AIREDALE & WHARFEDALE SENIOR CRICKET LEAGUE ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK (8 th Edition January 2015) This Administrative Handbook has again been revised. It includes a number of amended and additional items which have become standard practice since the last issue. This handbook should be read in conjunction with League Rules contained in the Annual Official League Handbook and circulars issued by the Management Committee from time to time. This should act as a guide to Club Officials enabling them to provide the high standard of administration which all Clubs and the League enjoy. If Clubs are unsure of a League Rule or guidance within this Handbook then they must consult with the League Secretary. Michael Hibbert League President March 2015
SUBJECT PARA. NO. REPORT DATE DUE Administrative Handbook 4 31 st January Affiliation Fees ECB / YCB to include League Fees 6 28th February Balls Approved 17 15 th April Balls Use Fall of wicket 18 Boundary Lines 9 15 th April Cancellation Umpires 8 Captains 7 a) 15 th April Circulars 1 As requested on circular Club Administration 1 At all times Club Secretary absent Club Records 3 Club Officials Re Umpires 5 7 a) 31 st January 15 th April Collections Meritorious Performance 25 Covering the Wicket (pitch) 15 Cup Qualifications 29 Dinner Places (League) 48 As per circular re venue conditions Discipline 34 Equipment Security of 10 15 th April External Competitions League Requirements 44 Fielding Circles 9 15 th April Fines 35 Within 14 days Ground Inspections 16 Handbook Officials and Club Information 5 31 st January Inflammable Materials 10 15 th April Insurance Public Liability 14 15 th April Joe Lumb Competition Nomination 45b 31 st July Junior Section Representative 5 31 st January Laws of Cricket - Toss - Creases - Pitch - Stumps - Balls - Pitch Markings 12a 12b 12c 12d 12e 12f League Secretariat 2 Over Rates 22 Players - Overseas 43 - Qualifications 31 - Transfers 31 - League s expectation of Rear of book All 15 th April Friday prior to season 24 hours prior to match Press Score sheets 33 15 th April Publicity General 38 - Club Information 36 31 st March - Results, Gosney s 37 Prior to 9.00p.m. day of match (1 st X1). Result Sheets 26 15 th April Retirement from League 41
Re-election 41 Rules - Weather affected 19 - Tea Interval 21 - Averages 20 7 days after last match Score boxes 10 15 th April Scorers 13 Season Commencement 42 Sight Boards 9 15 th April Social Networking 40 Spirit of Cricket Rear of book Teams Cup & League 23 / 24 Teams short & arriving / leaving early 32 Transfer of Players 31 Trophies 33 Umpires 7 - Expenses 7a) - Coats / Changing Space 7b) 15 th April - Cancellations 8 As necessary - League expectation of Rear of book West Yorkshire Area Cricket Cup Competition Nominations 45c) 31st July for following year YCB Nominations Under 19 / 17 / 16 46 / 27 15 th April Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival Nominations Under 11 / 13 / 15 45 31 st July for following year
1. CLUB ADMINISTRATION Correspondence of The League is sent to Club Secretaries to bring to the attention of The Club Committee, whilst all Club correspondence to The League will be sent by The Club Secretary to the League Secretary. This does not preclude any delegation of such investigation, but all communication will be by The Club Secretary only with The League Secretary and will be accepted as indicating the intentions of The Club Committee or will be ratified at the next Club Committee meeting. Should a Club Secretary be away from post he WILL notify The League Secretary of his period of absence and advise of the deputy Secretary during that absence? Details of name, address, contact telephone numbers and e-mail address. Should The Club Treasurer be absent then a deputy WILL be available to carry on any League business. Absence of Secretary and / or Treasurer will not be accepted as an excuse for lateness of replies and payments. Replies to circulars and items in this Handbook that are requested MUST arrive by required dates; late replies will not be acceptable and WILL attract a fine at the designated rate. All dates will be met to ensure the smooth running of The League. 2. LEAGUE SECRETARIAT The following additional Secretariat will be appointed and will be responsible to The League Secretary for: 1. Assistant Secretary (at A.G.M.) 2. Disciplinary Officer (at Management Meeting after A.G.M.) 3. Results and Match Administration (by Management Committee) 4. Website Manager (by Management Committee) 3. CLUB RECORDS The League Secretary will maintain a record of administrative and disciplinary records of all Clubs which will be reviewed periodically by The Management Committee. Should a record be not satisfactory a warning letter will be sent to The Club and ultimately The Management Committee shall take appropriate action if the record remains unsatisfactory? 4. ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS Clubs will confirm by 31 st January each year, they have in their possession 5 downloaded copies of the current Administrative Handbook, with all officials holding or having access to such a copy. Clubs will also confirm the number of League Handbooks required (Min of 12) for the forthcoming year, also by the 31 st January. 5. CLUB OFFICIALS ETC. Clubs will confirm their officials and full details required to The League by 31 st January each year and any amendments to this immediately any official is replaced. This is to facilitate insertions in the League handbook and records are updated.
6. AFFILIATION TO YCB / ECB Clubs must affiliate to the YCB and ECB for all their senior teams whether or not they play League Cricket. The fees appertaining to that year will be forwarded when available and Clubs will pay directly to the League, via electronic payment, their full dues for all their teams and notify the League Treasurer of such payment. Payment and notification MUST be made by 28 th February of each year. Failure to comply will result in a level 3 Fine and the Club will not be eligible to play in any League competitions. It is essential that all Clubs correctly affiliate as any incorrect payment may invalidate League membership and affect grants and insurance. 7. UMPIRES There is a constant requirement for additional umpires and anyone who expresses an interest to umpire should be notified to Assistant League Secretary Umpires Appointments at any time. It is in the interest of all Clubs that they actively recruit umpires in particular, those retiring from playing as they can keep an active interest in The League and pass on their experience. The Umpires Association will be responsible for the appointment of Umpires to all official League competitions and will be conducted under the site of Whos the Umpire. The Association will appraise the League Management Committee of the situation regarding problems with staffing matches, umpires or other. The Appointments Official shall attempt to ensure that two umpires are allocated to each and every League and Cup match during the season and take into account the importance of a match at any time regardless of the Division. This system will notify umpires of their standings each week along with notification to Club Secretaries and captains as to the umpire(s) for their match. The Management Committee wish Clubs to find an umpire when it is known that only one umpire has been appointed for the whole match and not have a player to stand. If this is not possible, players will have to stand in and Clubs WILL NOT use junior players as stand in, senior players will stand at square leg. a) CAPTAINS / CLUB OFFICIAL All Club captains, vice captains and Secretaries will register on Whos the umpire website which will notify them of the umpires appointed to the match and also should there be any alterations. The umpire assessment forms will be completed from the site and forwarded electronically for overall assessment and monitoring by the Umpires Association of both high and low marks. Admission to the site for this purpose is by log in only and care must be taken and instructions followed. Failure of umpire assessment will attract a level one fine. Please be aware that only matters that have been discussed at the post match meeting should be reported on the assessment, any complaints have to be forwarded to me by the Club Secretary. We all have to accept that mistakes are made of which captains and players are not immune, assessments must be objective. b) COMPLAINTS RE UMPIRES Any complaints with regard to the conduct of an umpire will be reported by the Club Secretary to the League Secretary in writing within 48 hours scheduled start of the incident. The complaint will only be accepted from the Club Secretary. c) PAYMENT & EXPENSES Umpires will be paid at the rate and expenses indicated in The League Handbook / March Circular and will be paid at the tea interval the maximum payment must also be borne in mind, Umpires may ask less than the maximum amount and must charge fairly. Umpires are reminded that they cannot charge if they have a lift from the other umpire or no cost by public transport.
d) UMPIRES COATS & CHANGING FACILITIES Two clean and dry umpire s coats in good repair with pockets MUST be available on match days. If a separate room is not available for umpires then alternative adequate changing facility MUST be made available with pegs and hangers and if necessary clearly marked. When a separate room is available for umpires it MUST be clean and tidy All the above requirements will be confirmed by Clubs prior to 15 th April each year 8. CANCELLATION OF MATCHES No League or Cup match can be cancelled without permission of The League Management Committee. The exception being when a home Club believes that their ground is unfit for a match to be played then it must contact the travelling team as early as possible. If the decision to cancel is made, then the umpire(s) allocated to the match on Whos the Umpire site MUST be informed at least two hours prior to the scheduled start of the match. Should the travelling Club make the decision they wish to travel then if there is no play on the day, the travelling Club will be responsible for payment of umpires as indicated in the handbook and any other expenses of the host Club, due to this. 9. BOUNDARY MARKINGS, SIGHT BOARDS &FIELDING CIRCLES The boundary line can be a continuous white line or rope with flags or posts which should be clearly visible from the pitch and any overhanging grass MUST be removed regularly. The Management Committee will not accept any excuses for non maintenance of boundary lines. Sight Boards will be painted prior to the start of the season and kept in good order and repair throughout the season Where Clubs have sight Boards which are wholly or partly within the field of play, the boundary line or rope where it goes around the Sight Board will take into account movement for bowling over and around the wicket and make allowance. THE SIGHT BOARD MUST NOT BE MOVED OUTSIDE THE MARKING INTO THE FIELD OF PLAY, NOR CAN THE BOUNDARY BE MOVED AFTER PLAY HAS COMMENCED. The boundary line is set at commencement of play. Where left and right handed batsmen are at the crease, the batting side WILL BE RESPONSIBLE for movement of the Sight Board. In matches where fielding circles are involved then the home Club MUST ensure that markers are correctly positioned as indicated in Circulars. Any deviation or discrepancies relating to this will be reported to the Management Committee who deal with the matter as they think fit. There shall be a minimum of four (4) fielders plus the wicket keeper and bowler within the fielding restricted area as defined below at the instant of delivery. In the event of an infringement either umpire shall call and signal No Ball and law 24.10 through 24.16 shall apply. Fielding Restriction Area: 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 (27.43 metres) or the boundary whichever is the shorter. The semi-circles will be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field. The fielding restriction area shall be marked at 5 yard (4.57 metres) intervals by a white plastic or rubber (not metal) disc measuring at least 7 inches (18cm) in diameter. (NOTE: for practical reasons, physically drawing of the lines will not be done, but discs alone will mark the Restriction Area. Clubs will confirm by 15 th April each year that all the above arrangements WILL be complied with during the season.
10. SCORE BOXES / SECURITY OF EQUIPMENT Score boxes must not be used for the storage of flammable liquids, nor should any such items be stored in pavilion and Changing Rooms. Where Clubs use electronically controlled scoreboards for display, they must have a back up manual system for use in the event of a breakdown. This as a minimum MUST show Runs, Wickets, Over s and last innings score where appropriate. Club Score boxes will be satisfactorily cleaned and kept so throughout the season. It must be remembered that there are a number of lady scorers who should be made welcome. Clubs will ensure that electronic numbering, rollers and tins are fully functional and in good repair. Ladders and other moveable equipment throughout the Clubs premises MUST be secured and not dangerous. Clubs will confirm compliance with the contents of this paragraph by 15 th April each year. 11. NON-TURF PITCHES Any match under the auspices of The League WILL NOT be played on a non-turf pitch. The approval of The Management Committee is required before the installation of a non-turf pitch on the square. The only exception to this is being in a bowl out. 12. MATCHES & LAWS OF CRICKET Clubs are reminded of the following requirements which must be fulfilled and assurances re compliance for the season will be adhered to prior to 15 th April each year. a) Toss for Innings This must be made between 30 and 15 minutes before the agreed time for play to start and notification will be given immediately. b) Marking of Crease These will be clearly marked to the correct specification and remarked at the interval and as necessary during the match. c) Pitch - The pitch will be evenly and uniformly cut to a width of 5 feet from a line adjoining the middle stump of both wickets. d) Stumps - These should be pitched with the centre of the stump on the back edge of the bowling crease and must be unpainted light wood. e) Bails - An adequate supply of matching bails including spares must always be readily available. f) Protected Area - The edge of the pitch will be marked with a small white line, 5 feet to each side of a line from middle stump to middle stump and 5 feet in front of the popping crease, this is to assist in adjudication of encroachment. (Law 42. 11 &12)
13. SCORERS ALL SCORERS OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP MUST HAVE A DBS CHECK. You are reminded that the Management Committee have ruled that a team failing to provide a scorer MUST find a Club Official to do so, or failing that a player of their team must do it whilst his team is fielding and it MUST be the same player throughout. This means that a team not providing a scorer may bat 11 men but WILL only field 10 men, who will be the same 10 men throughout the innings. This is intended to penalise that team and to act as a deterrent. Umpires will record such occurrences on the Result Sheet for the attention of The Management Committee who will deal with the matter as if the team were a player short. 14. PUBLIC LIABILITY Clubs MUST have adequate Public Liability insurance in force for the ensuing 12 month and will confirm the same prior to 15 th April each season. Care must be taken that any actions taken by The Club will not invalidate such cover, including such matters within this Handbook. 15. COVERING OF THE PITCH In accordance with Laws (Law 11) of Cricket and Rule (3.1 iii). All Clubs must have coverings which may be used during the match at the discretion of the umpires and these must be declared to the visiting captain and umpires before the game. 16. GROUND INSPECTIONS The Management Committee reserve the right to inspect any Club ground at any time. The inspection of a Club s ground and facilities will take place every alternate year and The Clubs will be informed as to the time and date of such an inspection when arranged. Clubs are reminded that they must confirm the date with The League by the stated date and ensure that all facilities required are available for immediate inspection on arrival of the inspection team. Any Club which fails to have members available and facilities unavailable on such a date will bear the cost of re-inspection visit. 17. CRICKET BALLS RULE 3.6 Clubs are reminded that ONLY balls on the League s Approved List, published in the League Handbook are to be used in any match under the auspices of The League. THERE WILL BE NO DISPENSATION other than an official trial sanctioned by The League. Club Officials MUST ensure that there are an adequate number of spare and alternative balls available, all of which must comply with the Approved List. All balls used within the League must be suitable and in a fair condition, refurbished balls should retain as much as possible the original colour of the ball. Spare balls must not be excessively lacquered as to present an unfair advantage. Any ball presented by a Club to an umpire that is not on the Approved List, MUST be seized by the umpire, a receipt given and presented to the Management Committee for any penal action they may wish to take. All Clubs must give assurances that all matters within this paragraph are noted and will be dealt with accordingly, prior to 15 th April each season. 18. USE OF BALL AFTER FALL OF WICKET AND INTERUPTIONS The match ball must be returned to the umpire at the fall of a wicket and interruptions (Law 5.2b).
19. DELAYED START AND / OR INTERUPTIONS IN PLAY League Rules 3.4 (i) and (ii) apply. When the start has been delayed over s are lost immediately at the scheduled start, the 15 minute allowance will not be used at this stage, but should there be an interruption after a delayed start or when the start time was on schedule the 15 minute allowance will be used. The 15 minutes is to be cumulative and one over is lost for every 3 minutes or part thereof. The calculations will be done at the wicket and the fielding captain, batsmen and scorers will be informed. In the case of a delayed start the number of over s shall be equal to both teams rounded down if so required. 20. LEAGUE AVERAGES (Rule 4.4) Signed returns have always to be completed for 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd X1 s, even if there are no qualifiers, The Management Committee will not accept any excuses and circulated dates will be adhered to without exception. (A level one fine will be levied for breaches of Rule 4.4). Those signing the return must satisfy themselves that they are correct and Secretaries must have scorebooks available immediately should the Management Committee require to receive them. The Forms for Returns are sent out and will be returned electronically. Where a reduction in match over s, bowling and batting limitations are put in place, the Management Committee reserves the right to review matters appertaining to compilation of averages. 21. TEA INTERVAL Rule 3.2 (iii) allows tea to be taken during a stoppage in play caused by adverse weather conditions and there will then only be a 10 minute break between innings. No overs will be lost during any tea interval. Guidance to umpires as to the taking of tea during a stoppage in play on how to use their discretion as allowed in the Rule has not changed, i.e. to be taken only when it is a certainty there would be no play during that interval. There are no circumstances when tea will be held off should a team be bowled out early, a 25 minute tea break will take place between innings. 22. OVER RATES a) Seasonal Rates There have been unacceptable slow over rates over the past years, even though League Rules are based on 20 over s per hour, 17 over s per hour is deemed as acceptable, but is still not achieved by many. The seasonal over rate will be averaged at 17 over s per hour and teams not achieving will attract a fine on a sliding scale. Records will be kept during the seasons and over rates distributed to Clubs periodically and those not achieving the required limit will be highlighted as a warning. It is expected that Clubs will improve their rates if they fall below the standard, should this not be the case then The Management Committee may take appropriate action.
b) Match Rates The match rate at which over s will be bowled is 3.8 minutes per over making 50 over s to be bowled in 3 hours 10 minutes, this will apply to 50 over and delayed start matches. Match rates will be kept under review by The Management Committee. A team failing to bowl their overs within the time limits above will receive the following. The first breach will attract a written warning. The second breach will attract a 3 point deduction The third breach will attract a 6 point deduction The Fourth breach will attract a 12 point deduction Any further breaches will attract a doubling of point deduction. Captains and umpires should work together regarding over rates being achieved. Scorers will also have a record. Umpires have been requested to accurately record any interruptions in play where time is lost. Any breaches of Law 42.10 will be dealt with by the Umpires and reported to the Management Committee. 3 minutes is allowed for drinks intervals. 23. TEAM CARDS In all League and League Cup matches each team will hand in to the umpires an approved team card with the names and age group of all players in that match, not any piece of paper, at or before the toss. Once the team card has been handed in it cannot be altered or added to, any player who is to be late arriving must also be put on the card. Clubs must not play any player who cannot play a full game, who will leave during the game and return later. It must show any Under 18 player whose parents allow them to bat without a helmet along with a copy of the consent. Any under 13 players must have a League signed consent form and this must be presented with the card, it will be signed by the child s parent / guardian and a level 2 coach. Once again a signed piece of paper is not permissible. An Under 12 year old is not permitted to play in any match unless they produce a letter from the YCB only, in which case they can play. 24. TEAMS IN SCOREBOOK A full list of players MUST appear in both competing teams scorebooks, this to include all players who did not bat for any reason. The name(s) of all those players taking catches to be noted in the scorebook. Any breach of this paragraph may result in a level one fine. 25. COLLECTIONS FOR MERITOROUS PERFORMANCES Clubs are reminded that most Clubs do not allow collections for meritorious performances on their grounds. You must advise your captain and players of this fact if your Club wish to do so. As a precaution your Club Secretary must seek permission from the host Club prior to the match day, which will preclude any contravention of a League Rule.
26. RESULT SHEETS A current season Result Sheet MUST be given to the umpires completed in skeleton form along with a FIRST CLASS stamped addressed envelope to the Results Assistant Secretary. This is for all 1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd X1 Cup and League matches. Any breaches MUST be reported to the League Secretary by the umpires. The Management Committee reserve the right to deal with Clubs who breach this paragraph. Skeleton form includes completion of: Both Teams and Division shown The date and type of match Umpires have been instructed to complete this Result Sheet accurately and note that the Result Sheet is not confidential and can be shown to captains. Any discussion regarding any matters in the match and any information from the umpires should be made at the post meeting. The Result Sheet is not a private document and can be seen by captains. Clubs will confirm compliance with the contents of this paragraph by 15 th April each year. 27. CAPTAINS & UMPIRES POST MATCH MEETING Clubs must remind their captains that after each match, home and away they should meet with the opposing captain and umpires. Captains are reminded that this meeting MUST take place within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the match. It is not good enough to keep umpires waiting any longer. Umpires make a note of captains who do not attend these meetings, Clubs should inform the League Secretary of umpires who do not attend. 28. PRESS SCORE SHEETS a) First Eleven These are dealt with by emails forwarded from computers handling the TCS system. Any system failure will result in the home team having to forward an official downloadable copy. Advice circular is available b) Second & Third Eleven. Official Press Score Sheets are downloadable from The League website and MUST be fully completed and forwarded to the circulated e-mail address named in the March Circular or as amended by Circular, no other press sheet is acceptable. It is essential that all players taking part in the match are named with a full forename and surname, the minimum being initial or forenames and full surname on all parts of the sheet. Clubs will ensure that a Club official is responsible for the correct entries and submission by e-mail is made according to League Rules and Circulars. It is essential that score sheets are submitted as soon as possible after the match and MUST be forwarded even if the match did not start or abandoned. Clubs will confirm that the contents of this paragraph are adhered to by 15 th April each season. 29. LEAGUE EMERGENCY & CUP QUALIFICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE The President, Vice President and League Secretary will form this Sub-Committee and all communications will be by e-mail to the League Secretary.
30. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS IN LEAGUE MATCHES (Rule 5.3) All applications for 1 st and 2 nd X1 players to play in 2 nd X1 and d 3 rd X1 respectively MUST be received by the appointed Member (Clubs will be notified by circular) by Tuesday before the Saturday or if 3 rd X1 Wednesday before Sunday, no late applications will be accepted. The Emergency Sub Committee shall be responsible for permission. Any Club playing an ineligible player will have all points deducted for all matches played by such player and any other punishment the Management Committee think fit. 31. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS League Rule 5.2 This Rule is to be carefully observed and a transfer request MUST be received by 1.00 p.m. on the Friday for Saturday match and 2.30 p.m. on the Saturday for Sunday match. There will be no exceptions to these timings. All transfers within this League require a transfer form including junior players. League Rule 5.1 The timings above also apply to this section. Players moving from any Club in any League in any County MUST obtain a transfer or clearance certificate. Should a player play for a League Club then another Club at any stage, and then they must transfer back with a clearance certificate whether or not they received a transfer / clearance certificate in the first instance. For both above Rules, they shall not apply to teams in Mid-week or Sunday only Leagues. There are certain exception for junior players at League Clubs see Rule 5.4. YCB Rules 9.1 and 9.2 apply to all. 32. TEAMS SHORT OF PLAYERS Each team MUST have 8 players AND a scorer present before a match can commence otherwise the match will be considered as forfeited and the relevant punishments will ensue. Should a team or teams not have the required numbers at the scheduled start time then a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes can be allowed for the requisite numbers. The new start time of such a match will attract loss of over s for a delayed start. Do we say 50 over s will still be played. The Secretary of the offending team (s) WILL notify the League Secretary or his nominee within 24 hours of the scheduled start time with the reasons for the shortage. The following punishments will apply: Cancellation of match due to lack of player numbers, 20 points to both 1st & 2nd X1 of offending Club (s) and any expenses occurred in relation to umpires and teas. A one point deduction for each over lost to the offending Club (s) should play commence late. Should a Club breach this paragraph on a second occasion then it will have to appear before the Management Committee. In recent seasons there have been instances of teams short of players. This discredits both the Senior League and Clubs and every effort must be made to ensure full teams are fielded. In the unlikely event of a team being short of players, the umpires MUST note this fact on the Result Sheet and the offending Club Secretary MUST forward an explanation to The League Secretary within three days of the match, setting out the reasons, which will be brought to the attention of The Management Committee. Should a Club be short of players on three Occasions, then it will have to appear before the Management Committee. Clubs MUST not plan to use a player who knowingly can only play part of a match or leave and return later. If this be reported then it will again be dealt with severely by The Management Committee.
33. LEAGUE TROPHIES Clubs and individuals holding Cup or League trophies should read Rules 1.9 (ii) and 1.9 (iii) carefully. The trophies MUST be returned to The League Secretary by the specified date and not to other individuals unless otherwise instructed by the Secretary. The Management Committee are concerned that some trophies have not been looked after carefully, Clubs will be charged with repair of damage and for loss of trophies. Trophies will be returned in a cleaned and polished condition by the specified date, suitable for immediate display or a Level two fine will ensue. 34. DISCIPLINE Clubs are held responsible for the conduct of their players, members and spectators. You are reminded of Law 42.1 which places responsibility for player s behaviour on the Captain and Law 42.2 and 42.18 makes clear the action umpires shall take. Players contracted to Clubs of the League will accept any disciplinary or other measures taken by The League which may affect them. The Disciplinary system is explained at Rule 8 within the Official League Handbook and League Circulars. 35. FINES Fines are imposed when Clubs do not comply with League requirements. The Management Committee expect Clubs to deal with League matters promptly and ensure replies are made within time limits avoiding the necessity for the League to impose fines. Fines will be paid electronically by Clubs. During the season match day fines will be notified to Clubs who will then be invoiced for the full amount at the closure of the season. Others fines will become payable as notified. Rule 1.2v) indicates that fines not paid within 14 days of notification will be automatically doubled. 36. CLUB INFORMATION The League Secretary shall be advised by 31 st March each year of any items of interest concerning Clubs covering facilities, administration, changes in personnel on and off the field and any information concerning players. This will be used in generating publicity for Clubs and League so Clubs should cooperate fully in this matter. Failure to do so will result in a level 3 fine. 37. GOSNEY SPORTS AGENCY Clubs will contact the agency as dictated by League Rules and Circular to ensure maximum publicity for the League, contact numbers are circulated. The Prestige of the League is lowered when Clubs do not contact the agency; it is recommended that contact be made immediately after the game has concluded to avoid non compliance. Failure to comply with this paragraph will result in a Level one fine. 38. PUBLICITY Clubs are advised that publication, whether electronically or otherwise, of any material detrimental to the League or other Clubs, players and officials will be regarded as a matter for concern for the Management Committee s considerations. Clubs will be held responsible for their actions and of their players and officials in this regard.
39. CLUB PROGRAMMES & WEBSITES Clubs are encouraged to seek sponsorship in this way are reminded that they will not contain remarks of a derogatory nature towards umpires, players or officials of other Clubs or any member of the Management Committee. Any breaches will be dealt with by the Management Committee. 40. SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING The Management Committee reserve the right to investigate any reports of derogatory postings on social networking sites by Clubs, players, officials including League officials and umpires. These matters will be dealt with within the League Rules by the Management Committee. 41. RETIREMENT FROM THE LEAGUE / ANNUAL RE-ELECTION The two Clubs which finish at the foot of Division three, first eleven, and wish to seek re-election to the League, will retire from the League at the commencement of the October Council Meeting. Although the Clubs may be in attendance, they may not take any part in proceedings until the agenda item Annual Vacancies has been dealt with and then only if they are re-elected. Even if there is no application for membership received, re-election will be put to Clubs in a secret ballot. Clubs seeking re-election will be the subject of Management Committee reports to the League Council as per Rule 1.1 (iv). 42. COMMENCEMENT OF SEASON At no time will there be more than three League matches in April; wherever possible there will be no more than two. 43. OVERSEAS PLAYERS QUALIFICATIONS / REGISTRATION Subject to the overriding discretion of the Management Committee, an overseas player is defined as a player who is not eligible to play under ECB Qualifications for Registration and competitive County Cricket or who is not registered as an overseas player resident in England. (See League Rule 5.8) All overseas players must be registered in writing, on the relevant form, with the League Secretary no later than midnight on the Friday preceding the first match of the season unless Clubs are notified otherwise. 44. CLUBS & EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS Clubs are reminded of the Standing Order reaffirmed by the Management Committee, that:- When Clubs participate in External Knockout Competitions and any matches in these tournaments conflict with the Leagues known requirements, then the League s matches (League & Cup) shall be fulfilled in accordance with the predetermined programme. Players shall not play for their Clubs in any match under the auspices of the League, when they are required by the League for any representative teams. The League s known requirements shall include the scheduled matches of its representative teams.
45. NOMINATIONS REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS Clubs will submit nominations to the Assistant League Secretary (External Competitions) or other named recipient by 31 st July each year for the following year (unless another date advised) the following information is required. a) Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival The teams are run in conjunction with the Airedale Junior Cricket League. The names, date of birth, address, contact telephone number (parent) and e-mail address of all players nominated for the Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 teams. Players must be under the age group on 31 st August the year prior to the competition year. Include the player s speciality and any averages available. PLEASE ONLY NOMINATE PLAYERS CONDIERED SUITABLE FOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. b) Joe Lumb Competition The teams is run in conjunction with the Airedale Junior Cricket League. The names, date of birth, address, contact telephone number (parent), players contact number, and e-mail address of all players nominated. Players must be under 17 on 31 st August the year prior to the competition year. Include the player s speciality and any averages available. PLEASE ONLY NOMINATE PLAYERS CONDIERED SUITABLE FOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. C) West Yorkshire Area Cricket Cup Competition The names, date of birth, address, contact telephone number and e-mail address of all players nominated. Include the player s speciality and any averages available. PLEASE ONLY NOMINATE PLAYERS CONDIERED SUITABLE FOR REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. The League Management Committee ask that initially those nominated be Under 21 years of age, although the competition is open age. PLEASE NOTE A NIL RETURN IS REQUIRED IF APPROPRIATE. All League Clubs will nominate to West Yorkshire Area Cricket Cup Competition, those who nominate to Yorkshire Junior Cricket festival and Joe Lumb will be circulated. 46. Y.C.B. UNDER 16 AND UNDER 19 NOMINATIONS Nominations for boys under 16 and under 19 years of age on 31 st August the previous year should be submitted with the following: a) Full name b) Home address, contact telephone and e-mail address c) Date of birth d) Cricket speciality (left hand / right hand etc). e) Last seasons averages at all levels and any outstanding performances this year f) Confirmation that they are available for all matches Players so nominated should be above average and would normally have played Joe Lumb or representative cricket. All nominations to be received by the League Secretary prior to 15 th April each year, Clubs not nominating to send nil return. 47. UNDER 17 INTER COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP Nominations for BOYS under 17 on 31 st August in the year prior to the competition (not necessarily Yorkshire born) should be forwarded with details (a) to (f) in paragraph 45 above. The standard of players for this X1 is high as Yorkshire County Cricket Club will consider players for the Academy in future seasons. All nominations to be received by the League Secretary prior to 15 th April each year, Clubs not nominating to send nil return.
48. LEAGUE ANNUAL DINNER This will be held on the third Friday in October each year unless circumstances dictate otherwise. In accordance with the decision of League Council (23:4:61) All places reserved other than the four obligatory ones are to be paid for before the Tuesday prior to the Dinner. It is essential that Club Secretaries inform the League of the number of places that they require as venue numbers alter and will be issued strictly in rotation as they are received. Should there be a waiting list; places will be allocated from this by rotation. Only the four obligatory places can be regarded as booked until the League Secretary is notified of any increase so early booking is advisable.
THE LEAGUE S EXPECTATION OF PLAYERS 1. If players ask umpires to explain decisions, then they must do so politely. 2. Players will be courteous to umpires. 3. Players must always be aware that they walk a fine line between repartee and insults / sledging. 4. Personal abuse must be eradicated. 5. Comments and over-reaction are unacceptable when a player is dismissed. 6. Provocative comments of all kinds are unacceptable. 7. Over-appealing is against the spirit of cricket and a disciplinary offence. 8. Captains must take a more active role in maintaining discipline and step on any undercurrent of complaint or comment. 9. All decisions will be accepted. 10. Audible remarks must not occur. 11. In all matters of discipline the Clubs should take the lead and deal with the same as under the guidelines issued by the League and not leave this matter entirely in the hands of the Disciplinary Panels. The Management Committee reserve the right to take action it deems necessary.
THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within the Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILTY FOR ENSURING THE SPIRIT OF FAIR PLAY RESTS WITH THE CAPTAINS. 1. There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the teams conduct with the Captains. Responsibility of Captains: The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the of the Game as well as within the Laws. Spirit Player s Conduct: In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions by an umpire, criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, showing dissent or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player s captain and instruct the latter to take action. 2. Fair and Unfair Play According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpire may intervene at anytime and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required. THE LEAGUE S EXPECTATION OF UMPIRES 1. Umpires will confer as and when necessary. 2. Umpires will meet with the captains after a match and be prepared to discuss any issues that may have arisen. 3. Umpires MUST be present at the toss. 4. Umpires must meet with Captains and Scorers prior to the match. 5. Umpires should endeavour to be as consistent as possible throughout the match and the season. 6. Umpires MUST involve the captains in all matters. 7. Umpires can threaten to report any matter of discipline and can do so with or without warning dependant on the offence.