NORTH‑EAST MID‑WEEK CRICKET LEAGUE; LAWS Updated 2011

 

LAW 1 The League Constitution

The North‑East Mid‑Week Cricket League, henceforth referred to as the "League" will comprise of at most five Divisions, I, II, III, IV and V each of 8 teams but up to 12 teams may be entered into the lowest division with a suitable modification of the fixtures. A promotion and relegation will operate at the end of each season, involving the lowest two teams from Divisions I, II, III and IV and the top two teams from Divisions II, III, IV and V. If there are ten or more teams in the lowest division then three teams will be promoted to the division above and three teams will be relegated from that division.

 

A League Committee will be formed by one representative from each team, usually their Club Secretary. Additional members are invited to attend committee meetings but only one member per Club may vote. Meetings of the League Committee will usually be held in February, April and September. The first meeting in the calendar year will be the Annual General Meeting of the League. Each team must be represented at all meetings or else a fine of 5 per absence will be levied.

 

The annual membership fee for each Club shall be 40, to include the entry to a League knock out Cup competition of Law 1.1 and a buffet which will be provided for the League Presentations following the End of Season Meeting. Clubs will be asked to confirm their intention to enter the Cup competition but no rebate will be given to those not entering. Fees are due to be paid to the Hon. Treasurer at or prior to the AGM and will be increased by 5 for each subsequent month that they are not paid. At the AGM, or as proves necessary by resignations, the League Committee will elect the following Management Committee (MC) who are to be concerned with the detailed running of the League between meetings of the League Committee. All retiring officials are eligible for re‑election.

 

-       President

-       Secretary and Treasurer

-       Five off Divisional Officers

-       Information Secretary

-       WebMaster to control the web site www.midweekcricket.com

-       Chairman of Selectors for the President's XI

-       Representative at meetings of the Northumberland Cricket Board Ltd. (NCB)

-       Up to a maximum of five further Management Officers/Advisers.

 

Each of the Divisional Officers will oversee the fulfillment of fixtures in a manner consistent with recreational cricket and liaise with the Information Secretary regarding monitoring of progress and any issues arising in their Division. The MC will be responsible for arranging a Presentation Evening to be held in September after the end of the season. The NCB Representative or another member of the MC will represent the League at NCB meetings.

 

LAW 1.1 A League Cup competition will be held, this will be on a knock-out basis and will henceforth be referred to as the "Cup". Entry to the Cup is optional. The League will provide funds for the staging of the Cup Final. The date of the Cup Final will be fixed at the AGM or as soon afterwards as is practicable. Only Clubs able to play on that date, generally the penultimate Sunday in August, should enter the Cup. The draw made at the April meeting will include a template defining the pairings of the first round and all subsequent games to be played in the competition. The Information Secretary will supervise progress of matches.

 

LAW 1.2 An application to join the League must be made at or before the AGM by each Club who must submit their Club Particulars Form giving at least three contact names/telephone numbers and also specifying their Club Welfare Officer who should be qualified/ in the active process of obtaining qualification to ECB standards (see www.ncb.play-cricket.com). The Club Welfare Officer will advise and ensure that Safeguarding of youngsters and vulnerable adults is being adhered to in the Club. It is the responsibility of the Club (not the League) to ensure that their nominated CWO is/will be fully qualified for the post. Acceptance to the League will also depend on the payment of the membership fee and on there being no fees, fines or other outstanding amounts from the previous season. Dues from the previous season must have been paid by one full day prior to the AGM (see also Law 14).

 

LAW 1.3 Clubs who wish to join the League when a vacancy occurs will be referred in the first instance to the MC. If the League structure is full, approved Clubs may be invited to include their team particulars in the Fixtures Booklet with a view to their arranging friendly fixtures, and entering the Cup competition. Donation of one half of the League fees will then be invited.

 

LAW 1.4 When the playing season has commenced, any vacancy which arises will not be filled until the next season. If a team withdraws from the League leaving 5 or more of their fixtures undecided according to either LAW 8 or Law 7.3 then the record of that team will be expunged, as will all points awarded to opposing teams. If less than 5 fixtures are undecided then points in lieu of the outstanding fixtures will be awarded to the opposing teams by the MC. The withdrawn team will be deemed to fill one of the relegation positions from their Division. Promotion of teams from the immediately lower Division will occur as usual but then additional teams from still lower Divisions will be promoted as necessary to fill all vacancies in a higher Division. The promotion process will be automatic and Clubs will not be given a choice to accept or decline the progression to a higher Division.

 

LAW 2 League Fixtures and Cup Ties

For each league fixture or scheduled Cup tie, secretaries of each Home Club must contact their opponents' Secretary as early as possible and certainly by the Monday of the week prior to the scheduled fixture so as to CONFIRM the precise evening and venue. The Away Club should report to the League Officer a Club who do not confirm their home evening. All secretaries should take great care to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding the date of the fixture and to confirm the venue. This is most important because it causes great inconvenience if a team fails to turn up, arrives on the wrong night or at the wrong ground. The cost of hiring grounds makes it an absolute necessity to observe this guideline. See also Law 2.5.

 

When the Home Club declares the day for their fixture, the Away Club has the right to refuse to play on a Bank Holiday; unless both Clubs wish to play on a Bank Holiday, the Home Club should make alternative arrangements in advance.

 

Postponements can only be made due to unfit ground conditions, and in such cases, the Divisional Officer or (if unavailable) the Information Secretary must be informed of the postponement WITHIN ONE WEEK by the Home Club; see also LAW 2.1. When a fixture is postponed due to the ground being unfit, then the fixture must be rearranged to be played by the Friday of the FOURTH WEEK following or by the Friday ONE WEEK after the scheduled end to the League season, whichever is the sooner. See also Law 3.1.

 

The Home Club must submit to the Information Secretary a result card stating the fixture date, unfit ground and the agreed new date and venue, else indicating that this information will be supplied as soon as the rearrangement is agreed. NB Law 9.1. In the event that the rearranged fixture is also postponed due to the ground being unfit then the previous paragraph again applies. There is no limit to the number of times that a fixture can be rearranged within the League season. For each rearrangement, a card must be submitted by the Home Club. NB Law 9.1. If Clubs can not agree to a rearrangement within a permitted time-frame then one point per team will be awarded (as per Law 8). NB Law 9.2.

LAW 2.1 Procedure for postponed fixtures: The Home Club must offer the Away Club at least two alternative dates for a postponed League fixture. These dates must not all be in the same week and must not conflict with scheduled League fixtures or previously arranged Cup matches. The Away Club must choose one of the dates and the Home Club must then inform the Information Secretary of the rearranged date. Failure by either to Home or the Away Club to comply with this Law and avail themselves for the fixture will result in the Club being fined 5; Law 2.3 will also apply.

 

If a second postponement occurs then the two teams may decide upon a further, mutually acceptable date within the new extension period. The Information Secretary must be kept informed and a scorecard submitted. If an agreed date is not kept by either team then LAW 2.3 will apply. The League Officer must be informed immediately of any contentious issues.

 

LAW 2.2 Procedure for Cup ties: The first two rounds of the Cup competition will be played in the scheduled weeks with the Home Clubs selecting the night of the week for the tie to be played. For any tie which is postponed from the first two rounds (including a second round tie still awaiting a first round result) or for any subsequent tie, the Home Club must offer the Away Club at least two alternative dates, as per the procedure of Law 2.1. Scheduled League matches are to take priority over Cup games.

 

LAW 2.3 If failure to observe LAW 2 results in a league fixture not being played, the offending team will have 5 points deducted and the non‑offending team will be awarded 8 points in lieu of the fixture. In the case of a Cup fixture the tie will be awarded to the non-offending team. A Club which violates LAW 2 more than once in a season will be liable, at the discretion of the MC, to expulsion from the League. A conceded or defaulted fixture is classed as a win for the offended team.

 

LAW 2.4 There is to be no playing of games for "double points" with the intention of fulfilling two league fixtures with one match but, if both Clubs agree, then a Cup tie can played as a double header with a league match.

 

LAW 2.5 In the event of a Club conceding a League or Cup fixture, for whatever reason, a 5 will be imposed by the League. Furthermore, if the Away Team subsequently concede at less than SEVEN days notice a game which has been reconfirmed by the Home team then the offended Club is invited to submit to the League Secretary, within four weeks of the scheduled fixture, receipted actual grounds costs incurred through loss of the fixture. If the MC agrees that these costs are consistent with expected costs for the ground, the offending Club will be expected to reimburse such costs via the League Secretary. LAW 1.2 (as for dues) and LAW 14 (fines) will apply to this fine and also to any ground costs arising.

 

LAW 3 Match Start up; umpires and Team Cards

Matches should commence as soon as can be arranged in the evening and as agreed by the Secretaries in confirming the fixture. Both captains must be ready, i.e. prepared to take to the field, at the latest by 6:15 pm. to toss a coin to decide the order of batting. If a team is not ready by 6:15 pm they will be deemed to have lost the toss and must bat or field as requested by the non‑offending team. Both teams must then be ready to take the field by 6:30 pm at the latest, the batting side providing the two umpires if neutral umpires, acceptable to both sides, are not available. If a minimum of 7 players is not ready at 6:30pm Law 2.3 will be invoked as per violation of Law 2.

 

LAW 3.1 If agreeable to both Clubs, fixtures can be played BEFORE the scheduled week. Furthermore, with the agreement of both Clubs, fixtures may be played on a Saturday or Sunday at an agreed start time. The Home Club should notify the League Officer of the arrangement. For weekend games all Laws apply and in Law 3, for 6:15 pm and 6:30 pm respectively, read 15 and 30 minutes after the agreed start time.

LAW 3.2 Although having neutral umpires is not a general League requirement, but see Law 12.1, the employment of at least one neutral umpire is encouraged. Teams may request neutral umpires for any game. If both sides are in agreement, then they shall be equally liable for all associated costs. If one team refuses to agree to neutral umpires, the other team can insist, but shall then be liable for all associated costs. If only one neutral umpire is available, then he should, if willing, move in the field to remain at the bowler's end, with the other umpire standing at square leg.

 

A neutral umpire is expected to be someone of integrity who has a good understanding of the Laws of the game, i.e. no necessarily having any formal umpiring qualifications. The League will supply a list of neutral umpires who may be available for mid-week games. This is not to be regarded as an exclusive list and Clubs are invited to seek the approval of the League officer to add further names to the list during the playing season. Such additions will be announced promptly via the information bulletins and the website.

 

LAW 3.3 Aid to Safety and for the Umpires & Scorers In all league games and cup fixtures, prior to the toss of a coin, both teams must submit a team card which highlights any of their players, if any, who are classed as being Under 18 as of August 31^st in the year preceding the current season. The cards should be submitted to the neutral umpires, if in attendance, else exchanged by the two teams representatives who perform the tossing of the coin. Note that Under 18s must wear a helmet and a box, must not field in a vulnerable position (see Notes following on Junior Players) but are not subject to any bowling restrictions. Cards will be distributed at the April meeting and are also available for downloading: http://static.ecb.co.uk/files/team-sheet-2007-1769.pdf.

 

The Cricket Board and the League strongly advise that all clubs should be following the Safeguarding Children guidelines and the Laws of Cricket (Law 1, Section 2, Nomination of Players) with regards to informing the officials and opposing team of who is in their team.

 

LAW 4: Unless otherwise stated herein, MCC Laws will apply.

 

LAW 5 Match Duration

All League games shall be played with a maximum of 30 overs or a minimum of 10 overs for each side. The overs to be bowled are to be EIGHT ball overs (note this is now outside of the MCC Law 22) and an EVEN number of overs shall be agreed. The duration of the game, i.e. the number of overs, is to be decided by both captains prior to the commencement of the game with due concern for the conditions and start time. The captain of the Home Club is to have the final decision.

 

LAW 5.1 The maximum allowed to each bowler in a match of 20 or more overs shall be 5 overs; in a match of less than 20 overs, the maximum shall be 4 overs; in a match of 12 or less overs, the maximum shall be 3 overs. For the Cup Final, see Law 13.1.

 

LAW 6 For Ground, Weather and Light, reference M.C.C. LAW 46.

 

LAW 6.1 The official decision time for games likely to be weather affected is 4.00 pm. However, when teams are in agreement, the time of the decision can be delayed to suit, in the hope that the fixture can proceed.

 

LAW 7 Players

No player may play for more than one Club in the League or Cup fixtures in any one playing season unless one of the following three conditions is fulfilled:

 

-       If a player wishes to transfer from his present League Club to another Club within the League then seven days' prior notice must be given to the League Secretary or Assistant Secretary and approval obtained. Any player may make ONLY ONE permanent transfer during the playing season.

-       If a player wishes to "guest" for one other League Club he may do so provided that he is approved by, FIRSTLY, in the case of a League Fixture the Divisional Officer or (if unavailable) the Information Secretary or in the case of a Cup fixture the League Secretary or (if unavailable) the Divisional Officer and, SECONDLY by the opposing Club Secretary.

-       A maximum of one guest player per team shall be observed in any fixture.

 

Clubs not complying will be fined 10 and have five points deducted on each count.

 

LAW 7.1 No professional players are to be eligible for League or Cup matches. Herein a professional is defined as one who, in the opinion of the MC, "has received any significant inducement to play cricket, either in the UK or overseas, in the previous three years".

 

LAW 7.2 If a question of eligibility is raised then the captain of the accused team must arrange for the Club to prove eligibility to the League Officer, to his satisfaction, within a week.

 

LAW 7.3 For each violation the offending club will be fined 10. In a League match, for each violation, a team fielding a professional player will have five points deducted. League bonus points in accordance with Law 8 will still stand. Consolation points will be awarded to the opposing team, limited to a maximum of eleven points in total awarded for the fixture. In the case of a Cup game the fixture will be forfeited.

 

LAW 7.4 Bowlers shall be expected to make every effort to wear whites. A batsman shall be entitled to complain to the umpire if a bowler's outfit causes difficulty in him/her seeing the ball. Best efforts should then be made by the fielding side to remedy any such problem to the satisfaction of the umpires. Any applications of this Law should be reported on the score card and will be monitored.

 

LAW 7.5 The League will not tolerate threatening or violent conduct on/off the field. Any player found guilty, in the opinion of the MC, of a threatening or violent act will be banned for a minimum of one game. The MC will determine the appropriate ban, which could be from a minimum of one match to a lifetime ban, based upon the severity of the incident. Any player found guilty of an act of violence shall incur, per occurrence, a fine of 10 and 5 points deduction (League fixtures) for their Club.

 

LAW 7.6 Banned Players. Any player known to be banned by any cricket league (or informed to the MC by a member club) is automatically banned from playing in either a Cup tie or League fixture for the duration of the ban and must not be selected by their club. Clubs failing to comply with this law in a league fixture will be fined 10 and have five points deducted on each count and these points will be awarded to the opposing team. In the Cup, the tie will be lost by default. In accordance with ECB policy, names of banned players will not be openly published.

 

In the case of no formal notification being obtained from the league concerned, a phone call, email or letter to the MC will be sufficient to confirm the status of any such ban which will be imposed with immediate effect. Furthermore, when the MC is dealing with any form of disciplinary issue, then any MC member with a direct link to the team/player involved, should have no input into any subsequent discussion or associated decision making process.

 

LAW 7.7 Ground and Risk Issues. Individual members of the League take part in fixtures at their own risk. The League are not liable for any injury arising in any fixture, including any injury caused, either directly or indirectly, from ground and/or weather conditions, once the neutral umpires or (if none in attendance) the two captains have agreed to commence the fixture. It is the responsibility of individual Clubs to make their members aware of the advisability of having suitable personal accident insurance. NB see Additional Guidance Notes regarding junior players and also reference to the SAFE HANDS initiative.

LAW 8 Results and League Points Awarded

Clubs are reminded also of LAW 5, which states that a minimum of 10 overs per innings shall be agreed at the start of the game. If either a League fixture or a Cup tie is started but has to be abandoned before the end of the agreed number of overs (and see also Law 8.1), after all reasonable efforts have been made to complete the game, then the following applies:

 

EITHER The match is abandoned BEFORE half of the agreed number of overs of the second innings have been bowled. Then in this case:

-     for a League fixture the match is drawn and 2 League points are awarded to each side. Bonus points are awarded for the first innings only and only if the first innings has been completed. Or

-     for a Cup tie, the match must be replayed.

OR either a League fixture or Cup tie is abandoned WHEN AT LEAST half of the agreed number of overs of the second innings have been bowled and the result is then decided by comparing the scores:

- after the last completed over of the second innings, and

- in the first innings after the same number of overs had been bowled.

 

In a League match, points are then awarded as appropriate. Bonus points are awarded for the first innings, if completed, and for the second innings if at least half of the agreed overs have been bowled. As a consequence of the above, scorers must record the score after each over of the first innings; this should be a matter of course in all games.

 

League Result Points See also Law 2.3.

- Win: 5 points.

- Tie, i.e. both teams scoring the same number of runs

in a completed game: 2 points to each team.

- Match not commenced due to unfit ground and not re‑arranged: 1 point to each team.

 

LAW 8.1 League Bonus Points

a) Batting Points

‑Team scoring an average of 10 runs per over bowled: 3 points or

‑Team scoring an average of 8 runs per over bowled: 2 points or

- Team scoring an average of 6 runs per over bowled: 1 point.

NB. Overs bowled is to include the final over of the innings even if only one ball of that over has been bowled. The second innings is terminated immediately the batsmen complete the winning run or the ball crosses the boundary, whichever occurs sooner.

(b) Bowling Points

‑Team taking 10 wickets or opponents all out: 3 points

‑Team taking 7 wickets but less than 10 wickets: 2 points

‑Team taking 4 wickets but less than 7 wickets: 1 point.

 

LAW 8.2 A game can only be abandoned due to ground/weather conditions.

 

LAW 8.3 A team that refuses to continue with a game, for any other reason, shall be deemed to have conceded the game. If the first innings is completed then bonus points and man of the match for both sides will be awarded. The willing team will have 5 points awarded; the conceding team will have 5 points deducted and future conduct monitored.

 

Where there is any controversy, including extreme cases where a team feels that they could not have continued the game, a written report can be accepted by the MC after the completion of that game, for the purposes of review and/or appeal. To be considered, any written report must be received no later than the Saturday following the scheduled week of the fixture; perhaps announcing further details to follow as soon as they have been collated. The MC's decision will be final. See also Law 7.5.

LAW 9 Score Cards

Team captains shall agree the final score before leaving the ground. The score card shall be completed and signed by a representative from EACH team and forwarded to the Information Secretary by the WINNING team as soon as possible. Full names of the best performers please. Clubs may either post or email a scanned in copy of the signed scorecard. This latter option is encouraged so as to aid prompt reporting. A facility also exists via the website but a copy of the signed scorecard is also required.

 

LAW 9.1 A 5 fine will be imposed if scorecards are not submitted by the winning team WITHIN ONE WEEK following the playing of a League fixture or Cup game. If the scheduled or rearranged fixture is not played and an informative scorecard is not submitted WITHIN ONE WEEK (see Law 2) then a 5 fine will be imposed on the Home Club whose responsibility it is to inform the Information Secretary. This is to encourage all Clubs to keep the MC informed, to keep the League Table up to date and to avoid late claims for alleged defaults.

 

LAW 9.2 In the event of a fixture not able to be rearranged, a scorecard claiming one point per Club in lieu of the fixture, in accordance with Law 2, should be submitted to the Information Secretary by the Home Club immediately following the current period in which the game could have been played. Failure to submit a card will result in the awarding of one point per Club in lieu of the fixture and Law 9.1 will apply.

 

LAW 10 League Positions

All League divisional positions will be decided on a basis of points totals. If two Clubs have the same points total, the higher placed team will be decided on the basis of number of wins (including defaults). If this is the same then the higher number of batting points will decide, or else the total number of runs scored will decide.

 

LAW 11 Trophies

The Management Committee will arrange for provision of a cup for the winner of each Division of the League and for the Cup competition and a shield for each of the divisional runners up and the losing finalists in the Cup competition. An evening for presentations will be arranged.

 

Law 11.1 The holders of the cups and shields from the previous season must return them to the League Secretary before or at the final (September) meeting of the League for the current season. Failure to return a trophy by this time will incur a fine of TWENTY POUNDS, 20.

 

LAW 12 Cup Ties

Cup ties, with the exception as specified below for the Cup Final, will be played in an evening, with the number of overs and conditions as specified in LAWS 5, 6 and 7 for League fixtures. In the case of LAW 7 being violated, the tie will be forfeited.

 

LAW 12.1 Prior to a Cup Quarter‑ or Semi‑Final, the opposing teams will be responsible for arranging for two neutral umpires. The MC can assist in obtaining suitable umpires.

 

LAW 12.2 As per Law 8, a result will be obtained in an uncompleted Cup tie (including the Cup Final) if half of the agreed number of overs is bowled in the second innings. If this many overs cannot be bowled then the Cup tie must be replayed.

 

LAW 12.3 If a Cup tie is tied by a leveling of the scores, then the winning team will be the one, which has lost fewer wickets. If however this is not a deciding factor then the runs totals and possibly wickets after 10 overs will decide. In the case of the Cup Final the scores after half of the number of overs being played will be compared. In either case if the compared scores are the same for both sides then the scores after 2 less, 4 less, etc. overs will decide. It is therefore necessary to agree and record the score after each over.

 

LAW 12.4 For Cup games the Secretary of the winning team will inform the Information Secretary of their victory as soon as practicable to enable matches of a subsequent round to be arranged expediently. Note that LAW 9 also applies.

LAW 13 the Cup Final

The Cup Final will be played on a Sunday with a prompt 1:30 p.m. start and shall be of 30 off 8 ball overs for each side unless the Captains agree a shorter match. The League will provide a new ball for the start of each innings; should these be damaged or lost then the fielding side will be expected to provide a suitable replacement ball.

 

LAW 13.1 The maximum allowed to each bowler in a match of 26 or more overs shall be 6 overs; in a match of 21 to 25 overs the maximum shall be 5 overs; in a match of 20 or less overs the maximum shall be 4 overs.

 

LAW 14 Fees and Fines

Fine shall be due no later than the end of the month in which it was issued. All fees and fines will be increased by 5 for each full calendar month that they remain unpaid.

 

LAW 15 Website www.midweekcricket.com

The website will be run by the Webmaster and input must comply with a set of agreed Terms and Conditions. Contentious or offending material will not be tolerated. The Management Committee will also monitor the site; any offending Club will have their input facility withdrawn.

 

Clarification of the MCC Laws of Play as adopted by the League:

Wide Ball, MCC Law 25: If the ball passes out of the reach of the batsman standing in a normal guard position whether through height or width the umpire should call and signal a wide ball; one run is scored. The reach of the individual batsman must be considered. If the batsman brings the ball within his play by moving and then misses the ball then this no longer constitutes a wide. On the other hand, the batsman cannot make a wide by moving away from the line of the ball. The range of strokes on the leg side determines that the width of delivery required to be a wide is less. As a general guideline, the League recommend that a wide is a ball which passes the line of the stumps, without any contact being made and without the ball passing over or under the bat, outside of either (on the off side) three feet from off stump or (on the leg side) one foot from the leg stump.

 

No Ball, MCC Law 24: To avoid bowling a no ball the back of the front foot whether grounded or raised must be behind the popping crease, i.e. the back edge of the crease. The part of the back foot which touches the ground first must be within the return crease or its forward extension, i.e. the inside of the crease marking. See examples in the figure supplied.

 

Bouncers, Law 42: If, in the umpire's opinion, a fast short pitched ball which passes or would have passed the batsman at above head height in his normal stance then:

- For a first offence: a no ball should be called and signaled and the bowler cautioned. The other umpire, fielding captain and batsmen should be alerted to this occurrence.

- If a second offence occurs by the same bowler then the action is as for the first offence but the bowler should be told it is his final warning.

- At a third occurrence a no ball again applies and the fielding captain informed that the bowler can not bowl again in the innings.

- If an over needs to be completed by a different bowler then that bowler must not have bowled the previous over and must not bowl the next over.

NEMWCL variation: the square leg umpire CAN call the no ball.

 

Beamers, Law 42: NEMWCL variations: Every full pitched ball, i.e. a ball which passes or would have passed above waist height of the batsman standing in a normal position, is a no ball. The procedure as for Bouncers applies. The square leg umpire CAN call the no ball.

 

LBW Fundamentals: The ball must not have touched the bat before it hit the pad and it must, in the opinion of the umpire, have been going to hit the wicket. The ball may have pitched anywhere except outside of leg stump. If the impact is outside of off stump then if the batsman tried to hit the ball he is not out, but he can be given out if no stroke is offered.

 

Additional Guidance Notes:

Players are reminded that the League constitution is intended to be that of a recreational league, i.e. 'friendly league', albeit a competitive league. Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it is expected to be played not only within the laws, but also within the spirit of the game. The conduct of individuals and especially of their team captains, upon whom the major responsibility falls, should reflect this fundamental point. The participation in the League by players of a widely varied standard of ability and age is to be encouraged by considerate play. Clubs violating the spirit of this guidance should be reported to the Management Committee.

 

Regarding particular fixtures where problems have arisen in the past, it is recommended that the Clubs involved should consider arranging for at least one neutral umpire. The League Officer, or Information Secretary in the case of a Cup fixture, would assist the Clubs to obtain suitable umpires and a suggestion list is included in the Fixtures Booklet. The associated expenses for the provision of the umpires must be met by the Clubs involved in the fixture. The umpires are sole judges of fair and unfair play and may intervene at any time, whereupon it is the responsibility of the team captains to take action where required.

 

It is pointed out that the agreed number of overs to be bowled in a fixture should be realistic, with due consideration given to the anticipated time-span for suitable light conditions. It is important for matches to be completed in conditions which are reasonable for both batting and fielding. If agreed by the Clubs involved, the playing of fixtures at weekends or in advance of the scheduled week is permitted.

 

The cricket balls to be used should be Grade A balls in good condition and reasonably light in colour, especially on a relatively dull evening. The base colour should normally be red but, with the agreement of both teams, other colours e.g. orange, yellow or pink can be used.

 

Professional players are not eligible to play in either League or Cup. Regarding the playing of Guests, as defined in the Laws of the League, Clubs are reminded that the prior permission of the opposition and the League Officer (Information Secretary for Cup ties) is required. This Law is not intended to permit the sudden introduction of a player of significant quality at the expense of a regular Club squad player; rather it is to enable a full team to be fielded on occasions when the regular players are unavailable.

 

It is the Home Club's responsibility to try to provide a suitable scoreboard which is clearly visible from the field of play. If a scoreboard is not available then the score at the end of each over should be relayed to the field and confirmed by the umpires. No retrospective changes are to be made. Sight screens, if available, must be outside of the boundary area, or a rope must be placed in front if this is not practicable. Furthermore, in the interests of health and safety, Home Clubs are expected to be able to provide suitable basic ground and first aid facilities, including, at least, running cold water.

 

Please ensure that scorecards are filled in correctly and sent to the Information Secretary as soon as possible by the WINNING team (or by the Home Club for an abandoned fixture). If a game is not played within the permitted weeks, then a card must be sent promptly and within one further week, by the Home Club. Innings details for the winning team must be given on the left side of the card (batting and bowling together) and innings details for the losing team must be given on the right side of the card. To facilitate improved information, especially in the press the use of full names on the scorecards is encouraged.

 

Junior Players, i.e. aged under 18 at midnight on 31^st August preceding to the current season, must be suitably protected by the wearing of an approved standard helmet (BS7928:1998) whenever batting or fielding close to the wicket. Except for representative fixtures, the League shall not be liable for the protection of junior players; individual Clubs are held responsible for the safety of their junior players. Juniors who do not have, or can not be provided with, the necessary protection must not partake in any League or Cup fixture. Furthermore, a fielder who is aged under 15 must not field within 8 yards from the middle stump, even if wearing a helmet, except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. Similarly, any under 13 must not be within 11 yards. A player aged 16-18, when fielding within 6 yards, must wear a helmet and abdominal protector (box).

 

The Safe Hands Initiative can be downloaded from the welfare section of the ECB website www.play-cricket.com. This gives guidance for the safe welfare of junior players and vulnerable adults. Through their Welfare Officer, it is the responsibility of individual Clubs to make their members and associates aware of the dangers and to adhere to the guidelines.

 

Impact of MCC Law Changes (2001):

The concept of penalty runs has not been adopted except for wides, no balls and ball hitting an illegal object, e.g. helmet.

 

-       Law 6.3 "The bat" includes any part of the full glove or hand holding the bat.

-       Law 24.6 A ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground before it reaches the batsmen is deemed a No Ball.

-       Law 24.7 A ball coming to rest in front of the strikers wicket is now a No Ball followed by the call of Dead Ball with the striker having no right to hit it.

-       Law 24.12 In the event of a no ball one run is added, even if runs are also scored.

-       Law 25.6 In the event of a wide ball 1 run is awarded even if runs are also scored, thus previous 4 wides is now a total of 5 runs.

-       Law 36.2 To determine whether the batsman is LBW, the umpire must assume that the path of the ball would have continued in the same line if not interrupted.

-       Dangerous and unfair bowling are now classed together, viz: fast, short pitched balls and high, fast full pitched balls (above waist height).

 

Wicket Keeper's Gloves: Observance of the minimum webbing rule preferred, not mandatory.

 

NB! MCC Law 24 Point 5: For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride:

(i) the bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease.

 

(ii) the bowlers front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease.

 

The North-East Mid-Week Cricket League Web Site

http://www.midweekcricket.com