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Drakes Cricket League Rules

L1 TITLE, OBJECT & CONSTITUTION

 

a) The League shall be called the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League (the League).

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b) The object of the League shall be to promote the best interests of the game of cricket.

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c) The League, and its member clubs, shall operate under the provision that membership is open to all, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, colour, social status and sexual orientation. (References in these Rules solely to the male gender are used purely as a space saving exercise.)

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d) The League shall consist of the following clubs. 

Full Members: Almondbury, Almondbury Wesleyans, Armitage Bridge, Barkisland, Birkby Rose Hill, Broad Oak, Cawthorne, Clayton West, Cumberworth United, Delph & Dobcross, Denby, Denby Dale, Elland, Emley Clarence, Golcar, Hall Bower, Holmfirth, Honley, Hoylandswaine, Kirkburton, Kirkheaton, Lascelles Hall, Lepton Highlanders, Linthwaite, Marsden, Meltham, Mirfield, Mirfield Parish Cavaliers, Moorlands, Rastrick, Scholes, Shelley, Shepley, Skelmanthorpe, Slaithwaite, Thongsbridge, Thurstonland and Upperthong.

Associate Members: (clubs with voting rights on all issues excepting those specifically connected with the 1st XI Competition) Cartworth Moor, Edgerton & Dalton, Flockton, Holmbridge, and Nortonthorpe.

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e) Each club shall enter First and Second Eleven teams and participate in the following competitions:

Full Members 1st XI - The Drakes Premiership, JEDi Sports Championship or Cedar Court Conference, the All Rounder Cricket Sykes Cup and the Total Indoor Cricket Solutions T20 Trophy or T20 Shield as appropriate.

Full Members 2nd XI - The Drakes Premiership 2, JEDi Sports Championship 2 or Cedar Court Conference 2, and the Fired Up Corporation Paddock Shield.

Associate Members 1st XI - The Drakes Premiership 2, JEDi Sports Championship 2 or Cedar Court Conference 2, Fired Up Corporation Paddock Shield and the Total Indoor Cricket Solutions T20 Shield.

Associate Members 2nd XI - JEDi Sports Championship 2 or Cedar Court Conference 2.

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f) The League shall have overall responsibility for all teams of League clubs in membership of any junior league.

L2 COUNCIL, OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE & SUB COMMITTEES

 

a) The League shall be governed by a Council consisting of a representative from each club together with a President, a Chairman, a General Secretary, an Administration Secretary, a Disciplinary Secretary, a Finance Secretary, a Registration Secretary, a Match Secretary, a Child Welfare, Trophies & Facilities Secretary and a Media Secretary (the Officers). Life Vice-Presidents appointed under the provisions of Rule L2b) shall be ex-officio members of the Council. From time to time any posts in the Secretariat may be combined. Each club shall send details of their representative, and other officials, to reach the General Secretary by 31st January each year.

If a representative is elected as an Officer of the League, his club shall appoint another representative to serve on the Council in his place.

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b) The Council may appoint up to a maximum of five Life Vice-Presidents, who shall be persons considered to have rendered outstanding service to the League.

The Council may also appoint as a Life Member any person it considers has made a distinguished contribution to the League and/or the game of cricket.

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c) A managing Executive Committee (the Executive) shall be responsible for administering the affairs of the League. It shall consist of the Officers, two active Life Vice-Presidents and six club representatives elected annually in accordance with Rule L3b).

The Executive may co-opt a further member plus any additional member(s) to make good any shortfall in the number of the elected club representatives.

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d) The Executive may at any time appoint subcommittees for any purpose it considers appropriate but, unless authorized, no sub-committee shall have the power to incur any financial liability on behalf of the League.

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e) The Disciplinary Secretary shall be responsible for the organizing of any Disciplinary or Appeals Sub Committee, each of which shall consist of a minimum of three members.

The Disciplinary Sub Committee shall include the Chairman or a Life Vice-President, and the Appeals Sub Committee shall include the President or a Life Vice-President.

No member shall sit on both Sub Committees in their consideration of the same case.

L3 MEETINGS

 

a) Unless the Executive decides otherwise the Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held during the first week in December.

The chair at the meeting shall be taken by the President, or, in his absence, the Chairman.

The business of the meeting shall include the election of Officers and the Executive for the ensuing year, the receipt and adoption, if approved, of the Annual Statement of Finance for the year ending 31st October and the declaration of the voting on any proposed new Rules and/or Rule amendments.

Council members shall be notified in writing at least one week prior to the AGM of the meeting agenda and supplied with a copy of the unaudited Statement of Finance. Any club not represented at the AGM shall be fined £10.

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b) Nominations of Officers and Executive members may be made by any club and shall be sent to reach the Administration Secretary by 30th September.

Elections may only be made from persons so nominated and only persons with at least two years Council service may be nominated for membership of the Executive or for the Office of Chairman.

Any nominations for office shall be included in the AGM notification referred to in Rule L3a).

In the absence of alternative nominations the existing Officers and Committee members, if willing to serve, shall be declared re-elected.

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c) Special General Meeting (SGM) may be convened on the initiative of the President, the Chairman or the General Secretary.

The General Secretary shall convene a SGM on receipt of written requests from at least one-third of the total number of clubs.

The chair at the meeting shall be taken by the Chairman, or, in his absence, a deputy elected by the club representatives present.

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d) Council and Executive meetings shall be held from time to time, as business shall require, subject to at least one such meeting being held each month.

The chair at the meeting shall be taken by the Chairman or, in his absence, a deputy elected by the club representatives present in the case of a Council meeting, or by all the members of the Committee present in the case of an Executive meeting. The Umpires Association (UA) may appoint a representative to attend Council meetings on its behalf.

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e) No business shall be transacted at any Council meeting unless at least one-third of the clubs are represented.

If an appointed representative is unable to attend a Council meeting his/her club shall appoint a substitute representative for that meeting.

If a club is not represented it shall be fined £5, which shall be doubled, then trebled for each subsequent absence during the calendar year.

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f) No business shall be transacted at any Executive meeting unless at least five members are present.

Decisions made at any meeting shall be notified to, and be binding upon, all clubs.

The Executive shall however be accountable to the Council and, at the request of any club representative at the next scheduled Council meeting, or at a SGM, shall provide an explanation for any such decision.

In all matters of dispute the decision of the Council shall be final.

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g) At the meetings detailed below all attendees listed shall be entitled to take part in discussions.

All references to 'Chairman' shall also apply to any appointed deputy. Voting rights at such meetings shall be as follows:

1) AGM, SGM and Council meetings: club representatives shall each have one vote with the Chairman having a casting vote only. Other than the Chairman's casting vote, Officers, Life Vice-Presidents and the UA representative shall have no vote. 

2) Executive meetings: Officers, other than the Chairman, nominated Life Vice-Presidents and elected or co-opted members of the Executive shall each have one vote. The Chairman shall have a casting vote only. 

3) Sub-committee meetings: all members shall each have one vote.

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h) At all meetings votes shall be given personally and not by proxy and, unless a ballot is demanded by any member present, shall be indicated by a show of hands.

Except as otherwise provided in these Rules the result of the voting shall be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast.

L4 MEMBERSHIP, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND INSURANCE

 

a) Each club shall pay the following annual subscription: Full Members - £68; Associate Members - £50.

Both annual subscriptions are to be received by the Finance Secretary by no later than 31st May.

Any club failing to meet this requirement shall be fined 10% of the balance owing for every week or part week during which it remains unpaid.

The subscription shall be amended each odd numbered year by applying the RPI index for the preceding two year period, November to October, and calculated to the nearest £1.

The Executive shall call upon clubs to contribute such further sums to League funds as may be considered necessary, including all Yearbook costs.

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b) All clubs shall take out public liability insurance, with a minimum indemnity cover of £3m.

Each season a copy of the relevant cover note or appropriate policy documentation, shall be sent to the Administration Secretary to be received by no later than the second Saturday in April.

For clubs with a Policy renewal date within the season the relevant documentation should be received at least one week before the expiry date of the current policy.

Failure to comply with this Rule shall result in a fine of £5 for each day beyond which the appropriate information has not been received by the Administration Secretary, culminating in the suspension of the club concerned if the copy is not received.

No liability shall be incurred by the League, the Executive or any Officer of the league due to the failure of any club to meet the requirements of this Rule.

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c) An application for membership of the League by a club must reach the General Secretary by 31st January in respect of the following year.

It shall be considered and decided by the Executive subject to the requirements of Rule L3f).

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d) Any club admitted shall pay an entrance fee equal to twice the amount of the annual subscription which shall include the first year's subscription.

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e) Any club wishing to resign from the League must give notice in writing to the General Secretary by 30th June in the year previous to the season in which they intend to cease membership of this League.

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f) Clubs are expected to achieve the minimum standards for grounds and facilities as required by the following legislation.

To ensure these standards are maintained, regular inspections will be carried out by members of the League Executive, and where clubs are in breach of the expected standards they will be advised in writing of any remedial action required.

Any club who fails to take the required action over an agreed time scale could be subject to an appropriate fine, or in severe cases a deduction of league points.

The set of Minimum Standards are reproduced below:

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First Aid:

1. All clubs should have a well-stocked and accessible first aid kit available for all games.

2. It is recommended that there is a qualified first aider in attendance at all games.

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Seating:

1. Any seating which is provided for games should be safe and well maintained.

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Changing Rooms:

1. Both home and away changing rooms should be clean and tidy, ideally with sufficient space for each team.

2. Both changing room doors should be lockable, with keys provided.

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Showers:

1. All clubs should have a clean and tidy functioning shower area for both teams.

2. Access to the shower area should not be via a public area, and privacy of the area should be ensured.

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Umpires' Room:

1. All clubs should supply a separate umpires' changing area.

2. The room should be clean and tidy with sufficient changing space for two Umpires.

3. The doors of the umpires' room should be lockable, with keys provided.

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Playing Area: 

1. All clubs shall provide a well maintained playing area and outfield.

2. Pitches shall be marked out as per MCC Law 9.

3. There shall be well defined and accurate boundary edge markings.

4. Any non-turf pitch must be well maintained.

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Scorebox/Scoreboard: 

1. All clubs shall provide a clean and tidy score box for both scorers.

2. All score boxes shall be safe, self-contained, covered and accessible.

3. All scoreboards shall have a clear display, and provide a minimum of:"current innings total" "wickets" "overs" and "1st innings score".

4. As a minimum the "current innings total" should be changed at the end of each over, and the others as appropriate.

5. All detail on the scoreboard shall be individually defined with the appropriate labelling.

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Premiership Standard:

All clubs should ideally have a continually changing ball by ball scoreboard display. This may be a manual or electronic facility.

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Sight Screens: 

All clubs shall have two well-maintained sight screens in use at all games, unless prior dispensation has been given by the DHCL Executive Committee.

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Covers: 

All clubs should provide adequate fit for purpose covers, in order to protect the immediate playing area and bowler's run ups.

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Machinery: 

1. All clubs should ensure that both a heavy and light roller are available for use during match days.

2. All clubs shall ensure that they have adequate machinery to maintain the playing area, together with acceptable arrangements for the reparation and maintenance of the outfield.

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Surrounds: 

Any painted walls, grassed or other areas should be presentable and regularly maintained.

L5 PLAYER REGISTRATION - PROCEDURES

 

a) Any club wishing to register a player for the first time, whether by transfer or otherwise, shall ensure than an up to date Registration, Transfer and Declaration Form (RTDF) is duly completed in accordance with the provisions of this Rule or the special provisions of Rule L9b).

The responsibility for an accurate, and on time, registration lies jointly with the player and the applying club.

Failure to complete all the necessary sections of the RTDF shall result in the form being returned to the club and the player shall not be registered until it has been fully completed and re-submitted by the club.

If a player is registered incorrectly, and subsequently plays in a match (es),he shall be deemed to be ineligible and the provisions of Rule L6b) shall apply.

In all provisions the term "another club" shall include any club, whether a League club or not.

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b) Annual Registrations: Each club shall send to the Registration Secretary, to be received not later than 31st March in each year, a typed alphabetical list of all playing members, showing first names and surnames, do not include overseas players. 

If the list is received after this date a fee of 50p per registration will be charged.

The list shall include: 

1) those players on the previous years list whom the club wishes to re-register and who have not subsequently been transferred to another club.

2) players who have joined the club since the start of the close season and are not currently registered with another club, in accordance with Rule L5e)1).

3) players who have joined the club since the start of the close season by transfer from another club. The list shall be accompanied by a completed RTDF for each player in categories 2) and 3) above.

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c) Period from 1st April to 31st July: 

1) Subject to rule L6f) a player who becomes a member of a club between 1st April and 31st July inclusive, and who is not currently registered with another club, may be registered, subject to Parts 1, 3 & 4 of an RTDF being fully completed. The RTDF shall be sent to, and received by, the Registration Secretary, and once confirmation has been granted the player shall be deemed to be a registered player of the club, and be subject to the provisions of Rule L6g).

Provided that the RTDF is received and confirmation given, by no later than midnight on a Friday, then the player shall be eligible to play for his club from the following Saturday.

The Registration Secretary shall publish notice of the registration in The Huddersfield Daily Examiner on the following Monday.

2) Subject to Rule L6f) a player who wishes to transfer from another club to a League club between 1st April and 31st July inclusive, may be registered, subject to parts 1, 2 & 4 of an RTDF being fully completed. The subsequent procedure, and the player's eligibility to play for his club, shall be as defined in Rule L5c) 1) 

3) A fee of 50p shall be charged for each registration during this period.

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d) Overseas players, players requiring a transfer and players who have played competitive open-age cricket anywhere in the world during the current or previous two seasons may not be registered between 1st August and the end of the season. Otherwise the procedure shall be as per the period 1st April to 31st July.

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e) Period from the start of the close season to 31st March.

1) A player who becomes a member of a club between the start of the close season and 31st March inclusive, and who is not currently registered with another club, may be registered, subject to Parts 1, 3 & 4 of an RTDF being completed.

The player's name shall be included in the list of players forwarded to the Registration Secretary in accordance with Rule L5b) 2).

2) A player who wishes to transfer from another club to a League club, between the start of the close season and 31st March inclusive, may be registered subject to Parts 1, 2 & 4 of an RTDF being fully completed.

The player's name shall be included in the list of players forwarded to the Registration Secretary in accordance with Rule L5b) 3).

L6 PLAYER REGISTRATION - GENERAL

 

a) Players who have been duly registered in accordance with Rule L5 or Rule L9b) shall be subject to all the provisions of this Rule.

A club shall only register players who have fully complied with its membership requirements.

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b) A player shall only play in League matches for the club with which he is registered and, subject to Rules L6c) and L6d),no person who is not a registered player shall be eligible to play for any club in any League match.

A team playing an ineligible player shall, be fined £20 and have six points deducted from its league record for each contravention.

It shall also forfeit any points gained from the match and the opposing team shall be awarded the six points under the provisions of Rule L7c).

Where no play is possible the opposing team shall only receive the two points available for an abandoned match.

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c) No player under the age of 12 on the 1st September in the year preceding the season may register to play in adult cricket, unless they satisfy the "ECB Guidlines for Junior players in Open Age Group Cricket", see Page 53.

In these cases parental consent must be given by ensuring the completion of part 1a, along with parts 1, 3 & 4 of the RTDF.

Players over 12 and under 13 on the 1st September in the year preceding the season may play in adult cricket provided that parental consent is given and the RTDF is completed as above.

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d) A registered player aged 17 or under may play in a Second Eleven for another club without a formal transfer, provided the latter club: 

1) obtains the prior permission of the club with which the player is registered.

2) gives written notification of the arrangement to the Registration Secretary immediately it has been made.

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e) Except as provided by Rule L5c)2),no player shall be registered by more than one club during the same season.

No Test cricketer currently playing at First Class level, or a contracted county cricketer who has played in the County Championship during the current season, shall be eligible to play in the last six League matches of a season unless he has previously played in a minimum of four League matches for his club during that season.

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f) Only one person who is designated an overseas player shall be registered at a club at any one time.

The registration shall be made each season and not until after his arrival in the UK.

After this time it may only be changed in either of the following instances/cases: 1) the player reneges on his contract and does not play a match for his club, or 2) the player sustains a serious physical injury whilst contracted to his club.

Any request to change an overseas player in such circumstances may be made in writing to the Registration Secretary and accompanied by a copy of the initial player's contract together with any supporting evidence including, for a request made under 2) above, and certificates from two independent UK doctors, stating that he will be unable to play cricket until after the end of the season. The player qualification criteria for this Rule is shown in the Appendix.

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g) If a registered player plays in another league or competition on a date when his club is playing in a League fixture, his registration shall be cancelled for the remainder of that season, unless: 

1) He is required to do so by a County Club to which he is contracted, or 

2) The match in which he plays is a recognised international fixture, or 

3) The Executive, at its discretion, decides otherwise.

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h) No player subject to suspension or other disciplinary action under the jurisdiction of any other league or competition may be registered.

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i) It shall be a condition of registration that the player accepts the authority of the League's Rules, including the result of any relevant disciplinary action taken thereunder.

In the case of a contracted player, whether UK or Overseas, the agreement between the player and the club shall include a written acknowledgement by the player of his obligations under this Rule.

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j) League selection committees shall have priority in the choice of players chosen for any League representative teams.

This priority will also extend to those selected to play in the Joe Lumb Cricket Competition.

Appendix 

a) In aThe Executive reserve the right to refuse, or cancel, any registration should a player fail to produce for examination, within seven days of being given notice, the necessary documentation when demanded by the Registration Secretary.

This examination, by any nominated Executive member, shall include any papers from the Home Office (Immigration & Nationality Directorate),a Birth Certificate, a Passport, a National Insurance Card and/or any other qualification detail.

b) Automatic qualification to register as a UK player will apply to any player holding a Full British/UK Citizens Passport.

Other players will qualify if they meet one of the following criteria: 

1) Holds a Birth Certificate stating their place of birth is within the UK.

2) Has a Farther or Mother born in the UK and the player has been a permanent resident in the UK for the preceding year.

3) Be aged 15 years or under and has been permanently resident in the UK for the preceding year.

4) Has been a permanent resident in the UK for at least 2 consecutive years. They should hold documentary evidence from the UK Government that they may remain in the UK for a minimum of 3 consecutive years calculated from their entry into the UK.

N.B.

a) "Permanently Resident" is defined as not being absent from the UK for more than 35 days in any 12 month period.

b) A person holding only a British Subject, British Dependant, British Overseas Citizen, British National Overseas citizen or a British Protected Person's Passport as opposed to a Full British/UK Citizens passport will not qualify by right as a UK Player.

SPECIAL NOTE TO RULES L5 & L6

All club officials and players should carefully read and understand Rules L5 & L6, in conjunction with YCB Rules regarding Transfer of Players, when dealing with any transfer of a player from one club to another, irrespective of whether it is within this League or between leagues.

L7 FIXTURES, POINTS & AVERAGES

 

a) There shall be independent First and Second Eleven League competitions with teams in each case divided into a Premiership section, a Championship section and a Conference section.

The season shall begin on the third Saturday in April.

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b) All matches shall be played on dates arranged by the Match Secretary and the scheduled starts shall be: 

April to August - 1.00pm.

September - 12.30pm for 50 over games, and 1.00pm for 45 over games.

No match shall be re-arranged without the approval of the Executive.

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c) League points shall be awarded as follows: 

SIX POINTS: for a win - team scoring most runs (note the "rain rule"),or if the opposing team fails to meet the requirements of Rule L7d).

NO POINTS: for a loss - team scoring least runs, plus any performance points.

FOUR POINTS: for a tie - both teams scoring the same number of runs (note the "rain rule").

TWO POINTS: Incomplete, or abandoned, match due to adverse weather, where no result has been achieved (note the "rain rule").

Performance Points: To be awarded in the second innings only and only to the losing team: 

Batting: 

1) Scoring 75% of the 1st innings total, or the final revised 1st innings total using the "rain rule" - 1 performance point awarded.

2) Scoring 90% of the 1st innings total, or of the final revised 1st innings total using the "rain rule" - 1 further performance point awarded.

If necessary all % calculations shall be rounded up to the next whole figure.

NB Batting performance points are retained if the batting team is all out.

Bowling: 

1) Taking 6 wickets - 1 performance point awarded.

2) Taking 8 wickets - 1 further performance point awarded.

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d) Any club unable to fulfil a fixture must at the earliest opportunity contact, and receive acknowledgement from: The Match & Registration Secretary; the Secretary of the Umpires' Association and the Secretary of the opposing club.

A club which does not fulfil a League match, will be fined £50 and the 6 points awarded to the opposing team, and in the event that the transgressors are the away side will be required to pay a further £50 in compensation to their opponents.

In any event the transgressors will also be required to pay both umpires full all inclusive expenses should the said umpires have attended the match or have not been allocated an alternative fixture.

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e) In each section the team with the highest number of points at the end of the 

season shall be declared Champions in both first and second eleven competitions.

Promotion and relegation shall be determined as follows: 

First Eleven Competition: 

The bottom two teams in the Premiership to be replaced by the winners and runners up, in the Championship. The bottom two teams in the Championship to be replaced by the winners and runners up in the Conference.

The team in the Conference with the least number of points at the end of the season shall retire both its teams from the League at the following AGM, but may apply for re-election.

The application from the club must be received by the Administration Secretary by no later than 31st October.

Second Eleven Competition: 

The bottom 2 teams in Premiership 2 to be replaced by the winners and runners up, in Championship 2.

The 2 teams relegated from Premiership 2 along with the teams finishing third - twelfth in Championship 2, to form Championship 2.

The bottom 5 teams in Championship 2 and the top 7 teams in Conference 2 to form Conference 2*.

The bottom 10 teams in Conference 2 to form a new fourth division. (Positions in Championship 2 and Conference 2 will be decided by the average points achieved per scheduled game.)

*Should the 1st XI of any Associate club finish in the bottom SIX of Championship 2, and its 2nd XI finish in the top SIX of Conference 2, the club's 2nd XI will be placed in the new fourth division with the team/s finishing 7th, 8th ....in Conference 2 taking their place, until it is ensured that this movement does not also create a "two teams from one club situation" in Conference 2.

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f) In the event of two or more teams having the same number of points, positions in the League table shall be determined by reference to the results obtained during the season in the following order of priority: 

1) The most number of wins achieved.

2) The highest points per game average achieved, exclusive to all head to head games amongst the two or more teams.

3) The better, or best, average of runs achieved, for and against per wicket.

In the event of clubs having the same number of points over the last six games of the season, the above criteria (over the last six games) will apply to determine outright winners of the Hopkinson Trophy and Schweppes Cup.

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g) Each club shall send the following information for all their current players, within two weeks of the last League match of the season, to the Match Secretary for both 1st XI and 2nd XI, having regard to the qualifications shown in brackets.

Performances in matches not completed because of inclement weather shall be included. Nil returns shall be made where there is no qualifier, making a total of sixteen returns for the two Elevens.

League matches only: 

1) Best batsman's average: 

1st XI Competition - 400 runs. 2nd XI Competition - 300 runs.

For qualification purposes, the player must have batted in at least 50% of the scheduled matches for the relevant section, e.g. 26 matches - 13 innings; 22 matches - 11 innings.

2) Best bowler's average: 

Premiership - 40 wickets; Championship and Conference - 35 wickets.

Premiership 2 - 30 wickets; Championship 2 and Conference 2 - 25 wickets.

3) Best wicketkeeper's record (leading wicketkeeper in each team).

4) Best fielder's record (the leading fielder in each team, excluding any catches as wicketkeeper).

All League and Sykes Cup/Paddock Shield matches combined: 

5) List of all batsmen's averages: 

1st XI competition - 450 runs. 2nd XI Competition - 325 runs.

For qualification purposes, the player must have batted in at least 50% of the scheduled matches plus one, for the relevant section, e.g. 26 matches - 14 innings; 22 matches - 12 innings.

6) List of all bowlers' averages: 

1st XI Competition - 40 wickets. 2nd XI Competition - 30 wickets.

7) List of all wicketkeepers' records.

8) List of three leading fielders' records (exc any matches as wicketkeeper).

9) Any club failing to comply with this rule shall be fined £50.

L8 MATCH PROCEDURES & RESULTS

 

a) All matches shall be conducted in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, including the Spirit of Cricket and all ECB Directives, Guidelines & Regulations, except as otherwise provided by this Rule. 2nd XI Competition matches shall also be subject to the special provisions specified in Rule L9.

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b) The home club shall have a choice of taking a collection or charging the following admission fees: Adults: £1.50 and Concessions £1.00.

For 2nd XI Competition matches the home club shall have the option to charge admission fees but any such fees shall not exceed half of the above amounts.

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c) No pitch shall be artificially watered, or in any way tampered with, during the period commencing 36 hours before the scheduled start of a match. Any team contravening this Rule shall be fined £20 and have six points deducted from its total.

d) Clubs should use covers at the earliest opportunity, to protect the pitch and surrounding areas when inclement weather threatens a prompt or delayed start of play, and also at any interruptions in play due to inclement weather.

Umpires are asked to report on the Team and Match Report Form (TMRF),where no reasonable efforts have been made to comply with the above, in order for the Executive to take any appropriate action.

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e) The visiting captain may object to the condition of the pitch, other than damage caused by adverse weather, before the scheduled start of a match.

If the objection is allowed by the umpires, whose decision shall be final, they shall order the home club to prepare another pitch under their supervision.

If after play has started on time, the umpires consider a pitch to be unsuitable and/or dangerous, and less than 30 overs have been bowled, they shall proceed as above and start a new match applying the conditions of Rule L8k).

Should 30 overs or more have been completed the match shall be abandoned.

If the umpires disagree the match shall be played, or continue, on the original pitch.

In all cases the umpires shall forward a joint report to the Match Secretary.

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f) The umpires shall be the only judges of the fitness of the ground, weather and light, both before and during the match. In order for play to start, continue or resume, both umpires should agree, at all times, that conditions do not present an actual and foreseeable risk of injury to any player or umpire.

No match shall be cancelled or abandoned by the umpires on account of adverse weather or ground conditions until at least one hour after the scheduled start.

g) 1) The toss for the choice of innings shall take place on the field of play and between the two captains, with at least one umpire present.

Before the toss is made, the team captains shall: 

i) list their players taking part in the match on the TMRF, and pass a copy to the senior umpire together with the match balls for each innings.

ii) state on the TMRF the ages of any player under 19 years of age on the 31st August in the previous year.

2) The captain winning the toss shall announce his intentions to bat or bowl to the opposing captain and umpires immediately after the toss.

3) Only players named on the TMRF shall be allowed to bat, bowl or keep wicket in the match.

4) In an emergency a captain may list one entry as a 2nd XI player in anticipation of a late arrival, provided that the player falls into the category.

5) A minimum of seven players is required to start a match and at least five must be 16 years or over.

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h) The captains shall toss for choice of innings not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes, before the start of play and from that time no further practice shall be allowed.

The pitch shall then be rolled for not more than seven minutes, the captain of the side batting second may require the pitch to be swept and rolled, with a choice of roller, for not more than seven minutes between the innings.

All rolling, whether mandatory or optional, and sweeping shall be the responsibility of the home club and shall be supervised by the umpires.

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i) A club whose ground has not been fully prepared for play to start as scheduled, or either or whose teams is not ready to start play as scheduled with the minimum seven players, irrespective of adverse weather, shall be reported on the TMRF, and shall be fined £5 plus £1 for each minute by which the start of the match is delayed.

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j) Each team shall use its own ball which shall be of a brand and grade approved by the Executive, and purchased from the League.

It shall be handed to the umpires for their approval before they take the field of play.

Subject to any special arrangements made by the home club the batting side shall be responsible for organising a search for any ball lost during play.

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k) Teams shall ensure that at all matches, and at all times a responsible person is available to carry out the duty of scorer.

No match shall commence, or continue, unless one person representing each team occupies the scorebox for such duties.

In all 1st XI Competition matches, each team shall bowl a maximum of 50 overs.

In all 2nd XI Competition matches, each team shall bowl a maximum of 45 overs.

During each innings the home club shall ensure that the number of overs to bowl is clearly indicated on the scoreboard.

In the event of play not starting as scheduled, due to adverse weather or ground conditions, the decision to start shall be made no later than 3 hours after the scheduled start time(2nd XI Competition 2½ hours),and that start shall be made within a further half hour.

In such cases the umpires shall reduce each team's overs by one for every full period of six minutes actual playing time lost, though the reduction of overs will not pass below 30 overs per side. 2nd XI Competition - 25 overs per side.

Latest Starts: 1st XI Competition - 4.30pm (September 4.00pm).

2nd XI Competition - 4.00pm

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l) In all 1st XI Competition matches, no bowler may bowl more than 15 overs in a match.

If the overs are reduced due to a delayed start or by a "rain rule" calculation or recalculation, the maximum overs permitted per bowler will be as follows: 

Innings length Bowler Maximum Innings length Bowler Maximum 

50-47 overs 15 overs 33-31 overs 10 overs 

46-44 overs 14 overs 30-28 overs 9 overs 

43-41 overs 13 overs 27-25 overs 8 overs 

40-38 overs 12 overs 24-21 overs 7 overs 

37-34 overs 11 overs 20 overs 6 overs 

NB Any incomplete over at the time of a stoppage due to inclement weather in the second innings, must be completed by the same bowler at the restart of play, even though this could take him beyond the newly calculated "rain rule" over maximum per bowler.

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m) 1) In all 1st XI Competition matches deliveries passing wide of the leg stump, and outside the line of the batsman's body, that do not come into contact with the bat or any part of the batsman's person, shall be called WIDE.

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2) In 1st XI and 2nd XI Competiton matches a fielding zone shall be drawn on the field of play. This shall consist of two semi-circles having respective centres at each middle stump, and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch.

The radius of each of the circles shall be 30 yards, but where any part of this zone would impinge within five yards of the boundary line then it shall be drawn at that limitation. The perimeter of the fielding zone shall be marked by a series of white discs.

A minimum of 4 fielders, plus the bowler and the wicketkeeper must be inside the fielding zone throughout the innings.

In the event of any infringement the umpire at square leg shall call and signal "no ball".

3) In all 1st XI Competition matches, at the instant of delivery, there shall be no more than 5 fielders on the leg side.

In the event of any infringement the umpire at square leg shall call and signal "no ball".

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n) All instances of slow over rates shall be reported by the umpires on the TMRF.

Subject to Rule L9d),if an innings of 50 overs has not been completed in three hours 10 minutes of actual playing time (drinks breaks, injuries and unavoidable stoppages are not to be included as playing time) the fielding team shall be fined £5 plus £3 for each completed, or partially completed over started thereafter.

If a team infringes this Rule more than once, during a season, second and subsequent fines shall be progressively doubled, trebled etc.

For the purpose of this Rule actual playing time shall start when the first ball of the innings is bowled.

If an innings is interrupted by adverse weather that timing shall be suspended when the umpires have removed the bails and shall re-start with the first ball after the interruption.

In matches where the start is: delayed through adverse weather; 2nd XI Competition matches which have a duration of 45 overs, or because of any calculations/recalculations due to the "rain rule" Rule L8o),the time allowed shall be reduced by 3.5 minutes for each over deducted.

For any odd over game the time allowed after any reduction will be rounded up.

Examples: 49 over game 3 hours 7 mins. 48 over game 3 hours 3 mins 

47 over game 3 hours. 46 over game 2 hours 56 mins 

45 over game 2 hours 53 mins etc

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o) The "Rain Rule" 

1) For a delayed start 1 over per side will be deducted for every 6 minutes lost, up to a minimum of a 20 overs per side match.

Tea is not included in any deduction - latest start 4.30pm (September - 4.00pm).

Latest start 2nd XI Competition - 4.00pm.

2) In a game interrupted for more than 30 minutes by ground and/or weather conditions, the number of overs allocated at the outset of the 1st Innings shall not be reduced. A revised 1st Innings total shall then be calculated on the following basis:

i) Divide the runs scored in the 1st innings by the number of overs available to team batting first at start of their innings, to arrive at the 1st innings runs per over - the 1st innings run rate.

In the event of a side being dismissed within the total number of entitled overs the run rate will be calculated by dividing the runs scored by the total number of entitled overs.

ii) Calculate 75% of the 1st innings run rate in i) above - the revised run rate.

iii) Multiply the revised run rate in ii) above by the number of overs lost in 

the 2nd innings - the run reduction.

iv) Calculate the revised 1st innings total by deducting the run reduction, arrived at in iii),from the first innings total, ignoring any decimals in the resulting calculation. This revised 1st innings total should be posted on the scoreboard.

3) i) For all interruptions due to ground and/or weather conditions in either innings, the umpires should note the cumulative time lost and for every full 3.5 minutes, after 30 minutes have elapsed deduct one over from the second innings allowance.

The first innings should be completed, and the overs allowance for the second innings reduced accordingly by the number of overs lost, up to a maximum of 30 overs lost (25 overs in 2nd XI Competition) thus allowing for a minimum of a 20 over innings.

The revised 1st innings total, should then be calculated/recalculated 

using 2)iii) and 2)iv) above.

This revised 1st innings total should be posted on 

the scoreboard.

ii) The game is automatically abandoned when the total number of overs available for the 2nd Innings drops below 20 overs (provided a result has not previously been reached).

iii) If a minimum of 20 overs have been completed in the second innings, and the match is abandoned the result will be determined by recalculating the revised 1st innings total as per the prescribed calculation. The number of overs lost in the 2nd innings being the number of completed overs in the second innings deducted from the number of overs which were available at the commencement of the 2nd innings. (For this purpose any part over received shall constitute a complete over).

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p) Performance collections may be taken for any of the following: 

1) Batsman scoring 50 runs.

2) Bowler taking six wickets.

3) Bowler performing the hat-trick.

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q) There shall be a tea interval of 30 minutes between innings. Should tea have already been taken during an interruption caused by adverse weather the interval between innings shall be ten minutes.

Home Clubs shall provide teas for visiting teams, and free teas for the umpires and visiting scorer at all matches.

For all weekend and Bank Holiday matches the visiting team shall purchase no less than five teas, or alternatively contribute the total selling price.

The exception being that during the month of Ramadam, visiting teams comprising of all, or mainly all Muslim players should be allowed to purchase less than the stated minimum.

In such circumstances visiting teams must inform the Secretary of the home club of the number of teas required, no less than 72 hours before the start of play.

Failure to do so will mean this part of the rule may be enforced by the home club. During the month of Ramadan it is expected that any host clubs with a predominantly Muslim membership will provide teas for visiting teams and also free teas for the umpires and visiting scorer, at all matches.

In the case of an unfulfilled fixture, should the visitors be the offending team, they shall pay compensation to the home club and be liable for the umpire's fees on the day.

Any time lost between innings, and its cause, shall be reported on the TMRF.

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r) A team declaring its innings closed before the completion of its allotted overs shall be deemed to have lost all its wickets.

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s) 1) For both 1st XI Competition and 2nd XI Competition matches, including those not started or abandoned, a TMRF shall be completed by the home club. This must be fully completed (with full first names not initials) and signed by the Captain for each team, and handed to the Umpire(s) before commencement of play - Rule L8g).

Age groups of all players (i.e. u13/u15/u17/u19) who are under the age of 19 MUST be entered on the form (age group is based on the age at midnight on 31st August the previous year).

Where there is no age group entered against a player it will mean he is over the age of 19.

Indemnity declaration on the TMRF can be seen below: 

"I confirm that in line with Club policy, all players under the age of 18 will wear a helmet with a faceguard when batting or when standing up to stumps when wicket keeping, and that the ECB Fast Bowling Directive applies to the players shown on the above team sheet.

I also agree that prior to the toss that I have discussed with the umpire(s) the Club's policy with regards to the wearing of helmets and the age groups of players taking part in the match.

The Club hereby agrees to indemnify the Umpire(s) from and against all actions, costs, claims and demands (including reasonable legal fees),and any other damage suffered or incurred arising from any confirmation contained in this document."

The Umpire(s) should complete and sign this TMRF after the game and return it to the Home Captain who should forward it by hand, post or email to: 

PHIL SENIOR, 5 CARR MOUNT, UPPER CUMBERWORTH, HUDDERSFIELD, HD8 8XN. email: phil.senior@davair.co.uk within 48 hours following the match.

2) At the conclusion of play in a 1st XI match, including non-completed Sykes 

Cup Ties, the home club shall, within 15 minutes, telephone Coomber's Sports Agency 01274 584 295 (all 1st X1 results),with details of team scores and significant individual performances.

3) Following the completion of the game, the result sheet for both 1st XI & 2nd XI Competition matches, whether played on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, must be received by the Match & Registration Secretary and The Huddersfield Daily Examiner from the home club by 12.00 noon on the day following the match The result sheet must be submitted electronically using the official electronic spread sheet format provided as per the instruction at the bottom of the sheet, and as included in the Rules of the League. Incomplete and alternative formats will not be accepted. After the result sheet has been published on the League website, representatives from either competing clubs shall have 7 days to dispute any particular details of the result sheet. After this time the details of the result sheet shall not be altered.

If a match does not take place, for whatever reason, result sheets must still be sent to the Match & Registration Secretary.

Any club failing to comply with any part of this Rule shall be fined £10 on each occasion of non-compliance.

For each further week of non-compliance, excluding the telephoning of Coomber's Sports Agency, any offending club will be fined an additional £10.

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t) A player selected to play in a match which is abandoned because of adverse weather conditions, whether play has actually started or not, shall be deemed to have played if he is present when it is abandoned, and all such players shall be included on the TMRF notifying the abandonment.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in any such selection being disregarded for the purposes of Rules L6e) and C3a).

If there are less than 7 players listed by a side on the TMRF at the time of abandonment, then that side shall be awarded no points.

A side listing 7 or more players shall receive 2 points for a match which is abandoned due to adverse weather.

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u) All clubs are expected to adhere to the Cricket Clothing Advertising Directive. Clubs who fail to comply with this directive shall be subject to punitive measures as decided by the Executive Committee.

The Cricket Clothing Advertising Directive is produced below: 

1) All cricket clothing must be predominantly white/cream, although it is acceptable to use shirts/trousers that have small areas of coloured flashes that some manufacturers are marketing.

2) Club badges, manufacturer's logos or advertiser's logos may be used on both shirt/sweater breast pocket areas with each logo not exceeding 4 inches by 4 inches (10.2cm by 10.2cm).

3) An advertiser's logo may be used centrally on the front of players' shirts and/or sweaters and may not exceed 8 inches by 4 inches (20.4 cm by 10.2cm).

4) Apart from the manufacturer's logo shown on any item of cricket clothing no other advertising is permitted other than that shown above. Player's names and/or numbers on shirts, sweaters or trousers are specifically prohibited.

5) There is no restriction whatsoever to advertising on tracksuits etc. that are not used on the field of play.

It is also recommended that, where possible all flashes, logos and advertising referred to in 2) to 3) above, should be identical for all players within any team.

L9 ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES - 2nd XI COMPETITIONS ONLY

 

a) On a date when a club's 1st XI has no match, or in any of the final six matches of the season, a player shall not be eligible to play in the club 2nd XI if more than 50% of the games in which he has played for the club in the season have been for the 1st XI or if more than 50% of the games that he has played in the immediately preceding 10 league games have been in the 1st XI.

No more than nine players shall be made ineligible by the provisions of this Rule.

If a club has more than nine such players this limitation will be implemented by excluding from ineligibility only the excess number of players who have the fewest 1st XI league appearances during the period of the club's immediately preceding Ten 1st team League games.

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b) Subject to Rule L5d) up to the time of the toss of any match a player may be registered to play provided that the provisions of Rule L5a),and the following, are met: 

1) he is either not already registered with another club or, in respect of a transfer, all relevant parts of the RTDF have been completed.

2) the RTDF is fully completed before the scheduled start and signed by the captain of the opposing team.

3) the completed RTDF is sent by the player's club, either electronically, or by First Class post, to be received by the Registration Secretary within 48 hours of the match, Sundays and Bank Holidays excepted.

If the player is allowed to participate in the match without this procedure being strictly followed he shall be deemed to be ineligible, and the provisions of Rule L6b) shall apply.

No player registered in this manner shall play for the club's 1st XI until at least the Saturday after the initial match.

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c) Each home team shall provide an umpire, aged 18 years of age or over, to fulfil all duties of an official umpire, except in the case of ground conditions, light and specific Laws of the game that shall be in the sole domain of the UA nominated umpire.

The home team umpire shall be entitled to the all-inclusive expenses referred to in Rule L10c).

If, in any one season, a club fails to provide such an umpire on more than two occasions it shall be fined, for the third and each subsequent transgression, a sum equal to the all-inclusive umpires' expenses referred to in Rule L10c),plus 33.33%, calculated to the nearest £ above (£50.00).

All such fines shall be separately audited and the total redistributed in equal shares, each October, to all clubs with a 100% provision rate.

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d) In the 2nd XI Competition each bowler shall be allowed to bowl a maximum of nine overs.

Where team overs have been reduced under the provisions of Rule L8k) or the "rain rule" L8o),then the maximum overs per bowler shall be similarly reduced by one over for every five overs deducted.

NB Any incomplete over at the time of a stoppage due to inclement weather in the second innings, must be completed by the same bowler at the restart of play, even though this could take him beyond the newly calculated "rain rule" over maximum per bowler.

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e) In the 2nd XI Competition a fine shall be imposed on the fielding side under Rule L8n),if an innings of 45 overs has not been completed in two hours and 53 minutes of actual playing time.

For a delayed start or interruptions due to adverse weather, the time allowed will be adjusted in line with Rule 8n).

L10 UMPIRES

 

a) Umpires shall be appointed by the UA secretary.

Their duties shall be those laid down in the Laws of Cricket and any others contained in these Rules.

All new umpires will be expected to attend an ECB ACO Level 1 training course upon joining the association.

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b) Umpires shall report to the ground no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start and be at the wickets five minutes before that time.

If an appointed umpire fails to report on time the captains shall agree to a deputy who shall stand for the match or until the appointed umpire arrives.

The matter shall be reported to the General Secretary by the home club.

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c) The home club shall pay to the umpire(s),at or before the interval between innings, one of the following amounts in respect of all inclusive expenses: 

1) 1st XI Competition: Match officiated by two umpires: £40.00 each.

2) 2nd XI Competition: Match officiated by two umpires: £38.00 each.

3) Match Officiated by one umpire: 1½ times all inclusive expenses.

4) Any scheduled match where no play is possible, with the exception of Rule L7d): ½ of all inclusive expenses.

The home club may, at its discretion, make such payment as it thinks appropriate to any deputy umpire appointed under Rule L10b).

The above payments shall be amended each odd numbered year by applying the RPI index for the preceding two year period, November to October, and calculated to the nearest 50p.

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d) Players guilty of misconduct and any spectators who interfere with play, the players or the umpires, shall be reported by the umpires to the Disciplinary Secretary.

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e) A club wishing to make a complaint against an umpire shall give written notice to the Disciplinary Secretary, the Umpires Association Secretary and the umpire concerned, no later than seven days after the completion of the match to which the complaint relates.

A fee of £20.00 shall be sent to the Disciplinary Secretary, and this fee shall be returned if the complaint is upheld. It shall be heard by an enquiry panel comprising the President or Chairman of the League, who shall act as chairman, together with the General Secretary, a member of the Executive and two members of the Umpires' Association. The findings of the panel shall be binding upon all parties and actioned by the Umpires Association.

L11 COMPLAINTS & DISCIPLINARY MATTERS