AXFORDS BOLTON CRICKET LEAGUE 2010

SENIOR SECTION

STANDING ORDERS

1. The decision of the Chairman shall be final on any point of order.

2. Any debate may be closed by a resolution. “That the question be put” being moved, seconded, and carried, such resolution now to be put to the meeting without debate; but no speech shall be interrupted for the purpose of proposing such a motion.

3. When the Chairman rises to speak, representatives shall immediately take their seats, and any member of the meeting who shall wilfully disregard the Chair after due warning, or shall be guilty of gross disorderly conduct in interrupting the proceedings of the meeting, shall be immediately suspended from further attendance at the meeting, or shall be dealt with by temporary or permanent suspension from the League.

4. Every resolution shall be put to the vote by a show of hands or by ballot. To satisfy the legal obligations of the Officers and Committee, a resolution to waive any League Rule in any particular circumstance may be adopted only with the unanimous consent of all Clubs.

5. The Committee has power to deal with any dispute arising out of the rules, or with any matter not provided for in the rules.

6. A player or club found to have committed an offence shall have the right of appeal to an Appeals Sub-Committee. Notice of appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the League Secretary within seven days of verbal notification of the decision of the Committee or Sub-Committee, together with a deposit of £100 (£250 if the club or player intend having legal representation, other than a member of the club’s committee, at the appeal). A copy of the notice of appeal must also be sent to the League or Sub-Committee Chairman as appropriate. Upon giving notice of appeal any penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the appeal. The appeal will be conducted under Rule 7(a), and any witnesses invited by the player or club must be named in the notice of appeal. A League or Sub-Committee representative and witnesses may be called by the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the original decision, and order the forfeit of all or part of the deposit if the appeal is unsuccessful. The decision of the Appeals Committee, or if no appeal of the original Committee or Sub-Committee, shall be final and binding.

7. A special Committee meeting may be called by four clubs provided the requests are made separately and in writing. Four days’ notice must be given.

8. One representative will normally be allowed from each club at Committee meetings. If a club wishes to send more than one representative to a meeting they must obtain the consent of the League Secretary, prior to the meeting. This consent will only be given in exceptional circumstances. Clubs represented by more than one member will be allowed one vote.

9. It is the responsibility of all clubs that they have appropriate insurance cover (public liability) for club officials, spectators and members of the public, and a condition as member clubs of the Bolton Cricket League that evidence is provided for those insurances and insurance for injuries to players. These must be forwarded to the League Treasurer by no later than the April League Meeting each year. Any club failing to supply such evidence by the aforementioned date will be fined £25 and will be required to explain its failure at the next League Meeting, when further sanctions may be imposed.

10. To ensure a duty of care to all players and officials in the League, the ECB ‘Safehands – Welfare of Young People in Cricket’ is adopted and will be implemented as directed by the ECB, along with any future versions of the Policy.

11. Clubs must appoint an administrator who has regular access to the Internet

GENERAL RULES

Name

1. The League shall be named “The Bolton Cricket League”. The League is a non-profit making organisation. In the event of its dissolution all monies will be distributed equally between the clubs.

 Colours

2. The colours of the League shall be Blue and Gold.

 Number of Clubs

3. The League shall consist of not more than 24 clubs. Applications will only be considered after any vacancies have been advertised.

4. All clubs shall conform to the rules of the League and maintain a standard satisfactory to the Committee, or shall be liable to a fine, suspension or expulsion from the League at the discretion of the League Committee in accordance with Rule 7(a). Complaints of any kind should be sent in writing to the League Secretary.

 Officers and Committee

5. The Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, the retiring Officers being eligible for re-election. All Officers of the League shall not be considered to be representatives of clubs. Nominations of President, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secretaries and Co-opted Members to be made not later than November 30th in each year, and to be written in ink on a list provided for the purpose. Three sub-committees will be set up covering Discipline, Grounds and Facilities, and Registrations and competitions, who are empowered to take appropriate action when written protests or complaints are received. The protests or complaints must be sent or handed to the League Secretary and copied to the sub-committee co-ordinator. These sub-committees are not intended to replace advisory sub-committees. Each sub-committee will be coordinated by a League co-opted member who will chair the meeting and will have a casting vote if there are an even number of votes cast. Deputy Chairmen will also have a casting vote. If the co-opted member is not available, the League Chairman or Secretary will ask another member of the sub-committee to deputise. Members of the sub-committee may not hear protests or complaints involving a club of which he is a member, or the outcome of which will have a direct bearing on his club in the 21 days following the hearing. This restriction in the preceding paragraph may be waived provided the tariffs in previously published guidelines are not exceeded.

The Chairman of each sub-committee shall have the power to issue a warning to clubs on receipt of a written report. In the case of Discipline this may take the form of a suspended ban or fine, in the case of G&F this may take the form of a ‘Notice of Improvement’ which will be taken into account at a subsequent meeting, and in the case of the R&C an order that records be brought up-to-date before the next match.

Each member of the sum-committee must be given a minimum of 48 hours notice of a meeting. If the notice cannot be given verbally, a message may be left by phone, e-mail or text. Three members will form a quorum. In the event of their being insufficient members of the committee to form a quorum, the Coordinator may co-opt a club official from the Handbook, who is not a member of one of the other two sub-committees. If a sufficiently urgent mutually agreeable date cannot he found, the hearing will take place on the next available Thursday evening, provided 48 hours can be given to all parties. Otherwise it will take place on the Tuesday of the following week. Disputes involving cup matches must be resolved before the next round is scheduled. Matters that are not urgent may be dealt with according to current ECB Guidelines. Each sub-committee will comprise six members. The G&F and R&C committees will have the Co-ordinator, plus five others nominated by clubs, and the Discipline committee the Co-ordinator, Umpires’ Secretary, plus, four others nominated by the clubs. No individual may serve on more than one committee, and two members of the same club may not serve on the same committee. Sub-committees will be elected in the following order, R&C, Discipline, G&F.

All protests by a member club must be made as per Rule 16. League Officials and other sub-committees may also bring matters to the attention of the sub-committees. There will be an Appeals and Review Panel Comprising the League Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Umpires’ Secretary subject to the constraints placed on the sub-committees, and with similar powers to co-opt. Clubs or bodies requesting an appeal or review should do so as per Standing Order 6.

Provided the Bolton League Rules and ECB Guidelines have not been broken, the A&R panel should only amend the original verdict if they feel the sub-committee have made an incorrect decision. However, if Rules, Guidelines or procedures have been broken at the time of or leading up to the original decision, the Appeal or Review will take the form of a re-hearing.

 Composition of Committee

6. (a) The League shall be governed by a Committee composed of the President, Treasurer and Secretaries/Representatives, one member from each club, two non-voting umpires representatives, and not more than three co-opted members, nine members to form a quorum. The co-opted members shall be elected by a majority of not less than 75% of those present and entitled to vote.

(b) The entire control and management of all League business shall be vested in that Committee, which may appoint such sub-Committees as may be deemed necessary.

(c) The chairman shall have no vote, save on the occasion when a casting vote is required.

(d) There shall be a £25.00 fine imposed on any club not being represented at a League Committee Meeting.

(e) Before taking office, all League and Junior officials, and Team Managers must have CRB Clearance, or have submitted a self-declaration form as required by the ECB. All qualified coaches must have CRB clearance.

Committee and Disputes

7.(a) If any question shall arise in connection with the League Competition, or any cup, tournament, or any other competition organised by the League, whether or not the same is already dealt with elsewhere, either in these rules or in the rules of any cup tournament or competition, the Committee (or any appointed sub-committee elected by the League committee, in the case of written complaints against players, the Disciplinary Committee), shall have full power to inflict such penalties on both clubs and players as they shall think fit, and their decision shall be final and (by way of example, and not by definition) such penalties may be either a fine, deduction of points, suspension or expulsion from the League, or any combination of them, and the amount of any fine, the number of points deducted or the period of suspension shall be at the absolute discretion of the Committee whose decision shall be final PROVIDED THAT’ before any such penalty is imposed:

(i) The League Representative or the secretary of the club against whom any complaint has been made shall be notified in writing of the complaint and shall be advised that in the event of the complaint being substantiated the Committee may act in reliance of its powers as contained in this rule; and

(ii) Shall be notified of the date, place and time when the Committee shall consider the complaint and shall be entitled to attend and listen to all evidence given in support of the complaint, to question any person giving any such evidence, to call evidence on their own behalf, and to address the Committee and comment on all points raised

(b) Any player whose membership is terminated by his own club for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible to play for any other club in the Bolton League during the same season.

7(c) if any club plays an unregistered/ineligible player then an automatic maximum points deduction will be imposed per game that the said player has played in plus any points that were awarded to them in the said game would be deducted.

Entrance and Annual Fees

8(b) An annual invoice will be presented to each club at the end of the Financial Year. If a balance is due to the League, it must be paid by 31st December or a 10 per cent surcharge will apply.

(c) Fines must be paid within 28 days of receipt of invoice, or a five per cent monthly surcharge will apply.

 Annual and Special General Meeting

9. (a) The Financial Year shall terminate on 30th September.

(b) Clubs shall receive notice of the Annual General Meeting at least one week before date of it.

(c) Special General Meetings may be summoned at any time by the Committee and shall be so summoned immediately upon any four Clubs delivering to the Secretary a written request on their behalf. Special General Meetings shall be summoned by giving notice thereof at least fourteen days immediately before the day appointed for the meeting, but this period may be abridged at the discretion of the Chairman if the urgency of the business to be discussed in their opinion so requires.

(d) Business to be conducted at a Special General Meeting shall be limited to those items set out in the Notice convening the Meeting and motions will be accepted if supported by a simple majority. Rules or Amendments to Rules may only be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting pursuant to Rule 12 or at a subsequent Meeting to which such business was specifically adjourned.

(e) At any General Meeting of the League (whether Annual or Special) each Club shall be allowed two votes in addition to Officers of the League   all of whom shall be entitled to one vote upon every question raised. In the case of equality of voting, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote The Secretary shall take minutes of the proceedings at all General Meetings of the League.

Committee’s Power and Rule Changes

10.  Rules, or Amendments to Rules, are made initially by the Committee but are subject to confirmation by the Annual General Meeting before they can become law.

Any proposed New Rules or Amendments to Rules cannot be accepted unless given to the Secretary in the form of written Notices of Motion. These must be discussed by the Committee at a meeting previous to the final meeting of the year. Club representatives will then consult their respective committees for advice before the final League Committee Meeting, when a vote will be taken on the respective motions. None of these will be accepted unless supported by a simple majority, and such that are accepted cannot be written into the Rules unless subsequently confirmed by at least a two-thirds majority at the Annual General Meeting.

GROUNDS, FACILITIES & COACHING

11. (a) Boundaries are to be clearly marked with a rope, white line and boundary markers, or a clearly defined gully.

(b) In first team matches, as a minimum requirement, the total, wickets, and last man and/or individual batsmen’s scores on the scoreboard must be updated after each run and at the fall of each wicket. The individual batsmen’s scores and overs must be updated at the end of each over.

(c) Clubs must provide mechanical mopping up equipment.

Lists of Registered Players

12. (a) At least seven days before the playing season begins all Clubs shall deposit with the League Registration Secretary the names, addresses and telephone numbers of their eligible playing members, plus dates of birth of juniors by means of the league’s registration forms. A player’s registration is cancelled if he plays League or competitive cricket elsewhere in the UK apart from exceptions in 13b.

(b) All accepted registrations shall continue until 31st March unless and until a player is transferred from one Club to another wholly in accordance with the requirements of Rule 17, fails to play for his Club for a period not less than three years, joins a club in another League, either as professional or amateur. The following exceptions to this rule shall apply: a) a player in full time education may play for his school, college or university team; b) a player may play in non-weekend league or social cricket.

(c) A player leaving the league may not return until 14 days after his first match in another league. A player joining a Bolton League club may not be released until 14 days after his first match in the Bolton League.

(d) Players transferred under this rule cannot apply for a further transfer until a period of one year has elapsed since the transfer. However, a player can appeal to the League Committee to reduce this period.

(e) No club (whether through its officials, members, or any other persons on its behalf) shall breach current LCB or League Cricket Conference rules on the transfer of players from other affiliated leagues.

RULES REPRESENTING PLAYERS

Eligibility of Amateurs

13.(a) A player shall not play for any club in the League Competitions unless he is a bona fide member of that club. For an amateur to be eligible for a match, the League Registration Secretary must be informed by registration form, by 9pm of the day previous to the match, in order for a registration to be made.

Registration of amateur players shall not be accepted after 9pm on the Friday preceding the first Saturday in August. A player shall not be considered a bona fide-playing member of a club in this League who is a registered playing member of a club not in this League. The registration of a member of a club not in this League shall not be accepted until he has left his former club and fulfilled all obligations to his previous club. No player shall play for more than one club during the season in the same competition except in case of transfer, as per rule.

(b) Each club shall nominate six First Team amateurs not later than the July meeting who cannot after that date return to play in the Second Team Competition. The Registration Secretary shall read out each list of names submitted, each list to be approved by the whole Committee. Players must have played in eight 2nd Xl games or three of the last six matches to be eligible for a 2nd team Championship play-off.

(c) No club shall be permitted to register any amateur player who is not normally permanently resident within the United Kingdom. A permanent resident is one who has been continuously resident in the UK for the period of nine months immediately preceding his registration, and is registered to vote in the UK. Ex-patriots shall also be eligible to play in the League.

Professionals

14.(a) Clubs must ensure they have a professional participating in every league match, subject to the following Rules, and provided the professional is not suspended. Only contracted professionals, not deputies require the prior approval of the League Committee, however a club may not register one of their own players as a deputy or a player not currently playing first team cricket in a 'professional' league.

(b) Each Club must negotiate a written contract with the intended Professional and shall be in the form adopted by the League Cricket Conference. Once registered, the Professional of each Club will be graded into one of the following three categories according to the highest status he has acquired during the 24 months prior to the start of the season:

          1        Club/Minor County

          2        County/State/Province

          3        Test/International

It will be the responsibility of each Club to declare the category into which they believe their Professional to fall, and the reasons therefore.

(c) A Professional shall not change his status to that of an amateur during the season without the consent of the League Committee.

(d) No Club shall approach another League club’s Professional with a view to engagement before July 21st of the current season.

(e) In the event of termination of Contract by Club or Professional, the said Club must sign a Replacement Professional for the remainder of the season. Such a Replacement Professional cannot be of a higher grading than the Professional he replaces. Any such Replacement Professional must satisfy the League that he is able to fulfil the conditions of Rule 14(a)

(f) The Deputy Professional must not be of a higher grading than the registered Professional unless the Deputy is a County/Ground Staff Professional

(g) A registered Professional unable to play in the Bolton League through injury/illness may not play for another Club without the permission of the League Committee.

(h) In the event of an Overseas Player being engaged as a Deputy Professional Clubs have a responsibility to ensure that a valid Work Permit is in existence

(i) A Deputy Professional for a registered Professional must be notified to the League Registration Secretary by no later than noon for Saturday and Sunday matches, and no later than 5.30pm for an evening match.

(j) No Club shall engage a Deputy Professional who is a regular registered Professional with another Club in the Bolton Cricket League.

(k) …Clubs playing without a professional will be fined 4% of the current minimum overseas professionals rate per match.

(l) The Professionals Contract of Employment shall include a clause whereby the Professional acknowledges that his employment is subject to the provisions of the League's Disciplinary Rules and that the Professional further acknowledges that he is aware that the League has adopted the ECB Disciplinary Rules and that the provision of such Model Rules have been brought to his attention.”

Protests

16(b) All protests made by a member club must be accompanied by a fee of £40, which shall be forfeited if the protesting club lose the case. A club protested against, and found guilty, shall pay such incurred expenses as are defined by the Sub-Committee.

A protest made by a member club shall not be entertained unless the League Secretary receives both fee and protest by Friday morning after the match. In the case of evening matches, the time allowed to protest shall be the morning of the fifth day following the termination of the match. The protesting club shall forward two copies of their protest to the Secretary, who shall at once forward one copy to the Secretary of the club protested against.

At any time, a League Committee member may bring any irregularity to the notice of the League Secretary to be dealt with by the League Committee in accordance with Rule 7(a).

Transfer of Players

17. The transfer of a player may only be withheld if there is any outstanding obligation by the player, and the transfer form must otherwise be signed within seven days of the signature of the player requesting the transfer.  No transfer shall be permitted after 9pm on the Friday preceding the first Saturday in August until the end of that season.

Objectionable Conduct

18. (a) The Bolton Cricket League adopts the Model Discipline Regulations as issued by the ECB, entitled Code of Conduct and Spirit of the Game, as a statement of principle and all clubs must ensure their members are aware of its contents.

(b) Both the Bolton League and its member clubs are aware of, and take note of, the ECB Guidelines issued in relation to the Recreational Game – Sentencing Guidelines and the Guidelines issued in relation to the Conduct of Hearings and Appeals. However, Bolton League rules take precedence in all instances.

(c) The Bolton League have empowered and appointed a Disciplinary Panel under Rule 6(b) to deal with all Disciplinary matters and the ECB Guidelines referred to in Rule 18(a) and (b) will receive due consideration by that Panel.

(d) The Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to consider any written report under the heading of ‘Objectionable Conduct’ forwarded by the umpires who must inform the captain or his deputy on the day of the match, preferably before leaving the ground that the report is being sent in. Club officials can only report matters outside the umpires' jurisdiction. The Disciplinary Secretary must receive such a written report within five days.

(e) The person(s) reported shall be subject to a disciplinary hearing and the date of that hearing together with details of the alleged offence shall be notified to the League representative or Secretary of the club concerned. It is the responsibility of the club to notify the persons reported. Any player that requests a personal hearing must request that personal hearing within 24 hours of his club receiving notification and the said hearing will take place by Wednesday of the following week.

(g) In instances where a player or players has been reported the player(s) may either state their case in writing or the player(s) is entitled to attend the hearing, as per the ECB Guidelines.

(h) The Umpires’ expenses of one match fee will be met by the League if they are required to attend an Appeals Hearing.

Collections

19. Collections shall be allowed for any player scoring 50 runs, 100 for professionals, performing the hat trick, or taking all ten wickets in a match or;

A collection shall be allowed for a wicket-keeper claiming five or more of the opposition (stumped or caught) in any one match.

A collection shall be allowed to be taken for any bowler taking five or more wickets during an innings – not more than 40 runs to have been scored off this bowler at the fall of his fifth wicket. No authorised collection shall be augmented from club funds.

Prize Qualifications for Amateurs

20. Batting Prizes: In First and Second teams a player must have batted in 13 League matches and scored at least 400 runs. Bowling Prizes: In First and Second Teams a player must have taken 40 wickets in League matches. Only League Matches to count for Averages and Prizes.

Gate Receipts and Admission to Matches

21. (a) Unless some other mutual arrangement is made during the first team matches, the home club in each case to have all gate receipts. All spectators who are not members of the home club must pay for admission, except Life Members and Vice Presidents of the League, who shall have free admission upon production of the Official Pass Card at all matches.

(b) Admission to grounds in First Team matches shall be Adults £2 and £1 for Juniors and O.A.P.s but the League Committee shall have power to vary this charge in exceptional circumstances.

Representative Matches

22. (a) The League shall in all cases have the first choice of players for Inter-League Knockout matches.

(b) Any player who is currently serving a suspension for misconduct may not represent the Bolton League.

(c) Senior and Junior Representatives matches should not be arranged when Bolton League matches are scheduled.

Cups, Trophies and Prizes

23. (a) The top club of the First Teams shall be awarded the Warburton Challenge Cup, The Championship Flag, and twelve prizes. The runners-up shall be awarded the Hulton Trophy and 12 prizes.

(b) The top club of the Second Teams shall be awarded the Howarth Challenge Cup, The Championship Flag, and twelve prizes. The runners-up shall be awarded the William Sandford Memorial Cup and 12 prizes.

(c) In the event of a tie for top place in either First or Second Eleven competitions, the championship shall be awarded to that team with the superior merit average over the whole season, calculated by runs per wicket against subtracted from runs per wicket for, based on all 26 league matches.

(d) Each club shall be awarded points relative to the League positions of their first, second and third teams, on the basis of one point for first position, fourteen points for last position. The club with the least number of points shall be awarded the Crumblehulme Cup. In the event of a tie, the number of League points obtained shall decide the winners.

Note: Teams finishing with equal points in the League table to be awarded equal points. For example, two teams equal second in their table to be awarded two points each. The team in fourth position would be awarded four points, not three.

(e) The Warburtons Trophy shall be awarded to the outstanding amateur player in the League as decided by the votes of the first team captains. In the case of a tie, the League Committee will choose between those players in first place.

(f) Trophies shall never become the absolute property of any club, but shall be formally handed to the representatives of the winning clubs on receiving sufficient guarantee of their safekeeping and return. In the case of any damage to any of the League’s trophies while in the possession of winning Clubs, the cost of any repairs to any trophy shall be met by the offending club.

(g) The trophies shall be returned to the League Curator three weeks before each final tie.

(h) Entry into the Lancashire Club Knock-out Competition shall be as follows: The top four clubs in the previous season’s final League Table shall enter, along with the Hamer Cup holders. Should the Hamer Cup holders be included among the top five clubs, then the team in fifth position shall gain entry. In the case of a tie on points for the final place, the club with the most wins shall take preference. If still inconclusive, the Club to have earned most League points in the matches between the two Clubs concerned shall be entered.

Special Competition

24. (a) A separate Table shall be kept for the last six matches in the First and Second Teams’ Competition, points as usual; and should two or more clubs tie for top place, then the club with most wins shall have earned the trophy, and if still inconclusive then a merit average shall decide the winners.

(b) The records of the eventual League Champions will not be included in the special competition.

(c) The winning club will receive a plaque.

Umpires

25. (a) The expenses to be paid to Umpires shall be determined by the League Committee no later than the League Committee meeting prior to the commencement of each season.

(b) Umpires must be paid immediately after the game.

MATCH RULES

26. (a) All matches must be played under the revised laws of the MCC and ECB directives except as otherwise provided for in these rules.

(b) All clubs shall play with the ball specified by the League Committee, and each club shall provide its own ball. A new ball shall be used at the start of each innings in all first team matches.

(c) Each club shall play home and away matches for the fixtures arranged, but the committee have power to vary this arrangement under special circumstances. League fixtures shall commence at 1.30pm, except those arranged to be played in April or during the last four weekends of the season, which will commence at 1pm. Matches in September will commence at 12.30pm. In the event of a 1pm start, all other times mentioned in these rules will be brought forward by 30 minutes, and all times by one hour for 12.30pm starts.

(d) Before the toss for innings, opposing captains must exchange lists of their eleven selected players, as per M.C.C. Law 1. This list must indicate players who are under 19. These players are subject to current ECB directives. Law 2 re substitutes shall apply; any substitute should be a registered player. Captains shall toss for choice of innings not later than 15 minutes before the time for the commencement of the match. From 30 minutes before the scheduled or rescheduled start of the match, if the captains disagree on the fitness of the ground, then the League appointed umpire (s) will make the decision as to whether play is possible. The pitch may be inspected before the final decision is made by the umpires alone. If the captains cannot agree, the League-appointed umpires can insist that the boundary be moved, provided that the minimum distance from the centre stumps to any part of the boundary is 25 yards. The umpires may not insist that the home club prepares another wicket. Once play has commenced, the Umpires shall be the sole judges of the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play.

(e) At the option of the captain of the side going to bat, the pitch may be rolled before each innings for not more than ten minutes before the official starting time, but such rolling must cease no later than two minutes before that time.

(f) (i) All matches shall be limited to a maximum of 100 overs (600 balls).  Both innings to be a maximum of 50 overs, or half the overs available in the case of a late start.

(ii) If play cannot be started at the scheduled time, the number of overs per side will be reduced by one for every full seven minutes of playing time lost. A match must consist of not less than 25 overs per side for a result to be obtained unless a result is obtained in less than 25 overs. Once the first innings has started it will be played to a conclusion (max 50 overs). From the start of the second innings, one over will be lost for every three and a half minutes or part of three and a half minutes. To calculate the runs required in the second innings divide the runs scored by the team batting first by the number of overs allowed. Calculate 60% of the above. Multiply this figure by the overs lost by the team batting second. Deduct this figure from the total of the team batting first. The run rate remains the same even if there are further interruptions in the second innings, but there must be a minimum of 25 overs bowled in the second innings for a match to be complete, unless the side batting second is bowled out or scores the runs in fewer overs.

 If there were no interruptions before the start of the second innings, the run rate following interruptions once a minimum of 17 overs in the second innings have been completed would be based on the full run rate in the first innings. If there were no interruptions before the start of the second innings, the run rate following interruptions in the second innings would be based on the full run rate in the first innings. The tea interval must not exceed 25 minutes; other intervals between innings must not exceed 11 minutes

Note: if tea is taken before play commences, a further two overs per innings will be added to the existing allocation. Alternatively a match may commence up to fourteen minutes beyond the time shown for a reduced over game.

(iii) When a late start is made, the re-arranged starting time shall be deemed to be the official starting time.

(g) The 50th over must commence within 3 hours 5 minutes of the start. Overs unbowled after this time will be deducted from the team’s allocation in their innings. In the second innings five runs will be deducted from the total of the side batting first for every over commenced after completion of the over in progress at 3 hours 5 minutes

(h) After play has commenced, the whole of the wicket will be covered in the event of an interruption due to rain. After play has commended the whole of the wicket and 10 yards by 10 feet of the bowlers’ run-up will be covered in the event of an interruption due to rain. At the request of either captain at the ground, the wicket must be covered in the event of rain from an hour before commencement of the match.

(i) No playing pitch shall be watered within 36 hours of the time for the commencement of a match.

(j) MCC Law 17(a): Practice will be allowed on an artificial wicket. No practice shall be allowed from five minutes before time for starting, until the end of the match.

(k) Each club shall be responsible for the full and correct recording of matches played.

(l) Clubs not ready to play shall be reported to the League Secretary.

(m) The home club is responsible for thorough preparation prior to the start of a match. This includes sightscreens being correctly positioned stumps pitched and sawdust available when necessary. When the sightscreen is on the field of play, suitable white boards must be placed along the front of the screen. The board then becomes the boundary. Failure to comply with these preparations will result in a fine against the home club, should that failure lead to a late start.

(n) The incoming batsman shall meet the outgoing batsman on the field of play.

(o) On completion of the match both captains and umpires must sign the scorebook, which should show the result, points allocation, and the names of all players who participated, or would have participated. Should he disagree with any of the details, a captain should refrain from signing the scorebook. The home club must phone the result to the Press Officer. After first team games the home club must forward a copy of both innings to the Records and Statistics Secretary. Failure to do so within 48 hours will result in a fine of £3 for each offence. Should he not agree with any of the details written thereon, the captain should refrain from signing the card but must note in both scorebooks that a protest may be considered. Results must be phoned to the Press Officer as per instruction on Page 8. Offenders will be fined £10. Repeated offences under this rule will be reported to the R&C Committee, who may impose additional fines or deduct points from the offending team, after a further warning has been issued.

(p) Any club not fulfilling any fixture under the auspices of the League, (be it a League match or a cup-tie) in any division of the League, shall forfeit the match, and shall be liable to a fine of a maximum of £150 plus expenses, as agreed by the League Committee.  In the case of a League match, the offending club’s opponents shall be awarded the maximum winning points available in that particular match. A team with fewer than eight players 30 minutes after the scheduled start shall be deemed to have not fulfilled the fixture. Clubs failing to fulfil a Second Team fixture shall have ONE point deducted from their First Team.

(q) In first and second team cricket at the instant of delivery, a minimum of four fieldsmen, plus the bowler and wicket keeper, must be within an area bounded by two semi-circles centred on each middle-stump (each with a radius of 25 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the wicket. In the event of an infringement the square-leg umpire shall call ‘no ball’.

(r) No League fixtures in any division shall be re-arranged except when senior cup matches affect junior matches.

(s) It shall be an instruction to groundsmen that the pitch markings should include a small mark/cross at the edge of the mown strip five feet in front of the popping crease. A mark shall be made on each bowling crease, 12 inches on either side of the centre stumps.

(t) Players shall not wear any garments, including headgear, which bear advertisements other than those of the Club’s sponsor. Any advertisement shall be restricted to breast pocket and shirt collar, and shall not exceed 4” square in measurement, unless the League Committee approve the sponsorship of a whole team.

(u) Any player Under 14 on September 1st of the previous year must have written parental consent to play senior cricket. Younger players are subject to current ECB directives, and may require approval from the League.

(v) All clubs must provide clean, secure, private accommodation for the umpires, which is not used for any other purpose during the match

(w) All umpires are to be marked on the official form, which must be received by the nominated person within seven days of the match. In the event that a club fails to submit an Umpires marking card within 10 days, a fine of £3.00 will be levied on each occurrence

(x) Clubs must display the current Fast Bowling Directive in both changing rooms and also on the club’s main notice board.

(y) The current ECB fielding regulations must be adhered to and enforced by the umpires and captains. (See Junior General Rules).

(z) In adult cricket a leg side wide should be called if a ball passes on the leg side outside the pads of the batsman standing in a normal guard position

(aa) All scoreboxes are to operate from 50 overs down and show the score required to win.

Chart Showing starting times and number of overs available.

Last over commencement in a reduced over game 

Note: if tea is taken before play commences, a further two overs per innings will be

added to the existing allocation.

Table to Show the Minimum Number of Over to be bowled in the Second innings

Method of Awarding League Points

27. Six points for a win, three points for a tie, two points where there is no result, no points for a defeat. One bonus point to a team dismissing their opponents in the second innings for less than 75% of their total. One bonus point for a team batting second who fail to equal or beat their opponents total, but score 75% or more of the total and have not been dismissed by the end of their innings. One bonus point for a team winning by 8 wickets or more in a match where both teams can receive the same number of overs. One bonus point for a team taking seven wickets or more in the second innings but losing the match. 

Hamer Cup Competition

28.(a) Match Rules (Rule 26) shall apply unless otherwise stated hereunder.

(b) In all rounds up to the Final, clubs shall be drawn for opponents. The first drawn in each pairing shall be the home team. In the first round, the first two clubs drawn shall have byes, but no club shall have more than one bye in seven years.

29. In the event of a tie there must be a fresh toss for choice of innings and either Club may make changes from the original eleven players chosen.

30. In the Final tie the venue shall be arranged by the League Committee.

31. Any club cancelling or refusing to play a Cup tie on the date or ground fixed, may be struck out of the Competition, and may be further dealt with by the League Committee.

32. Each competing team shall consist of bona-fide playing members of the Club, as eligible for League Matches, but no player (amateur or professional) may play with more than one club in the Cup Competition during the same season.

33. No amateur player registered after midnight of the Friday prior to the first match of the season shall be eligible to play in this Competition unless he has previously played in two League matches for his current club in that season. Any such player registered by a club prior to midnight of the day named above shall be allowed to play in all Hamer Cup-Ties, regardless of the number of League games in which he may have played.

34. No club shall engage a substitute professional who is already a recognised professional in the League. Any professional who is outside the League shall not assist more than one club in the same competition during the same season unless he be a Ground Staff Professional.

35. All Cup-Ties commence on Sundays at 1.00 p.m. and, if necessary, unless clubs choose to make alternative arrangements BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT, be continued on weekday evenings at 6.15pm commencing Monday. When a Cup-tie is continued on weekday evenings, the wicket shall be cut before each evening’s play, and may be rolled before each evening’s play. Substitute fielders will be allowed for players unable to participate in any part of a continued cup-tie. Only players who were eligible on the original date may play in re-scheduled matches. Law 2.5(c) Shall not apply. Should clubs wish to make alternative arrangements, these must be finalised and noted on the match card on Sunday. The tie must be completed not later than the Friday before the next round is due to take place. To accommodate this, Rules other than this may be amended by the consent of both clubs and notified to the appointed sub-committee. Matches may not take place when the Inter-League team have a Knock-Out or Trinity fixture. At the instant of delivery a minimum of four fieldsmen (plus the bowler and wicket keeper) must be within an area bounded by two semicircles centred on each middle stump (each with a radius of 25 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the wicket. In the event of an infringement, the square leg umpire shall call ‘No Ball’. The fielding circle should be marked by painted white ‘dots’ at five-yard intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a plastic or rubber (not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter. Rules 26(f)(ii) and 26 (g) do not apply to Hamer Cup.

36. The opposing captains must exchange lists of the eleven players selected and no substitute shall be allowed to bat or bowl. M.C.C. Laws 1 and 2 shall apply in both cases. A retired batsman may return at the fall of the next wicket. A player may not play for both first and second team in the same round of the cup when fixtures were originally scheduled to start on the same day, with the exception that second team players may be allowed as substitute fielders in a first team match. Any substitute fielder shall furthermore be a registered player.

37. All Hamer Cup Ties shall be played on a basis of 50 overs (300 balls) each side. Only one bowler may bowl more than 10 overs. The team scoring most runs shall be the winners of the tie. The Hamer Cup Final shall be played on a neutral ground.

38. Umpires shall be appointed as in League Matches. MCC Law 3.2 (change of Umpires) will not apply.

40. Medals or suitable trophies (12 of each item) shall be awarded to Cup Winners and runners-up.

41. In the ties prior to the Final, the home club shall take all monies, and pay all expenses.

42. Charges for admission shall be the same as for league matches.

43. In the Final, the net gate shall be equally shared by the League and contesting clubs.

44. Where scores are level at the end of any Hamer Cup-Tie, the side having lost the fewer wickets shall be the winner. If wickets lost are equal, then the match shall be declared a tie and shall be replayed with a reversal of venue. Should the Final Tie need to be replayed under this Rule, then the venue shall be selected by the League Committee.

Birtwistle Cup Competition (for 2nd teams)

45. (a) Hamer Cup rules shall apply, except no bowler may bowl more than 10 overs.

(b) (i) No player shall participate in a Birtwistle Cup second round tie unless he has played in at least two second team league games for the club during the current season. This rule is to be waived for junior players registered before the start of the season unless they have played for the first team during the current season.

(ii) No player shall participate in a Birtwistle Cup Semi Final unless he has played in at least four second team league or cup matches for the club during the current season. This rule to be waived for junior players registered before the end of April unless they have played more than two matches for the first team during the current season, and senior players registered continuously from the start of the season that have not played first team cricket during the current season, but must have played at least 1 second team league game

(iii) No player shall play in a Birtwistle Cup Final unless he has played in at least eight second team league or cup matches for the club during the current season. This rule to be waived for junior players registered before the end of May unless they have played in more than three matches for the first team during the current season, and senior players registered continuously from the start of the season that have not played first team cricket during the current season, but must have played in at least two second team games

(iv) Every match, including those not played, clubs must list the 11 players who have participated. The umpire(s) should then sign the scorebook.

46. In first or second rounds, it shall be optional for clubs to make a collection for admission charges. In Semi-Finals and the Final the Admission charges shall be fixed by the League Committee. The proceeds from the Final Tie shall be divided between the two competing clubs after deduction of expenses.

First Aid

47. All Clubs shall have a well-stocked First Aid box available at all matches to be inspected by any duly appointed ground Sub-Committee.

 INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES AND SCORERS

1. The umpires in charge shall be in attendance 30 minutes before the advertised time of start, and must see that the captains toss for choice of innings fifteen minutes before the determined starting time, the roller to be put on (if required) for ten minutes, but not to be on later than two minutes before the determined starting time except in case if unfavourable weather. Balls to be handed to umpires before the commencement of each innings.

2. Umpires’ jurisdiction ceases immediately they have signed the match sheet.

3. Two scorers, press man, two tally boys are the only people allowed in scorebox. Clubs will be disciplined if this is not adhered to.

4. Once play has commenced and the pitch has become unfit for play, surface water shall not be brushed from the pitch, but a light roller may be used over drying material for the purpose of removing excess water, providing that both captains agree, and under the supervision of both umpires.

Apparatus of the water-hog type may be used if available. On no account will surface-to-surface rolling be allowed.

5. Scorers should attempt to communicate with the umpires if they consider that an incorrect number of deliveries have been bowled in an over.

6. If both umpires consider an injury to a player to be serious or a blood injury, then the player will be instructed to leave the field of play for treatment. If it is a batsman then he will retire and return at the fall of the next wicket or the retirement of the next batsman. If he is one of the last batsmen at the wicket then 10 minutes will be allowed for treatment, after which the innings will be closed and the batting side will be deemed to be all out.

JUNIOR SECTION

  1. The Bolton Cricket League Junior Committee shall consist of the elected Junior Officials (Chairman, Treasurer, Minute Secretary, Age-level Administrators, and a Coaching Association Representative) together with one representative from each member club. The Junior Section officials shall be appointed on an annual basis at the Senior League AGM.

2. The Junior League Committee is a sub-committee of the main management committee of the Bolton League, and answerable to it.

3. The Junior Committee should consider Amendments to Rules regarding junior cricket, but none shall be proposed by it to the League A.G.M. unless supported by a two-thirds majority of members present and eligible to vote at a designated annual meeting. Such amendments must, however, be passed by the League A.G.M. by the requisite majority before they can become rules.

4. The Junior Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day running of Junior Cricket.

5. If Hamer/Birtwistle Cup matches overrun reserve days will be incorporated in the fixtures. Those fixtures unaffected will be fulfilled as published. The Age-Group Secretary in conjunction with the Junior Chairman and Secretary will confirm fixtures in this event.

6. A club playing in a LCB semi final or final or the ECB finals may replay their matches scheduled for that date, subject to the completion of at least half the other matches on the original date. Their Bolton League opponents will select the alternative date and venue.

7. Each member club shall pay a £100 subscription to the Bolton League by April 1st each year. That Junior Subscription shall be used by the League to promote Coaching Sessions in conjunction with the Coaching Sub-Committee.

8. Each club must provide a commitment to participate at each Age-level. However, the League Committee will allow any member club to opt out of one age-level in a season should a member club request such a decision prior to the January Junior Committee Meeting of that particular season. In such a case the club must discuss the situation with the Coaches Association, and the club concerned must implement any recommendations made following those discussions. Regular monitoring of an ‘opting out’ club will be carried out by the Coaches Association to ensure that the recommendations are implemented prior to the start of the following season.

9. The Section Administrators are responsible for ensuring that the Laws of Cricket and Bolton League rules are enforced, and for submitting results and League Tables to the local press on a regular basis.

GENERAL RULES TO APPLY TO ALL JUNIOR CRICKET

 1. In all Junior matches the umpires shall decide if a game should start, or continue when there is doubt with regard to the pitch or weather. If the umpires disagree then the status quo shall be maintained. Umpires should at all times bear in mind the safety of the players, and the damage likely to be caused to the pitch and to the club’s square if play starts or continues in adverse weather conditions.

The home team’s match official or manager shall contact the opposition if there is little or no chance of play, in order to save them travelling. However, if either team manager insists on inspecting the pitch, both teams and officials should be present and, if necessary, ready to play.

2. No player may play for more than one club in any one cup competition during the same season.

3. Clubs not attending a Junior Committee meeting shall be fined at the same rate imposed by the full committee under rule 6(d).

4. Result cards shall be completed by the winning team (or team with the most points) and forwarded to the appropriate secretary the day following the match. Failure to comply shall entail a fine of £1.00 for each offence. A further fine of £5.00 will be incurred for the third and all subsequent omissions. The home team shall submit the card if the match is tied or points equal. The result must be phoned/text or e-mailed to the Junior Secretary immediately after the match.

5. The winner of a cup-tie where scores are equal shall be the team, which has lost least wickets. If an equal number of wickets have fallen the game will be completely replayed with the venue reversed.

6. Excepting Junior Cup Finals, which must be played on grass pitches, all Bolton League Junior Cricket may be played on an artifical pitch if the home club so wishes. All grass pitches shall be prepared on the Club’s ‘squares’.

7. Rules applying to coaching during junior cricket matches: Under 13s and Under 11s – Coaching is allowed at any time during the match. Under 15s – Coaching is allowed between overs or at the fall of a wicket. Under 18s – Coaching is not allowed at any time during the match.

8. Overseas amateurs playing Senior cricket and league professionals may not play in junior cricket.

9. Matches shall be played on the dates assigned to them in the fixture list. However, in exceptional circumstances and with the Section Secretary’s permission venues may be reversed. All cup matches shall continue on the next available evening. Morning games shall commence at 10.00 a.m. or earlier by arrangement, and League matches not later than 10.45 a.m. Senior League Rule 35(a) regarding substitutes will apply.

10. Bonus points will not be awarded.

11. Each Club shall provide one umpire.

12. In case of protest re eligibility of players, the Senior General rule 16(b) shall apply.

13. Neutral or League Umpires shall officiate in all junior cup finals and play-offs.

14. In all junior matches, the home club shall ensure that a telephone and a fully stocked first aid kit are available and readily accessible at all times.

15. All players must be registered prior to playing.

16. Under no circumstances will a player who has kept wicket be allowed to bowl in the same innings or vice versa.

17. All junior players registered with the League Registration Secretary shall have to produce a copy of their birth certificate to the Chairman or Secretary of that club prior to being registered.

18. In the event of two or more clubs finishing on equal points at the top of a league table, the championship shall be decided by a play-off.

19. The finals of league cup competitions shall be played on the host club’s full-size playing area, the wicket being on the main square.

20. In all junior matches, the minimum distance of any part of the boundary from any part of the pitch shall be 25 yards.

21. A minimum of seven players is required to start a game (excluding Under 11s). A time limit of 30 minutes after the starting time to elapse before the opposing team may claim the game.

22. A minimum of three games must be completed for that day’s results to stand; otherwise all matches will be regarded as draws. This applies to U18’s, U/15s, U/13s and U/11s cricket.

23 Lancashire Knockout Qualification

The team that represents the Bolton League in the Lancashire Knockout shall be decided as follows:

(a) The team with the best average of points scored divided by games scheduled (as at May 26th 2009 (U/15) May 25th 2009(U13’s) and July 10th, 2009 (U/11).

In the event of equal averages of two teams or more then the following rule shall apply (only to those teams involved). The team with the best ratio of total runs (games scheduled) divided by total runs conceded (games scheduled). Within the dates of Rule 23(a).

24. Walkden Tournament Qualification

The top eight teams shall qualify for the Walkden tournament. If two teams are on equal points, the following shall apply. That team with the best ratio of total runs scored (games scheduled) divided by total runs conceded (games scheduled) as at August 20th shall qualify.

(b) Top eight clubs that qualify for the Walkden Festival must deposit with the League Treasurer anytime before the day of the Tournament the sum of £50.00.

Any Club failing to turn up or enter a team on the day of the Tournament forfeits their deposit to the League

25. Substandard umpires should be reported to the Competitions Committee via the League Secretary

26. Substandard junior facilities, including the pitch and playing area should be reported to the Ground Committee via the League Secretary.

ECB Fielding Regulations

 No young player in the U15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball.

For players in the U13’s age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres).

These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet.

Should a player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct he fielder to move back.

In addition any young player in the U16 to u18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and for boys an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 6 yards (5.5 metres) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.

These fielding regulations are applicable to all cricket in England and Wales.

 RULES FOR THE THIRD DIVISION COMPETITION

1. This competition shall be named the “Third Division Competition” and the teams shall play for the Sykes Challenge Cup. The runners-up shall receive the J. D. Bond Cup.

2. Only boys who have not attained their 18th birthday by September 1st of the previous year are eligible to play in this competition.

3. Evening matches shall be played on a suitable wicket and matches shall commence at 6.15 p.m. prompt, 6pm in August. Sunday matches shall commence at 2 p.m.

4. The match shall be 35 overs each side.

5. Before the toss for innings, the captains of each club shall exchange lists of eleven players. Only those players who are present at the Wednesday evening session of play may play on the Thursday.

6. Points shall be awarded as follows: Two points for a win, 1 point for a tie or incomplete match.

7. Each bowler in a 3rd team match shall be limited to seven overs. A batsman shall retire on reaching a personal score of 75. (Note: If the last scoring stroke takes a batsman past the 75 mark, the extra runs are to be credited to his score).

8. In the event of no play at all being possible on the first evening of a night match, clubs shall play a 20-over per side match on the second evening, play commencing as near to 6.00 p.m. as possible, the points system to be the same as U18’s Rule 6 e.g. 2-0, 1-1 etc

9. Qualification of prizes (League Matches Only), Batting 5 in and 250 runs, Bowling 12 wickets, Fielding – Wkts 5 catches.

JAKE TATLOCK TROPHY (3rd Teams)

 1. The Rules of this Competition shall be as for the League Competition, with the following additions and exceptions:

All ties shall be played on a basis of 40 overs (240 balls) each side. The team scoring the most runs shall be the winner of the tie. Each bowler shall be limited to 10 overs, and batsmen do not retire.

(b) Rule 8 of the Third Division Competition shall not apply to the Jake Tatlock Trophy.

RULES FOR THE UNDER 15’s LEAGUE COMPETITION 

1. This shall be named the “Under 15’s Competition” and all clubs shall play for the Baldwin Trophy. Only boys, who have not attained their fifteenth birthday by 1st September of the previous year, are eligible to play in the competitions.

2. The length of the pitch shall be 22 yards and a full size ball shall be used. All matches shall begin at 6 pm.

3. The duration of an innings shall be 20 overs but in order to achieve results the following shall apply:

(a) In case of a delay in starting, the number of overs shall be reduced by one over per side for every seven minutes of delay, to a minimum of 10 overs per side.

(b) The run rate for the first batting side shall be on their full innings and shall be based on their full allotted overs (i.e. a side declaring or dismissed shall be assumed to have batted full overs). The run rate for the second batting side shall be their score at the completion of the last full over divided by the number of full overs bowled. At least ten overs must have been completed.

4. (a) No bowler is to bowl more than five overs per innings.

(b) A batsman shall retire on reaching a personal score of 50 runs. (Note: If the last scoring stroke takes a batsman past the 50 mark, the extra runs are to be credited to his score).

5. Highest score wins, equal scores in completed game is a tie.

6. Two points for a win, 1 point for a tie or draw shall be awarded.

7. Prize Qualifications (League Matches only). Batting – Best average from minimum 5 Innings and at least 200 runs.

Bowling – Best average, with at least 12 wickets taken. Wicket Keeping – Most dismissals. Catching – Most catches (minimum of five, wicket keeping catches excluded).

MERVYN PORTER TROPHY (Under 15’s) 

The rules shall be as for the League Competition with the following additions and exceptions.

1. An incomplete game shall be completely replayed if less than ten overs of the first innings have been bowled. (Note: Rule 4b does not apply to Mervyn Porter Trophy Matches).

2. Rule 3 of the Under 15’s Competition shall not apply.

3. The Final shall be played on the basis of 25 overs each side, with no bowler allowed to bowl more than five overs.

RULES FOR THE UNDER 13’s COMPETITION

This shall be named the ‘Under 13’s Competition’ and clubs will compete for the Clitheroe Memorial Trophy, with the runners-up receiving the Lansdale Trophy. A Knock-out Competition will be held for all competing Under-13 sides, the winners of which will receive the Harrison Cup, with the runners-up receiving the Hutchinson Trophy.

Playing Rules

The laws of cricket shall apply with the following exceptions:

1. The pitch shall be 21 yards in length and the ball shall be four and a half oz in weight.

2. A player may represent his club in the competition if the player has not attained his 13th birthday by September 1st of the year prior to the season of the competition.

3. Each team will comprise 11 players.

4. Each game shall consist of one innings per side. Each innings shall be of 20 overs.

5. The duration of an innings shall be 20 overs but in order to achieve results the following shall apply:

(a) In case of a delay in starting (after 10am) the number of overs per side shall be reduced by one over for every six minutes of delay to a minimum of 10 overs per side.

(b) The run rate for the first batting side shall be on their full innings and shall be based on their full allotted overs (i.e. a side declaring or dismissed shall be assumed to have batted their full overs). The run rate for the second batting side shall be their score at the completion of the last full over divided by the number of full overs bowled. At least 10 overs must have been completed.

6. A batsman to retire when he has scored 30 runs.

7. No bowler is to bowl more than four overs.

8. No fielder to be within 11 yards of the stumps except behind the wicket on the offside.

9. Two points for a win, one point for a draw, tie or no result.

10. Matches shall commence at 10am or earlier by mutual agreement but must not continue beyond the over in progress at 12.30pm. Evening matches shall commence at 6pm.

11. Prize qualifications (League matches only). Batting: Best average from minimum five innings and at least 150 runs. Bowling: Best average with at least 10 wickets taken. Wicket Keeping: Most dismissals. Fielding: Most catches (minimum of five, wicket keeping catches excluded).

HARRISON CUP RULES

The rules shall be as for the League competition with the following additions and exceptions:

1. An incomplete game shall be completely replayed if less than 10 overs of the first innings have been bowled.

2. Rules 5 and 6 of the Under 13s Competition shall not apply.

3. The final shall be played on the basis of 25 overs each side, with no bowler allowed to bowl more than five overs.

UNDER 11’s COMPETITION 

This shall be named the ‘Under 11’s Competition’.

Playing Rules

The laws of cricket shall apply with the following exceptions and particulars:

1. The pitch shall be 20 yards in length.

2. The ball shall weigh 41⁄2 oz.

3.Games not played on a Wednesday evening will be played on Thursday Evenings.

4. A boy may represent his club in the Competition if he is under 11 on 1st September prior to the season of the Competition.

5. Each team shall comprise eight players.

6. Each game shall consist of one innings per side. Each innings shall be of 16 overs’ duration.

7.The batting side should be divided into pairs. Each pair bat for four overs. Pairs shall change at the end of the 4th, 8th and 12th overs

8. Batsmen shall have unlimited ‘lives’ but each ‘life’ shall result in six runs being deducted from the total. Batsmen shall change ends at the fall of each wicket except on the last ball of an over. In the event of a run out the striker shall return to the non strikers end, irrespective of which batsman was actually run out

9. Each boy on the fielding side MUST bowl a minimum of TWO overs, with the exception of the wicket keeper who is not allowed to bowl. No boy shall bowl more than three overs.

10. Each team shall commence its innings with a score of TWO HUNDRED RUNS.

11. The winning team shall be the side scoring the highest number of runs after deductions for the fall of wickets. In a game finishing in a tie, one point per team shall be allocated.

12. 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 offside.

13. In accordance with the Laws of the Game, a substitute shall only act as non-striker whilst his team is batting. (In such circumstances the ‘live’ batsman shall receive strike continuously). Such substitute shall only act as fielder whilst his team is fielding. Any over(s), which would have been bowled by the injured player, shall be shared between the remaining six fielders without exceeding their allocation. In the event of any team being unable to field eight players, the points or cup-tie shall be forfeited to their opponents. This rule shall also apply to the Walkden Tournament

CUP RULES - as above.