The league will be played in the divisional structure agreed at the
annual AGM.
Current Laws of Cricket will apply
Games shall consist of two teams of eight players playing each other in matches of 16 x 6 ball overs. A maximum of 4 overs per bowler is permitted.
All matches will be played between 6pm and 9pm. Games are to start no later than
6:30 pm. No team may commence a game with fewer than 5 players. Any team not ready to commence by
6:30 pm forfeits the toss. In April and August games must start no later than 6:15 pm,
and any team not ready to start by 6:15 pm forfeits the toss.
Any player who plays for another League side and plays as a "guest" will not be able to bowl and cannot bat higher than No 5.
Each team will provide for each game at least one umpire who is conversant with the Laws of Cricket and the Rules of the League.
Each team will provide a scorer for the match.
Any team failing to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the match and 2 points will be awarded to their opponents. Such non-fulfilment will be reported to the League Committee.
The team forfeiting the game will also be charged the full cost of hiring the
pitch.
All teams are expected to play in white tops and trousers. In particular,
in matches with red balls, bowlers must wear white or a light colour or the
Captain must not let them bowl. Metal spiked shoes must not be worn by bowlers
or batsmen.
The team named first on the fixture list will supply the match ball. Red balls will be provided by the League at the beginning of the season.
If a team withdraws from the League during the season then the results of games played shall be void.
Team captains are responsible for the sporting conduct of their players.
Two points are awarded for a win: one point for a tie or "no result".
The Cup competition shall operate on a simple knockout basis.
A player shall not play for a side in the Cup unless they have previously represented that side in the League. In addition, Cup teams cannot field any players who
have played for other Victoria Park Community Cricket League sides during the
season.
Where neither team informs the secretary of result of a game within five
days (save for exceptional circumstances): for league games, both teams will be
given zero points; for cup games, neither team will progress to the next round
and a bye will be given to their next round opponents.
All games must be played on the evenings allotted. In the event of factors beyond the control of either Team preventing a
match from going ahead then it will not be replayed. Each Team will be awarded one point. Inclement weather will be decided
at the discretion of both Captains and this should be based upon the playing
conditions at the time. Consideration to all players health and safety should be paramount.
Consideration should also be given to the prospects of the game starting
at some point during the evening and the likelihood of it being possible to then
conclude the game before darkness falls.
Should the Captains be unable to agree, and there is no independent League
official in the Park, then the final decision will lie
with the Captain who decides it is not in the interests of health and safety of
his/her players for the match to go ahead.
In the event of agreement not being able to be reached between the two Captains and there
is a League official in the Park at the time then that person,
provided they are not involved in either of the participating Teams, can be
asked to arbitrate.
Any
decision the official makes will be considered binding.
Paramount in the considerations of all involved should be the health and
safety of all players concerned and not relative league positions or other
competitive interests.
Rained off Cup matches will be re-arranged.
Any full-toss passing the batsman above his/her waist and any delivery which, after pitching, passes the batsman above his/her sternum (breastbone) shall be called no ball. All captains are asked to make sure that their team is aware of this regulation.
In league
and cup games a batsman shall retire on reaching 50 runs.
He may return at the end of the innings, after the fall of the 6th wicket (or
before, if more than one batsman has retired on 50). At the fall of the
seventh wicket, the side's innings will be over.
In the event of two or more teams tying on points at the top
of the league after all matches are played, the league championship title
shall be shared.
There are no independent umpires so disputes should
be avoided. Captains should resolve between them any disputes that do arise
in the spirit of the game.
Trying to sort out disputes after a match is extremely time consuming and
generally a fruitless exercise.
If captains feel they must bring a dispute to the attention of the
committee, the procedure will be as follows:
1 – Contact secretary with details
2 – Secretary will nominate two committee members to investigate the
complaint
3 – The two committee members will report back within seven days to the
chairman with their recommendation
4 – Chairman will either accept the recommendation or make an alternative
ruling. Secretary will inform captains concerned of the decision, which will
be final and not subject to appeal.
Tied cup games: If in the cup & only in the cup if a match is tied with
scores level, then whoever has lost least wickets is declared the winner. If
this is equal, then a bowl out will take place. Five players will each bowl
2 balls at unguarded stumps. If the scores are still the level then the 6th
player, then 7th & 8th if required. Then the 1st again etc until a winner is
determined. NB if conditions are not condusive ie too dark, then the same
sides may come back to do this on another date but BEFORE the next round
match is due & this can take place in the nets.
Declarations are
permissible as an alternative to reducing overs from the start.
Appropriate arrangements must be made to ensure that under 18s playing
in the league are safeguarded according to current legislation.