Metropolitan South West District Cricket Inc. Laws for the conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s T20 cricket

Transcription

1 Metropolitan South West District Cricket Inc. Laws for the conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s T20 cricket Updated: January 2017

2 Preface Australians are justifiably proud of the place that sport plays in their daily lives. What is equally important to all involved with cricket is the way the game is played. The management committee of the Metropolitan South West District Cricket Association (MSW) endeavours to ensure that all children who play cricket in games and competitions organised by the Association understand the importance of playing within the Laws and Spirit of the game. Put another way, all children are expected to learn the skills of the game as well as its traditions and etiquette and to embrace the concept of fair play. Equally, all coaches, managers, parents and spectators are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour at all times when participating or watching any games or competitions organised by MSW. For example, players should: show respect for all players and officials in the game; accept the umpire's decision without dissent; and abstain from the use of unacceptable language and sledging. The principal beneficiaries of playing junior cricket are the children involved with the games. Therefore, all coaches, managers, parents and spectators should understand that their participation is to facilitate the players' maximum enjoyment of the game and not to fulfil their own wishes or desires for success. The playing conditions outlined below are provided so that all team officials understand how the MSW management committee wants the game to be played. However, it must be understood that, while every effort has been made to provide clear instructions to cover situations that may arise during a game, the ultimate authority for adjudication of a game are the Laws of Cricket as administered by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). More importantly, common sense should prevail. The MSW management committee also hopes that match officials can solve any difference of opinion or dispute in a quiet, adult and amicable manner. Note: Tom Smith's book "Cricket Umpiring and Scoring" gives an excellent coverage of the Laws of Cricket. As part of reinforcing the need for discipline and etiquette within the game, the MSW management committee emphasises the need for all participants, both players and officials, to present themselves correctly at all times - not only in their behaviour but also in their dress standards. With this in mind, and in an effort to ensure that the Spirit of Cricket is respected at all times, all officials, coaches, managers, parents and players are to pay due attention at all times to MSW s codes of behaviour, which are detailed below. Finally, the most important rule for all involved with MSW cricket is to have fun and enjoy the game at all times. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 2 of 14

3 Code of behaviour for players Play by the rules. An umpire s decision is final. Respect all decisions. Never argue with an official. If you disagree with a decision, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition. The official s decision is final. Control your temper and remain calm at all times. Verbal abuse of officials, sledging other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable behaviour in any sport, especially cricket. Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team s performance will benefit and so will you. Always be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition. Treat all participants in the game as you like to be treated. Treat all players with respect at all times. Cooperate with your captain, coach, manager, team mates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition. Have fun at all times. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please others. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Code of behaviour for parents and spectators Sit back, relax and enjoy the game. Remember that children participate in sport for their own enjoyment. If children enjoy the game they will keep playing. Focus on the children s efforts and performances rather than whether they win or lose. Respect the decisions and actions of all coaches, managers, captains and match officials. Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators. Without them our Association could not function. Encourage children to participate, do not force them. Always encourage children to play according to the local playing conditions and Laws and Spirit of Cricket and to settle disagreements calmly. Always encourage positive behaviour. Compliment the performance of all children. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Lead by example and be a positive role model. Remember that people learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Remember that it is positive or it's pointless. Respect officials decisions and teach others to do likewise. Remember that children participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 3 of 14

4 Code of behaviour for coaches Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun. Always encourage positive behaviour. Compliment the performance of all children. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Be reasonable in your demands on players time, energy and enthusiasm. Operate within the local playing conditions and the Laws and Spirit of Cricket, and teach your players to do the same. Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities. All players need and deserve equal game time - avoid overplaying the more advanced and developed players. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players. Control your temper and remain calm at all times. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same. Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people. Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player s skill development. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Code of behaviour for administrators Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision-making related to the activity. Give all young people equal opportunities to participate. Create pathways for young people to participate in sport not just as a player but as a coach, umpire and administrator. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players. Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players. Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards. Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs. Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating. Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive. Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 4 of 14

5 Administrative rules Compliance with the rules and disputes The rules as outlined within this document, relating to game formats and the conduct of matches in all age groups, are not to be varied by participants on or before game days under any circumstances. If there are any circumstances that will preclude compliance with the rules as written, club and or team officials are to address the issues with a member of the MSW management committee prior to adjusting any criterion for play. Umpires, coaches and or managers are to intervene in circumstances when MSW s codes of behaviour have been breached for example, in instances of bad behaviour, offensive or unwarranted comments by players on or off the field. Similarly, any unsavoury behaviour by officials or spectators should be addressed, in order to maintain the proper sporting environment for all games. If intervention does not settle 'the occurrence', and only if the matter cannot be settled between the clubs involved, a written report outlining all details shall be submitted to the Secretary of MSW Cricket (secretary@mswcricket.com). This report must be submitted to the MSW Secretary by either the president or secretary of the clubs involved. The MSW management committee will investigate the facts before making a determination on the matters in dispute. The MSW management committee reserves the right to suspend any player, official, or other participant from future matches, or otherwise deal with him or her at their discretion. A club that wishes to lodge a protest against the result of a match shall forward a letter or to the other club involved, with a copy sent to the MSW Secretary. Such correspondence is to be sent no later than seven days after the completion of the match concerned and shall outline the full facts and circumstances regarding the protest. If the issue cannot be resolved by the clubs in question, the MSW management committee will investigate the facts before making a determination on the matters in dispute. The MSW management committee reserves the right to suspend any player, official, or other participant from future matches, or otherwise deal with him or her at their discretion. Membership All clubs must be affiliated members of MSW Cricket prior to the 31 st of October of each season. Registration of players Players must be registered with MSW Cricket and Queensland Junior Cricket through their club by fully completing an official registration and indemnity form at the start of the season. This registration form is to be held by the Executive Committee of each club. Only properly registered players can participate in competitions and or other cricket activities organised and or endorsed by these bodies. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 5 of 14

6 Association competitions MSW may organise and administer the playing of competitions in age groups from Super 8 through to under 17 and shall be free to choose the type of competition to be played based on one-day or two-day games, or a combination of these. Age qualification of players A player shall be eligible to play in an underage team, provided his or her age on the 31 st of August is under the particular competition age group (e.g. a child born on 12 October 2002 will play in an under 14 competition for season 2016/17). Playing below correct age group Male players: A club seeking to include a male player in an age group younger than his rightful group must receive permission from the MSW management committee prior to him playing in the younger group. Female players: A female player may play in an age group no more than two years below her correct age group. Permission of the MSW management committee is necessary beyond this. Playing above correct age group No player is permitted to play in an age group which is more than two years above his or her rightful competition age group unless permission from the MSW management committee has been granted. Standards of dress and protective equipment Players and match and club officials should dress neatly at all times - in a manner that upholds the following standards: o All players in a team must wear their club s uniform. Coloured shirts shall be to the approval of the MSW management committee. A club is defined as an organisation that is an affiliated club with MSW cricket. o Long trousers or shorts must be white only. o Sports shoes that are predominantly white in colour are to be worn during matches. o Club caps or sun hats are mandatory when fielding, and a liberal application of sunscreen is encouraged at all times. All hats worn by players shall be official club headwear. The wearing of different coloured baseball or basketball caps is not permitted. o All players from the under 11 age group and above shall wear a helmet with a face guard when batting. o A helmet with a face guard shall be worn when fielding in close. Fielding in close is defined as being less than 10 metres from the stumps other than in the offside positions from wicketkeeper through to point. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 6 of 14

7 o Wicketkeepers must wear a helmet with a face guard when 'keeping up to the stumps. o A helmet should conform to the current and relevant Australian standard. o It is recommended that for all age groups from under 10 and up that genital protection gear (a box), batting gloves and batting pads are worn when batting. It is strongly recommended that, for safety and health reasons, each player should provide their own box. Fitness of grounds Field inspection Prior to the commencement of the game, a team representative from each team is responsible for completing a field inspection and completing a Game Day Checklist, which can be downloaded from the MSW website at or is available as a mobile app from JLT Insurance. In accordance with MSW s requirements, this checklist must be signed by a team representative prior to the commencement of the game. If the opposing team declines to complete or sign a team s Game Day Checklist it does not mean that the game cannot take place. Game Day Checklists Copies of Game Day Checklists should be returned to your club secretary for filing. All checklists should be held for a period of seven years prior to being destroyed. Grounds unfit for play Under no circumstances shall a game be commenced if it is raining or showering at the time the game was due to commence. Play should only be suspended when the conditions are sufficiently bad (including light levels) that it is unreasonable or dangerous to continue. A ground is not fit for play when it is slippery enough to deprive batsmen or bowlers of a reasonable foothold, or the fielders freedom of movement. Play should not be suspended merely because the grass is long or wet or that the ball is slippery. In the event that a team representative from one of the participating teams deems the field to be unfit for play, then the game should not proceed. There are no provisions for teams to forfeit the game if they do not proceed with the game in the belief that the ground is unfit for play. The decision concerning the fitness of the ground (including the pitch) for play must be made by representatives from each team (preferably the coaches) and or official umpires. In cases where a club groundsman is responsible for the preparation of the ground, he or she shall be included in discussions addressing the commencement or resumption of play. When a club groundsman has full control of the grounds his or her decision shall be final. If team representatives, with their players in attendance, disagree regarding the fitness of the ground for play, the following course of action shall be taken: if play has not commenced and the representatives disagree, there will be no play; Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 7 of 14

8 if play has been suspended because the ground is unfit for play, the team representatives must agree before play resumes; if within a period of 40 minutes, conditions do not improve sufficiently to allow an agreed commencement or resumption of play, play shall be suspended for the day. No time shall be added to the match to make up for lost time through rain or bad ground conditions. At all times, the safety of the players is paramount. When considering whether or not the venue is suitable for play, the manager or coach or captain must consider the safety of players above all other matters. Safety first, play second. Umpiring Each club shall provide an official to umpire and to score. One umpire from each team is to officiate in each game at any given time. Except in extenuating circumstances, two umpires from one team are not to umpire together. Umpires can be interchanged during a game. However, such interchanges are to occur at breaks in play such as, between overs, at a drinks break or at a change of inning. It is recommended that umpires change ends at the change of innings. Where umpires are interchanged during a game, there is an expectation that a consistent approach to umpiring is achieved, especially with regard to the adjudication and calling of no balls and wides. While umpires will normally be the team coach or manager, any adult with suitable knowledge of the rules and etiquette of the game of cricket can umpire and the involvement of team parents in umpiring should be encouraged. The MSW management committee recommends that, where possible, a parent should not officiate as an umpire at all when their child is batting or at the bowler s end when their child is bowling. The management committee is of the belief that following this procedure will assist in making the umpiring process as impartial as possible, and remove any perception of bias. Results All games played that are covered by the rules outlined in this document are competitive. As such premierships will be awarded at the conclusion of the season. Each team is to ensure that a scorebook is accurately kept throughout the match. Whilst digital scoring apps are very useful, it should be borne in mind that electronic devices have been known to fail at crucial moments. Match Abstract At the conclusion of each game, all teams are required to complete a Match Abstract. The Match Abstract is a summary of the scores and will be referred to by the MSW management committee in the event of a dispute about the result of a game. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 8 of 14

9 Teams are required to check scorebooks, agree on the scores and the result, and then complete and sign a match abstract. It is critical for both teams that agreement has been reached on the scores and result of the match before leaving the ground. MyCricket All teams are also required to enter the match result and individual scores into MyCricket by no later than midnight the Wednesday immediately following the conclusion of the game. If the match result and individual score are not entered into MyCricket by that time then the number of competition points received for that game may be halved. Forfeits and time adjustments Should any team be unable to commence play within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time, a forfeit may be claimed by the non-offending side. The waiting coach (or manager) only may suggest a time adjustment so that a game can be played. A decision to make the time adjustment must be made prior to the start of play for that day and shall not be altered after play commences. Before claiming a forfeit, ensure that every attempt has been made to achieve a start of play, bearing in mind that the primary aim should always be to achieve a game of cricket for the players. In the case of wet weather, and where team coaches or managers have been unable to confirm the status of playing conditions at the scheduled venue, they should travel to the ground, and confirm whether the game is to proceed rather than risk a forfeit by assuming that the game will be cancelled. It should be remembered that weather conditions can differ greatly from one suburb to another. In the event of heavy rain leading up to a match, the MSW management committee recommends that coaches or managers should make contact with the opposition coach or manager on the night prior to the game, or very early in the morning before the game, to ensure that the conditions still allow the game to proceed. Points scored for T20 games Points will be allocated as follows: o Match win 6 points o Tied game (equal scores) 3 points o Washed out games 3 points o Match loss 0 points o Loss by forfeit 0 points o Win by forfeit of opposing team max. points for the round Six points will be awarded to the team who scores the most number of runs, irrespective of the number of wickets lost. Points for a bye will be allocated at the end of the season, on the basis of the team's average points per game over the number of games played. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 9 of 14

10 The team batting second is entitled to bat out their innings as all runs scored will attract bonus points. Bonus points are allocated on the basis of 0.01 for each run scored, and 0.2 for each wicket taken. There are no outright decisions in one-day games. Equipment For under 13 to 17, a KD Typhoon 4 piece red leather 156 gram ball is to be used by all teams. All teams shall use 78cm high stumps. For safety reasons, the use of sharp non-timber tipped stumps is strictly prohibited. Match structure All matches are of one innings only, played on a single fixture day in the T20 format. Games shall commence at 2pm and conclude at 4.30pm unless agreement is reached between the teams coaches or managers of any variations prior to the commencement of the game. The 1st Innings is from 2pm to 3.10pm (including 1 x 3 minute drink break). The interval is from 3.10pm to 3.15pm for the change of innings. The 2nd Innings is from 3.15pm to 4.25pm (including 1 x 3 minute drink break). The toss shall be conducted 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the game by both team captains. Both teams shall record their teams in their respective score books at the time of the toss to avoid players being substituted during the course of the game. If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 20 overs, then a 10 minute break will be taken prior to the commencement of the other team s innings. A drinks break, of three minutes maximum, shall be taken at 10 overs and players shall not leave the field during this break. Each team is required to supply an umpire and scorer. When playing time has been lost the revised number of further overs to be bowled in the match shall be based on a rate of four minutes per over in the total remaining time available for the innings. Should calculations regarding numbers of overs result in a fraction of an over, the fraction shall be ignored. In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of total overs to be bowled in the innings will be calculated as if the over in progress at the time of the interruption had been completed. The bowling team shall bowl from one end only for the first ten overs. After the drink break the bowling team shall bowl the remainder of their overs from the opposite end. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 10 of 14

11 Batsman shall change ends at the end of each over. It is a recommendation of the MSW management committee that batting orders for the top and lower half a team s innings be rotated from one innings to the next. All coaches are reminded that the main purpose of this game is to ensure maximum participation of all players. In order to ensure that the game flows smoothly it is a recommendation of the MSW management committee that the umpire provided by the batting team shall umpire from the bowlers end during the course of their innings. However, it is also acceptable if umpires change at the end of each over. Results of matches Each team must bowl a minimum of 10 overs in order for the result of a game to be determined. Scores must be recorded for comparison purposes at the completion of the 10 th over and each succeeding over thereafter. Coaching under 13 through to under 17 On field coaching by coaches or stand-in umpires, and or vocal coaching from the side-lines, is not justified or acceptable for these older age groups. Players are to be responsible for the control and running of the game, with Captains to be responsible for developing game strategies, setting fields, and maintaining required over rates etc. No on field or sideline coaching at all is allowed by coaches or stand-in umpires, in the under 13 division 1 and under 14 division 1, and all under 15, 16 and 17 competitions. In grades other than those listed above, on field coaching by coaches or stand-in umpires only is to be limited to minimal advice to the team captain only - at the change of overs or at the fall of wickets that is, coaches or stand-in umpires may make minimal comments only to the captain, and not deliver general instructions regarding field settings or strategies to a number of players. In all age groups from under 13 through under 17, coaching can take place during drink breaks, or where appropriate, a 12th man can be utilised to deliver a message to the team captain. The use of the 12th man runner should be kept to a minimum so as not to be disruptive to the game, with messages delivered only at breaks in play such as changes in overs, or the fall of a wicket. Pitch and boundaries The following field boundaries (measured from the stumps) will apply for matches played in the relevant age groups: o Under 13 and U14 50 metres - measured from stumps at both ends o Under 15 through to U17 60 metres - measured from stumps at both ends Where light poles, posts or other obstructions intrude into the playing field, boundary markers must be adjusted to ensure that the obstructions are out of bounds. Leg Before Wicket (LBW) The normal laws of cricket relating to Leg Before Wicket shall apply to these age groups, and teams have no discretion to alter this rule at any time. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 11 of 14

12 Batting Batsman shall face a minimum of 20 balls and a maximum of 50 balls before retiring Not Out (excluding wides). Any not out batsman so retired may resume his or her innings in order of retirement once all other players have been retired or dismissed. Any batsman retiring without facing 20 fair balls shall be retired out, and is not permitted to bat again. A no ball is considered to be a ball faced, as the batsman can score runs from the delivery. These batting rules are aimed to encourage maximum participation for all players; hence common sense and fair play are to prevail. There are no restrictions on the number of runs a player may score. Bowling The maximum number of overs per bowler shall be five, which can be delivered in one spell if desired. A team A team is made up of 11 players. However, the minimum number of players deemed necessary to constitute a team in each innings shall be seven. Wide balls If the ball lands outside the pitch width it shall be deemed and called wide unless otherwise considered dead as described below. A wide is not called until the ball has passed the striker's wicket. A batsman cannot score runs nor be dismissed except under the normal rules of cricket. If the batsman steps off the pitch and hits the ball, it cannot be called wide and, because the batsman has played at the ball, he or she may be caught or run out. A wide shall be scored as one run in the scorebook as sundries. Should a wide ball proceed past the wicket keeper to the boundary, five wides shall be scored four for the boundary plus the penalty for the wide. Likewise, should a wide ball proceed past the wicket keeper or fieldsman, any runs taken by the batsman shall be scored as wides. That is: o If no runs are taken - 1 sundry, scored as a wide o If one run is taken - 2 sundries, scored as wides o If two runs are taken - 3 sundries, scored as wides o If the ball goes to the boundary - 5 sundries, all scored as wides Example: If a wide is bowled and it proceeds past the wicketkeeper and the batsmen run two runs, the addition to the score is three sundries marked in the wides box - not 1 wide and two runs. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 12 of 14

13 Wides are to be included in the runs scored against the bowler, and in the relevant sundries box, marked as W, or W2, W3, W4 and so on. Where the ball lands on the wicket and is called a wide, the normal rules of cricket apply - that is, the batsman can be out Hit Wicket, Stumped, Handled the Ball, Run Out, or Obstructing the Field. Discretion is to be used in calling wides. Repeated infringements should be discouraged and players counselled as to possible ways to correct any problems. Dead ball on non-turf wickets When the ball, having been properly delivered by the bowler, lands on or off the pitch and thereafter behaves so erratically that, in the opinion of the umpire, the behaviour is not due to the bowler's technique, the delivery shall be declared Dead and not be counted in the over. No runs can be scored and no batsman can be dismissed from such a ball. Where a ball being returned to the wickets strikes the edge of the concrete pitch or a clump of grass at the irregular perimeter of the pitch and bounces erratically away from the fielding player, the ball at that point shall be declared as Dead and no additional runs are to be taken. Dangerous deliveries and no balls Any short-pitched delivery, slow or fast, reaching the batter above shoulder height, when standing in a normal batting stance shall be called a no ball. Any full-pitched delivery, slow or fast, reaching the batsman above waist height, when the batsman is standing in an upright stance within the crease shall be called no ball. It is not acceptable within the spirit of junior cricket for fast bowlers to deliver short pitched balls or beam balls in an effort to intimidate a batsman. Where an umpire is of the opinion that this is occurring he or she shall warn the bowler and the captain or coach of the bowling team regarding the inappropriate play and, furthermore, may request the captain or coach of the bowling team to remove the bowler from the attack if the intimidation does not stop. No balls can be called by either umpire and the player cannot be dismissed from such a delivery, except under the normal rules of cricket that is, Run Out, Hit the Ball Twice, Handled the Ball or Obstructing the Field. Note: The batter's safety is the paramount issue and umpires are to use their discretion when enforcing this rule. If the ball bounces three or more times before it reaches the batsman, it shall be called a No Ball. The No Ball can be called by either umpire, and a player cannot be dismissed from such a delivery, except under the normal rules of cricket that is, Run Out, Hit The Ball Twice, Handled The Ball or Obstructing the Field. The bowler is required to re-bowl the delivery. A no ball shall be scored as one run entered in the scorebook as sundries, except where the batsman strikes the ball and runs. In this instance, one run shall be scored as sundries, and all runs completed by the batsman shall be credited to the batsman's score that is: o If one run is taken, it is one no ball plus one run to the batsman. o If three runs are taken, it is one no ball plus three runs to the batsman. o If no run is taken, it is one no ball only. Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 13 of 14

14 All no balls and runs are to be scored against the bowler in the usual manner. However, only the one penalty is to be marked in the appropriate sundries box. The only exception to this is where byes and leg byes result from a no ball. In this case, the byes plus the penalty are totalled, and listed as no balls. Fielding No junior cricketer in the under 13 and 14 age groups is to field closer than 10 metres from the popping crease of the batsmen on strike, except in an area 90 degrees on the offside from Point to the wicketkeeper. A distance of five metres can apply for under 15 through under 17 players provided they are at least 14 years of age. For under 15 through under 17 players only, fielders may come within 10 metres - but not closer than five metres - provided they wear protective gear, including a helmet with face guard and a genital protector (Box). If these distances are contravened a no ball shall be called. No participant in under 13 through under 17 acting as a wicketkeeper is permitted to stand up to the stumps without wearing a protective cricket helmet with a face grill. The term up to the stumps refers to the zone formed by an arc measured 1.5 metres out from the centre stump. Play is to be halted until the wicketkeeper wears the correct protective gear, or until he or she moves to more than 1.5 metres back from the stumps. Switch hitting Under no circumstances is any batsman during the course of their innings permitted to switch hit. Switch hitting is described as the batsman s stance is defined as being right or left-handed at the moment the bowler starts his run-up. In the event that any player switch hits, the ball will be declared to be a dead ball and any runs scored or dismissal made shall not be counted. The ball shall not be re-bowled and counted as a ball faced by the batsman. The batsman shall be warned in relation to the dangers he places the fielding team in by his actions and ordered to desist from playing the shot. Any player continuing to play this shot after being warned may face disciplinary action as a breach of MSW Code of Conduct. Queries Any queries regarding these playing conditions should be directed to the MSW Secretary at secretary@mswcricket.com. -ENDS- Laws for the Conduct of Cricket Under 13-17s (T20 games) Page 14 of 14