MANNING RIVER DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED COMPETITION & PLAYING RULES Season 2015 / 2016 MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 1 of 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRELIMINARY 4 COMPETITION FRAMEWORK 4 COMPETITION FORMAT 1. Playing Times 5 2. Innings Limitations 6 3. Interrupted Play 7 4. Bowling Limitations 7 RESULTS, POINTSCORE, PENALTIES 5. Points Allotment 8 6. Competition Prize Money 10 7. Finals Positions 10 8. Results Recording 11 9. Qualifications For Association Trophies 11 GROUNDS 10. Grounds And Equipment 12 11. Fitness Of Grounds 12 PLAY 12. Nomination Of teams 13 13. The Toss 14 14. Forfeits 14 15. Follow On 15 16. Use Of Balls 15 17. Full Tosses, Synthetic Pitches 15 18. Scoring And Recording No Balls 15 19. Leg Side Wides Special Playing Condition For One Day Matches Only 15 20. The Circle Special Playing Condition For 1 st & 2 nd Grade One Day & T20 Matches Only 15 21. Unfair Deliveries (Refer To MCC Law 42) 16 22. T20 Matches Special Playing Conditions 16 23. Free Hit 16 MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 2 of 34
24. Power Play 17 25. Square Leg Umpire 17 26. Player Absent Or Leaving The Field 17 PLAYERS REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, GRADING, REPRESENTATIVE, DRESS, CONDUCT 27. Registration 18 28. Payment Of Fees 18 29. Transfers And Clearances 19 30. Gradings 20 31. Two Teams In Same Grade 21 32. Representative And Inter-district Players 21 33. Dress Regulations And Logos 22 34. Alcohol Policy 22 FINALS SERIES 35. Order Of Play 22 36. No Result 23 37. Player Qualification And Grade 23 38. Ground Allocation 23 ADMINISTRATIVE BY-LAWS 39. Code Of Conduct Commission And Commissioner 24 40. Protocol For Reports 24 41. Defendants Rights 24 42. Appeals Against Commission Decision 25 43. Disputes And Protests Arising From Competition 26 44. Association Finance 26 45. Umpiring Fees 27 46. Club Obligations 27 Glossary Of Terms 28 Appendix I (Code Of Conduct) 29 Appendix II (Calculations For Reduction Of Overs) 30 Appendix III (Schedule Of Fees) 34 MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 3 of 34
MRDCA COMPETITION AND PLAYING RULES PRELIMINARY The Rules laid down in this document shall apply to all fixtures controlled by the Manning River District Cricket Association Inc., unless otherwise stated. Unless variations are specified within these rules, the MCC Laws of Cricket shall apply to all competition matches conducted by the Association. The reference source for MCC Laws of Cricket shall be the current edition of Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (5 th edition, publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicholson of London), hereafter referred to as MCC Laws, together with its interpretations and definitions. All experimental Laws adopted by the NSWCA and the NSWCCA shall apply to all competition matches conducted by the Association, and shall apply from the commencement of the season for which they were introduced. However, these may be excluded by a decision of the Management Committee of the Association prior to the commencement of the season. Changes to rules will only be considered at a rules meeting in prior to season commencement, or as an item of Special Business at a meeting of the Management Committee. Any request for Rule changes must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the MRDCA. COMPETITION FRAMEWORK The Competition shall be formally known as the Manning River District Cricket Competition (the Competition ). Notwithstanding the previous point, the Executive of the MRDCA has the right to change the name of the competition in accordance with any corporate agreements for sponsorship and/or naming rights. A Fixtures Committee, elected at the AGM and consisting of at least 3 members with no more than 1 from any club, will draw up a list of fixtures (the draw) before the start of competition each season. It will determine the duration of the Competition, the format of matches, ground allocations and the format of the order of play for finals series. Rule 35 is to be used as a guideline for the format of finals series. The draw will be compiled and presented to the Executive Committee for formal sign off, and made available on the Association website prior to the first competition match. Should the Fixtures Committee deem it necessary to alter any fixtures during the season, the secretaries of any clubs affected shall be advised by the Association Secretary or his delegate. Advice by telephone shall be considered sufficient, however all complex alterations will be advised on the website. Every effort will be made to have late changes broadcast over local radio on the Saturday morning of the matches affected. Such information will also be available on the website where practical. Teams competing in 3 rd Grade may be split into two grades midway through the season or immediately prior to the finals series. The lower Grade will be known as 4 th Grade. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 4 of 34
COMPETITION FORMAT 1. Playing Times a. Games shall be played over either one or two Saturday afternoons (except for finals series) as determined by the Fixtures Committee. Playing times are as follows: i) T20 matches: 1 st match: 1 st Innings 1:00pm to 2:20pm 2 nd Innings 2:30pm to 3:50pm 2 nd match: 1 st Innings 4:10pm to 5:30pm 2 nd Innings 5:40pm to 7:00pm In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, playing hours can be extended in the final only. All other matches must be played within the times listed above, and can only be altered where played as reduced over matches, or at the discretion of the fixtures committee. ii) One day matches: Preliminary rounds: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Finals series: Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Grand Final: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Sunday 10:00am to 3:30pm In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, playing hours can be extended on grand final Sundays to allow the full quota of hours, with the latest finishing time being 6:30pm. Further to this, if play has commenced and is cut short by wet weather, play can be resumed on any scheduled reserve day to ensure the best chance of a result, with the exception that where play has commenced, it cannot be continued over multiple weekends (as per rule 36). At the discretion of the umpire, or both captains where no umpire is appointed, play may be extended by a maximum of 30 minutes to ensure the allotted overs are bowled in the second innings. iii) Two day matches: Preliminary rounds: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Finals series: Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Grand Final: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday 10:00am to 4:30pm In the event of wet weather, playing hours can be extended on grand final Sundays to allow the full quota of hours, with the latest finishing time being 6:30pm. Further to this, if play has commenced and is cut short by wet weather, play can be resumed on any scheduled reserve day to ensure the best chance of a result, with the exception that where play has commenced, it cannot be continued over multiple weekends (see rule 36). Playing time can be extended by a maximum of 30 minutes to ensure the minimum number of overs specified in rule 2(c)(iii) are bowled. b. In two day matches a 10 minute tea break shall be taken at 3.25pm. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 5 of 34
c. In one day matches the tea break will be incorporated into the innings change at 3.40pm, with no extra time allowed. d. In One Day matches, the following penalties will apply where the allotted number of overs is not bowled in the allotted time: i) If the team bowling first fails to bowl the required number of overs as provided for in rule 2(b) by the scheduled cessation time, they will continue to bowl until the required number of overs as provided for in rule 2(b) has been completed. The team batting second will then only receive the amount of overs bowled as at the scheduled cessation of the first innings. ii) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs as provided for in rule 2(b) by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved. iii) Unless determined otherwise by the Umpires, a penalty of six runs per over will be awarded to the batting side for each over short of the required number at the scheduled, or rescheduled, cessation time. e. By mutual consent of the opposing captains or at the discretion of the umpire, a drinks break of not more than 2 minutes may be taken each hour. Such a break shall not be taken if a normally scheduled break (lunch, tea, stumps, etc) is due within the next 30 minutes. No extra time shall be added to either innings to compensate for extra drink breaks. 2. Innings Limitations a. T20 matches i) A match will consist of one innings per team, limited to a maximum of 20 overs. ii) A time limit of one hour and 20 minutes is allowed to bowl the 20 overs. Any overs not bowled within the time limit will be credited to the batting side at 10 runs per over. iii) A minimum of 5 overs per team will constitute a match. iv) No drinks intervals are permitted. v) No extra time will be permitted to make up for time lost. b. One day matches i) 40 overs. Variations shall only be made in the case of interruptions (refer rule 3) or when either side is dismissed in fewer than 40 overs. ii) In preliminary rounds, each team must receive a minimum of 15 overs to constitute a complete match. An innings will be deemed complete where a team is dismissed in fewer than 15 overs. c. Two day matches i) The first innings of each team shall be limited to a maximum of 100 overs. ii) A minimum of 15 overs must be bowled in the last hour of the match, according to the agreed hours of play. If there is a change of innings during the last hour, 3 overs shall be deducted from the number to be bowled. iii) A minimum of 70 overs must be bowled in a full day. 3 overs shall be deducted for each change of innings. In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, the minimum number of overs will be reduced at the rate of 1 over for every 4 minutes of lost time. d. Retirement (3rd and 4th Grade only). A batsman may retire not out at any time and resume their innings at the fall of the second last wicket, e.g. where a team has 11 players, MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 6 of 34
the retired player may resume their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket. Where more than one player retires, they may resume in the order they retired, working back from the fall of the second last wicket. 3. Interrupted Play a. Commencement. A match is deemed to have commenced where at least one ball has been bowled. b. In T20 matches: i) If due to interruption of play, the number of overs in the innings of the team batting second has to be revised, their target score shall be the runs scored by the team batting first from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs, plus one run. c. In one day matches: i) Where play is delayed or interrupted due to weather or light conditions, the object should always be to rearrange the number of overs so that both teams have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs (refer to appendix II). ii) 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 originally allotted (minimum 15 overs), unless the provisions of rule 3(c)(i) apply, then a revised target score (to win) should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. This revised target is to be calculated using the Run Rate Method. A team s run-rate is calculated by dividing its total number of runs scored by its total number of overs received. (1) For the purposes of run-rate calculations, each fair delivery bowled counts as onesixth of an over. (2) Where a team is dismissed before it has received its maximum number of overs, it is deemed to have received the maximum number of overs. (3) The team with the higher run-rate wins the match, regardless of the number of wickets that it has lost. d. Lightning: Play shall cease immediately in the event that a lightning flash is followed by thunder less than 40 seconds later. Play shall not resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning flash. These safety measures must be enforced by the team Captains when there is no official Umpire appointed 4. Bowling Limitations Note: Refer to appendix II for tables to aid with the following calculations. a. In T20 and one day games no bowler shall be permitted to bowl more than one fifth of the total number of overs to be bowled in an innings. If any bowler has bowled more than one fifth of a revised number of overs prior to an interruption to play, he shall not be allowed to bowl again. The number of remaining maximum overs per bowler would in such instances reduce proportionately to one quarter, one third or one half of the remaining overs. b. Where the total of revised overs is not evenly divisible by the minimum number of bowlers allowable, one additional over shall be allocated to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance, e.g. in a 33 over innings, 3 bowlers may bowl a maximum of 7 and no other bowler may bowl more than 6. c. Where a late interruption has occurred reducing the innings to, say 24 overs, and two bowlers have already bowled 8 each (one fifth of the original 40), and the remaining 10 MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 7 of 34
overs are shared between 3 bowlers, one may bowl 4 and the other two may bowl only 3 each. d. In the event that over restrictions are recalculated for the first innings of a match, the same restrictions shall then also apply to the second innings. e. Limitations for Junior Pace Bowlers. Age at August 31 Max overs per spell Max overs per day Under 19 8 20 Under 18 7 18 Under 17 6 16 Under 16 6 14 Under 15 5 12 Under 14 5 10 Under 13 4 8 Note: It the obligation of the junior players team to enforce the bowling limitations. It is not the responsibility of the umpire. f. Where Junior Pace Bowling limitations are breached, teams will be penalised as per rule 5(d). RESULTS, POINTSCORE, PENALTIES 5. Points Allotment a. In each grade points shall be awarded as follows: Outright win for team leading on first innings 16 Outright win for team trailing on first innings 16 Outright win for team tied on first innings 16 Outright loss for team tied on first innings 3 Outright loss for team leading on first innings 6 Outright loss for team trailing on first innings 0 Outright tie for team leading on first innings 11 Outright tie for team trailing on first innings 5 Outright tie for teams tied on first innings 8 First innings win 6 One day win 6 T20 win 3 First innings tie in two day match 3 Draw in two day match if more than 2 hrs play lost As per rule 11(e/f) Draw in two day match with no 1st innings result 3 Draw in two day match played under 1 day rules 3 Draw in an abandoned two day match, no 1st innings result being obtained: Where no other matches were completed 3 Where other matches were completed As per rule 11(e/f) Draw / Tie / Washout in one day match 3 Draw / Tie / Washout in T20 match 1.5 Bye As per rule 5(b) Bonus points As per rule 5(c) MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 8 of 34
Unqualified player breach As per rule 5(d) Junior pace bowling restriction breach As per rule 5(d) Mentor player restriction breach As per rule 5(d) Win on forfeit As per rule 5(e) Forfeit As per rule 5(f) Results recording breach As per rule 8 Non-attendance at MRDCA meeting As per rule 46(a) Use of incorrect ball As per rule 16(d) b. Points awarded for byes: i) Where each team receives the same number of byes, no points will be allocated for the bye. ii) Where teams do not receive the same number of byes, then the points awarded will be the average of all points in the round (i.e. total of match points for both winning and losing teams divided by the number of teams playing in that round). c. Bonus points: i) 1st innings batting: 60 runs = 1pt; 120 runs = 2pts; 180 runs = 3pts ii) 1st innings bowling: 3 wkts = 1pt; 6 wkts = 2pts; 9 wkts = 3pts iii) 2nd innings batting: 80 runs = 1pt; 160 runs = 2pts iv) 2nd innings bowling: 4 wkts = 1pt; 8 wkts = 2pts d. Unqualified player breach/junior pace bowler restriction breach/mentor player restriction breach: A team playing an unqualified player, breaching junior pace bowling restrictions or breaching mentor player restrictions will be penalised as follows: i) One day matches: 6 points. ii) Two day matches: 16 points. iii) Bonus points earned in two day matches shall still apply. e. Win on forfeit: maximum points gained by any team in that grade in that round. f. Forfeit advised and non-advised. The offending club will be penalised as follows: i) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 1 st lowest grade, the club will be fined $300. ii) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 2 nd lowest grade, the club will be fined $400. iii) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 3 rd lowest grade, the club will be fined $500. iv) The club cannot accumulate points for any team in any grade lower than the grade forfeited. v) Any fines must be paid to the MRDCA by midnight Wednesday following scheduled completion of the forfeited match. vi) Submissions to the Executive Committee can be made in exceptional circumstances. Example 1: A one team club would be fined $300.00 because the one team is their 1st lowest grade. Example 2: If a club forfeits 1 st grade, then that club cannot accumulate any points in the lower grades. If that club had forfeited 3 rd grade, then the 1 st & 2 nd grades could have accumulated points. g. NB: The Management Committee has the power to decide on deduction of points for result sheet and non-attendance misdemeanours, where it is considered that there has been a manipulation of the final points score and/or it has been determined that where two teams from the same club have played each other and the scores have been entered on MyCricket by one person. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 9 of 34
6. Competition Prize Money a. Prize money will be awarded at the end of the season as follows: 1 st Grade Major Premiers $400 1 st Grade Runner up $175 1 st Grade Minor Premiers $175 1 st Grade Player of the year $175 2 nd Grade Major Premiers $300 2 nd Grade Runner up $125 2 nd Grade Minor Premiers $125 2 nd Grade Player of the year $125 3 rd Grade Major Premiers $250 3 rd Grade Runner up $100 3 rd Grade Minor Premier $100 3 rd Grade Player of the year $100 4 th Grade Major Premiers $150 1 st Grade Johnny Martin Cup Premiers $100 1 st Grade T20 Premiers $100 2 nd Grade One Day Premiers $50 2 nd Grade T20 Premiers $50 b. Clubs must be present at the MRDCA presentation night to receive prize money. c. Individuals must be present at the MRDCA presentation night to receive prize money. Where an individual cannot attend, only a previously nominated representative can receive prize money in their absence. d. Trophies will be awarded to clubs or individuals that are absent from the presentation night. e. The Club Championship will be awarded to the club that accrues the most points based on the following calculation: i) 1 st grade x3 ii) 2 nd grade x2 iii) 3 rd /4 th grade x1 7. Finals Positions a. In each grade the minor premiership shall be awarded to the team accumulating the highest number of points throughout all preliminary rounds of the season. b. The top four teams in each grade as determined by the total number of points gained will contest the finals series. c. The Club Championship will be determined by multiplying the lowest grade points by one, the second lowest by two etc., with the highest aggregate total of all grades declared Club Champions. Where a grade has been split mid-season, both divisions will have the same multiplier applied. d. To be eligible to win the Club Championship, the club must have a 1st Grade team and all teams in the club must complete the full season. Any team withdrawn or that forfeits a match will render the club ineligible. Exceptional circumstances will be considered and be voted upon at the next scheduled MRDCA meeting. e. Where two or more teams finish with the same number of points, their finals positions shall be determined by their for and against averages, calculated in the following manner: runs scored divided by wickets lost (a); runs conceded divided by wickets taken (b). Divide (a) by MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 10 of 34
(b) and multiply by 100. The resulting higher percentage will determine the higher place on the table. 8. Results Recording a. Results are to be recorded on the MyCricket website under the Matches menu. b. The home team is required to lodge the following by midnight of the Monday following the scheduled completion of each match: i) The match result. ii) All batting and bowling details for their team. iii) The umpires report (where an umpire is appointed). Failure to complete all points above will result in the loss of 2 competition points. c. The away team is required to lodge the following by midnight of the Wednesday following the scheduled completion of each match: i) Confirm or dispute the match result. ii) All batting, bowling and fielding details for their team. iii) All fielding details for the opposing team. iv) The umpires report (where an umpire is appointed). Failure to complete all points above will result in the loss of 2 competition points. d. Failure to lodge finals series scores will attract a penalty of $50 per infringement. e. Notwithstanding the late arrival of match scores, individual performances of players will still be recorded when match scores are submitted. f. Clubs that have two teams in the same grade must have separate MyCricket recorders for each team. Failure to comply will result in the loss of 2 competition points. g. Captains (or team representative) must sign the scoresheets at the completion of each match. Results disputes will only be heard where the captain disputing has signed the scorebook and stated the reason for the intended dispute. h. The recorders for each grade are required to submit a report at each MRDCA meeting. i. Breach notices will be issued by the MRDCA Secretary to club secretaries. Any breach notices not issued prior to or at the MRDCA meeting following the recording deadline will be declared null. j. Failure to complete recording of matches within 7 days of a breach notice being issued will attract a penalty of $50 per infringement. 9. Qualifications for Association Trophies a. Qualifications for Association trophies are as follows: i) Batting: 150 runs ii) Bowling: 15 wickets. iii) The player must have played at least 3 games in the grade, with only figures in the official results to be considered. b. NB: Any player found guilty of an offence by the Code of Conduct Commissioner or Judiciary Committee shall be ineligible to win any Association awards for that season. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 11 of 34
GROUNDS 10. Grounds And Equipment a. Boundaries shall be suitably marked on each ground by the home team with a suitable measuring tape or string or other method, to ensure the same size boundaries over the course of a two day match. b. Boundaries will be of 65 metres, measured from middle stump at either end. c. Where there is a boundary fence, then the boundary of the playing area shall be marked at least one metre inside the boundary fence. d. Stumps: Metal-tipped stumps, or metal tipped stumps with ferrules, or plain tipped stumps with metal ferrules are not permitted to be used. Any club whose teams use such stumps will be subject (if reported by an umpire or by an opposing official) to a monetary fine not exceeding $25.00 for each incidence of use of such stumps. 11. Fitness Of Grounds a. In the event of wet weather making a scheduled ground unfit for play, or should Council intervene and declare a ground unavailable for play prior to the commencement of a game, the Fixtures Committee shall transfer the game to a suitable ground, subject to one being available. b. An officially appointed umpire (or both captains where no umpire is appointed) may deputise for the Fixtures Committee in such instances where the unsuitability/unavailability of the ground is not discovered in time to inform the Fixtures Committee. In such circumstances the appointed umpire (or both captains) may transfer the game, assuming a spare ground is available. Such a transfer cannot be made after the commencement of a game (refer rule 3(a) re: commencement). c. The decision as to fitness of grounds is vested as follows: i) Up to the scheduled time of toss the Fixtures Committee or the curator of a turf pitch. ii) After the scheduled time of toss the appointed umpire. iii) If no umpire is appointed the two captains. d. First Day Rained Out. If a two day fixture is scheduled (excluding finals series matches) and no play is possible on the first day, then the second day will become a one day fixture to be played under one day rules, with bonus points to be allocated for batting and bowling. Matches already commenced on day one will continue under two day rules as normal. e. In the event that some matches in the round are completed in a two day format, points shall be awarded to teams who only play a one day format on day two as follows: i) The winning team shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by the winning teams in the two day format or the actual points gained (whichever is greater). ii) The losing team shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by losing teams in the two day format or the actual points gained (whichever is greater) f. In the event that some matches in the round are completed in a two day or one day format (with bonus points), points shall be awarded to teams in abandoned matches as follows: i) Both teams shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by both winning and losing teams, divided by the number of teams that play. g. In the event that a 1st grade one day fixture set down for a turf wicket is unable to be played on turf, that match may be transferred to an available synthetic wicket (with the exception being any finals series matches). MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 12 of 34
h. Wet weather cancellations: If a majority of games are abandoned in a grade on a particular weekend, the fixtures committee, at their discretion, may cancel all games for that grade in the interests of keeping the competition even. If it is apparent on Friday evening that because fields are closed and play is unlikely, the executive shall consult and at their discretion they may call the round off for the weekend, and notify clubs and media accordingly. Otherwise, as cricket does not have a significant impact on playing fields, GTCC has agreed that when conditions are marginal, and improving on the day of play, they will not close the grounds. In this case, the decision to play is in the hands of official umpires, if appointed, and the team captains. It is to be noted that player safety must always be the first consideration. When team captains are adjudicating whether play will take place, they must agree before play can commence. If agreement to cancel the round on any particular weekend is reached, the following steps will be taken by the Association where practical: i) Notify Radio 2RE on (02) 6552 2100. ii) Notify the Secretary of the Umpire's Association. iii) Notify each club Secretary. If agreement to cancel an individual game is reached by the captains involved, the following steps will need to be taken where practical: i) Notify Radio 2RE on (02) 6552 2100. ii) Notify the appointed Umpire for the game if known, or the Secretary of the Umpire's Association. iii) Failure to do so will render both teams liable for the appointed Umpire's travelling expenses. Reports of cancellations will be broadcast on Radio 2RE (1557 AM) throughout the morning of scheduled matches. PLAY 12. Nomination Of Teams a. A minimum of 7 registered players must be in attendance at the ground in order to constitute a team to commence a game. b. One Day matches: The captain of each team may nominate a team of up to 12 players (one to be nominated as a non-batting bowler; one to be nominated as a non-bowling batter; with neither permitted to act as a wicket keeper) in writing and hand it to the umpire before the toss. If no umpire is appointed, he will exchange team lists with the opposition captain before the toss. c. Two day matches: The captain of each team may nominate a team of up to 13 players (11 with full playing rights for the first day, along with two optional replacements for the second day) in writing and hand it to the umpire before the toss (as per MCC Law 1.2). If no umpire is appointed, he will exchange team lists with the opposition captain before the toss. i) An optional replacement named prior to the first day s play does not have to play on the second day. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 13 of 34
ii) Prior to the commencement of play on the second day, the captain of each team must confirm the 11 players with full playing rights for the second day s play. iii) If a player is replaced on the second day, such replaced player may only field as a substitute. iv) Neither an original player nor his replacement may play in two games played on the same day (Two separate T20 matches played in one day are an exception to this rule). v) Rule 12(c)(iii) does not apply to substitutes in any game, so long as said substitute s game is finished. vi) A replacement player confirmed for the second day s play will have full playing rights for that day. This means that: (1) They can bowl in the current or any later innings. Where an over is incomplete at the end of the first days play, the replacement player must complete that over at the start of play on the second day. (2) They can bat in the current innings if the player they are replacing has not batted in the current innings. (3) They can bat in the current innings if the player they are replacing is not out at the conclusion of the first day s play. In this case the replacement player must resume batting at the start of play. (4) They can bat in any later innings. d. Following the toss, the team list for a one day match, or for the first day of a two day match, may only be altered with the consent of the opposing captain and umpire (if there is one appointed). 13. The Toss a. The toss for innings shall be made on the field of play not later than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time of commencement of play. The toss cannot be made unless each team has 7 registered players present at the ground (see rule 12(a)). b. The captain of the team winning the toss shall announce his decision to either bat or field to the opposing captain immediately after the toss has been made. c. If one team is not present 5 minutes before the scheduled time of commencement of play, the captain of the team which is present may claim to have won the toss. 14. Forfeits a. Any team not prepared to play 15 minutes after the scheduled time of commencement on any day will be deemed to have forfeited. b. Any team which intends to forfeit should notify the opposing club, the Association Secretary and wherever possible, the appointed umpire or umpires appointments officer not later than 4.00pm on the afternoon prior to the day in question. Shorter notice may be considered in extenuating circumstances. In the event that a team forfeits, their club will be penalised as per rule 5(f). c. Any expenses (travelling, umpires fees, etc) incurred by an opponent, where due notice has not been given shall be reimbursed by the forfeiting club. d. Any team forfeiting on the second day of a two day match shall lose all points gained on the first day. e. Any team forfeited against has the option to enter a team list onto the MyCricket website for the purpose of player qualification in rule 37. Team entry must be carried out in accordance with rule 8. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 14 of 34
15. Follow On a. The team which bats first in a two day game and then, after dismissing the team batting second, leads by 75 runs or more, shall have the option of forcing the team which batted second to bat again (follow on). 16. Use Of Balls a. Balls are to be used as per the current MRDCA Kookaburra sponsorship agreement. b. Balls used in 1st Grade are to be Kookaburra Senator 4 piece balls. c. Balls used in lower grades are to be Kookaburra Tuf Pitch 2 piece balls. d. Use of incorrect balls will attract a penalty of: 6pts per infringement in one day and two day matches; 3pts per infringement in T20 matches. A team will not accumulate result or bonus points in any match where it is deemed they have used an incorrect ball. 17. Full Tosses, Synthetic Pitches. a. As per the MCC Laws. 18. Scoring And Recording No Balls a. All no balls will incur the penalty set down in the Cricket NSW by laws or playing rules in force from time to time and notified to the Association prior to the commencement of the season, the penalty to be recorded against the bowler and under sundries as no balls. b. Any runs scored off the bat from a no ball shall be added to the batsman s score and will also be recorded against the bowler. Such runs are in addition to the penalty. c. The penalty is recorded in the analysis as a circle. If runs are scored off the bat they are recorded as a figure in a circle, e.g. (2) would equal a no ball with two runs off the bat. If byes or leg byes are scored the runs are recorded as dots in a circle, e.g. if four byes are signalled after a no ball signal, the analysis should show (::), or 5 no balls. 19. Leg Side Wides Special Playing Condition For One Day & T20 Matches Only a. 1 st Grade: A delivery that passes outside the leg stump without contact with the strikers bat or person shall be called a wide, unless the ball passes between the striker and the stumps. b. 2 nd Grade or lower: As per MCC laws. 20. The Circle Special Playing Condition For 1 st & 2 nd Grade One Day & T20 Matches Only a. The Circle rule will only apply in 1 st Grade matches where there are official umpires appointed. b. The Circle rule will only apply in 2 nd Grade matches where there are official umpires appointed. It is the responsibility of the home club to ensure that the circle is marked prior to the commencement of the match. c. A semi-circle measuring 30 metres from the centre stump at each end, joining up to form a circle, shall be measured and marked with a mown strip by the home team or by arrangement with the curator of the ground. i) At the instant of delivery, there may be no more than five fieldsmen on the leg side. ii) For the first n overs, only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery. iii) After the first n overs, only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery. iv) In the first n overs there must be two stationary fieldsmen within fifteen metres of the striker at the instant of delivery. v) Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the innings of the team batting second shall be the same as for the team batting first. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 15 of 34
vi) In the event of an infringement of (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, either appointed umpire shall call and signal NO BALL. Note: n=12 overs for one day matches; n=6 overs for T20 matches. 21. Unfair Deliveries (Refer To MCC Law 42) a. One Day Matches: i) In addition to MCC Law 42, any delivery that upon pitching, passes at a height above the head of the batsman standing in the upright position, shall be called a NO BALL. One short pitched delivery, that upon pitching passes above the shoulder but not above the head of a batsman standing upright is allowed per over. All subsequent deliveries of this nature shall be called NO BALL. ii) All adjudication on balls that might be considered to be unfair balls will be made by the controlling umpire, which is the umpire standing at the bowlers end. This applies in the case of an unofficial umpire, or an official umpire. The controlling umpire may work as a team with the umpire standing at the strikers end, to assist him in his determination as to the fairness or otherwise of any ball. b. Two Day Matches: i) The umpires shall act under MCC Law 42 with respect to short pitched and other unfair deliveries. ii) Except, in addition to those provisions, a maximum of two short pitched deliveries per over that would have passed above the shoulder of the batsman in their upright position, shall be allowed per over, with any subsequent short pitched delivery above shoulder height being called NO BALL. (This does not prevent an umpire in applying law 42.6 (i) and 42.7 as appropriate to a lesser number of short pitch deliveries). iii) Noting however that that if a ball after pitching, passes at a height that is above the head of the batsman when standing in the upright position, it shall immediately be called NO BALL by either umpire. (Even though this may be the first short pitched delivery in the over) Law 42.6(ii). 22. T20 Matches Special Playing Conditions a. In the event of a tie, the following shall apply: i) The team losing the lesser number of wickets shall be the winner. ii) If the result cannot be decided by 5(a)i, the winner shall be the team with the higher score after 10 overs, or if still equal, after 9 overs, or if still equal after 8 over s, etc. b. At the fall of a wicket, the incoming batter must be in position to take guard (or for their partner to receive the next ball) within one minute and thirty seconds of the fall of the previous wicket. Failing this the batter will be Timed Out. 23. Free Hit a. For both One Day and T20 matches, the following rules apply for a free hit where there are official umpires appointed: i) The delivery following ANY No Ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. ii) If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of No Ball or Wide), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. iii) For any free hit, the striker can only be dismissed under the circumstances that apply for a No Ball even if the delivery for the free hit is called a Wide. iv) Changes to fielding positions are only permitted if a different batsman is on strike for the free hit delivery. MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 16 of 34
v) The bowler s end Umpire shall signal a free hit (after the normal No Ball signal) by extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion. 24. Power Play a. The Power Play rule will only apply in 1st Grade matches where there are official umpires appointed. The home team is responsible for ensuring the 30m circle is marked. b. The Power Play rule will only apply in 2 nd grade matches where there are official umpires appointed. The home team is responsible for ensuring the 30m circle is marked. c. Subject to there being no reduction in the number of overs: i) The Power Play will consist of 5 overs when only 2 fielders will be allowed outside the 30m circle. ii) The Power Play must be taken between the 21st and 35th over. iii) Where the batting team does not nominate the start of the Power Play, it will automatically commence at the start of the 31st over. iv) See Appendix III for application of the Power Play in innings where the total number of overs is reduced. d. A batsman must nominate his team s Power Play no later than the moment at which the umpire reaches the stumps at the bowler s end for the start of the next over. e. Once a side has nominated a Power Play, the decision cannot be reversed. f. At the commencement of the Power Play Overs, the umpire shall signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating his arm in a large circle. 25. Square Leg Umpire a. Where a player is standing in as the square leg umpire, the following conditions must be met: i) The umpire must wear a high vis vest. ii) The umpire must wear footwear. iii) The umpire is prohibited from using a mobile phone. 26. Player Absent Or Leaving The Field a. If a player is absent at the start of the match, he/she will be permitted to take part in the match at the time of their arrival, i.e. they can bat or bowl as soon as they arrive. b. If a player leaves the field after play has commenced, or leaves the field during a session of play, the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his/her absence, and shall not thereafter come on to the field during a session of play without the consent of the umpire. The umpire shall give such consent as soon as practicable. c. If the player is absent from the field for longer than 15 minutes: i) The player shall not be permitted to bowl in that innings after his/her return until he/she has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which they were absent. In the event of a follow on or forfeiture, this restriction will, if necessary, continue into the second innings. ii) The player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until, in the aggregate, he/she has returned to the field and/or their side s innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which they were absent or, if earlier, when their side has lost five wickets. d. The above restrictions shall not apply if the player has suffered an external blow (as opposed to an internal injury such as a pulled muscle) whilst participating earlier in the match and MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 17 of 34
consequently been forced to leave the field. Nor shall it apply if the player has been absent for very exceptional and wholly acceptable reasons (other than injury or illness). e. This restriction shall not apply at the commencement of a new day s play. f. In the event of a player already being off the field at the commencement of an interruption in play through ground, weather or light conditions or for other exceptional circumstances, he/she shall be allowed to count any such stoppage time as playing time, provided that he/she personally informs the umpires when he/she is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress. PLAYERS REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, GRADING, REPRESENTATIVE, DRESS, CONDUCT 27. Registration a. All applications for registration, approved by the Association Secretary, shall remain valid until the annual renewal date. All players registered with the Association in any season will have their registrations automatically validated annually until such time as that registration lapses. Players must be registered with the association on the MyCricket website. b. Individual player registration lapses when: i) The player transfers to another Association or ii) The player is not recorded as playing a match during one complete cricket season. 28. Payment Of fees a. Payment of fees is due at the November General meeting of the Association. Any new registrations after the November meeting must be paid at the next available meeting of the MRDCA, otherwise such players would be deemed to be unregistered players. b. The Association will provide each club with a list of current registrations prior to the commencement of each season. c. New registrations or renewal of lapsed registrations must be lodged not later than with the match scores for the first game in which the player concerned participates. d. New registrations are welcome at any time during the season, however any player must fulfil the qualification criteria specified in rule 37 to be eligible to play in finals series matches. e. All renewed registrations must be verified on the player registration list on the Association website and all new and varied registrations must be signed by the player seeking such registration. Until such properly completed player registration lists are entered on the Association website, registration shall not be validated. f. University, TAFE or school students whose parents home is within the boundaries of the Association, and who wish to play cricket whilst visiting home, must provide a clearance from their club, together with confirmation of present grading. g. Any club playing an unregistered or out of grade player shall be penalised as per rule 5(d) for any matches in which said player has participated. h. The participation of junior cricketers in the MRDCA matches is most welcome. i. A Junior player is defined as a player under the age of 16 on September 1st of the current season, regardless of whether they are participating in the junior competition, noting however that restrictions in overs bowled apply to pace bowlers up to the age of19. j. To ensure that their cricket is enjoyable, rewarding and safe, it is desirable to limit a junior cricketers participation according to the following: MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 18 of 34
i) A minimum age of 12 years to be observed. ii) Written permission will be required, grade specific. iii) A limit of 8 juniors to play in any one team iv) A junior player may captain a team, provided he is assisted by a senior player. The senior player must be nominated before the toss, and will be notified to the opposing captain and official umpire (if appointed) at the toss. The senior player will be responsible for the actions of the junior player acting as captain, and should any matter proceed to a judiciary meeting, will be jointly regarded as captain, and where appropriate, will receive the same penalty. 29. Transfers And Clearances a. Any player seeking to relocate to another club, from the club at which he was last registered, must arrange for the club from which he is relocating to provide a MyCricket Clearance to the Secretary of the Association prior to the player being eligible to play for the new club. MyCricket Transfers are not considered an acceptable form of clearance, and will result in the player being classified as an unqualified player, and penalties will apply as per rule 6(d). b. Players that are new to the area are to be nominated to a grade by their club on a provisional basis, and the club must provide a playing history to justify the nominated grade. The Association or the Grading committee reserves the right to re-grade or otherwise impose restrictions on the player if it is considered that their performance or ability indicates that they should be graded to a higher level. Where a person s playing history is unclear, it is recommended that the executive committee should be consulted before that person participates in a match. c. Any players that have not previously played senior cricket are not required to get a clearance prior to playing in the MRDCA for the first time. d. Any club providing a clearance for a player signifies, whether express or implied, that the relocating player has fulfilled all obligations to that club and is free of debt to that club. Furthermore, the club cannot later pursue the relocating player for any monies subsequently discovered to be owing. e. Any club, upon receiving a request for clearance from a player, shall act upon the request in a diligent and prompt manner, and shall not delay advising the Association Secretary without sound reason. f. If a club has not provided the Association Secretary with a decision on the application within 7 days of having received it, the Executive Committee of the Association may, upon request from the relocating player, intervene on the player s behalf and make a ruling on the clearance after making whatever enquiries, if any, which the Committee deems necessary. g. Any player may be registered with only one club at a time. Mid-season relocations are allowed when the following conditions are met: i) The player receives a full clearance from their original club. Note: The original club has the right to decline a clearance after the player has played at least one match in the current season, even when all financial obligations have been met. ii) The player is not under any form of suspension from the original club and/or the Association. NB: the word club(s) is also deemed to read as team(s). MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 19 of 34
30. Gradings a. Each player who participated in the previous MRDCA season shall be graded by the Grading Committee prior to the commencement of the current season. Each club shall be notified of the gradings relative to that club. b. Grading guidelines. The following guidelines will be used to determine player grading: i) Players aged 40 or over on the 1st September prior to the current season will be ungraded. ii) Players registered with a MJCA club for the current season will be ungraded. iii) Players aged under 18 on the 1st September prior to the current season will be graded no higher than 2 nd grade. iv) Ungraded players are free to play in any grade. v) Note that the above points are guidelines only, and may not be applied in all cases. c. The Grading Committee will review all gradings periodically throughout the season at its discretion. All revised gradings will be advised to affected clubs. d. No player shall play in a grade lower than that for which they are graded, but may participate in a higher grade. The playing of an ineligible player shall render the team liable to penalty as per rule 5(c), with the opposition team receiving maximum points scored by any team in that round. e. Clubs may appeal gradings (of their own players only) in writing as follows: i) After the initial grading for the season and prior to the commencement of the competition. ii) After 3 matches have been completed following a review of grading by the Committee. f. Any request for regrading must be made by Club Secretaries to the MRDCA Secretary by the Wednesday before the next Association meeting. g. Any player who misses 1 or more seasons of cricket and then returns to play, and most recently played in the MRDCA, must resume at the level at which he was last graded, unless successful application for regrading is made in accordance with rule 30(f). h. New players (i.e. never played before) are effectively ungraded and free to play in any grade. i. Players who have most recently played in a senior association other than the MRDCA, must apply for grading prior to participating in the MRDCA, by 5pm of the Wednesday prior to playing their first match in the MRDCA. j. Applications for grading must be submitted to the Grading Committee no later than 5pm on the Wednesday prior to the commencement of the game in which the player wishes to commence play in the MRDCA. k. Mentor rule. Clubs may apply to the Executive committee to have a player regraded under the mentor rule. Any player designated as a mentor shall be bound by limitations as defined with their grading, in accordance with the following: i) May only bowl up to a specified number of overs in an innings. ii) Must retire at a specified number of runs. iii) Where a mentor has retired, they may resume their innings at the fall of the second last wicket, e.g. where a team has 11 players, the mentor may resume their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket. iv) Breach of a mentor player s restrictions shall render the team liable to penalty as per rule 5(d). MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 20 of 34