2010 WINCHESTER WARRIORS JUNIOR CRICKET

OUTDOOR RULES FOR ALL COMPETITIONS

Last updated: 16th April 2009

SECTION 1 – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within 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 responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with Coaches, Managers and Captains of all junior teams playing in these competitions.

1.1 Player’s Conduct

In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising a 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 and Manager, requesting the latter to take action.

1.2 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 (or Manager, if more appropriate) to take action where required.

1.3 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.

1.4 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

1.5 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.

1.6 Violence

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

1.7 Players

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

SECTION 2 – GENERAL RULES

2.1 Playing of matches

All matches shall be played on the date shown in the Fixture Handbook, unless the Club Secretary has specifically stated otherwise.

2.2 Fixture Clash

If a Club is playing in a recognised County or National Competition on the same day as a published fixture, that fixture may be rearranged subject to agreement by their opponents and the Club Secretary.   If clubs are unable to agree an alternative date, the Club Secretary may declare the match void.

2.3 Weather

The home team may, at its discretion, postpone or cancel a match in order to save unnecessary travelling if as a result of weather when there is no likelihood of the match being played on the appointed day. The opposition (and any umpires) must be notified as soon as such a decision is made. Any postponed match shall be played on the date fixed by the rules of that competition.

2.4 Failure to Play

Failure to play for reasons other than adverse ground or weather conditions shall result in forfeiture of the match by the team unable to play. Any match expenses shall be met by the defaulting club.

2.5 Home Ground

No club is bound to play on its normal home ground.

2.6 Non-turf pitches

Non turf pitches which are of a porous nature are acceptable in all outdoor competitions. The opposition team shall be advised at least 48 hours before the match that a non-turf surface will be used and advised of any special footwear needs. If such notification has not been made, and the away team so demand the match shall be played on a turf pitch or forfeited by the home side.

2.7 Notification of Results and Performances

It is the responsibility of both teams to notify the Result Secretary of the result of Cup matches within 24 hours of the match and sent by post, fax or e-mail.

It is the responsibility of the Home team to email (or post) the Result sheet (showing individual performances) for league and friendly fixtures to the Results Secretary within 48 hours of the match. Contact details are notified to the Junior Organiser of each member club.

2.8 Laws of Cricket

All matches are to be played under the latest code of the Laws of Cricket, published by the MCC, together with any Amendments or Experimental Laws in operation. These Laws may be varied by any of the rules of the competitions as described in Section 3 below.

2.9 Adverse Conditions and Poor Light

It is the sole responsibility of the Umpires to decide whether matches can start or continue. In the event of disagreement the then current state shall continue.

2.10 Responsibilities of the Home Team

The home team shall be responsible for providing the ground, stumps, bails and a ball (together with a spare) for all matches. The balls shall be of acceptable used standard unless otherwise stated in the specific competition rules given in section 3 below.

2.11 Limited Overs

All matches shall be of limited overs duration with a limit on the number of overs allowed per bowler. Each match shall also have a minimum number of overs per side or specific time rules applied. Specific limitations are spelled out in the relevant competition rules.

2.12 Scores Level

In a knock out competition, in the event of the scores being level at the end of the match the side with the least number of wickets down shall be the winner; if the number of wickets lost by each side is the same, the match is a tie and the winners will then be decided in accordance with the specific competition rules given in Section 3. In a league competition, a match shall be tied if the scores are level, regardless of the number of wickets lost.

2.13 Injury to Bowlers

In the event of a bowler being unable to complete an over through injury or other reason the umpire shall so notify the captain of the fielding side and then the over shall be completed by another bowler provided the said bowler in doing so does not exceed the number of overs permitted to him.

2.14 Protection of young players

The guidance of the ECB and the HCB regarding young fast bowlers, the wearing of helmets by young players and the fielding positions of young players as detailed in Section 5 must at all times be followed in all competitions.

SECTION 3 – SPECIFIC COMPETITION RULES

3.1 THE JUNIOR UNDER 15 COMPETITIONS AND THE MILLARD UNDER 15 KNOCK-OUT CUP AND PLATE COMPETITIONS

3.1.1 Time/Over Limitations.

Matches should start at 6.00 pm. Any team not being ready at 6.15pm shall concede the toss. The side batting first shall bat for a maximum of 25 overs. In a match subject to a delayed start or stoppage during the innings of the side batting first, the overs entitlement for each side shall be reduced by one for every complete six minutes of time lost.  If the innings of the side batting first is completed in less than 25 overs then the side batting second is entitled to the full 25 overs. An interval of 5 minutes is allowed between innings. The pitch shall be 22 yards in length and adult cricket ball will be used (home team to have a suitable spare(s) available).  Managers will agree before a match the maximum number of overs to be bowled by each side, taking into account the light and the available time for a match.

3.1.2 Length of Match

No match shall be reduced to less than 12 overs due to delayed start or stoppages during the innings of the side batting first, but in the event of bad light before the toss the umpires, or in the absence of umpires the managers, may decide to reduce the match to not less than 12 overs.

3.1.3 Maximum overs per Bowler

No bowler may bowl more than five overs or parts thereof (proportionately reduced for reduced overs matches).

3.1.4 Wides and No-Balls

Two extras shall be awarded for wides and no balls. Any runs scored off a wide or no ball shall be added to the two run penalty. These balls shall not be re-bowled with the exception of the final scheduled over of an innings.

3.1.5 Batsmen Retiring

In League matches, batsman must retire at 30 but are able to return once all other wickets save one have fallen or have retired. Retired batsmen shall return to the crease in the order of their retirements. In the Millard Cup, batsmen must retire at 50, and they do not return to the crease.

3.1.6 Fielders

No fielder, who qualifies to play in Under-15 cricket, except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than eight yards measured from the middle stump of the striker's wicket, except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. Where the fielder qualifies to play in Under-13 cricket the distance is increased to eleven yards. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. If a young player in these age groups comes within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.

3.1.7 Eligibility

Boys must be under age 15 on 1st September in the year prior to the commencement of the competition. Girls may be up to two years older.  Where a club enters more than one team in the same age WW competition any player who has played two cup/plate games for a higher team is then not eligible to play in a lower team – cup or plate game for that age group.  Penalty: forfeit match.

3.1.8 Competition Points

Points will be allocated as follows:

      Winning side (save bonus points below) 8 points

      Losing side (save bonus points below) 0 points

      Tied Match (i.e. scores level (see 2.12 above)) 4 points

      Bonus Bowling points: for every 2 wickets 1 point (max 4)

      Bonus Batting points: for every 25 runs in excess of 50 runs, 1 point (max 4),  plus if batting second and winning match, one bonus point for every 2 wickets in hand. Maximum points for batting cannot be greater than 4.

      In a ‘no result’ match, or one cancelled through weather conditions or other circumstances approved by the Club Secretary, no points will be awarded.

      If a team fails to honour a fixture it will receive no points and it will count as a completed match for calculation of Average Points. It will not count as a completed match in calculating the Average Points of the other team.

       In 'knock out' matches, the side losing fewer wickets in a match where the scores are level shall be deemed the winners. If the number of wickets lost is equal, the match shall be won by the team with the higher score at the end of the 19th over. If still level, the scores at the end of the18th over, and so on, shall be used.

3.1.9 Notification of Results and Performances

It is the responsibility of both teams to notify the appropriate Hon. Results Secretary of the result of Cup matches within 24 hours of the match. Ideally by e-mail (or a web system if in place) otherwise sent by 1st class post or fax. 

It is the responsibility of the Home team to email or post the Result sheet (showing individual performances) for league and friendly fixtures to the appropriate Hon. Results Secretary within 48 hours of the match.

3.1.10 League positions

League Positions will be determined on Average Points gained in completed matches (number of points divided by games played). League tables apply to the U-15 league matches only.

3.2 JUNIOR UNDER 15 HOLIDAY COMPETITION RULES

3.2.1 Playing Conditions.

The laws of cricket shall apply with the following exceptions:

      No more than four players must be in the under 15 age group. The remainder should come from the Under 14 or younger age groups.

      The pitch shall be 22 yards in length and adult cricket ball will be used (home team to have a suitable spare available).

      Matches will be played over 40 overs.

      Matches will start at 2.00 pm.

      The tea interval will normally be between innings and last no more than twenty minutes. Arrangements for the provision of tea should be agreed prior to match day.

      No fielder except the wicketkeeper shall be allowed to field nearer than eight yards measured from the middle stump of the striker’s wicket, except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. Where the fielder qualifies to play in Under-13 cricket the distance is increased to eleven yards.

      If the side batting first has not completed their innings by 4.30 pm the over in progress shall be finished and the innings then closed. The team batting second will be entitled to receive the same number of overs.

      No bowler may bowl more than 8 overs (or parts thereof) and six bowlers must be used.

      When a batsman reaches a personal score of 50 he shall retire. He may return to the crease when all of his side save one are either out or retired. Retired batsmen shall return to the crease in the order of retirements.

      In the event of inclement weather the match shall be reduced by one over for each full six minutes lost in (or prior to) the first innings, or for each complete three minutes in the second innings. In the event of reduced overs the match shall be decided on run rate.

      In the event of the scores being level at the end of the stipulated overs the match will be a tie.

      Any of the above playing conditions other than the first three may be varied by mutual agreement between the sides. If agreement cannot be reached, these rules will apply.

3.2.2 Eligibility

Boys must be under age 15 on 1st September in the year prior to the commencement of the competition.  Girls may be up to two years older.  

3.2.3 Competition Points

Competition Points will be determined as in 3.1.8 above.

3.2.4 Result Sheets

Result Sheets must be sent in accordance with the rules in 3.1.9 above.

3.2.5 League Positions

League Positions will be determined as in 3.1.10 above.

3.3 THE JUNIOR UNDER 13 PROGRAMME AND THE UNDER 13 BARFOOT KNOCK-OUT CUP AND PLATE COMPETITIONS

3.3.1 Playing Conditions

The laws of cricket shall apply, with the following exceptions:

      The pitch shall be 21 yards in length, where possible.

      The ball shall weigh 4 ¾ ounces.

      Where possible the wicket shall be 27 inches high and 8 inches wide.

      U13 Division A matches shall consist of one innings per side of 25 overs duration or 1 ½ hours whichever is the shorter. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.

      U13 Division B matches shall consist of one innings per side of 20 overs duration or 1 ¼ hours whichever is the shorter starting at 9:45 a.m. on Sundays.

      No fielder except the wicketkeeper shall be allowed to field nearer than eleven yards measured from the middle stump of the striker’s wicket, except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. If a young player in these age groups comes within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.

      No bowler may bowl more than 5 overs (or parts thereof) in an innings for U13A games and the Barfoot Cup.  No bowler may bowl more than 4 overs (or parts thereof) in an innings for U13B games and the Barfoot Plate. A minimum of six bowlers must be used in each innings.

      In the event of inclement weather, the match shall be reduced by one over for each full six minutes lost in (or prior to) the first innings, or for each complete three minutes in the second innings. If the side batting second have their over entitlement reduced to below that of the side batting first, the match shall be decided on average run rate.

      If the innings of the side batting first is completed, its run rate shall be calculated by dividing the total runs scored by the full over entitlement. A match reduced to less than ten overs a side shall be invalid. A minimum of six bowlers per team must still be used in an over reduced match.

      Any no ball or wide bowled shall count two extras. These balls shall not be re-bowled with the exception of the final over of an innings. Any runs scored off a wide or no ball shall be added to the two run penalty.

      When a batsman reaches a personal score of 30 runs he shall retire. He may return to the crease when all of his side (save one) are either out or retired. Retired batsmen shall return to the crease in the order of their retirements.

      A match shall be tied if the scores are level. In 'knock out' matches, the side losing fewer wickets in a match where the scores are level shall be deemed the winners. If the number of wickets lost is equal, the match shall be won by the team with the higher score at the end of the 19th over. If still level, the scores at the end of the 18th over, and so on, shall be used.

3.3.2 Eligibility

 All boys should be under age 13 on the 1st September in the year preceding the competition. Girls may be up to two years older.  Where a club enters more than one team in the same age WW competition any player who has played two cup/plate games for a higher team is then not eligible to play in a lower team – cup or plate game for that age group.  Penalty: forfeit match.

3.3.3 Result Sheets

Result Sheets must be sent in accordance with the rules in 3.1.9 above.

3.4 THE JUNIOR UNDER 11A PROGRAMME AND OLIVER KNOCK-OUT CUP AND PLATE COMPETITIONS

3.4.1 Playing Conditions.

The laws of cricket shall apply, with the following exceptions:

      The pitch shall be 20 yards in length, where possible.

      The ball shall weigh 4 ¾ ounces.

      Where possible the wicket shall be 27 inches high and 8 inches wide.

      Each match shall consist of one innings per side of 20 overs duration.

      No fielder except the wicketkeeper shall be allowed to field nearer than eleven yards measured from the middle stump of the striker’s wicket, except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. If a young player in these age groups comes within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.

      No bowler may bowl more than 4 overs (or parts thereof) in an innings. A minimum of six bowlers must be used in each innings

      In the event of inclement weather, the match shall be reduced by one over for each full six minutes lost in (or prior to) the first innings, or for each complete three minutes in the second innings. If the side batting second have their over entitlement reduced to below that of the side batting first, the match shall be decided on average run rate.

      If the innings of the side batting first is completed, its run rate shall be calculated by dividing the total runs scored by the full over entitlement. A match reduced to less than ten overs a side shall be invalid. A minimum of six bowlers must still be used in an over reduced match.

      Any no ball or wide bowled shall count two extras. These balls shall not be re-bowled with the exception of the final over of an innings. Any runs scored off a wide or no ball shall be added to the two run penalty.

      When a batsman reaches a personal score of 30 runs he shall retire. He may return to the crease when all of his side (save one) are either out or retired. Retired batsmen shall return to the crease in the order of their retirements.

      A match shall be tied if the scores are level. In 'knock out' matches, the side losing fewer wickets in a match where the scores are level shall be deemed the winners. If the number of wickets lost is equal, the match shall be won by the team with the higher score at the end of the 19th over. If still level, the scores at the end of the 18th over, and so on, shall be used.

3.4.2 Eligibility

All boys should be under age 11 on the 1st September in the year preceding the competition. Girls may be up to two years older.  Where a club enters more than one team in the same age WW competition any player who has played two cup/plate games for a higher team is then not eligible to play in a lower team – cup or plate game for that age group.  Penalty: forfeit match.

3.4.3 Result Sheets

Result Sheets must be sent in accordance with the rules in 3.1.9 above.

3.5 THE JUNIOR UNDER 11B PROGRAMME

3.5.1 Playing Conditions

The laws of cricket shall apply, with the following exceptions:

      The pitch shall be 20 yards in length.

      The ball shall weigh 4 ¾ ounces (or by agreement of the two Managers, an Incrediball)

      Where possible the wicket shall be 27 inches high and 8 inches wide.

      Each side shall normally comprise of either eight or ten players.

      Each match shall consist of one innings per side, of 16 overs (or 20 overs if the match is 10-a-side).

      The batting side shall be divided into pairs, each of whom shall bat for four overs. Pairs shall change at the end of the fourth, eighth, twelfth (and, if appropriate, sixteenth overs).

      Batsmen shall have 'unlimited lives', but each life lost shall result in five runs being deducted from the score.

      No batsman who is out for any reason shall face the next ball.

      Each player on the fielding side must bowl, with the exception of the wicket keeper. No player shall bowl more than three overs

      Once three 'Wide or No Balls' have been bowled in an over, any further such deliveries shall not result in the delivery of any additional balls except in the final over when 6 good balls must be bowled. Umpires will call and signal a 'Wide or No Ball' in the usual way.

      Each side shall commence its innings with a score of 200 runs.

      The winning side shall be the side scoring the higher number of runs, after deductions for the fall of wickets. In the event of scores being equal, the match shall be a tie.

      In all matches no fielder, except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than eleven yards measured from the middle stump except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. If a young player in these age groups comes within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.

      In the event of the umpires being satisfied that a player is incapacitated his place may be taken by a reserve who shall bat and/or bowl in his place. If no reserve is available any over due to be bowled by the injured player shall be bowled by another player without exceeding his quota.

      With the agreement of both Managers, the rules of the U11A competition can be used.

3.5.2 Eligibility

All boys should be under age 11 on the 1st September in the year preceding the competition. Girls may be up to two years older.  Where a club enters more than one team in the same age WW competition any player who has played two cup/plate games for a higher team is then not eligible to play in a lower team – cup or plate game for that age group.  Penalty: forfeit match.

3.5.3 Result Sheets

Result Sheets must be sent in accordance with the rules in 3.1.9 above.

3.6 THE JUNIOR UNDER 9 PROGRAMME

3.6.1 Playing Conditions

The laws of cricket shall apply, with the following exceptions:

      The pitch shall be 18 yards in length.

      The ball shall be an Incrediball but subject to an agreement of the two Managers, a hard ball should be used as long as suitable safety equipment is worn and the players have the ability to cope

      Where possible the wicket shall be 27 inches high and 8 inches wide.

      Each side shall normally comprise of either eight or ten players.

      Each match shall consist of one innings per side, of 16 overs (or 20 overs if the match is 10-a-side).

      The batting side shall be divided into pairs, each of whom shall bat for four overs. Pairs shall change at the end of the fourth, eighth, twelfth (and, if appropriate, sixteenth overs).

      Batsmen shall have 'unlimited lives', but each life lost shall result in five runs being deducted from the score.

      No batsman who is out for any reason shall face the next ball.

      Each player on the fielding side must bowl, with the exception of the wicket keeper. No player shall bowl more than three overs

      Once three 'Wide or No Balls' have been bowled in an over, any further such deliveries shall not result in the delivery of any additional balls. Umpires will call and signal a 'Wide or No Ball' in the usual way.

      Each side shall commence its innings with a score of 200 runs.

      The winning side shall be the side scoring the higher number of runs, after deductions for the fall of wickets. In the event of scores being equal, the match shall be a tie.

      In all matches no fielder, except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than eleven yards measured from the middle stump except behind the wicket on the off side until the batsman has played the ball. These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. If a young player in this age group comes within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.

      In the event of the umpires being satisfied that a player is incapacitated his place may be taken by a reserve who shall bat and/or bowl in his place. If no reserve is available any over due to be bowled by the injured player shall be bowled by another player without exceeding his quota.

3.6.2 Eligibility

All boys should be under age 9 on the 1st September in the year preceding the competition. Girls may be up to two years older.  

3.6.3 Result Sheets

Result Sheets must be sent in accordance with the rules in 3.1.9 above.

SECTION 4: ECB POLICY – THE WEARING OF CRICKET HELMETS BY YOUNG PLAYERS

It is recommended by ECB that young players wear a helmet when batting and when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice. A young player should not be allowed to bat or to stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without a helmet against a hard ball except with written parental consent.

Please note that, in matches played under the control of the Hampshire Cricket Board (and that means all matches in Winchester & District), a parental waiver is NOT acceptable and helmets must be worn in the circumstances given above.

.Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box). There is a British Standard (BS7928: 1998) for cricket helmets and it is in the best interests of players to ensure that their helmet conforms to this standard.

Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk. These fielding regulations are applicable to all cricket in England and Wales.

SECTION 5: ECB POLICY - INJURY PREVENTION FOR FAST BOWLERS

These ECB directives apply to girls and boys, and any reference to ‘he’ should be interpreted to include either. For the purposes of these directives a fast bowler should be defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper of the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

All coaches are urged to identify those players with the potential to bowl fast and ensure they follow the directives in all cricket throughout the season.

To ensure that young fast bowlers do not place undue stress on their bodies, every attempt must be made to keep the amount of bowling within reasonable limits. The following directives provide sensible playing and training levels.

These figures are based on players bowling in no more than 3 matches or practice sessions per week for age groups up to and including U 15, and 4 matches or practice sessions per week for age groups up to and including U 19. Players can play in other matches provided they do not bowl.

AGE MAX ON PREVIOUS AUG 31.	OVERS PER SPELL	MAX. OVERS PER DAY	MAX. OVERS PER WEEK
Up to 13	4	8	24
U 14, U 15	5	10	30
U 16, U 17	6	18	72

Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell has been bowled from the same end. If play is interrupted, for any reason for less than 40 minutes, any spell in progress can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.

Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum number overs per day for his age group ever if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTIES WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE DIRECTIVES OR NEED ADVICE ON A SPECIFIC FAST BOWLER'S ACTION,  PLEASE CONTACT JEFF LEVICK, THE DIRECTOR OF COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR WINCHESTER WARRIORS JUNIOR CRICKET.  ADVICE AND INFORMATION WILL BE GIVEN WILLINGLY.