable.  Failure to do so will result in a fine.  The results card is the only official method of conveying the full result to the fixtures secretary, requiring a signature from both captains.  The card must still be completed even if results are also telephoned,texted or e-mailed.

19) In the event of only one scorer he/she shall be solely responsible for keeping the score with both captains respecting this record.

20) Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires and scorers, their decisions being respected by the captains.

21) Each club should submit to the GEC the following averages by the September General Meeting (Cup and League matches combined), preferably on the official sheet.  Any club failing to submit averages shall be fined (see rule 66).

            a) Leading bowler Sunday

            b) Leading bowler Wednesday

            c) Leading bat Sunday

            d) Leading bat Wednesday

            e) Wicket keeper: total victims Sunday

            f) Wicket keeper: total victims Wednesday

            g) best fielder (no. of outfield catches) Sunday

            h) best fielder (no. of outfield catches) Wednesday

            i) special individual performances (hat-trick, 5 fors, hundreds, etc)

22) Promotion and Relegation:  Promotion is normally achieved by finishing first or second in the division at the end of the season.  Clubs finishing in the bottom two positions in the division can expect to be relegated.  Final positions are subject to ratification by the GEC.  If the league is deficient at the time of setting fixtures for the new season then the GEC may adjust the divisions accordingly, with the best interests of the league in mind.  Care will be taken over the placement of newly elected teams.

23) Results and League positions shall be advertised in the local press or via the web site (www.wildencricket.com).  These should be treated as a guideline only.  Final league positions will be confirmed at the AGM once fines and disciplinary issues have been settled.  Where teams are tied at the end of the season their positions shall be decided in the following manner:

            i)   Most wins

            ii)  If equal, results against each other,

  iii) If equal, points score against the two equal teams

  iv) If equal, the greater aggregate runs scored shall be deemed the higher place.

  v)  If equal, the team with the highest runs per wicket shall be the winner, averaged over the season.

Playing Conditions

24) (a) All Fixtures are to be played as stated in the handbook.  In exceptional circumstances (e.g. where there is a clash of interests) the GEC may allow fixtures to be rearranged (see also rule 29 & 55b).

(b) All grounds should be correctly marked, together with boundary markers and line.  The GEC will liase with the Local Authorities to ensure facilities are available at Council pitches.  Scoreboards and match ball(s) are to be provided by the home team in all cases.

(c) In the event of the home team finding their ground double booked it must use the following prioritised guidelines to ensure the match is played (rather than automatically forfeiting the game).  The GEC may be able to help with fixture problems given sufficient notice. 

1. Play fixture on the stipulated day at an alternative, neutral venue.
   
2. Play fixture on the stipulated day as a reversed fixture.
3. Play fixture at appointed venue within six days either side of the original date.
4. Play fixture at alternative venue (including as a reversed fixture) within six days either side of the original date.

 Both teams are responsible for reaching agreement on one of the four alternatives.  Where one team can offer a higher prioritised solution then this must always be taken (e.g. home team offers solution “iii”, away team can insist on solution “ii” if it is available).  The GEC shall adjudicate in disputes.  If no solution is possible the home team shall forfeit the game and may be liable under rule 32, (see also unfit grounds rule 29).

25) Where both artificial and grass wickets are available (see table of home grounds), the away team must come prepared to play on either pitch, depending on weather conditions.

26) (a) Spikes are not permitted on artificial wickets except at the discretion of the club groundsman.  Should any player attempt to bat or bowl or to keep wicket while wearing spikes, the umpire shall instruct the captain to order the player to change his footwear.  Should this instruction not be carried out, the player will not be permitted to take part in the game other than as an outfielder.

      (b) Players should be suitably attired for cricket. The GEC refers all players to the Preamble to the Laws of Cricket (Spirit of Cricket), specifically point 4 regarding respect for opponents and the traditional values of the game, as well as point 1, the responsibilities of the captain.

27) The GEC do not have the right to overrule the decision of a club groundsman.

28) The question of fitness of the ground for play shall be left to the captains to decide.  In the event of a disagreement, the umpires shall be asked to adjudicate.  After the toss has taken place the continued fitness of the ground for play, including the conditions of light and weather, shall be the sole responsibility of the umpires.  Players are asked to respect the umpires’ decisions at all times.

29) Where a ground is deemed to be unfit for play games are usually abandoned, however, teams may reverse fixtures or find alternative grounds on the day, provided both agree.  The League must be informed via the results card.  Where possible the GEC should be informed in advance of changes to fixtures, and executive approval sought (e.g. home ground moved etc.).  Rescheduling (on alternative dates) of league matches due to unfit grounds can only be carried out with the agreement of the GEC.  Playing of “double headers” is not permitted.

30) In the event of a rearranged venue, the initial home team continues that responsibility.

31) Dates and venues of all Cup Finals are to be published in the League’s handbook or at the earliest opportunity via the local press or league website.

32) Any club failing to fulfil a fixture without prior agreement with the GEC will be reported by the Umpire to the GEC who will penalise the offending club(s) the following:

            i)   Loss of points for relevant fixtures (allocated to the opposition)

            ii)  Pay all costs incurred

  iii) At least 4 and up to 10 points (Wed.), and at least 8 and up to 16 points (Sun) will be deducted from the offending club(s).

  iv) For repeated offenders, at the GEC’s discretion, clubs may be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

General Rules

33) Rules of play in the League are as defined by the latest version of the Laws from the MCC in their document The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 3rd Edition - 2008) and any recent updates (see www.lords.org) with the exception of those defined below.

34) The league does not enforce the use of penalty runs.  The only exception is for a ball striking a fielding helmet (when not in use) where the five run penalty stands.

35) In order to avoid controversy the laws regarding wides, no-balls and beamers will be enforced as follows: 

(a) If in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler’s end, a bowler bowls a ball negatively past either side of the wicket in any over the umpire shall call and signal “wide ball” unless either umpire has already called “no ball”.  Additionally, any ball passing unhindered outside the leg stump, unless passing between the batsman and the stumps, shall be deemed to be negative bowling and shall be called “wide ball”, without exception.

 (b) If a pitched delivery goes on to pass, or would have passed, above shoulder height of the striker standing in an upright position, the bowlers end umpire shall call and signal “no ball” (see also part (c) below).  If a bowler bowls a fast, full pitched delivery that reaches the batsman on the full above waist height (i.e. a “beamer”) the umpire shall call “no-ball” and warn the bowler.  If the bowler bowls a second beamer the umpire shall instruct the captain to take the bowler off immediately, any remaining balls in the over being bowled by someone who has not completed their quota.

 (c) The league encourages participation of players of all abilities (see rule 16), however the umpire shall consider the ability of batsman and bowler, the light and the pitch conditions when deciding whether short bowling is intimidatory.  After warning the bowler twice, the umpire shall instruct the captain to remove the bowler immediately if he offends a third time, any remaining balls in the over being bowled by someone who has not completed their quota

36) Bowl outs will be used to determine the result of cup matches where no result has been achieved due to weather or pitch conditions.  Bowl out rules are as follows:

      Five nominated bowlers bowl three balls in turn at a full set of stumps.  First to bowl shall be decided by coin toss.  Run ups are not limited except by underfoot conditions, however the ball must be legal and no-balls are not rebowled.  The most hits after 15 balls will be deemed the winner.  Should scores be equal then sudden death will apply using the same five bowlers in the same order.

Special Rules for Sunday Games

37) The home team should advise the appointed umpire of any cancellation or change of venue in good time.  Where umpires are informed that the match is cancelled, before travelling, they will not be entitled to any fee.

38) (a) The home team provides the teas unless mutually agreed to the contrary.  For League matches, the cost of the tea will be born by the home team.  For Cup matches costs will be shared with visiting clubs obliged to purchase a minimum of 12 teas.  The maximum price levied will be £1.50 per person.  Drinks must always be available.  The GEC will consider any complaints about the standard of teas and repeat offenders may be expelled from the league on the grounds of not providing minimum facilities (rule 2c).

(b) If the away team is unable to field a side for a scheduled fixture they shall inform the home team by 9.00 pm the previous evening in order to avoid wastage of teas and other expenses (e.g. groundsman’s fee). Failure to do so will leave the away team liable to pay costs incurred under rule 32 (ii).

39) Games will commence at 2.30pm and played to a finish.

40) An uninterrupted match shall consist of 80 overs of six balls each, 40 overs per side.  A team that dismisses their opponents within the allotted overs has no claim upon the unused overs. A full game of 80 overs should have a nominal finish time of 7.10pm.

41) The home team will provide two similar balls, one for each innings, and two spare balls in a condition that is acceptable to the umpires.  The team fielding first will have choice of ball, the other being reserved for the second innings.  If a new ball is being used for the first innings a good, polished ball is the minimum requirement for the second innings.  The fielding captain in the second innings can choose to use the reserved, polished ball or continue with the “new” ball from the first innings.

42) The home side must provide replacements for lost balls.  If the match ball is recovered it must be reintroduced immediately. 

43) (a) If a team has seven players in attendance at the scheduled start of play then they must take the field at the official time.  If less than seven players are in attendance then the start of the game is delayed and the offending team shall be docked one over for every three and a half minutes lost.

 (b) To ensure games finish at a reasonable hour, should the start of the game be delayed, for whatever reason, the umpire should reduce the number of overs available accordingly, one over from each innings for every 7 minutes or part thereof, in a similar fashion to the rain delay rule (45a). However, umpires may use their discretion in this matter and their decision is final.

44) (a) Each captain must inform the other, and the umpires, of the number of players in attendance at the official starting time.  Umpires must be informed of the number of under 18s playing and shown written consents to ignore ECB guidelines for young players (rule 81).

(b) No player shall be allowed to play, except as a substitute fielder, if they are unable to participate in the game before 3.30pm or before the end of the 15^th over, whichever is the sooner.

 (c) Umpire cards must be completed and handed to the umpire before the start of play. Captains may not change the team once the card is handed to the umpire. Any substitutes fielding at the start of play must be pointed out to the umpire.

45) (a) In the event of a weather delay at the start, or an interruption during the first innings, the total game will be reduced by one over from each innings for a delay of up to seven minutes and a further one over per innings for each subsequent seven minute delay or part thereof; both sides having an equal number of overs allocated to their innings.

(b) For a delay during the second innings, one over will be deducted for each interruption of up to three and a half minutes and for each subsequent three and a half minutes, or part thereof, which is lost.  A minimum number of 10 overs per side should be available to constitute a game.

(c) Weather interruptions MUST BE NOTED ON THE RESULTS CARD, since it affects points awarded.

46) (a) The team batting second chases the total scored in the first innings.  Once the total is reached the game is won, regardless of the number of overs bowled.  If the team batting second is bowled out before the target is reached then the team batting first is the winner, regardless of the run rate.

(b) In the event of a weather interruption at the start or during the second innings the overs available are recalculated based on rule 45(b) above.  After all the overs available have been bowled, if the team batting second has not reached the total scored in the first innings and has not been bowled out, then the team ahead on run rate will be declared the winner.  If the game is not completed and no further play is possible, the team ahead on run rate is the winner (minimum 10 overs available per innings to constitute a game).

Method of calculating run rate:

Example (i):          Team batting first scores 180 runs in their full 36 overs.

                                    Run rate           =          180/36 =  5 runs per over

                                   Team batting second loses a number of overs due to weather (see rule 45 b)

Run rate batting second            =          runs made/overs received

Note that the calculation does not depend on when in the innings the delay occurs or how many runs have already been scored.

Example (ii):         Team batting first scores 180 runs but are bowled out without using all of their overs.  The calculation is still the same with the run rate calculated over the full 36 overs available.

Example (iii):       Team batting first scores 180 runs after their innings is interrupted by weather for 21 minutes and the umpires deduct 3 overs per innings.  Run rate is now calculated using new number of overs available, i.e. (36–3) = 33 overs.

47) Each bowler shall be limited to a maximum of 10 overs each.  In the event of a reduced match the allocation per bowler will be reduced by 1 over for every full 4 overs lost, unless they have already completed their original allocation.  In the event of a bowler breaking down, another bowler shall complete his over.  However, this part over shall count as one full over in so far as the limit is concerned.

48) The tea interval shall normally be taken between innings and last no more than 20 minutes.  In the event of a team being bowled out before tea has been prepared the second innings can commence straight away allowing only a 10 minute break between innings.  In such an event, tea will be taken at 4.40pm.  Due to the shortened first innings there should still be time for a full 20 minute tea break.

49) (a)  Points will be awarded as follows:

(b)  Bonus points will be awarded as follows:

The team batting second and winning the match shall be awarded full batting bonus points regardless of total achieved.

(c)  In the event of the non appearance of opposition (GEC approved or otherwise), or the forfeiting of a match by one team, the non offending team will be awarded a win with full bonus points (see also rule 32).  However, where no matches are played on a particular day due to weather then all matches will be treated as abandoned, regardless of prior arrangements (e.g. forfeitures).

Additional Sunday Cup Rules

50)  (a) All league teams will be automatically entered into cup matches unless they specifically request an opt out at the AGM.

(b) An uninterrupted match shall consist of 60 overs, 30 overs per side.  A team that dismisses their opponents within the allotted overs has no claim upon the unused overs.

51) (a) Sunday Cup matches must achieve a result on the prescribed day.  Weather affected matches should use run rate calculations to achieve a result as described in rule 46, with the correction that the maximum number of overs available are 30 per side.  If a result is not possible due to weather then a bowl out should take place (see rule 36).  If the conditions are too bad even for a bowl out then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin.  If there is a disagreement over playing conditions the umpire will decide.

(b) Where a Cup match is cancelled in advance with no possibility of rescheduling, the abandonment should be reported to the results secretary who will hold a lottery to decide which team is to progress.

52) Play must begin before 4.30pm. If conditions do not allow a start before this time then tea should be taken and a 10 over per side match should be staged, starting no later than 5.00pm and having only a 10 minute break between innings.  If no play is possible at 5.00pm then the bowl out rule applies.

53) No bowler may bowl more than 6 overs.  In the event of a reduced match the allocation per bowler will be reduced by 1 over for every full 5 overs lost, unless they have already completed their original allocation.

54) In the event of a tie, the result shall be decided in the following way:

            i)   Winner shall be the team loosing least wickets

            ii)  If still equal winner shall be the team with the highest total after 15 overs.

            iii) If still equal the team with the most runs from the bat

            iv) If still equal decide by bowl out

            v)  If still equal decide by toss of a coin.

Special Rules for Wednesday Games

55) (a) All matches to start at 6.30pm except in August where, by prior arrangement with the captains and umpires, matches can start at 6.00pm.

      (b) All Fixtures are to be played as stated in the handbook.  In certain circumstances the GEC may allow fixtures to be rearranged.  In all cases both teams must agree and the GEC be informed.  The rearranged fixture must be played on or before the following Tuesday (see also rules 24, 29 & 63).

56) Each innings shall consist of a maximum of 12 eight ball overs.  Depending on weather, light and other considerations the duration of each innings can be reduced, by agreement between captains before the start of the game, to a minimum of 5 overs per team.  In the case of a dispute over the agreed length of the game, the umpires shall adjudicate.

57) Each bowler shall be limited to a maximum of 3 overs each, regardless of the length of the game.

58) If a team has 7 players in attendance they must take the field at the official start time.  After 7.00pm or 6 overs, whichever is the sooner, no player may join a match except as a sub.  There is no waiting time imposed on a late arrival before they can bowl (excepting as a sub).  If both teams have less than 7 players at the official start time one over shall be deducted from each innings for every 8 minutes delay, or part thereof. As soon as one team has 7 players present they are deemed non offending and only from the offending team(s) innings is reduced for every 4 minutes of time lost, or part thereof, until a total of 28 minutes has elapsed, when the match will be abandoned and the points awarded to the non offending team.  The offending team(s) shall be responsible for all expenses.  The umpires shall forward a report to the GEC.

59) In the event of a delay to the start of the match, or during the first innings, due to weather or ground conditions, or other reasons, each innings shall be reduced by one over for every eight minutes, or part thereof, which is lost.  Umpires are urged to use their discretion in this matter and their decision is final.  Time lost during the second innings cannot be allowed for and on resumption the overs remaining stay the same.  If bad light prevents the game being played to a finish then the match is abandoned.

60) Points awarded are as follows

 Where no matches are played on a particular day due to weather then all matches will be treated as abandoned, regardless of prior arrangements (e.g. forfeitures).

Additional Wednesday Cup Rules

61) (a) All league teams will be automatically entered into cup matches unless they specifically request an opt out at the AGM.

(b) The Cup shall be a straightforward knockout competition as follows:

      Senior Cup (Premier and Division A teams)

      Junior Cup (Division B & C teams)

      Teams knocked out in the first round automatically enter the Senior and Junior Plate competitions, respectively.

      Where division sizes or number dictate, the GEC reserves the right to vary the qualification or draw for junior and senior cup as they deem fit, in the interests of the game.

62) Fixtures must be played on or before the date stipulated by the League fixture secretary.  Both teams are responsible for re-arranging fixtures as necessary. Rules 24, 29 and 63 apply.

63) (a) To avoid fixture congestion, Wednesday Cup matches postponed or abandon due to weather will be played on the following Tuesday (or before if the two teams agree and the GEC is informed).  A result must be achieved at this time.  If no play is possible then a bowl out will ensue (see rule 36).  If the conditions are too bad even for a bowl out then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin.  If there is a disagreement over playing conditions the umpire will decide.

(b) Should it not prove possible to reschedule a game, or if weather or conditions again intervene, then the fixtures secretary will hold a lottery to decide which team will progress.

64) In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided using rule 54 for Sunday cup except for part (ii) which shall read “winner shall be the team with the highest total after 6 overs.”

65) Details of the finals will be advertised in the handbook, via the local press or on the web site.

Fines

66)       a)  Non attendance at General meetings                      £10.00 for first time

                                                for 2^nd consecutive offence     £20.00 + original fine

                                                for 3^rd consecutive offence      £40.00 + preceding fines

            b)  Late return of match report card                               £4.00

            c)  Failure to notify result on the night               £4.00

            d)  Failure to return trophies on time (per trophy)       £30.00

            e)  Failure to fulfil a fixture                                         £costs

            f)  Non payment of umpire                                           £25.00

            h) Non payment of previous fine                                 £double

            i)  Non submission of end of year averages                £25.00

            j)  Non attendance at a disciplinary hearing       up to £40.00

67) Clubs will be notified of any fines, in writing, each month.  Clubs then have until the next general meeting, or AGM (depending on which is sooner), to pay.  If payment is not received then the fine will be doubled and re-issued.  At this time points will be deducted, 4 points from Wednesday teams and 10 points from Sunday teams.

68) Continued non-payment of fines shall be a disciplinary matter.

Umpires

69) Umpire fees are set by the GEC in consultation with the league and the umpires association.  Changes in umpire fees must be agreed at league General Meetings.

70) Umpires should be offered their fee at the start of the game.  Failure to pay umpires fees shall initiate a £25.00 fine.  Both teams are responsible for paying umpires.

71) In the event of only one umpire being available, the batting side shall nominate a stand in umpire to operate Square Leg only and, ideally, the home team will provide a white coat.  In the event of no umpires being available the captains will jointly nominate both umpires from the persons available as long as is necessary.  Umpires should be reported to the league fixtures secretary for non-attendance or late arrival, by the home team, on the match report card.

72) Umpires fees shall be as follows, costs split equally between teams

ECB Team Sheet and Umpire Liability

All teams please note that umpires will ask all teams to fill in the ECB approved team sheet card and sign the disclaimer on the back.  The card is particularly aimed at identifying players under 18 years old.  If teams are unwilling to sign this card the umpires have the right to refuse to stand.  Any person signing this card should be aware that liability effectively transfers to them.  For this reason it is imperative that the signatory is a fully paid up member of the club and that the club insurance is adequate to cover the situation.  Allianz Cornhill specifically offer cover for this situation on their ExtraCover Scheme whereby anyone undertaking umpiring duties on behalf of the club effectively becomes a member of the club for the duration of the game.  Other companies are introducing similar schemes.  See rule 82.

Disciplinary Procedures

League disciplinary procedures are being re-written to bring the league into line with ECB guidelines and the use of so called Spirit of Cricket procedures. Completion of the review may take some time to ensure the systems are fair and appropriate for our league structure, that they can be implemented correctly and that they are legally secure.  When the review is complete clubs will be notified by email and the new disciplinary code posted on the website.  In the meantime the existing disciplinary procedures will apply, as below.

73) It shall be a disciplinary offence:

a)   for any player in the course or in connection with a match to misconduct him/her self or to act at any time in a manner calculated to prejudice the good name or interests of the League and,

b)  for any club or playing captain to fail properly to control or discipline its players or to act in a manner calculated to prejudice the good name or interests of the League,

and the players and club committing the offence shall be liable to penalties in the manner and as described hereafter.

74) For the purpose of these Rules, the expression of “the player” shall throughout these Rules be deemed to mean and include not only any player, whether a professional or otherwise, but also any member or official of any club or if appropriate, any other person involved in any incident of possible misconduct occurring on the field of play, or on the premises of the club, as may be appropriate in the particular circumstances.

75) Before any penalty is imposed (other than domestic administration) there shall be a Disciplinary Committee of the league so formed from the Governing Executive Committee. At least 7 days notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence alleged shall be given to the player(s) or his/her representative, or in the case of a Club, its Secretary, in writing. The player or Club shall be entitled to attend the hearing (in the case of a Club by its secretary or other official), to be legally or otherwise represented and to call witnesses; up to 3 in normal circumstances.  Failure to attend a disciplinary hearing may attract a fine of up to £40, and/or be banned from the league, and/or (where a club is cited) be deducted points.

76) If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee find the alleged offence proved, it shall have the power to impose one of the following penalties:

a)     in the case of the player

(i)              expulsion from the League;

(ii)            suspension from one or more matches

(iii)          a fine of not more than £40 (FORTY POUNDS)

(iv)          reprimand

(Save that player may be for the same offence both suspended and fined).

b)     in the case of a Club:

(i)              expulsion from the League;

(ii)            expulsion from any cup competition of the League.

(iii)          deduction of points in the League;

(iv)          a fine of not more than £100 (ONE HUNDRED POUNDS)   

(Save that a Club for the same offences may be subject to both deduction of points and a fine).

77) A player or Club found by the Disciplinary Committee to have committed an offence or upon whom the Disciplinary Committee has imposed a penalty, shall have the right of Appeal to the Appeals Committee which will comprise of persons not included in the original hearing. The membership will consist of independent persons appointed by the league committee.

78) A deposit of £50 shall be lodged with the appeal, returnable if the appeal is upheld. The Appeal shall be by way of rehearing. The player or Club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before the Disciplinary Committee.

79) The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.  It shall also have the power to increase the penalty. The Appeals Committee shall also have the power, where they consider the appeal to be without merit, to order that the deposit be forfeited.

80) The decision of the Appeals Committee, or if no appeal of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding.

Rules for Players under the age of 18

81) All players under the age of 18 must wear a “kite marked” helmet when batting or standing up to keep wicket, as stipulated in ECB guidelines.  It is the responsibility of the captain to inform the umpires of any players under 18 and to ensure that they follow these guidelines.  Following updated guidelines from the ECB, all players under the age of 18 and playing in an adult game must wear a “kite-marked” helmet as stipulated, regardless of parental consent, except in exceptional circumstances.  In such exceptional circumstances the consent must be in written form and an ECB team sheet should be filled in and handed to the umpire before the start of play.  The League and the Umpires Association will not be held responsible for any consequences if the guidelines are not correctly followed.

 No under 11’s shall be permitted to play in league-organised matches.  Under 13’s can only play as the responsibility of the club.  Clubs are advised to follow the ECB issued guidelines on young players participating in adult matches (see appendices).

 Age groups of players are determined by age at midnight on 31^st August in the year before the current season.

Disclaimer

82) All clubs must be fully insured.  Umpires must also be fully insured and it is their responsibility to ensure that they are.  Clubs and umpires are advised to check that their insurance is adequate to cover the ECB initiative (2004) limiting umpires liabilities.

83) The league shall not be held responsible for any claim made against them including damage or loss of property, or injury to life or limb.