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SECTION A - GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
A1. (a) This League shall be called "SOUTHPORT AND DISTRICT AMATEUR CRICKET LEAGUE".
(b) The Executive Committee shall have the power to include a sponsor's name to the League name as adopted in A1(a) without reference to a General Meeting of the League, provided that the League name as outlined in Rule A1(a) is retained in the name of the League.
A2. It shall be a condition of Membership of the League by Clubs and/or of registration as a player that these Rules are unconditionally accepted and binding.
A3. (a) The Officers of the League shall consist of a President, who may only be nominated by the Executive Committee, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Junior Secretary, Hon. Registration & Results Secretary, Hon. Umpires' Secretary, and Hon. Solicitor, who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
(b) Two Hon. Auditors shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
A4. (a) An Executive Committee consisting of the Officers and six other members, elected at the A.G.M. by ballot, two of whom shall retire, in rotation, each year, but are eligible for re-election - shall meet as occasion demands, with power to conduct the business of the League and administer the rules.
(b) If an elected member of the Executive Committee shall be absent from three consecutive meetings of the Committee without satisfactory reason, he may, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, be treated as having thereby tendered his resignation from office. The Executive Committee shall have power to elect a member to fill any casual vacancy in the Executive Committee.
A5. The League and/or Executive Committee shall have power to deal with any Club or Clubs, player or players, or on any matter not provided for in these Rules.
A6. (a) Clubs already in membership of the League, shall be re-elected, providing that the Executive Committee is satisfied that such Clubs have previously satisfactorily fulfilled their obligations, and subject to paragraph (b).
(b) All Clubs must notify the League Secretary by 31st August, on the form provided, that they wish to continue in membership of the League and of each team's entry into the Knockout Competitions. (See also Rule A9). Clubs not applying by the due date will be surcharged £50.
(c) All Clubs must appoint a Club Welfare Officer to be named in the handbook.
A7. The fixtures for the season shall be arranged and finally determined by the Executive.
A8. (a) The annual subscription shall be £30 for one team, £25 for a second team and £20 for a third or subsequent teams. For new Clubs, entrance fee to the League will be £50 and, shall be paid on acceptance to the League. The club has no voting rights until it has completed a full playing season.
(b) The entrance fee for Knockout Competitions shall be £10 per team.
(c) Monies due to the League must be paid within (i) 28 days from the date of the invoice or (ii) 14 days after cricket balls are collected under the bulk purchase scheme. Defaulting Clubs will incur a fine of £25 plus a surcharge of 0.5% for each further day until payment is received.
A9. Any Club indebted to the League on 30th September following each playing season, apart from special extensions granted by the Executive Committee in writing, shall not be entitled to re-election as per Rule A6.
A10. All monies owing to the League shall be considered owing to the person holding the position of Hon. Treasurer, who, together with the Executive Committee, shall be responsible for the administration of the League's finances.
A11. Rules shall not be altered, added to, nor deleted from, except as follows:
(i) At the Annual General Meeting of the League, held on a date fixed by the Executive Committee.
(ii) Notice of any proposed amendment shall be given in writing by Clubs to the League General Secretary by the previous 30th September.
(iii) Any alteration in the Rules shall not be retrospective.
A12. No rule shall be altered unless supported by 60% of the votes cast.
SECTION B - LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION
B1. (a) The League shall ordinarily be controlled by a Committee consisting of two representatives from each Club together with the Life Vice Presidents who may only be nominated by the Executive Committee, and five registered Umpires. The Committee shall meet as called for by the Executive Committee. The roll shall be called at 8.00pm each meeting. Any Club not represented during the meeting shall be fined £10.
(b) Voting at all meetings shall be by a show of voting cards unless any ten persons present at the meeting and entitled to vote demand a poll. On a poll at a League meeting or Annual General Meeting each League Official member of the Executive Committee or member of the League Committee present shall have one vote. Members of the League Committee representing clubs solely in membership of the Junior League shall be entitled to vote only on junior matters. The Chairman shall be entitled to a casting vote at all meetings.
(c) The Hon. Secretary has to convene a special meeting when occasion requires. Any Club desiring a Special Meeting must forward the sum of £25 to cover expenses, at the same time stating the purpose for which the meeting is required.
The purpose of Special Meeting shall be stated on the Notices of Meeting sent to all Clubs.
(d) Any Club wishing to call a Special Meeting must have the written support of five other member clubs.
B2. (a) Discipline shall be dealt with in accordance with the Disciplinary Procedure in Section K of these Rules.
(b) No member of the Executive Committee being a player of the Club concerned shall be present during the disciplinary hearing.
B3. (a) League position shall be determined in order of priority as follows:
(i) points
(ii) wins
(iii) away wins
(b) If teams are still tied a play off will be arranged, and Section E may be varied accordingly.
B4. (a) The League structure shall be decided by the Executive Committee depending on the number of teams participating each season.
At the end of each season the two lowest placed teams in each Division will normally retire to the Division below, and their places taken by the two highest placed teams in that Division.
When a Division contains less than twelve teams, only one team will be promoted and relegated.
All promotion and relegation issues are subject to the provisions in Rules B4(b) and B4(c) below, and the established ground criteria.
(b) The Executive Committee shall have power to vary the teams promoted and/or relegated if desirable. Any Club denied promotion or relegated under this rule shall have automatic right of appeal against this decision. Such appeal shall be heard by an appropriately formed appeals sub-committee.
(c) Except in the lowest Division provision is to be made that two teams from one Club are not in the same Division.
B5. The Trophies shall be held by the winning Clubs until July 1st in the following year, when they shall be returned to an officer of the League. If any Club fails to return a Trophy the Executive Committee will impose a fine of £50. The Trophies shall be insured by the League each year, and the Clubs holding the Trophies must provide two guarantors for the safe custody, condition and return of the Trophy they hold, the policy to be retained by the Hon. Treasurer.
B6. Each team must take a minimum of 6 handbooks per senior team.
B7. The League shall notify the Clubs of the League Tables showing Club positions and points etc., after 10 weeks, 18 weeks and at the end of the season.
B8. All Clubs must have a valid Public Liability Insurance and a copy of the certificate must be deposited with the League's Hon. Treasurer by 1st April in the current playing season and on each renewal date thereafter. Clubs applying to join the League must produce this certificate with their application. Any Club failing to do so shall forfeit all fixtures and points and shall be ineligible for cup competitions.
SECTION C - APPOINTMENT OF UMPIRES
C1. (a) The League will appoint official Umpires to as many matches as possible, depending upon availability in the League commencing with Division 1. Each Club must appoint an Umpire to officiate in any match where necessary.
(b) Clubs may apply to the Executive Committee for Umpires to be appointed for any particular match, and the Executive Committee may grant or refuse such application. The application must reach the Hon. Secretary 14 days before the match is due to take place, or it cannot be considered.
(c) The Executive Committee has the power to appoint Umpires to any match where they think such appointment is desirable.
C2. (a) Umpires appointed under Rule C1 will be paid £28 each. Should no play be possible £10 each.
(b) Umpires carrying out early ground inspections will be paid £5.
(c) One Umpire standing at both ends will be paid a full match fee by each Club.
(d) The total cost to be borne and shared equally by both Clubs and paid to the Umpires before the game. Umpires are to be handed the match balls and team sheets prior to the start of the game. Early ground inspection to be paid by the home Club.
C3. The Umpires shall complete a match report card, to the Honorary Umpires Secretary, providing ratings on the general behaviour of the teams and their respective captains and on the conditions prevailing for the match.
SECTION D - REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
D1. (a) All players to be registered on cards supplied by the League. Applications for Registration Cards must be addressed to the Registration Secretary.
(b) Each completed card and club copy must be sent to the Hon. Registration Secretary for registration, together with a stamped addressed envelope for the return of the club copy.
All players must be registered on or before the Friday previous to the Saturday's or Sunday's match, before being eligible to play in this match.
A player shall not be considered as registered until the club copy, duly signed by the Registration Secretary, has been received by the Club Secretary.
(c) Before the commencement of each season, the Club Secretary must send to the Registration Secretary (on forms supplied by the League) a list of players from the previous season who will be playing for the club and those who will not.
The Registration Secretary on receipt of this updating form will amend the League records accordingly.
(d) A player who is not registered for a Club cannot play except with the consent of the opposing Club obtained and given in the presence of the Umpires officiating for the match, the consenting Club forfeiting the right to protest, and a note must be made on the official scoresheet which must be accompanied by the registration card, but an opposing Club cannot give permission for a player whose registration has been refused or deferred by the Executive Committee to play in a match. This rule is applicable to all matches but does not apply to transferred players.
(e) If a player has played at any time in the same season or in a previous season for another Club, whether such Club is a member of the S&DACL or not, the name of the Club must be stated on the registration card.
A player who leaves a Club to play in another League shall be required to re-register if he wishes to play again in this League.
A player who returns to a club or is signed by a club after the commencement of the season may only play in a Knockout Competition at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
(f) Senior registrations are not valid in the Junior League and vice-versa.
(g) Any registration received, whether it be the block registration at the start of the season, or on a card during the season, which does not specify a player's category under Rule D2, shall be deemed incomplete and will be returned to the Club. The player(s) included in the registration will be ineligible to play and should the player(s) take part in a match, the Club will be subject to a penalty as laid down in Rule K5. This Rule shall take precedence over any permission granted under Rule D1(d).
D2. (a) Subject to special application to the League Executive, Clubs are only allowed to register one player who is not eligible to play for England (i.e. one Category 2 player).
(b) Category 3 players will only be allowed to play in SDACL matches at the discretion of the SDACL Executive Committee.
(c) Any Club intending to register either a Category 2 or Category 3 player shall submit to the Executive Committee at least 7 days prior to the player's first match, full details of the player's home cricket arrangements and details of any agreements with his intended Club.
(d) No player receiving any payment for playing cricket, whether direct or in kind, shall be permitted to play any League or Cup match under the control of the Southport & District Amateur Cricket League. Payments in kind shall include, but not be limited to, benefits such as airfares, accommodation and living expenses.
D3. A player who is a playing member of any Club that is not in membership of this League must make special application to the Executive Committee before being eligible. This restriction will not apply to:
(i) Any registered player of this League taking part in a mid-week game, or school or university match.
(ii) Registered players of this League playing mid-week competition matches, or Sunday cricket matches, not under the control of this League, provided that in all cases the player does not receive any payment in accordance with Rule D2.
D4. A player who has signed for one Club in this League cannot play for another without first having obtained an official transfer from the Club for which he is registered.
The return of the Club copy to the Registration Secretary by the transferring club shall constitute agreement by that Club to the transfer. The player must then register for his new Club in accordance with Rule D1 but option in para D1(d) is NOT available to the transferred player. NB This rule applies at all times including the start of a season. The only justification for a Club withholding a player's registration shall be the non payment of monies due to the club from the player in respect of subscriptions owing for a season or seasons during which he has played for the Club. In case of dispute the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.
D5. A Club wishing to object to the registration of any player or players at the commencement of a season by another Club on the grounds that the player has not paid his previous year's subscription must, within 14 days after the commencement of the season supply the Hon. Registration Secretary with the names and addresses of such players, failing which no objection on the aforesaid grounds will be allowed.
D6. (a) When a Club is running more than one team, a lower Division player is eligible to play six times in a higher Division; should he play a seventh time in a higher Division he becomes a recognised player of that Division. No club will be allowed to play more than 3 higher Division players in the lower Division in any one match.
(b) A player shall not be allowed to take part in more than one League match in the same afternoon.
(c) When forming the Divisions, the Executive Committee shall set out the order in which the Divisions rank for the purpose of this Rule.
(d) A player can be re-transferred from a higher Division to a lower Division by permission of the Executive Committee.
SECTION E - LEAGUE MATCH RULES
E1. All matches shall be played under the Laws of the M.C.C. except in so far as the Laws of the M.C.C. are expressly varied by the Rules of the League or its Knockout Competitions.
E2. In all matches of this League or its Knockout Competitions an over shall consist of six balls.
E3. All matches shall be scheduled to commence at 2.00pm (on or after the 3rd Saturday in August, 1.30pm) prompt unless prevented by bad weather.
E4. (a) In all matches there shall be five hours available for play calculated from the scheduled starting time, and the side batting first shall receive a maximum of 50 overs, at the end of which, unless they have declared or been dismissed, their innings shall be closed.
(b) The Umpires shall indicate when one hour of playing time of the match remains according to the agreed hours of play. The next over after that moment shall be the first of a minimum of 20 overs provided a result is not reached earlier or there is no interval or interruption of play.
(c) In the event of the start being delayed, or of play being interrupted by rain, bad light, unfitness of ground (as governed by the Laws of the M.C.C.) time will always be calculated from the scheduled starting time.
(d) The side batting first is normally entitled to 50 overs. If 4 hours or less is available from the start of play, the side batting first shall receive a maximum of 40 overs.
(e) The tea interval (20 minutes) and the interval between innings (10 minutes) shall not be included in the 5 hours of play.
NB Last hour of match - Interruption of play see M.C.C. Law 16.
E5. An approved ball provided by the League to be used by every team in the League, minimum purchase is two boxes per Senior Team. Division 1 teams are to use better quality ball only. A fine of £25 will be levied if a non-approved ball is used.
E6. If a substitute is requested due to a player not yet having arrived at the ground when a match commences, the name of the player for whom the substitute is to act must be definitely stated.
E7. No bowler shall bowl in a dark costume if objectionable to the opponents. In cases of dispute the Umpire's decision shall be final.
E8. Before and during a match the Umpire shall ensure that the conduct of the game and equipment are used strictly in accordance with the Laws, they are the sole judges of fitness of the ground, the weather, light and time for play. All disputes shall be determined by them and if they disagree the actual state of things shall continue according to Rule E4(a) and E4(c).
E9. In the case of any player's misconduct the Umpires shall have the power to stop such a player from taking further part in the game, and shall report him to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee. Should a player decline to leave the field after being requested to do so, the game shall be stopped.
E10. When the game is won to the satisfaction of the Umpires, wickets shall be drawn.
E11. Points for each game shall be awarded as follows:
(a) 20 points for a win.
(b) Bonus points will be awarded in drawn games and to defeated teams as follows (except as in (c) and (d) below where bonus points will not be awarded). The side batting first may obtain double batting bonus points in any game subject to an overall maximum of 20 points in total.
Batting bonus points:
For scores between 75 and 99 1 batting point
For scores between 100 and 124 1 batting point
For scores between 125 and 149 1 batting point
For scores between 150 and 174 1 batting point
For scores of 175 and above 1 batting point
A possible total of 5 batting bonus points.
Bowling bonus points:
One bowling bonus point at the fall of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th wickets. A possible total of 5 bowling bonus points.
(c) In games which do not start or progress beyond 15 overs in the 2nd innings for reasons of weather, unfitness of ground etc no bonus points shall be awarded and each team shall receive 6 points.
(d) Fifteen points for a tie.
E12. In the event of a match being interrupted by weather then the full length of the wicket may be covered on the instruction of the Umpires (if neutral umpires are available) or otherwise by mutual agreement of the captains.
E13. To constitute a team a minimum of 7 players is required.
E14. (a) Any Club forfeiting a League or Cup match for any reason is liable to pay a sum up to an amount of £30 as a contribution to the lost revenue of the non-offending Club. The non-offending Club must submit a written claim to the League Treasurer within 14 days of the scheduled date for the forfeited match stating the amount the Club wishes to claim.
(b) The League Treasurer will issue an invoice for the amount claimed in E14(a) to the offending Club and the League Treasurer must receive payment within 28 days. The League Treasurer will reimburse the non-offending club within a further 28 days.
(c) The amount to be paid under this Rule shall be reviewed annually at the A.G.M.
E15. The Umpires, or the opposing Captain where no Umpires are appointed, will be provided prior to the start of the match with an accurately completed team card.
FOOTNOTE TO RULES
NOTICE - All players taking part in any game in connection with this League are requested to wear white costume.
The Executive Committee recommends all Clubs to provide a First Aid Kit, to be kept in the Cricket Pavilion.
SECTION F - SCORE SHEETS
F1. The Umpires must insert the time of start and sign both the score book and the League score sheet for all games indicating reasons for late starts, if any, on the League score sheet.
If the late start is caused by weather conditions or travelling arrangements, it must be so stated on the score sheet.
F2. (a) Home and away Clubs must send the results of each game on score sheets provided by the League to reach the Registration and Results Secretary not later than noon on the Tuesday following the game or in the case of a Cup game within 48 hours of the completion of the game. Score sheets must be fully completed in accordance with the details required on both sides.
(b) When a match is abandoned without any play taking place, both Clubs must send a score sheet containing the names of the actual eleven players who would have played for each Club in the match had it commenced.
(c) When a match is abandoned after play has commenced the score sheet must contain the player's names of BOTH TEAMS.
(d) Clubs will be automatically fined £10 for each breach of this Rule, and no explanation will be accepted.
(e) In Division 1 and all Cup games if no official scorer is provided, a fine of £10 shall be imposed.
F3. Where Umpires are appointed to matches, each Club will submit a report card on the Umpires performance to the Results and Registration Secretary in accordance with the requirements for submission of scoresheets.
F4. Home clubs must email the results of each game, including Cup fixtures, on a score sheet provided by the League to reach the website administrator not later than midnight on the Sunday following the game, or in the case of a Cup fixture by midnight Monday. Clubs will be fined £10 for each breach of this rule.
Note: In the event that a club cannot email, scores can be submitted by telephone to 01704 546293 between the hours of 12 Noon and 5pm on Sundays only.
SECTION G - DELAYS/ABANDONMENTS
G1. (a) The Executive Committee shall impose a fine of £10 on any Club whose team is not on the field of play, and ready to commence play at the scheduled time of start, provided, however, that when an explanation of a late start is inserted on the official score sheet, and the Executive Committee deem that explanation satisfactory, they may waive the fine.
(b) In many cases the late start is caused by the negligence of one Club only. The Club ready to start at the scheduled time should take particular care to draw the attention of the umpires to the fact, and make it clear in its report that the delay was not caused by its negligence. If no explanation is tendered the fine will always be enforced.
(c) If a team is not ready to commence play immediately the umpires are at the wickets after the tea interval it shall be reported by the umpires to the Executive Committee, who shall fine the Club unless a satisfactory explanation is supplied. If both teams are at fault they must be reported.
G2. (a) Visiting teams must in all cases go to their opponent's ground unless the game has been officially called off by the League Executive.
(b) In the event of either team or both teams not putting in an appearance within one hour of the scheduled starting time, the Umpires must leave the ground and shall report the matter to the Executive Committee.
G3. No game shall be abandoned in consequence of bad weather until one and three-quarter hours have elapsed from the scheduled starting time unless both Umpires are agreed that no play is possible before those times. Captains are to act in the absence of Umpires. Should no start be made by the time stated in consequence of unfavourable weather, the match shall be abandoned. In the event of a fixture in any Division being abandoned through unfavourable weather six points shall be awarded to each team.
G4. In the event of all viable matches in a particular division being abandoned as a consequence of bad weather, no club shall be permitted to claim more than 6 points due to a forfeited fixture.
FOOTNOTE TO RULES
If a game is delayed or curtailed, please refer to Section F for completion of score sheets.
SECTION H - KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS
H1. League Rules A2, A5, A7, B2, B5, C1, C2, D1, D2, D3, D4, E1, E5, E6, E7, E8, E9, E13, F1, G1 and G2 shall also apply to these competitions, unless expressly varied within this section.
H2. All Cup competitions shall be arranged by the Executive Committee.
H3. (a) The draw(s) shall be made on a knock-out basis and shall be drawn through to the final(s) prior to the start of the competition(s).
The teams representing the League in the Lancashire Knock-Out competitions are exempt from the preliminary round of the Sandhurst Shield Competition.
It will be the responsibility of the away teams in the following rounds to contact their opponents.
(b) The finals are to be played on grounds arranged by the Executive Committee.
H4. The collection of gate receipts in all matches prior to the final shall go to the home club. Collections for gate receipts taken at the finals shall be on behalf of the League.
H5. (a) Only players registered in accordance with Rule D1 shall be allowed to take part in these competitions.
(b) The option contained in Rule D1(d) is applicable in these competitions.
H6. (a) In order of seniority the competitions are as follows:
Sandhurst Shield, Pochin Cup, Hampson Cup and the Leyland Trophy.
A player who at the date fixed for the playing of any Knockout Trophy has already played on six or more occasions for a senior team in either League or Cup competitions shall be ineligible to play in that competition. For the preliminary round substitute four for six.
Any player must have appeared in at least two respective League fixtures (or 2 League fixtures of a lower status) applicable to that Club's appearance in either the Sandhurst Shield, Pochin Cup, Hampson Cup or Leyland Trophy semi-final to enable the player to be eligible for that semi-final or final tie. Any player who is eligible to play in the semi-final is automatically available to play in the final.
(b) In a game resulting in a tie in any competition, the replay will be considered for the purpose of eligibility as part of the same match. This does not necessitate the playing of the same XI in the replay.
(c) A player having played for a club in any competition cannot play for another club in the same competition.
H7. (a) Each team shall be allowed one innings, and the team scoring the most runs shall be the winner. In the event of a match being tied with scores level, the following shall be used, in sequence to determine the winner:
(i) The team losing the lesser number of wickets
(ii) The team scoring the higher number of runs at the completion of the first half of the number of overs, the number of overs being rounded up in the event of a fractional result.
(iii) The match shall be replayed in accordance with the rules.
(b) The number of overs bowled must be displayed on the scoreboard whilst the innings is in progress.
(c) The maximum length of an innings in the Sandhurst Shield shall be 45 overs. No player shall be allowed to bowl more than 9 overs. The maximum length of an innings in the Pochin Cup, Hampson Cup and Leyland Trophy shall be 40 overs. No player shall be allowed to bowl more than 8 overs.
(d) In the event of a delay to the start of a match due to rain, the number of overs for the innings of the team batting first will be reduced at the rate of one over for each team for each full six minutes of the delay. The game shall be abandoned where the delay will result in the match being reduced to less than 30 overs per team. Under the provisions of this rule, the latest time for starting a match shall be 3.00pm for 45 over matches and 2.30pm for 40 over matches. The team batting second shall receive the same number of overs. The limit of the number of overs permitted by each bowler in Rule H7(c) shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis.
H8. (a) Subject to the provisions of Rule H3, all games shall commence at 1.30pm. If the team batting first has completed its innings and the team batting second has completed 15 overs or more, the result will be decided by comparing the scores after the last completed over of the innings with that of the same over of the first innings. If scores are tied, the team losing the least number of wickets at that point will be the winner. If still undecided, the game shall be restarted on the following Sunday.
(b) If the re-arranged game cannot be played as fixtured because of other League or Knock-out fixtures (including prearranged Lancashire Knock-out fixtures) it must be played on the away team's ground if that is free.
(c) If neither ground is free it must be played on the first free Sunday on either the Home or Away ground. The Home Club always retaining the right to stage the fixture if their ground is available.
(d) If the game is not completed or played because of weather then it must be abandoned and replayed as per H8(a)(b)(c).
(e) If a Bank Holiday Monday follows then this date may be utilised to continue the game providing there is no clash with League fixtures.
H9. A ball approved by the League is to be used by every team in a cup game. Teams competing in the Sandhurst Shield to use the better quality ball only. In the finals, each team must use a new ball.
H10. Category 1players only are eligible to play in knock-out competitions. Clubs playing any Category 2 or 3 players shall be immediately disqualified and fined £100.
H11. The League Representative Team takes precedence over all other competitions. Players selected for the League Representative Team are not eligible to play for their clubs in any other competition on that day. Any Club contravening this rule will be liable to sanction by the Executive Committee.
SECTION J - JUNIOR LEAGUES
J1. (a) The Junior League shall be controlled by a Junior Management Committee, being a sub-committee of the Executive Committee, consisting of the Junior Secretary plus four other members who shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
(b) The annual subscription to the Junior Divisions shall be £15 per team and £30 per team for clubs that have not had a senior side in membership of the League during the previous two seasons.
(c) All players must be registered in accordance with Section D (in particular see Rule D3) prior to the start of the season on the forms provided. Any additions must be sent to the Junior League Secretary. A club who fails to register their players will be fined £10.
(d) Junior Registrations are not valid in the Senior League and vice-versa.
(e) A player who is registered with a Club in the Southport and District League that does not enter the Junior League may play in the Junior Division for another Club on permission of the Management Committee.
(f) A player may only transfer from one Club to another by permission of the Management Committee.
(g) No player who is a Club's registered overseas player with any club shall be eligible to play in a Junior League or Cup match.
J2. (a) All fixtures, cup draws, venues and dates of play shall be arranged by the Management Committee. Evening matches shall commence at 6.30pm.
(b) In the League, if one team only is ready to start at the scheduled time they shall have choice of innings without resorting to the toss of a coin. The above term 'ready' to mean having 7 players ready to play.
(c) In the League, if because of weather conditions either play is not possible by 7.30pm or the game cannot be completed it will be treated as a draw.
(d) Prior to the commencement of a game, excepting a final, the Team Managers may mutually agree to reduce the number of overs to a minimum of 12 overs per side in order to decide the match
J3. Each Club must appoint an umpire to officiate in its matches, where necessary.
J4. (a) Results must be notified to the Junior League Secretary on the result sheet provided or by email. Both teams must send results. The results must be notified no later than the Monday following the match. Any side that fails to submit 3 consecutive match results will be fined £10 and a further £10 for each subsequent failure.
(b) Points for each game shall be awarded as follows:- 3 for a win, 2 for level scores/tie and 1 for a draw.
J5. (a) In each age group, a knock-out competition shall be organised.
(b) All teams who play in the appropriate age group of the S.A.D.A.C.L. shall be eligible to enter.
(c) Games to be played in accordance with League match rules.
J6. (a) In Cup matches, if the game is not started or completed on the scheduled night, then the game should be replayed on a mutually agreeable date. The Junior League Secretary will decide any dispute.
(b) Any final or play off shall be 30 overs each side. No player may bowl more than 8 overs.
(c) In a final or play off affected by weather, if the team batting first has completed its innings and the team batting second has completed 10 overs or more, the innings shall be completed on the following Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday commencing at 6.30pm. If because of weather the game has not been completed by Thursday it shall be replayed in full the following Sunday.
(d) In a final or play off if because weather the game is unable to be started or is abandoned before reaching the point in J7(c) it shall be played on the following Sunday.
(e) In the event of any Cup match being tied with scores level, the following shall be used, in sequence, to determine the winner:
(i) The team losing the lesser number of wickets,
(ii) The team having scored the higher number of runs at the completion of 10 overs
(iii) The match shall be replayed in accordance with the rules.
Under 18 League
J7. All players must be 17 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season.
J8. In all matches, excepting a final or play off, a game shall consist of 20 overs each side (see Rule J7(b)). No player may bowl more than 5 overs. All matches played in April shall consist of 16 overs per side with no player bowling more than 4 overs.
Under 15 League
J9. All players must be 14 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season. Girls at this age group can play a year behind unless they have been involved in a county squad in the previous or current season. They must be 15 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season.
J10. In all matches a standard size cricket ball must be used.
J11. In all matches, excepting a final or play off, a game shall consist of 20 overs each side (see Rule J7(b)). No player may bowl more than 5 overs. All matches played in April shall consist of 16 overs per side with no player bowling more than 4 overs.
Under 13 League
J12. All players must be 12 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season. Girls at this age group can play a year behind unless they have been involved in a county squad in the previous or current season. They must be 13 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season.
J13. In all games a 4¾ oz size cricket ball must be used.
J14. All games should be played on a 21 yard wicket.
J15. In all matches, excepting a final or play off, a game shall consist of 20 overs each side (see Rule J6(b)). No player may bowl more than 4 overs. All matches played in April shall consist of 16 overs per side with no player bowling more than 4 overs.
Under 11 League
J16. If a team fails to play at least 50% of their league matches in a season then they will be liable for a fine of £25. The away team has equal responsibility for contacting the opposition. The club will have the right to appeal the decision.
ADDITIONAL RULES FOR 2010
UNDER 18
Divisions A + B to play as in previous years.
Promotion and Relegation for 2010 to be determined according to 2011 structure.
UNDER 15
Divisions A + B + C to play as in previous years.
Promotion and Relegation for 2010 to be determined according to 2011 structure.
UNDER 13
Divisions A + B + C to play as in previous years.
Promotion and Relegation for 2010 to be determined according to 2011 structure.
UNDER 11
Divisions A + B
UNDER 11 LEAGUE RULES
All players must be 10 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season.
Girls at this age group can play a year behind unless they have been involved in a county squad in the previous or current season. They must be 11 years or under on the 1st September of the previous season.
Matches must be played on the date set unless permission is given by the junior secretary. If a match cannot be completed due to adverse weather conditions the match may be rearranged, but must be played within 7 days of the original date.
All results to be received by end of July.
NB both teams must forward the match result to the junior league secretary. No need to send whole score sheet, just include the teams involved, which team won and the scores. Result can be phoned, emailed or sent by post. Any dispute will be decided by the junior league secretary.
U11 score sheet to be used for all league games.
Pitches are to be 20 yards in length.
A 4¾ oz cricket ball to be used in all U11 games.
Teams are 10 a side.
Each game is a maximum 15 overs per side.
Each team bats in pairs for 3 overs each pair. Pairs shall change at the end of the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th overs.
All players (with the exception of the wicket-keeper) must bowl one over and no player may bowl more than 2 overs.
No over, other than the last over, shall be of more than 8 deliveries.
Each team starts with 200 runs.
Batsmen shall have unlimited lives, but each life shall result in FOUR runs being deducted from the total. No batsmen who is out for any reason shall face the next ball. Batsmen shall change ends at the fall of each wicket except on the last ball of an over.
All extras (byes, leg byes, no balls and wides) are credited to the batsmen and debited against the bowler.
In any run out situation, the striker must be the batsman recorded out.
Runs are scored as per the normal rules of cricket, except 2 runs are given for a wide or a no ball.
If scores are equal, the game is to be tied and not decided on wickets.
In all matches no fielder, except the wicket-keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than 11 yards, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side.
Helmets must be worn by players when batting, by wicket-keepers when standing up to the stumps and by close fielders in front of the wicket. For boys, abdominal protectors should also be worn. (New directive for all LCB Youth Competitions).
In the event of the umpires being satisfied that a player is incapacitated his/her place may be taken by a reserve who shall bat/bowl in his/her place. If no reserve is available any over due to be bowled by the injured player shall be bowled by another player without exceeding his/her quota. The team manager of the side in question shall choose one of the players in the first three pairs to bat a second time in the fourth pair.
Points are as in U13/15/18 games.
UNDER 11 CUP RULES
Cup games are played under the L.C.B pairs 8 a side competition rules.
The team winning the cup competition will go forward to the L.C.B competition in July.
No team winning another qualifying competition e.g. MYC will be allowed to progress after that point.
Cup matches are to be given priority especially at the start of the season. The final is to take place no later than the 1st week in July at a venue arranged by the Junior Committee. Clubs who don't play their cup matches within 2 weeks of the date in the handbook will be contacted by the Junior Secretary to find out the reason why. If one side is found to have delayed the match without good reason they will forfeit the match. If matches haven't been played within 3 weeks of the date in the handbook and neither side is primarily at fault for delaying the playing of the match, both teams will forfeit their place in the competition.
NB both teams must forward the match result to the junior league secretary. No need to send whole score sheet, just include the teams involved, which team won and the scores. Result can be phoned, emailed or sent by post. Any dispute will be decided by the junior league secretary.
Different score sheets to be used from league games.
The pitch shall be 20 yards in length.
The ball shall weigh 4¾ oz.
Each team shall comprise 8 players.
Each game shall consist of one innings per side. Each innings shall be of 16 overs duration.
No over, other than the last over, shall be of more than 8 deliveries.
The batting side shall be divided into pairs.
Each pair shall bat for 4 overs. Pairs shall change at the end of the 4th, 8th and 12th overs.
Each team shall commence its innings with a score of 200 runs.
Batsmen shall have unlimited lives, but each life shall result in EIGHT runs being deducted from the total. No batsmen who is out for any reason shall face the next ball. Batsmen shall change ends at the fall of each wicket except on the last ball of an over.
In any run out situation, the striker must be the batsman recorded out.
Each player on the fielding side must bowl, with the exception of the wicket-keeper. No player shall bowl more than 3 overs.
Runs are scored as per the normal rules of cricket, except 2 runs are given for a wide or a no ball.
All extras (byes, leg byes, no balls and wides) are credited to the batsmen and debited against the bowler.
The winning team shall be the side scoring the higher number of runs after deductions for the fall of wickets. In the event of scores being equal the 8 players from each side shall throw at the wickets from the bowler's end and the team scoring most hits shall be the winner.
In all matches no fielder, except the wicket-keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than 11 yards, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side.
Helmets must be worn by players when batting, by wicket-keepers when standing up to the stumps and by close fielders in front of the wicket. For boys, abdominal protectors should also be worn. (New directive for all LCB Youth Competitions).
In the event of the umpires being satisfied that a player is incapacitated his/her place may be taken by a reserve who shall bat/bowl in his/her place. If no reserve is available any over due to be bowled by the injured player shall be bowled by another player without exceeding his/her quota. The captain of the fielding side shall choose one of the players in the first three pairs to bat a second time in the fourth pair.
SECTION K - LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
K1. It is the duty of all Clubs to ensure that their players conduct themselves properly in the course of or in connection with a match and to take action themselves against any player who does not so act.
K2. It shall be a disciplinary offence
(a) for any player in the course of or in connection with a match to misconduct himself 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 to fail to properly control or discipline its players or to act in a manner calculated to prejudice the good name or interests of the League.
(c) for any player or Club to act in a manner likely to bring the game into disrepute, and the player and Club committing an offence shall be liable to penalties in the manner described hereafter.
K3. For the purposes of these Rules the expression "the player" shall throughout these Rules be deemed to mean and include not only any player but also any member or official of any Club or if so 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.
K4. (a) An umpire reporting a player or Club shall submit a report setting out the details of the offence on the prescribed form. Notification of the report form is to be submitted to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee within 48 hours of the completion of the match. The umpire shall inform both the player and the player's captain of the intended report prior to leaving the ground at the conclusion of the match.
(b) The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee will determine the appropriate minimum penalty for the reported offence(s) as provided for in the published Disciplinary Guidelines. The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee shall advise the secretary of the club concerned, or other club official should the secretary be unavailable, of the report and penalty within 72 hours of the completion of the match.
(c) The player or club, as appropriate, has the option of accepting the penalty or requesting a disciplinary hearing. Any such hearing will be held on the Thursday following the completion of the match from which the report arose.
(d) If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the alleged offence proved, it shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties:
(i) expulsion from the League
(ii) suspension for one or more matches
(iii) fine
(iv) reprimand
(v) deduction of points for the team.
K5. (a) A complaint against a Club for any breach of rules or disciplinary guidelines shall be submitted in writing to the General Secretary of the League within 48 hours of the alleged offence. Where appropriate, details of the complaint shall be forwarded to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, who will arrange a hearing.
(b) At least 7 days notice in writing of the hearing of the alleged offence shall be given to the Club Secretary. Representatives of the Club shall be entitled to attend the hearing and present evidence.
(c) If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the alleged offence proved, it shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties:
(i) expulsion from the League
(ii) expulsion from any Cup Competition of the League
(iii) fine
(iv) deduction of points for the team.
K6. 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 Sub-Committee. Notice of appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within 72 hours of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, together with a deposit of £20. Upon giving Notice of Appeal the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal. The Appeal will be heard on the Thursday following the original hearing.
K7. In all hearings whether before the Disciplinary Committee or the Appeals Sub-Committee the Committee shall have the power to order the player or Club brought before it to pay, in addition to any fine which may be imposed, the costs of attendance at that hearing by any witnesses. Any costs so ordered to be paid by any player shall in the first instance be payable by his Club. It will be the duty of the Club to collect these costs from the player to reimburse themselves.
K8. The Appeals Sub-Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee including the power to increase the penalty where, in the Appeals Sub-Committees opinion the penalty previously imposed was manifestly wrong. The Appeals Sub-Committee shall also have the power where they consider the appeal to be without merit to order that the deposit be forfeited.
K9. The decision of the Appeals Sub-Committee shall be final and binding.
K10. DISCIPLINE. No member League or affiliated Club shall accept into membership or service any person who, after an official enquiry and investigation, shall have been judged guilty of such conduct as to have justified his expulsion or suspension from any organisation affiliated, directly or indirectly, to the England & Wales Cricket Board ('ECB') until the period of such disciplinary action has been completed to the satisfaction of the ECB. Such persons shall have the right of appeal to the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final.
K11. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS. A Club affiliated to a member League (which includes officials, members or other persons interested in that Club) shall not approach or negotiate with any player of any other Club similarly associated with the ECB for the purposes of securing his services without asking the player's club, in writing, for permission to do so. This permission may only be withheld if there is an outstanding obligation by the player and must, otherwise, be sent to the requesting Club within fourteen days. Complaints arising under this rule should normally be settled by the Clubs and/or Leagues involved. Failing settlement, appeal should be made to the Executive of the ECB whose decision shall be final.
K12. TRANSFER OF CLUBS. A Club affiliated to a member League shall not negotiate with another member League with the intention of leaving the former to join the latter without first obtaining permission in writing from the member League to which it is affiliated. Such permission shall only be withheld if the Club has failed to fulfill its financial obligations or has failed to observe the Rules of the member League in respect of withdrawal of membership. If a member League does not provide the necessary written permission within fourteen days, the Club shall have the right of appeal to the Executive of the ECB.
Permission to negotiate shall not be interpreted as resignation or dismissal but should the date by which such registrations are due to be received pass without further notification of future action from the Club, the written permission to negotiate shall then be deemed invalid without further action being necessary from the member League.
(a) This League is a member of the League Cricket Conference. Under its rules, resignations or applications to join or leave a league must be received in writing prior to 30th June of the previous playing season, after fulfilling the requirements of paragraph K12.
K13. UNACCEPTABLE TRANSFER REQUESTS. Should a member League consider that an unacceptable number of approaches is being made by another League in respect of its Clubs or in respect of its players (through that member's affiliated Clubs) there shall be a right of appeal by the member to the Executive Committee of the ECB, which has a bounden duty to protect the interests of all its members. There shall be no appeal from the Executive Committee's decision.
CATEGORIES FOR PLAYERS - RULE D2
The player Categories referred in Rule D2 are:
Category 1.
A player qualified to play for England under current ECB regulations as follows:
1. is either a British or Irish citizen; and
2. was born in England or Wales; or
3. has been resident in England or Wales for the immediately preceding four consecutive years (of which the player must have spent a minimum of 210 days in each year within England and Wales; for which purpose "year" shall mean a year ending 1st April; and
4. has not during the immediately preceding four consecutive years either played cricket for any Full Member Country outside the European Economic Area at Under 17 level or above, or played First Class Cricket in any such Full Member Country except as an overseas cricketer.
Category 2.
An overseas player not ordinarily resident in England and not in categories 1 or 3.
Category 3.
An overseas player satisfying the 'overseas players - resident in England' criteria and not in categories 1 or 2 above, subject to approval and provided that;
1. the player has been resident in this country for a period of 24 consecutive months before the application for registration;
2. the player has not been out of the country for longer than 35 days consecutively or 70 days in total during the previous 24 months; and
3. any remuneration received from playing cricket is not the player's main source of income.
The definition of 'ordinarily resident' shall be in the absolute discretion of the Executive Committee.
The possession of a British Passport does not, in itself, entitle the cricketer to being a British or Irish Citizen.
For the purpose of Category 3 registrations 'this country' means England, Wales, Scotland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
SOUTHPORT AND DISTRICT
AMATEUR CRICKET LEAGUE
DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES - RULE K4
The following is an explanation of the suspension policy adopted by the League. This is based on the guidelines in use by the Liverpool & District Cricket Competition, Merseyside Cricket Competition and the Merseyside & Southport Cricket Alliance.
1. Abuse of Cricket Equipment, Clothing, Ground Equipment or Fixtures and Fittings
The knocking of stumps, or the throwing or kicking of a bat, ball, helmet, boundary flag, rope or any equipment on or off the field of play.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 1 week.
2. Abuse of a player
Deliberate violent physical contact on a member of the opposing team. The severity of the violence will influence the appropriateness of the length of sentence to be imposed.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 5 weeks.
After any warnings due from the Captain, whether or not initiated by the Umpires, a player found guilty of any form of abusive behaviour towards one or more members of the opposing team or of making gestures to one or more of the opposing team or any act of violence on the field of play.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 2 weeks.
The guilty player's Captain is liable to be suspended for a "MINIMUM period of 2 weeks" if it is found that reasonable steps were not taken to ensure good behaviour from the player.
3. Abuse of an Umpire (inclusive of intimidation whether by language or conduct)
Deliberate violent physical contact or threat of assault. The severity of the violence will influence the appropriateness of the length of sentence to be imposed.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 12 weeks.
Verbal abuse (inclusive of using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture).
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 3 weeks.
Dissent by action or verbal.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 1 week.
4. Racial Abuse
Any racially abusive comment or action will result in suspension, i.e. using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.
Suspension: PERIOD will be determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
5. Accumulated Bad Behaviour (As laid down in ECB guidelines)
Repeated infringements (3 in number) of the Spirit of Cricket by an individual, where it is decided that each infringement in itself does not merit any immediate disciplinary action other than a club's own response, will result in a Disciplinary Hearing. Repeated infringements by a team are likely to result in the Captain being held responsible for the conduct of the team (whether or not individual players are also identified for disciplinary action) and being called before a Disciplinary Hearing. The penalties available include suspension. When issuing the penalty, the Disciplinary Committee may take account of instances of poor team discipline in previous years, particularly when the on-the-field captain is the same, and the prior record of the individual charged. Captains should ensure they understand their responsibility for the "on-the-field" behaviour of themselves and their team members.
Umpires will report the following items:
(a) Excessive appealing
(b) Pointing or gesturing toward the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman.
(c) Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play.
(d) Charging or advancing toward the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing.
(e) Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play.
(f) Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate or dangerous manner.
(g) Using language that is obscene, offensive, or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, team official or spectator. It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will look to lay charges when this falls below an accepted standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures.
(h) Threat of assault on another player, umpire, team official or spectator.
(i) Separate incidents in the course of a match will mean umpires will lay separate charges. If the Disciplinary Committee finds the person charged to be guilty of more than one offence, they will impose separate penalties in respect of each offence. Penalties are cumulative and not concurrent.
(j) Any attempt to manipulate a match in regard to the toss, result, bonus points or otherwise.
If suspension is the penalty, this will normally take place immediately.
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 2 weeks.
(The ECB guideline for such an instance is 4 weeks which will be noted by the Disciplinary Committee in making a decision, haven taken account of any suspensions imposed (and served) or suspended suspensions currently in force which have been previously imposed by a player's club).
Following 2 incidents being dealt with by a Club, a 3rd incident regarding a player at that club will automatically cause a disciplinary Hearing to be called.
6. Mandatory reporting under the Laws
The Umpires after consultation are instructed to report transgressions under the following headings:
Law 18.5 - Deliberate short runs.
Law 42.3 - Changing the condition of a match ball.
Law 42.4 - Deliberate act to distract the striker.
Law 42.5 - Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsmen.
Law 42.6, 7 & 8 - Dangerous and unfair bowling
Law 42.9 - Time wasting by the fielding side.
Law 42.10 - Batsmen wasting time.
Law 42.11, 12, 13 & 14 - Bowler, fielder or batsman damaging the pitch.
Law 42.16 - Batsmen stealing a run.
Law 42.18 - Players' conduct.
Player failing to comply with the above Laws:
Suspension: MINIMUM period of 1 week.
The guilty player's captain is liable to be suspended for a period of a minimum of 1 week if it is found that reasonable steps were not taken to ensure compliance by the player.
Additional Notes
1. Clubs are expected to convene an internal club enquiry within 5 days following the day of the match where an incident(s) took place.
2. Suspensions will be imposed in weeks (7 days) commencing midnight Friday.
3. All matches within the auspices of the ECB during such period will apply.
4. Clubs and/or Disciplinary Committee will take into account the past history of a players' behaviour in deciding appropriate suspension.
5. Suspensions imposed for a period which extends beyond the end of the season will continue into the following season with specific dates defined as in 2 above.
6. The Disciplinary Committee will call on umpires, players, independent witnesses and any other person(s) whom they consider to be of assistance in their enquiries.