Eligibility Update

Eligibility Update and Pool Player System

Eligibility

The Management Committee is aware that clubs have been facing exceptional difficulties in getting teams out this season. As a result, the Eligibility Committee has exercised considerable flexibility in allowing players to appear in two teams over a weekend and to use pool players. We will continue to support clubs to fulfil fixtures, but it is important that the integrity of the competition is respected and maintained. Accordingly, the Management Committee discussed the arrangements at its meeting on 19 May and is bringing into effect the following changes from Saturday 28 May. Any changes to the existing rules are being implemented under Rule 3b of the League Rules.

1. Any breach of the eligibility rules (League rule 10 (j)) in a League game will result in a 15 points penalty and a £25 fine
2. Prior permission must be sought for a player who is a recognised player in a higher team (whether that team plays in the WCL or another league) to appear in a lower team
3. Dual registration applications must be made to kevin.demain@sky.com and must be approved in advance.
4. Only players who have been added to the pool this season, or where club secretaries have confirmed that existing players on the pool should remain listed on the pool will appear in the updated list available on the website. All other players currently listed will be removed. Using a player not registered with your club or on the pool list will be dealt with as a breach of the eligibility rules.
5. Players can apply as individuals by email to be added to the pool, but should copy in their club secretary.
6. Approved Pool Players who are selected for their club have to play for their club. They cannot choose to play as a pool player instead.
7. Approved Pool Players can play in a higher division than they normally appear without any conditions being imposed on their involvement in the game. However, any approved pool player “pooling down” will have maximum conditions imposed i.e. they will not be permitted to bowl or keep wicket and must be the last batter. The same conditions will apply for any recognised player in a higher team that plays for the club’s lower team in the same weekend i.e. Clubs can seek permission for a recognised 1st teamer playing on a Saturday to then play for the 2nd team on a Sunday, but the approved player has to be the last batter and not bowl or keep wicket.
8. First teams will be allowed to use approved pool players on a Saturday, providing the clubs second or third team don’t have a game on the same day. This will be reviewed at the end of 2022.

League Rule 10j 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

Recording Of Pool Players On Scorecards

Due to changes in the set up of play cricket, a number of clubs have asked for the correct procedure for completing scorecards which contain Pool Players. This has been discussed at the league management committee and the following has been agreed:

1. The player to be used must be registered with the league as a pool player and the parent club must give permission. It is the responsibility of the team using the player to ensure that the player is on the pool list. Failure to do this may mean the player is ineligible.

2. The club who will be using the pool player need to register the pool player through the normal registration process on play cricket.
3. With the following change:
The name of the player should say PP (player name in full)
The registration will be authorised as normal and team sheets can be completed without errors.
This will also allow for data/statistics to be retained on all pool players used.

Hopefully this will address the current issues and the LMC will review this process at the end of the season.