Rules Of Worcestershire County League

1. Name

The name of the competition shall be the Worcestershire County League.

2. Object

The object of the League shall be the organisation of a League for Cricket Clubs in membership in accordance with these rules

3. Membership

(a) The original members of the League are those elected to membership at the commencement of the 1999 season.

(b) Any cricket club wishing to join the WCL must apply in writing by 30th June in the season preceding the one in which they wish to join and include a statement based on the club's ability to fulfil all the appropriate criteria under the league's current Club Accreditation form as displayed on the league website. Following this the Management Committee may invite clubs to be admitted to membership.

(c) A club shall cease to be a member of the League if:

(i) It shall terminate its membership by notice in writing signed by its Chairman or Secretary to the Administrator to be received no later than the 31st August preceding the season end at which the club wishes to resign, or

(ii) It shall be expelled from membership by the Management Committee for gross misconduct.

(iii) Any club resigning not in accordance with the foregoing may be subject to an admin fee as determined by the committee.

(d) It is a condition of membership of the League that clubs shall be members of the England and Wales Cricket Board by virtue of their being members of their County Cricket Board

4. Management Committee

(a) The League shall be administered by a Management Committee as provided by this Rule.

(b) The Management Committee shall comprise the following member's -Chairman, Minuting Secretary, Treasurer, Umpires Secretary, Disciplinary Panel Chairman, Cricket Committee Chairman, Marketing & Development Committee Chairman, Facilities Chairman and League Welfare Officer.

(c) Nomination of Management Committee members shall be made by notice in writing to the Administrator signed by the Chairman or Secretary of the nominating Club at least 7 days prior to the general meeting. The Committee member so nominated and elected in accordance with sub-clause (d) hereof shall remain in office for a period of 12 months unless he shall resign by notice in writing to the Administrator or the nominating Club withdraws its support in writing by notice to the Administrator signed by the Chairman or Secretary of the Club.

(d) The Management Committee members shall be elected by a majority vote of those clubs present at a general meeting.

(e) At every meeting of the Management Committee and Sub-Committees the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

(f) At a meeting of the Management Committee a quorum shall be five. At a meeting of a Sub-Committee a quorum shall be three.

(g) At its first meeting following election the Management Committee may elect a President for the forthcoming year. The Management Committee shall have the power to co-opt additional membership as necessary to conduct the league's affairs.

(h) The Administrator is appointed by the Management Committee and is an exofficio member of all Committees.

5. General Meetings

(a) Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be given in writing to all member clubs by the Administrator at least 56 days prior to the date of the meeting. Proposed alterations to these Rules must be submitted in writing to the Administrator at least 42 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Administrator shall give due notice of all such amendments to all member clubs at least 28 days prior to the Annual General Meeting

(b) The Annual General Meeting shall be held in November each year at a time and place to be fixed by the Management Committee for the following purposes:

(i) To receive from the Management Committee a general report of the preceding year's activities.

(ii) To receive from the Management Committee a financial statement for the year to the preceding 30th September.

(iii) To fix the membership subscription for the ensuing year.

(iv) To elect the Management Committee members for the ensuing year in accordance with Rule 4. v) To appoint an auditor.

(c) A Special General Meeting may also be called upon the requisition of any six member clubs, in writing to the Administrator, stating the purposes for which the meeting is required. A Special General meeting may also be called by a majority of the Management Committee. In either case the meeting shall take place within 28 days of the requisition and member clubs shall receive at least 14 days notice of such a meeting and the proposed agenda.

(d) At every General Meeting each member Club and the Umpires Panel shall be entitled to be represented by two persons. All persons so present shall be entitled to speak at a General Meeting but on any resolution each member Club and the Umpires Panel represented shall only have one vote.

(e) At every GeneralMeeting the Chairman of theManagement Committee shall take the Chair, but if he shall not be present, a Chairman of the Meeting shall be appointed from amongst the members of the Management Committee in attendance.

(f) In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman of a General Meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

(g) At every General Meeting the quorum shall be 15 Clubs represented.

(h) For the purpose of these Rules an Extraordinary Resolution shall be a Resolution passed at a General Meeting by a two-thirds majority of the member Clubs represented and voting.

(i) Any Club which does not send a representative to attend the Annual General Meeting, any divisional meetings called that involve team(s) from their club, or any other official meeting called by the Management Committee will automatically incur a £15.00 fine for each meeting not attended in that year. This will be increased by £5.00 for each subsequent meeting not attended in that year. Apologies will not be accepted.

6. Subscriptions

The annual subscription of each member Club for the ensuing year shall be decided at each Annual General Meeting with power for the Management Committee to levy a supplementary subscription as necessary. The annual subscription plus payment for cricket balls, dinner tickets, fines, and any levy collected on behalf of Worcestershire Cricket Board MUST be paid to the Treasurer no later than the annual pre-season Resources meeting in April.

Should any of these sums remain unpaid after that meeting, the Committee reserves the right to allocate no match points to any teams of the offending club until the sums are paid in full. An invoice is to be raised for each club and records of non-payment advised in the minutes of Management Committee meetings.

7. Fixtures

(a) Save as may be otherwise decided by the Management Committee, each Member Club in each season, must fulfil its fixtures on such dates and at such venues determined by the Administrator.

(b) In the event of a fixture being unfulfilled for reasons other than bad weather, the Management Committee may award the match to the non-offending Club. The non-offending club shall be allocated 24 points and the offending club 0 points.

Further, the offending club may have 15 points deducted from its 1st XI's aggregate points when the unplayed fixture was a 1st XI or 2nd XI fixture. The Management Committee may further penalise the offending Club in accordance with Rule 15.

(c) If a Club cannot fulfil fixtures on a particular day the residual side(s) must play their fixtures in order of seniority i.e. 1st XI then 2nd XI.

(d) In the event of any Club conceding a game after 10.00pm on theWednesday prior to a Saturday game (10.00pm on the Friday prior to a Bank Holiday game) the offending Club will reimburse the non-offending Club the sum of £40.00.

8. League Matches

A) Matches shall start not later than 1.30pm (or earlier as determined by the Management Committee). In matches without appointed Umpires , both fielding sides are required to start their 50th over (45 in 2nd XI Div 4 north and south and Divisions 5-9) within 3 (2¾) hours playing time. In matches with appointed Umpires, a calculation of the overs bowled per hour shall be made by the umpires, with appropriate allowances as agreed from time to time, and forwarded to the league Administrator who, after one permitted "grace" in Divisions one, two and three, will deduct 1 point for each occasion that a side fails to bowl at least 17 overs per hour providing the innings lasts at least two hours. On a subsequent occasion, the points lost will escalate, i.e. 2 points on the next occasion, then 3 and so on. Allowances given will include 1 minute per wicket taken to a maximum of 9 wickets.

B) Matches shall be limited to 100 (90) overs with the proviso that the side batting first shall receive not more than 50 (45) overs. 100 overs are played in 1st XI Division 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and 2nd XIs in Divs 1, 2 and 3. 90 overs are played in 2nd XI Divisions 4 and 5 and Divisions 6-10 . In the event that the side batting first declares its innings closed or is dismissed before 50 (45) overs are bowled, the surplus whole overs shall be taken by the side batting second.

A 30 minute tea interval shall be taken between innings, unless weather conditions so dictate that it is appropriate in the interests of time saving to take tea during a weather break in the first innings. In this case there shall be a 10 minute interval between innings unless the tea break coincides with the end of an innings when the 10 minute break and the 30 minute tea break shall be concurrent.

C) In 100 over league matches,there will be a restriction on bowlers to bowl a maximum of one third of the total overs available to be bowled at the start of an innings (e.g. in 50 overs, maximum is therefore 17). In 90 over matches, no bowler may bowl more than 12 overs in the first 48 overs of an innings. If the innings continues sfter 48 overs, there is no further restriction on the number of overs that can be bowled.

D) (a) In the event of bad weather causing a delayed start or an interruption, the total overs in the match shall be reduced by one for every 3 minutes & 30 seconds (or part thereof) of time lost. Guidance in the form of table and data is printed at the end of these playing conditions.

(b) Where the start of a match is delayed, due to inclement weather, the number of overs available to each side shall be equal. This shall be calculated from the overs chart on a basis of one over per 3 minutes & 30 seconds of playing time assuming an 8.00 p.m. finish for a match starting at 1.30 p.m. with a 30 minute tea interval. If subsequent interruptions mean that there is insufficient time for the team batting second to receive a minimum of 25 overs, either captain, at his request, may be given the opportunity to play to secure a win. Should a win not be secured, the match shall be deemed to be abandoned.

(c) No game may start unless a minimum of 50 overs (25 overs each side) is possible based on a count back of three minutes and 30 seconds per over from 8.00 p.m. No game may start after 4.55 p.m. (Minimum 50 overs plus 10 minute break between innings, assuming tea has already been taken).

(d) Where a match is interrupted, due to inclement weather, during the innings of the side batting first, they shall still be entitled to their full allocation of overs, agreed at the start of the game. The calculation for overs remaining shall be taken from the chart and will be proportional to the time left.

(e) Once the first innings is completed, the overs allocated to the team batting second, and the time allowed to bowl them, shall be calculated using the chart. This is subject to a maximum of 50 (45) overs or less if the team batting first were allocated less. Exceptions to this would be in the event of a first innings declaration or an innings completion in less than the allocated number of overs. Once the calculation has been made, the allocation shall be treated as a maximum, which shall not be exceeded even if time would allow.

(f) When the first innings has been completed, in less than the scheduled time allowed, and the second innings is suspended, due to poor weather or bad light, time "saved" from the first innings should be taken into account. In this instance, when play is suspended in the second innings, there will be no reduction of playing time until the expiration of the "saved" time from the first innings, e.g. if 15 minutes were "saved" in the first innings, there will be no overs reduction, in the second innings, until 15 minutes has expired. Time saved does not include time to bowl overs unused due to a 1st innings finishing in less than the allotted overs and can never relate to any time in the 2 nd innings .

(g) If play is suspended in the second innings and time has been "saved", the cut-off time remains the same as it was, when agreed by the Umpires at the tea interval.

(h) If play is suspended during an over, then when the remaining number of overs is calculated before a resumption of play, any balls not bowled in the incomplete over shall be added to the new number of overs.

(i) In all recalculations, the Umpires may adjust the targeted finishing time, which may include extending the deadline beyond 8.00 p.m. if the time has been lost for reasons other than i) weather or ii) the side batting first has exceeded their time allowance.

(j) In their calculations, the umpires shall aggregate all interruptions for bad weather and shall count all fractions of overs as completed overs.

(k) Where no Panel Umpires are in attendance and no suitable Umpires are available to stand, then before the Toss the two Captains should agree that they will be the final arbiters should a decision be required under Law 3.8(a). If after discussion the two Captains are unable to agree that conditions are playable then play must cease until conditions improve.

E) Every attempt should be made by all officials and players to play a match to a finish. Umpires are always advised that they should never start or re-start a match if rain is falling.

The Umpire(s) shall be the final judge(s) of the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play. (in accordance with Law 3 of cricket.) However the Captains when in agreement may call off or abandon a match at any time prior to the toss. Home captains must ensure that they speak in person to the away captain or deputy for the day, before informing the appointed umpires that the match is off.

Either Captain may demand a pitch inspection by a Panel Umpire un-associated with the participating teams at which a representative from both teams may attend. If at this inspection the match is not cancelled then both teams are required to attend the ground ready for the scheduled starting time and remain until the match is cancelled or abandoned. Where an away Captain does not accept that a ground is unfit, then he must make this known to the Home Captain by 10.30 am and inform the Administrator or refer to the appointed Umpires or a published list of Pitch Inspectors if one exists. If a pitch inspector attends to give an opinion he should be paid £10 by the away Captain if the match is not played and by the Home Captain if it is.

F) (i) Team sheets shall he handed by each captain to the Umpire(s) prior to the toss which shall be made 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play. Team sheets cannot be altered or added to after 15 minutes before the start of play to add a player selected in a "HIGHER" match on the same day that has been cancelled.The Umpire(s) shall be considered to be in charge immediately after the toss (see 8(d)). If no Umpires, the Captains must exchange team sheets.

(ii) A team shall be considered not ready to commence play unless at least 7 players in the team are ready to take part in the match at the scheduled or re-scheduled start of play.

G) In cases of a delayed start, other than through weather, the non-offending team shall be considered to have won the toss and have the right to inform the offending team that they may lodge a complaint with the Management Committee. If after consideration of the complaint the Management Committee feel the complaint is justified the Committee may penalise the offending club at its discretion

H) A new ball of the grade approved by the Management Committee and supplied by the League shall be used for each innings of each match. Both balls should be inspected by the captains at the toss. The away Captain shall choose the ball his team will bowl with. Home sides must ensure that a selection of at least four suitable spare balls of varying ages and use, are available to the Umpires and approved by both Captains at the toss.

I) 'The protected area' on the pitch, which must be protected from damage by any player, shall be regarded as the area contained by an imaginary line 5 feet from the popping crease and parallel to it, and within two imaginary and parallel lines drawn down the pitch 1 foot either side of the middle stump. The 5ft and 1ft shall be clearly marked outside the pitch before commencement of play. The popping crease should be remarked during the interval between innings.

J) Wide Ball

Umpires are instructed to apply a consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. If the ball passes either side of the wicket, sufficiently wide to make it virtually impossible for the striker to play a ' normal cricket stroke ' both from where he is standing and from where he should normally be standing at the crease, the Bowler's end Umpire shall call and signal ' Wide Ball '. For guideline purposes, a leg side wide should be called if a ball passes on the leg side outside the pads of the batsman standing in a normal guard position.

Short Pitched Balls

If a short pitched ball passes or would have passed over shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, in the first instance, the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall indicate to the bowler and the striker that he is allowed only one such delivery per batsman per over. If the bowler repeats the action, the Umpire shall call and signal 'No Ball ' and invoke the procedure as laid down in Law 42.7.

In addition, any delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed over head height of the striker standing upright at the crease, although not threatening physical injury, is unfair and shall be considered part of the repetition sequence as above. The umpire shall call and signal "No Ball" for each such delivery. Any high full pitched ball (regardless of its pace) which passes or would have passed above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease shall be called and signalled No ball by the Umpire at the bowler's end. In addition, if the high pitch ball is fast, it shall be deemed dangerous and unfair and the Umpire at the bowler's end, in addition to the call and signal of No ball, will adopt the procedures of Law 42.7.

The new Law 24.6 states “The Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker either (i) bounces more than once or (ii) rolls along the ground before it reaches the “popping crease”.

K) If either batsman causes avoidable damage to the pitch, at the first instance the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence. The bowler's end umpire shall then (i) warn both batsmen that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman and (ii) inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

If there is any further instance of avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in the innings, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence. The bowler's end umpire shall then (i ) disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, (ii) additionally, award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side, (iii) return the batsmen to their original ends and (iv) inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the batting side and to any Governing Body for the match who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

L) For each match in Divisions 1,2 and 3, there shall be an area bounded by two semi-circles centred on each middle stump, each with a radius of 30 yards and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch. At the instant of delivery, a minimum of four fielders (plus the bowler and wicket keeper) must be within this area. In the event of an infringement, the striker's end Umpire shall call and signal "no ball" and the score shall be adjusted in accordance with Law 24 with an extra ball being bowled in the over.

M) With one exception, the new penalty runs provided in the 2000 Code of Cricket Law shall not apply to all matches in Divisions 6-10 and ALL 2nd XI matches. Only Panel Umpires can award these penalty runs . The one exception to this rule are the five penalty runs for a ball hitting a fielders helmet placed on the ground as specified in Law 41.3 and these will be awarded if appropriate in ALL matches.

N) The batting side is responsible for the movement of sightscreens during its innings. It is expected that the Umpires will be given full support to ensure the smooth running of the match.

O) Except as countermanded by a local playing condition, all league clubs must comply with the current ECB Directives and guidelines including adopting the ECB Directive on Safeguarding of Children.

P) All league clubs must have a trained Welfare Officer on their club committees and in addition must ensure that all players have, at least, given a self disclosure declaration of the type specified by the ECB.

Q) For all League and cup matches, there shall be a lower age limit of 13 years on the day. In the event that a player has reached this age between the preceding 31 st August and the date of the match, he/she will be allowed to play only if a completed, signed consent form of the type specified by the league, is delivered to the Administrator at least 24 hours before the match. This form will contain assurances from Parents and the club that the player is able and competent to play. This consent form will remain in force until the player reaches their 14 th birthday.

R) If a player bowls a practice ball on the outfield during a match Umpires should not consider action under Law 17.4 or 42.3 unless they feel that the bowler has deliberately bowled the ball into the ground in an attempt to change its condition .

9. League Tables

(a) Points shall be awarded as follows:

Uninterrupted Matches - Win 24 points with no bonus points

Win by side winning the Toss and fielding 20 points with no bonus points

Loss 0 points plus bonus points

Tie or Draw with scores equal 8 points plus bonus points

Draw-side scoring most runs 8 points plus bonus points

Draw-side scoring least runs 2 points plus bonus points (only if score is at least 75% of 1st innings total)If the 75% condition is NOT met, the side batting first will receive the two extra points making 10 in total for the winning draw.

Bonus points

3 wickets 1 point 125 and over 1 point

5 wickets 2 points 150 and over 2 points

7 wickets 3 points 175 and over 3 points

9 wickets * 4 points 200 and over 4 points

* (or as many as are available)

Abandoned and Interrupted Matches

Match not started 5 points each

Match abandoned or curtailed after a minimum of 25 overs of second innings (but see (c) below).

Highest average runs per over 8 points plus bonus points

Lowest average runs per over 2 points plus bonus points

To calculate the average runs per over divide the total runs scored by the number of actual overs received rounded up ( ie. 38 overs and 2 balls is rounded up to 39 overs ).

This method of calculation is used when an innings is curtailed or declared. To calculate the average runs per over when a side is bowled out, divide the total runs scored by the number of overs that were available to the batting side, as adjusted by the umpires if appropriate.

Drawn match abandoned after fewer than 25 overs of second innings 5 points each

(b) Bonus points scored in abandoned match shall count

(c) Except where one side has won, a match shall be declared "No Result" unless each team completes 25 overs. Earned bonus points shall count.

(d) In a rain affected match the side batting second must score 75% of the average runs per over in the 1 st innings to qualify for the losing draw two points. If the side batting first is adjudged to have the losing draw, all bonus points plus the two for the losing draw will be awarded.

10. Umpires

(a) Umpiring arrangements shall be agreed by the Management Committee and Clubs informed when details are available. Umpires appointed by the Management Committee shall receive an attendance fee the amount of which shall be settled by the Management Committee before the start of the season. The cost of the Umpire(s) shall be met equally by both Clubs but the fee(s) shall be paid by the home Club to the Umpire(s) before the commencement of the match whether or not the match is playable. Umpires, at their discretion, may decide not to claim the full fee in the event of a match not starting.

(b) Commencement of a match shall not be delayed should either or both of the appointed Umpires be absent. If alternative arrangements, acceptable to both sides, cannot be made then players from the batting side shall stand as temporary umpires.

(c) If an Umpire feels it necessary to report a player or Club to the League because of misconduct, then he should advise the Officials of the offending club prior to leaving the Ground.

11. Playing Members

(a) Only bona fide members of Clubs shall be eligible to play in League Matches.

(b) No person shall be eligible to play in League matches for more than one Club per season without the consent of the Management Committee. No person shall be allowed to play for more than one club in the ' Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League Pyramid ', or for any WCL club having played for any other premier league team in any season without prior permission from the Management Committee. Where clubs are aware of, and have informed the Administrator, that a student member has played or will play for a Premier League team in another part of the Country in term-time, dispensation will be given to avoid affecting membership of WCL clubs. This dispensation will also be granted in reverse if necessary.

(c) A player transferred from another Worcestershire County League Club after the last fixture in July shall be ineligible to play in League matches for the remainder of that season. Should a player seek transfer from one Member Club to another the Administrator of the League shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the club he wishes to join, enclosing written sanction from the Club he wishes to leave. A club may only refuse sanction of movement where a player may be in debt to that Club or for disciplinary reasons.

(d) Each Member Club shall supply to the Management Committee such particulars of its membership and of the persons playing for it in League matches as shall be required by the Management Committee. Clubs must ensure that all playing members are registered and, as a minimum, have completed a Criminal Records Bureau Self Declaration form. It is the clubs' responsibility to ensure correct information is provided concerning periods of residence etc. on the registration forms and any club found guilty of serious registration breaches may be summarily relegated to the next lower division.

(e) A list of playing members will be provided by each club at least 7 days prior to their first league match. Any player who played for another club in any other league in the preceding season must sign and return the transfer form as supplied by the league for his new club and old club to action

Subsequent players must be registered at least 7 days before playing. Teams in Divisions 6-10 and 2nd XI's may, in exceptional circumstances, register players up to the start of the match provided their registration form is endorsed by the opposing captain. The League Administrator must receive the registration form within 3 days of the match for which the player has been registered.

(f) A player formally suspended from any other Club or League shall be ineligible to play in any Worcestershire County League organised match for the period of that suspension.

12. Eligibility of Players

(a) Registration of all players will take place in accordance with ECB guidelines. Clubs must register their players in the following categories :

Category 1 : A player not in Category 2, Category 3 or Category 3 (exempt).

Category 2 : Contracted player. A player ( capped or uncapped ) who is registered on ListAas a contracted player by a FirstClassCountyClub.

Category 3 : Overseas player.Aplayer who is not qualified to play for England under current ECB regulations. The definition of an overseas player is as per ECB guidelines, as defined below and interpreted by the League Administrator. Each Club will be entitled to register and play one Category 3 player in any one season.

Category 3 (E) : Overseas player ( exempt ). A player who is not qualified to play for England under current ECB regulations but who is ordinarily resident in this country and has been resident in this country for a period of 24 consecutive months prior to the date of request for registration and has not been out of the country for more than 35 days consecutively or 70 days in total during the previous 24 months.Any remuneration received from playing cricket must not be the main source of his income.

In relation to Overseas, category 3 and 3(E) players, any Test or One day International players cannot be registered to play in CWCL until at least 5 years after their last such appearance.

All regulations and procedures relevant to Category 1 players will apply to category 2, 3 and 3(E) players

ENGLAND AND WALES CRICKET BOARD (ECB) REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE QUALIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF CRICKETERS FOR COMPETITIVE COUNTY CRICKET AND THEIR QUALIFICATION FOR ENGLAND

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

1.1 he is a European Economic Area (EEA) national or a national of a state which is a party to an agreement with the EU and its member states providing that their nationals lawfully employed within the EEA shall have employment rights equal to those of EEA nationals; and

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

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

The complete Regulations are published annually by the ECB and are available on request.

QUALIFICATION OF CRICKETERS TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND

Subject to the overriding discretion of the ECB, acting with the consent of the International Cricket Council, a Cricketer will only be qualified to play for England in a 20 Test Match or in a One Day International Match if:

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

1.2.1 he was born within England and Wales; or

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

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

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

2.1 In the case of a Cricketer seeking to become qualified under 1.2.2 above he will (until he has become qualified to play for England) only be treated as having been resident within England and Wales for the relevant consecutive period if he has spent a minimum of 210 days in each year within England and Wales (for which purpose "year" shall mean a year ending 1st April).

DEFINITIONS

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

1.1. The Frizzell County Championship

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

1.3. The Under 17 County Championship

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

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

2.1. The Minor Counties Championship.

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

4. The EEA means the European EconomicArea and includes each of its member states as from time to time applicable. Currently the EEAcomprises the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Cyprus (Greek part), Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

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

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

13. Match Results

The result of each League Match shall be notified as directed by the Management Committee.Where a result has not been notified by the Home Club in accordance with the Management Committee's directions, the offending club may, at the discretion of the Management Committee, be penalised in accordance with Rule 15.

14. Disputes

In all disputes the decision of the Management Committee shall be final provided that in its discretion the Management Committee may refer any dispute to the England and Wales Cricket Board for guidance.

15. Infringement of Rules

A member Club which, in the opinion of the Management Committee, infringes any of the Rules of the League or the Laws of Cricket (including the spirit thereof) shall have such points deducted, be fined, expelled, or otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine. In addition the management committee may decide to deduct points for persistent breaches of the facilitiy audit criteria or umpires report forms.

16. Laws of Cricket

Except as specified herein the Laws of Cricket shall apply.

17. Recruitment

No League Club or any officer, member or supporter of a League Club shall, during the season, approach a player belonging to or playing with another League Club with the object of obtaining his services without first consulting the Secretary of the Club with whom the player is or was last playing. Evidence of such approaches may, at the Management Committees discretion, result in disciplinary action being taken.

18. Promotion and Relegation

Promotion and relegation shall, unless otherwise determined by the Management Committee, be on a two up/two down basis each season. Exceptions to this shall be i) Division 1 - one team promoted ii) Division 6 - No promotion unless club can field 2 teams in the following season and a place is available. If a team finishes bottom of Division Five 1st XIs for two consecutive seasons, the Management Committee reserves the right to invite that club to compete as two teams in separate Divisions in the one team Divisions. Any items contained in this rule can alter if relegations from the Birmingham and District League dictate.

The Management Committee shall be entitled to determine that a Club should not be promoted if in the opinion of the Management Committee its facilities are not adequate for the division into which it would otherwise have been promoted. In the event of equality of points of teams in promotion or relegation positions on completion of all the season's fixtures, precedence shall be taken by the team with a superior total number of points gained in the season's league matches between the sides. Thereafter the number of league matches won by each team shall be taken into consideration, if this still fails to seerate the teams, the positions will be decided by dividing the total points by the number of matches completed.

In Divisions one, two and three only, the membership of the 2nd XI Divisions shall be determined by the league positions of the respective teams. Relegation from Division three would include both XIs. 2nd Xis may also float independently of 1st XIs in Divisions 4 and 5.

19. Trophies

Any cups, shields or other trophies awarded to clubs must be carefully looked after and returned when requested by the Administrator. Clubs are responsible for insuring the league's trophies and will be charged with the costs of replacing any trophies that are lost.

20. Disciplinary Panel

The Disciplinary Panel shall comprise a Chairman elected by the Management Committee, together with a Divisional delegate (appointed by the Management Committee). Additional members may be co-opted as required. It shall advise the Management Committee on all matters relating to the playing of the game including ground facilities, disciplinary matters and disputes devolved to it by the Management Committee under rules 14 and 15.

21. Alteration of Rules

These Rules shall only be amended by an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a General Meeting. However, the Committee has delegated powers to alter playing conditions in rule 8. if deemed necessary.

DISCIPLINARY CODE

Clubs & Umpires - Please note -

To enable all matters to be dealt with as quickly as possible, all complaints should be made directly to the Administrator.

ECB CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPIRIT OF CRICKET

1.1 Code of Conduct

1.1.1 The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.

1.1.2 The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.

1.1.3 Players and team officials must at all times accept the umpire's decision. Players must not show dissent at the umpire's decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or a spectator.

1.1.4 Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.

1.1.5 Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as "sledging") nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.

1.1.6 Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.

1.1.7 Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

1.1.8 Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.

1 .2 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 its 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 responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

1.2.1 There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team's conduct firmly on the captain.

Responsibility of Captains

The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

Player's Conduct

In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, 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, requesting the latter to take action.

1.2.2 Fair and Unfair Play

According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time, and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.

1.2.3 The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:-

. Time wasting

. Damaging the pitch

. Dangerous or unfair bowling

. Tampering with the ball

. Any other action that they consider to be unfair.

1.2.4 The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:-

. Your opponents

. Your own captain and team

. The role of the umpires

. The game's traditional values

1.2.5 It is against the Spirit of the Game:-

. To dispute an umpire's decision by word, action or gesture

. To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire

. To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance

a) appeal knowing the batsman is not out

b) advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

c) seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one's own side.

1.2.6 Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

1.2.7 Players

Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

1.3 Failure to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph 1 may lead to disciplinary action, irrespective of an alleged breach being related to a match not under the jurisdiction of the League.

REGULATIONS FOR CRICKET LEAGUES

Aims and Jurisdiction

These regulations shall apply to any player who plays for any club at any level
under the auspices of the ECB and are intended to provide assistance and
uniformity to all Clubs and Leagues in dealing with any alleged breach of the
ECB Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket (Paragraph 1).
It is intended that any breach of Paragraph 1 should in the first instance be dealt
with by the player's club who shall notify the Secretary of the League of the result
of any action taken against its player.

INTRODUCTION TO DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Discipline at cricket matches is an issue, which WCL takes very seriously. To this
end, several stages have been built into the procedures, which deal with discipline
breaches. The aim is to simplify the procedure for minor offences, whilst providing
full rights for all accused and wronged, in accordance with ECB Guidelines.

Three main stages are involved:

1. Umpires report on all matches and mark each club for their disciplinary
behaviour. Three marks below the defined level (4) in a season result in
points being deducted from the offending club.

2. Players agree to a Code of Conduct, which obliges their club to impose a
ban for a period of at least two matches, for all discipline breaches reported
to the League, through a pre-defined procedure. This ban applies to all ECB
cricket. This stage deals mainly with Level 1 breaches, details of which are
set out in the Disciplinary Complaints and Appeals Procedures. The full
Code of Conduct is set out in the next section.

3. For more serious offences, the League will call a Disciplinary Hearing,
within 10 days of the alleged offence, whether reported by the umpires or
another club or individual. This hearing will be subject to formal reports by
the accusers, the accused and the umpires and will be heard before three
committee members with advisors present, if considered necessary. Clubs
and individuals may be present and represented. They may, also, call witnesses.
Decisions made at the hearing may be subject to appeals, as defined in the
procedure. The full procedure is set out in the Code of Conduct.
A list of discipline breaches, categorised into four levels, is set out in the
Disciplinary Complaints and Appeals Procedures, including details of the action,
which will be taken when a breach is committed and the recommended penalties for each level.

The ECB Discipline Regulations, the ECB Regulations for Leagues and Clubs
and Guidelines on the Conduct of Hearings and Appeals are set out later in this
section. It should be noted that, if there is any conflict between the League’s
disciplinary procedures and the ECB Regulations and Guidelines, the League’s
procedures will take precedence.

Code of Conduct:

As member clubs of TheWorcestershire County Cricket League, you have agreed
to abide by this Code of Conduct and in doing so, you have accepted that there is
no right of appeal against any sanction contained within this Code of Conduct,
other than as stated below.
Every Player registered to play in the League, explicitly, acknowledges by virtue
of his registration, the constitution of the League and its procedures, and
undertakes to be bound by them, including suspension without appeal, other than
as stated in para.7 below.

1. Any player who receives a first and final warning on three occasions during
the same season, shall be suspended by his club for the next two (2) league
matches and the secretary of that club, or his deputy, will, by theWednesday
following the match, inform the Administrator of the action taken. Each
subsequent first and final warning, during the same season, will carry a
further two (2) match suspension.

2. Any player reported by an umpire for bad behaviour shall be suspended by
his club for the next TWO (2) League matches (minimum), and the Secretary
of that club, or his designated deputy, will, by the Wednesday following the
match, inform the League Administrator of the action taken by that club.

3. Any player reported by an umpire for bad behaviour, for the second time in
any one season, shall be suspended by his CLUB for the next FOUR (4)
League matches (minimum). The Secretary will inform the Administrator,
as in paragraph 1 above.

4. Any player reported by an umpire for bad behaviour on THREE occasions
in any one season will be suspended by his club for the next TEN (10)
League matches (minimum). The Secretary will inform the Administrator,
as in paragraph 1 above.

5. Suspensions will be carried over to the following season, if applicable.
Suspensions apply to all cricket played under the auspices of the ECB for
the period of the suspension.

6. Where the same player of a club is reported, on more than one occasion, that
club shall have five (5) league points deducted, on the second, and each
subsequent occasion, the player is the subject of report.

7. Any individual club having three (3) or more players reported in any one
season shall have ten (10) league points deducted, in addition to deductions made under 5 above.

8. Appeals under the Voluntary Code of Conduct will only be allowed on the
grounds of
a. Mistaken Identity
b. Misrepresentation
c. Failure of the umpire to follow the warning procedure.

Notes
It must be remembered it is the responsibility of the individual concerned AND
his captain, club and team-mates to uphold standards of behaviour at all times. It
is only when that has failed that there is a need for this code, and unacceptable
behaviour is reported by an umpire.

It should be stressed that there is nothing in this code preventing, or
discouraging, clubs from applying additional, or stronger, sanctions against
offenders, whether or not they are the subject of a report. To this end, it is
important that clubs have their own code of conduct and disciplinary procedures
in place.

The Chairman of the Disciplinary Sub-Committee may, and within seven (7) days
of the reported incident, decide that sanctions other than those of “The WCL
Voluntary Code of Conduct” are appropriate and institute the full disciplinary
complaints and appeals procedures.

Any sanctions resulting from those procedures shall be in addition to those of
“The WCL Voluntary Code of Conduct” which shall not be reduced.
The League Disciplinary Sub-Committee will deal with all incidents involving
violent conduct.

Code of Conduct – Guidelines
These guidance notes outline the principals and the procedures in the
implementation of “WCL Code of Conduct”

Code of Conduct deals with unacceptable behaviour reported by an Umpire, the
responsibility for upholding standards of behaviour lies with the clubs AND in
particular, with the Captain of each team on the day. Note: - The Laws of Cricket,
The Preamble – “The Spirit of Cricket.”

Every club must make a firm stand to uphold high standards of behaviour, and
shall have in place its own code of conduct and a disciplinary procedure to ensure
appropriate action is taken whenever the standard of behaviour of any of its
players is unacceptable.

The “WCL Code of Conduct” is to provide the strongest possible backing to
umpires, as each Club undertakes to suspend any player reported by an umpire.
Its legitimacy stems from the Declaration signed by the Chairman and Secretary
of all Clubs before the start of each season.

The Management Board stress that, whilst everyone expects player behaviour to
be of impeccable standard, we rely on our League Panel Umpires to ensure that
acceptable standards are maintained. When that is not the case, e.g. verbal or
physical abuse, or verbal or physical dissent, the Umpire shall follow a procedure
similar to those of caution, warning and report in the Laws of Cricket.

e.g. Unfair Play Law 41/7 (a) (b) (c iii-iv) and /12 (a) (b) (c iii)

A. First Warning
1. First caution the player as to his conduct and advise the player and his captain
that it is a first and final warning and its possible consequences.
2. Advise his colleague of his first warning.

B. Take action on a further warning
1. Warning the player as to his conduct and advising the player and his captain
that he would be submitting a report AND, at the earliest opportunity,
inform the executive of that team’s club.
2. Advise his colleague that he would be submitting a report and request him
to, also, submit a report.
3. At the earliest opportunity, advise the opposition captain that he would be
submitting a report.

Advise the League Administrator, by telephone, within 24 hours, that he is submitting
a report of the match.

It should be noted that the umpire might decide that a player’s conduct is such
that the caution is also the final warning, and take action as in B 1, 2 & 3 above,
e.g. when any player shows aggravated verbal or physical dissent or abuse.
It is hoped that this will not simply be a mechanism for dealing with the consequences
of unacceptable behaviour but provide assistance in reminding everyone,
particularly the captain, of his responsibilities. It is important for clubs to be
aware that, when informing the captain a report will be submitted, the club itself
is informed and triggers the suspension under the “WCL Code of Conduct.”

Disciplinary Complaints & Appeals Procedures

These procedures must be read in conjunction with the Code of Conduct
Guidelines. The Code of Conduct will be invoked in most cases as the first step

1. Code of Conduct

1.1 The League is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour
and conduct of those subject to its jurisdiction. In pursuance of these standards,
the following rules of conduct shall be complied with by all those
subject to the jurisdiction of the LeagueManagement Board (for the purpose
of these rules hereinafter known as a participant).

1.2 Each participant shall at all times conduct himself fairly and properly on the
field that, for the purpose of this paragraph, shall include any part of a cricket
ground and not merely the field of play. Without prejudice to the generality
of the foregoing, the following shall be regarded as conduct that is not
fair and proper: -

a. Verbal or physical abuse or hostility towards any other participant or
member of the public.
b. Disputing of an umpire’s decision or reacting in an obviously provocative
or disapproving manner towards an umpire at any time.
c. Using crude and/or abusive language or “sledging” or giving hand signals
or engaging in like conduct.

1.3 The Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall deal with any question relating to or
affecting the misconduct of any participant (or Club Official) in connection
with any League match or any other matters affecting the interests of the
League. This Sub-Committee shall have the power to impose such penalties
as are covered in these rules, or such other penalties as it thinks fit, other
than expulsion from the League.
In arriving at its decision, the Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall follow the procedures
laid down in the Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures below.

2. Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

2.1 Any Club or umpires wishing to lodge a complaint on any matter must do so:-
Firstly, at the match and inform the Captain, or an official of the Club,
against whom the complaint is made that a report will be made.
Secondly, by telephone, to the League Administrator to advise that a report
will be made. The telephone call shall be made within 24 hours of the end
of the match.
Thirdly, by forwarding a report, signed by the Club Secretary, or his designated
deputy, (using e-mail is acceptable) in respect of the Club or by the
umpire concerned. The telephone call and report will be addressed to and
received by theAdministrator. Any letter shall be posted to theAdministrator
within 48 hours of the end of the match from which the report arises.

2.2 Upon receipt of a complaint, the Administrator shall:
a. Acknowledge the complaint by telephone, e-mail or letter.
b. Contact, by telephone, the Secretary of the Club against whom the
complaint has been made or, if unable to contact the Secretary, the
Chairman of that Club, informing him of the complaint.
c. Send a copy of the complaint to the Club concerned, requesting a
report from the Captain of the day of the Team concerned, and if the
complaint is against a named individual player, a report form that
player as well as the Captain’s report.
d. Send a copy of the complaint to the umpire(s) requesting a report(s) if
necessary.

2.3 All reports must be sent to the Administrator within 48 hours of first being
contacted by him.

2.4 In the event of a Club and/or player, against whom a complaint has been
made, failing to comply with the above provisions, a fine of £50 per week,
or part thereof, will be levied against the Club, and after the first week, an
additional fine of five points per week, or part thereof, will be made against
the team concerned.

2.5 When all the reports have been received, the Disciplinary Sub-Committee
shall convene within 10 days of the match to which the complaint pertains,
to consider the matter and pronounce judgement. All parties shall have the
right of attendance to provide evidence to the hearing. Some discretion will
be permitted to vary this date, in the event of real emergencies, at the sole
discretion of the. Administrator
The Administrator shall inform the Club and/or individual concerned of
what complaint or complaints have been upheld against them and the
penalty for the offence.

2.6 In the event that the Club has put in a defence to any complaint, any
decision of the committee will be detailed in writing by the Administrator.

2.7 If the decision is to fine a Club and to fine and/or suspend a player, then the
Administrator shall inform the Club (of which the player is a member) of the
decision in writing.

3. Appeals Procedure

3.1 Any Club or individual shall have the right to appeal against a decision of a
Disciplinary Committee.

3.2 Notice of appeal, setting out the grounds, must be given in writing to the
Administrator, within 7 days of the disciplinary hearing, together with a
deposit of £150 (Of which £50 is non refundable) payable to the League.

3.3 An Appeals panel will be formed, consisting of not less than three persons,
none of whom shall be connected with the player, the club or their
opponents at the time of the alleged breach nor have been a member of the
original hearing committee. The composition of the Appeals Panel shall be
at the discretion of the Administrator and/or the Chairman of the League.

3.4 The appeal shall be heard within 10 days of receipt of the notice of appeal.

3.5 The player or Club shall have the right of attendance and may call
witnesses in support. The appeals panel may also, at its sole discretion,
request other parties to attend the hearing and give evidence.

3.6 The appeals panel may confirm, vary (which shall include the power to
increase or decrease penalties) or reverse the decision. It shall also have the
power, where it considers the appeal to be frivolous, vexatious or lacking in
merit, to order the deposit to be forfeited.

3.7 The decision of the Committee, if no appeal is made against the original
decision, shall be final and binding. After appeal, any decision made by the
Appeal Panel shall be final and binding.

4. Non-payment of Fines
4.1 Any fine levied under these procedures, or imposed for the breach of any
match rule, must be paid to the Hon. Treasurer of the League within
twenty-eight days of the Club being notified of such fine.

4.2 Any fines still outstanding, at the end of that period, shall be increased by
100% of the original fine, when the Secretary or Chairman of the offending
Club shall be notified to the effect that the fine is outstanding. They will be
given a reminder that if, after a period of fourteen days from that reminder,
the fine is still outstanding, a deduction of five points shall be made from
the points gained by the side that received the fine.

4.3 In respect of other payments, owed to the League, by member Clubs, these
shall be treated as if they were a fine, except that points shall not be
deducted. Such payment shall continue to increase by 100% for each
further twenty-eight day period that the payment remains outstanding.

Breaches of Discipline

1. Breaches
Certain conduct, whether on or off the field of play, amounting to a breach of the
Laws of Cricket and/or the Spirit of Cricket have been categorised into 4 levels
which are set out below: -

Level 1
a. Time wasting by either the fielding side or the batting side
b. Abuse of the cricket ground, equipment or fixtures
c. Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action
d. Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making
of an obscene gesture
e. Excessive appealing

Level 2
a. Showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action
b. Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the
course of play
c. Charging or advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner
when appealing
d. Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play,
regardless as to whether such conduct is deemed to be fair under Law 42.5
e. Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an
inappropriate and dangerous manner.
f. Using language or gesture that is obscene or of a serious insulting
nature to another player, umpire, team official or spectator
g. Changing the condition of the ball other than as permitted by Law 42.3
h. The bowling of fast short pitched balls that result in the bowler being
disallowed from bowling further in that innings
i. Causing avoidable damage to the pitch contrary to Laws 42.13 and/or
42.14 that results in a five run penalty being awarded

Level 3
a. Intimidating an umpire or referee
b. Threatening to assault another player, team official or spectator
c. Using language or gesture that offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate,
threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s
race, religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or
ethnic origin
d. The deliberate bowling of any high full-pitched ball contrary to Law
42.8

Level 4
a. Threatening an umpire or referee
b. Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
c. Any act of violence on the field of play
d. Using language or gesture that seriously offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate,
threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person’s
religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

2. Action
2.1 Level 1 Breaches – will normally be dealt with by umpires under the
League’s Code of Conduct i.e. the umpire will caution the player as to his
conduct and advise him and his captain that it is a first and final warning.
On any further breach the umpire will warn the player as to his conduct and
advise him and his captain that a report will be submitted. This will result in
an automatic two-match ban.

2.2 Level 2 Breaches – depending on the circumstances Level 2 breaches may
also be dealt with under the League’s Code of Conduct. The umpire may
decide not to give a first and final warning but immediately warn the
player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that a report will be
submitted. The League Administrator or Chairman of Disciplinary
Sub-Committee will decide if the automatic two match ban is sufficient or
if a discipline hearing should deal with the matter.

2.3 Level 3 & 4 Breaches – will be dealt with at a disciplinary hearing.

3. Penalties
3.1 The following is a guide to the penalties recommended for each level of
breaches: -
Level 1 – Suspension for 2 to 6 matches
Level 2 – Suspension for 2 to 8 matches
Level 3 – Suspension for 4 to 10 matches
Level 4 – Suspension for a minimum of 10 matches
The Disciplinary Committee/Appeals Panel will take the following into account
when considering the suspension to impose: -
a. If the player has pleaded guilty
b. The player’s previous discipline record
c. If the player is also the Captain
d. The conduct of the player subsequent to him being warned and told
that he will be reported

3.2 Captains who fail to control their players, after being requested to do so, by
the umpires, or after cautions/warnings have been given to one or more of
their players, may be given a warning and/or a suspension by the
Disciplinary Sub-Committee and/or the Appeals Panel.

3.3 The Disciplinary Sub-Committee and the Appeals Panel may also deduct
points from clubs and fine clubs whose player(s) have been guilty of
breaches of discipline. Players may also be fined.

GROUND AND FACILITIES CRITERIA

Member clubs must comply with the ground and facilities criteria, as prescribed by the
Management Committee, copies of which will be circulated to all clubs prior to the
start of the season. Further copies are available from the League Administrator and
available on the website. Failure to comply with the criteria will lead to a disciplinary
sub-committee hearing and may result in relegation or other penalty.

Promotion within Worcestershire County League or to Birmingham and District
Premier Cricket League will only be confirmed if all mandatory (M) items for the
higher division are either in place by the end of the current season or are covered by a
signed Declaration by the Club’s Chairman and Treasurer, including documentary
and/or financial evidence where applicable, that confirms that the requirements for the
higher Division will be in place by 31st December of that year. Any club, whose
current facilities would debar them from promotion to a higher division, will be
notified immediately after an inspection, and made aware of the deficiencies and the
improvements necessary to be eligible for promotion.

Member clubs with sides in Divisions 3-10 will need to complete a self audit document
(both facilities and administration) every year for each ground used whether owned or
hired and will submit the completed schedules (both parts) to the Administrator.
Member Clubs in Divisions one and two will be expected to audit themselves annually
using the main Club accreditation document. If they are not meeting any of the criteria,
they should submit a list of the areas concerned to the Administrator together
with their plans to address the issues. The Chairman and Delegate of the Club must
sign a declaration and undertaking, on behalf of the Club, agreeing to remedy the
deficiencies found, within specified time scales.

When the declaration and undertaking have been signed, the Management Committee
will advise the Club of the sanctions, which will be imposed if the Club fails to
complete all or any of the deficiencies within the agreed time scales.
If the Management Committee consider that the defects are so serious, failure to
rectify the agreed deficiencies within the agreed time scales, will result in the Club
being relegated from their current Division, In such cases the club will have the right
to appeal but should not assume that leniency will be shown, where the "Raising of
Standards" is concerned. Division one and two clubs will also be visited by the
Management Committee on a rolling programme.

Clubs in the First Division of the Worcestershire County League should be aware that
all Level 1 mandatory criteria must be met during the season in which they become
Champions in order to apply for confirmation of their promotion to the Birmingham
and District Premier Cricket League.

All clubs in divisions 1-5 must have pitch covers and wherever appropriate they should
be used before and during matches covering the whole pitch and also the bowlers run
ups if possible. It is the responsibility of the home side to put on and take off the
covers as directed by the umpires in the absence of agreement of the captains.
It is also mandatory for all grounds in Divisions 1-5 to have workable sightscreens at
both ends of the ground, unless specific dispensation is granted by the Committee.
It is the responsibility for Home teams to ensure that Outfields are cut short prior to play.
Any side who wishes to have the chance to play matches on an ARTIFICIAL pitch must
register the fact with The Administrator before the start of the season so the Committee
can decide if permission will be granted. Clubs are advised that unless there are
exceptional circumstances, permission will not be granted in Divisions 1-5.