7. Financial Controls

The aim of financial control measures is to ensure the proper conduct of financial affairs of the NPCL, to protect League assets and to protect individual officers of the League.

7.1 Quarterly meetings

Finance meetings of the Executive Committee will be held quarterly to review League finances.

These finance meetings will be held in:

November (as soon after the year end as possible)

February

May

August

7.2 Budgeting

The NLEC will anticipate expenditure over the financial year based on the expenditure of previous years and any other known factors.

For those operational areas to which an annual budget is allocated, a subsidiary on-line bank account may be opened under the authorisation of the Executive Committee.

The Treasurer may delegate day-to-day control over this subsidiary account to a designated budget holder.

The operational areas to which an annual budget may be allocated include:

(a) Junior development and LCF Inter-League Competition

(b) Grounds & Facilities Development Fund

(c) League & Cup Competitions

(d) Annual Presentation Evening

(e) Any other specified operational area which incurs predictable costs

7.3

Budget holders who are controlling a subsidiary account will be required to submit to the League Treasurer, a spreadsheet recording up-to-date expenditure and income, 7 days prior to a quarterly finance meeting.

7.4 Multiple signatories:

All Cheques issued by the NPCL must be signed and counter-signed.

The signatories authorised by the Management Committee are: The Treasurer, the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and the Deputy Treasurer.

Any cheques issued shall be signed by the Treasurer plus any one of the other nominated signatories.

All payments made from an on-line account will be set up by the Treasurer and then executed by the second corporate administrator or one of the other two signatories.

In the case of subsidiary on-line accounts, digital payments must be executed by TWO nominated administrators who have been authorised by the NLEC.

7.5 Audit Trail

Records of all income ie:

(a) Raised invoices

(b) Receipts

(c) Membership fees

(d) Digital and printed bank statements need to be maintained.

Records of all expenditure i.e:

(a) Digital and printed bank statements

(b) Cheque book stubs

(c) Invoices

(d) Receipts

need to be maintained.

8. Reimbursement of Expenses

Any officer of the League incurring expenses should have prior authorisation from the Treasurer.

Claims for reimbursement for expenses incurred, must be accompanied by an email explaining those expenses.

Claims for reimbursement of expenses should be supported by a bona fide receipt, or bona fideIn one-off instances where a receipt is not available a self-raised receipt should ideally be drawn up and signed by the person receiving the reimbursement.

9. Auditing

9.1 The Chairman and President of the NPCL are authorised to carry out an internal audit at any time.

9.2 Subject to prior approval by the Executive Committee, the Treasurer shall appoint external auditors to audit and sign-off the end of year accounts. This is a professional service for which a commensurate cost will be incurred. This to be negotiated by the Treasurer.

10. Winding Up

In the event of winding up, the assets of the League shall be divided up between the member clubs on a basis decided by the Executive Committee.

Playing Conditions

Rules general to all competitions

All matches to be played under the latest edition of the MCC Laws of Cricket except as provided for in this section. ALL matters arising in the competitions not covered by the Rules and Playing Conditions of the NPCL shall be referred to the NLEC for a decision

1 - Young Players

The NPCL will operate the current version of any of the ECB's regulations that affect young players and it is the responsibility of the Clubs through their captains to ensure that they are carried out.

The Umpires MUST be given a full team list with the ages and restrictions on any young player before the start of the game

2 Cricket Balls

The NPCL shall supply cricket balls which shall be deemed the only official match ball in both League and Cup matches.

The NLMC to select a suitable ball for each season.

For all matches each side must provide an approved unused ball

3 - Rolling of Pitches

As MCC Law 9.1.

4 - Late Starts

The Club responsible for a "late start" or delay after the interval between innings will be fined £5.00 for up to 10 minutes lost and thereafter at the rate of £1 per minute up to a maximum of fine of £20.00.

Clubs can appeal against the imposition of this fine using the NPCL's Appeals Procedure.

Umpires shall report late starts on the match card and also report the matter by phone to the Secretary of the NPCL.

5 - Default in Fulfilment of Fixtures

Any club or team failing to fulfil a fixture fixture shall be subject to a fine of £100 on the first occasion and £200 thereafter payable to the NPCL within 14 days together with a 15 point deduction for themselves with 15 points awarded to the opposition.
Additionally they shall be responsible for any costs incurred by the opposition either by way of traveling expenses or catering costs

The NPCL's Disciplinary Committee shall investigate the circumstances when a Club fields a team of fewer than 11 players in a match and shall have the power to impose a penalty.

Advisory Note A match can be played with a minimum of 7 players in a team. If a club can field 7 players there is no reason for default

6 - Practice

Practice by players prior to a match shall cease ten minutes before the start of the game.
No practice is allowed during the course of the game except at the tea interal.

7 - Boundaries and Boards

Law 19 applies in all matches

8 - Overs

An over will consist of six fair balls and no underarm bowling will be allowed

If during a game a bowler is unable to complete an over, the remaining balls shall be bowled by another bowler

9 - Drinks

Drinks intervals shall be arranged before the toss. If the Captains and Umpires disagree then the decision will rest with the umpires

10 - Drying the Ball

MCC Law 41 3.2.3 is extended to allow a player the use of sawdust to dry the ball under the supervision of the umpires as well as an Umpire approved cloth/towel.

11 - Ball Deliverey

MCC Law 21.7 shall apply to all matches

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NPCL CHAMPIONSHIP RULES

1 - Fixtures

All games shall be played on the dates published in the fixture list for that season.
Start times are agreed by the NLMC prior to the season and published with the fixture list.

In extraordinary circumstances the NLEC can sanction the move of a fixture to another date, venue or starting time.

2 - Points

Fifteen points for a win by a side batting first

Fifteen points for a win by a side batting second

Six points in a drawn game to the side batting first.

One point in a drawn game to the side batting second who attain 70% of the target score.

The target score is 1 more than the side batting first

Five points to each side in the event of a tie**
where the scores are equal the side batting second is bowled out

Five points to each side when a game is declared void.

Bonus Points

Bonus points shall NOT be awarded to a winning side. They shall only be awarded in a drawn, a tied game or to the losing side.
In all calculations unless stated otherwise, any calculations resulting in decimal points follow the general convention of rounding up from 5 and down from 4

Batting Bonus Points

Bonus points for Side Batting first

One point for scoring 150 runs

Two points for scoring 175 runs

Three points for scoring 200 runs or more.

In a reduced over game, batting bonus points for the side batting first shall be calculated as follows:
1 point for reaching a scoring rate of 3 runs per over*
2 points for reaching a scoring rate of 3.5 runs per over*
3 points for reaching a scoring rate of 4 runs per over*

*These calculations must be rounded up.The scoring rate shall be calculated by dividing the number of runs scored by the actual number of overs bowled or part thereof.

Bonus points for Side Batting Second

One point for scoring 80% of 1st innings total

Two points for scoring 85% of 1st innings total

Three points for scoring 90% of 1st innings total

Bowling Bonus Points

One point for taking five wickets

Two points for taking seven wickets

Three points for taking nine wickets

In a reduced over game the number of wickets required for bonus points shall be calculated as follows:
number of overs actually bowled divided by 50 multiplied by 5, 7, 9.

For example: If the reduced number of overs is 40, 40/50 x 5 = 4, thus 4 wickets are required to obtain 1 bonus point.
40/50 x 7 = 5.6 thus 6 wickets are required to obtain 2 bonus points
40/50 x 9 = 7.2 thus 7 wickets are required to obtain 3 bonus points

4 - Championship Winners

The Club having the highest number of points at the end of the season shall be considered the Champions and they shall be entitled to hold the Championship Trophy for 12 months.

In the event of 2 or more clubs gaining the same number of points, the side with the most wins will be champions.

The Championship Trophy shall be shared in the event of 2 teams having the same number of points and the same number of wins

The same principal will be used to determine the order in the League Tables where clubs have the same number of points.

5 - Game Format

Normal Match Times

Normal Match Times
1st innings 1-00pm - 4-00pm
Tea interval 4-00pm - 4-30pm
2nd innings 4-30pm - 7-30pm.
NB Finishing times may vary (see below - minimum over rate)

Play will commence at 1-00 pm except for the final fixture/s when play will commence at 12-30 pm. Times of play shall be published prior to the commencement of the season in the NPCL handbook.

The interval between innings will be 30 minutes

Length of Game

100 overs with 50 overs for each team.

Any complete overs not used in the first innings due to a side being bowled out or a declaration are added on to the overs for the second innings.

If a side batting first has not received its maximum number of overs or if the side batting second has not received its designated number of overs by the time for the end of the innings, play shall continue until they are completed and the bowling side will be liable to 'slow over rate' provisions.

A match in which a side batting second is not bowled out will be a draw.

A match in which the scores are equal and the side batting second is bowled out will be a tie

There shall be a 30 yard circle and at least 4 fielders must be in that circle at all times

Overs Limit

No bowler may bowl more than 17 overs regardless of rain affected play.

6 - Minimum Over Rate

Overs shall be bowled at an overall rate of 17 overs per hour.

Time allowance is 3hours for 50 overs with changes at the rate of 3.5 minutes per over

After making allowances for drinks intervals and any extraordinary events, umpires MUST report any team not bowling their overs in the designated time for 'slow over rate'>

At the start of each innings the umpires MUST inform the Captains and scorers the number of overs to be bowled and the agreed time for the end of the innings or close of play.

Umpires shall advise captains of the over rate at intervels during the innings. The captain is responsible for the over rate of his side

The scoreboard MUST have a display that shows the number of overs bowled in the innings and the over in profress. ( a scoreboard that counts down can show the number of overs to completion but a scoreboard that counts up must show the number of overs for the innings separately

7 - Slow Over Rate Penalties

Slow pver rates shall be penalised as follows:
2 point deduction for each of the first two occaisions
3 point deduction for the third occasion
4 points for the fourth occasion
5 points for the fifth/sunsequent occasions

Deductions shall be automatic but clubs can appeal using the NPCL Appeals Procedure

Umpires shall report 'slow over' rates on the match card, inform the Captain/Official of the team concerned and also inform the Secretary of the NPCL as soon as possible after the match

8 - Delays in play

The captains shall at the outset of the game agree the of fitness of the ground and light for play.
In the event of disagreement the umpires's decision shall be final.

Once the game has commenced the Umpires shall be in control of all matters relating to the fitness of the ground and light for play

If there is a delay caused by some other event than rain (eg a major injury) and the length of delay could lead to an unacceptable finnishing time then the captains can agree to treat the stoppage as a 'rain delay' , in the case of disageement the umpires decision shsll be final

9 - Rain Delays

Deduction of overs for time lost due to rain only applies when more than 30 minutes of playing time has been lost whether that time has been lost in the 1st or 2nd innings.

When 30 minutes of playing time have been lost due to rain during the first innings or there is a delayed start of more than 30 minutes due to rain, 1 over is deducted for every complete 7 minutes lost from both the 1st and 2nd innings

Provided 30 minutes in total have been lost any further time lost in the second innings shall result in 1 over for every completed 3.5 minutes lost will be deducted.

Umpires should make every effort to maximise playing time by taking tea during the rain break if convenient. In the=is case 10 minutes interval should be allowed for the interval between innings. The 20 minutes saved should be used in calculating the remaining overs

In the event of rain interfering during the hours of play the whole of the pitch should be covered if covers are available

Target Score Adjustment

When rain affects play during the second innings, the target score for the team batting second is reduced as follows:-
Calculate the target run rate by dividing the 1st innings score by the number of overs they received, then halve this number, then multiply by the number of overs lost in the second innings
This final figure shall then be deducted from the target score to create a new target score.
e.g. 1st innings score 169 off 40 overs 169/40 = 4.22, 50% of 4.22 = 2.11
2.11 x 7 (No of overs lost in 2nd innings) = 14.77
new target score is 169 - 14.77 = 154.23
If the side batting second score 154-8 the match is a draw, if the side batting second scoe 155 they are the winni

NB Where the calculation of the new target score is an exact whole number then, 1 run should be added to calculate the new target score e.g. 200/50 = 4.00, 50% of 4 = 2, 2 x 20 (no of overs lost in 2nd innings) = 40. 200 - 40 = 160.
The new target score would be 160+1 off 30 overs. New target score 161
If team batting second reach the same exact whole number (i.e. in the example above 160), the game shall be a draw unless the team batting second is all out then game will be a tie.

If after commencement of the second innings further time/overs are lost then the new target score must be recalculated using the formula above.

In fixing the amended new target score, run rates shall be calculated to the second decimal place and shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For these purposes any part over received will constitute a full over.

If the side batting 1st declares within the total number of overs it was ENTITLED to receive rather than the number of overs ACTUALLY received the run rate will be calculated on 50 OVERS.

Should a side be dismissed within the total number of overs it was ENTITLED to receive, the run rate shall be calculated by dividing the runs scored by the number of overs ACTUALLY received (any part of an over received will constitute a full over)

When a minimum of 20 overs have been completed in the 2nd innings and the match is abandoned the result shall be determined by recalculating the target by the number of overs lost.

If the team batting 2nd does not receive 20 overs the match will be void and each side awarded 4pts. UNLESS
1 The new target score as in examples below is reached before the 20 overs have been bowled.

The side batting first batted their full 50 overs or declared, their run rate would be the same e.g. 200 - 4 dec in 40 overs, 200/50 = 4 50% of 4 = 2 40 x 2 = 80

The Target score is 200 -80 = 120 + 1 - 121
Taking the declaration example. the target score in 20 overs is 121

2 The side batting first is dismissed for 200 in 40 overs. 200/40 = 5 50% of 5 = 2.5

2.50 x 40 (overs bowled out in) =100

The target score is 200-100 = 100 + 1 - 101

Taking the dismissed example the target score in 20 overs will be 101

NB If in this example the side batting second score 84 - 8 in 18 overs , rain stops play and there is no further play, the match will be void.

If there have been rain interruptions and a target has been set off 20 overs then the side batting 2nd will win on run rate even if they reach the target in less than 20 overs

Game Times for Rain affected Matches

The latest time a game can start is 4.45pm and a 50 over game is played.

The side batting first must receive 25 overs which shall be bowled by 6.15pm unless the batting Captain wishes to declare or the side is all out.(Any complete overs not bowled are added to the total of overs for the second innings).

The second innings will commence at 6.25pm and in a minimum of 25 overs must be bowled by 8.00pm.

A game shall be declared void if either the side batting first does not receive a minimum of 25 overs (unless there is a declaration or the side is bowled out) or the side batting second does not receive 20 overs.
If the match is called off after 20 overs are bowled in the second innings in the result is a draw.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Normally both teams must report to the ground before making a decision about the fitness of the ground for play.
However in the event of severe weather conditions when there is NO prospect of the match being played, the match can be called off two and a half hours before the scheduled start without the away team travelling subject to the following conditions:

a) Officials of both teams agree.

b) The weather forecast and the weather conditions are such that the state of the pitch and/outfield means that there would be no chance of the game starting by the latest time allowable by the rules, even if the usual drying methods are employed.

c) The ground is inspected and the decision confirmed by an independent Umpire.

The NWACO shall provide a geographically based list of Umpires for the Clubs to contact.

The Home Club must report the abandonment of the fixture to the NLEC Fixture Secretary and inform the appointed Umpires and the Umpires Secretary.

The Inspecting Umpire must give a brief report to the NLEC's Fixture Secretary by phone.

The appointed Umpire shall be entitled to a fee for a void game.

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CUP COMPETITIONS

Cup competitons are played under the rules of the NPCL unless they are replaced by rules specific to the Cup Competition

THE TWENTY/20 READERS CUP

The Readers Twenty/20 Cup shall be played in accordance with ECB Natwest Twenty/20 Competition Rules and Regulations unless they are replaced or amended by specific rules mentioned at 3.

1 - Eligibility

All players must be registered by the club with the NPCL and must not have played for another club in any other adult Saturday League in the current season unless officially transferred to an NPCL club.

The Club Professional and Overseas players is eligible to play.

2 - Twenty/20 Cup Format

The Competition will be played in two groups of 6 clubs (determined by an open draw)as follows:

Group 1 - St Annes, Lancaster, Garstang, Chorley, Netherfield, Leyland

Group 2 - Morecambe, Blackpool, Longridge, Fleetwood, Fulwood & Broughton, Kendal

Group matches will be played on a specific Saturday or Sunday with no reserve date.

Each club shall host the other clubs in their group on a 'Round Robin' basis.

The host club plays the remaining clubs in their group on the same day.

The Round Robin dates for the 2018 season are as follows:

Sunday 6 May
Hosts: - Penrith, Garstang, Blackpool, Chorley

Sunday 27 May
Hosts: - Barrow, Fulwood & Broughton, Fleetwood, Leyland

Sunday 17 June
Hosts: - Netherfield, Morecambe, St Annes, Preston

Points will be awarded as follows: 2 points for a win 1 point for an uncompleted match

The Group Winners shall be the teams with the most points at the end of the 'Round Robin' stage.

In the event of a tie the winning team shall be the club with the highest net run rate over the whole of the group stage.

The 4 winners will go forward to the 'Finals Day'.

A draw of the 4 winning clubs shall take place to determine which club will host the Finals Day.

Finals Day for the 2018 season are as follows: Sun 1 July Sun 15 July (reserve date) 3 Additional T20 Rules

Any Club or Team failing to fulfil a fixture shall be subject to a fine of £200 payable to the NPCL within 14 days and a 15 point deduction of League points.

They shall also be responsible for any costs incurred by the host Club either by way of travelling expenses, Umpire's expenses, or catering costs.

Note:
Clubs may consider the deduction of League points for a Cup competition to be harsh.

However, the NLEC consider that Clubs must be discouraged from failing to fulfil a fixture even if they consider they have no chance of progressing in the competition as this would be a great dis-service to the host Club in the Round Robin stage.

In the Round Robin stages matches shall commence at 12.00 noon and 3.30 pm.

On Finals Day matches shall commence at 11.00 am, 2.00 pm, and 5.00 pm.

The scores must be entered on www.play-cricket.com by 12.00 midnight and scorecards must also be entered on www.play-cricket.com within 24 hours of completion of the last game by the host Club.

Coloured clothing shall be worn.

A match shall be deemed to be uncompleted where there has been no play or the side batting second has received less than 5 overs.

In the event of bad weather preventing play or completion of the match there shall not be a 'bowl out' to determine the result unless otherwise stated in these rules and the match shall be declared an uncompleted match.

In the Round Robin stage each side shall receive 1 point in an uncompleted match.

Net run rate in an uncompleted match shall not count towards the calculation of the net run rate over the whole of the Round Robin stage

Net run rate is defined as follows: the difference between your run rate and the opposition's run rate i.e. the runs scored per over minus the runs conceded per over.

Apart from uncompleted matches (see above) the net run rate is calculated over all the games in the Round Robin stage on a cumulative basis.

Round Robin stage and Finals Day: In the event of the side in the first innings batting for longer than the side in the second innings the target score shall be decided by average run rate based on the number of legitimate balls faced.

Delete Natwest Rule 10.2-10.5, BUT 10.5.1-10.5.14 re: 'one over per side eliminator' shall apply except in 10.5.11 where the words '...if the original match was a tie under the D/L method, clause 10.3.13 immediately applies. Otherwis... shall be deleted i.e. 10.5.11 shall read for this purpose

'in the event of the teams having the same score after the one over per side eliminator has been completed the team whose batsmen hit the most number of boundaries combined from its two innings in both the main match and in the one over per side eliminator shall be the winner'.

The result of a completed match on the first Finals Day shall stand. An uncompleted match on the First Finals Day shall be played on the reserve Finals Day.

If there is an uncompleted match on the reserve Finals Day the result shall be determined by a 'bowl out'.

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The 40 Over League Cup

1 Format

All players taking part in the competition shall be registered members of their respective clubs in accordance with NPCL rules.

All member clubs of the NPCL shall compete.

The gate money for the Final after deduction of the Umpires' expenses shall be split between the two clubs.

All matches shall be played using pink balls.

2 Playing Conditions

All games will commence at 2 pm (1.30 pm for the Semi-Final, and 1 pm for the Final).

The Interval between Innings shall be 30 minutes during which tea will be taken.

If there is a long break due to weather conditions tea if possible shall be taken during the stoppage.

The Interval between Innings will then be 10 minutes.

Each game shall consist of forty 6 ball overs to each side with bowlers limited to a maximum of 8 overs.

If for any reason a bowler can not complete an over and it is completed by another player then the part over will count as a complete over so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.

In a shortened game no bowler can bowl more than a fifth of available overs except when the number of overs is not divisible by 5 when up to four bowlers can bowl an extra over
e.g. in a 32 over match three bowlers can bowl 6 overs and two can bowl 7.

Each Innings shall be completed in 2 hours 35 minutes. If not the Umpires shall award 6 runs to the batting side for each complete over bowled after 2 hours 35 minutes.

No balls shall count as two runs and an extra ball. In addition the delivery following the 'no ball' called for a foot fault shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing.

If the free ball is not a legitimate delivery (i.e. any sort of 'no ball' or a wide) then the next delivery will be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing.

For any free hit the striker can only be dismissed under the circumstances that apply for a 'no ball' even if the delivery is called a 'wide ball'.

Field changes are allowed for a free hit delivery.

Bowlers will be limited to 1 fast short pitched delivery per over.

The bowler and the other Umpire must be informed when such a delivery has been bowled.

Any subsequent short delivery will be called a 'no ball'.

A short pitched delivery is defined as one that passes or would have passed over the shoulder of the batsman standing upright on the crease.

In the event of a tie the side losing the least wickets will be the winner.

If both sides are all out the faster scoring side will be the winner (runs per over).
If the result is still not produced then the side scoring most runs in the first 25 overs will be the winner, then if still equal the first 20 overs, then 15 overs.

Restrictions on the placement of fielders:

At the instant of delivery a minimum of 4 fielders plus the bowler and wicket keeper must be within the area bounded by two semicircles centred on each middle stump each with a radius of 30 yards joined by parallel lines on each side of the pitch.

The fielding circles should be marked by painted white dots at 5 yard intervals covered with a white plastic or rubber disc measuring 7" diameter.

No more than 5 fielders shall be positioned on the leg side i.e. between fine leg and long on inclusive.

For the first 15 overs of each Innings only two fielders are permitted to be outside the field restriction circle at the instant of delivery.

For the remaining overs 5 fielders are allowed outside the field restriction circle at the instant of delivery.

In circumstances where the number of overs in an Innings is reduced, the number of overs for which the restrictions apply will be one third of the overs (fractions to be ignored).

In the event of an infringement of the above restrictions the Umpire shall call 'no ball'.

Interruptions for Weather:

If the Captains disagree on the fitness of the conditions for the commencement of play then the Umpires decision is final.

If weather conditions delay the start then after the loss of 20 minutes 1 over is deducted from each Innings for each complete 7 minutes lost.

The minimum number of overs shall not be less than 10 overs to each side. No bowler may bowl more than one fifth of the available overs.

If there is a break during the first Innings then the match is decided on run rate.

The side batting first completes the SCHEDULED number of overs for the Innings and the run rate is calculated.

NB A side declaring or being bowled out will for run rate purposes be deemed to have received its full complement of overs.

The SCHEDULED number of overs is the number of overs the game COMMENCES as.

If the game COMMENCES as a 40 over a side game, the team batting first MUST receive 40 overs.

If the game COMMENCES as a 30 over a side game, then the team batting first MUST receive 30 overs, etc.

The Umpires will determine the playing time left up to 8 pm.
Up to 7.30 pm for a 1.30 pm start.
Up to 7 pm for a 1 pm start.

Umpires will calculate the number of overs for the second Innings at a rate of 1 over for every 3.5 minutes of the remaining playing time.

Umpires should make every effort to maximise the playing time by, if it is convenient, taking tea during a rain break and allowing 10 minutes break between Innings.

The winner will be the side with the highest run rate subject to the provisions below (see provisions).

If there is a break in the second Innings then the number of overs will be reduced by one over for each complete 3.5 minutes lost and the winner will be the team with the highest run rate subject to the provisions below.

Provisions

10 or more overs have been bowled.
The side batting second has not lost wickets as follows:
More than 2 wickets: up to 10 overs to be received
More than 3 wickets: 11 - 15 overs to be received
More than 4 wickets: 16 - 20 overs to be received
More than 5 wickets: 21 - 25 overs to be received
More than 6 wickets: 26 - 30 overs to be received
More than 7 wickets: 31 - 35 overs to be received
More than 8 wickets: 36 - 40 overs to be received

Example: Team A scores 160 runs in 40 overs i.e. a run rate of 4.0 per over
The second Innings is shortened by 7 overs to 33 overs.
Team B has 33 overs to score 33 x 4 plus 1 i.e. a target of 133 runs in order to have a greater run rate than Team A.

However the above table shows that if the eighth wicket falls before Team B scores 133 then Team A wins.

If the conditions are such that no play is possible or that the game can not be played according to the rules for a rain affected game then the game must be settled by a bowl out.

Except for the Final where there will be a reserve date. Rules for bowl outs o The Captains will agree a suitable pitch on or off the normal playing area.

The pitch will be 22 yards long. Both teams will bowl from the same end which will have normal crease markings.

Balls must be overarm and delivered according to the laws.

Any such ball striking the stumps will count as a wicket providing a bail falls to the ground and it is not necessary for the ball to pitch before striking the stumps.

Any strike on the stumps by a no ball will not count as a wicket and there will be no extra ball.

Each Captain must submit a list of players in order of bowling to the Umpire.

The Captain winning the toss of a coin will decide which team bowls first.

Players from the teams will then bowl alternately until all 11 players from each team have bowled.

In the event of a tie the players will bowl again in the same order until a decision is reached by 'sudden death'.

A team with less than 11 players will forfeit the deliveries of the missing players.

If conditions are unfit for a bowl out then the decision can be made by the toss of a coin.

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ECB PREMIER LEAGUE DISCIPLINARY REGULATIONS 2018 ADOPTED BY THE NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

CONTENTS AIMS AND JURISDICTION

1. CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPIRIT OF CRICKET

2. BREACHES

3. PROCEDURE

4. DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

5. PENALTIES

6. APPEALS

7. NON-PAYMENT OF FINES

APPENDIX 1 -BREACHES OF DISCIPLINE

APPENDIX 2 - MUTUAL RECOGNITION

APPENDIX 3 - STANDARD DISCIPLINARY REPORT FORM

AIMS AND JURISDICTION

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct.
The ECB Premier Leagues, henceforth identified in this document as the Leagues, operating within the jurisdiction of the ECB, take this commitment very seriously.

To this end, these discipline regulations, incorporating major parts of the ECB Model Code of Conduct, the new MCC Laws and The Spirit of Cricket, have been adopted by all the Leagues.

The regulations shall be complied with by all those who participate under the jurisdiction of any of the Leagues' Management Committees.
The regulations shall apply to any player at any club, at any level, under the auspices of any of the listed Leagues.

The regulations are intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all clubs in dealing with any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct, the new MCC Laws and The Spirit of Cricket and are aligned to ECB Non-First Class cricket procedures.

Any club which fails to take all reasonable steps to ensure the proper conduct of its players, officials and/or members in all matters for which the club or its committee is responsible, or acts in any way which is prejudicial or detrimental to the interests or reputation of the League, breaches this Code of Conduct.

There is nothing in this Code preventing or discouraging clubs from applying additional or stronger sanctions against offenders than those appearing within the Code, whether or not they are the subject of a discipline report.

To this end, it is important that clubs have their own code of conduct and disciplinary procedures in place.

For the purposes of these regulations, the expression 'player' shall throughout this document be deemed to mean and include not only any player, whether professional or otherwise, but also any member or official of any club in any incident of alleged misconduct occurring on any part of a cricket ground or building and not merely the field of play.

1. CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPIRIT OF CRICKET 1.1.

Code of Conduct . 1.1.1. The Leagues are committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct at cricket matches both on and off the field.

All clubs and players, by virtue of their registration with their respective League, explicitly agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, which incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, and are bound by the provisions in these Regulations.

1.1.2.The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and coaches.

1.1.3.Players and club officials must at all times accept the umpire's decision. Players and club officials must show self-discipline, even when things go against them.
This means not showing dissent at the umpire's decision or reacting in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or a spectator.

1.1.4.Players and club officials shall not intimidate assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player, a club official or a spectator.

1.1.5.Players and club officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as "sledging"), nor make offensive gestures or hand signals, nor deliberately distract an opponent.

1.1.6. Players and club officials shall not use language or gestures that offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

1.1.7.Players and club officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

1.1.8.Players and club officials shall not make any public or media comment which is detrimental to the League, clubs, umpires or the game in general. In this instance, media shall include press, radio, television, external websites, club websites, social networking sites and club match programmes.

1.1.9.Players and club officials shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of this Code.

1.1.10.Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their players, officials, members and supporters.

1.2. Spirit of Cricket
Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket.

The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.

Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

1.2.1.
There are Laws which place the responsibility for the team's conduct firmly on the captain.

Responsibility of Captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

Players' Conduct
In the event of any player failing to comply with the laws relating to Player Conduct or Unfair Play the umpires shall summon and inform the offending player's captain that an offence has occurred and will request that they take appropriate action.

Players Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match.

Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

1.2.2. Unfair Play
According to the Laws, the umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
If either umpire considers an action, not covered by the Laws, to be unfair he/she shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball and implement the procedure as required.

1.2.3.
The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
Damaging the ball
Distracting the batsman
Unfair bowling
Time wasting
Damaging the pitch
Non striker leaving the ground early.
Penalty runs
Any other action that they consider to be unfair

1.2.4.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
Respect the captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
Play hard and play fair.
Accept the umpire's decision.
Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

1.2.5 -Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play and if reported and guilty this act will be dealt with as a Level 4 offence.

1.3.Failure to comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action, irrespective of a proven breach being related to a match not under the jurisdiction of the League.

2. BREACHES

2.1. A breach of the disciplinary regulations occurs when:

a. Any player in the course of, or in connection with a match,
offends against the Code of Conduct or acts at any time to prejudice the good name of interests of the Leagues

b. Any club fails to properly control or discipline its players or acts in a manner prejudicial to the good name or interests of the Leagues.

2.2. Any player or club committing such a breach shall be liable to penalties in the manner prescribed in this document.

2.3. A breach of the Code of Conduct will normally be categorised as Level 1, 2, 3 or 4, as set out in Appendix 1.

2.4. Reporting of Breaches

2.4.1.For a first offence of a Level 1 breach of the Code of Conduct in a match, the umpire(s) should issue a first and final warning which shall apply to all members of the team for the remainder of the match.

2.4.2. If the Level 1 offence follows an offence, at any Level, by that team, the umpire shall award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team and will report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending player's team and to the league responsible for the match, who shall take such further action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.

2.4.3. Should the umpire(s) consider that the first offence of a Level 1 breach is sufficiently serious, they have the authority to decide to submit a formal report without having previously issued any warning. The player and his captain should be advised accordingly.

2.4.4. In all instances of a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 breach, the umpire(s) must complete a formal report for any breach attracting a 5 run penalty or more.

2.4.5. The report should be submitted using the standard discipline report form (Appendix 3)

3. PROCEDURE

3.1. Notification that a report is to be submitted following any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct must first be advised, by the umpire(s), to the player and his captain or an executive of the player's club, on the day of the alleged offence, prior to leaving the ground.

3.2. Any such alleged breach of the Code of Conduct subject to a report (to be known as 'a complaint') will then be notified by telephone by the complainant to the Chairman of the League's Discipline Committee (hereinafter referred to as 'Discipline Chairman') or his nominated deputy within 24 hours of the end of the match.
The written report should be sent, preferably by email, to the Disciplinary Chairman or his nominated Deputy and be received within 72 hours of the end of the match. ?

3.3. The Discipline Chairman or his nominated deputy shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, inform the Secretary of the club against whom the complaint has been made.

3.4. It is intended that any breach of the Code of Conduct shall in the first instance be dealt with by the participant's club who shall notify the Discipline Chairman within 48 hours of any action taken.

In the case of Level 1 and Level 2 breaches, this shall as an indicator, be a minimum, of a final warning (Level 1) or two match (Level 2) ban to be served with immediate effect.

3.5. Within 48 hours of receipt of the written complaint, the Discipline Chairman or the nominated deputy shall consider the complaint and resolve either:
a.To take no action except to record the complaint and notify the club; or
b.To endorse any action taken by the club and confirm that no further action is required; or
c.To refer the matter for a full Disciplinary Hearing.

Level 3 or 4 complaints will automatically be subject to a full Disciplinary Hearing.

3.6. Any match/time sanctions imposed by the club under paragraph 3.5 b. above, shall be advised in writing to the relevant club's County Board by the League. Players should understand that match/time bans will normally apply to all cricket played under the auspices of ECB.

3.7. In the case of an incident involving a player under the age of 18 years old, the County Board Welfare Officer will immediately be informed.

In such circumstances, the incident may be regarded as:
a. A welfare and child protection case or
b. An outright disciplinary case.

If the incident is being investigated by another organisation (e.g. the Police, ECB Safeguarding Department) the League will await the outcome of that investigation.

3.8 In the case of a registered player being the subject of a complaint, the National Leagues & Competitions Manager to be advised immediately by telephone or email by the Secretary of the League and/or to the Chairman of the League or the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee.

4. DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

4.1. In any case which is referred for a Disciplinary Hearing, the Discipline Chairman shall convene the hearing within 14 days of the decision to refer. Any delay may only be granted at the discretion of the Chairman of the Disciplinary Hearing.

4.2. Where a charge against a player is referred to a Disciplinary Hearing, his captain and club may be charged separately under their responsibilities as set out in the Code of Conduct above.

4.3.At least seven days' notice in writing of the hearing shall be given to the player via his club Secretary.
In the case of a club, its Secretary shall be so notified. The notice shall specify the alleged breach(es) of the Code of Conduct above.

4.4. The accused player or club shall be entitled:
To submit written statements ahead of the hearing
To attend the hearing
To state his case (in the case of a club, by its Secretary or other official)
To be supported by a colleague and to call witnesses.

4.5.If the player or club is to have representation present at the hearing then the details of that representation must be given to the Discipline Chairman not less than 48 hours before the date of the hearing.

4.6.The Hearing shall be conducted by a Disciplinary Panel appointed by the Discipline Chairman and shall consist of not less than three persons and not more than five persons drawn from a list approved by the League's Management Committee.
None of the Panel should be connected with the player, the club or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action.

4.7.A club or player involved in disciplinary proceedings will be solely responsible for meeting such costs or expenses as it or they may incur, including the cost of any legal or other representation.

4.8.The standard of proof shall be on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of 'beyond reasonable doubt'.

5. PENALTIES

5.1 As a guideline, the following indicative penalties should be expected to be imposed for any complaint referred and, if appropriate, proved at a disciplinary hearing.

The higher end of the tariff band is most likely to be reserved for serial offences/offenders:-
Level 1 - Final warning to 6 matches and/or appropriate/equivalent time ban.
Level 2 - 2 to 8 matches and/or appropriate/equivalent time ban,
Level 3 4 to 10 matches and/or appropriate/equivalent time ban
Level 4 A minimum of 10 matches and/or appropriate/equivalent time ban

These sanctions apply to all cricket played under the auspices of ECB.

5.2.Where applicable, penalties will be carried over to apply in the following season.

5.3. Where the complaint is not referred to a Disciplinary Hearing, repeated infringements, listed on umpires reports, by an individual player or by a Club may still result in additional penalties as laid out in 5.4 below.

5.4. If at a hearing a breach of the Code of Conduct is proven, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties, together with such order as to costs as it deems appropriate:

In the case of a player:-
To require the player to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a specified time
To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct
To impose a fine, not to exceed £ 500
To suspend the player for one or more matches, or for a stated period of time
To deduct League points from the player's team
To expel the player from the League.

In the case of a club:-
To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a speci?ed time
To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct
To impose a fine
To deduct League points from the club's team
To expel the club from any competition of the league
To relegate to any lower division of the League or to a 'linked' league

5.5. Panels will take the following factors into account when determining the penalties to be imposed:
a.If the accused player/club has pleaded guilty
b. The player's previous disciplinary record
c. If the player is also the captain
d. The conduct of the player subsequent to him being warned and told that he will be reported
e. If an appeal is considered to be spurious

5.6. In addition, where an individual behaves inappropriately or fail to respect the formality at any level during a Disciplinary hearing, the Disciplinary Panel assumes the right to impose further corrective actions or penalties as it sees fit.

5.6.1 Where a representative and/or witness(es) behaves inappropriately or fails to respect the formality at any level during a Disciplinary hearing this can be dealt with under the code by having a separate hearing.

5.7. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to suspend the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty it imposes for such period and subject to such terms and conditions it deems appropriate.

5.8. Decisions of the Disciplinary Panel (a finding that a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty) shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Disciplinary Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote.

5.9. The League shall report match bans in writing to the relevant club's County Board for national circulation.
Players should understand that match bans will normally apply to all cricket played under the auspices of ECB.
The ECB Premier Leagues will also recognise suspensions from other Leagues.

6. APPEALS .

6.1. Appeals shall only be allowed against an automatic ban instigated for a Level 1 or 2 offence on the grounds of mistaken identity, misrepresentation or failure of the umpires to follow the procedures in Paragraph 2 above.

6.2. Where a breach of the Code of Conduct has been proved at a Disciplinary Hearing, a player or club shall have the right of appeal. Where a player and his club are appealing in relation to the same incident, they must do so separately.

6.3. A notice of appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the Discipline Chairman within seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Panel, together with a deposit of £ 100 if the appeal is by a player or £ 250 if the appeal is by a club.

6.4. If a notice of appeal is given, the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal, which shall take place as soon as is practicable and in any event within 14 days of receipt of notice of the appeal.

6.5. The Appeal shall be by way of a new hearing before a different Panel.

The Appeal Panel shall be appointed by the Discipline Chairman and shall consist of not less than three persons and not more than five persons drawn from a list approved by the League's Management Committee.

None of the Panel should be connected with the individual or the club or their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action or have been a member of the original Disciplinary Panel.

6.6. The player or club shall have the same entitlements as set out in Paragraph 6.4 above.

6.7. If the player or club is to have representation present at the hearing then the details of that representation must be given to the Discipline Chairman not less than 7 days before the date of the hearing.

6.8. Non-attendance at a hearing of the Appeals Panel by the club or person that submitted the appeal without good and valid reason for such non-attendance will automatically result in forfeiture of their right of appeal.

6.9. The Appeals Panel may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Panel and it shall have the power to increase the penalty and award costs of the Appeal hearing and forfeit the whole or part of the deposit.

Decisions of the Appeal Panel shall be by majority vote; where necessary, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.

6.10. The decision of the Appeals Panel or, if no appeal, of the Disciplinary Panel, shall be final and binding.

7. NON PAYMENT OF FINES

7.1. Any fine levied under these procedures or imposed for the breach of any match rule must be paid to the Treasurer of the League within twentyeight days of the Club being notified of such fine.

7.2. Any fines still outstanding at the end of that period shall be increased by 100% of the original fine, when the Secretary or Chairman of the offending Club shall be notified to the effect that the fine is outstanding.

They will be given a reminder that if after a period of fourteen days from that reminder, the fine is still outstanding, a deduction of five points shall be made from the points gained by the side that received the fine.

APPENDIX 1 - BREACHES OF DISCIPLINE

Certain conduct, whether on or off the field of play, amounting to a breach of the Laws of Cricket and/or the Spirit of Cricket has been categorised into 4 levels set out below:-

Level 1

a) Time wasting by either the fielding side or the batting side which results in a 5 run penalty or the bowler being disallowed from bowling any further in that innings in accordance with Laws 41.9 and 41.10.

b) wilfully mistreating any part of the cricket ground, equipment or implements used in the match

c) showing dissent at an umpire's decision by word or action

d) using language that, in the circumstances, is obscene, offensive or insulting

e) making an obscene gesture

f) appealing excessively

g) advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

h) bowling a dangerous or unfair short-pitched delivery and/or an accidental non-pitching delivery that results in the bowler being disallowed from bowling any further in that innings in accordance with Laws 41.6 and 41.7.

i) any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a Level 1 offence

Level 2

a) showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision by word or action

b) making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player

c) charging or advancing towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

d) deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction on the field of play under Law 41.4 or 41.5.

e) throwing the ball at a player, umpire or another person in an inappropriate and dangerous manner

f) using language or gesture to another player, umpire, team official or spectator that, in the circumstances, is obscene or of a seriously insulting nature

g) causing avoidable damage to the pitch that results in a 5 run penalty being awarded under Laws 41.12.3, 41.14.3 and 41.15.3.

h) any other misconduct, the nature of which is, in the opinion of the umpires, equivalent to a Level 2 offence.

Level 3

a) intimidating an umpire by language or gesture

b) threatening to assault a player or any other person except an umpire.

c) using language or gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vili?es another person on the basis of that person's race, religion or belief, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background.

d) Deliberately bowling a non-pitching delivery which is deemed dangerous and unfair in accordance with Law 41.7

Level 4

a) threatening to assault an umpire

b) making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire

c) physically assaulting a player or any other person

d) committing any other act of violence.

e) using language or gesture that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion or belief, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background.

The conduct listed in Level 1 to Level 4 above cannot be considered to be exhaustive.
Note: - Level 3 Offences c) and d) and Level 4 e) in bold italics are dealt with off-field by report and not subject to Level 3 and Level 4 on-field sanctions

APPENDIX 2 - MUTUAL RECOGNITION CLAUSE

It is intended that Leagues will work with Minor Counties and County Boards to ensure these Disciplinary Guidelines have the greatest effect.

The first section refers to the sharing of information between cricket bodies and also advises the players this will happen:

The League shall report match bans in writing to the relevant club's County Board, who will also inform the ECB, in accordance with the conditions set out at a) to c) below.

In the case of a Minor County Player being the subject of a sanction the Minor County Cricket Association must be advised.

a. Information about penalties imposed under these discipline regulations shall be shared with individuals at the club and County Board on a need to know basis, for example with individuals who need to be informed in order to give effect to the penalty;

b. Information about match bans held by the County Board shall be shared with other clubs only for the purposes of ensuring recognition of penalties by other clubs;

c. Individuals subject to these discipline regulations must be made aware by their clubs that by playing in matches under the jurisdiction of the ECB, they agree that information about penalties imposed on them will be shared with the County Boards, ECB and other clubs in accordance with these discipline regulations.

The second section refers to the recognition of penalties imposed by others.

The wording above has been agreed with ECB lawyers and the Cricket Discipline Commission and as a consequence it is appropriate for each League to add to the second section, highlighted below,

to read as follows:-

a.All clubs that play in ECB competitions or in County Board affiliated Leagues shall recognise and give full effect to any match ban, and/or any other penalty, imposed pursuant to by these discipline regulations by a League within that County Board boundary and the boundaries of the listed neighbouring Counties and Leagues (name of neighbouring Leagues to be inserted)

Note:- All clubs that play in ECB competitions or in County Board affiliated Leagues shall also give effect to any match bans, and/or other penalties, imposed pursuant to any other disciplinary regulations as directed by the ECB.

APPENDIX 3 - STANDARD DISCIPLINE REPORT FORM

Which can be found in:

The Download Section of: www.northerncricketleague.org.uk Under the Title: ECB AOC Discipline Report Form

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