DORSET CRICKET BOARD PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYING CONDITIONS
Throughout these playing conditions, gender specific references shall include both sexes.
The Laws of Cricket (2017 code) Marylebone Cricket Club, together with subsequent amendments, coupled with the League Regulations and the Playing Conditions for the competition, shall be adopted in questions of play.
Contents
1 – Pre-match
2 – The Match
a) Overs
b) Time lost
c) Time lost before play & during 1st innings
d) Time lost during 2nd innings
e) & f) Duckworth-Lewis
g) Time penalties
3 – Bowling restrictions
a) Bowlers
b) Reduced overs
c) ‘One for the over’
4 – No ball and Free Hit
a) Underarm bowling
b) ‘Beamers’
c) Fast short-pitched delivery
d) Free Hits
5 – Fielding restrictions
6 – Wide Ball
7 – The result
8 – General conditions
Appendix – League criteria
1 – PRE-MATCH
a) All matches will start by 1.00pm. Before the toss for innings, the Ground Executive shall be responsible for preparation of the pitch; thereafter the umpires shall control its use and maintenance.
b) Matches may only commence if each side has at least seven (7) players in attendance. Should a team not have the requisite number of players present when the toss is due to be made, then that team shall have been deemed to have lost the toss. The other team must make its decision known to the opposition and umpires immediately.
c) The captains shall toss for choice of innings on the field of play, not later than 15 minutes before the scheduled, or otherwise agreed, starting time, in the presence of one, or both, umpires. Teams must be nominated before the toss and cannot be changed. Immediately following the toss, the decision to bat or field must be notified to the opposing captain and umpires.
d) There shall be an agreed tea interval of up to 30 minutes, to be taken between innings if possible. If the 1st innings is completed before 3.30pm, then the 2nd innings will commence immediately, with tea then being taken at 4.00pm. The actual duration of the tea interval should be agreed by the captains and umpires before commencement of play. Teas shall be provided by the home team, at no cost to the visiting team, (including umpires and scorers).*
*NO TEAS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE 2021 SEASON.
2 – THE MATCH
a) There shall be a maximum of 50 overs per side.
b) Where time is lost between the scheduled start time and the commencement of the match due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances the number of overs shall be reduced as detailed below:
c) TIME LOST BEFORE PLAY HAS COMMENCED OR DURING 1st INNINGS
In the event of time being lost for any reason after the appointed start time or during the innings of the team batting first, the umpires will ensure that the number of overs to be received by each side are equal, less one over for every COMPLETE 7 (SEVEN) minutes lost.
d) TIME LOST DURING 2nd INNINGS
In the event of time being lost for any reason during the innings of the team batting second, the umpires will deduct one over for every COMPLETE 3 ½ (THREE and a Half) minutes lost.
e) If, due to suspension of play after the appointed start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than originally allotted (minimum of 25 overs), then a revised target score (to win) should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. This revised target is to be calculated using the current Duckworth-Lewis method. The target set will always be a whole number and one run less will constitute a Tie. (Refer Duckworth-Lewis Regulations)
f) If the innings of the side batting second is suspended (with at least 25 overs bowled) and it is not possible for the match to be resumed, the match will be decided by comparison with the DL ‘Par Score’ determined at the instant of the suspension by the Duckworth-Lewis method (refer Duckworth-Lewis Regulations). If the score is equal to the par score, the match is a Tie. Otherwise the result is a victory, or defeat, by the margin of runs by which the score exceeds, or falls short of, the Par Score.
g) All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 50 overs within 3 hours playing time. In the event of them failing to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, and the batting side will be credited with 6 runs for every whole over that has not been bowled. This will apply to both innings of the match. If the side batting second is credited with runs in this way and this consequently takes their score to or past their victory target then the match shall be deemed to be won by the side batting second. All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings.
Play must not continue until the Umpires and Scorers are satisfied that the score is correctly displayed on the scoreboard.
If the innings is terminated before the scheduled or re-scheduled cut off-time, no over rate penalty shall apply. If the innings is interrupted, the over-rate penalty will apply based on the re-scheduled cessation time for that innings.
Play must not continue until the Umpires and Scorers are satisfied that the score is correctly displayed on the scoreboard.
Note: If a team declares at any time the fielding team will be awarded 5 bowling points.
3 – BOWLING RESTRICTIONS
a) No bowler shall bowl more than 10 overs in any innings.
In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls shall be bowled by another bowler providing he has not completed his 10 overs. Any over completed in this instance shall count as part of his allocation.
b) Where the number of overs in a match has been reduced, the number of overs that can be bowled will be reduced in proportion to the overs available after the reduction, divided by the total number of overs originally available. See example below:
Example:-
Reduced number of overs = 37
Overs per bowler equates to 37/50 x 10 =7.4 (rounded to the nearest integer)
Two bowlers may bowl a maximum of 8 overs and three may bowl a maximum of 7 overs.
In the event that a bowler has already bowled his full allocation of 10 overs at the time of the delay, this shall be ignored in the calculation. Example:
The already reduced number of overs is further reduced to 27 overs.
The overs per bowler now equates to 27/50 x 10 = 5.4
Two bowlers have completed 8 overs as a result of the previous reduction. Therefore, the remaining overs must be bowled by other bowlers, but limited to a maximum of 5 overs.
c) Any delivery which, after pitching, passes clearly between shoulder and head height of the striker standing upright at the crease and in the umpire’s opinion he is able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall if applicable be part of the repetition sequence referred to in MCC Law 41.6. Such a delivery is limited to one per batsman per over. The bowler's end Umpire shall indicate to both bowler and batsman when such a delivery has been bowled.
4 – NO BALL & FREE HIT
a) Underarm bowling is not permitted. “No ball” shall be called if this rule is contravened. Additionally, a delivery bouncing more than once, or rolling along the pitch before reaching the popping crease of the batsman on strike shall be called a No Ball.
b) The bowling of a Full Pitch Ball which passes, or would have passed, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease shall be called and signalled as No Ball by the bowler’s end umpire.
c) All fast, short-pitched deliveries above head height with the batsman in an upright stance at the popping crease shall constitute, and be called, a No Ball.
d) With the exception those resulting from the offence of Fast Short-Pitched Bowling, the delivery following a no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it.
i. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball), then the next delivery shall become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it.
ii. For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball (i.e. Hit the ball twice, Obstructing the field, Run out), even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.
iii. Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker or the No Ball was the result of a field restriction breach in which case the field may be changed to the extent of correcting the breach. However, in all circumstances, any fielder within 15 yards of the striker may retreat to a position on the same line no more than 15 yards from the striker.
5 ‑ FIELDING RESTRICTIONS
There shall be no more than 5 players on the leg side, at all times. If this is contravened either umpire shall call and signal No Ball. This will be followed by a free hit.
There will be 3 powerplays. The table below lists the fielding restrictions within powerplays, including innings reduced in overs
Total No. of Overs|1st Powerplay|2nd Powerplay|3rd Powerplay
46-50|1-10|11-40|41-end of innings
41-45|1-9|10-36|37-end of innings
36-40|1-8|9-32|33-end of innings
31-35|1-7|8-28|29-end of innings
25-30|1-6|7-24|25-end of innings
1st Powerplay = maximum of 2 fielders outside fielding circle
2nd Powerplay = maximum of 4 fielders outside fielding circle
3rd Powerplay = maximum of 5 fielders outside fielding circle
6 – WIDE BALL - Judging a Wide
In addition to MCC Law 22 the following will apply: Umpires are expected to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any offside or legside delivery which in the opinion of the umpire does not give the batsman a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. For guidance purposes, in adult cricket a legside wide should be called if a ball passes on the legside outside the pads of the batsman standing in a normal guard position. However, the final position of the batsman may be taken into consideration in the judgement of legside wides
7 – THE RESULT
a) A result can only be achieved if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 25 overs, unless the team batting second has scored more runs than its opponents or has achieved its target score, or revised target score, within the 25 overs.
b) A match shall be tied if the scores are equal at the end of the match
c) If the score of the team batting second surpasses the “target score”, at any time prior to the conclusion of its innings, then the match shall be won by the team batting second. If the team batting second is bowled out earlier, then the match shall be won by the team batting first.
8 – GENERAL CONDITIONS
a) The creases SHALL be remarked between innings.
b) Sweeping and rolling of the pitch shall be carried out as approved by the Umpires.
c) Sawdust must be available in a sufficient quantity at the commencement of the game.
d) At both ends a line shall be drawn 17'' inside each return crease linking the bowling and popping crease. This will enable umpires to more easily determine wide balls on the offside.
e) A 30-yard fielding circle (where achievable) will be marked with white discs or a white dotted line.
f) The boundaries shall be marked by a white line and flags, or prominent markers, or by a rope
APPENDIX – LEAGUE CRITERIA
FIXTURES
1.1 Each team shall play each other twice, on a home and away basis. However, the Management Committee may alter this where a division has either a greater or lesser number of teams than the normal.
1.2 All fixtures shall be made by the League Management Committee and be played on consecutive weekends, commencing on the first Saturday in May.
1.3 Any team failing to honour a fixture for reasons other than weather or unfitness of ground shall forfeit 20 points, and the match shall count as a match played and lost for that side. In addition, there will be a £30 fine imposed, on each occasion. Should a team fail to honour a 3rd fixture during the season, the club will be contacted by the League Secretary, who will ascertain the reasons for scratching fixtures and the possibilities of that team completing their remaining fixtures. The Secretary will then contact committee members, who will decide if they can assist the team in completing their fixtures or that the team will be expelled from the League. Any team expelled from the League will have their playing record deleted, unless the default occurs in the final three weeks of the season, where the results previously achieved will not be amended.
The decision as to the fitness of the ground is the responsibility of the ground authority for the home team.
When a club, with more than one team, is unable to fulfil all of its fixtures on any match day, the most senior fixture(s) must be fulfilled. In the event of the most senior team being withdrawn from the League, then its fixtures must be undertaken by the next most senior team in that club.
1.4 It is the responsibility of the home club to ensure that wherever possible the match takes place. A match, at its commencement, can consist of a minimum of 50 overs.
1.5 If the opposing team wishes to claim any expenses incurred in relation to the cancellation, it shall send a claim to the opposition and lodge a copy of the claim with the League Secretary, within seven days of the cancellation.
2.1
a. Each team shall supply a new match ball, one for each innings. The League Management Committee shall determine the make and supplier of the ball to be used.
b. The penalty for failing to supply an approved ball is a fine of £30 for the 1st offence, and a deduction of 5 points on the team for subsequent offences.
c. An approved league ball must be used for the entire match. Any replacement ball must be league approved, or the penalty in b will apply.
2.2 Each team shall be responsible for providing a competent non-playing scorer. Failure to do so, where reported by the Umpires, will result in the offending team being fined £30 for the 1st offence, then a 5-point deduction for subsequent offences.
Additionally, if no such scorer is available, then the umpires will require the appropriate captain to nominate one of his players to undertake the scoring duties. No substitute will be allowed for this player, who may, however, resume his place in the nominated side, with any resultant penalties under the laws, if a scorer is subsequently provided.
2.3 Umpires shall be appointed by the Dorset Association of Cricket Officers (DACO), and the appropriate expenses paid. Both team captains shall complete feedback on the umpires and send such forms by e-mail immediately after each game, to the designated official, by way of “Who’s the Umpire Website”. Clubs failing to submit such reports within 72 hours, following the game, will be subject to a fine of £30 for the 1st offence and a 5 point deduction for subsequent offences.
2.4 In the event of a cancellation, the home team shall be responsible for notifying both Umpires concerned, at least two hours before the scheduled starting time.
2.5 Alcohol
No alcohol should be consumed by players, or match officials, whilst a match is in progress.
3. PLAYERS
3.1 Clubs must register their players. The names of registered players, for each club, will appear on the Dorset Cricket League Play-Cricket website. The deadline for registering a player will be midnight on the Tuesday following the game. Teams will be penalised 5 points for playing a non-registered player.
3.2 A player may only be registered, on play-cricket, to play for one club, within the Dorset Cricket League. A player can be dual registered with a Dorset League club and a club playing in a different competition.
(a) If a player wants to play for a different club, other than the club he is currently registered for on play-cricket, but has not yet played for that club in the current season, then he needs to request that club to remove his Dorset Cricket League play-cricket registration with them. Once actioned, the player’s new club can register him on play-cricket.
(b) If a player wants to move clubs during the season, having already played for a club that season, the new club should register the player on play-cricket, requesting a transfer from the player’s current club. The player should email the DCL Results Secretary, requesting a transfer and giving details of the 2 clubs involved. The Results Secretary will contact the player’s current club, asking them to either approve the transfer request on play-cricket or provide the DCL Management Committee with a valid reason why the transfer cannot take place.
(c) In the event of rule 3.2 being contravened, the offending team shall forfeit 10 points for each match in which the ineligible player takes part. In addition to this, any points obtained by that team in such matches will also be deducted. The opponents will be awarded 10 points, regardless of the result, along with any bonus points earned during the playing of the fixture. If the match is abandoned, bonus points only will be awarded.
3.3 As the Saturday and Sunday competitions are separate, a player may play for different clubs in each competition (subject to 3.2 above). NB in the case of an “overseas” player, each club is responsible for applying to the League for its permission to enable the “overseas” player to play at the club.
3.4 Any player who has played for the first XI of a First Class County in any of the preceding three seasons, or an overseas player who has played First Class cricket in their home country, must have his name submitted, in writing, to the Management Committee for clearance to play in League matches during that current season, before they play for any club. The Management Committee reserves the right to refuse permission in any individual case. No permission will be granted after 31st July in any season.
3.5 Overseas players:
In support of the ECB’s guidance, a team will only be permitted to play one overseas player in each match. An overseas player is one who is not qualified to play for England or who does not hold an EC passport. These persons must be registered with the League, on play-cricket, no later than the 30th June.
Other foreign nationals will be eligible to play if they have been resident in the United Kingdom for 12 consecutive months prior to the 1st of May in each year.
It is the responsibility of Clubs to determine the eligibility of each player.
3.6 Any breach of the rules in Paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 will attract the same penalty as stated in
Paragraph 3.2.
3.7 No player, including overseas players, shall be remunerated for playing in the League. NB Remuneration includes benefits supplied to a player which may include free accommodation, meals and kit. Clubs should be aware of potential PAYE and employment law implications.
3.8 The minimum age for players is the U13 age group (School Year 8). In accordance with ECB guidance, players in the U12 Age Group (School Year 7) can play, if they are members of the current Dorset U12 County Squad.
These age restrictions also apply to players acting as substitute fielders.
Any team found to be contravening this rule will be deducted all points earned in the match concerned.
4. SCORING OF POINTS
4.1 The team which wins the match shall score 10 points.
4.2 In a tied match each team shall score 5 points .
4.3 In the event of a game being abandoned each team will score 5 points each, along with any “bonus” points gained.
4.4 Where a game is ‘scratched’, the offending team shall be penalised as detailed in Paragraph 1.3, and the game will be counted as a game played and lost. The non-offending team shall be awarded 20 points and the game will be counted as a game played and won.
4.5 If a team declares at any time the fielding team will be awarded 5 bowling points.
Points awarded – see Appendix “Y”
5. NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
5.1 The Home Captain, or his representative, shall be responsible for submitting the result of the match (including cancellations and ''Abandoned”) to the Results Secretary Alan Graham –Text 07801 312976 or e-mail alan.graham.dcb@gmail.com, by 11.00pm on the day of the match.
5.2 The Home Team must input a completed scoresheet on the Play-Cricket website, within 72 hours of the end of the match.
5.3 Clubs failing to observe either of these rules shall be fined £20 on the first occasion and then the team will be deducted 5 points on each subsequent occasion.
6. LEAGUE POSITIONS
6.1 League positions will be based on the total number of points obtained.
6.2 In the event of two or more teams having the same number points at the conclusion of the League programme, the placing shall be decided firstly by taking into consideration the results of, and points obtained, in all games played between all those teams so involved. If this is indecisive then the number of wins shall decide and if still indecisive then the number of losses shall be taken into account.
7. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
The following will be displayed on the Dorset Cricket Board website:-
7.1 Disciplinary Code
7.2 Disciplinary Procedures
7.3 Club penalties for Breaches of Rules
7.4 Current Disciplinary matters
8 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION
The team finishing bottom of the Premier League shall normally be relegated to County Division 1, to be replaced by the team finishing top of County Division 1, provided that the latter club meets the criteria.
Should the team finishing top of County Division 1 not meet the criteria, then the team finishing second will be promoted, provided that they meet the criteria. If neither team meet the criteria, then no promotion/relegation will take place that season, between these 2 Divisions.
Should a vacancy arise in the Premier League, an additional promotion place will be granted to County Division 1.
If a team withdraws from the Premier League, after the publication of the fixtures and prior to the conclusion of the season, it will be considered as the relegated side.
However, the Management Committee do have the right to fill any such vacancy with a new team entering the Competition, should they deem it of an appropriate standard.
All decisions as to whether or not teams have fulfilled the relevant criteria shall be determined by the Management Committee.
APPENDIX Y
Batting points awarded
Score|Points
100 to 129|1
130 to 159|2
160 to 189|3
190 to 219|4
220 or more|5
Team Batting second
Margin of victory|Points
10 or 9 wickets|5
8 or 7 wickets|4
6 or 5 wickets|3
4 or 3 wickets|2
2 or 1 wickets|1
NB – the Total of: margin of victory points + second innings batting bonus points shall not exceed 5
The side batting second and losing shall be awarded 3 extra points if they achieve a target within 10% of their opponents score, or revised target.
Bowling points awarded
Wickets taken|Points
2|1
4|2
6|3
8|4
All|5
The side bowling second and losing shall be awarded 3 extra points if they take 9 wickets.
