League Rules

READERS
WESTMORLAND CRICKET LEAGUE RULES 2022

SECTION 1
Constitution and Management

1 The League shall be called "The Readers Westmorland Cricket League" (hereafter referred to as 'The League").

The aims and objectives of the league shall be:
To offer competitive opportunities in the name of cricket
To promote the League within the local community in the name of cricket
To ensure a duty of care to all members of the League
To provide all of its services in a way that is fair to everyone
To ensure that all present and future members receive fair and equal treatment

2 The Officials of the League shall be President, Vice President, Hon Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixtures Secretary, Hon. Results Secretary, Hon. Registration, Records & Statistics Secretary, League Safeguarding Officer and Hon Umpires Secretary, all of whom shall retire annually at the AGM but will be eligible for re-election.

The Officials of the Junior Section of the League shall be the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary, Hon Results Secretary and Junior Representative to the Management Committee, all of whom shall retire annually at the Junior Section AGM but will be eligible for re-election.

Each of the League Officials, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee and the Junior Section Administration may be paid an honorarium which shall be decided by the members clubs at the Senior Annual General Meeting.

3a The Affairs of the Senior & Junior Leagues shall be controlled by the Management Committee which shall meet at least three times in each year and shall consist of President, Vice President, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, and Hon League Safeguarding Officer, representative of the local branch of the ECBACO and Representative from the Junior Section, together with nine elected representatives to be nominated from the clubs in membership of the League. These representatives shall be elected for a one year period and will retire annually, but will be eligible for re-election.
ii A member of the LMC committee will be appointed to represent the League at LCF Recreational Cricket Group and Cumbria Cricket meetings as needed.
iii A member of the LMC committee will be appointed as Communications/Social Media Officer

b Elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting. Each committee member shall be proposed by a member club and such nomination shall be in the hands of the Hon. Secretary by 30 September in each year. No club may propose more than two of the nine elected representatives.

If for any reason an elected representative is unable to fulfil his/her commitment to the Management Committee, it shall have the power to co-opt a replacement, until the next AGM, at which time an election will take place.
Five members. including Chairman or Secretary shall constitute a quorum.
The minutes of all Management Meetings shall be circulated to all members of the committee, Club Secretaries and Umpires’ Secretary before the following meeting

c i The Management Committee (or a sub-committee of members where appropriate) shall deal with all matters concerning the League in accordance with these rules, precedent and policies confirmed or amended by member clubs at an AGM or EGM . Notice of Appeal against a decision of a sub-committee, or against the imposition of any fixed penalty specified within these rules, setting out the grounds for appeal, must be given in writing to the Secretary within seven days of the notification of the decision, or imposition, together with a deposit of £100 which shall be forfeited if the appeal is not upheld. Any fine imposed under the original penalty must also be paid with the deposit and this will be refunded if the appeal is successful. The appeal will be heard by the full Management Committee whose decision will be final.
In addition, the Management Committee shall deal with all matters not covered in these rules or any matters which arise that render these rules unworkable. Any such actions to be reported to, and approved by, the next AGM.

ii Whenever a Committee Member has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed, he or she must declare it, withdraw from that part of the meeting (unless asked to stay by the Chair of the meeting), withdraw during any vote and have no vote on the matter concerned. Such conflicts of interest must be recorded and minuted.

d The ruling of the Management Committee shall be final with regard to matters arising from all competitions, except as provided for under rule 3(d) and (e).

e All disciplinary matters in any way connected with the League or the conduct of matches or Tournaments played under the auspices of the League shall be dealt with in accordance with the Westmorland Cricket League Disciplinary Procedure which shall be deemed to be incorporated within and form part of these rules and which shall prevail over any of the League Rules which may overlap or be in conflict with the provisions of the Disciplinary Procedure

f The League shall adopt and practice “Safe Hands Policy”.

g Any appeals from clubs regarding the result of a match must be submitted within 14 days from midnight on the day the match was played

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a The Secretary shall convene the Annual General Meeting not later than the second Saturday in December each year.
He shall convene an EGM at any time, within 28 days, at the request of the Management Committee or at the request of four clubs, in writing, stating the business to be discussed.
The League Treasurer shall forward a copy of the League balance sheet to all clubs at least one week before the AGM
Likewise the Junior Section Secretary shall convene the Junior Section AGM not later than the last Saturday in January each year and a Junior Section EGM at any time, within 28 days, at the request of the Management Committee, Junior Section Committee or at the request of four clubs, in writing, stating the business to be discussed.

Not less than 14 days notice shall be given to Member Clubs of any AGM or EGM.

b One third of the clubs in membership, plus four League Officials, shall constitute a quorum at either an AGM or EGM.

c Any club not sending a representative to an Annual General Meeting or Extra- Ordinary General Meeting and captains/senior players for each team to the captains meeting shall be fined the sum of £25.

5 The Chairman for all meetings shall be the President of the League or in his/her absence such person as the meeting elects.

6 At General meetings, The Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixtures Secretary, a nominated LMC Representative with a mandate from the committee, the ECBACO Representative and each member club shall be entitled to one vote. The Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote

SECTION II
Membership of the League

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a The League Divisional Championship shall be open to such number of Clubs as the Annual General Meeting may admit. Unless a Club is re-applying under rule 7g, admittance shall be determined purely on acceptable ground and facilities, and no Club may be excluded on the basis of race, sex, religion or colour.

b The divisional status of all teams shall be subject to approval of clubs' ground and facilities by the Management Committee. In the event of a club having access to more than one ground, (for example where first and second teams play on different grounds), the fixtures will be prepared and published on information provided to the Fixtures Secretary by the relevant club as to which team will play on which ground. Any changes to venue must be notified to, and approved by a quorum of the Management Committee at least seven days before the scheduled fixture. In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee may dispense with the full notice requirement

c All teams in Divisions 1 and 2 shall provide not only satisfactory playing areas but also a clean and bright pavilion (or clubhouse) and ladies and gents flush toilets.

d All Clubs with a team playing in Divisions 1 and 2 must provide either roll-on covers or a flat sheet adequate to cover one pitch.

e All Clubs with a team in Divisions 1 and 2 must provide sightscreens at each end of their ground, such sightscreens to be used in all circumstances, unless weather conditions make it impossible to do so, when their use will be at the discretion of the umpires. Any application for exemption from this provision must be made to the Management Committee who will determine divisional status under rule 7 b

f In the case of a new club applying for membership to the League, their facilities should include a clean and bright pavilion (or clubhouse) with ladies and gents flush toilets.

g If any team forfeits two or more games in any one season, in addition to any other penalties, that team will have to re-apply to join the League at the next AGM.

h The ECBACO, North Lancashire and South Lakeland Branch, shall be Associate Members

i All Clubs shall have adequate Public Liability Insurance. A copy of the insurance policy shall be provided to the League Treasurer not later than the 20th April of each season

SECTION III
Competitions

8 The following competitions, to be played for annually, shall be organised by the League.

a The League Championship.

b Divisional cup competitions for each of the Divisions of the League.

d Junior League Championship and Junior Cup competitions.

e Any special competition of which the rules will be published separately

f The format and playing conditions for each of the Senior cup competitions will be decided by the Management Committee, taking into account the expressed views of member clubs. Details of the playing conditions will be published in the league handbook Entry fees for all competitions to be determined at the Annual General Meeting. Failure to pay such fees by 31 May in each year shall result in all points gained in League Championship games being forfeited from that date until payment is received. Clubs will also be excluded from cup competitions for that year

g In the event of disputes arising when clashes of fixtures occur to meet play by dates in Senior Cup competitions, priority is to be given in the following order:

Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Division 4

Any disagreements between clubs as to the date on which a cup match will be played must be referred to the Fixtures Secretary

9 There shall be promotion and relegation throughout all divisions, but no club shall be permitted to have two teams in the same division except for the bottom division.

a At the end of each season the top two teams in all Divisions except Division 1 may be promoted to play in the immediately higher division in the following season, with the exception of 'A' teams which have senior sides either already in the higher division or due to be relegated to that same higher division under Rule 9(b).

b At the end of each season a maximum of two teams will be relegated from all divisions except the bottom division to play in the immediately lower division the following season. Teams to be relegated in order of precedence:
i 'A' teams making way for their senior sides relegated from the immediately higher division
ii The bottom team, unless it is a senior team with an 'A' team due for promotion from the immediately lower division, but for the exclusion under rule 9a,
iii The next to bottom team, unless it is a senior team with an 'A' team due for promotion from the immediately lower division, but for the exclusion under Rule 9(a).

c In the event that two or more teams finish with equal points, it shall be resolved as follows:

i Promotion/Division Winners/Runners up.
The team with the most wins shall be promoted, if this is tied then the team with the most 15 point wins shall be promoted, if this is tied you work along the points table until they can be separated. The divisional championship shall be decided under the same criteria.
ii Relegation
The team with the least wins shall be relegated, if this is tied, the team with the least 15 point wins shall be relegated, if this is tied you work along the points table until they can be separated.

Should promotion or relegation still be unresolved then it shall be decided by a play-off match. The choice of grounds shall be decided by the toss of a coin and the League will provide neutral umpires.

NB: All promotion/relegation shall be subject to rule 7 b.

SECTION IV
Qualification of Players

Advisory notes for section IV
Where the Westmorland Rules refer to under or over 19 (16) (13) (11) (9), this shall be taken as per league rule 17.

Throughout section IV, where there is any reference to qualification of players for 2nd teams, this shall also apply in the same manner to 3rd & 4th teams)

10
a i Each club shall be responsible for the registration of its players. Registration details must be in the League’s possession prior to the first Saturday of the League season. Failure to comply will incur a fine of £25. No player may be registered with more than one club in the Westmorland League and a player will not be formally registered until they have played their first game for a club. Captains must advise their opposition prior to the match is they are playing a player who needs to be registered and note this in the match comments on play-cricket All on the day player registrations must be submitted by email to the Results Secretary by their club within 24 hours from the end of the match If a club plays a player that they do not register prior to the season, or by email to the Results Secretary within 24 hours , or in exceptional circumstances, within seven days after the day of play: that club shall be fined £25 and the team deducted one point per unregistered player

ii Westmorland League players may apply to the Eligibility Committee for dual registration, seeking permission to play for a 2nd club in another League. Players granted dual registration can only play for one club per week, with week being deemed to start on Saturday (this includes Bank Holidays and midweek matches). Likewise a player from another League may apply to the WCLfor dual registration subject to the approval of both Leagues, the club in the other league and the same playing conditions. No permission will be granted after 31 July . Any player breaking dual registration rules will be treated as an illegible player.

b Only players who have been resident in the United Kingdom since the 1st April prior to the beginning of the season shall be eligible to play in the Westmorland League unless the prior consent of the Management Committee has been obtained. Application for consent may be made at any time but, no consent will be granted after the third Saturday in August.
This subsection shall not apply to expatriates of the United Kingdom and British Citizen passport holders

c No player shall play for more than one Club in any Weekend Cricket League in the same season, unless by consent of the Management Committee.

d Only amateur players are eligible to take part in any senior League or Cup Competition.
The League Management Committee instructs all clubs to follow any directive issued by the ECB for young players.
No fielder (except the wicket keeper) under the age of 16 shall be allowed to field nearer than 11 yards measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side. In addition, the LMC strongly recommends that any player of any age, shall wear a helmet when fielding nearer than 5 yards in front of the wicket measured from the middle stump.

All clubs will follow any ECB Guidelines regarding young players in open age cricket; however in no circumstances shall a person under the age of 12 on 1 September the preceding year take part in any senior competition unless they are already in a County or League Representative squad and have prior approval of a Management Sub Committee which will include an ECB Level 2 coach (co-opted if needed) who has assessed the player. Any disputes regarding eligibility and qualification shall be resolved by the Management Committee whose decision shall be final. Any club found guilty of fielding an under age player will be fined £25 for a first offence.

e All transfer requests from within the Westmorland and Northern Leagues must be made by completing a transfer request form available from League Secretary or President or online. The original form must be received by the Chairman of the Eligibility sub-committee. by midnight on 31st July.

Players re-locating from different parts of the United Kingdom may apply for a transfer after this deadline but, no consent will be granted after the third Saturday in August.

All players who have played for a different Club (unless playing under 10g or i) are subject to transfer and, all transfers are subject to the approval of the Management Committee

f Teams must normally field players that are recognised players in that particular team and if clubs have games spread over a weekend no player should play for more than one team without permission from the Eligibility Committee. In general if a player is to be dropped, the club must prove the player has suffered a drop in form or personal circumstances necessitates the drop, and that by dropping the player there is no intention of seeking an advantage. Personal circumstances include family, work and social commitments, returning after an injury, may be deemed acceptable reasons for dropping a player. In ALL cases the club MUST seek prior approval of the Eligibility sub-committee. The onus of proof of eligibility will lie with the club.

Clubs can seek permission by email to the Chairman of the Eligibility for pre-approved players that may play in more than one team per weekend. In general approval shall be given for U16s and Over 60s however this will not be automatic for anyone playing in any other league or regularly in Division 1 of the Westmorland League.

NOTE: In ANY dispute the burden of proof will rest with the club and due to the relaxation of rules any abuse will be dealt with severely.
(Note to 10 f - if a Club selects a player for the 2nd/3rd/4th team at their selection meeting who, if the senior team match is called off, would then appear not to be eligible for the 2nd/3rd/4th team, they should inform the Chairman of the eligibility sub-committee, Rob Hunt, in writing by email or text at the earliest opportunity, and no later than 72 hours prior to the game: likewise any queries regarding eligibility should be put in writing to the Chairman at the same email,
The decision of the eligibility sub committee shall be final.

g i Members of clubs who are away from home for some part of the season, and play elsewhere at any standard during this time, will be permitted to play for their clubs on their return (e.g. University undergraduates)

ii Players who reside permanently elsewhere and play their cricket elsewhere will be permitted to play for a Westmorland League club provided that:
They are a paid up playing member of that club
They play their cricket in a similar or lower standard league.

NOTE: In ANY dispute the burden of proof will rest with the club

h A player who has been suspended or fined by any other recognised cricket league shall not be allowed to play in any matches under the jurisdiction of the Westmorland League until the end of such suspension or until such fine has been paid.

i A player may play for a club other than the one holding their registration without formal transfer subject to the prior consent of a quorum of the League Management Committee and the club holding their registration. Such initial request for consent must be made no later than 72 hours preceding the match to the Chairman of the Eligibility sub-committee. Once approved, further approval need not be requested again that season.
A list of all players approved under this rule will be available to all clubs.

The registered club will always take priority in selection issues.

A player may only play for their registered club in any cup competition.

Any formal transfer under rule 10e would override this rule

j In the event of any team fielding an ineligible player for any reason the team they play against shall automatically receive the maximum points. In addition, any points gained by a team fielding an ineligible player in any match shall be forfeited and the offending club shall be liable to pay such fine as the Management Sub-Committee considers appropriate

k Where a player is selected to play for a representative team they may then continue to play for their adopted club with no penalties.

l Where there is any reference to “season” this shall be taken as from the date of the first League match played by a Club in any League regardless of which of its’ teams plays in the Westmorland League.

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a A player may play for only one club in any WCL Cup Competition in any one season. If a player has played in any other League they may play in a Westmorland League Cup competition providing they have been transferred under rule 10 or they meet the qualification rules under 11b or meet the specific rules of an individual Cup. (Midweek Leagues are exempt)

b Teams must field players that are recognised players in that particular team
.
A player may play in a 2nd/3rd/4th team cup competition, provided that

i A minimum of 50% of his League games (Westmorland League) have been in that team during the current season.
ii The player’s last three consecutive league games have been in that team
iii For cup matches played up to and including 31 May, Clubs may apply to the League Management Committee not later than 72 hours prior to the start of the match if they feel that GENUINE 2nd/3rd/4th XI players should be selected to play who do not meet the criteria under i or ii. The application should be made by email to the Chairman of the Eligibility Committee and the decision will be made by the Eligibility Committee.
or
iv In the event of a Club having more than one 1st/2nd/3rdor 4th team cup match in the WCL on the same day at the same time, players will be eligible to play in any team but must follow the procedure specified in the note to Rule 10 (f)

NOTE: In ANY dispute the burden of proof will rest with the club and due to the relaxation of these rules any abuse will be dealt with severely.

(Note to 11 b - if a Club selects a player for the 2nd/3rd/4th team at their selection meeting who, if the senior team match is called off, would then appear not to be eligible for the 2nd/3rd/4th team, they should inform the Chairman of the eligibility sub-committee, Rob Hunt, in writing by email or text at the earliest opportunity, and no later than 72 hours prior to the game: likewise any queries regarding eligibility should be put in writing to the Chairman no later than 72 hours prior to the game. The decision of the eligibility sub committee shall be final)

c Any team playing an ineligible player in a cup match will be disqualified from the next round of that competition if a knock out competition and receive the penalty specified in the individual cup in the case of round robin matches. If any team plays an ineligible player in a cup final, that team will be disqualified from taking part in the equivalent competition in the following season. A Management Sub-Committee will have the discretion to impose penalties over and above these disqualifications if it thinks appropriate

For the purpose of the whole of rule 11, "played" shall be defined as a match in which any play takes place.

SECTION V
Rules governing the conduct of play in games played under League Auspices

The following rules shall apply to all games under League auspices:
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a All games shall be played under MCC Code of Laws, with certain reservations hereinafter written

b Boundaries shall be clearly defined.

c Dress for all matches shall be whites. No player may bowl who is not wearing white trousers and a white shirt or sweater.

d A regulation quartered ball shall be provided by the fielding side. The balls and substitute quartered balls of good quality will be handed to the umpires for approval before the start of the match.
ALL clubs in Divisions 1 & 2 are to use a ball purchased through the League.

e If due to ground condition or weather, the home club is of the opinion that their ground is unfit for play, they shall be afforded the opportunity of contacting the visiting club, in an effort to agree to a cancellation or postponement of the fixture but no earlier than 11.30a.m (11am as from and including August Bank Holiday Saturday) on the day of play. However when no such agreement can be reached, either club can ask a panel umpire (not directly associated with either club) to inspect and make a decision for a fee of £10. The latest time for such an inspection is 2 hours before the scheduled start of play. If an umpire cannot be found, the visiting club shall travel and the normal rules appertaining to inspection and fitness of grounds shall apply, If the visiting club exercises their right to travel and no play takes place, the visiting club shall be responsible for payment of 100% of the umpires fees, (Division 1) & 50% of the umpires fees (Division2 ), plus 50% of teas in all divisions

f Covers must be used at any point in the match when the umpires request them.

g Any club failing to fulfil a fixture for any reason other than on account of weather shall:
i be fined £25.

ii forfeit 15 points to the opposing club (league matches only) or the tie in respect of knock out matches. Subject to appeal to the management committee, who shall have the power at their discretion to divide the points.

iii be deducted 15 points in League games only.

iv Any away team unable to fulfil a fixture for any reason other than on account of weather; shall inform the home team and Results Secretary by 11.30am (11am as from and including August Bank Holiday Saturday). Failure to do so will result in a fine of £30 imposed and collected by the League and forwarded to the home team to compensate for costs incurred.

h In the event that any club with two teams in the League find themselves in a situation where they are able to provide only sufficient players for one/two teams, then such team/s must fulfil the fixture for the Club's senior team/teams and that team/s must contain 11 players. If a senior team play without 11 players, the club must demonstrate that unforeseen circumstances intervened on the day otherwise a Management Sub Committee will apply the following to the team that is deemed to have gained an advantage
i be fined £10.
ii forfeit all points available from the match to the opposing club
iii be deducted 15 points in League games only.

In all matches a minimum number of seven players is required to constitute a team; failure to do so will invoke rule 12 G (i), (ii) & (iii).

The following rules shall apply to games in the League Championship competition:

NOTE: WHERE 2 SETS OF FIGURES ARE SHOWN, THE LOWER FIGURE/S WILL APPLY TO DIVISION 4

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a All League games in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 shall be played on Saturdays. The exceptions shall be
Bank Holidays, (only when the Fixtures Secretary deems it necessary) and for 3rd or 4th teams, where a club has only one ground and therefore these teams need to play their home games on a Sunday.

On Saturdays games shall commence at 2.00pm, (other than as from and including August Bank Holiday Saturday when games shall commence at 1.30p.m) with a thirty minute interval between innings for tea. A start may be made up to one hour earlier or later than the scheduled start time if mutually agreed between clubs and umpires at least 24 hours before play would normally have started.

On Sundays games shall commence at 2.00pm, (other than as from and including August Bank Holiday Saturday when games shall commence at 1.30p.m) with a thirty minute interval between innings for tea. A start may be made up to two hours earlier than the scheduled start time if mutually agreed between clubs and umpires at least 24 hours before play would normally have started. Clubs must provide hot beverages between innings however the provision of food shall be voted on by clubs at every AGM and shall be decided by a majority for the following season.

b In order to effect prompt starts, the toss shall take place NOT LESS THAN 15 minutes before the agreed start of play and all practice shall cease ten minutes before the agreed start of play. Any team arriving late shall forfeit the right to practice
c If commencement of any game is delayed for more than the 15 minutes after the appointed time then the offending team shall forfeit the right to toss for choice of innings. (Note: if both teams are ready to play within 15 minutes of the appointed start time, both shall retain the right to toss for choice of innings)

d The duration of a game shall be 90 overs of six balls. The side batting first shall not occupy the wicket for more than 45 overs. The duration of a game in the bottom 2 divisions shall be 80 overs of six balls. The side batting first shall not occupy the wicket for more than 40 overs

In all divisions no player may bowl more than 25% of the overs scheduled to be bowled at the start of the innings (the figure to be rounded UP to the nearest full over). However, if there are any overs still to be bowled when 45(40) overs have been completed, the side bowling second may use any bowler who has previously completed his maximum allowance without further limit.

e Should the side batting first declare their innings or be dismissed in under 45 overs (40 overs in the bottom 2 divisions) the balance of completed overs otherwise available to them shall be added to the 45 (40) overs available to the side batting second except that:

Matches delayed at the start
If the umpires determine that play cannot start on time because of ground, weather or light issues then two overs will be lost for every full seven minutes that the game has been delayed from the start time and the side batting first shall not occupy the wicket for more than half the reduced overs available when play commences. The shortest game which can be played is a 46 (40) over game, which, if an early tea has been taken, must start by 2 hours, 54 minutes (2h 46m) after the appointed start time.
i.e. In a game where play was due to start at 2pm, in Divisions 1 and 2, the latest time that a game can start is 5pm (if tea has been taken) and in Divisions 3 and 4 (if tea has been taken) 4.46pm.
NOTE: there is NO 15 minute waiting time at the start of a match and overs will be lost from when play was due to commence

Matches interrupted after the start
If the game is interrupted by rain or bad light after the start of play, there is no reduction in overs until 15 minutes of playing time has been lost. Thereafter, the maximum number of overs available shall be reduced at the rate of two for every full seven minutes time lost. Note – that means overs are reduced after 22 minutes time is lost.
Time lost is cumulative – after the first 15 minutes has been discounted, the total time lost is divided by 7 to determine the numbers of overs lost
Umpires are responsible for keeping a record of time lost. They must inform captains of the revised number of overs before the resumption of play after any interruption.
If matches are delayed for any other reason, e.g. player injury, then that time is made up and the overs are not reduced.
NOTE:
If a match is interrupted by weather AFTER the start, the total number of overs played may be less than 46.(40)

f A game shall be completed as a fixture when each side has completed a single innings or a definite result has been reached.

Further play will not be included in League records.

g In all matches, it is solely for the umpires together to decide in accordance with MCC Law 2.7 whether either conditions of ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place. Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because they are not ideal. The fact that the grass and ball are wet does not warrant the ground conditions being regarded as dangerous or unreasonable.

h i In Divisions 1 & 2 the batting side will be awarded 5 penalty runs for each over that is not started by the bowling side in 2 hours 45 minutes. This will include one drinks break. If overs are added to the second innings, the time allowed shall be increased by 3½ minutes per over. If overs are reduced due to weather in either innings, the time allowed shall be reduced by 3½ minutes per over. Umpires MUST keep each other and the captains informed of their progress at 1 and 2 hours, and inform of any alterations to times and shall make allowances for any unforeseen circumstances, and also warn and subsequently award penalty runs against the batting side if they are deemed to be wasting time as per MCC laws

ii At the call of time for the 1st innings both teams will be informed of the start of time of the 2nd innings by the umpires. If either team are not ready to commence play at this time the umpires will impose penalties as appropriate under Law 41.

14 Method of scoring-
The points awarded for League Championship matches shall be:

In matches
i where overs have not been lost after the start of play
or
ii where overs have been lost after the start of play providing the team batting 2nd has at least as many overs as the team batting 1st.

the points awarded for League Championship matches shall be:
a Fifteen points for a win
b Twelve points for a win by the team batting second having won the toss
c Seven points to the team scoring the most runs and one point to their opponents in any drawn match of 45-90 (40-80) overs duration provided the team batting second scores at least 50% of the runs of the team batting first. If not the team scoring the most runs shall gain eight points and their opposition no points.

If the team bowling second captures 7 WICKETS 1 BONUS POINT
8 WICKETS 2ND BONUS POINT
9 WICKETS 3RD BONUS POINT
or the team batting second scores

GREATER THAN 70% OF THE RUNS OF THE TEAM BATTING 1ST 1 BONUS POINT
GREATER THAN 80% OF THE RUNS OF THE TEAM BATING 1ST 2ND BONUS POINT
GREATER THAN 90% OF THE RUNS OF THE TEAM BATTING 1ST 3RD BONUS POINT

d In a game in which there is an outright win for a team, the losing side shall keep any bonus points that they would have gained in the result of a drawn game.

e Eight points for a tie. A match shall be deemed a tie if, after the final over of the second innings, the scores are level.

f Six points to each team when overs are lost because of bad weather after the start of play, other than in circumstances detailed in 14(ii) (15 minute rule still to apply) and both sides shall keep any bonus points gained during the game.

g Six points to each team when no play is possible.

The following notes are set out to clarify any misunderstanding that may arise in the event of dispute.
All games must fall into one of the following categories:

a A full game in which 90 (80) overs are bowled or a definite result is reached.

b A game interrupted by adverse weather after it has begun.

c A game, the start of which is delayed because of weather conditions.

d A game completely abandoned.

The explanation about each category is as follows:

a Self explanatory.

b In this case the side batting first may occupy the wicket for its full 45 (40) overs, or it may declare at any time. Overs are deducted for the time lost after the first fifteen minutes at the rate of two overs every seven minutes and the umpires should make it clear to both captains how many overs have been lost. If no overs are lost the points awarded shall be in Rule 14(a), (b), (c), (d) & (e). If the game is drawn with a loss of overs the points awarded shall be as in Rule 14(f).

c Under this heading the time lost at the commencement is converted into overs and each side is allowed half the overs remaining. If the game is further interfered with by adverse weather the same conditions apply as in (b); i.e. the side batting first is entitled to its full allowance of overs as agreed before the game starts. The umpires must acquaint the captains with number of overs lost.

d In this case each side is awarded six points.

Please make certain that your umpires are made aware of the above.

The following rules shall apply to games played in all Cup competitions:

15 a The Management Committee shall be responsible for all arrangements regarding cup competitions including the setting of fixed dates and play by dates.

b Rules specific to each cup shall be published in the handbook.

c Any disagreements between clubs as to the date on which a cup match will be played must be referred to the Fixtures Secretary.

d Unless specified in an individual cup rule, any match not completed on the original date for any reason shall be re-arranged and replayed on the first available date, which MUST be prior to the date of the next round. If agreement cannot be reached the fixture must be referred to the Fixtures Secretary immediately.

e In all cup competitions, the umpires will apply a strict interpretation to the law relating to wides; in particular, any ball that passes both the batsman and the wickets on the leg side shall be called wide as per the generic ECB rules published for recreational t20 competitions – a link will be available on the WCL website.To assist the consistent interpretation of wides an additional line, a “Wide Guideline” shall be marked in-between the bowling crease and popping crease and shall be parallel to the return crease. The outside edge of the wide guideline shall be marked 43.18cm (17 inches) from the inside edge of the return crease.

f Any club in the League unable to fulfil a fixture for its more senior team WCL cup competition shall automatically forfeit all other cup competitions and be fined £25.

16
a Final ties shall be played on the dates decided by the Management Committee on a neutral ground.

b Competing clubs shall be responsible for their own travelling expenses.

c The League will pay for the teas of all participating players, umpires, scorers and invited guests of the League at any final.

d The League will pay both umpires for all finals.

The following rules shall apply to games played in the Junior League:

17
A player should be under the age of 19 (16) (13) (11) (9) at midnight on 31 August of the previous year.
Girls who are under 11 on 31st August of the previous year can play in under 9 cricket.
Girls who are under 13 on 31st August of the previous year can play in under 11 cricket.
Girls who are under 14 on 31st August of the previous year can play in under 13 cricket.
Girls who are under 17 on 31st August of the previous year can play in under 16 cricket.
Girls who are under 19 on 31st August of the previous year can play in under 19 cricket.

Any player who has played Northern League Division 1 in the current season may only play in the Junior League Championship Final and/or the Junior Knock-Out Cup Final, if they have played in at least 50% of their team’s Junior League games in which play has taken place during the current season.

18
a League matches will start at 6.30pm on the day stated in the annual fixture list or
6.00pm for all games played in April.

b The League and Knock-out finals shall be played on a neutral ground. In the event that a neutral ground cannot be secured and mutual agreement is not reached by the competing clubs, then such competing clubs shall toss a coin to decide upon whose ground the final shall be played.

c Each team MUST provide an umpire (not a junior) and a scorer.

19
a Normal League and Cup matches will consist of 20 six ball overs per innings with a limitation of four overs per bowler.
The League and Cup finals may consist of 30 six ball overs per innings with a limitation of six overs per bowler.

b At U-19 level, a batsman shall retire when his score reaches or passes 35, and can not return to the crease when all other wickets have fallen. In 30 over League or Cup finals the score at retirement is 40, but batsmen may return to the crease, if necessary, when all other wickets have fallen, batsmen returning in order of retirement.

c At U-16 level, a batsman shall retire when his score reaches or passes 30, and can not return to the crease when all other wickets have fallen. In 30 over League or Cup finals the score at retirement is 35, but batsmen may return to the crease, if necessary, when all other wickets have fallen, batsmen returning in order of retirement.

d At U-13 level, a batsman shall retire when his score reaches or passes 25, and can not return to the crease when all other wickets have fallen. In a 30 0ver League or Cup finals the score at retirement is 30, but batsmen may return to the crease, if necessary, when all other wickets have fallen, batsmen returning in order of retirement.

e In Under 13 games Wides and No-Balls will count as two runs, plus the batting
side will be awarded any extra runs they score from the wide or no-ball, but the
extra ball will not be awarded to the batting side, except in the last over of each
innings.

f In Under 19, 16 and 13 junior matches, if the last pair is at the crease, no
retirements will occur, The game will continue until either
(1) The last wicket has fallen,
(2) The allocated overs have been bowled,
or (3) The side batting second have reached their target.

g IN ALL MATCHES, N0 FIELDER, except the wicket-keeper, SHALL BE ALLOWED TO FIELD NEARER THAN 11 YARDS, measured from the middle stump at the batsman's end, except behind the wicket on the off-side. Also IN ALL MATCHES HELMETS MUST BE WORN BY ALL BATS MEN AND ALSO BY THE WICKET-KEEPER when standing up to the wicket.

h The lengths of pitches must be 15 yards for U-9 with a 30m boundary, 17 yards for U-11 “Soft Ball” with a 35m boundary, 17 yards for Under 11 “Hard Ball” with a 40m boundary, 19 yards for U-13 with a 50m boundary, and 22 yards for U-16 and U-19, and the surfaces must be prepared to a satisfactory standard with safety in mind. The smaller hard ball of 4 ¾ ounces must be used in all U-13’s and U-11 Hard Ball League and Cup matches.
In U-11’s Soft Ball, the junior size “Incrediball” must be used.
In U-9’s the “Kwik-Cricket” ball or the “All-Stars” ball must be used.

i In Under 9’s teams will be of 6 players.
In Under 11’s teams will be of 8 players.
In Under 13’s teams will be of 11 players.
In Under 13’s, Under 16’s and Under 19’s teams will be of 8 players, however Clubs may
contact their Opponents, with ample notice to mutually agree to play 9, 10
or 11 aside.

20 If the weather delays the start of a match the umpires may reduce the length of each innings, by agreement prior to the start of the match, but no match for League points shall consist of less than 12 overs per innings. In a game less than 20 overs per innings the limitation on the number of overs per bowler shall remain the same as in matches of full length. If a match is curtailed for any reason it shall be regarded as "abandoned" even if the team batting second have completed more than 12 overs.

21
a Points shall be awarded as follows:

i Four points for a win.

ii Two points for a tie.

iii Two points for a match which is abandoned or un-played due to rain

b In the event of scores being equal in a league match after 20 overs (or after the agreed number of overs) the result will be a tie irrespective of the number of wickets that have fallen.

c. In the event of scores being equal in a Cup match, the team with the fewer wickets down will be declared the winner. If scores and wicket are equal the match will be replayed (venue reversed).

d. In under 19 (16) (13) (11) (9) league cricket. All matches are to be played in the allocated week (beginning on Mondays) with venue reversal to be allowed where problems exist, e.g., due to rain or ground availability. It is the home team’s responsibility to arrange Under 19, 16, 13, 11 and 9 fixtures. All Clubs are to arrange their home fixtures and provide the Junior Secretary with a complete list of these dates, no later than 14th April. Failure to do so will result in a £25.00 fine. The game can only then be altered by mutual agreement. In the event of the game not being played during the allocated week, the result must be sent to the Junior Results Secretary as a drawn match.

e. If two or more clubs tie on points at the top of the league table in one section at
the end of the season the winners will be decide in the following order.

(a) Head to Head record.

(b) If more than two teams are tied and the head to head record does not provide an outright winner, the team with the most wins will be top. If the number of wins are equal between two or more teams the team with the least losses will be declared the winner. Should these all be equal the two teams with the best records following the above criteria will play off.

(c) If two teams are tied and the head to head match was rain affected or tied, and the records are identical. A play-off will take place in the form of a replay of the original league fixture.

f. The league championship will be decided by playing a Final match between the winners of the northern and southern sections.

g. Under 19, 16, 13 and 11’s Junior Results should be posted by the home club onto
westmorlandcricketleague.play-cricket.com
. no later than Tuesday noon following the play by week.
If no result is received within the allotted time, (as per senior rules) a £10 fine will be issued and the Results Secretary will award 0 points to the HOME TEAM and the MAXIMUM POINTS to the AWAY TEAM and publish the fact. Any objections to the decision must reach the Result Secretary within 14 days (as in senior rules), or the points recorded will stand.

22
a Players may not represent more than one junior team in the competition in any one season. Clubs must not use players between A and B teams without prior agreement from the Junior League Secretary. Failure to comply will result in any points gained in such matches being deducted and awarded to the opponents.

b When junior players are also representing adult teams they must play for the junior and adult team of the same club. The only exceptions to this rule will be in the following cases

Where a club do not have junior teams, but which do have playing members
under 19 years of age. In such a case, the young player can take part in Junior
cricket elsewhere and play for the senior team of his own club. Under 19’s may,
therefore join another team in the League for the purpose of playing junior cricket.
When a Junior Club does not have a senior team in the Westmorland League,
Junior members of that club can not play for another Westmorland Club’s senior
teams, unless granted permission by the Management Committee. Under 19’s
may then, therefore join another team in the League for the purpose of playing
senior cricket.

c Any junior player representing his club at U-19 level may play for another club at U-16 (13) level if his club does not have an U-16 (13) side or visa- versa.

d Players are not eligible to represent junior teams in the League if they also play for a different club with a junior team in another league, unless they have been granted permission by the Management Committee.

e When a junior player is transferred under senior rule 10, he must also then only play his junior cricket for the club he has transferred to, providing that club have a junior section.

RULES FOR THE U-11 “SOFT-BALL” and “HARD-BALL” COMPETITION

i. Teams will be of 8 players. 16 over’s per innings.
The 1st 8 over’s will be bowled from one end, and the 2nd 8 over’s from the opposite end. The field will rotate around after each pair has batted.
Each player will bowl 2 overs.

ii. Each team will be credited with a score of 200 at the start of the innings. Runs will be added to the
score as in other forms of cricket, and 5 runs will be deducted at each fall of a wicket.

iii. Wides and No-Balls will count as two runs, plus the batting side will be awarded any extra runs they score from the wide or no-ball, but the extra ball will not be awarded to the batting side, except in the last over of each innings.

iv. Batsmen will appear in pairs and will remain together for a full 4 over’s. Batsmen
will change ends, upon the fall of a wicket, at the end of an over and if one Batsman
faces 3 consecutive “dot balls”.

v. The length of the pitch must be 17 yards with 35 meter boundaries for “Soft-Ball”
and 40 meter boundaries for “Hard-Ball”. It is recommended that stumps of junior size are used (height of each stump is 27 inches, width of 3 stumps when set is 8 inches). This prevents a ball of junior size from passing between the stumps.

vi. The "Incrediball" of junior size must be used in all “Soft Ball” matches, and the
4 ¾ ounce ball in all “Hard-Ball” matches. In Soft-Ball games, this removes
the need for leg protection for batsmen, but they should wear gloves and a box,
and the wicket-keeper should wear gloves.

ix Where Clubs have Under 11 “Hard” and “Soft” Ball teams, Clubs may
move players between the “Hard Ball” and “Soft Ball” teams, to find the
correct standard of cricket for their Under 11 players. The League expect discretion
on selecting which players are moving from Hard Ball to Soft Ball, It is the Clubs
responsibility to make sure that all players are of the ability to play at the right
level.

RULES FOR THE INFORMAL “Under 9” LEAGUE

I. Teams will be of 6 players.
2. Batsmen will appear in pairs and will remain together for a full four over’s. Batsmen will change ends, upon a dismissal, at the end of each over or if they have faced 3 consecutive “dot balls”.
3. The length of the pitch must be 15 yards, with 30 meter Boundaries.
4. The “Kwik-Cricket” ball or the “All Stars” ball must be used in all matches.
5. All 6 players will bowl 2 over’s each and All 12 over’s of the innings will be bowled from the same end. The field will be rotated around after each pair has batted.
6. Each team will be credited with a score of 200 at the start of the innings. Runs will be added to the score as in other forms of cricket, and 5 runs will be deducted at each fall of a wicket.
7. There will be no “No-Balls” but “Wides” will count as two runs, plus the batting side will be awarded any extra runs they score from the wide, No extra ball will be awarded to the batting side, except in the last over of each innings.
8. No results sheets are required and No League Tables will be published.

SECTION VI
Umpires and Scorers

23
a All league appointed umpires must meet the following criteria:

i They must be approved by the Management Committee

ii They must have a good working knowledge of the laws of
cricket

iii They must accept that at any time they can be assessed by an umpire’s assessor also appointed by the league.

iv They should be able to move around the field of play so as not to compromise the safety of themselves, the other umpire or any of the players. Any concerns at any time by anyone should be immediately referred directly to SLACO.

v No umpire who has been suspended from any other league may umpire in the Westmorland League until such suspension has expired

vi No umpire who had been expelled from any other league for misconduct umpire in the Westmorland League.

vii All League appointed umpires must be DBS checked and
approved

viii All umpires appointed by the league for any match (League & Cup) will be marked by both team
captains. This mark will be confidential but may be used for training and will be used to allocate
umpires for semi finals and finals. Failure to mark an umpire within 7 days in the first instance, will result in a formal warning by email. On the second occasion, a final warning by email advising that on the next occasion a 1 point deduction will be applied. On the third, and each subsequent, failure, a further 1 point deduction will be applied.
b
In Division 1 League matches both umpires will be appointed by the Umpires Secretary. Each club shall be responsible for payment of the fee of £40 to one umpire before the toss and this should be made at the same time as handing the teams cards and match balls to the umpires.

In Division 2, clubs are invited to submit requests to the Umpires Secretary for appointments to be made for all or some of their fixtures. These appointments will be filled on a “first come” basis and on the understanding that in the event of a shortage for Division 1, an umpire may be withdrawn from a Division 2 match. Each Division 2 club provided with an umpire by the Umpires Secretary shall be responsible for its own payment to the said umpire.

c In Division 2 League matches the umpires for the away teams will be appointed by the Umpires’ Secretary. The home club shall be responsible for payment of the umpire before the toss and this should be made at the same time as handing the teams cards and match balls to the umpires.
Except under rule 12(e) (Away Club exercising the right to travel).

d (i) For WCL divisional games where an umpire is requested/required to stand at both ends the fee paid should be an additional 50%.

(ii) If the game is abandoned within 90 minutes of the scheduled start time, 50% of the umpire expenses fee is payable.

(iii) If the game is abandoned after 90 minutes from the scheduled start time the full fee is payable

(iv) In each of ii & iii above, 150% of the umpire fee is payable if the umpire was scheduled to stand or standing at both ends.

e Each club, other than those in Divisions 1 & 2, shall provide its own umpires for League matches, one for each team. If only one umpire is available he shall have the right to officiate at both ends if he so wishes.

f Where required each club shall provide an umpire, up to the semi-final stage, in each Cup competition. Where possible an umpire listed in the Handbook or other qualified umpire must be used

g The Management Committee/Umpires’ Secretary shall appoint neutral umpires for all semi-finals and finals. If
an umpire is used for any other match who is not listed in the Handbook it will be the Club’s responsibility to
make sure that that umpire meets the current “Safe Hands-Welfare of Young People in Cricket” regulations
including being DBS checked and approved

h Umpires appointed by the Management Committee/Umpires Secretary shall be paid a fee of £40. Fees for the subsequent season shall be decided at the AGM and each competing club shall be responsible for payment of one umpire’s fee.

I Each competing club shall provide their own individual off field scorer for League and Cup matches. Should any club be unable to provide a designated scorer, whilst batting, that team must ensure that at all times during its innings a player fulfils the role of scorer. Failure to do so in League matches will result in a penalty of 2 points on the first occasion and five points on any subsequent occasion during the same season. A team shall not be allowed to commence a cup final without providing a designated (non player) scorer.

Deduction of points restricted to Divs 1 & 2 where umpires can report. Or any division if a league official is in attendance, Different players can be used throughout the innings.

J All panel umpires officiating in all games, must adhere to the “Dress code” recommended in “Tom Smiths New Cricket Umpiring and Scoring”.

SECTION VII
Miscellaneous
24 Match Results

Scores for ALL League Matches, including those cancelled by weather, shall be posted by the home Club on Play-cricket not later than midnight following the match and the full result (including all catches etc. and fully correct) by 8pm on the Monday for matches played on the Saturday or Sunday or, (where the match is played on the Monday) the Tuesday following the game.

Failure to comply with this rule shall result in the offending team being given a 1 point deduction if the scores are not posted by midnight and a further 1 point deduction if the full result is not posted by 8pm as above.

If the correct FULL Result details are not LOADED within 7 days of issue of the notification of deduction of points, this will trigger a further 2 point deduction and a £25 fine. The LMC will governance on a case by case basis

All points not claimed within 14 days of the match will be forfeited

Results for cups will be detailed in specific cup rules

All on the day player registrations must be submitted by email to the Results Secretary by their club within 24 hours from the end of the match

Junior League matches –

All Under 19’s, 16’s, 13’s and 11’s results should be posted by the HOME club onto
westmorlandcricketleague.play-cricket.com no later than Tuesday noon following the play by week.

If a result is not posted within the allotted time, a £10 fine will be issued and the Results Secretary will award 0 points to the HOME team, and the MAXIMUM points to the AWAY team and publish the fact. Any objections to the decision must reach the Result Secretary within 14 days, or the points recorded will stand.

25 Fines

All fines shall be paid to the Hon.Treasurer. Failure to pay a fine within 28 days of request shall result in ten points being deducted from the points total of such offending team/club
Any club which fails to pay an outstanding account or fine by the AGM shall in addition have ten points deducted from each team at the start of the following season.

26 Trophies

All trophies belonging to the League must be returned to the Hon. Secretary on or before 15th August in each year. Cup trophies to be returned before 1st July.

27 Leading Averages

Club secretaries shall forward to the Hon. Registration, Records & Statistics Secretary, within 21 days of the end of the playing season, details of statistics as requested in respect of each team for League Championship matches only.

Qualification: As decided by the Management Committee at the end of each season taking into account the number of matches played and the number of overs allowed to be bowled.

28 Ground Availability

Any club whose ground is unavailable for cricket because of unavoidable ground sharing on any specific date or dates during the season must inform the Fixtures Secretary in writing stating the reason BEFORE the AGM prior to each season. If the ground is unavailable for reasons other than ground sharing then a request may be made BEFORE the AGM prior to each season but will only be granted if it does not adversely affect fixtures. No free dates will be granted to any club.

29 Alteration to Rules

a The rules of the League may at any time be amended, repealed or replaced by resolution
at a general meeting of the League: provided that any such resolution receives majority
of at least two thirds of the votes cast.

Any alteration to a rule which has the effect of requiring consequential alterations to other rules will be considered to automatically have that effect

Propositions from clubs whose membership and other dues have been fully paid, must reach the League
Secretary not later than 30th September in any year, or the Junior League Secretary no later than
31st December for Junior AGM)

b All new rules shall be experimental for 12 months and ratified at the next AGM

30 Life Membership

The Management Committee shall be able to issue at their discretion life membership of the League, where it is felt that the honour should be bestowed.

31 Dissolution of the League

A resolution to dissolve the League can only be passed at a general meeting of the League.
In the event of dissolution:

i The general meeting shall appoint five trustees: each shall be from a different member Club and shall be from at least two different generations. In the event of death of a trustee, the remaining trustees shall have the power to appoint further trustees: such trustees must be members of a Club who was a member of the League at time of dissolution, and be from a different Club to those represented by existing trustees.

ii These trustees shall then have the power to manage any remaining assets of the League under the following guidelines:

A Any material assets (trophies etc.) shall be held in safe keeping and may not be sold. The whereabouts of such assets should be recorded with the governing body of cricket in England.

B Any financial assets will be returned to the governing body of cricket in England. These assets may then be used for development of cricket in the geographical area covered by the League. If the League is re-formed any assets still held by the governing body shall be returned to the League.

iii The trustees shall have the power to re-form the League under the current constitution providing that the re-formed League consists of a minimum of one third the same clubs in the league at time of dissolution.

January 2022 updated from SENIOR AGM of December 2021

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