Rules Of Crusader Worcestershire County League
1. Name
The name of the competition shall be the Crusader Worcestershire County League.
2. Object
The object of the League shall be the organisation of a League for Cricket Clubs dance 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 CWCL 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 fulfill 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 30th June 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 and eight Divisional Representatives.
(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 £10.00 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 Captains' 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). Both fielding sides are required to start their 50th over (45 in 2nd XI Div 4 north and south and Divisions 5-8) within 3 (2¾) hours playing time. In matches with appointed Umpires, a calculation of the overs bowledper 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" 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. Allowances given will include 1 minute per wicket taken.
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 and 4 north and south and 2nd XIs in Divs 1, 2 and 3. 90 overs are played in 2nd XI Division 4 north and south and Divisions 5-8.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 Divisions 5-8 and Divisions 4 North and South 2 nd XIs no bowler may bowl more than 12 overs in an innings.
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 or a winning draw as defined under Rule 9(c) concerning a rain affected second innings. Should a win or a draw 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.
In matches with a delayed start or interrupted by weather, each period of 7 minutes or part thereof lost during each stoppage of the innings of the side batting first shall count as I over per side to be deducted from the allowed 50(45) overs (minimum of 25 overs per side).Adeduction of 1 over for each 3½ minute period or part thereof of lost time shall be made in the second innings and at the end of the any interruption either side may elect to continue the match regardless of whether there is time for 25 overs to be bowled or not, but having elected to continue cannot subsequently change its decision or declare its innings.
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.
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. 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 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) Anew ball of the grade approved by the Management Committee and supplied by the League shall be used for each innings in 1st XI matches in Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 north and south. One new ball, supplied by the League shall be used for play in Divisions 5, 6, 7 and 8 and in all 2nd XI matches. A refurbished (or new) ball should be available for the second innings on the request of the captain of the team fielding second. Both balls should be inspected by the 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 '.
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.
K) If either batsman causes avoidable damage to the protected area, the umpire at the bowlers end shall caution the batsman, inform his colleague and the fielding captain, the other batsman and each incoming batsman. If this caution is ineffective, the umpire shall give the batsman a final warning and repeat the above procedure. Should these warnings be ineffective, the umpire shall intervene without appeal by calling and signalling ' Dead Ball ' as soon as he considers that there is no chance of a dismissal, disallow any runs from that delivery and return the batsmen to their original ends.At the next interval, the batting captain shall beinformed of the action taken. A report shall be made to the Executive of the batting side and to the Administrator.
L) For each match in Divisions 1 and 2, 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. Law 42.14 shall not apply.
M) The new penalty runs provided in the 2000 Code of Cricket Law shall not apply to all matches in Divisions 5, 6, 7 and 8 and ALL 2nd XI matches. Only Panel Umpires can award new penalty runs as provided in the 2000 Code of Cricket Law.
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) ECB Directives All league clubs must comply with the current ECB Directives 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) There shall be a lower age limit of 11 years on the 31st August in the previous season for all league players.
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. However this requirement shall not apply when the side batting second has already scored the number of runs necessary for a winning draw based on the target at the 25 overs point. 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 during the playing season 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 5-8 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 ANDWALES 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 1 st 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 hemakes, whenever requested by the ECB, a declaration in the formset out inAnnex 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
1.2.1he was born within England andWales; or
1.2.2he 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 hemakes, 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 1 st 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 EEAmeans 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 andNorthern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, theNetherlands, 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 5 - No promotion unless club can field 2 teams in the following season and a place is available. If a team finishes bottom of Division Four 1 st 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. (iii) Relegation from Division 3 to Division 4 south and north will be the bottom 3 teams, unless otherwise determined by the committee and such teams will be allocated regionalised places by the Committee.
Division Four north and south Champions to be promoted plus the winners of a play-off between the second placed sides decided if necessary on the procedure below regarding equality of points etc. Arrangements for play offs will be decided by the Administrator. 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 .
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.
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
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.
1. 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
2 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.
3. Procedure
3.1 Any alleged breach of Paragraph 1 above shall be notified in writing (to be known as 'a Complaint') to the Secretary of the League.
3.2 Any complaint so initiated must be referred to the Chairman of the League or the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee.
3.3 Upon receipt of such complaint, and as soon as reasonably practicable, the Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary Committee shall consider the complaint and resolve either:
3.3.1 To take no action except to record the complaint and notify the club;
or
3.3.2 To endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club; or
3.3.3 To refer the matter for a Disciplinary Hearing which shall be convened by the Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary Committee as soon as practicable.
4. Disciplinary Hearing
4.1 In any case which is referred for a Disciplinary Hearing, at least seven days' notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or in the case of a club, its Secretary.
4.2 The Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary Committee shall convene a hearing as soon as is practicable and in any event within 21 days of the decision to refer. Any adjournments may be granted at the discretion of the Chairman of the Disciplinary Hearing.
4.3 The player and club shall be entitled to attend the hearing, state their case (in the case of a club by its Secretary or other official), to be supported by a colleague and to call witnesses.
4.4 The Hearing shall be conducted by the Disciplinary Committee of the League which shall consist 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.
5. Penalties
5.1 If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the alleged offence proved it shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties, together with such order as to costs as it deems appropriate:
5.2 In the case of a player:
5.2.1 To require the player to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
5.2.2. To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
5.2.3 To impose a fine.
5.2.4 To suspend the player for one or more matches, or for a stated period of time.
5.2.5 To deduct League points from the player's team.
5.2.6 To expel the player from the League.
5.3 In the case of a club:
5.3.1 To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
5.3.2 To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
5.3.3 To impose a fine.
5.3.4 To deduct League points from the club's team(s)
5.3.5 To relegate to any lower division of the League.
5.3.6 To expel the club from any competition of the League.
5.3.7 To expel the club from the League.
5.4 The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to suspend the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty it imposes for such period and subject to such terms and conditions it deems appropriate.
5.5 Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee (a finding that a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty) shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote.
6. Appeals Procedure
6.1 A player or club shall have the right of appeal to the Appeals Committee. Notice of Appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, together with a fee of £20.00. A refund of the fee will only be made if the appellant is completely cleared of the disciplinary offence.
6.2 If Notice of Appeal is given the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal, which shall take place as soon as is practicable.
6.3 TheAppeal shall be by way of re-hearing before a different Committee. The composition of the Committee shall be at the discretion of the Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary Committee and shall consist 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. The player or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before the Disciplinary Committee.
6.4 The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and it shall have the power to increase the penalty and award costs of the Appeal hearing. Decisions of the Appeal Panel shall be by majority vote; where necessary, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
6.5 The decision of the Appeals Committee or, if no appeal, of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding.
6.6 Any player or club that does not attend a first hearing, without good cause, may be asked to meet the reasonable costs of the hearing and forfeits the right of appeal against any decision taken in their absence.
REGULATIONS FOR CLUBS
7. Internal Club Enquiry
7.1 The club of its own volition and without any need for the receipt of a written complaint or other prompting shall, where any alleged case of conduct which is not fair and proper occurs as stated in Paragraph 1 above, or otherwise as the club may think fit, forthwith convene an Internal Club
Enquiry.
7.2 The purpose of the Internal Club Enquiry shall be to establish the facts and, where appropriate, to take the necessary disciplinary action so as to ensure that the club does not fail properly to control or discipline its player or players and to ensure that the club acts in a manner designed to protect the good name of the club and of cricket generally.
7.3 Any player requested to attend such an Internal Club Enquiry, or anyAppeal therefrom, shall be entitled to be accompanied at the Enquiry by a friend or other representative.
7.4 After a club has held an internal enquiry it must inform the disciplinary committee through the administrator, of their findings and any punishments imposed. The disciplinary committee will note the result of the club enquiry in reaching a decision if any further action is required and will inform the club accordingly
8. Penalties
8.1 If the Internal Club Enquiry finds the misconduct proved, the club shall have the following powers:
8.1.1 To require the player to write letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
8.1.2 To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
8.1.3 To impose a fine.
8.1.4 To suspend the player's right to be considered for selection by the club to play in one or more matches.
8.1.5 To suspend the player's membership of the club for a period.
8.1.6 If the conduct constitutes gross misconduct the club shall have the power to terminate the player's membership forthwith.
8.2 The club for the same offence may, if it is thought fit, impose more than one of the above penalties.
9. Appeals Procedure
9.1 The player shall have the right to appeal to the President of the club or to the President's nominee for a review of the findings of the Internal Club Enquiry and of the penalty or penalties imposed.
9.2 The decision of the President or his nominee in all cases shall be final and binding.
GROUND AND FACILITIES CRITERIA
Member clubs must comply with the ground and facilities criteria, as prescribed by the Management Committee, a copy of which is circulated to all clubs prior to the start of the season. Further copies are available from the League Administrator. Failure to comply with the criteria will lead to a disciplinary sub-committee hearing and may result in relegation or other penalty.
Promotion within the Worcestershire County League will only be confirmed if all mandatory items for the higher division have been complied with during the season leading up to promotion. If mandatory items pertaining to a club's present division remain outstanding for more than one year after notification in writing from the League Administrator, relegation to the next lower division will be imposed.
The above penalties will be subject to confirmation by the Management Committee, who may confirm or vary the penalty following the right of the club to appeal.
However, clubs should not assume that leniency will be shown where the Raising of Standards is concerned.
