SENIOR PLAYING CONDITIONS

Rule Changes

Rule 15.4 – PLAYERS RETURNING FROM OUTSIDE ASSOCIATIONS

“A player may play up to 2 days in another Association without resetting any qualification days only if there are no
scheduled BCA matches on those days.

Rule 17.1.1 – SENIOR MATCH POINTS ALLOCATIONS

6 points for first innings win (1 and 2 day matches)
6 points for a bye in any grade where there is an uneven number of byes (4 points for T20 matches)
3 points for drawn or abandoned match (1 and 2 day matches)

Rule 20.1 – NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN GRADES

“1st XI 11 players (12 players in two day and four day matches)”

Rule 22.1 (b) – PITCH PREPARATION

“the marking of the wicket including wide guidelines for 1 day matches as outlined below."

Rule 25.11 – FOURTH XI 'SPLIT INNINGS' 2 DAY MATCHES

“No bowler may bowl more than 7 overs in a day, unless the continuation of or a new innings has commenced. No
bowler can bowl more than 14 overs in an innings.”
“All batters must retire upon making 100 runs and may return to the crease at the fall of the 9th wicket. Unless they return to the
crease they will be recorded as ‘Retired Not Out’ and not counted as a wicket lost.”

Rule 26 – CONDITIONS OF PLAY FOR ONE DAY MATCHES

Change of times of play for 1st XI to 6:30pm and reduced time to 20 minutes for tea adjournments in one day matches.

Rule 26.6.3 – CALCULATION OF TARGET SCORE - DUCKWORTH LEWIS CALCULATOR (1ST XI MATCHES ONLY)

Changed to 1st XI matches only and adjustments on the minimum number of overs (now 20 overs). Also added a
link for further documentation and information.

Rule 26.8.4 NEW - OVER LIMITS FOR BOWLERS AND RUN LIMITS FOR BATTERS

In 4th XI games, all batters must retire upon making 100 runs and may return to the crease at the fall of the 9th wicket.
Unless they return to the crease they will be recorded as ‘Retired Not Out’ and not counted as a wicket lost. (ONE DAY
GAMES ONLY)

Rule 26.10 – WIDES

Change to “The Home club is responsible for ensuring that the specified pitch markings are provided on turf wickets
as per Rule 22.1. For synthetic pitches, the edge of the carpet is to be used in the absence of painted lines. Umpires are
instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of
the wicket. Any off side delivery which passes the batter outside the guidelines in the opinion of the Umpire shall be called a
wide.” (FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD XI)

Rule 1

1.1 - All BCA accounts, including Affiliation Fees, Turf Wicket Levies and BCA Award Dinner admission costs, issued by the BCA Board, SHALL be paid within thirty (30) days (date as specified on the tax invoice).

PENALTY - Failure to pay their account by the specified date on the tax invoice shall result in a late payment fee of $200.00 unless a Club seeks Board approval for an extension of time of the payment, due to exceptional circumstances.

1.2 - All fines issued by the Association Board or Committee(s) SHALL be paid or an appeal lodged within fourteen (14) days (date as specified on the tax invoice).

PENALTY - Failure to pay their fine or lodge an appeal by the specified date on the tax invoice shall result in an additional late payment fine of $200.00.

1.3 - All Association documents requested including affiliation forms (Teams Nomination forms, Club Executive form, Defaulting Players form), BCA information forms (Senior Club Captains, Wicket Maintenance Officers and Junior Club Coaches) are to be lodged by the specified date as requested on these forms.

PENALTY - Failure to lodge by the specified date shall result in a late lodgement fee of $200.

The Secretaries of all Clubs shall forward to the Operations Officer of the Association on or before 1st May of each year, any suggested amendments or alterations to the Ballarat Cricket Association Rules or By Laws for the forthcoming year.

Should a Club not be represented by a Club Executive Member or prior nominated person, then the Club will be requested to submit in writing, on Club letterhead, the reason for non-attendance to the BCA Board, who will decide, based on this document, if a penalty is warranted.

In the event of a Club disbanding, all players in the Club shall be in the hands of the Association for allocation to other Clubs in the Association.

Any BCA Club playing a player not possessing the requisite qualifications which shall be defined as a non-registered member of the Club or not named on the My Cricket team list for that game shall, subject to the sole discretion of the Pennant Committee, be declared to have lost the match or matches in which such player(s) took part and may be liable to a fine. For each match in which the Club did not gain points a fine as determined by the Pennant Committee may be imposed.

The BCA Pennant Committee shall take action against any member, official, employee or player of a Club or Club's for breaking any Law of Cricket, any BCA Rule or for bringing the game into disrepute.

The powers of the BCA Pennant Committee shall include but not be limited to:

The levying of a Fine against a Club or Club’s, any Captain or any player;
In its absolute discretion be empowered to increase fines for repeat offences;
Have the absolute discretion either to wave a fine or fines as is deemed appropriate or to refer the request for waiver to the BCA Board for determination;
In its absolute discretion, suspend a Captain or player from playing in any match or matches;
In its absolute discretion, disallow any points earned by a Club in respect of the match;
In its absolute discretion, amend any points earned by a Club in any match;
In its absolute discretion, take such action with regard to the proper conduct of cricket as is deemed appropriate by
Refer any matter whatsoever at the Pennant Committee’s absolute discretion to the BCA Board for its consideration and determination, which the BCA Board after such referral shall be empowered to take any action that it deems appropriate in the circumstances and such power having regard to Rule 5 but not limited in its discretion to Rule 5 and the Members Protection Policy.

Rule 2

Rule 3

Rule 4

Rule 5

6.1 - The season will commence not before 1st October and shall end in the next succeeding calendar year pending available weeks and consideration for the Easter holiday as the BCA Board requires.

6.2 - The affiliated Clubs of the Association shall compete in a Premiership series of matches. Programmes shall be arranged by the Pennant Committee who shall place the number of Club nominated teams into grades that the Pennant Committee decide upon from Club histories and current Junior player lists and have them approved by the BCA Board prior to the commencement of the season. (BCA By-Law 1 applies – “The Association shall consist of such Clubs, sections, divisions and competitions as the BCA Board in its absolute discretion deems to be appropriate from time to time”).

Any BCA Club who disputes the Pennant Committee grading of their teams (Senior or Junior) shall lodge on Club letterhead or official email from the current and relative Club Executive, a written response detailing their reasons of dispute within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Pennant Committee notice (i.e. the date on the teams placement notice). If no disputes are lodged those team placements will be deemed final for the current season.

6.3 - Two days not necessarily consecutive or any one afternoon shall be allocated for each match excepting finals, providing always that upon the joint applications, in writing, of the competing Clubs, a majority of the Pennant Committee may fix other days and times for commencing or continuing any match.

6.4 - The grounds on which the matches shall be played shall be arranged by the Pennant Committee and they may, if necessary, alter the programme in respect of dates or grounds on which any of the matches shall be played. The playing of matches due to wet weather will be decided upon by the Pennant Committee in conjunction with the Chairman of the Grounds Committee, based upon a common-sense approach as to play as much cricket as is possible under the prevailing conditions. Player safety is always the BCA priority in consideration of play on days of wet weather.

6.5 Competition Turf matches only: Clubs seeking to change the match venues between the two competing teams shall jointly lodge a written request to the Operations Officer for the Pennant Committee by 6.00 pm on the Wednesday preceding the match.

6.6 The Pennant Committee shall determine the suitability of the grounds and playing conditions. The decision of the Pennant Committee shall be broadcast through radio stations 3BA, Voice FM & Power FM Ballarat at 10.00 am, 11.00 a.m. and again at 12.00 noon or as near to these times as the stations can manage. The BCA website and social media platforms will also be utilised to broadcast these messages.

Rule 6

No defaulting player of any Club of the Ballarat Cricket Association since the inauguration of the premiership matches shall be allowed to take part in the premiership matches.

7.1 - The Secretary of each Club must furnish to the Operations Officer of the Association on or before the Annual General Meeting of the Association, on the BCA Defaulting Players List Form, a list of all current defaulting players at their Club with outstanding defaults.

Once received these defaulting players shall remain on the Defaulting Players List until removed by the Clubs using the BCA Defaulting Players List Form.

7.2 - Clubs may only add to their defaulting players list throughout the season by completing the details contained in the BCA Defaulting Players List Form, for defaults in the current season.

7.3 - Any player listed shall be ineligible to play with any BCA Club, including their own Club, until the Operations Officer of the Association/Chairman of the Pennant Committee is notified prior to 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the next scheduled match, by using the BCA Defaulting Players List Form to remove their default.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5.

All players either male or female that have never registered with any Australian Cricket Club shall be required to register online via MyCricket prior to 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the next scheduled match.

8.1 - Club Registered Junior Players are to be considered the same as Senior registered players irrespective of having played Senior cricket or not.

8.2 - Players requesting registration to a Club from outside the BCA, shall not be endorsed until a clearance is received from their previous Club in regard to financial consideration/suspension. Once endorsed, the player/s are tied to their nominated Clubs unless cleared to another BCA Club under Rule 9. Any Club playing a player/s in its Senior grades that has not been correctly registered or cleared shall be dealt with under Rule 5.

8.3 - No player shall play in two Senior matches concurrently.

Rule 7

Rule 8

9.1 - Clearances shall open immediately after the Ballarat Cricket Association Annual General Meeting.

9.1.1 - All clearances lodged for players seeking to move between BCA Clubs must do so prior to February 1 of each season. Players from outside the BCA who have not played for a BCA Club in the past 3 seasons can lodge a clearance at any time.

9.1.2 - All players wishing to transfer from one Club to another Club within the Ballarat Cricket Association shall require a clearance if they have been registered with a Club in the Ballarat Cricket Association within the last three (3) seasons.

9.2 PROCESSING CLEARANCE APPLICATIONS

A clearance application for a transfer between BCA Club’s, shall be processed through the MyCricket clearance system by the player’s new Club. When lodged, the player’s current MyCricket Club Administrator, shall reply within seven (7) days (the date on the MyCricket System lodged plus 7 days) their decision to grant or refuse the clearance application as per Rule 9.3.1 only.

9.2.1 - If the Clearance application has not been actioned by the Player's current BCA Club in MyCricket within the required time, the Clearance will be granted by the BCA unless that player is on the Defaulting Player list (only applies to players wishing to transfer between BCA Clubs).

9.3 GRANTING OF CLEARANCE

9.3.1 - When receiving a clearance application that has been officially processed through the MyCricket system, any Club receiving such clearance application SHALL grant the clearance requested EXCEPT when:

(a) The player is unfinancial to the Club or possesses Club property and has been placed on the Defaulting Player List.

(b) The player is under suspension for good reason prior to receipt of the clearance.

9.4 REFUSAL OF CLEARANCE

9.4.1 - Should a clearance from his/her Club be refused, a player may lodge only one (1) appeal in any season to the Pennant Committee for a decision on a clearance application within 7 days if he/she believes there are exceptional circumstances surrounding this clearance refusal.

The player shall provide written notification of the exceptional circumstances in their appeal notice at the time of lodging their appeal with the Association.

An Executive Member of the Club with which he/she has played shall have the right to be heard by the Pennant Committee at this meeting.

9.4.2 - An appeal may be made to the BCA Appeals Committee within 48 hours after receipt of the decision of the Pennant Committee.

A player may lodge only one (1) appeal in any season to the Appeals Committee. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing (stating the reasons for the appeal) with the Operations Officer of the Association.

A non-refundable Appeal Fee of $200.00 shall be lodged with the appeal application.

9.4.3 - The appeal must be dealt with within 7 days of the date the appeal is lodged with the Operations Officer of the Association. (All parties to the dispute must receive a copy of such appeal by 48 hours prior to the Appeals Committee hearing).

9.4.4 - Non-attendance at a Pennant/Appeals Committee hearing, or any preliminary enquiry, by the participating parties as requested and specified by the Operations Officer of the Association, shall result in a penalty upon the party in question under Rule 5.

9.4.5 - An appeal may be made to the Victorian Country Cricket League after receipt of the decision of the Appeals Committee within a time frame as specified by the VCCL.

Rule 9

RULE 10 - TRANSFER TO LOWER GRADES

10.1 - After the completion of Round one (1) no player in home and away matches shall be demoted or relegated by any more than one grade/level from that played in the preceding round without the approval of the Pennant Committee. Registered Junior players are exempt from these restrictions. Levels are as below:

Level 1 - 1st XI Level 2 - 2nd XI Level 3 - 3rd XI Level 4 - 4th XI Level 5 - 5th XI

10.2 - Clubs seeking to play a player in a grade/level lower than permitted shall apply online via the BCA website to the Pennant Committee by 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the next scheduled match.

10.3 - Clubs with more than 1 team in a particular grade must adhere to the following Pennant Committee Rules:

(a) To qualify for finals a player must play a minimum of six (6) days in that particular grade with a particular team in the current home and away season.

(b) On resumption of matches after the Christmas break, players must only play for one team in that grade for the remainder of the season. (This restriction does not apply to registered Junior players).

Clubs seeking to play a player in their alternative team for one match after the Christmas break shall apply online via the BCA website to the Pennant Committee by 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the next scheduled match.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

10.4 PLAYING CONDITIONS DURING BYES (2 DAY COMPETITIONS ONLY)

10.4.1 - 1st XI & 2nd XI Playing conditions during byes (not applicable to 1 Day grades):

If a Club has a lower grade fixture on a date that a higher grade in that Club does not have a game fixtured (i.e. a bye) then only a maximum of two (2) players can drop from the higher grade observing the bye to the lower grade for that fixture. Applicable only to players that have played in the preceding match including the season prior. Pennant Committee approval must be requested to have any further players drop to the lower level as per Rule 10.2.

10.4.2 - 3rd XI Playing conditions during byes (not applicable to 1 Day grades):

If a Club has a lower grade fixture on a date that a higher grade in that Club does not have a game fixtured (i.e. a bye) then only a maximum of three (3) players can drop from the higher grade observing the bye to the lower grade for that fixture. Applicable only to players that have played in the preceding match including the season prior Pennant Committee approval must be requested to have any further players drop to the lower level as per Rule 10.2.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

Rule 10

11.1 CRICKET FIXTURES – Friday Newspaper

BCA fixtures for the next scheduled matches outlining teams, grounds and BCUA Umpire allocations shall be published in Friday’s edition of the Ballarat Courier.

11.2 TEAM LISTINGS ON MYCRICKET

All Clubs shall place their Senior and Junior teams, on the MyCricket system by 8.00pm on the Thursday prior to the next scheduled match, from which the Ballarat Courier will take direct from it for publication in Friday’s newspaper. Once the teams are entered they can be adjusted prior to the start of the match.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5 if teams are not lodged on time.

Rule 11

12.1 - Notice of intention to forfeit by any Club can be given by phone or email at least 24 hours before the commencement of the match to the Operations Officer of the Association. Confirmation is required in writing by 6pm on the Wednesday preceding the next scheduled match detailing the reasons for the forfeit.

12.2 - Failure to comply with this rule will render the defaulting Club responsible to pay the full amount of Umpires' fees for the day in question.

12.3 - Forfeits shall be considered as a match played for both premiership points and player finals qualifications. Clubs receiving a forfeit, shall lodge a copy of the team sheet matching the selected side on MyCricket listing the players from their Club that would have taken part in the match to obtain finals qualifications. The listed players may not take part in another match in the same round and are limited to player grade movements like any other round.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

12.4 - The team receiving a forfeit, shall receive 6 match points only in the round in which the forfeit has occurred. In Semi-Finals and Grand-Finals they will be awarded the match.

12.5 - Any Club with more than one affiliated Senior team that is giving a forfeit, must forfeit their lowest grade team/s and play their higher-grade team/s.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

Rule 12

Rule 13

13.1 - A substitute may be allowed for any player/team Coach/manager taking part in any International, Interstate, Inter Zone or similar match (competition matches only, not practice/trial games) approved by the Pennant Committee.

Any such substitute provided that they are not engaged in another match at the same time shall be permitted to bat and/or bowl and/or act as wicket keeper and further provided that such player has been named in the team and the opposing Captain notified. Any player substituted can only play in First XI and Second XI and cannot force changes in any other grade.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

13.2 - A substitute may be allowed for any player who is a member of Emergency Services.

Any such substitute provided that they are not engaged in another match at the same time shall be permitted to bat and/or bowl and/or act as wicket keeper and further provided that such player has been named or amended on the Team Sheet at the start of each days play, and the Umpire/opposition Captain notified. Substitution under this rule applies to all Senior grades but cannot force changes in any other grade.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

13.3 - Any player selected to play in International or Interstate matches shall not be allowed to take part in any round of matches being played at the same time, without the permission of the Pennant Committee.

Clubs seeking permission shall lodge a written request with the Operations Officer of the Pennant Committee by 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the next scheduled match.

14.1 DISPUTES/PROTESTS

The Pennant Committee shall have the power to inquire into and adjudicate upon all disputes/protests arising out of or in connection with all matches.

LODGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any Club referring a dispute/protest to the Pennant Committee shall, within 48 hours of completion of the match in which the cause of disagreement has occurred, lodge a statement in writing on Club letterhead or Clubs executive email, of the matter in dispute/protest together with a fee of $250.00 (to be returned unless the dispute/protest be deemed frivolous) and shall also within the same time lodge a copy of such statement with the Secretary of the other Club involved.

An appeal may be made to the BCA Tribunal (Appeals Committee). Clubs or players involved in the hearing will be given one opportunity to reject the BCA appointed date and time of the hearing and should the reason for rejection be accepted by the BCA appeals committee then the hearing may be rescheduled up to a maximum of 7 days from the original hearing date. There will be no further additional opportunity to reschedule that hearing and the hearing may proceed without a Club/person/Umpire attending. Club/person/Umpire may appoint a proxy.

14.2 CONTRIVED RESULTS

The Pennant Committee shall have power to investigate a game or the actions of the Captains of the Clubs or any players involved in a match if it suspects reasonable that the competing Clubs with or without the assistance or collusion of any person or Club have colluded to contrive the result of a match. If the Pennant Committee decides to carry out an investigation it will conduct such inquiries as it sees fit and invite submissions about the match or the conduct of either Captain or any player and will give any person the opportunity to be heard.

14.2.1 - The Operations Officer of the Association shall call on the Clubs to appear before the said Committee, which, after hearing evidence, shall decide thereon as per Rule 5.

An appeal may be made to the BCA Appeals Committee within 48 hours after receipt of the decision of the Pennant Committee.

15.1 - A player of a Club shall not be eligible to play in any Finals matches unless that player has played a minimum of 6 days in that particular grade, or a total of 11 days across multiple grades with that Club in the current season as per MyCricket statistics.

Any player not playing 6 days within any grade but 11 days in total will be considered qualified for the lowest grade played 2 days in within those 11 days. Eligible Junior players are exempt from this rule unless they have qualified (6 days) in a higher grade, in which case they are to be treated as a Senior player for qualification purposes.

‘Days’ shall only be considered for home and away matches. Any finals ‘days’ shall not be counted towards qualification for further finals matches.

Refer to table below for further clarification.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

15.2 - A player who is fully qualified (six (6) days in a particular grade) may play in any higher grade or grade immediately below that grade Finals match provided the higher grade team of which they are fully qualified is also engaged.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

15.3 - Clubs seeking to play a player in a grade lower than permitted shall apply online via the BCA website outlining the exceptional circumstances for seeking approval to the Pennant Committee by 1.00pm on the Friday preceding the match.

15.4 PLAYERS RETURNING FROM OUTSIDE ASSOCIATIONS

Any player who plays in another Association in his/her last match and desires to return to the Ballarat Cricket Association, shall require a Clearance for the previous Club played for unless Rule 15.5 applies.

Finals qualifications - in order to qualify for Semi-Final or Grand-Final matches, a player within the above category must play six (6) days after his/her return from outside the Association in a particular grade. (Refer Rules 15.1 & 15.2).

A player may play up to 2 days in another Association without resetting any qualification days only if there are no scheduled BCA matches on those days.
This Rule will not apply to players who go and play on trial at a Premier Cricket Club in Melbourne.

15.5 CLUBS WITH TEAMS IN 2 OR MORE ASSOCIATIONS

Any Club that has teams playing in both the BCA and another association/s in the 1 season must:

(a) Nominate 8 players from your Club to solely play in the other association/s, making them ineligible to play in the BCA.

(b) All other players are free to move between the associations until such point they are fully qualified in the other association, at which stage they can no longer return to the BCA in that season.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

Rule 14

Rule 15

SATURDAY MATCHES

Both competing teams in each match shall be responsible for entering their own match data into MyCricket ensuring it is correct for statistical and reporting purposes. First XI matches are to be compulsorily recorded live via MyCricket Scorer App. Games in all other grades shall be entered by 12.00 noon on the Sunday after the match concludes.

SUNDAY MATCHES

As per Saturday matches, except that all grades are to be lodged by 7.30pm on the Sunday of the match.

16.1 - Where there are no officially appointed Umpires at a match, at the conclusion of the game, Captains shall endorse and counter sign each scorebook, in so doing, agree to the official scores and the match result. Once signed, no dispute from this match re scores/result would be heard by the Pennant/Appeals Committee’s. If scores/match result cannot be agreed upon, the scorebooks will be exchanged and both teams Captains will be responsible to contact the Chairman of the Pennant Committee to arrange to lodge the opposition scorebook without amendments.

16.2 - Where a team has its innings declared or the match is abandoned on the second day through weather conditions, the score book and the team sheet shall be endorsed and counter signed by the opposing Captains that the following players took part in the match.

16.3 CAPTAIN’S REPORT ON UMPIRE’S PERFORMANCE AND APPRAISAL OF CONDITIONS:

Captain’s Reports on MyCricket cover appraisal of Umpire performance and ground conditions. All Clubs are to ensure that Captain’s in all grades complete and lodge the Captain’s Reports on MyCricket by 3pm on the Monday following the completion of each match.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

17.1 - All matches not played out shall be decided on the result on the first innings, except in such cases where the first innings has not been completed by either team, the team scoring the greater number of runs shall be the winner.

17.1.1 - The result of the match shall be recorded on a points system: via:

10 pts Outright Win if winning team leads on 1st Innings

8 pts Outright Win where 1st Innings was a tie

7 pts Outright Tie where one team leads on First Innings

6 pts Outright Win if the winning team was behind on the 1st Innings

6 pts First Innings Win (1 &2 day matches)

6 pts Bye in any grade where there is an uneven number of byes (3pts for T20 matches)

5 pts Outright Tie

4 pts First Innings if team beaten outright

3 pts Tie on First Innings

3 pts Outright Tie where one team behind on First Innings

2 pts Outright Loss after Tie on First Innings

3 pts Drawn or Abandoned match (1 & 2 day matches)

3 pts 20/20 Win

3 pts 20/20 Abandoned match

0 pts Bye in any grade where all teams have the same number of byes

17.1.2 - Any action regarding inequitable byes in a grade shall be the responsibility of the Pennant Committee.

17.1.3 - In the event of an equality in the aggregate number of runs in which each side has two innings, one of which is not completed, the match shall be decided by the first innings, provided that the team which had not completed its second innings was leading on the first innings. If the team which had not completed its second innings was not leading on the first innings, the match shall be an outright tie.

17.1.4 - If two or more teams be equal in points, their relative positions shall be determined by averages. For the purpose of ascertaining averages the following system shall be adopted:-

The batting average of a team shall be obtained by dividing the total number of runs scored by the total number of wickets lost. The batting average against such team shall be obtained by dividing the total number of runs scored against it by the total number of wickets taken.

The former shall be divided by the latter. The team having the highest quotient shall be considered to have the better performance.

Refer BCA Policy 16.0 - Umpires

18.1 - Where there are officially appointed Umpires, at the conclusion of the match, the Umpire(s) shall endorse the scorebook/s, and in so doing, agree to the official scores and match result. Once signed, no dispute from the match re scores/result would be heard by the Pennant/Appeals Committee’s.

If scores/match result cannot be agreed upon, the scorebook/s will be impounded by the Umpire(s) and they will be responsible to contact the Chairman of the Pennant Committee to arrange to lodge the scorebooks without amendments.

18.2 UMPIRE FEES

SENIOR 2 DAY MATCHES:

FIRST XI $140 - per Umpire per day

SECOND XI $120 - per Umpire per day where 2 Umpires are present

$140 - per Umpire per day where 1 Umpire present

THIRD/FOURTH FIFTH XI $120 - per Umpire per day

SENIOR 1 DAY MATCHES:

FIRST XI $150 - per Umpire per day

SECOND XI $130 - per Umpire per day where 2 Umpires are present

$150 - per Umpire per day where 1 Umpire present

THIRD/FOURTH FIFTH XI $120 - per Umpire per day

SENIOR T20 MATCHES:

ALL GRADES $70 - per Umpire per match

18.3 UMPIRE PAYMENTS

The appointed BCUA umpire(s) shall be paid the fee applicable to their appointment in accordance with the schedule of fees outlined in this document, save for the following exceptions:

(a) Should play be cancelled for any reason prior to the scheduled starting time of play on any day, then no fee is payable to the appointed Umpire(s).

(b) In the event where play has not been cancelled prior to the scheduled starting time, the appointed Umpire(s) shall be entitled to;

$10.00 per hour, per Umpire, for each hour or part thereof up until the conclusion of scheduled time for the tea adjournment.
Should play be cancelled after the conclusion of the scheduled tea adjournment, then the appointed Umpire(s) shall be entitled to the full match fee.

18.4 - The appointed Umpire(s) shall be paid the appropriate fee in accordance with these rules no later than during the afternoon tea break in 2 day matches and the innings break in 1 day matches. If play is cancelled prior to that time, then the applicable fees shall be paid to the Umpire(s) prior to leaving the ground. It is the responsibility of the Captains to ensure that the Umpire(s) is/are paid in accordance with these rules.

18.5 EJ CLEARY & BERNIE DAVEY MEDAL AWARDS

Refer BCA Policy 6.0 - BCA Best Player Awards

Rule 16

Rule 17

Rule 18

Refer to BCA Policy 4.1 – Code of Behaviour

Rule 19

RULES FOR BALLARAT CRICKET COMPETITIONS

The following abbreviations will be found throughout these rules:

BCA – The Ballarat Cricket Association.

PLAYING CONDITIONS

LAWS OF CRICKET

The MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, updated 2nd edition April 2019) shall apply to all BCA matches, except as hereinafter modified. The following Laws of Cricket will not be adopted by the Ballarat Cricket Association:

Laws: 2.6, 18.6, 42 in respect only to clauses relevant to 5 penalty runs when no official BCUA Umpire is standing and in all matches, for the mandatory reporting of Captains (Seniors) and Coaches (Juniors).

20.1 NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN GRADES

First XI 11 players (12 players in two and four day matches)

All other grades 12 players (2 Day Split innings matches are permitted 13)

Eleven (11) only to bat or bowl in one innings and eleven (11) only to field at any one time.

20.2 TEAM SHEETS

Prior to the scheduled start of play on the first day of any match the two Captains (Home and Away Teams) must complete the joint Team Sheets located within the BCA supplied scorebook and hand them to the Umpire. The team named on the team sheet must match the team named on My Cricket. The signed (by both Captains) Team Sheets are held by the appointed Umpire/s, if no Umpire is appointed then by the Home Captain.

20.3 - Alterations to a team sheet shall only be made with the consent of the opposing Captain and notification to the appointed Umpire(s) up to the first drinks break in the days play.

Lodgement of Team Sheets:

by the Officiating Umpire
if no Umpire, by the Home team;
in the event of a forfeit – by the team receiving the forfeit – listing the players that would have taken part in the match;

shall lodge each original, scanned copy or photo of the Team Sheets to the BCA Operations Officer via email to operations.ballaratcricket@gmail.com or delivered to BCA HQ mailbox (Eastern Oval) by 3.00pm on the Monday after the completion of the match.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

20.4 - In the event of play being interrupted including intervals or stoppages for rain, bad light, etc., the number of overs to be bowled shall be reduced in proportion to the time lost in the ratio of one (1) over for every full three (3) minutes or part thereof of time lost.

20.5 - In the event of an innings terminating within three (3) minutes of an adjournment, the game shall be resumed at the time fixed for the conclusion of that adjournment. If an innings ends or there is a stoppage caused by weather or bad light within thirty (30) minutes of the tea interval, the tea interval shall be taken immediately. The interval shall be of the agreed length and, if applicable, shall include the nine (9) minute interval between innings. If at the agreed time for the tea interval, nine (9) wickets are down, play shall continue for a period not exceeding thirty (30) minutes or until the innings has concluded.

20.6 - If for some reason play does not start within 10 minutes of the appointed time, the Umpires on appeal shall declare the match lost by the team unable to proceed with the match and that team shall be responsible to pay the full amount of Umpires fees for that day.

20.7 - On any day of any 1, 2 or 4 day match, no team with less than eight (8) players who are named on the official team sheet shall be permitted to commence play, whether batting or bowling and if a team does not have at least eight (8) players who are named on the official team declaration form present within ten (10) minutes of the appointed starting time that team shall be declared by the Umpires (or opposition Club Captain) to have lost the match.

If neither side has at least eight players who are named on the official team sheet present within ten (10) minutes of the appointed starting time, the Umpires shall declare the match abandoned due to lack of players and no match points shall be awarded to either team by the Pennant Committee.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

20.8 - A player who arrives late for the start of a day’s play or is named in the players listed on the official team sheet in any match can bowl straight away provided he/she has taken the field prior to the tea adjournment.

However, if he/she arrives after or has not taken the field prior to the tea adjournment commencing, he/she cannot bowl or bat for the rest of the day’s play. If a player leaves the field or does not return after an interval, and is off for more than fifteen (15) minutes, he/she must make up that time before they are allowed to bowl.

20.9 - Players shall be prohibited from leaving the playing area during normal drinks breaks unless with the permission from an appointed Umpire. No smoking is to be permitted on the field of play during the course of the game, including drinks breaks.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

21.1 - All First XI matches shall have a scoreboard at the ground. It shall be the responsibility of the home named team in the fixture to provide the scoreboard at all matches. The batting team shall be responsible for keeping the scores up to date during their innings. In Semi Finals & Grand Finals of all grades, a scoreboard is to be provided as far as practicable.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

21.1.1 - The first named team in the fixture shall be responsible for 'inner circle' fielding restriction markings (either discs, painted continuous line or white dots at least 20cm in diameter).

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

21.2 - The first named team in the fixture shall be in possession of 40 boundary markers and responsible for marking the boundary prior to commencement of all days play. The markers must be placed in position of at least 60 metres from the centre of the pitch, not more than 10 metres apart and 2 metres in front of any football goal/behind posts. Markers must be placed at least 1 metre inside any boundary fence.

21.3 - The first named team in the fixture shall be responsible for supplying both sets of stumps and bails to be used in the match. Stumps without metal must be used in all Senior grades.

21.4 - The first named team in the fixture shall be responsible for ensuring sufficient dirt is provided in hard wicket stump boxes and that the creases are marked out in the proper manner for each match.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

21.5 - All cricket balls used in any match shall be a make, character and size approved by the BCA Board. Approved Balls listed below.

CRICKET BALLS

Approved Cricket Balls for the current season are as follows:

Exclusively Kookaburra Balls, stamped with BCA sponsor or BCA Logo
First XI and Second XI - 2 Day matches - Four (4) piece RED balls – Kookaburra Regulation
First XI and Second XI - 1 Day matches - Four (4) piece WHITE balls – Kookaburra Regulation
All other Senior grades - 2 & 1 Day turf matches - Four (4) piece RED balls – Kookaburra Regulation
All other Senior grades - 2 & 1 Day synthetic matches - Two (2) piece RED balls – Kookaburra Tuf Pitch

21.6 - Only when eighty (80) overs have been bowled can the fielding side replace their ball with a new one. If requested by either Captain the Umpire shall determine whether a ball in play is unfit for use and a substitute is necessary.

22.1 PITCH PREPARATION

Home Clubs are responsible for:

(a) The marking of the wicket including the wide guidelines for 1 day matches as outlined below

(b) Rolling of the wicket on the morning of each day's play.

22.2 - The preparation of the wicket in Semi Final and Grand Final matches shall be in the hands of the curator who shall prepare the best possible wicket for each day's play.

22.3 - The ground may be rolled, watered, mown or beaten prior to each day's play, and may also be rolled and swept for seven minutes before the commencement of each innings.

22.4- The fitness of the wicket and/or the grounds for play shall be decided by the Umpires, who shall see that the necessary steps are taken to improve the ground and the wicket, with the view of expediting play, and shall not draw the stumps until the fixed hours by the rules for the conclusion of the day's play, unless satisfied there is no possibility of play.

22.5- In all matches, in exceptional circumstances other than those of weather, ground or light the Umpires shall suspend play. The Pennant Committee has the right to alter the venue of play and allot additional time if necessary.

22.6- No Club person(s) other than those listed as Club members are permitted to roll their home allocated Turf Wicket at any time whatsoever, save for the City of Ballarat wickets where the City's appointed curators shall access at all times in accordance with agreements between the City of Ballarat and the BCA. Penalty forunauthorised person(s) will result in the Club being fined a minimum of $1000.

22.7- Any registered Club person found guilty of unlawfully rolling a wicket shall be disqualified from playing for a minimum of three (3) equivalent two day games or any such greater penalty that either the Pennant Committee and or the Association deems appropriate. Should the person not be a member of any Club, then the police shall be notified and appropriate charges laid.

22.8- Should the person found guilty of unlawfully rolling a wicket be a member of an affiliated Club, other than the home Club, then that Club shall be fined $1000 or such greater amount as deemed appropriate by the Pennant Committee and or the Association. In addition to the fine, the game shall be treated as a forfeit by the visiting Club and no player from the visiting Club shall gain finals qualifications from that game.

22.9- Should the visiting Club that is drawn to play on the wicket which in its opinion is not properly prepared, that Club shall have the right to notify either of the Chairman of the Grounds Committee or the Chairman of the Pennant Committee requesting an immediate inspection of the ground save that this request shall take place no later than 9 am on the morning of the game.

Should it be determined that the wicket requires more preparation, the home Club Captain (in the case of Juniors, the Coach) will immediately undertake the directions of either Chairman. Such additional preparation shall only take place until the appointed Umpires take control of the game as per the Laws of Cricket (30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of play).

23.1 COVERS SHALL BE USED FOR ALL TURF MATCHES PLAYED IN THE BALLARAT CRICKET ASSOCIATION

23.1.1 - Covers shall consist of:

Hessian of a size to cover the length and width of the prepared playing pitch.
A cover of material approved by the Association of sufficient size to cover the length and width of the prepared playing pitch.
A cover of material approved by the Association of sufficient size to cover the entire turf wicket square.
Enough pegs to enable proper securing of the overall cover.

23.2 PLACEMENT AND REMOVAL OF COVERS RESPONSIBILITIES

23.2.1 HOME AND AWAY FIXTURES

The Club allocated Home team status by the Pennant Committee at the commencement of the current season (i.e. responsible for pitch preparation) is responsible for covers on all days scheduled in the match. Should the Umpires direct covers to be placed on the wicket during the game both sides are to assist.

23.2.2 FINALS FIXTURES

Both Competing Clubs as directed by the Pennant Committee.

23.2.3 - The Chairman of the Grounds Committee shall be consulted where the following rules have not been applied in the placement and removal of covers as per below. Covers are to be placed and removed as follows:

(a) Placed no later than 7.00pm on the day prior to play (8.00pm during daylight savings).

(b) Removed no later than 8.00am on the day of play unless the Grounds Committee Chairman has been contacted for a ruling.

23.2.4 - Removal of covers as in 23.2.3 may not be advisable during inclement weather. Given such conditions, home Club to use their discretion to provide the best possible conditions. (Grounds Committee Chairman or nominated person to be informed of the decision made).

23.2.5 - For finals, the time for removal of covers to be mutually agreed by both competing Club Captains. (Grounds Committee Chairman or nominated person to be informed of the decision made).

23.3 - From 30 minutes prior to the commencement of play until cessation of the days play the Umpire/s are in total control and can direct covers to be placed or removed. Both Clubs must assist with their directions.

23.3.1 - Clubs are directed as follows:

(a) Clubs are required to provide enough people to place and remove the covers for home and away fixtures. For finals, enough people from each competing Club as directed by the Pennant Committee.

(b) Hessian is to be laid on the match strip (double layer) and the overall cover to be placed so as to cover the entire wicket area and then secured in place.

(c) When removing covers, Clubs are to ensure hessian is dried if wet and that both the hessian and the overall cover are correctly stored as per directions issued by the Grounds Committee.

(d) It is the responsible Clubs duty to ensure they are conversant with the location of all necessary equipment at each turf ground and the means of gaining access to same.

(e) Clubs may, if they so desire, cover wickets earlier than the day prior to play.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

23.4 - Any complaints regarding covers, must be lodged within 48 hours of the completion of the match and be in writing along with a fee of $50.00 to the Operations Officer of the Association.

The Operations Officer is to obtain all relevant details from all parties concerned and pass on such information and the complaint to the Pennant Committee for ruling upon. Should the Pennant Committee consider the complaint frivolous, the fee shall be forfeited to the Association.

24.1 - All players under the age of 18 participating in BCA competitions shall wear an approved BS7928:2013 compliant helmet when batting and wicket keeping at all times.

Players aged 18 and above are not compulsorily required to wear a helmet while batting, however, the Ballarat Cricket Association strongly recommends all players do so to maximise personal safety and minimise the potential for head injury.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

24.2 - All players participating in BCA competitions shall wear an approved BS7928:2013 compliant helmet at all times when fielding in close. Fielding in close description as per CA - “(or in a zero-reaction time position) In elite cricket, a zero-reaction time position is considered any position within 7 metres of the batter except any position behind square on the off side - therefore, if fielding at silly mid-off or short-leg you would need to wear a helmet, whereas you would not if fielding at gully or (regulation) slip.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

24.3 - Proper cricket attire must be worn by all players in all grades in the Senior competitions as follows:

Two Day and Four Day matches - All grades

One Day matches - Pennant Committee approved attire, refer BCA Policy 3 - Playing Attire

(a) Trousers shall be full length and 80% white and may have sponsor logos placed on the outside of their trouser leg.

(b) Shirts may be non-all white cricket shirts

(d) Approved Club caps/sunhats and white sunhats.

Once approved only modifications to shirt/trousers design or sponsor names are required to be advised to the Pennant Committee before the start of each new season.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

24.4 - The front of the shirts must be predominately white. The definition of “predominately” would be at the Pennant Committee discretion, but as a guide 80% is a guideline.

(a) Club logo to be placed on the front left of the shirt (over the heart).

(b) Advertising/sponsors logos must be placed on the right front (over the right breast) and/or on either/both sleeves of the shirt and/or on the back of the shirt.

There are no restrictions on the size of the logos except they are to be kept to a reasonable size and must not conflict with BCA sponsorship. All shirts must be Pennant Committee approved.

After approval, all players must be dressed exactly as approved and all players in the same shirts/trousers. (No mix of approved shirts-trousers/plain white shirts-trousers allowed, penalties will be applied under Rule 5).

For one day matches in First XI and Second XI, refer BCA Policy 3 - Playing Attire

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

TWO DAY COMPETITIONS

25.1 CONDITIONS OF PLAY FOR TWO DAY MATCHES

25.2 - On the first day of a scheduled two day match, (not applicable to semi-finals) where weather prevents play from starting at the scheduled time, the Umpire(s), or Captains if no Umpires present, shall endeavour to get play underway at the earliest possible time. If however, after taking an early tea break, play is not then immediately possible, the match shall revert to a one day match (Refer Rule 26)

25.3 - Where a match is rescheduled to be played on the second day under Rule 26 any toss for choice of innings or nomination of teams that may have been made on the first day shall be disregarded.

25.4 INNINGS OF TEAM BATTING FIRST

25.4.1 COMPULSORY CLOSURE - FIRST XI MATCHES

In all two day matches the innings of the side batting first shall be compulsorily closed at the completion of 80 overs.

(a) If 80 overs are not completed by the scheduled cessation time, and in the opinion of the Umpires the bowling team is at fault, the team batting second will only receive the number of overs equal to what they bowled at the scheduled cessation time on day 1. (eg. If 77 overs bowled at 6pm, play will continue until 80 overs are complete and only 77 overs will be available on Day 2 for the team batting second)

(b) If the team batting first is dismissed prior to the scheduled cessation time the penalty is not applicable and the team batting second will receive the full allocation of available overs. In the event of a wicket falling in the last over of the days play the over is to be completed.

(c) Team batting second - If 80 overs are not completed by the scheduled cessation time, and in the opinion of the Umpires the bowling team is at fault, the team bowling second will be penalised 5 runs per over they that have failed to bowl. (eg. If 77 overs bowled at 6pm, play will continue until 80 overs are complete [or 10 wickets fall/result achieved] with 15 added penalty runs for the team batting second)

(d) Captains are responsible for slow over rates. A Captain who is penalised on the third instance will also be suspended for the next fixtured match.

SECOND XI & THIRD XI MATCHES

In all two day matches the innings of the side batting first shall be compulsorily closed on the completion of the scheduled overs allocated for that grade, regardless of time. In the event of a wicket falling in the last over of the days play the over is to be completed.

25.4.2 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY NOT EXCEEDING 120 MINUTES

Where interruptions to play occur which do not exceed One Hundred and Twenty (120) minutes in total, the number of overs to be bowled shall be adjusted and compulsory closure shall occur at the completion of those overs or the scheduled finish time allowing for more overs to be bowled if time permits. The adjusted overs shall be calculated using following table:

25.4.3 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY AT SCHEDULED TIME OF COMPLETION

If aggregate playing time lost does not exceed thirty (30) minutes but play is not in progress at the scheduled finishing time of the innings or is interrupted after that time compulsory closure shall occur immediately.

25.4.4 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY EXCEEDING 120 MINUTES

If the total playing time lost during the first innings exceeds one hundred and twenty (120) minutes and 20 overs or less are completed on day 1, the

here a match is rescheduled to be played on the second day under Rule 26, any toss for choice of innings, match scores or nomination of teams that may have been made/scored on the first day shall be disregarded.

If 20.1 overs have been bowled, there is no compulsory closure for the side batting first. Play will continue until the scheduled finishing time allowing for a minimum of 80 overs per day to be bowled less adjustment for time lost – 1 over for every full 3 minutes or part thereof.

25.4.5 EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS - Refer BCA Policy 5.0 - Extreme Heat

25.5 INNINGS OF TEAM BATTING SECOND

25.5.1 TEAM BATTING FIRST COMPULSORY CLOSURE

If the innings of the side batting first has been compulsorily closed the side batting second shall only be entitled to the same number of overs (refer 25.5.2 c). In this circumstance, the match shall be decided on the number of runs scored in each innings irrespective of the number of wickets lost.

25.5.2 TEAM BATTING FIRST - DISMISSED OR DECLARED

If the side batting first has been dismissed or declared the side batting second shall be entitled to receive:

(a) If dismissal or declaration occurs prior to the side batting first completing its allocated overs then the side batting second (if not previously dismissed) is entitled to its allocated overs plus the number of whole overs not faced by the side batting first. Minus three (3) overs for the changeover of innings.

(b) If the side batting second commences its innings on the first day, the last over of that day shall be completed unless in that over, a batter is dismissed or retires or the players have occasion to leave the field, provided that the minimum number of overs have been bowled.

(c) An over started is to be counted as a completed over when calculating remaining overs to be bowled. (E.g. Team dismissed in 73.4 overs, counted as 74 overs).

25.5.3 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY NOT EXCEEDING 30 MINUTES

If on the second day the innings is delayed or interrupted for a total of playing time not exceeding thirty (30) minutes, play shall continue until the full entitlement of overs of the batting side has been bowled.

25.5.4 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY EXCEEDING 30 MINUTES

If on the second day the innings is delayed or interrupted for a total of playing time exceeding thirty (30) minutes and play is able to resume the following shall apply: The minimum number overs to be bowled shall be calculated by deducting from the scheduled overs one over for every full three minutes or part thereof lost and the batting side shall be entitled to receive the minimum number of overs as calculated provided the total overs bowled does not exceed their entitlement under Rule 25.5.1. Where a first innings result is not obtained the match shall be considered drawn.

25.5.5 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY AT SCHEDULED FINISHING TIME

If the total playing time lost has exceeded thirty (30) minutes at the scheduled finishing time or exceeds thirty (30) minutes after the scheduled finishing time and play is not in progress at either time the match shall thereupon end.

25.6 - Where both sides have completed an innings, the match shall continue until the scheduled eighty (80) overs per day have been bowled (less 3 overs per change of innings). However, on the second day when a result has been reached and on agreement of both Captains, stumps may be drawn at any time after the scheduled tea adjournment. (Full day Umpire fees will apply).

25.7 - A team batting first and leading by at least the number of runs stipulated hereunder shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow on.

Two day matches 100 runs

Four day matches 150 runs

25.8 NO BALL & WIDE BALL

On hard wickets, any ball pitched off the side of the carpet wicket shall be called a "No Ball".

NO BALL: the penalty for a No Ball shall be one run plus any runs scored from this delivery.

WIDE BALL: the penalty for a Wide Ball shall be one run plus any runs scored from that delivery.

UNFAIR PLAY: any significant movement, off line (i.e. sideways) or in depth

25.9 LAW 41.7 - BOWLING OF DANGEROUS AND UNFAIR NON-PITCHING DELIVERIES

LAW 41.7.1 FIRST XI & SECOND XI MATCHES

Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such a delivery the Umpire shall immediately call and signal No Ball. When the ball is dead, the Umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is a first and final warning. The Umpire shall also inform the other Umpire, the Captain of the fielding side and the batters of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.

LAW 41.7.1 THIRD XI & ONE DAY GRADE MATCHES

Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such a delivery the Umpire shall immediately call and signal No Ball. When the ball is dead, the Umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is the first warning with a subsequent second and final warning for another instance occurring. The Umpire shall also inform the other Umpire, the Captain of the fielding side and the batters of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.

LAW 41.7.2 Should there be any further such delivery by the same bowler in that innings, the Umpire shall:

(a) call and signal No ball

(b) when the ball is dead, direct the Captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling

The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

Additionally the Umpire shall report the occurrence to the batters and, as soon as practicable, to the Captain of the batting side.

The Umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to the BCA via the team sheet, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the Captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.

If the Umpire at the Bowler's end considers that such a delivery has been bowled "deliberately" at the batter he/she shall follow the process outlined in Law 41.7.2 without warning.

25.10 FAST SHORT PITCHED DELIVERIES

25.10.1 FAST SHORT PITCH LIMIT PER OVER

(a) A bowler shall be limited to two fast short pitched deliveries per over. A fast short pitched ball is defined as one which passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease.

(b) Should a third such delivery be bowled in an over either Umpire shall call and signal no ball and caution the bowler in accordance with Law 41.6.3

(c) If the bowler is no balled for the same offence a second time in the innings the final warning and removal procedures of Law 41.6.4 shall be invoked as applicable.

25.10.2 FAST SHORT PITCHED DELIVERY NOT WITHIN THE STRIKERS REACH

Any fast pitched delivery, not being a no ball otherwise, which passes so high that it is not sufficiently within the striker’s reach for it to be hit by the bat with a normal cricket stroke, shall be called and signalled wide ball by the Umpire at the bowler's end. Such a delivery shall be counted in the fast short pitched limit of two allowed under the rules.

25.11 FOURTH XI ‘SPLIT INNINGS’ 2 DAY MATCHES

Up to 13 players may take part in the match, listed on the official team sheet, with no more than 11 to bat, 11 to bowl and 10 wickets to fall in each innings.
Each day of play will be limited to 70 overs.
All innings are to be compulsorily closed upon completion of 70 overs.
The innings of the side batting first, unless bowled out earlier, shall pause after the completion of 35 overs. The team batting second shall commence their first innings up to 35 overs, unless bowled out earlier, or the remaining overs left in the days play.
On the second day of play, unless bowled out on day one, the team that batted first will continue their innings until compulsory closure at 70 overs or 10 wickets have been lost.
Upon completion of the above innings, the team batting second may continue their innings until compulsory closure at 70 overs or 10 wickets have been lost.
If a batter is not out at the end of the first day's play and unable to continue their innings on the second day, they will be deemed retired out and counted as a wicket lost.
No bowler may bowl more than 7 overs in a day, unless the continuation of a new innings has commenced. No bowler can bowl more than 14 overs in an innings.
All batters must retire upon making 100 runs and may return to the crease at the fall of the 9th wicket. Unless they return to the crease, they will be recorded as ‘Retired Not Out’ and not counted as a wicket lost.
Unless a result has been achieved on day 1, if there is no play on the second day of the match it will be deemed a draw. Scores on the first day of play will not count towards a result.

The points above relate only to the 4th XI 2 Day Split Innings matches. All other rules and playing conditions for 2 Day matches are to be adhered to as appropriate.

Rule 20

Rule 21

ONE DAY COMPETITIONS

26.1 CONDITIONS OF PLAY FOR ONE DAY MATCHES

26.2 TEA ADJOURNMENT – 1ST XI MATCHES

In all one day matches the innings of the side batting first shall be compulsorily closed at the completion of 50 overs.

(a) If 50 overs are not completed by the scheduled cessation time, and in the opinion of the Umpires the bowling team is at fault, the team batting second will only receive the number of overs equal to what they bowled at the scheduled cessation time (eg. If 47 overs bowled at 3:05pm, play will continue until 50 overs are complete and only 47 overs will be available for the team batting second)

(c) Team batting second - If 50 overs are not completed by the scheduled cessation time, and in the opinion of the Umpires the bowling team is at fault, the team bowling second will be penalised 5 runs per over they that have failed to bowl. (eg. If 47 overs bowled at 6:40pm, play will continue until 50 overs are complete [or 10 wickets fall/result achieved] with 15 added penalty runs for the team batting second)

(d) Captains are responsible for slow over rates. A Captain who is penalised on the third instance will also be suspended for the next fixtured match.

TEA ADJOURNMENT – NON 1st XI MATCHES

The tea adjournment will be taken at the completion of the first innings irrespective of time or number of overs bowled in the first innings.

26.3 ONE DAY MATCHES – COLORED APPAREL

First XI & Second XI teams to wear full coloured apparel - Refer BCA Policy 3.0 - Playing Attire

All other grades apparel subject to Pennant Committee approval.

PENALTY: Shall be dealt with under Rule 5

26.4 PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

The matches will consist of one innings per team limited to Fifty (50) overs (First XI), Forty Five (45) overs (Second XI), Forty (40) overs (All other grades). For explanatory purposes in these conditions, ‘Side A’ is defined as the side which bats first and ‘Side B’ is defined as the side which bats second.

26.4.1 DECLARATIONS

Law 15.1 - The Laws of Cricket shall not apply. The Captain of the batting team may NOT declare their team’s innings closed during the course of the match.

26.4.2 - Where both sides have commenced their innings, the match shall immediately end once a result has been obtained.

26.4.3 CONDITIONS OF PLAY IN AN UNINTERRUPTED MATCH

(a) If Side A has not previously completed its innings, the innings shall be compulsorily closed on completion of the bowling of the allocated overs for that grade.

(b) If Side A is dismissed in less than its full quota of overs, Side B shall be entitled to bat for its full quota of allocated overs for that grade unless a result has been obtained.

26.5 IN MATCHES WHERE PLAY IS DELAYED OR INTERRUPTED

(All interruptions to play including wet weather, unsafe ground conditions and extreme heat conditions)

26.5.1 EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS - Refer BCA Policy 5.0 - Extreme Heat

26.5.2 SIDE A FIRST INNINGS

The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs.

26.5.3 - The scheduled required number of overs are outlined in the table below. Tea break will be at the completion of the 1st innings.

26.5.5 - If Side A is dismissed in less than its full quota of overs, Side B shall be entitled to bat for its full quota of allocated overs for that grade unless a result has been obtained.

26.6 SIDE B - FIRST INNINGS

26.6.1 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY NOT EXCEEDING 30 MINUTES

If the innings of Side B is delayed or interrupted for a total of playing time not exceeding 30 minutes, play shall continue until the full entitlement of overs of the batting Side B has been bowled.

26.6.2 INTERRUPTIONS TO PLAY EXCEEDING 30 MINUTES

If the innings of Side B is delayed or interrupted for a total of playing time exceeding 30 minutes and play can resume the following shall apply:

(a) The number of overs to be bowled shall be calculated by deducting from the scheduled overs, one over for every full three minutes or part thereof lost.

(b) Where a result is not obtained the match shall be considered drawn.

(c) Side B shall not bat for a greater number of overs than Side A unless Side A has been dismissed in less than the required number of overs.

26.6.3 CALCULATION OF TARGET SCORE – DUCKWORTH-LEWIS CALCULATOR (1st XI MATCHES ONLY)

(a) Interrupted Matches - Calculation of the Target Score

If, due to suspension of play after the 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 calculated by the MyCricket Live Score App.

(b) Prematurely Terminated Matches

If the innings of the team 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 target score determined at the instant of the suspension by the Duckworth/Lewis method. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to BCA Rule 26.6.3
Refer to MyCricket Live Score App
Open the App, and select CONTINUE WITHOUT LOGGING IN
Select DL Calculator button
Enter the number of overs to be faced by each team at the start of play
Select SUSPENSION PERIODS Button. Please skip to step 8 if no interruption occurred in the 1st innings of the match
Select the NEW SUSPENSION PERIOD button and enter the match details at the time the interruption to play occurred and select DONE
Enter total runs scored by the batting team at the close of their innings
Select the 2nd Innings button. (This step is only required if play is interrupted at any stage of the 2nd innings and then resumes, if play does not resume please refer to step 11)
Select the NEW SUSPENSION PERIOD button and enter the match details at the time the interruption occurred then select DONE. (This will provide an updated Target Score).
Enter the number of overs and wickets lost to receive the Duckworth-Lewis Par Score.

Refer further to instruction document on BCA website under Info/BCA Rules tab or click HERE

(c) Captains and umpires must complete and record the Duckworth-Lewis calculations at the change of innings and during any suspensions to play in the 2nd innings of a match.

26.7 DETERMINATION OF RESULT - DETERMINATION OF WINNER

In matches which both teams have had the opportunity of batting for the agreed number of overs each in an uninterrupted match, or a lesser number of overs in an interrupted match, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. Points will be allocated to the winner only in accordance with the points rating system. (Refer Rule 17.1.1).

26.8 OVER LIMITS FOR BOWLERS

26.8.1 - Limit per Bowler: A bowler shall not deliver more than one-fifth of the maximum of overs permitted for an uninterrupted innings, but where the maximum is reduced because of interruptions, the limit shall be one-fifth of the adjusted maximum except for any bowler who already has exceeded the reduced limit.

When a re-calculation of a bowler's limit results in a fraction, the limit shall be raised to the next highest number for as many bowlers as is necessary to absorb the balance in whole overs.

26.8.2 - Limit Reached or Exceeded:

No further deliveries shall be made by a bowler who has reached or exceeded a recalculated limit except to complete an over previously commenced by them.

26.8.3 - In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls must be bowled by another bowler. In those circumstances each bowler will be regarded as having bowled a complete over in so far as each individual's limit is concerned, but only one over will be counted towards the team's total.

26.8.4 - In 4th XI games, all batters must retire upon making 100 runs and may return to the crease at the fall of the 9th wicket. Unless they return to the crease, they will be recorded as ‘Retired Not Out’ and not counted as a wicket lost.

26.8.5 INNER FIELD RESTRICTION AREA for FIRST XI & SECOND XI only

Area and Marking of Restriction Area

Two semicircles shall be drawn on the field of play.
The semicircles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch.
The radius of each of the semicircles shall be 27.5 metres.
The semicircles shall be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field.
The fielding restriction areas should be marked by continuous painted white lines or ‘dots’ at seven-metre intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by white plastic or rubber (but not metal) discs.

FIELDING RESTRICTIONS

26.8.6 On-Side Fielders

At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fielders on the leg side.

26.8.7 Powerplay Overs

In addition to the restriction contained in 26.8.5 above, further fielding restrictions shall apply to certain overs in each innings. The nature of such fielding restrictions and the overs during which they shall apply (hereinafter referred to as the Powerplay Overs) are set out in the paragraphs and table below.

26.8.8 Powerplay Overs – Uninterrupted Match

Subject to the provisions below, the distribution of Powerplay Overs shall be in accordance with that contained in the table at 26.8.9 and be taken as follows:

(a) Powerplay 1: no more than two (2) fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs these are 1 to 10 inclusive (1st XI) and in an innings of 45 overs these are 1 to 9 inclusive (2nd XI).

(b) Powerplay 2: no more than four (4) fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs these are 11 to 40 inclusive (1st XI) and in an innings of 45 overs these are 10 to 36 inclusive (2nd XI).

(c) Powerplay 3: no more than five (5) fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs these are 41 to 50 inclusive (1st XI). In an innings of 45 overs these are 37 to 45 inclusive (2nd XI).

All other grades no field restrictions in place.

26.8.9 FIELDING RESTRICTIONS - INFRINGEMENT

In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, either Umpire shall call and signal no-ball.

26.8.10 Powerplay Overs – Distribution

The number of Powerplay Overs shall be in accordance with the following table below which shall be applied independently to both innings of the match.

26.8.11 Powerplay Overs – Commencement

Each block of Powerplay Overs must commence at the start of an over.

26.8.12 Powerplay Overs – Interrupted Match Recalculation

If play is interrupted during non-Powerplay Overs, then on resumption, it is necessary to determine how many remaining Powerplay Overs should be allocated. The total number of Powerplay Overs for the innings is derived from the table in 26.8.9. Any Powerplay Overs already taken prior to the interruption will be deemed to have been in sequence: the initial allocation then the batting team’s allocation.

26.8.13 Powerplay Overs – Interruptions

(a) If play is interrupted during the first Powerplay and on resumption the overs required to be bowled in that Powerplay have already been exceeded, then the Powerplay will assume to have been taken consecutively up to that point.

(b) If play is interrupted during a Powerplay and on resumption the total number of Powerplay Overs has already been exceeded, then the fielding restrictions will be lifted immediately.

Note: This is the only circumstance under which the Powerplay status can be changed during an over.

(c) If following an interruption while a Powerplay is not in progress, it is found on resumption that the recalculated number of Powerplay Overs remaining equals or exceeds the number of overs to be bowled in the innings, then the final Powerplay will commence at the start of the next over.

26.8.14 Powerplay Overs – Signals

(a) At the commencement of each block of Powerplay Overs, the umpire shall signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating the arm in a large circle.

26.9 NO BALL

Free Hit After ANY No Ball (FIRST XI and SECOND XI only)

The delivery following a no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batter is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or wide), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batter is facing. For any free hit, the striker can only be dismissed under the circumstances that apply for a no ball even if the delivery for the free hit is called a wide.

Changes to fielding positions are only permitted if a different batter is on strike for the free hit delivery. The bowler’s end Umpire will signal a free hit by (after the normal no ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.

26.10 WIDES: Wide Bowling - Judging a Wide

FIRST XI, SECOND XI and THIRD XI.

The Home club is responsible for ensuring that the specified pitch markings are provided on turf wickets as per Rule 22.1. For synthetic pitches, the edge of the carpet is to be used in the absence of painted lines. Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any off side delivery which passes the batter outside the guidelines in the opinion of the Umpire shall be called a wide. Also, any ball which passes outside the line of the leg stump, regardless of width, shall be called a wide.

Note: A leg side wide can only be called if the ball passes behind the batter. If the ball passes between the batter and the leg stump – wide will not be called. The above provisions do not apply if the striker makes contact with the ball.

FOURTH & FIFTH XI

Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any delivery on either side of the wicket, which in the opinion of the Umpire does not give the batter a reasonable opportunity to score, shall be called a Wide.

26.11 The Bowling of Fast Short Pitched Balls

A bowler shall be allowed to bowl one short pitched delivery per over. A fast short pitched delivery is defined as a ball which passes above shoulder height of a batter standing upright at the crease. In the event of the bowler bowling more than one fast short pitched delivery in an over, either Umpire shall call and signal no-ball. (The above regulation is not a substitute for Law 41.7, which Umpires may apply at any time).

All finals matches will be played across the final 3 available weekends of the season. Both Saturdays and Sundays can/will be utilised to maximise the chances of obtaining results for each match as outlined in the following:

FIRST XI COMPETITION:

The 4 competing teams that have obtained the highest number of points at the completion of the programme series of matches shall compete in a Semi Final round of matches. These matches are to be conducted over 2 consecutive days being the Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of finals.

Semi Final 1 – 1st vs 4th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

Semi Final 2 – 2nd vs 3rd as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

All Semi Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 2 Day games with the exception of Rules 25.4.4 and 25.4.5 which shall not apply.

Should no decision be reached or a tie result, the winner shall be deemed to be the team higher on the ladder at the completion of the programme series of matches. If a decision is reached on the final day of the match, play may cease if the Captain of the side trailing on the first innings concedes defeat.

The winning teams shall then play off in a 4 day Grand Final conducted over the following 2 weekends.

SECOND, THIRD & FOURTH XI COMPETITIONS:

Should there be less than 12 teams competing in this grade, the finals format will follow that of the 1st XI competition but for a 2 Day Grand Final only. Should there be 12 or more teams competing in these grades, the following system will be used.

The 6 competing teams that have obtained the highest number of points at the completion of the programme series of matches shall compete in a round of Qualifying matches. These matches are to be conducted over 2 consecutive days being the Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of finals.

Qualifying Final 1 – 1st vs 6th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

Qualifying Final 2 – 2nd vs 5th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

Qualifying Final 3 – 3rd vs 4th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

All Qualifying Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 2 Day games with the exception of Rules 25.4.4 and 25.4.5 which shall not apply.

The two lowest ranked losing teams will be eliminated, with the remaining four teams re ranked according to their Qualifying Final results. Re ranked teams will then play in a Semi Final with 1st v 4th & 2nd v 3rd.

FIFTH XI COMPETITION:

Should there be less than 12 teams competing in this grade, the finals format will follow that of the 1st XI competition but for a 1 Day Grand Final only. Should there be 12 or more teams competing in these grades, the following system will be used.

The 6 competing teams that have obtained the highest number of points at the completion of the programme series of matches shall compete in a round of Qualifying Finals. These matches are to be conducted on the Saturday of the first weekend of finals.

Qualifying Final 1 – 1st vs 6th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

Qualifying Final 2 – 2nd vs 5th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

Qualifying Final 3 – 3rd vs 4th as placed on the ladder at completion of the programme series of matches.

All Qualifying Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 1 Day games. If no result due to weather interruption is possible on the Saturday of the first weekend of finals, then the Sunday shall be used as a reserve day.

Should no decision be reached or a tie result, the winner shall be deemed to be the team higher on the ladder at the completion of the programme series of matches.

The table below outlines the structure of the Top 6 Finals system.

SECOND, THIRD & FOURTH XI COMPETITIONS:

The 4 competing teams that have obtained a position as outlined in Rule 27 shall compete in a round of Semi Final matches. These matches are to be conducted over 2 consecutive days being the Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of finals.

All Semi Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 2 Day games with the exception of Rules 25.4.4 and 25.4.5 which shall not apply.

Should no decision be reached or a tie result, the winner shall be deemed to be the team highest ranked after the Qualifying Finals. If a decision is reached on the final day of the match, play may cease if the Captain of the side trailing on the first innings concedes defeat.

The winning teams shall play off in a 2 Day Grand Final conducted on the third weekend of finals.

FIFTH XI COMPETITION:

The 4 competing teams that have obtained a position as outlined in Rule 27 shall compete in a round of Semi Final matches. These matches are to be conducted on the Saturday of the second weekend of finals.

All Semi Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 1 Day games. If no result due to weather interruption is possible on the Saturday of the second weekend of finals, then the Sunday shall be used as a reserve day.

Should no decision be reached or a tie result, the winner shall be deemed to be the team highest ranked after the Qualifying Finals.

The winning teams shall play off in a Grand Final conducted on the Saturday of the third weekend of finals.

Rule 22

Rule 23

Rule 24

Rule 25

Rule 26

Rule 27

Rule 28

FIRST XI COMPETITION - 4 DAY GRAND FINAL:

Four (4) days shall be allocated for Grand Final matches for the First XI competition with each day’s play scheduled for eighty (80) overs to be completed.

In the event of play being interrupted including intervals or stoppages for rain, bad light, etc. The number of overs to be bowled shall be reduced in proportion to the time lost in the ratio of one (1) over for every full three (3) minutes or part thereof of time lost.

Grand Final matches shall be played with an equal division of batting time (refer to table in rule 25.4.2 for interrupted play) for both teams first innings.

THE SIDE BATTING FIRST IS NOT DISMISSED

The side batting first shall have its first innings compulsorily closed after their allocated overs. The side batting second (if not previously dismissed) shall be entitled to receive their allocated overs whereupon their first innings shall end.

THE SIDE BATTING FIRST IS DISMISSED OR DECLARES

If the dismissal or declaration occurs prior to the side batting first completing its allocated overs, then the side batting second (if not previously dismissed) is entitled to receive their allocated overs plus the number of whole overs not faced by the side batting first.

After the completion of both teams first innings the game continues with no division of batting time for both teams second innings. (Rule 25 applies for minimum number of overs per day).

If a decision has been reached at the conclusion of the third day's play, or at any time on the final day, play may cease if both Captains agree.

SECOND, THIRD & FOURTH XI COMPETITIONS - 2 DAY GRAND FINAL:

Two (2) days shall be allocated for Grand Final matches for the Second, Third & Fourth XI competitions with each day’s play scheduled for eighty (80) overs (70 for Fourth XI) to be completed.

All Grand Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 2 Day games with the exception of Rules 25.4.4 and 25.4.5 which shall not apply.

Grand Final matches shall be played with an equal division of batting time (refer to table in rule 25.4.2 for interrupted play) for both teams first innings

FIFTH XI COMPETITION – 1 DAY GRAND FINAL:

One (1) day shall be allocated for Grand Final matches for all One Day competitions with a reserve day on the Sunday of the third weekend of finals to be utilised if any match cannot obtain a result.

All Grand Final matches shall be played under the same conditions as apply to minor round 1 Day games.

Should no decision be reached or a tie result, the winner shall be deemed to be the team highest ranked after the Qualifying Finals.

29.1 PRESENTATION TO PREMIERSHIP WINNERS

A perpetual shield and pennant flag shall be presented to each winning team at the finals venue by a BCA Official. Each winning team shall receive 15 medals for distribution to players and such others as deemed appropriate.

Rule 29

Over restrictions are to apply to underage bowlers as per below. Such players are to be indicated on the Team Sheets which must be handed to the Umpire/s prior to the start of play.

Medium pace or faster (broadly defined as those to whom the wicket keeper would normally stand back):-

Under 15 at 1 September in the current season.

A maximum spell of FIVE (5) consecutive overs.
A maximum per match day allocation of 12 overs.

Under 17 at 1 September in the current season.

A maximum spell of six (6) consecutive overs.
A maximum per match day allocation of 16 overs.

Under 18 at 1 September in the current season.

A maximum spell of SEVEN (7) consecutive overs.
A maximum per match day allocation of 18 overs.

Under 19 at 1 September in the current season.

A maximum spell of EIGHT (8) consecutive overs.
A maximum per match day allocation of 20 overs.

NOTE 1. If more than one over was bowled in a player’s immediate bowling spell, that bowler shall not resume bowling unless and until the subsequent overs from the same end equal or exceed the overs bowled by them in that spell.

NOTE 2. A one over break to change ends does not constitute a break in a spell.

NOTE 3. After an interval/interruption of thirty (30) minutes or more, or a start of a follow-on second innings, a bowler may resume bowling without regard to the waiting period indicated above.

NOTE 4. Overs bowled by players in BCA Junior competitions played on the same day as Senior matches are included when calculating Senior match restrictions as listed above.

Rule 30

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION RULES

SENIOR PLAYING CONDITIONS

PLAYING CONDITIONS