| League Rules |
GENERAL RULES1. The League shall be called the LEES BREWERY LANCASHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE and shall consist of 14 clubs. Its object shall be to organise a Cricket League Competition for its member clubs. The League shall consist of THREE DIVISIONS, the 1st Division for 1st XI's, the 2nd Division for 2nd XI's and the 3rd Division for 3rd XI's. 2. The League Officials shall be a President, a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary and a Treasurer. They shall be appointed each year at the Annual General Meeting. 3(a). The management of the League shall be vested in the Management Committee which shall consist of the League Officials, the Assistant Secretary, the Umpire's Secretary and nominated members from each Club (each Club will be expected to nominate 2 members, one of whom shall be eligible to vote). The Management Committee may co-opt other members as and when they deem necessary. 3(b). The League Officials as at 2 above shall form an Emergency Committee empowered to deal with any urgent business or with any matter not provided for in these rules. 3(c). The Press Secretary, the Umpire's Association Representative and any co-opted member may attend Management Committee meetings but will not be allowed to vote. 4. The inspection of club grounds and facilities shall be under the jurisdiction of the Management Committee. The Ground Inspection Committee shall have powers to inspect grounds and facilities before and during the season. 5. The Management Committee may pay Committee expenses to any League Official or reimburse members of the Management Committee in any sum which they may in their discretion from time to time think fit. 6. Except where otherwise provided in these Rules, all decisions of the Management Committee shall be by a majority of votes, the existing Chairman shall be entitled to give a casting vote. 7. Ten Management Committee members shall form a quorum for any meeting of the Management Committee. However, where the Constitution of the League is decided, the quorum shall be 16 eligible voters of the Management Committee. 8(a). A member club applying to continue its membership shall not be removed from the League unless at least 75% of the eligible voters of the Management Committee (excluding abstentions) vote against its continued membership, subject to a quorum of 16. 8(b). A club may only be expelled from membership of the League at the June Management Committee meeting. Any such club will remain members of the League until the following Annual General Meeting. 8(c). However, a club applying for membership may be elected to the League by the Management Committee upon a majority vote. New clubs will become members of the League from the following Annual General Meeting. 8(d). The Management Committee shall, at its June meeting (the Constitution meeting), decide upon the membership of the League for the following year from amongst member clubs who have not withdrawn from membership in accordance with General Rule 8(e) together with those clubs who have applied for membership. All these clubs shall be listed in alphabetical order and eligible Management Committee voters shall strike out the name of such club(s) that they do not wish to be members; the names of 14 clubs remaining. Any voting paper which does not have exactly 14 clubs remaining shall be deemed an abstention. Notwithstanding the above, General Rule 8(a) retains primacy for existing member clubs. 8(e). Notice to withdraw from the League at the end of the year must be given in writing to the League Secretary no later than the May Management Committee meeting in such year. Any club not giving such notice will be deemed to have applied to continue its membership for the following year. At the May meeting any applications for membership, in writing, will be notified to the Management Committee. 9. The Annual subscription shall be payable not later than 31st May and be determined along with prize money for the forthcoming season, at the Annual General Meeting. 10. The Management Committee shall have the power to make such levies as from time to time they may deem necessary. 11. Any Club not fulfilling an engagement shall, unless excused by the Management Committee, be fined for each offence a sum not exceeding £50. The match shall count as a win for their opponents and also 5 points shall be deducted from the aggregate points of the offending club. In the event of the opponents being involved in any expense the Management Committee shall have the power to reimburse the opposing club for any expense incurred up to the amount of the fine imposed. 12. The Annual General Meeting shall be held on the first Tuesday in December for the purpose of receiving the accounts, electing the League Officials and transacting any other business of which notice has been given to the Secretary not later than 30th September. The Secretary shall give not less than 14 days notice of such meeting and the business to be transacted thereat to all member clubs. 13. An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called by the Secretary within 21 days of the receipt by him of a written requisition so to do signed by or on behalf of seven member clubs setting out the business to be transacted by such meeting. The Secretary shall give not less than 14 days notice of such meeting and of the business to be transacted thereat to all Member Clubs. 14. At any General Meeting, no business may be transacted other than that of which due notice has been given. 15. At any General Meeting a member club may be represented by any number of members, but not more than one shall have power to vote on any matter. The existing Chairman shall be entitled to give a casting vote. 16. The Management Committee shall have power to make such byelaws as they deem expedient concerning Fixtures, Players and Umpires and any other matters. If, by a majority vote, the Management Committee makes changes to, or introduces new bye-laws, such byelaws must remain unchanged during any particular season. 17. At General and Management meetings voting will be by show of hands. 18. The Management Committee shall take such action as it deems necessary in respect of the breaking of League Rules by Clubs or players. 19. The Management Committee may impose such fines on Member Clubs as it deems fit, in cases not covered by more specific Rules or Bye-Laws. Member Clubs fined by the Management Committee shall have the right of appeal against the decision to the Lancashire Cricket Board in accordance with that Body's procedure. 20. All disputes between member clubs shall be submitted to the Management Committee for their decision, which shall be final. 21. Breaches of discipline by clubs or players shall be dealt with by a Disciplinary Committee, which shall consist of a Chairman and four other members selected from a panel of ten, who will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. Secretarial support will be provided by the League Hon. Secretary or other nominee. A member of the Management Committee may sit as a member of a Disciplinary Committee; however, he will not then be allowed to sit as a member on any subsequent Appeal. The Disciplinary Committee shall take such action as it deems necessary in respect of breaches of discipline, ungentlemanly conduct or bringing the game into disrepute. 22. Appeals from the Disciplinary Committee decisions will be heard by three members of the Management Committee who shall have the authority to confirm, increase or reduce the penalty imposed. An appeal must be made by a member club in writing within seven days of being informed of the Disciplinary Committee's decision and must be accompanied by a deposit of £30. The deposit may be forfeited in part or in full at the Management Committee's discretion. 23. Clubs shall insure all players, and policies are to be subject to scrutiny by the Management Committee. 24. All fines incurred by Clubs must be paid within one calendar month of notification except those notified after 1st September which must be paid by 30th September. 25. These rules, or any of them, may not be changed except by a resolution of a General Meeting supported by not less than three quarters of the member clubs. The three-quarters votes are exclusive of abstentions.
LEAGUE MATCH BYE-LAWS1. All matches must be played under the Revised Laws of the M.C.C., unless affected by the League Rules. 2(a). Matches shall consist of a maximum of 100 x 6 ball overs with a maximum of 50 overs for first innings. The side batting first has the right to declare its innings and use the remaining complete overs to complete the game, or if dismissed the remaining complete overs shall be used to complete the game. The side batting second shall not be permitted to declare. 2(b). Late starts due to weather and/or ground conditions, or the late arrival of players/team due to circumstances beyond their control; for every 6 minutes lost the match shall be reduced by 2 overs to a minimum of 40 overs, with the first innings allowed to a maximum of half the remaining overs. 2(c). Matches shall commence at 1:30 p.m. except matches from the third Saturday in August inclusive, which shall commence at 12:30 p.m. 3. No allowance shall be made where weather interferes with play after a match has started. 4. Any match not started by 4:30 p.m. shall be abandoned as a draw. Two points to each side. 5(a). Adjust above arrangements for a 12:30 p.m. start. 5(b). No game may be played with covering over wet or unfit surfaces, apart from the standard use of sawdust. 5(c). Clubs will be allowed the use of wicket covers at all times, both prior to the match commencing and during interruptions of play due to weather conditions. 5(d). Captains shall toss for first innings 20 minutes before the commencement of the game, after which the batting captain can request that the pitch be rolled for not more than 7 minutes. 5(e). Watering of grounds: Under no circumstances shall the pitch be watered after 9:00 p.m. on the day but one previous to the day of the match. 6. There shall be an interval of 30 minutes for tea, normally taken between the innings. If tea is taken other than between the innings, due to weather conditions, there shall be an interval of 10 minutes between innings. The Home club is responsible for providing teas for scorers, umpires and both teams. Even if there has been no play, clubs must provide teas if required. 7(a). Games must only finish at 8:00 p.m. for scheduled 1:30 p.m. start and 7:00 p.m. for 12:30 p.m. start in the event of weather interfering with the match after commencement. A minimum of 20 overs shall be bowled after 7:00 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. START, or from 6:00 p.m. for a 12:30 p.m. START, unless a result is obtained before then (M.C.C. Laws of Cricket No. 17). 7(b). In rain-affected matches, the umpires shall give notice when the last hours play is to commence (7:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.). In the last hour of play, a minimum of twenty overs shall be bowled or the number required to complete the game if less than twenty. If the 20 overs are not completed after one hour, play shall continue until (a) they have been completed or (b) a result is obtained within the 20 overs. A team shall be 7(c). In the event of any time lost for reasons other than weather at the start of either innings, the commencement of the last hour shall be deferred by the time lost. Examples of the application of League Match Bye-Law No. 7 7(d). In the following examples, the number of overs displayed on the scoreboard at the commencement of the last hour shall be the number of overs remaining to complete the match. Example 1 At 7:00 p.m. - 10 overs remaining Example 2 7:00 p.m. - play in progress Example 3 7:00 p.m. - play in progress Example 4 7:00 p.m. - play in progress - 15 overs remaining 7(e). Where Umpires have issued penalty runs due to deliberate slow play they must report the matter on the Disciplinary Form they complete at the end of each match. On receiving such a report the League will, in writing, warn the club about future slow play. If the club are reported again for slow play the Captain and Chairman will be called in front of the Disciplinary Committee to explain the team's slow play. Should there then be a third offence the club will be fined the sum of £30 in respect of all three offences and £10 for any further offences. 7(f). If Umpires have not issued penalty runs because of specific instances of deliberate slow play but the innings has taken longer than 3 hours 10 minutes to complete and there are no extenuating circumstances the matter should be reported to the League on the Disciplinary Form. Umpires can only take this course of action when they have specifically warned the offending team during the course of the innings. On receipt of such a report the League will warn the club in writing about future slow play. If the team incur a second instance of exceeding 3 hours 10 minutes action will continue as in 7(e) above. Every attempt should be made to bowl a minimum of 17 overs per hour. 8. Scoring of points:- 9. The club scoring the most points at the end of the season shall be considered the League Champions for that year. In the event of two or more clubs at the head of the table scoring the same number of points, the club having the most outright wins shall be considered the League Champions. If clubs are still level, then the club with the most points gained in the fixtures between the tied clubs shall be considered to be the League Champions. If clubs are still level, the title shall be shared. 10. Prompt starts are expected at all times and a fine of £25 shall be imposed for a late start in circumstances where the Umpires consider that the circumstances were not beyond the control of the offending players/team, unless the Management Committee shall excuse the offending team on reasonable grounds. 11. A fine, with a minimum of £10 for first teams per player and £5 for 2nd teams per player, shall be imposed on any club not playing a full team, unless the Management Committee shall excuse them on reasonable grounds. 12. The competing clubs shall appoint scorers, and the home club shall be held responsible for sending an official scoresheet to the Assistant Secretary, to arrive within three days. This must show clearly the result of the match and names of players of both teams (Captains to see that a complete list of each team is shown), and time of starting at the delivery of the first ball. Reason for any late start must be stated. A fine of £5 shall be imposed for results not received in 3 postal days and a fine of £3 shall be imposed for incomplete score sheets. The League Assistant Secretary shall report all cases of default. Clubs not appointing a scorer for 1st and 2nd XI fixtures shall incur a fine of £5. 13. Each club must, after each match, complete the Umpire's Report Form in accordance with the instructions printed thereon. A fine of £5 per report shall be imposed for all reports not received, or incomplete, by the Umpire's Hon. Secretary at the next Management Committee meeting after the matches concerned. All fines and accounts must be paid through the League Treasurer by 30th September. 14. All cricket balls used in any League or any other game under the jurisdiction of the League shall be of a make and type previously approved by the League Management Committee. All orders for cricket balls must be made through the League. Clubs shall provide their own spare ball, whether playing at Home or Away. 15. Prior to the arrangement of fixtures by the Management Committee, no fixtures whatsoever shall be arranged by any individual club. Only League, Cup or matches arranged by the Management Committee shall be played on Saturdays and on those Sundays specified by the Management Committee. 16. Any club protesting against the result of any League or Cup match must lodge with the League Secretary a duplicate notice in writing within seven days of the match, stating grounds of complaint. Secretary to send a copy to the Club. 17. In all cases of appeal to the Management Committee, representatives of the clubs concerned shall not be allowed to vote, and shall leave the room during the discussion of the appeal if requested. 18. At the discretion of the Management Committee if any Club for whatever reason is unable to fulfill its Senior League and Cup fixtures during any season, it may be disqualified, and all matches played irrespective of the result shall be declared void. 19. Any trophies offered for competition shall be held until 31st August of the following year by the club scoring the highest number of points as defined in League Match Bye-Law No. 9. The respective holder shall be responsible for their safety and return to the League Secretary. 20. Prize money will be decided annually at the Annual General Meeting. 21(a). To qualify for League Prizes, and inclusion in the League handbook, player’s averages, which will include performances in either Walkden Cup or Hulme Trophy, must be submitted to the Assistant Secretary by the date given in the League timetable. 21(b). The qualification for the League Averages which shall be in a minimum of 12 matches shall be as follows:- Batting - 400 Runs. 21(c). Averages of overseas players will not be included with the amateur’s averages, but will be listed in the League handbook along with the Professional's averages. 22. Where sightscreens are inside the boundary marking (i.e. wholly or partly within the field of play), all clubs shall provide a white board to be placed across the front of the sightscreen wheels. This will signify the boundary line and any ball pitching behind the line and within the extremities of the sightscreen will count six runs.
LEAGUE MATCH BYE-LAWS RESPECTING PLAYERSPART 1- REGISTRATION 1.Only bona fide playing members of the Lancashire County League clubs shall be eligible to play in the competition. (A bona fide member is a player who has been formally accepted as a member by the Committee of that club and who has fulfilled the subscription requirement for the current year. Nor shall he/she have any outstanding commitment to a previous club). 2.Uncapped players on County groundstaffs (or with M.C.C. Young Cricketers) shall be allowed to play for their parent club only until awarded a County Cap, or have played as a substitute professional in another League. 3. No individual playing for any other club in any other Saturday League shall be considered eligible at any time. 4(a). At the start of each season, every club shall submit a club list of registered players to the League Secretary (or nominated official) no later than 1 week before the first League fixtures. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £10 in each case. Players are not registered and may not play until confirmation is received from the League Secretary (or nominated official). 4(b). The L.C.B. Form "A" shall be used and each player shall sign opposite his/her full name, also stating that he/she agrees to abide by the Code of Conduct provided. 5.No club shall register as an amateur player, any person who has, during the current season, played as a professional for any other League Club, County or Country without special permission of the League Management Committee. 6.Juniors, aged 10 upwards, who may play for a team at some stage during the season, shall be registered. 7. A player shall have been resident in England for 12 months before the start of the season, unless an ex-patriot. 8. Any added registrations during the season shall be on L.C.B. Form "B" and shall have been approved by the authorised official within 7 days of that person playing in a game. Players are not registered and may not play further games until confirmation is received from the League Secretary (or nominated official). 9(a). No player shall be allowed to play with more than one club in the League without the sanction of his club and the League Management Committee as 8. above. A player desiring a transfer must make written application to the League Secretary, on L.C.B. Form "B", enclosing consent from his club to such transfer seven days prior to the match he wishes to play in. (University and College students, together with schoolboys, shall not be disbarred by this rule). 9(b). This means that any player so transferred cannot play in consecutive League matches in one season with different clubs. At least one match is missed. 9(c). No transfers will take place after 31st July in each season. 10(a). The last date for addition to the registration list shall be 31st July each year, except with the special permission of the League Management Committee. 10(b). Any club playing an unregistered player at any time of the season shall forfeit all points gained in that match, or if a cup tie, the match shall be awarded to their opponents. 11. A player shall be a free agent during the winter (from 30th September until he/she plays his/her first league match of the following season) provided that he/she has met all outstanding obligations to his/her club. Any winter transfer must be approved on L.C.B. Transfer of Registration Form "C" by the League Management Committee or designated body, before a player can play in a match. 12. Clubs may, on or before the first Tuesday in April, register the name of one player who will be paid specifically to play cricket for that club - this person shall be known as the professional. Other paid servants of the club in whatever capacity may not play cricket for that club unless they become the registered professional, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the League Management Committee. 13. On it being proved that any financial inducement or benefit in kind whatever has been offered to any member of a League club to secure his services for another League club, the offending club may be fined £100, and if a player accepts such inducement, he shall be disqualified for such period as the League Management Committee decide. A player offering his services for any consideration to any League club shall be immediately disqualified for such period as the League Management Committee decide. 14. A club may register either a professional or an overseas player. An overseas player shall be defined as a player who has not been resident in U.K. for 12 months prior to the commencement of the season. All overseas players shall be registered with the League Secretary before playing in the League or Cup and by the May League Management Committee meeting at the latest. 15. The League Management Committee shall have the power to call upon any club or player to produce any books, letters, documents or other evidence which the Committee may desire in relation to the carrying out of the Rules of the League. Each club must publish an Annual statement of accounts, a copy of which must be forwarded to the League Secretary on request. 16(a). Prior to the start of each season, a letter must be forwarded to the League Secretary, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of each club, which will certify that no payments in cash or kind have been made by the club concerned, or any other individual, business, sponsor etc., to amateur players. (The Management Committee reserve the right to determine the definition of the aforesaid should such payments be brought to their attention). 16(b). Any club found to be in breach of this bye-law will be fined £1,000 and lose all points that they have accrued so far that season. 17. The League Management Committee (or nominated official) shall have the power to act in any circumstances not covered by these byelaws on player’s registration. 18(a). The League Management Committee (or nominated official) shall have the power to refuse to register any player, subject to the player being advised of the reason and being able to appeal against the decision. The player shall have the right to attend an Appeal Hearing and make any written submissions in support of his/her appeal, as shall 18(b). The appeal shall be to the League Management Committee (or designated body) in accordance with the rules for Appeals laid down by the League. PART 2- GENERAL 19.No player shall play in any match under the auspices of this League who is currently suspended from playing for any reason whatever by any other League. 20. No player who has played in six or more 1st XI matches shall be eligible to play in the last three 2nd XI matches, unless he/she has played in the 2nd XI on three or more occasions during the season. 21. Substitute professionals will not be allowed. A replacement professional may be permitted for the remainder of the season if the original contracted professional suffers long term injury prior to the third Saturday in June. 22. No League club professional shall be engaged (or approached with a view to engagement) by another League club for the following season before 1st August without the consent of his present club. Penalty £100. 23. No registered professional shall be allowed to play for more than one club in the League Competition during the season. 24. All players must appear in full cricket costume. 25(a) The League takes preference on any players selected for Lancashire County League representative matches (i.e. playing in the Lancashire Inter-League Knock-Out Competition). 25(b). In circumstances where a player is selected for a Lancashire County League representative match in the Lancashire Inter-League Knock-Out Competition and is selected by and plays for his club on the same day, the following penalties shall apply:- i] The individual player shall serve an automatic three (3) match ban for consecutive League/Cup games. The ban will take effect from the next available match following the representative game. ii] In addition the club will be automatically fined £150. 25(c). Any such penalties will be notified in writing by the League Secretary to the appropriate club Secretary. 26. Number of overs per bowler, now includes the E.C.B. Fast Bowling Directives, relating to players Under 19 and below. The E.C.B. Fast Bowling Directives March 2002 version will apply to all matches in the Lancashire County League and Cup Competitions. A fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in normal circumstances would stand back to take the ball. Bowlers aged Under 19, cannot bowl more than 7 overs in any one spell with a maximum of 21 overs per day. For Under 17 and Under 16 players the restriction is a maximum of 6 overs in any one spell with a maximum of 18 overs per day. For Under 15 and Under 14 players the restriction is a maximum of 5 overs in any one spell with a maximum of 10 overs per day. For Under 13 players the restriction is a maximum of 4 overs in any one spell, with a maximum of 8 overs per day. Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen his spell is deemed to be concluded. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes, any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately. Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum number of overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast. Note: Because of these restrictions, the maximum number of overs that can be bowled by young fast bowlers in a 50 over Lancashire County League innings are as follows:- Under 19 16 overs These overs could be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day. 27. Fielding restrictions - No fielder except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than the distances shown below, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball:- Under 15's 8 yards (7.3 metres) These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back. In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18 must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 6 yards (5.5 metres) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk. 28. Safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by young players. - The England and Wales Cricket Boars has issued safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by younger players. The ECB recommends that this guidance is followed by all players up to the age of 18. It applies to young players in adult cricket as well as to all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball. 29. Team Managers and/or Captains are responsible for providing the Umpires with a Team Sheet showing the ages of any player who is aged Under 19 or below before the toss for innings takes place. A player is classified Under 19, (Under 17, etc.) if they are Under 19 years of age (Under 17 etc.) at midnight on 31st August prior to the season of the competition. 30. Umpires are requested to ensure that the above playing conditions are strictly adhered to in all circumstances. 31. The League Management Committee have power to deal with any breach of these Rules/Bye-Laws as they deem fit.
SECOND ELEVENS COMPETITION All the above Rules apply to the Second Elevens Competition with the following exceptions:- That only Amateurs play in the Second Eleven fixtures. It is not necessary for a new ball to be used at the commencement of an innings provided that the umpires are satisfied that the ball to be used is of satisfactory condition and complies with the Leagues Match Bye-Laws. In these circumstances the spare ball shall not be in a better condition than the match ball. THIRD ELEVENS COMPETITION All matches will be played using the same League Match Bye-Laws as the First and Second Elevens with the following exceptions:- It is not necessary for a new ball to be used at the commencement of an innings provided that the umpires are satisfied that the ball to be used is of satisfactory condition and complies with the Leagues Match Bye-Laws. i.e. Reader Sovereign. In these circumstances the spare ball shall not be in a better condition than the match ball. Matches shall consist of a maximum of 80 x 6 ball overs with a maximum of 40 overs for first innings. All matches will start at 2.00 p.m., except for matches from 26 August 2006 which will start at 1:00 p.m. If a game is not started on the designated date, both sides may agree to rearrange the fixture to a mutually acceptable date. Each team will provide an umpire. Home team will provide teas for both sides, umpires and scorers. All games must finish by 8.00 p.m.
SCORING OF POINTS 5 Points will be scored for a win and 3 points for a tie. If a side is not bowled out irrespective of batting first or second and loses the game it will receive 1 point. If a game is abandoned after starting, both sides shall receive 2 points. If a game is not played then the side which is unable to fulfill the fixture shall receive 0 points, their opponents receiving 5 points. The club scoring the most points at the end of the season shall be considered champions. RECOMMENDATIONS That wherever possible and practical a minimum of 5 bowlers be used per innings, with no bowler bowling more than 10 overs. That the fixtures are used to encourage junior cricketers to make the transition to senior cricket. Players will come under the same code of conduct that applies to First and Second Eleven matches.
RULES FOR WALKDEN CUP COMPETITION 1. The Competition shall be called 'THE JAMES A. WALKDEN CUP COMPETITION'. 2. The Competition shall be under the control of the Lancashire County League Management Committee. 3. Any trophy offered for competition shall be held for the ensuing twelve months by the club winning the competition. The receptive holders shall be responsible for its safety and return of same to the Secretary not later than 31st July. 4. Entry into the Competition shall be compulsory for all League clubs. Prize money shall be decided annually at the Annual General Meeting. 5.The Management Committee shall have power to adjudicate in all disputed matters in the Competition, and their decision shall be final. Any club required to answer a charge to be advised of such charge seven days before the Management Committee Meeting at which such charge is to be heard. 6. Any club not fulfilling its engagements shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £50 at the discretion of the Management Committee who also have the power to award the tie to the opponents. 7(a). These rules may not be changed except by a resolution of a General Meeting with at least two-thirds of member clubs present voting in favour of such a resolution. The two-thirds votes are exclusive of abstentions. 7(b). Fourteen days notice in writing to be given to the Secretary of the Competition, who will notify the clubs immediately of such proposals. The form the Competition shall take can only be altered at the General Meeting after the required notice has been given. 8. The final shall be played upon a ground decided upon by the competing clubs. 9. The interpretation of these Rules or any portion thereof shall be vested in the Management Committee, whose decision shall be binding on all parties. 10. The nett gate receipts and the profits from all fund raising during the final shall be divided between the competing clubs. WALKDEN CUP MATCH BYE-LAWS 1. All matches shall be played under the revised Rules of M.C.C., unless stated in these Rules. 2(a). Matches will commence at 1:30 p.m. and consist of one innings per side. 2(b). Restriction on the placement of Fieldsmen - At the moment of delivery a minimum of 4 Fieldsmen (plus the Bowler and Wicket Keeper) must be within the area bounded by 2 semi-circles centred on each middle stump, each with a radius of 30 yards and joined by a parallel line at each side of the pitch. In the event of infringement, the Square Leg Umpire shall call and signal 'No Ball'. The fielding circle shall be marked by white dots at 5 yard intervals, each dot to be covered by a plastic or rubber disc measuring 7" in diameter. 2(c). Each innings shall be limited to 50 six-ball overs. Unless weather intervenes, the time for the close of play shall be left in the hands of the captains. Bowlers shall be limited to 10 overs each. Matches not completed on the appointed Sunday shall continue on the following Monday and following evenings commencing at 6:30 p.m. Matches not started on the appointed Sunday shall start on the following Sunday and then on the following Monday and following evenings. The final shall continue on the first available Sunday to be determined by the Management Committee. 2(d). The final will commence at 1:00 p.m. 3. In the event of teams tossing for choice of innings and the game then being unable to be commenced for any reason, the teams shall again toss on the re-arranged day. Result 4. The side with the higher aggregate will be the winners. 5. If the scores are equal, the match shall be won by the side losing the least number of wickets, or, if these are equal, the result shall be decided on the average scoring rate overall. Should this not bring about a decision, the scoring rate on the first 40 overs, 30 overs, 20 overs, and 10 overs should be considered progressively until a result has been realised. WALKDEN CUP BYE-LAWS 1. Only players meeting the registration requirements as set out in League Match Bye-Laws Respecting Players shall be eligible to play in the Competition. 2. Competing clubs may play their registered professional. 3. No player shall be allowed to play with more than one club in the Walkden Cup Competition. 5. A player who transfers from one club to another and who has played in either the Walkden Cup or Hulme Trophy for his previous club, shall not be allowed to play in either competition for his new club. 6. In the event of any objection made by any club to the League Honorary Secretary, not later than 3 days after the fixture has taken place, the League Management Committee shall have power to reverse the result and the offending club shall be liable to a fine of £10. This penalty will also apply on evidence of non-eligibility being subsequently discovered by the Assistant Secretary on perusal of the official scoresheet. 7. The Management Committee have the power to deal with any breach of these bye-laws by imposing a fine not exceeding £10.
1. A separate table shall be kept for the last six League Matches in First and Second Divisions. An award shall be made to the winners. In the event of two or more clubs having the same number of points at the top of the table, the winners shall be the club with the most wins. If this is still equal, the club with the most 4 point wins shall be the winners and if this is still equal the winners shall be the club with the highest batting average in terms of runs per wicket over the last 6 matches. The winners of the League Championship shall not be included in this competition. RULES FOR HULME TROPHY COMPETITION 1. The Competition shall be called 'THE H. HULME TROPHY'. 2. The Competition Rules shall be the same as for the Walkden Cup Competition with the following exception:- It is not necessary for a new ball to be used at the commencement of an innings provided that the umpires are satisfied that the ball to be used is of satisfactory condition and complies with the Leagues Match Bye-Laws. In these circumstances the spare ball shall not be in a better condition than the match ball. 3. The Prize Money shall be decided annually at the Annual General Meeting. HULME TROPHY MATCH BYE-LAWS 1. These shall be as for 'The Walkden Cup' with the following additions. 2. The draw to be the same as 'The Walkden Cup' but the venues of the matches shall be on the ground of the club playing away in 'The Walkden Cup'. 3. The 1st and 2nd rounds and Semi-Finals shall be played on the same day as 'The Walkden Cup'. Matches not completed on the appointed Sunday shall continue on the following Monday and the following evenings commencing at 6:30 p.m. Matches not started on the appointed Sunday shall start on the following Sunday and then on the following Monday and following evenings. 4. The date of the Final shall be arranged by the Management Committee. The Final will not take place on the same date as the Walkden Cup Final. HULME TROPHY BYE-LAWS 1. Only players meeting the registration requirements as set out in League Match Bye-Laws Respecting Players shall be eligible to play in the Competition. 2. No player shall be allowed to play with more than one club in the Hulme Trophy Competition. 3. In the case of the Hulme Trophy Knock-Out Competition, a player who has played 50% or more of his games for his club in the 1st XI League Championship up to any round, shall not be eligible for participation in the round in question. 4. These conditions to apply when 2nd XI's only are involved. NOTE: When both 1st and 2nd XI's are engaged in respective Cup Competitions, these Bye-Laws shall be disregarded. 5. Only amateurs can play in this Competition. 6.In the event of any objection made by any club to the League Honorary Secretary, not later than 3 days after the fixture has taken place, the League Management Committee shall have power to reverse the result and the offending club shall be liable to a fine of £10. This penalty will also apply on evidence of non-eligibility being subsequently discovered by the Assistant Secretary on perusal of the official scoresheet.
BYE-LAWS RESPECTING UMPIRES 1(a). The League will appoint Umpires, and they must be paid each match-day by the Home Club. For League Matches, expenses not exceeding £25:00 per match shall be paid. In the event of no play due to weather, expenses shall be 75% of the above amount (£18:75). Where there is only one umpire, he shall receive expenses not exceeding £35:00 per match, if he stands at both bowler's ends for the match. 1(b). For Cup Matches , Umpires who officiate for the whole match shall receive £25:00 plus £5:40 for each additional day he attends. Umpires who officiate for the original appointed day only shall be paid expenses of £12:50 plus 21p for each completed over of the second innings. If the first innings is not completed, expenses shall be £4:31 plus 21p for each completed over. Umpires who officiate on days other than the original appointed, shall receive expenses of £4:31 for each day attended plus 21p for each completed over. Clubs who are involved in additional expense with additional Umpires may reclaim their additional expenses from the League. 2. Umpires shall check scoresheets carefully and see that same are correctly filled in and signed before signing the sheet themselves. After each game, both Umpires should complete the Match Report Form and return it within seven days to the Hon. League Secretary. 3. Umpires must produce their Appointment Card to the appropriate official of the home club and must, on the back of same, give and sign a receipt for their expenses, after which such Appointment Card shall remain the property of the home club. 4. In the event of an Umpire not being able to keep an appointment, he must inform the Umpire's Hon. Secretary immediately and return his appointment card for that match. 5. In the event of an Umpire failing to keep an appointment without having informed the Umpire's Hon. Secretary of his inability to do so, he shall be struck off the Umpires list forthwith. 6.In no circumstances must Umpires exchange appointments without first obtaining, in writing, the consent of the Umpire's Secretary. Umpires infringing this rule may, at the discretion of the Management Committee, have all their appointments cancelled. 7. All Umpires must be present upon the ground 30 minutes before the commencement of the match. Umpires must see that play commences as punctually as possible, and they must take note of any delay by either side, so as to be able to give evidence to the Management Committee. 8. Umpires must synchronise watches at the commencement of matches. 9. Umpires must ensure that the interval between innings does not exceed the prescribed time. 10. Substitute Umpires when appointed, are to assume full umpiring duties. 11. Written reports are asked for on ground conditions, instances of indiscipline and other offences against the principles of the League. 12. Umpires should ensure that all clubs mark the pitch at a distance of 5 ft. from the popping crease in accordance with M.C.C. Law to assist them in locating the danger area of a bowler's follow through. 13. Similarly, Umpires should ensure that a short line to 3" in length be marked at right angles to the bowling crease 1 foot either side of the centre stump to coincide with the "danger area" for bowlers.
CODE OF CONDUCT1. As a result of the League’s concern about falling standards in general of discipline, the Management Committee has decided to raise the profile of disciplinary standards by issuing a Code of Conduct which it expects all Clubs and players to follow. Clubs are to ensure that the Code and the League disciplinary procedures are brought to the attention of all players and copies displayed prominently in dressing rooms. 2. All Clubs and players must uphold the properly constituted Rules of the Lees Brewery Lancashire County League. 3. Clubs and players should ensure that matches are played within the spirit, as well as the rules of the game. Captains have a particular responsibility for the conduct of players, both on and off the field, from the time of arriving to that of leaving the ground after the game. Clubs and Captains as well as the players concerned may be liable to Disciplinary action for breaches of discipline committed by team members. 4. Clubs and their officials must take positive steps to lay down the standards of behaviour expected of their playing members; be prepared to notify the League of such steps; and take disciplinary action within the Club where appropriate, notwithstanding any disciplinary matters which may be reported through the League disciplinary procedure. 5. THE OFFENCES LISTED BELOW WARRANT DISCIPLINARY ACTION although the list should not be considered as exhaustive. The League recognises that cricket is a competitive and sometimes intense game, and that under some headings, the degree of indiscipline will determine whether or not disciplinary action is initiated by those responsible. L.C.L. Disciplinary Suspension Guidelines to Clubs and Players-2006 1. ABUSE OF CRICKET EQUIPMENT, CLOTHING, GROUND EQUIPMENT OR FIXTURES AND FITINGS The knocking of stumps, or the throwing or kicking of a bat, ball, helmet, boundary flag, rope or any equipment on or off the field of play 2. ABUSE OF A PLAYER Deliberate violent physical contact on a member of the opposing team. After any warnings due from the Captain, whether or not initiated by the Umpires, a player found guilty of any form of abusive behaviour towards one or more members of the opposing team or of making gestures to one or more members of the opposing team or any act of physical contact on the field of play, e.g. pushing. The guilty player’s Captain is liable to be suspended for a MINIMUM period of two games if it is found that reasonable steps were not taken to ensure good behaviour from the player. 3. ABUSE OF AN UMPIRE (inclusive of intimidation whether by language or conduct). Deliberate violent physical contact or threat of assault: Verbal or written abuse (inclusive of using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an abusive gesture): Dissent by action or verbal: 4. RACIAL ABUSE Any racially abusive comment or action will result in suspension, i.e. using language or a gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. 5. ACCUMULATED BAD BEHAVIOUR (as laid down in ECB guidelines) Repeated infringements (3) of the Spirit of Cricket by an individual, where it is decided that each infringement in itself does not merit any immediate disciplinary action, will result in a Disciplinary Hearing. Repeated infringements by a team are likely to result in the captain being held responsible for the conduct of his team (whether or not individual players are also identified for disciplinary action) and being called before a Disciplinary Hearing. The penalties available include suspension. When issuing the penalty, the Disciplinary Committee may take account of instances of poor team discipline in previous years, particularly when the on-the-field captain is the same and the prior record of any individual charged. Captains should ensure they understand their responsibility for the ‘on the field’ behaviour of themselves and their team members. Umpires will report the items listed in the Appendix to these guidelines. If suspension is the penalty, this will normally take place immediately. NOTE: Following two incidents being dealt with by a club, a third incident regarding a player at that club will automatically cause a Disciplinary Hearing to be called. 6. DRESS Failing to appear in appropriate and conventional dress i.e. white or cream trousers, shirts (with collar) and sweaters, white/grey socks, cricket boots or shoes and caps or soft white/cream hats. No baseball caps or similar. 7. DISREPUTE Making public of Press comments relating to matters which are subject to Disciplinary action or which might otherwise bring the League into disrepute. 8. MANDATORY REPORTING UNDER THE LAWS The umpires after consultation are instructed to report transgressions under the following headings: Player failing to comply with the above Laws: The guilty player’s captain is liable to be suspended for a period of a MINIMUM of one game if it is found that reasonable steps were not taken to ensure compliance by the player. APPENDIX 1. Excessive appealing 2. Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman. 3. Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play. 4. Charging or advancing towards an umpire or player in an aggressive manner when appealing. 5. Deliberate and malicious distractions or obstruction on the field of play. 6. Throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner. 7. Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, team official or spectator. N.B. It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will look to lay charges when this falls below an accepted standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures. 8. Threat of assault on another player, umpire, team official or spectator. 9. Separate incidents in the course of a match will mean umpires will lay separate charges. If the Disciplinary Committee finds the person charged to be guilty of more than one offence, it will impose separate penalties in respect of each offence. Penalties are cumulative and not concurrent. ADDITIONAL NOTES 1. Clubs are expected to convene an internal club enquiry within five days following the day of the match where an incident(s) took place. An umpire requested to attend a disciplinary hearing will receive expenses of 25p per mile. Following a Disciplinary Committee hearing should the offending player or team be found to be in breach of these Rules, he/they will be required to pay the costs of the Disciplinary hearing. In the event of more than one player/team being in breach of these Rules, the cost will be equally shared. 2. Suspensions will be imposed in weeks (seven days) for suspensions of four weeks or more, commencing midnight Friday to midnight Friday. Suspensions for less than four weeks will be in games. 3. All matches within the auspices of the ECB, LCB or LCL during such period will apply. 4. Clubs and/or Disciplinary Committee will take into account the past history of a player’s behaviour in deciding appropriate suspensions etc. 5. Suspensions imposed for a period which extends beyond the end of the season will continue into the following season with specific dates defined in 2 above. 6. The Disciplinary Committee will call on umpires, players, independent witnesses and any other person(s) whom it may consider to be of assistance in their enquiries. The LCL Umpire’s Association is to encourage its members to include details of independent witnesses within their report wherever possible. 7. Dependent on the severity of the incident, the Disciplinary Committee may decide to impose a monetary sanction on the player or captain in addition to any suspension handed out. 8. Points penalties may be appropriately deducted in the case of a club where a significant number of the members of a team have contributed to the breach of discipline. APPROPRIATENESS OF PENALTIES 1. In all cases and for all offences, an admission of guilt will almost certainly result in a lesser sentence being imposed than if the matter is contested – credit being given for the admission. 2. Suspension of four weeks duration or more will be reported by the League to the Lancashire Cricket Board for national circularisation. Such suspensions will normally apply to all cricket played under the auspices of the ECB. APPEALS PROCEDURE 1. Notice of appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, whether as to verdict or sentence, to be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within 7 days of the decision of the Committee (together with a deposit of £30). The notice of appeal should record the decision against which the appeal is made and the grounds and basis of the appeal. 2. Any penalty imposed by the Disciplinary Committee will not take effect until the appeal has been heard. 3. The Appeal Committee must have no connection with the individual or the club or their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action (e.g. by the deduction of points). 4. An appeal against the verdict will take the form of a complete re-hearing. The accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation and the ability to call witnesses as they did at the first hearing. 5. At an appeal against the sentence, the accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation as they did at the first hearing. 6. Decisions of the Appeal Committee shall be by majority vote with the Chairman having a casting vote where necessary. The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and binding. 7. The decision of the Appeal Committee and if appropriate the penalty will be communicated to the accused person/club in writing within 21 days. 8. Following an appeal, if any new evidence comes to light within 14 days of the result of the appeal, the club/player is entitled to request the Management Committee to review the case, again accompanied by a deposit of £30. NOTES: A. The prime reason for the League’s decision to publish the above Code is to help Clubs, Officials, Players and Umpires AVOID conduct which will or might lead to Disciplinary action being taken and the setting up of time-consuming disciplinary meetings. B. The League considers that Captains and also Club Officials should assume a greater responsibility than hitherto for discipline within the team. Captains shall be the main channel of communication between players and Umpires – and should be used by both – when issues of discipline arise whilst the game is in progress. C. Clubs are encouraged to augment the League’s Code by issuing their own instructions to players aimed at improving general standards of discipline and behaviour, and thus the image of the League. These might cover adhering to agreed meeting times, prompt attendance at matches, ensuring that all essential pre-match tasks are undertaken, and any other requirements the Club may wish to lay down. D. Standard Forms are given to clubs prior to the start of the season for completion by Umpires and others who may wish to initiate a complaint about indiscipline. Clubs are also reminded of their responsibilities in the detailed completion of Umpire’s Report forms when the Club itself wishes to comment on an Umpire’s performance.
LOAN PROCEDURE1. A request for a loan should be made in writing to the Treasurer, stating clearly the reason for the loan and enclosing a copy of the club's latest accounts. 2. The Management Committee will make a decision on the proposed loan. 3. Loan repayments are to be payable by bankers order. 4. The loan will be subject to formal agreement between the club and the League.
NOTES TO SECRETARIES1. Please ensure that first aid boxes are well stocked. 2. Apologies for non - attendance at Management and Annual General Meetings are not accepted. Secretaries are obliged to ensure club representation.
4. The passage of overs shall be indicated by a reducing number on the scoreboard. 5. Sight screens shall be positioned in line with the wickets by the home side prior to the umpires taking the field of play. 6. In the event of inclement weather the home side must provide adequate supplies of sawdust which are readily available for use by both teams, prior to the umpires taking the field of play. 7. Under M.C.C. Law 42 the Captains are responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws.
CRITERIA FOR GRADE 'A' |