England and Wales Cricket Board National Club Cricket Championship 
Cockspur Cup 2004
 

Competition Rules

1      Title

        The title of the Competition shall be the Cockspur Cup.

2      Management

        Please refer to Generic Rule 1.

3      Entry

        All competing Cricket Clubs must be affiliated to the ECB through their County Board.  The ECB shall determine the closing date for applications each year. All clubs shall make annual application to enter the competition on the official form supplied by the ECB.

        It shall be a condition of entry that the Club is a bona-fide Cricket Club, affiliated to their local County Board, having a recognized home and away weekend fixture list and playing on a home ground of suitable standard. Clubs must play their home matches on the main square of their home ground unless prior permission has been obtained from the ECB Cricket Department to move the fixture to an alternative ground. If such permission is not given the ECB will order the match to be played on the opponent’s ground. Should the umpires report a pitch as being unfit, the ECB shall have the option of ordering the match to be replayed on the opponent’s ground, if time permits, or of awarding the match to the opposition.

        If a Club, after entry, fails to fulfil any fixture in the Competition, other than due to bad weather, they will be banned from entering the Competition for the following season.

        If any Club fails to fulfil their administrative responsibilities, they will also be banned from entering the Competition for the following year.

4      Competition Structure

        The Competition shall be organised on a knock-out basis with entries initially divided into sixteen Regional groups. The ECB shall be responsible for making the draw annually.

6      Qualification of Players

        Please refer to Generic Rule 3.

7      Cricket Balls

        Please refer to Generic Rule 4.

        For each match from the Regional Finals (5th Round) onwards, two new cricket balls shall be provided by the ECB.

8      Umpires

        All umpires must be members of the ACU&S and have full accreditation. The ECB shall be responsible for the appointment of umpires for all matches in the Competition in conjunction with ACU&S. For the first three Rounds each Club will be responsible for payment to the umpires on the day of the match. The ECB shall be responsible for payment for all matches from the 4th Round onwards.

        All clubs should submit a report on the umpires for each match they play in the Competition, using the official ECB form.

9      Scorers

        Please refer to Generic Rule 6.

10    Fixtures

        Matches must be played on the dates scheduled by the ECB.  Matches can only be played on an alternative date if changed by mutual agreement, and must be within the time-scale for the Regional Rounds. Any rearrangement must be notified to the ECB Cricket Department beforehand. Matches where no result can be achieved on the scheduled date can be re-arranged to be played by the closing date for that Round.

        Subject to the overriding discretion of ECB, matches for the 1st, 6th, Quarter-Final, and Semi-Final Rounds must be played on the scheduled dates laid down by the ECB, unless both sides mutually agree to play before the scheduled date and this decision is notified to the ECB Cricket Department. If no result is possible on the scheduled date for the first five Rounds, sides may agree to re-arrange their match providing it is played before the scheduled closing date for that Round. A reserve date is designated by the ECB for matches where no result is possible on the original scheduled date for the 6th, Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Rounds.

        In the event of no decision being reached in the match because of inclement weather, inability to re-arrange a fixture before the deadline date, or for another reason, then in the last resort, the decision shall be made by the toss of a coin between the two Captains when both Captains are present. In the event of the Captains not being able to be present, the tossing of the coin shall be referred to the ECB Cricket Department (It is suggested that rather than the tossing of a coin, Clubs should play a match for even a small number of overs, wherever possible, according to the time still available).

        The Captains shall agree before play begins what action shall be taken if a decision is not reached on that day.

11    Team Sheets

        Please refer to Generic Rule 8.

12    Match Results

        Please refer to Generic Rule 11.

12.1. At the end of each match both captains shall sign a complete result sheet and it shall be the responsibility of the winning club to ensure that this is faxed or posted to the ECB Cricket Department, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8 8QZ (fax 020 7289 5619) on the day following the match.

13    Helmets

        Please refer to Generic Rule 9.

14.  Code of Conduct

       Please refer to Generic Rule 12.

Playing Conditions

1      The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 2nd Edition - 2003) shall apply with the following exceptions:

2      Hours of Play and Interval

2.1   Hours of Play

        Normal hours of play will be 1.00pm - 7.10pm (11.00am - 5.10pm for the Final). With the agreement of both captains this may be amended to 2.00pm - 8.10pm in which case playing regulation 2.5. will not apply.

2.2   An interval of 30 minutes will be taken at the conclusion of the innings of the team batting first (normally 3.50pm (1.50pm in the Final) in uninterrupted matches). The duration and time of the interval can be varied by the umpires in the case of an interrupted match or a match in which the start is delayed.

2.3   A scheduled cessation time for each innings shall be fixed prior to its commencement by applying the provisions of Playing Condition 3.2.1.

2.4   Close of play shall normally be at 7.10pm (5.10pm in the Final), but play may continue after that time, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved.  See Playing Condition 4 below.

2.5   Additional Hour

        Subject to weather and light, in the event of play being suspended for any reason other than normal intervals, the playing time shall be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of one hour. If the match starts at 2.00pm, this regulation will not apply. Otherwise, the captains may agree to dispense with this rule only by mutual consent. In such circumstances, the umpires must be notified before the start of the match.

3      Length of Innings

3.1   In Uninterrupted Matches:

3.1.1 Each team shall bat for 45 overs unless all out earlier.

3.1.2 All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 45 overs within 2 hours 50 minutes playing time. If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled. Unless otherwise determined by the umpires, the team batting second shall only have available to it the number of overs that it bowled by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings. The over in progress at the scheduled cessation time shall count as a completed over. The interval shall be of the full 30 minutes duration and the innings of the team batting second shall commence thereafter.

3.1.3 If the team batting first is all out, and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the commencement of the interval, the innings of the team batting second shall, subject to the discretion of the umpires as provided for in 3.1.2 above, be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the scheduled time for the interval. The over in which the last wicket falls will count as a completed over.

3.1.4 If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 45 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 45 overs, except as provided for in 3.1.3. above.

3.1.5 If the team bowling second fails to bowl 45 overs, or the rescheduled number of overs as provided for in 3.1.2. or 3.1.3. above by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result has been achieved.

3.2   In Delayed Start Matches:

3.2.1 The number of overs shall be arranged so that both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs (minimum 10 overs each team). A result can only be achieved in a match of less than 20 overs per side if both sides have the opportunity to bat for the full number of overs originally allocated. The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on one over for each full 3.75 minutes (3 minutes 45 seconds) in the time remaining before close of play (normally 8.10 pm - see 2.1. and 2.5 above).

        As a guide the following table is published:  Time for the interval must be allowed for in the calculation (see 2.2.)

        OVERS REMAINING CALCULATION CHART

        (1 over per 3 minutes 45 seconds)

        Playing Time Remaining   Total Overs ........  to bowl

        75 minutes........................................................ 20

        82.5 minutes..................................................... 22

        90 minutes........................................................ 24

        97.5 minutes..................................................... 26

        105 minutes...................................................... 28

        112.5 minutes................................................... 30

        120 minutes...................................................... 32

        127.5 minutes................................................... 34

        135 minutes...................................................... 36

        142.5 minutes .................................................. 38

        150 minutes...................................................... 40

        157.5 minutes................................................... 42

        165 minutes...................................................... 44

        172.5 minutes................................................... 46

        180 minutes...................................................... 48

        187.5 minutes................................................... 50

        195 minutes...................................................... 52

        202.5 minutes................................................... 54

        210 minutes...................................................... 56

        217.5 minutes................................................... 58

        40 minutes........................................................ 64

        247.5 minutes................................................... 66

        255 minutes...................................................... 68

        262.5 minutes................................................... 70

        270 minutes...................................................... 72

        277.5 minutes................................................... 74

        285 minutes...................................................... 76

        292.5 minutes................................................... 78

        300 minutes...................................................... 80

        307.5 minutes................................................... 82

        315 minutes...................................................... 84

        322.5 minutes................................................... 86

        330 minutes...................................................... 88

        337.5 minutes................................................... 90

3.2.2 A fixed time will be specified for the start of the interval as calculated by applying the provision in 3.2.1 above.  In the event of the innings of the team batting first being completed prior to the scheduled time, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier (see below regarding delays or interruptions to the innings of the team batting second). If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled and Playing Condition 3.1.4. shall apply. In all reduced overs matches the fielding team will be given one over's leeway in addition to any time that the umpires might allow for stoppages. The interval shall be of the duration determined by the umpires as in 2.2.

3.3   In matches where play is suspended after the match has started:

3.3.1 When play is suspended during the first innings, the object shall be to rearrange the number of overs so that both sides have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs (minimum 20 overs each side). The calculation of overs shall be as in 3.2.1 above. The provisions in 3.2.2 above shall also apply.

3.3.2 If, owing to a delayed start to the second innings or a suspension in play during the second innings, there is insufficient time for the side batting second to face the same number of overs as the side batting first, then the number of overs to be bowled will be those that could be bowled by the scheduled close of play (see 2.1. and 2.5. above) assuming a rate of 16 overs per hour. The number of overs to be faced by the team batting second will never be increased after an interruption.

3.3.3 In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of full overs to be bowled will be calculated, and any balls remaining to be bowled in the over during which play was suspended, will be added.

3.3.4. Where the match has started and, due to an interruption there is no longer the opportunity for both sides to face a minimum of 20 overs, if time allows, the original match will be abandoned and a new match of not less than 10 overs per side will commence. A result can only be achieved in a match of less than 20 overs per side if both sides have the opportunity to bat for the full number of overs originally allocated.

3.4.  In all matches:

3.4.1. The umpires shall inform the fielding team captain, when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted by the weather, of the scheduled cessation time for that innings. The umpire at the bowler's end will inform the fielding captain, the batsman and his fellow umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise (this matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). The umpires shall be responsible for calculating the revised number of overs to be played in the match and for notifying the decision immediately to all concerned.

        In addition, in all reduced overs matches, the fielding team will be given one over's leeway.

3.4.2 The umpires shall have the discretion to increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if both of them agree that events beyond the control of the team bowling first (including time-wasting by the team batting first) prevented that team from bowling the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings.

4      The Result

4.1   In an interrupted match where the number of overs has had to be reduced, a result can be achieved only if both teams have batted for at least 20 overs unless one team has been all out in less than 20 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 20 overs. There is provision for a result to be achieved in an equal overs per side contest of a minimum of 10 overs per side as long as both teams have the opportunity to bat for the full number of overs originally allocated (see 3.2.1. and 3.3.4.).

4.2   When there is no interruption in the match and when both sides have had the opportunity, subject to the provisions in 3.1.2 above, of batting for the same agreed number of overs, the side scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the result shall be determined by the loss of wickets with the side losing the fewer number of wickets being declared the winner. If still equal, or if both sides were all out, the side with the higher score at the end of the completed penultimate over shall be the winner, and if still equal, at the end of the previous over, and so on until a winner can be decided.

4.3   If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that originally allotted (minimum 20 overs), then a revised target score should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. In Rounds 1 to 6, this will be calculated on the basis of average run-rate. For the Quarter-Finals onwards this revised target will be calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis method. With the Duckworth/Lewis method, an integral target will be set for the team batting second with one run less than this target resulting in a Tie (see 4.4. below).

4.3.1 If a match is abandoned before it has been played to a conclusion and before the team batting second has received its allotted number of overs (providing that it has received not less than 20 overs), the result shall be decided by average run-rate in the 1st to 6th Rounds inclusive and by the Duckworth/Lewis method from the Quarter-Finals onwards.

4.3.2. If it is not possible to obtain a result in the Final on the original scheduled date, ECB will make arrangements for the match to be re-staged.

4.4   In the event of a Tie when the Duckworth/Lewis method has been used, the match will be decided as outlined in 4.6.

4.5   If a result cannot be achieved based on 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 above, the match shall be declared 'No Result'.

4.6   In the event of no result being obtained from the above and where there is no reserve date on which to play the game, a bowl-out (outdoors or indoors) will take place to achieve a result. Please refer to Generic Playing Condition 8.

4.7   If circumstances make the contest impossible, the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

5      Number of Overs per Bowler

        Please refer to Generic Playing Condition 1.

6      ECB Fast Bowling Directives

       The ECB Fast Bowling Directives will apply to all matches in this competition. Please refer to Generic Rule 10.

7      Restrictions on The Placement of Fieldsmen

        Please refer to Generic Playing Condition 3.

8      Law 14 - Declarations

        Please refer to Generic Playing Condition 5.

9      Law 25 - Wide Ball - Judging a Wide

        Please refer to Generic Rule 6.

10    Law 40.2 - Wicket-Keeping Gloves

        Please refer to Generic Playing Condition 7.

11    Law 42.6 Dangerous and Unfair Bowling

11.1 Law 42.6 (a)(i)  Bowling of fast short-pitched balls, will apply.

11.1.1  Law 42.6 (a)(ii)  is amended to read as follows :

(a) Any delivery which, after pitching, passes clearly over head height of the striker standing upright at the crease, and in the umpire's opinion so prevents him from being able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke, although not threatening physical injury, shall be considered as part of the repetition sequence in Law 42.6 (a)(i). The umpire shall call and signal No ball for each such delivery.

(b) Any delivery which, after pitching, passes clearly over shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, and in the umpire's opinion he is able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall, if applicable, be considered part of the repetition sequence in Law 42.6 (a)(i).

(c) Any delivery which, after pitching, passes clearly over shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease and wide of the striker so that in the umpire's opinion he is unable to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall, although not threatening physical injury, be considered part of the repetition sequence in Law 42.6(a)(i) and, if not a No Ball, shall be called and signalled wide. (Refer Law 25).

(d) A bowler shall be limited to a total of one delivery, as defined in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, per over. The umpire will make it clear to the bowler and  the batsmen at the wicket when a delivery within this limit has been bowled.   It is unfair if the limit is exceeded and the umpire shall call and signal No ball on each such occasion. In addition, the Umpire will adopt the procedures of Law 42.7.

11.1.2  Law 42.6 (b) Bowling of high full pitched balls, to be amended to read as follows:

Any high full pitched ball (regardless of its pace) which passes or would have passed above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease shall be called and signalled No ball by the umpire at the bowler's end. In addition, if the high full pitched ball is fast, it shall be deemed dangerous and unfair and the umpire at the bowler's end, in addition to the call and signal of No ball, will adopt the procedures of Law 42.7.

11.1.3  Law 42.7 - Dangerous and Unfair Bowling - action by the umpire Law 42.7 applies except that the reference to Law 42.6 is the amended Law 42.6 as above.

ECB
25th March 2004

ECB Cricket Department - non first class competition rules - 2004

GENERIC RULES

These rules relate to all ECB Non First Class Competitions unless otherwise indicated

1.         MANAGEMENT

            1.1. The control of the Competition shall be undertaken by the ECB Recreational Cricket Advisory Group (RCAG) and all decisions relating to these rules or to matches played in the Competition shall be final and binding on all concerned.

            1.2. The ECB and RCAG may delegate any of their powers and duties.

2.         ENTRY

            2.1. Entry into any of ECB’s County Competitions shall be open to those counties listed in the First Schedule to the Constitution of the ECB Recreational Forum.

            2.2. Counties who participated in the previous year’s Competition shall automatically be included for the following season unless written notification to the contrary is given by 1^st October in the year prior to the Competition.  A County wishing to enter or be re-admitted to a Competition must give written notice to that effect to the ECB Cricket Department by 1^st October in the year prior to the Competition.

            2.3. All Clubs entering an ECB Competition must be affiliated through their County Cricket Board.

3.         QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

Regulations governing the qualification of Cricketers for England

Subject to the overriding discretion of the ECB, acting with the consent of the International Cricket Council, a Cricketer will only be qualified to play for England in a Test Match or in a One Day International Match if:

3.1       he is either a British citizen or an Irish citizen; and

3.2.1    he was born within England and Wales; or

3.2.2    he has been resident in England and Wales for the immediately preceding four consecutive years; and

3.3       he has not during the immediately preceding four consecutive years either played cricket for any Full ICC Member Country at U17 level or above, or played First Class Cricket in any such Full Member Country except as an overseas cricketer under local rules similar to Regulation 3, or in any other circumstances approved by the ECB; and

3.4       he makes, whenever requested by the ECB, a declaration in the form set out in Annex A to the ECB Regulations.

3.5        In the case of a Cricketer seeking to become qualified under 3.2.2 above he will (until he has become qualified to play for England) only be treated as having been resident within England and Wales for the relevant consecutive period if he has spent a minimum of 210 days in each year within England and Wales (for which purpose "year" shall mean a year ending 1st April).

Regulations governing the qualification of Cricketers for Competitive County Cricket

            Subject to the overriding discretion of the ECB and subject as provided below, a Cricketer will only be qualified to play in a Competitive County Cricket match (a Qualified Cricketer) if:

he is a European Economic Area (EEA) national.

he has not, within the 12 months leading up to April 1st immediately before the season in question, either played cricket for any Full Member Country outside the EEA at U17 level or above, or played First Class Cricket in any such Full Member Country except as an overseas cricketer under local rules similar to ECB Regulation 3 (Unqualified Cricketers), or in any other circumstances approved by the ECB

he makes, whenever requested by the ECB, a declaration in the form set out in Annex A to the ECB Regulations.

DEFINITIONS
 

1.                Competitive County Cricket refers to matches played in the course of:

1.1.             The Frizzell County Championship

1.2.             The C&G Trophy, the National League and the Twenty20 Cup

1.3.            The Under 17 County Championship

1.4.             Any other similar competition authorised by and designated as Competitive County Cricket by the ECB.

2.                Qualification to play for England refers to matches played in the course of:

2.1.            The Minor Counties Championship.

3.                   England and Wales means England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

4.                   The EEA means the European Economic Area and includes each of its member states as from time to time applicable.  Currently the EEA comprises the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

5.                   Residing and resident mean the occupation of a bona fide home (i.e. the only or main home of the Cricketer concerned) and the acquisition of temporary accommodation during the season may not fulfil this requirement.

6.                   Full Member Country means a country which is a full member of the International Cricket Council.

Qualification Criteria for Junior Cricketers

The qualification criteria for all County Representative cricket for the Under 17 age group and below is as follows:

1.   The criteria apply to girls as well as boys and any reference to he/him also refers to she/her. 

2.   A player may only represent one County in any one Competition in any one season.

3.   A player shall be eligible to play for a County provided:-

i)   He is resident within, or was born within, that County.

ii) Alternatively, he is attending an educational establishment within that County. 

iii) Alternatively, he has been a bona-fide playing member of a club within that County for at least the entire preceding season.

4.  County boundaries shall be as defined by ECB Cricketing County Boundaries as currently agreed.

5.  A player may play for a County for whom he is not qualified only if he has not been selected by the County/Counties for whom he is otherwise qualified and has obtained the written consent of that County/those Counties. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. There is no requirement to obtain the consent of the County of birth. In the event of a dispute the matter shall be referred to the ECB, whose decision shall be final.

6.  A player who has played for a County, with a valid qualification for that County, during a season can continue to play for that County, if selected, the following season even if he no longer has a current qualification (for example following a change of school). The qualification remains valid from season to season, but lapses if the player does not represent the County during a season.

7.  Age groups are defined by the player’s age at midnight on 31st August in the year prior to the relevant season.

Points of Clarification

The following points are intended to answer some of the more frequently asked questions relating to the qualification criteria:

1.   The 'entire preceding season' membership requirement means that club membership during the current season does not count and players must have become a bona fide member of the club the preceding season no later than 1st May.

2.   Playing membership of a club includes membership of a Kwik Cricket or 'Junior Colts' section if the club has one, and does not imply match play against other clubs.

3.   Qualification by birth is excluded from the 'consent' arrangements for the sake of simplicity.

4.   Players who have multiple qualifications are free to select the County that they wish to represent.  Once that selection is made it remains in force for that season, but can be changed in subsequent seasons, without requiring consent, provided that the player still has a valid qualification for the newly selected County and notifies his former County in writing.

5.   A player who is registered and contracted to a First Class County (FCC) is eligible to play for the appropriate age group sides of that County. FCCs wishing to register and contract a player not otherwise qualified for that County should seek the consent of the other County/Counties involved. Such consent should not be unreasonably withheld.  Registering and contracting a player does not override the restriction on playing for only one County in any one Competition in a season, so that if a player has played, as an example, for a Non First Class County’s Under 17 side and subsequently signs for a FCC he cannot play in the FCC’s Under 17 team that season but could play for their Under 19 team if they run one. 

6.   The position of First Class County Academies was raised and discussed by the ECB Schools, Junior and Youth Group in October 2003. It was generally accepted that Academy Directors should have responsibility for the cricketers in their charge, where they play and up to a point when they bowled and where they batted. Players joining a First Class Academy would not automatically qualify for that County. The Academy Director should draw up and agree a playing programme to meet the needs of the player, which might involve him continuing to play for his Minor County or might mean a transfer to the First Class County (as already allowed in the case of contracted players) or a combination of both. The existing regulations preventing a player from playing for more than one County in a specific Competition during the season remain in force. It was agreed that good communication between Counties, based on the best interests of the player, was the key. 

7.   Club membership during the preceding season will qualify a player to play only for the County in which the club is physically located (as per the ECB Cricketing County Boundaries as currently defined). Membership of a League that crosses County boundaries, affiliation to more than one County Board or participation in the Colts structure of another County will not alter the primary affiliation of the club to the County in which it is located and therefore the County qualification based on club membership of its players.

All disputes relating to these qualification criteria should be addressed to the ECB Cricket Department initially. If necessary disputes will be referred by the Cricket Department to the ECB Registration Committee whose decision will be final.

Club 

1.         A cricketer shall only be eligible to play for a club in a Competition if he is a bona-fide, fully paid-up member of that club.

2.         If a club is a member of a League, a cricketer shall be deemed to be a bona-fide member of that club if he is eligible to play for that club under the rules of that League.

3.         A cricketer shall only be eligible to play in a Competition for one club in any one season.

4.         A cricketer shall not be eligible to play in the Competition if he receives remuneration for playing cricket and that remuneration is his main source of income (unless covered by 5.1.)

5.         A cricketer who is registered and contracted to a First Class County Club shall be ineligible to play in the Competition unless covered by 5.1.

5.1          Bona fide club members who are also registered and contracted with a First Class County can play provided they are uncapped, under 23 as at 30th September in the year prior to the season of the Competition and have not played for their County during the current season in the Frizzell County Championship, Twenty20 Cup, Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy or National Cricket League at the time of the match.  If any club fields an ineligible player, they will be disqualified.

6.          A cricketer whose registration and contract to a First Class County Club is cancelled after 1st April may not play in the Competition until the following season unless covered by 5.1.

7.    A cricketer shall only be qualified to play in the Competition if he is qualified to play in a Competitive County Cricket Match or is registered under the provisions of 8 below as an overseas player resident in England.

8.         Overseas Players Resident in England

A cricketer who is not qualified under 7 above. but who is ordinarily resident in this country can qualify as an overseas player resident in England and play in ECB Recreational Club Competitions only if:

he has been resident in this country for a period of twenty four consecutive months before the date of his request for registration

he has not been out of this country for longer than 35 days consecutively or 70 days in total during the previous twenty four months

any remuneration he receives from playing cricket is not the main source of his income.

The definition of ‘ordinarily resident’ shall be in the absolute discretion of the body responsible for registration of the player in the relevant Competition.

            Any such player MUST be properly registered with their ECB accredited Premier League or, if the club does not play in an ECB accredited Premier League, the player MUST be registered directly with the ECB Cricket Department, having completed an ECB 'Category 3 – Overseas Player' registration form. The club MUST have received the appropriate paperwork either from the League they participate in or the ECB Cricket Department showing that the player is registered PRIOR to the start of the match. No player shall be registered for the Competition after 30th June in any season.

            A player, who has a home in this country and has been granted 'Exempt' status, who subsequently accepts a temporary work assignment, not related to cricket, in another country may apply to re-instate his previous 'Exempt' status immediately on his return to this country.  Approval is at the discretion of the registration body and is not automatic.

4.         CRICKET BALLS

            The Home side shall provide two new cricket balls for each match when balls are not provided by the ECB. The balls shall be of the standard laid down by the ECB for each Competition and shall be given to the umpires prior to the commencement of the match. The Home side will also be responsible for supplying enough spare balls of equal standard. A new ball must be used at the start of each innings.

5.         UMPIRES

            5.1. Each club side shall appoint one Member of ACU&S, who has received CRB clearance, in each match unless the umpires are appointed by the ECB or the County Board. The umpires shall be appointed for the whole match and may not play in the match.

            5.2. Counties shall appoint two umpires who shall be Full Members of ACU&S and also have CRB clearance for each home match they play.

            5.3. Where umpires are appointed by the ECB, both counties or clubs should complete and sign an ECB Report on Reserve List/Local Umpires form and return it to the ECB Cricket Department after each match.

6.         SCORERS

Each team shall provide their own scorer in all matches.

7.         AGE GROUP DEFINITION

            Age Groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

8.         TEAM SHEETS

Each side must provide the umpires with a team sheet before the start of the match identifying any player who has not reached the age of 18 on the date of the match and showing the specific age group of any player who is in the Under 19 age group or younger. It is recommended that the ECB Team Sheet card (available from the ECB Cricket Department) is used whenever possible.

9.         HELMETS

Any player under the age of 18 playing in any ECB Competition must wear a helmet with a faceguard when batting and when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard ball unless prior written consent has been given by a parent or guardian. Any player who has parental consent not to wear a helmet should be identified on the signed team sheet provided to the umpires prior to the start of each match.

10.       ECB FAST BOWLING DIRECTIVES

            The ECB Fast Bowling Directives will apply to all matches in all ECB Competitions.

For the purposes of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

            Team Managers and/or Captains are responsible for providing the umpires with a team sheet showing the ages of any player who is aged Under 19 or below before the toss for innings takes place. 

Umpires are requested to ensure that this Playing Condition is strictly adhered to in all circumstances.

11.       MATCH RESULTS

            It is the responsibility of the WINNING side to enter the result and full scorecard details onto the appropriate site on Play-Cricket.com within 48 hours of the match being completed. The losing side should confirm that the summary result has been correctly entered.  Both sides must ensure that their squad details have been entered into Play-Cricket prior to each match they play.

12.       CODE OF CONDUCT

            All players, team officials and umpires shall be bound by the MCC Spirit of Cricket and the ECB Code of Conduct. 

13.       COACHING

Coaching shall not be permitted from the sidelines during a match. In such an event, the umpire shall request the coach/manager/parent to stop. If this persists, the umpire shall have the power to warn the offending team captain and manager that the matter will be reported to the County Board/ECB.

14.       DISPUTES

Any dispute arising from the application or interpretation of the Rules and Playing Conditions shall be referred to the ECB.  Any decision of the ECB shall be final and binding on the parties concerned.

Playing Conditions

1.         Number of Overs per Bowler

1.1       Unless otherwise specified in the Playing Conditions for a specific Competition no bowler may bowl more than one fifth of the amount of overs scheduled for the innings.  However, in a delayed start, or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides, or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption), except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance - e.g. after 16 overs, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 32 overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 8 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 7 overs and three bowlers can bowl 6 overs. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit.  They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (7 as opposed to 6) and so any other bowlers are limited to 6 overs.

1.2       When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, he will be allowed to finish the incomplete over.

1.3       In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, another bowler will bowl the remaining balls. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.

1.4.       Where possible, the number of overs bowled by each individual bowler shall be indicated on the scoreboard, from the commencement of an innings.

1.5.       The allocation of overs per bowler will not be reduced as a result of the deduction of any penalty overs.

2.         Restrictions on the Placement of Fieldsmen – without Inner Circles

2.1       Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 30 yards (27.4 metres).  The ends of each semi-circle shall be joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same side of the pitch. The field restriction area should be marked by painted white ‘dots’ at five-yard intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter.

2.2       At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.

2.3       For the duration of the innings only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.

2.4.       In the event of an infringement of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire at the striker’s end shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.

3.         Restrictions on the Placement of Fieldsmen – with Inner Circles

3.1       Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 30 yards (27.4 metres).  The ends of each semi-circle shall be joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same side of the pitch. The field restriction area should be marked by painted white ‘dots’ at five-yard intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter.

3.2       At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.

3.3       For the first 15 overs of each innings only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.

3.4       For the remaining overs of each innings only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.

3.5       Two inner circles shall be drawn on the field of the play. The circles shall have as their centres the centre point of the popping crease at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the circles is 15 yards (13.72 metres). The field restriction area should be marked by ‘dots’. The segment of the circles reserved for the slip positions shall not be demarcated (the final mark of the 15 yards radius shall be a line placed at an angle of 45 degrees, measured from the popping crease at a point level with the middle stump). In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the 15-yard field restriction of the striker at the instant of delivery. When a fast bowler is bowling the two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper than 15 yards (in the un-demarcated area) provided only that they are standing in slip, leg slip or gully positions. 

3.6.       In circumstances where the number of overs for the team batting first is reduced, the number of overs in regard to the restrictions in 3.3. and 3.5. above shall be reduced proportionately in a ratio of 15:45 or 15:50 in accordance with the table below. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations regarding the number of overs.

Number of overs for which fielding restrictions in 3.3. and 3.5. above will apply:

Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced, the aim will be to maintain the restrictions in 3.3 and 3.5. for the same proportion of the second innings that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored).

3.7.       In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire at the striker’s end shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.

4.         Junior Fielding Restrictions

4.1.      No young player in the Under 15 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.  A fielder shall be allowed to move into the restricted area to make a catch or field the ball provided that they were outside the area when the stroke was made.

4.2.      For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres).

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

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

4.5.      In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet 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.

5.         Law 14 – Declarations

Unless otherwise indicated, Law 14 will not apply in the Competition. The Captain of the batting side may not declare the innings closed at any time during the course of the match.

6.         Law 25 – Wide Ball – Judging a wide

In addition to Law 25 the following will apply:

Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.

Any offside or legside delivery which in the opinion of the umpire does not give the batsmen a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. For guidance purposes, in adult cricket a legside wide should be called if a ball passes on the legside outside the pads of the batsman standing in a normal guard position.

7.         Wicket-Keeping Gloves

            Law 40.2 will only apply in the Under 17 County Championship. In all other matches Law 40.2 will not apply.

8.         Bowl-Outs

8.1.      In the event of no result being obtained by other methods and where there is no reserve date on which to play the game, a bowl-out (outdoors or indoors) will take place to achieve a result. Five players from each side will bowl two overarm deliveries each at a wicket (conforming to Law 8) from a wicket pitched at a distance of 22 yards with, if practicable, bowling, popping and return creases marked (conforming to Law 9).  The side, which bowls down the wicket (as defined in Law 28.1a) the most times, shall be the winner.  If the scores are equal, the same players will bowl one ball each alternately to achieve a result on a 'sudden death' basis.

            The following shall also apply in respect of  'bowl-outs':

            8.1.1.  The same suitably acceptable ball (not a new one) will be used by both teams. If this ball becomes wet, it may be changed subject to the umpires' approval.

            8.1.2.  If a bowler bowls a 'no ball' it will count as one of the two deliveries but will not count towards the score of the team.

            8.1.3.  If the original match has started, then the five cricketers nominated to take part in the ‘bowl-out' must be chosen from the eleven cricketers and 12th man selected to play in the match. If there has been no play in the original match (the toss has not taken place), the five cricketers may be selected from any of the players in the squad as registered on Play-Cricket.

            8.1.4.  Each side will appoint a wicket-keeper to stand behind the wicket but out of reach of the stumps.

9.         Net Run-Rate

A team’s net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team, the average runs per over scored against that team. The calculation of average runs shall be total runs scored x 100 divided by legitimate balls received.

In the event of a team being all out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled and not the number of overs in which the team was dismissed.

10.       Boundaries

It is recommended that, other than in exceptional circumstances, the size of the boundary, measured from the middle of the pitch being used in the match, shall conform to the following dimensions:

ECB
20th February 2004