MANNING RIVER DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION …mrdca.nsw.cricket.com.au/files/2955/files/MRDCA... · 2016. 1. 12. · Season 2015 / 2016 . MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11)

MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11) Page 1 of 34

MANNING RIVER DISTRICT CRICKET

ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

COMPETITION & PLAYING RULES

Season 2015 / 2016


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY 4

COMPETITION FRAMEWORK 4

COMPETITION FORMAT

1. Playing Times 5

2. Innings Limitations 6

3. Interrupted Play 7

4. Bowling Limitations 7

RESULTS, POINTSCORE, PENALTIES

5. Points Allotment 8

6. Competition Prize Money 10

7. Finals Positions 10

8. Results Recording 11

9. Qualifications For Association Trophies 11

GROUNDS

10. Grounds And Equipment 12

11. Fitness Of Grounds 12

PLAY

12. Nomination Of teams 13

13. The Toss 14

14. Forfeits 14

15. Follow On 15

16. Use Of Balls 15

17. Full Tosses, Synthetic Pitches 15

18. Scoring And Recording No Balls 15

19. Leg Side Wides – Special Playing Condition For One Day Matches Only 15

20. The Circle – Special Playing Condition For 1st & 2nd Grade One Day & T20 Matches Only 15

21. Unfair Deliveries (Refer To MCC Law 42) 16

22. T20 Matches – Special Playing Conditions 16

23. Free Hit 16


24. Power Play 17

25. Square Leg Umpire 17

26. Player Absent Or Leaving The Field 17

PLAYERS—REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, GRADING, REPRESENTATIVE, DRESS, CONDUCT

27. Registration 18

28. Payment Of Fees 18

29. Transfers And Clearances 19

30. Gradings 20

31. Two Teams In Same Grade 21

32. Representative And Inter-district Players 21

33. Dress Regulations And Logos 22

34. Alcohol Policy 22

FINALS SERIES

35. Order Of Play 22

36. No Result 23

37. Player Qualification And Grade 23

38. Ground Allocation 23

ADMINISTRATIVE BY-LAWS

39. Code Of Conduct Commission And Commissioner 24

40. Protocol For Reports 24

41. Defendants Rights 24

42. Appeals Against Commission Decision 25

43. Disputes And Protests Arising From Competition 26

44. Association Finance 26

45. Umpiring Fees 27

46. Club Obligations 27

Glossary Of Terms 28

Appendix I (Code Of Conduct) 29

Appendix II (Calculations For Reduction Of Overs) 30

Appendix III (Schedule Of Fees) 34


MRDCA COMPETITION AND PLAYING RULES

PRELIMINARY

The Rules laid down in this document shall apply to all fixtures controlled by the Manning River District Cricket Association Inc., unless otherwise stated.

Unless variations are specified within these rules, the MCC Laws of Cricket shall apply to all competition matches conducted by the Association. The reference source for MCC Laws of Cricket shall be the current edition of Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (5th edition, publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicholson of London), hereafter referred to as “MCC Laws”, together with its interpretations and definitions.

All experimental Laws adopted by the NSWCA and the NSWCCA shall apply to all competition matches conducted by the Association, and shall apply from the commencement of the season for which they were introduced. However, these may be excluded by a decision of the Management Committee of the Association prior to the commencement of the season.

Changes to rules will only be considered at a rules meeting in prior to season commencement, or as an item of Special Business at a meeting of the Management Committee. Any request for Rule changes must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the MRDCA.

COMPETITION FRAMEWORK

The Competition shall be formally known as the Manning River District Cricket Competition (the “Competition”). Notwithstanding the previous point, the Executive of the MRDCA has the right to change the name of the competition in accordance with any corporate agreements for sponsorship and/or naming rights.

A Fixtures Committee, elected at the AGM and consisting of at least 3 members with no more than 1 from any club, will draw up a list of fixtures (the draw) before the start of competition each season. It will determine the duration of the Competition, the format of matches, ground allocations and the format of the order of play for finals series. Rule 35 is to be used as a guideline for the format of finals series.

The draw will be compiled and presented to the Executive Committee for formal sign off, and made available on the Association website prior to the first competition match.

Should the Fixtures Committee deem it necessary to alter any fixtures during the season, the secretaries of any clubs affected shall be advised by the Association Secretary or his delegate. Advice by telephone shall be considered sufficient, however all complex alterations will be advised on the website. Every effort will be made to have late changes broadcast over local radio on the Saturday morning of the matches affected. Such information will also be available on the website where practical.

Teams competing in 3rd Grade may be split into two grades midway through the season or immediately prior to the finals series. The lower Grade will be known as 4th Grade.


COMPETITION FORMAT

1. Playing Times a. Games shall be played over either one or two Saturday afternoons (except for finals series)

as determined by the Fixtures Committee. Playing times are as follows: i) T20 matches:

1st match: 1st Innings 1:00pm to 2:20pm 2nd Innings 2:30pm to 3:50pm 2nd match: 1st Innings 4:10pm to 5:30pm 2nd Innings 5:40pm to 7:00pm In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, playing hours can be extended in the final only. All other matches must be played within the times listed above, and can only be altered where played as reduced over matches, or at the discretion of the fixtures committee.

ii) One day matches: Preliminary rounds: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Finals series: Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Grand Final: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:30pm Sunday 10:00am to 3:30pm In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, playing hours can be extended on grand final Sundays to allow the full quota of hours, with the latest finishing time being 6:30pm. Further to this, if play has commenced and is cut short by wet weather, play can be resumed on any scheduled reserve day to ensure the best chance of a result, with the exception that where play has commenced, it cannot be continued over multiple weekends (as per rule 36). At the discretion of the umpire, or both captains where no umpire is appointed, play may be extended by a maximum of 30 minutes to ensure the allotted overs are bowled in the second innings.

iii) Two day matches: Preliminary rounds: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Finals series: Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Grand Final: Saturday 1:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday 10:00am to 4:30pm In the event of wet weather, playing hours can be extended on grand final Sundays to allow the full quota of hours, with the latest finishing time being 6:30pm. Further to this, if play has commenced and is cut short by wet weather, play can be resumed on any scheduled reserve day to ensure the best chance of a result, with the exception that where play has commenced, it cannot be continued over multiple weekends (see rule 36). Playing time can be extended by a maximum of 30 minutes to ensure the minimum number of overs specified in rule 2(c)(iii) are bowled.

b. In two day matches a 10 minute tea break shall be taken at 3.25pm.


c. In one day matches the tea break will be incorporated into the innings change at 3.40pm, with no extra time allowed.

d. In One Day matches, the following penalties will apply where the allotted number of overs is not bowled in the allotted time: i) If the team bowling first fails to bowl the required number of overs as provided for in

rule 2(b) by the scheduled cessation time, they will continue to bowl until the required number of overs as provided for in rule 2(b) has been completed. The team batting second will then only receive the amount of overs bowled as at the scheduled cessation of the first innings.

ii) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs as provided for in rule 2(b) by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved.

iii) Unless determined otherwise by the Umpires, a penalty of six runs per over will be awarded to the batting side for each over short of the required number at the scheduled, or rescheduled, cessation time.

e. By mutual consent of the opposing captains or at the discretion of the umpire, a drinks break of not more than 2 minutes may be taken each hour. Such a break shall not be taken if a normally scheduled break (lunch, tea, stumps, etc) is due within the next 30 minutes. No extra time shall be added to either innings to compensate for extra drink breaks.

2. Innings Limitations a. T20 matches

i) A match will consist of one innings per team, limited to a maximum of 20 overs. ii) A time limit of one hour and 20 minutes is allowed to bowl the 20 overs. Any overs not

bowled within the time limit will be credited to the batting side at 10 runs per over. iii) A minimum of 5 overs per team will constitute a match. iv) No drinks intervals are permitted. v) No extra time will be permitted to make up for time lost.

b. One day matches i) 40 overs. Variations shall only be made in the case of interruptions (refer rule 3) or when

either side is dismissed in fewer than 40 overs. ii) In preliminary rounds, each team must receive a minimum of 15 overs to constitute a

complete match. An innings will be deemed complete where a team is dismissed in fewer than 15 overs.

c. Two day matches i) The first innings of each team shall be limited to a maximum of 100 overs. ii) A minimum of 15 overs must be bowled in the last hour of the match, according to the

agreed hours of play. If there is a change of innings during the last hour, 3 overs shall be deducted from the number to be bowled.

iii) A minimum of 70 overs must be bowled in a full day. 3 overs shall be deducted for each change of innings. In the event of lost time due to wet weather, light, ground condition, exceptional circumstances, or any other reason as determined by the appointed umpires, the minimum number of overs will be reduced at the rate of 1 over for every 4 minutes of lost time.

d. Retirement (3rd and 4th Grade only). A batsman may retire “not out“ at any time and resume their innings at the fall of the second last wicket, e.g. where a team has 11 players,


the retired player may resume their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket. Where more than one player retires, they may resume in the order they retired, working back from the fall of the second last wicket.

3. Interrupted Play a. Commencement. A match is deemed to have commenced where at least one ball has been

bowled. b. In T20 matches:

i) If due to interruption of play, the number of overs in the innings of the team batting second has to be revised, their target score shall be the runs scored by the team batting first from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs, plus one run.

c. In one day matches: i) Where play is delayed or interrupted due to weather or light conditions, the object

should always be to rearrange the number of overs so that both teams have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs (refer to appendix II).

ii) 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 15 overs), unless the provisions of rule 3(c)(i) apply, 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 “Run Rate Method”. A team’s run-rate is calculated by dividing its total number of runs scored by its total number of overs received. (1) For the purposes of run-rate calculations, each fair delivery bowled counts as one-

sixth of an over. (2) Where a team is dismissed before it has received its maximum number of overs, it is

deemed to have received the maximum number of overs. (3) The team with the higher run-rate wins the match, regardless of the number of

wickets that it has lost. d. Lightning: Play shall cease immediately in the event that a lightning flash is followed by

thunder less than 40 seconds later. Play shall not resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning flash. These safety measures must be enforced by the team Captains when there is no official Umpire appointed

4. Bowling Limitations Note: Refer to appendix II for tables to aid with the following calculations.

a. In T20 and one day games no bowler shall be permitted to bowl more than one fifth of the total number of overs to be bowled in an innings. If any bowler has bowled more than one fifth of a revised number of overs prior to an interruption to play, he shall not be allowed to bowl again. The number of remaining maximum overs per bowler would in such instances reduce proportionately to one quarter, one third or one half of the remaining overs.

b. Where the total of revised overs is not evenly divisible by the minimum number of bowlers allowable, one additional over shall be allocated to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance, e.g. in a 33 over innings, 3 bowlers may bowl a maximum of 7 and no other bowler may bowl more than 6.

c. Where a late interruption has occurred reducing the innings to, say 24 overs, and two bowlers have already bowled 8 each (one fifth of the original 40), and the remaining 10


overs are shared between 3 bowlers, one may bowl 4 and the other two may bowl only 3 each.

d. In the event that over restrictions are recalculated for the first innings of a match, the same restrictions shall then also apply to the second innings.

e. Limitations for Junior Pace Bowlers. Age at August 31 Max overs per spell Max overs per day Under 19 8 20 Under 18 7 18 Under 17 6 16 Under 16 6 14 Under 15 5 12 Under 14 5 10 Under 13 4 8 Note: It the obligation of the junior players team to enforce the bowling limitations. It is not the responsibility of the umpire.

f. Where Junior Pace Bowling limitations are breached, teams will be penalised as per rule 5(d).

RESULTS, POINTSCORE, PENALTIES

5. Points Allotment a. In each grade points shall be awarded as follows:

Outright win for team leading on first innings 16 Outright win for team trailing on first innings 16 Outright win for team tied on first innings 16 Outright loss for team tied on first innings 3 Outright loss for team leading on first innings 6 Outright loss for team trailing on first innings 0 Outright tie for team leading on first innings 11 Outright tie for team trailing on first innings 5 Outright tie for teams tied on first innings 8 First innings win 6 One day win 6 T20 win 3 First innings tie in two day match 3 Draw in two day match if more than 2 hrs play lost As per rule 11(e/f) Draw in two day match with no 1st innings result 3 Draw in two day match played under 1 day rules 3 Draw in an abandoned two day match, no 1st innings result being obtained:

Where no other matches were completed 3 Where other matches were completed As per rule 11(e/f)

Draw / Tie / Washout in one day match 3 Draw / Tie / Washout in T20 match 1.5 Bye As per rule 5(b) Bonus points As per rule 5(c)


Unqualified player breach As per rule 5(d) Junior pace bowling restriction breach As per rule 5(d) Mentor player restriction breach As per rule 5(d) Win on forfeit As per rule 5(e) Forfeit As per rule 5(f) Results recording breach As per rule 8 Non-attendance at MRDCA meeting As per rule 46(a) Use of incorrect ball As per rule 16(d)

b. Points awarded for byes: i) Where each team receives the same number of byes, no points will be allocated for the

bye. ii) Where teams do not receive the same number of byes, then the points awarded will be

the average of all points in the round (i.e. total of match points for both winning and losing teams divided by the number of teams playing in that round).

c. Bonus points: i) 1st innings batting: 60 runs = 1pt; 120 runs = 2pts; 180 runs = 3pts ii) 1st innings bowling: 3 wkts = 1pt; 6 wkts = 2pts; 9 wkts = 3pts iii) 2nd innings batting: 80 runs = 1pt; 160 runs = 2pts iv) 2nd innings bowling: 4 wkts = 1pt; 8 wkts = 2pts

d. Unqualified player breach/Junior pace bowler restriction breach/Mentor player restriction breach: A team playing an unqualified player, breaching junior pace bowling restrictions or breaching mentor player restrictions will be penalised as follows: i) One day matches: 6 points. ii) Two day matches: 16 points. iii) Bonus points earned in two day matches shall still apply.

e. Win on forfeit: maximum points gained by any team in that grade in that round. f. Forfeit – advised and non-advised. The offending club will be penalised as follows:

i) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 1st lowest grade, the club will be fined $300. ii) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 2nd lowest grade, the club will be fined $400. iii) If the forfeiting team is the clubs 3rd lowest grade, the club will be fined $500. iv) The club cannot accumulate points for any team in any grade lower than the grade

forfeited. v) Any fines must be paid to the MRDCA by midnight Wednesday following scheduled

completion of the forfeited match. vi) Submissions to the Executive Committee can be made in exceptional circumstances.

Example 1: A one team club would be fined $300.00 because the one team is their 1st lowest grade. Example 2: If a club forfeits 1st grade, then that club cannot accumulate any points in the lower grades. If that club had forfeited 3rd grade, then the 1st & 2nd grades could have accumulated points.

g. NB: The Management Committee has the power to decide on deduction of points for result sheet and non-attendance misdemeanours, where it is considered that there has been a manipulation of the final points score and/or it has been determined that where two teams from the same club have played each other and the scores have been entered on MyCricket by one person.


6. Competition Prize Money a. Prize money will be awarded at the end of the season as follows:

1st Grade Major Premiers $400 1st Grade Runner up $175 1st Grade Minor Premiers $175 1st Grade Player of the year $175 2nd Grade Major Premiers $300 2nd Grade Runner up $125 2nd Grade Minor Premiers $125 2nd Grade Player of the year $125 3rd Grade Major Premiers $250 3rd Grade Runner up $100 3rd Grade Minor Premier $100 3rd Grade Player of the year $100 4th Grade Major Premiers $150 1st Grade Johnny Martin Cup Premiers $100 1st Grade T20 Premiers $100 2nd Grade One Day Premiers $50 2nd Grade T20 Premiers $50

b. Clubs must be present at the MRDCA presentation night to receive prize money. c. Individuals must be present at the MRDCA presentation night to receive prize money. Where

an individual cannot attend, only a previously nominated representative can receive prize money in their absence.

d. Trophies will be awarded to clubs or individuals that are absent from the presentation night. e. The Club Championship will be awarded to the club that accrues the most points based on

the following calculation: i) 1st grade x3 ii) 2nd grade x2 iii) 3rd/4th grade x1

7. Finals Positions a. In each grade the minor premiership shall be awarded to the team accumulating the highest

number of points throughout all preliminary rounds of the season. b. The top four teams in each grade as determined by the total number of points gained will

contest the finals series. c. The Club Championship will be determined by multiplying the lowest grade points by one,

the second lowest by two etc., with the highest aggregate total of all grades declared Club Champions. Where a grade has been split mid-season, both divisions will have the same multiplier applied.

d. To be eligible to win the Club Championship, the club must have a 1st Grade team and all teams in the club must complete the full season. Any team withdrawn or that forfeits a match will render the club ineligible. Exceptional circumstances will be considered and be voted upon at the next scheduled MRDCA meeting.

e. Where two or more teams finish with the same number of points, their finals positions shall be determined by their for and against averages, calculated in the following manner: runs scored divided by wickets lost (a); runs conceded divided by wickets taken (b). Divide (a) by


(b) and multiply by 100. The resulting higher percentage will determine the higher place on the table.

8. Results Recording a. Results are to be recorded on the MyCricket website under the “Matches” menu. b. The home team is required to lodge the following by midnight of the Monday following the

scheduled completion of each match: i) The match result. ii) All batting and bowling details for their team. iii) The umpires report (where an umpire is appointed). Failure to complete all points above will result in the loss of 2 competition points.

c. The away team is required to lodge the following by midnight of the Wednesday following the scheduled completion of each match: i) Confirm or dispute the match result. ii) All batting, bowling and fielding details for their team. iii) All fielding details for the opposing team. iv) The umpires report (where an umpire is appointed). Failure to complete all points above will result in the loss of 2 competition points.

d. Failure to lodge finals series scores will attract a penalty of $50 per infringement. e. Notwithstanding the late arrival of match scores, individual performances of players will still

be recorded when match scores are submitted. f. Clubs that have two teams in the same grade must have separate MyCricket recorders for

each team. Failure to comply will result in the loss of 2 competition points. g. Captains (or team representative) must sign the scoresheets at the completion of each

match. Results disputes will only be heard where the captain disputing has signed the scorebook and stated the reason for the intended dispute.

h. The recorders for each grade are required to submit a report at each MRDCA meeting. i. Breach notices will be issued by the MRDCA Secretary to club secretaries. Any breach notices

not issued prior to or at the MRDCA meeting following the recording deadline will be declared null.

j. Failure to complete recording of matches within 7 days of a breach notice being issued will attract a penalty of $50 per infringement.

9. Qualifications for Association Trophies a. Qualifications for Association trophies are as follows:

i) Batting: 150 runs ii) Bowling: 15 wickets. iii) The player must have played at least 3 games in the grade, with only figures in the

official results to be considered. b. NB: Any player found guilty of an offence by the Code of Conduct Commissioner or Judiciary

Committee shall be ineligible to win any Association awards for that season.


GROUNDS

10. Grounds And Equipment a. Boundaries shall be suitably marked on each ground by the home team with a suitable

measuring tape or string or other method, to ensure the same size boundaries over the course of a two day match.

b. Boundaries will be of 65 metres, measured from middle stump at either end. c. Where there is a boundary fence, then the boundary of the playing area shall be marked at

least one metre inside the boundary fence. d. Stumps: Metal-tipped stumps, or metal tipped stumps with ferrules, or plain tipped stumps

with metal ferrules are not permitted to be used. Any club whose teams use such stumps will be subject (if reported by an umpire or by an opposing official) to a monetary fine not exceeding $25.00 for each incidence of use of such stumps.

11. Fitness Of Grounds a. In the event of wet weather making a scheduled ground unfit for play, or should Council

intervene and declare a ground unavailable for play prior to the commencement of a game, the Fixtures Committee shall transfer the game to a suitable ground, subject to one being available.

b. An officially appointed umpire (or both captains where no umpire is appointed) may deputise for the Fixtures Committee in such instances where the unsuitability/unavailability of the ground is not discovered in time to inform the Fixtures Committee. In such circumstances the appointed umpire (or both captains) may transfer the game, assuming a spare ground is available. Such a transfer cannot be made after the commencement of a game (refer rule 3(a) re: commencement).

c. The decision as to fitness of grounds is vested as follows: i) Up to the scheduled time of toss—the Fixtures Committee or the curator of a turf pitch. ii) After the scheduled time of toss—the appointed umpire. iii) If no umpire is appointed—the two captains.

d. First Day Rained Out. If a two day fixture is scheduled (excluding finals series matches) and no play is possible on the first day, then the second day will become a one day fixture to be played under one day rules, with bonus points to be allocated for batting and bowling. Matches already commenced on day one will continue under two day rules as normal.

e. In the event that some matches in the round are completed in a two day format, points shall be awarded to teams who only play a one day format on day two as follows: i) The winning team shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by the

winning teams in the two day format or the actual points gained (whichever is greater). ii) The losing team shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by

losing teams in the two day format or the actual points gained (whichever is greater) f. In the event that some matches in the round are completed in a two day or one day format

(with bonus points), points shall be awarded to teams in abandoned matches as follows: i) Both teams shall receive the average points (including bonus points) gained by both

winning and losing teams, divided by the number of teams that play. g. In the event that a 1st grade one day fixture set down for a turf wicket is unable to be played

on turf, that match may be transferred to an available synthetic wicket (with the exception being any finals series matches).


h. Wet weather cancellations: If a majority of games are abandoned in a grade on a particular weekend, the fixtures committee, at their discretion, may cancel all games for that grade in the interests of keeping the competition even. If it is apparent on Friday evening that because fields are closed and play is unlikely, the executive shall consult and at their discretion they may call the round off for the weekend, and notify clubs and media accordingly. Otherwise, as cricket does not have a significant impact on playing fields, GTCC has agreed that when conditions are marginal, and improving on the day of play, they will not close the grounds. In this case, the decision to play is in the hands of official umpires, if appointed, and the team captains. It is to be noted that player safety must always be the first consideration. When team captains are adjudicating whether play will take place, they must agree before play can commence. If agreement to cancel the round on any particular weekend is reached, the following steps will be taken by the Association where practical: i) Notify Radio 2RE on (02) 6552 2100. ii) Notify the Secretary of the Umpire's Association. iii) Notify each club Secretary. If agreement to cancel an individual game is reached by the captains involved, the following steps will need to be taken where practical: i) Notify Radio 2RE on (02) 6552 2100. ii) Notify the appointed Umpire for the game if known, or the Secretary of the Umpire's

Association. iii) Failure to do so will render both teams liable for the appointed Umpire's travelling

expenses. Reports of cancellations will be broadcast on Radio 2RE (1557 AM) throughout the morning of scheduled matches.

PLAY

12. Nomination Of Teams a. A minimum of 7 registered players must be in attendance at the ground in order to

constitute a team to commence a game. b. One Day matches: The captain of each team may nominate a team of up to 12 players (one

to be nominated as a non-batting bowler; one to be nominated as a non-bowling batter; with neither permitted to act as a wicket keeper) in writing and hand it to the umpire before the toss. If no umpire is appointed, he will exchange team lists with the opposition captain before the toss.

c. Two day matches: The captain of each team may nominate a team of up to 13 players (11 with full playing rights for the first day, along with two optional replacements for the second day) in writing and hand it to the umpire before the toss (as per MCC Law 1.2). If no umpire is appointed, he will exchange team lists with the opposition captain before the toss. i) An optional replacement named prior to the first day’s play does not have to play on the

second day.


ii) Prior to the commencement of play on the second day, the captain of each team must confirm the 11 players with full playing rights for the second day’s play.

iii) If a player is replaced on the second day, such replaced player may only field as a substitute.

iv) Neither an original player nor his replacement may play in two games played on the same day (Two separate T20 matches played in one day are an exception to this rule).

v) Rule 12(c)(iii) does not apply to substitutes in any game, so long as said substitute’s game is finished.

vi) A replacement player confirmed for the second day’s play will have full playing rights for that day. This means that: (1) They can bowl in the current or any later innings. Where an over is incomplete at the

end of the first days play, the replacement player must complete that over at the start of play on the second day.

(2) They can bat in the current innings if the player they are replacing has not batted in the current innings.

(3) They can bat in the current innings if the player they are replacing is not out at the conclusion of the first day’s play. In this case the replacement player must resume batting at the start of play.

(4) They can bat in any later innings. d. Following the toss, the team list for a one day match, or for the first day of a two day match,

may only be altered with the consent of the opposing captain and umpire (if there is one appointed).

13. The Toss a. The toss for innings shall be made on the field of play not later than 10 minutes prior to the

scheduled time of commencement of play. The toss cannot be made unless each team has 7 registered players present at the ground (see rule 12(a)).

b. The captain of the team winning the toss shall announce his decision to either bat or field to the opposing captain immediately after the toss has been made.

c. If one team is not present 5 minutes before the scheduled time of commencement of play, the captain of the team which is present may claim to have won the toss.

14. Forfeits a. Any team not prepared to play 15 minutes after the scheduled time of commencement on

any day will be deemed to have forfeited. b. Any team which intends to forfeit should notify the opposing club, the Association Secretary

and wherever possible, the appointed umpire or umpires’ appointments officer not later than 4.00pm on the afternoon prior to the day in question. Shorter notice may be considered in extenuating circumstances. In the event that a team forfeits, their club will be penalised as per rule 5(f).

c. Any expenses (travelling, umpires fees, etc) incurred by an opponent, where due notice has not been given shall be reimbursed by the forfeiting club.

d. Any team forfeiting on the second day of a two day match shall lose all points gained on the first day.

e. Any team forfeited against has the option to enter a team list onto the MyCricket website for the purpose of player qualification in rule 37. Team entry must be carried out in accordance with rule 8.


15. Follow On a. The team which bats first in a two day game and then, after dismissing the team batting

second, leads by 75 runs or more, shall have the option of forcing the team which batted second to bat again (follow on).

16. Use Of Balls a. Balls are to be used as per the current MRDCA Kookaburra sponsorship agreement. b. Balls used in 1st Grade are to be Kookaburra Senator 4 piece balls. c. Balls used in lower grades are to be Kookaburra Tuf Pitch 2 piece balls. d. Use of incorrect balls will attract a penalty of: 6pts per infringement in one day and two day

matches; 3pts per infringement in T20 matches. A team will not accumulate result or bonus points in any match where it is deemed they have used an incorrect ball.

17. Full Tosses, Synthetic Pitches. a. As per the MCC Laws.

18. Scoring And Recording No Balls a. All no balls will incur the penalty set down in the Cricket NSW by laws or playing rules in

force from time to time and notified to the Association prior to the commencement of the season, the penalty to be recorded against the bowler and under sundries as no balls.

b. Any runs scored off the bat from a no ball shall be added to the batsman’s score and will also be recorded against the bowler. Such runs are in addition to the penalty.

c. The penalty is recorded in the analysis as a circle. If runs are scored off the bat they are recorded as a figure in a circle, e.g. (2) would equal a no ball with two runs off the bat. If byes or leg byes are scored the runs are recorded as dots in a circle, e.g. if four byes are signalled after a no ball signal, the analysis should show (::), or 5 no balls.

19. Leg Side Wides – Special Playing Condition For One Day & T20 Matches Only a. 1st Grade: A delivery that passes outside the leg stump without contact with the strikers bat

or person shall be called a wide, unless the ball passes between the striker and the stumps. b. 2nd Grade or lower: As per MCC laws.

20. The Circle – Special Playing Condition For 1st & 2nd Grade One Day & T20 Matches Only a. The Circle rule will only apply in 1st Grade matches where there are official umpires

appointed. b. The Circle rule will only apply in 2nd Grade matches where there are official umpires

appointed. It is the responsibility of the home club to ensure that the circle is marked prior to the commencement of the match.

c. A semi-circle measuring 30 metres from the centre stump at each end, joining up to form a circle, shall be measured and marked with a mown strip by the home team or by arrangement with the curator of the ground. i) At the instant of delivery, there may be no more than five fieldsmen on the leg side. ii) For the first n overs, only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction

marking at the instant of delivery. iii) After the first n overs, only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field

restriction marking at the instant of delivery. iv) In the first n overs there must be two stationary fieldsmen within fifteen metres of the

striker at the instant of delivery. v) Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the innings of the team batting second

shall be the same as for the team batting first.


vi) In the event of an infringement of (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, either appointed umpire shall call and signal NO BALL.

Note: n=12 overs for one day matches; n=6 overs for T20 matches. 21. Unfair Deliveries (Refer To MCC Law 42)

a. One Day Matches: i) In addition to MCC Law 42, any delivery that upon pitching, passes at a height above the

head of the batsman standing in the upright position, shall be called a NO BALL. One short pitched delivery, that upon pitching passes above the shoulder but not above the head of a batsman standing upright is allowed per over. All subsequent deliveries of this nature shall be called NO BALL.

ii) All adjudication on balls that might be considered to be unfair balls will be made by the controlling umpire, which is the umpire standing at the bowlers end. This applies in the case of an unofficial umpire, or an official umpire. The controlling umpire may work as a team with the umpire standing at the strikers end, to assist him in his determination as to the fairness or otherwise of any ball.

b. Two Day Matches: i) The umpires shall act under MCC Law 42 with respect to short pitched and other unfair

deliveries. ii) Except, in addition to those provisions, a maximum of two short pitched deliveries per

over that would have passed above the shoulder of the batsman in their upright position, shall be allowed per over, with any subsequent short pitched delivery above shoulder height being called NO BALL. (This does not prevent an umpire in applying law 42.6 (i) and 42.7 as appropriate to a lesser number of short pitch deliveries).

iii) Noting however that that if a ball after pitching, passes at a height that is above the head of the batsman when standing in the upright position, it shall immediately be called NO BALL by either umpire. (Even though this may be the first short pitched delivery in the over) Law 42.6(ii).

22. T20 Matches – Special Playing Conditions a. In the event of a tie, the following shall apply:

i) The team losing the lesser number of wickets shall be the winner. ii) If the result cannot be decided by 5(a)i, the winner shall be the team with the higher

score after 10 overs, or if still equal, after 9 overs, or if still equal after 8 over’s, etc. b. At the fall of a wicket, the incoming batter must be in position to take guard (or for their

partner to receive the next ball) within one minute and thirty seconds of the fall of the previous wicket. Failing this the batter will be ‘Timed Out’.

23. Free Hit a. For both One Day and T20 matches, the following rules apply for a free hit where there are

official umpires appointed: i) The delivery following ANY No Ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. ii) 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 batsman is facing it. iii) 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. iv) Changes to fielding positions are only permitted if a different batsman is on strike for the

free hit delivery.


v) The bowler’s end Umpire shall signal a free hit (after the normal No Ball signal) by extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.

24. Power Play a. The Power Play rule will only apply in 1st Grade matches where there are official umpires

appointed. The home team is responsible for ensuring the 30m circle is marked. b. The Power Play rule will only apply in 2nd grade matches where there are official umpires

appointed. The home team is responsible for ensuring the 30m circle is marked. c. Subject to there being no reduction in the number of overs:

i) The Power Play will consist of 5 overs when only 2 fielders will be allowed outside the 30m circle.

ii) The Power Play must be taken between the 21st and 35th over. iii) Where the batting team does not nominate the start of the Power Play, it will

automatically commence at the start of the 31st over. iv) See Appendix III for application of the Power Play in innings where the total number of

overs is reduced. d. A batsman must nominate his team’s Power Play no later than the moment at which the

umpire reaches the stumps at the bowler’s end for the start of the next over. e. Once a side has nominated a Power Play, the decision cannot be reversed. f. At the commencement of the Power Play Overs, the umpire shall signal such

commencement to the scorers by rotating his arm in a large circle. 25. Square Leg Umpire

a. Where a player is standing in as the square leg umpire, the following conditions must be met: i) The umpire must wear a high vis vest. ii) The umpire must wear footwear. iii) The umpire is prohibited from using a mobile phone.

26. Player Absent Or Leaving The Field a. If a player is absent at the start of the match, he/she will be permitted to take part in the

match at the time of their arrival, i.e. they can bat or bowl as soon as they arrive. b. If a player leaves the field after play has commenced, or leaves the field during a session of

play, the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his/her absence, and shall not thereafter come on to the field during a session of play without the consent of the umpire. The umpire shall give such consent as soon as practicable.

c. If the player is absent from the field for longer than 15 minutes: i) The player shall not be permitted to bowl in that innings after his/her return until he/she

has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which they were absent. In the event of a follow on or forfeiture, this restriction will, if necessary, continue into the second innings.

ii) The player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until, in the aggregate, he/she has returned to the field and/or their side’s innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which they were absent or, if earlier, when their side has lost five wickets.

d. The above restrictions shall not apply if the player has suffered an external blow (as opposed to an internal injury such as a pulled muscle) whilst participating earlier in the match and


consequently been forced to leave the field. Nor shall it apply if the player has been absent for very exceptional and wholly acceptable reasons (other than injury or illness).

e. This restriction shall not apply at the commencement of a new day’s play. f. In the event of a player already being off the field at the commencement of an interruption

in play through ground, weather or light conditions or for other exceptional circumstances, he/she shall be allowed to count any such stoppage time as playing time, provided that he/she personally informs the umpires when he/she is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress.

PLAYERS—REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, GRADING, REPRESENTATIVE, DRESS, CONDUCT

27. Registration a. All applications for registration, approved by the Association Secretary, shall remain valid

until the annual renewal date. All players registered with the Association in any season will have their registrations automatically validated annually until such time as that registration lapses. Players must be registered with the association on the MyCricket website.

b. Individual player registration lapses when: i) The player transfers to another Association or ii) The player is not recorded as playing a match during one complete cricket season.

28. Payment Of fees a. Payment of fees is due at the November General meeting of the Association. Any new

registrations after the November meeting must be paid at the next available meeting of the MRDCA, otherwise such players would be deemed to be unregistered players.

b. The Association will provide each club with a list of current registrations prior to the commencement of each season.

c. New registrations or renewal of lapsed registrations must be lodged not later than with the match scores for the first game in which the player concerned participates.

d. New registrations are welcome at any time during the season, however any player must fulfil the qualification criteria specified in rule 37 to be eligible to play in finals series matches.

e. All renewed registrations must be verified on the player registration list on the Association website and all new and varied registrations must be signed by the player seeking such registration. Until such properly completed player registration lists are entered on the Association website, registration shall not be validated.

f. University, TAFE or school students whose parents’ home is within the boundaries of the Association, and who wish to play cricket whilst visiting home, must provide a clearance from their club, together with confirmation of present grading.

g. Any club playing an unregistered or out of grade player shall be penalised as per rule 5(d) for any matches in which said player has participated.

h. The participation of junior cricketers in the MRDCA matches is most welcome. i. A Junior player is defined as a player under the age of 16 on September 1st of the current

season, regardless of whether they are participating in the junior competition, noting however that restrictions in overs bowled apply to pace bowlers up to the age of19.

j. To ensure that their cricket is enjoyable, rewarding and safe, it is desirable to limit a junior cricketers participation according to the following:


i) A minimum age of 12 years to be observed. ii) Written permission will be required, grade specific. iii) A limit of 8 juniors to play in any one team iv) A junior player may captain a team, provided he is assisted by a senior player. The senior

player must be nominated before the toss, and will be notified to the opposing captain and official umpire (if appointed) at the toss. The senior player will be responsible for the actions of the junior player acting as captain, and should any matter proceed to a judiciary meeting, will be jointly regarded as captain, and where appropriate, will receive the same penalty.

29. Transfers And Clearances a. Any player seeking to relocate to another club, from the club at which he was last registered,

must arrange for the club from which he is relocating to provide a MyCricket Clearance to the Secretary of the Association prior to the player being eligible to play for the new club. MyCricket Transfers are not considered an acceptable form of clearance, and will result in the player being classified as an unqualified player, and penalties will apply as per rule 6(d).

b. Players that are new to the area are to be nominated to a grade by their club on a provisional basis, and the club must provide a playing history to justify the nominated grade. The Association or the Grading committee reserves the right to re-grade or otherwise impose restrictions on the player if it is considered that their performance or ability indicates that they should be graded to a higher level. Where a person’s playing history is unclear, it is recommended that the executive committee should be consulted before that person participates in a match.

c. Any players that have not previously played senior cricket are not required to get a clearance prior to playing in the MRDCA for the first time.

d. Any club providing a clearance for a player signifies, whether express or implied, that the relocating player has fulfilled all obligations to that club and is free of debt to that club. Furthermore, the club cannot later pursue the relocating player for any monies subsequently discovered to be owing.

e. Any club, upon receiving a request for clearance from a player, shall act upon the request in a diligent and prompt manner, and shall not delay advising the Association Secretary without sound reason.

f. If a club has not provided the Association Secretary with a decision on the application within 7 days of having received it, the Executive Committee of the Association may, upon request from the relocating player, intervene on the player’s behalf and make a ruling on the clearance after making whatever enquiries, if any, which the Committee deems necessary.

g. Any player may be registered with only one club at a time. Mid-season relocations are allowed when the following conditions are met: i) The player receives a full clearance from their original club. Note: The original club has

the right to decline a clearance after the player has played at least one match in the current season, even when all financial obligations have been met.

ii) The player is not under any form of suspension from the original club and/or the Association.

NB: the word “club(s)” is also deemed to read as “team(s)”.


30. Gradings a. Each player who participated in the previous MRDCA season shall be graded by the Grading

Committee prior to the commencement of the current season. Each club shall be notified of the gradings relative to that club.

b. Grading guidelines. The following guidelines will be used to determine player grading: i) Players aged 40 or over on the 1st September prior to the current season will be

ungraded. ii) Players registered with a MJCA club for the current season will be ungraded. iii) Players aged under 18 on the 1st September prior to the current season will be graded

no higher than 2nd grade. iv) Ungraded players are free to play in any grade. v) Note that the above points are guidelines only, and may not be applied in all cases.

c. The Grading Committee will review all gradings periodically throughout the season at its discretion. All revised gradings will be advised to affected clubs.

d. No player shall play in a grade lower than that for which they are graded, but may participate in a higher grade. The playing of an ineligible player shall render the team liable to penalty as per rule 5(c), with the opposition team receiving maximum points scored by any team in that round.

e. Clubs may appeal gradings (of their own players only) in writing as follows: i) After the initial grading for the season and prior to the commencement of the

competition. ii) After 3 matches have been completed following a review of grading by the Committee.

f. Any request for regrading must be made by Club Secretaries to the MRDCA Secretary by the Wednesday before the next Association meeting.

g. Any player who misses 1 or more seasons of cricket and then returns to play, and most recently played in the MRDCA, must resume at the level at which he was last graded, unless successful application for regrading is made in accordance with rule 30(f).

h. New players (i.e. never played before) are effectively ungraded and free to play in any grade. i. Players who have most recently played in a senior association other than the MRDCA, must

apply for grading prior to participating in the MRDCA, by 5pm of the Wednesday prior to playing their first match in the MRDCA.

j. Applications for grading must be submitted to the Grading Committee no later than 5pm on the Wednesday prior to the commencement of the game in which the player wishes to commence play in the MRDCA.

k. Mentor rule. Clubs may apply to the Executive committee to have a player regraded under the mentor rule. Any player designated as a mentor shall be bound by limitations as defined with their grading, in accordance with the following: i) May only bowl up to a specified number of overs in an innings. ii) Must retire at a specified number of runs. iii) Where a mentor has retired, they may resume their innings at the fall of the second last

wicket, e.g. where a team has 11 players, the mentor may resume their innings at the fall of the ninth wicket.

iv) Breach of a mentor player’s restrictions shall render the team liable to penalty as per rule 5(d).


31. Two Teams In Same Grade a. A club can field two teams in the same grade only after:

i) The club is represented in all grades, or, ii) On receiving written approval from the Executive Committee.

b. Where a club has two teams in the same grade: i) The teams shall be deemed to be separate teams and no player shall be exchanged

between the teams over the course of the season. The two teams shall play each other in the first match of the season to determine the players in each team.

ii) Players first playing for either team later than the first match of the season will be bound to the team for which they first play.

iii) The teams are not permitted to play each other in the final two rounds of the competition.

iv) Each of the teams must have a separate MyCricket recorder. Failure to comply will render each team liable to penalty as per rule 8(e).

32. Representative And Inter-district Players a. Replacement of representative players in two day games shall be allowed as follows:

i) A player selected in any representative match under the direction and control of the Australian Cricket Board or the New South Wales Cricket Association or the Mid North Coast Cricket Council, or Junior Associations or Councils, whether so selected before or after the commencement of a match in which he will be or so currently playing, may be replaced in that match on either day (as applicable) by another registered player from the same or lower grade.

ii) The principle of this replacing of a player shall apply to all lower grade teams in the club involved, e.g. If a rep player in 1st Grade is replaced by a 2nd grade player, then that 2nd grade player can be replaced by a 3rd grade player and be eligible to have the same playing rights.

iii) The replacement player shall have the same playing rights as the player being replaced. iv) In the event of a replaced player being not out at stumps on day one, his substitute can

continue his innings for the purpose of having his wicket taken. However, the recorder shall score the two innings separately for the purpose of recording individual performances. For the purpose of calculating wickets fallen, bonus points and wicket averages the two players shall count as one wicket, as long as the continuing batsman is dismissed.

b. A representative player selected to represent the MRDCA in inter-district competition including the SCG cup, and any other competition which the Association has entered, and not giving four days’ notice of unavailability to the Team Manager, will face a penalty of not being permitted to play for their club for 4 playing days, as determined by the Association, provided that the following conditions have been met: i) The player was informed of their selection no later than seven days prior to the

representative match. ii) The player cannot provide sufficient reason to the Association for their failure to play.

c. Representative players in First XI and Colts XI are encouraged to wear correct playing apparel while representing the MRDCA in Inter-district Competition.

d. Inter-district results should be passed on to the Association Secretary for recording in the minutes.


33. Dress Regulations And Logos a. No player shall be allowed to participate in any grade if he is not fully and correctly attired.

That is white or cream shirt, trousers (or shorts, 3rd Grade or lower only) and socks. Spiked shoes are banned on synthetic pitches.

b. All batsmen under 16 must wear helmets when batting in games and in the nets. c. Club logos and sponsor’s advertising will be strictly limited to being applied to shirts.

Advertising on trousers is prohibited. d. Club colours may be worn with the prior approval of the Executive Committee. e. Officially appointed umpires are specifically empowered to refuse entry or to remove from

the playing field any player who is not properly attired. 34. Alcohol Policy

a. The consumption of alcohol by a player or club/Association official, either participating in or involved in a game organised by the MRDCA, is not permitted.

b. Where such action is believed to be a contributing factor in behaviour or spirit of the game breaches, then the matter may be subject to a report and reference to the Judiciary process.

c. Note that Greater Taree City Council policy does not permit alcohol on the playing area of the Taree Regional Recreational Ground or glass bottles on any council field (On the spot fines may be imposed).

d. However, consumption of alcohol off the playing field by spectators and incidents that may arise, are not within the power of the Association, but it is expected that clubs will take some control where spectators are supporters of their club.

FINALS SERIES

35. Order Of Play a. For competitions of 5 or more teams (3 week format):

i) After positions in the Competition have been determined, the order of semi-final play shall be: 1v2 and 3v4.

ii) The winner of 1v2 shall progress directly to the grand final, while the loser of 1v2 will play the winner of 3v4 in the preliminary final for the right to the second spot in the grand final.

iii) If position number 2 team defeats position number 1 team and is first into the Grand Final, then team number 2 is then classed as the higher ranked team for the purpose of wet weather results.

b. For competitions of less than 5 teams (2 week format): i) After positions in the Competition have been determined, the order of semi-final play

shall be: Position number 1 team progresses straight to the Grand Final and 2v3. ii) The winner of 2v3 shall progress to the grand final.

c. Where a division is split into two grades (see Competition Framework), the fixtures committee will make a recommendation to the executive committee on the make-up of two newly created grades.

d. Where a division is split into two grades (see Competition Framework), any competition points gained prior to the split will carry forward.

e. Order of play for T20 and One Day sub-competitions shall be position number 1 v 2.


36. No Result a. Finals series games shall be played over Saturday and Sunday of the one weekend

(irrespective of weather) and in the event that no result is reached, the team occupying the higher position on the competition points score table shall be declared the winner (with the exception of rule 35(a)).

b. Regardless of whether a game continues on to end in a draw, a win on the first innings shall be sufficient to declare a team as winner, and only an outright win or tie may overturn a first innings win.

c. At the discretion of the fixtures committee, there may also be reserve days or a reserve weekend set aside for the Grand Final in the event of wet weather.

37. Player Qualification And Grade a. A player must play in a minimum of 20% of available playing days in current season matches

in a grade to be eligible to participate in finals series matches for that grade. T20 matches count as half a day in the context of the broader competition.

b. Any player may play in a higher grade finals series game (subject to qualification), however they may not play in a grade lower than that which they have qualified.

c. Where a grade is split mid-season, matches played both before and after the split will count towards qualification for the finals. Example: If a player is graded 3rd grade, then to qualify for the 3rd grade finals that player must play in a minimum of 20% of the available 3rd grade playing days during the season. The number of days played in higher grades is irrelevant where a person has met the qualification criteria in any particular grade. This scenario would also make the player eligible to play in 2nd or 1st grade finals matches.

d. Qualification criteria for any sub competitions, e.g. one day competition, will be advised by the Executive Committee when and if required.

e. Players that relocate mid-season in accordance with rule 29(g) must satisfy the qualification criteria with their new club, as stated in rules 37(a) to 37(d), to be eligible to participate in finals series matches.

38. Ground Allocation a. The higher ranked team for each match will have first right to nominate a ground for a finals

series match excluding the grand final. b. Where both captains agree, a 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade finals series match may be played on a turf

wicket. c. The fixtures committee has the last right to relocate any finals series match.


ADMINISTRATIVE BY-LAWS

39. Code Of Conduct Commission And Commissioner a. A Code of Conduct Commissioner shall be appointed by the Executive Committee when and

if required. He is specifically appointed to sit in judgement on official citing and reports regarding breaches of Code of Conduct Rules set down within this document and/or the MCC Laws. He shall ensure that all hearings are conducted in such a manner as to ensure that the principles of justice and equality of rights prevail at all times.

b. The Code of Conduct Commissioner is empowered to impose penalties upon any player or official whom he finds guilty, and may by the Commission’s resolution: i) Suspend a player or official from participating in all cricket matches for a specified

period of time, including a lifetime where the seriousness of the offence so warrants. ii) Impose a monetary fine upon a player or official. iii) Require a player or official to perform some form of physical restitution. iv) Impose any combination of disciplinary actions contained in points (i), (ii) and (iii).

40. Protocol For Reports a. Any umpire or player intending to report a player, official or club for breaches of the Code of

Conduct must do so in writing within 72 hours of the alleged breach. The report must be to the Association Secretary and state the full particulars of the incident(s) and must name the player(s), officials and / or club(s) concerned.

b. The reporting umpire must attend any judicial hearing, however is not to be cross examined. c. Umpires are to file an Umpire report of each match they umpire and forward to the

Association Secretary. 41. Defendant’s Rights

a. The Association Secretary, in the first instance, shall notify the Code of Conduct Commissioner that a report has been made.

b. The Commissioner shall determine if the person reported should be charged, and at what level. He will so inform the Association Secretary.

c. The Association Secretary shall notify the defendant(s) via their club(s) and briefly outline the nature of the complaint, including the level of the charge(s) as determined by the Commissioner. A date and place for a Code of Conduct Commission hearing of the complaint shall also be advised. This date must be prior to the next round of competition. Such notice shall also advise a defendant of his right to be independently represented at the meeting.

d. Clubs do not have the right to sit in on Judiciary hearings involving their individual players or officials.

e. Defendants, at the discretion of the Commissioner, may be offered the opportunity of pleading “guilty” to level 1 & 2 charges. Should they plead guilty, they will receive the minimum sentence appropriate.

f. Should they plead “Not Guilty”, they must attend a meeting of the Judiciary Committee. g. Should a defendant choose not to attend a duly advised Code of Conduct Commission

hearing, their non-attendance shall be taken as an admission of guilt and the matter will be conducted in their absence.

h. Any player or official whom has been charged and found guilty of a similar offence within the preceding 24 months will automatically have their charges elevated by one level.


i. Suspensions will be handed down in scheduled playing days. j. Suspension duration will be determined by the Commission in accordance with the following

points: i) The Commission shall have regard to the player’s or official’s previous participation in

the various formats of matches in order to determine (to the best of its ability) which of the forthcoming matches the player or official is most likely to participate in.

ii) Where necessary, the Commission shall be entitled to consult with the appointed MRDCA rep team managers in order to determine if the player or official is most likely to participate in the next upcoming rep fixture. Any rep fixtures following the next upcoming fixture will not be considered when determining suspension duration.

iii) In so far as is reasonably possible, the Commission shall apply the suspension days to the subsequent matches in which the player or official is most likely to participate in on a chronological basis immediately following the announcement of the decision.

iv) Matches equate to the following number of playing days: (1) A two day match equals 2 playing days. (2) A one day match equals 1 playing day. (3) A T20 match equals 0.5 playing days.

v) The exact number of suspension days shall be applied and within the shortest period available under this paragraph. Example: A player or official who receives a penalty of 2 suspension days, and is scheduled to next participate in a one day match followed by a two day match, shall be ineligible to participate in the one day match and the first playing day of the two day match.

vi) Where a suspension results in a fractional balance, the suspension will be extended to include the next whole playing day to cover the balance. Example: A player or official who receives a penalty of 2 suspension days, and is scheduled to next participate in a one day match followed by a T20 match followed by another one day match, shall be ineligible to participate in the one day match, the T20 and the following one day match.

vii) Where a player or official has his/her suspension days applied to a match that is subsequently cancelled, postponed or otherwise abandoned prior to the actual day on which it is scheduled to take place, then such suspension days must be reallocated to the next subsequent match(es) in which the player or official is most likely to participate.

viii) Where a player or official has his/her suspension days applied to a match that is subsequently cancelled, postponed or otherwise abandoned at any time on the actual day on which it is scheduled to take place, then the suspension days will remain allocated to that match, irrespective of such cancellation, postponement or abandonment.

ix) Bye rounds will not count towards the allocation of suspension days. k. Suspensions must be served in the grade the player or official was suspended in, e.g. the

suspended player or official cannot benefit from the club making the finals in other grades. l. Any competitions sanctioned by the MRDCA shall count towards the duration of a

suspension. 42. Appeals Against Commission Decision

a. Should either a defendant or plaintiff wish to appeal a decision of the Code of Conduct Commissioner, they may do so in writing to the Association Secretary within 72 hours of the original Code of Conduct Commission decision. A $250 bond must accompany an appeal. The bond will be reimbursed where an appeal is upheld. For clarity, a reduction in suspension duration does not constitute an upheld appeal.


b. Notification shall be given to all parties concerned within 72 hours of receipt of the written appeal and the matter shall be heard by a panel of 3 members of the Executive Committee within 7 days of the notification being issued.

c. Any member of the Executive Committee who was part of the Code of Conduct Commission for the initial hearing shall be prohibited from sitting on the panel for the appeal hearing.

d. If after the appeal is heard any party is not satisfied with the outcome, a further appeal may be made to the MNCCC. A $350 bond must accompany an appeal to the MNCCC. The bond will be reimbursed where an appeal is upheld. For clarity, a reduction in suspension duration does not constitute an upheld appeal.

43. Disputes and Protests Arising From Competition a. Disputes and protests must be lodged by club secretaries within 72 hours of the completion

of the game in question. b. Individual’s disputes and protests will not be considered. c. A lodgement fee of $50 must accompany all disputes and protests as well as a fee of $10 per

judiciary member attending hearing. A dispute or protest hearing will not proceed where fees have not been lodged with the dispute.

d. If a dispute or protest is upheld the fee will be refunded; if dismissed the fee will be forfeited.

e. Any dispute lodged outside the 72 hour limit will not be considered. Lodgement will be taken to mean that the written document will be in the hands of the Association Secretary, or would be reasonably expected to be delivered by a third party in the normal course of business, within the 72 hours.

44. Association Finance a. The Association treasurer shall, from time to time, in accordance with resolutions of the

Management Committee, issue accounts for fees. All accounts shall be issued to delegates at the next available Management meeting, and/or via email. Such accounts are payable within 21 days of issue. Any club which has not paid the account within this time shall be deemed as un-financial unless an exemption has been applied for in writing and granted by the Management Committee prior to the expiration of the time within which the account is to be paid.

b. Any club deemed to be un-financial shall receive no further competition points until the club becomes financial. Any club deemed to be un-financial shall be charged a levy of 10% per month until it becomes financial. Un-financial clubs shall be excluded from all finals series.

c. The Management Committee is also empowered to expel an un-financial club from membership of the Association and to refuse re-admission where requests to pay debts have not been honoured.

d. Where a club has become defunct and is in debt to the Association, its members may register with another club. This is on the proviso that they pay their portion of the debt owing OR provide documentary evidence in a form acceptable to the Association that they have fulfilled all their obligations to the defunct club. Such evidence shall include, but not be limited to, proper receipts or a Statutory Declaration that they have fulfilled their obligations. In order that any such evidence provided to the Association by a player may be verified, the Association shall have the power to demand delivery from the last known executive members of the defunct club, of all the financial records of the club to the Secretary of the


Association. Failure to so deliver these records shall not necessarily prejudice a player’s application for re-registration and every such application shall be judged on its own merits. The amount to be paid to the Association by or on behalf of a player shall be calculated by dividing the amount owing at the date the club became defunct by the number of players registered by the club with the Association at that date.

e. The provisions of Rule 44(b) and (c) shall apply to but not be limited to moneys owed to The Association, any umpire for umpiring fees and any monies owed to other clubs in respect of Rule 14(c). At Management Committee discretion, they may be extended to include any debts incurred by a club, particularly, but not restricted to, instances where it is considered that the associated financial mismanagement may bring the Association, the game of Cricket and/or any other club into disrepute.

45. Umpiring Fees a. Umpire fees as set by the Association prior to the season must be paid to the officially

appointed umpire no later than the tea break on the day of the game. b. Such fees will apply to any day on which play has commenced.

46. Club Obligations a. Any member club of the Association which is not represented by at least one delegate at any

Association general meeting shall be penalised as follows: i) $100 fine for first offence during the current season. ii) $200 fine and loss of 5 competition points for second offence during the current season. iii) $300 fine and loss of 10 competition points for third and subsequent offences during the

current season. iv) Points penalties shall be applied to every team in every grade in which the club is

represented. b. Such meetings include all regular season meetings, the AGM, the Planning meeting, and any

other official meeting as notified by the executive. c. Clubs may apply in writing to the Secretary of the MRDCA for leave from any scheduled

Association meeting. Applications for leave must adhere to the following conditions: i) Must be submitted prior to the meeting in question. ii) Must include reasons for requesting leave. Applications for leave will be assessed by the Executive committee as necessary.


GLOSSARY OF TERMS 1. All references to the “Association” shall be taken to mean the Manning River District Cricket

Association Incorporated. 2. The only official abbreviations for the Association shall be:

a) Manning River District Cricket Association Inc. b) MRDCA Inc.

3. The Executive Committee is the group of members elected to carry out the duties of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Presidents and Recorder (referred to in the Constitution as Office Bearers).

4. The Management Committee comprises those persons referred to in paragraph 4(iii) of the Constitution as their authorised Proxies.

5. Abbreviations used herein: a) MCC Marylebone Cricket Club (supreme governing body of world cricket) b) NSWCA New South Wales Cricket Association c) NSWCCA New South Wales Country Cricket Association d) MNCCC Mid North Coast Cricket Council e) MRDCU&SA Manning River District Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (also

referred to as Umpire’s Association) 6. Inter-district Matches is a reference to the one day competition conducted by the MNCCC and

played by representative teams from the respective Associations which comprise the Council area.

7. Any reference to the male gender shall apply equally and fully to the female gender and vice versa.

8. Reference to a Captain making an on field decision or being advised or cautioned by an umpire also refers to the batsman at the wicket who may deputise for the team captain in such circumstances.

9. The abbreviation used for daylight saving time is DST. 10. The web site or www.mrdca.nsw.cricket.com.au are terms used to describe the MRDCA Inc.

online management program.


APPENDIX I

CODE OF CONDUCT 1. This Code of Conduct (the Code) shall apply to all members of the MRDCA Inc. and to all players

registered to it. 2. RULES OF THE CODE

Persons subject to this Code shall not: a) Assault or attempt to assault any umpire, another player or a spectator. b) Abuse an umpire, another player, a spectator, an affiliated club or organisation, either

verbally or physically, in person, by electronic or any other means, e.g. social media. c) Dispute, as distinct from question, an umpire’s or Committee decision, or react in an

obviously provocative or disapproving manner towards an umpire or Committee member, his decision or generally, following an umpire’s or Committee’s decision.

d) Use crude and /or abusive language, or engage in any form of conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game of Cricket (the game), or likely to bring the game into disrepute in person, by electronic or any other means, e.g. social media.

e) In any way use crude or abusive hand signals or other gestures f) Refuse to supply his full name and registered address if required by an umpire for any

reason g) Consume or be affected by alcohol during a match. The penalty (assuming the offence

proven) will be automatic suspension for 4 weeks. Please note that a report may be received from any person.

3. The captain of any club team may be held responsible for any continuing breaches of the Code by any member in his team under any of the subsections of (i) above and may accordingly be disciplined for failure to control his team in the terms of the Laws of Cricket.

4. In the event that any person is disciplined for breaching the Code in any way, the procedures set out in the provisions of rules 39 through 43 of MRDCA Inc. shall apply as if they formed part of the Code.


APPENDIX II

TABLES FOR CALCULATING REDUCTION OF OVERS As in Rule 3(b) and Rule 24

One Day Over Reduction Table Start Finish Minutes Overs

1.00 3.40 160 40 3.50 6.30 160 40

Start Time Overs

Field Restriction

Power Play Overs

Power Play Start

Bowler Max Overs

1.00 40 1 - 12 5 21 - 35 8 1.08 39 1 - 12 5 21 - 35 4 x 8 + 1 x 7 1.16 38 1 - 11 5 21 - 35 3 x 8 + 2 x 7 1.24 37 1 - 11 5 21 - 35 2 x 8 + 3 x 7 1.32 36 1 - 11 5 21 - 35 1 x 8 + 4 x 7 1.40 35 1 - 11 5 21 - 35 7 1.48 34 1 - 10 4 20 - 34 4 x 7 + 1 x 6 1.56 33 1 - 10 4 20 - 33 3 x 7 + 2 x 6 2.04 32 1 - 10 4 20 - 32 2 x 7 + 3 x 6 2.12 31 1 - 9 4 19 - 31 1 x 7 + 4 x 6 2.20 30 1 - 9 4 19 - 30 6 2.28 29 1 - 9 3 19 - 29 4 x 6 + 1 x 5 2.36 28 1 - 8 3 18 - 28 3 x 6 + 2 x 5 2.44 27 1 - 8 3 18 - 27 2 x 6 + 3 x 5 2.52 26 1 - 8 3 18 - 26 1 x 6 + 4 x 5 3.00 25 1 - 8 3 17 - 25 5 3.08 24 1 - 7 2 17 - 24 4 x 5 + 1 x 4 3.16 23 1 - 7 2 17 - 23 3 x 5 + 2 x 4 3.24 22 1 - 7 2 16 - 22 2 x 5 + 3 x 4 3.32 21 1 - 6 2 16 - 21 1 x 5 + 4 x 4 3.40 20 1 - 6 2 16 - 20 4 3.48 19 1 - 6 1 15 - 19 4 x 4 + 1 x 3 3.56 18 1 - 5 1 15 - 18 3 x 4 + 2 x 3 4.04 17 1 - 5 1 14 - 17 2 x 4 + 3 x 3 4.12 16 1 - 5 1 14 - 16 1 x 4 + 4 x 3 4.20 15 1 - 5 1 13 - 15 3

No Play After This Point


Time lost DURING the innings of the team batting 2nd, reduce innings by 1 over for each whole 4 minutes lost.

Minutes Lost

Overs Lost

Minutes Lost

Overs Lost

Minutes Lost

Overs Lost

4 1 40 10 76 19 8 2 44 11 80 20

12 3 48 12 84 21 16 4 52 13 88 22 20 5 56 14 92 23 24 6 60 15 96 24 28 7 64 16 100 25 32 8 68 17 No Play after this point 36 9 72 18

For reduced overs of the team batting 2nd, refer to the “Overs” in the table above for, Field Restrictions, Power Play Overs, Power Play Start and Maximum Overs per Bowler. All times quoted are for the first innings using normal one day playing times. Where play is scheduled differently, times can be adjusted appropriately.


T20 Over Reduction Table Games 1 & 2

For times lost PRIOR to play, reduce innings by 1 over per team for each WHOLE 8 minutes lost.

For time lost DURING INNINGS OF THE TEAM BATTING FIRST reduce innings by 1 over per team for each WHOLE 8 minutes lost.

Game 1

Start Finish Minutes Overs 1.00 2.20 80 20 2.30 3.50 80 20 Game 2

Start Finish Minutes Overs 4.10 5.30 80 20 5.40 7.00 80 20

Start Time Game 1

Start Time Game 2 Overs

Field Restriction Bowler Max Overs

1.00 4.10 20 1 - 6 4 1.08 4.18 19 1 - 6 4 x 4 + 1 x 3 1.16 4.26 18 1 - 5 3 x 4 + 2 x 3 1.24 4.34 17 1 - 5 2 x 4 + 3 x 3 1.32 4.42 16 1 - 5 1 x 4 + 4 x 3 1.40 4.50 15 1 - 5 3 1.48 4.58 14 1 - 4 4 x 3 + 1 x 2 1.56 5.06 13 1 - 4 3 x 3 + 2 x 2 2.04 5.14 12 1 - 4 2 x 3 + 3 x 2 2.12 5.22 11 1 - 3 1 x 3 + 4 x 2 2.20 5.30 10 1 - 3 2 2.28 5.38 9 1 - 3 4 x 2 + 1 x 1 2.36 5.46 8 1 - 2 3 x 2 + 2 x 1 2.44 5.54 7 1 - 2 2 x 2 + 3 x 1 2.52 6.02 6 1 - 2 1 x 2 + 4 x 1 3.00 6.10 5 1 - 2 1

No Play After This Point


Time lost DURING the innings of the team batting 2nd, reduce innings by 1 over for each WHOLE 4 minutes lost. Refer to the table below.

Minutes Lost Overs Lost Minutes Lost Overs Lost 4 1 40 10 8 2 44 11

12 3 48 12 16 4 52 13 20 5 56 14 24 6 60 15 28 7 No Play after this point 32 8 36 9

For reduced overs of the team batting 2nd, refer to the “Overs” in the table above for, Field Restrictions and Maximum Overs per Bowler. All times quoted are for the first innings using normal T20 playing times. Where play is scheduled differently, times can be adjusted appropriately.

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APPENDIX III

SCHEDULE OF FEES 1. Player Registration Fees based on number of matches played during the current season:

a) Junior Player registered with the MJCA: $0 b) Senior Player – 3 or less matches: $20 c) Senior Player – 4 or more matches: $70

2. Insurance fee per team: TBA 3. Presentation fee per team: $80

This entitles each team to 4 seats at the presentation night. 4. Umpires fees:

a) For One Day and Two Day matches: i) 1st Grade $70 per end per day ii) 2nd Grade $60 per end per day iii) 3rd/4th Grade $50 per end per day

b) For T20 matches: i) 1st Grade $35 per end per match ii) 2nd Grade $30 per end per match iii) 3rd/4th Grade $25 per end per match

5. Umpires fees - Grand Finals. a) For One Day and Two Day matches:

i) 1st Grade $100 per end per day ii) 2nd Grade $80 per end per day iii) 3rd/4th Grade $60 per end per day

b) For T20 matches: i) 1st Grade $50 per end per day ii) 2nd Grade $40 per end per day iii) 3rd/4th Grade $30 per end per day

Documents

MANNING RIVER DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION …mrdca.nsw.cricket.com.au/files/2955/files/MRDCA... · 2016. 1. 12. · Season 2015 / 2016 . MRDCA Competition & Playing Rules (v2015.11)