1. CHAMPIONSHIP NAME

The association shall be known as "The Cicada Sports Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship".
The Championship name may be altered by the "Executive Committee" should circumstances deem it necessary.

2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The 'Executive Committee' shall be responsible for the management and running of the Championship and
shall report back periodically to the member clubs of the championship through their Management Committee.

The 'Executive Committee' shall comprise of the 'Officers' of the Championship and elected representatives
who shall be responsible for the day to day activities of all Divisions.

In addition, other non-voting members can be co-opted onto the Executive Committee as and when required.

The SCCC agrees to adhere to the ECB Child Protection Policy, "Safe Hands", a copy of which can be found
at www.ecb.co.uk

3. OFFICERS

The 'Officers of the Championship' shall consist of:

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1 The founder members of the Championship are:

4.2 Membership of the championship shall be by invitation only and the Executive Committee or their representative shall vet any club being considered.  A Club seeking membership of SCCC will be asked to show, as a minimum:-
a) a copy of its constitution
b) copies of the minutes of its last two AGM`s
c) a full set of audited accounts.
Should any club not fulfil the requirements of this Committee with regard to administration, facilities, playing standards and general suitability, the invitation to join may be withheld. (See current Club Standards Document)

4.2.1 Promotion within the SCCC will only be confirmed if all mandatory (M) items, for the higher division, as listed in the Club Standards Document, are in place by the end of the season in which promotion is achieved. Any club, whose current facilities would debar them from promotion to a higher division, will be notified and made aware of the deficiencies and the improvements required to be eligible for promotion.

4.2.2 These mandatory items (including “Clubmark” for Division 1) must be achieved by the end of the playing season 2011. No club will be promoted into Division 1 unless it has achieved “Clubmark” before the end of the season in which promotion is achieved.

4.2.3 Correspondingly, all clubs have until the end of playing season 2011 to meet ALL the mandatory requirements of their respective divisions or they will be relegated at the end of playing season 2011. Clubs in Division 1 therefore have until the end of season 2011 to achieve “Clubmark” or they will be relegated and replaced by the highest ranking club in Division 2 who have achieved that accreditation.

4.2.4 Clubs are advised to read the current Club Standards Document to establish the prevailing standards of the league into which they may be promoted. In all cases, the Executive Committee reserves the right to determine the divisions in which clubs will play.

4.2.5 Where the standards of an established club fail to meet or decline to a level below that expected of the Championship then they will be expelled from the Championship. In such cases this must be the wish of at least 75% of the members of the “Management Committee”. [See 6.1]

4.2.6 Clubs who are likely to be promoted to the BDPCL should check with the General Manager of that league that their Club Standards meet the prevailing requirements of the BDPCL

4.3 Only “First Teams” from any member clubs can play in Division 1. 

4.4 Membership of the Championship shall denote full acceptance of the Constitution and the terms and decisions made by the “Executive Committee”.

4.5 Membership of the Championship as of March 2011:

4.6 Fixtures between clubs shall be arranged and agreed by the Executive Committee.

4.7 An annual subscription shall be paid by each member club to the SCCC Treasurer at or before the ball distribution meeting to defray all necessary expenses incurred in the running of the Championship. The level of subscription shall be determined at each Annual General Meeting prior to the start of each playing season. Additional levies may be applied at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Any club not paying their subscription before the first match may be subject to a surcharge as determined by the Executive. IN ADDITION, clubs who have not paid by that date will NOT BE CREDITED WITH ANY POINTS WHILST THE SUBSCRIPTION REMAINS UNPAID AND THESE POINTS WILL NOT BE REINSTATED.

4.8 Clubs must affiliate to the Staffordshire Cricket Board and this will be part of the annual subscription paid to the Treasurer.
4.9 In addition, the annual subscription will include the cost of two tickets to the SCCC Presentation Evening.

4.10 All payments for league balls (see also 11.2) must also be made at or before the meeting designated for ball distribution in the Handbook. Any club in breach of this will NOT BE CREDITED WITH ANY POINTS WHILST THE DEBT REMAINS UNPAID AND THESE POINTS WILL NOT BE REINSTATED.

4.11 Any debts left over from the previous season must be paid at or before the meeting designated for ball distribution in the Handbook. Any club in breach of this will NOT BE CREDITED WITH ANY POINTS WHILST THE DEBT REMAINS UNPAID AND THESE POINTS WILL NOT BE REINSTATED.

5. HONORARY MEMBERS

Honorary life members and Vice Presidents can be elected by the Executive committee but shall not be entitled to vote.

6. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

6.1 The "Management Committee" shall consist of the "Executive Committee" and nominated representatives from each member club. However, irrespective of numbers present at any meeting, all decisions will be made on the basis of one vote per club present and will be binding.

6.2 All decisions made by the 'Executive Committee' or the 'Management Committee', unless otherwise stated, shall be on the basis of a majority vote. In the event of a 50/50 split the Chairman of the meeting shall have the casting vote.

6.3 Any club not attending "Management Committee" meetings shall be deemed to be in breach of Championship rules and shall be dealt with as follows:-

7. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

7.1 The 'Annual General Meeting' of the Championship shall be held on or before 31st March each year. Four weeks notice to be given of the meeting.

7.2 Notice of any proposed changes to the Constitution must be in writing and with the Chairman or Secretary at least 21 Days before the meeting.

7.3 Any amendments to the Constitution can only take place at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting and shall be decided by a majority vote of the member clubs.

7.4 An 'Extraordinary General Meeting' of the Championship can be called provided at least 25% of the member clubs subscribe to this request and notice is given in writing to the Chairman or Secretary. Any such meeting shall be held within 28 days of the written request.

8. CHAMPIONSHIP RULES - GENERAL

8.1 The Championship shall be organised at playing levels and in divisions as determined by the 'Executive Committee'.

8.2 All games shall be played according to the general laws of cricket as passed and amended by the Marylebone
Cricket Club. Additional rules shall be agreed by a majority vote of member clubs at an 'Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting'.

8.3 Any club player or official found to be in breach of Championship rules shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee who shall have the power to suspend, fine, deduct points and impose any penalty they think is necessary. In all cases clubs, officials or players shall be notified of any charge relating to a breach of Championship rules in order that they may respond accordingly. (See 10.3.2)

8.4 Any club wishing to leave or join the Championship must give one years notice prior to the end of October.

8.5 The winner of the Championship in any one season shall be that Team which has accumulated the most points
in its respective division. If in any division, there are two or more teams with the same number of points then the
following criteria, in order, shall apply.

If, however, this fails to separate the teams then the Championship or Divisional title shall be shared.

8.6 Promotion and relegation between divisions is not automatic as the requirements of clause 4.2 will always apply.

8.7 The HOME TEAM must report all results to the Results Secretary, by telephone, e-mail or text no later than 10pm on the date of the match. Failure to do so will result in a 3 point penalty. Also the Results Secretary must receive a fully completed Match Result Form, posted no later than the Monday following the date of the match, even though the match may have been cancelled or abandoned. Failure to do so will result in a £5.00 fine. Should any club return 3 forms late in one season ALL teams from that club in the SCCC will receive a three point penalty. (See also section 16) SEE APPENDIX 5 FOR FORMAT AND INFORMATION REQUIRED WHEN COMMUNICATING THE RESULT

8.7.1 In addition to the above procedure, full scorecards for all matches must be entered on play-cricket.com by the HOME team before 6pm on the Tuesday following the match. The AWAY team must confirm this scorecard as a true record by 6pm on Thursday following the match.

8.8 In the event of a game being cancelled or postponed for other than normally accepted reasons, the 'Executive
Committee' shall have the power to decide on any replay.

8.8.1 When a match is cancelled, not as a result of weather conditions, but lack of players, the opposition to the
offending team shall be awarded maximum points and the offending team may have points deducted as decided by the
'Executive Committee'

8.8.2 In the event of an AWAY TEAM conceding a game after 10:00PM of the THURSDAY night prior to the game:
They will reimburse the HOME TEAM a fixed Penalty fine of £50.00. The HOME team only can claim the Penalty.

8.8.3 All fines to be paid within 14 days of the date of the game and failure to do so may result in disciplinary
action taken by Executive Committee.

8.9 The cost of teas in the 2011 season will be £30.00 and will be paid to the Home team by the Away team.

8.10 In the event of a club playing a 1st XI match on a Saturday and a 2nd XI match the next day, players playing
in the first eleven on the Saturday shall not be included in the second eleven the next day.

8.11 In the event of a club only being able to field one side on a given day the First Eleven fixture must be honoured with the exception of special circumstances where the first eleven is playing in a National Competition.  Where clubs field more than two teams, the players available must be selected to constitute teams in rank order, i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc - for example a club must not concede a 2nd XI game and play the scheduled 3rd XI fixture.  Clubs contravening this rule will automatically forfeit Maximum points to the opposition.

8.12 The "Executive Committee" must approve any Press Article other than match results or team and player
performance reports.

The executive shall be empowered to take punitive action against any club or individual member of a club who makes derogatory or disparaging media statements or comments regarding other clubs umpires or the league. If the case is found proven clubs and/or individuals will be found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and will be liable to points deductions and/or suspension and/or financial penalty as the Disciplinary Committee sees fit. In this instance media shall include press, radio, television, club or any internet websites, and club match programmes.

8.13 All clubs playing in the SCCC must have in place, for the duration of the playing season as a minimum, a "Public Liability Insurance Policy". The Policy must include member to member liability and indemnify the actions of bona fide members for their actions and decisions including whilst they are acting as Umpires. The level of cover is at the discretion of each club.

9. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

9.1 ALL players in ALL divisions must be registered with the SCCC via the play-cricket.com website prior to the start of the season and each player can only be registered to one club at any given time. Further registrations may be made during the course of the season up to 30th June. Registration of all players will take place in accordance with ECB guidelines at a time designated by The Executive Committee. (See SCCC website for current guidelines and contact Registration Secretary for confirmation of player eligibility)

9.2 Emergency registrations can be signed by Panel umpires / Opposition captains on the official Match/ Team sheet prior to the start of the game, but formal registration via play-cricket.com must take place before the following Saturday. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as laid out in Section 10. Emergency registrations can only be made up to 30th June in Divisions 1, 1a, 2 and 2a but throughout the season in Divisions 3, 3a, 4 and 5.

9.3 Any player wishing to transfer from one club to another within the same season must have his transfer ratified by the executive Committee before playing for his new club. Any requests for transfer must be made in writing on the official Transfer Form to the Registration Secretary: telephone requests will not be accepted. The deadline for transfers shall be 30th June.

9.4 Clubs are not permitted to play established Premier League players in the SCCC prior to the start of the Premier
League season. Team sheets will be monitored for four weeks from the commencement of the premier league season and if it is found that an established Premier League player has played in the SCCC prior to the start of the premier league season, the SCCC Executive reserves the right, subject to appeal, to award the match to the opposing team and to take any other action it deems reasonable under Section 10.

9.5 Each club shall have the choice of playing one only of the following who shall be registered with the Registration Secretary prior to the season starting:-

9.7 Overseas and 1st class players (see 9.5) are not permitted to play outside
Divisions 1 and 2.

9.8 No replacement of an overseas player will be allowed once the original has been registered.

9.9 Any club which has a doubt about the eligibility of a player should contact the Registration Secretary.

9.10 Any club who, in the opinion of the executive, is in breach of registration rules shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 10.

10. DISCIPLINARY CODE

10.1 PREAMBLE

10.1.1 The SCCC does not set out to impose disciplinary action but to encourage cricket to be played within the laws and the "New Spirit of Cricket" and to meet the standards expected in the game. The code is about the prevention of poor behaviour, attitudes and conduct. Having set high standards, those transgressing will be dealt with firmly. The good of the SCCC, its players, teams and cricket will be served by eradication of misconduct.

10.1.2 Membership of the SCCC will denote acceptance of the Disciplinary Code and agreement to be bound at all times by its terms and decisions made by the Disciplinary and/ or Executive Committee.

10.1.3 Clubs are responsible at all times for the behaviour of their players and officials and must ensure that their members are fully aware of this Code and the potential seriousness of the offences and penalties.

10.1.4 A club shall not be precluded by the Code and any penalties which may be imposed by the Executive from instituting its own internal investigation and taking any disciplinary action against its members under the terms of its own rules/constitution.

10.1.5 Any penalty imposed upon a club and/or individual player shall, where appropriate, also apply to that club and/or individual in all member leagues of the ECB.

10.2 PROCEDURE

10.2.1 To ensure that matters under the Code are dealt with as quickly as possible all complaints by Clubs or individuals should be made directly to the SCCC Disciplinary Chairman or in his absence to the SCCC Secretary or Chairman. (See 10.2.4)

10.2.2 Complaints by panel umpires should be sent to the SCCC Disciplinary Chairman AND to the Umpires' Appointments Secretary as laid out in section 10.2.4.

10.2.3 When an incident occurs on a match day, a complaint can be made by the umpire(s), captain, player or official. The complaint can be against a player, a team participating in the match or any other person connected with a participating club.

When the complainant is not one of the panel umpires, he must, in the first instance, inform the umpires of the incident. Umpire(s) should inform the captain or other official of the club involved of the intention to report the incident to the appropriate authority. (See 10.2.4)

In cases where a panel umpire is not in attendance the SCCC must be advised as described in 10.2.4.

10.2.4 All complaints must be made to the Disciplinary Chairman of the SCCC or, in his absence, the Secretary by telephone on the day following the incident and confirmed in writing (email is acceptable) by the Wednesday following.

10.2.5 After consulting with members of the Disciplinary Committee, the Disciplinary Chairman is empowered to make a decision as to the level of breach of discipline (see 10.3) and impose penalties as outlined in Section 10.5. This includes the imposition of an automatic two match ban if the incident is reported by panel umpires (see 10.4). The decision and penalty will be sent to the individual and/or club.

10.2.6 On receipt of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, individuals and/or clubs who were the subject of the complaint have the right to a personal hearing before the Disciplinary Committee and to call witnesses. The Disciplinary Chairman will notify all parties of the date of the hearing. Non attendance will not stop the hearing taking place and, where appropriate, further disciplinary action being taken. Players or clubs who do not attend the hearing have no right of appeal. (See 10.2.10)

10.2.7 Before the hearing, copies of the appropriate correspondence will be sent to the individual/ club(s) involved in the alleged offence. The individual/ club(s) must give a written reply within 7 days of receipt of the correspondence. The individual and/or club(s) will be told prior to the hearing of the charge being made. (See 10.2.10)

10.2.8 Where disciplinary action is taken at the hearing, the individual and/or club has the right of appeal. This appeal, setting out grounds, must be lodged in writing to the Disciplinary Chairman within 7 days of the hearing together with a £50 cheque payable to SCCC to cover administrative costs. (See 10.2.10)

10.2.9 All hearings and appeals will follow ECB Guidelines outlined in 10.2.10 below.

10.2.10 ECB Guidelines on the conduct of Hearings and Appeals:-

Natural Justice

The rules of natural justice are the minimum standards of fair decision-making imposed on persons or bodies acting in a judicial capacity. These rules consist of the following two elements:

1. The right to a fair hearing

The right to a fair hearing requires that an individual shall not be penalised by a decision affecting his rights or legitimate expectations unless he has been given prior notice of the case against him and a fair opportunity to answer the case against him and to produce his own case.

(a) Prior notice of the hearing

The accused person should be given adequate notice of the allegations against him and of the procedure to be
followed so that he may be in a position to make representations on his own behalf, to prepare his own case and to answer the case against him. The time and location of the hearing must also be properly notified to the reported person.

(b) Opportunity to be heard

The reported person has a right to attend the hearing and be allowed to present his case. If the Disciplinary Committee is satisfied that the reported person has been given adequate notice of the alleged breach and of the time and location of the hearing, they may allow the hearing to proceed if the reported person fails to attend. However, it may not be justifiable to proceed if the time or location fixed for the hearing is such that the person cannot reasonably be expected to attend. Within the Model Discipline Regulations it states that " at least seven days' notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or in the case of a club, its Secretary".

2. The rule against bias

A person adjudicating on a dispute must have no pecuniary or proprietary interest in the outcome of the proceedings and must not reasonably be suspected, or show a real likelihood, of bias.

The rule against bias also provides that a party should not normally be judged by his accuser.

Conduct of Hearing

Within these Guidelines words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and those importing the male shall include the female, and vice versa.

1. An individual/club, not satisfied by the decision made by the Disciplinary Committee under section 10.2.5 of the
Constitution, has the right to a personal Hearing as outlined in section 10.2.6.

2. The Hearing is conducted by at least three persons appointed by the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee. No-one connected with the individual or the club, or their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action (e.g. by the deduction of points), should be a member of the Hearing

3. The accused person/club should be notified of the offence(s) alleged against him/them and the time and location of the hearing. The notification should be in writing, include all relevant documentation and give at least seven days’ notice.

4. The accused person is entitled to be supported by a colleague. There is no right to legal representation but the
Hearing would normally permit the accused person to be legally represented. However, the attendance or otherwise of the legal representative should not be used as a "delaying tactic".

5. If the complaint has been made by the umpires, they should be available to give evidence at the hearing.

6. Witnesses should not be present in the room at the outset but should be called in individually to give their evidence at the appropriate time. (Ideally, a separate waiting area should be provided for each party).

7. The Chairman should open the hearing and introduce all the parties. He should then briefly outline the procedure
to be followed.

8. The charges against the accused person/club should be specified.

9. Witnesses should be called individually and asked to give their evidence. The Hearing may question the witnesses. The accused person/club (or representative) may question the witnesses.

10. The accused person/club should be asked to give his/their account and may call witnesses. The Hearing may
question the witnesses.

Once the witnesses have given their evidence and answered any questions, they should either leave the room or, with the permission of the Chairman, they may remain but should take no further part in the hearing.

11. The Hearing may question the accused person/club.

12. The Hearing should deliberate in private. The Hearing's decision should be by majority vote; where necessary
the Hearing Chairman shall have a casting vote.

13. The accused person/club should be called back in and the Hearing should give their decision as to whether the case is proved or not proved. If proved, the accused person/club should be asked to give any mitigation which might affect the Hearing's decision as to sentence, if they have any discretion in this area.

14. The Hearing should consider the sentence in private.

15. The accused person/club should be called back in and the Hearing Chairman should announce the sentence. The accused person/club should be made aware of the Appeals Process, particularly the time within which an appeal should be lodged.

16. The decision of the Hearing and, if appropriate, the penalty should be communicated to the accused person/club in writing within 7 days.

Appeals Process

1. Notice of appeal against the decision of the Hearing is to be given in writing to the Disciplinary Chairman of the
League within 7 days of the decision of the Hearing together with £50 cheque payable to SCCC to cover administrative costs. The notice of appeal should record the decision or part of the decision against which the appeal is made and the grounds and basis of the appeal.

2. Any penalty imposed by the Disciplinary Committee should not take effect until the appeal has been heard.

3. The appeal must be heard by a different group from those who sat on the original Hearing. The Appeal Panel
must consist of not less than three people, none of whom should be connected with the individual or the club or
their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action (e.g. by the deduction of points).

4. An appeal against the verdict should take the form of a complete re-hearing. The accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation and the ability to call witnesses as they did at the first hearing.

5. At an appeal against the sentence, the accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and
representation as they did at the first hearing.

6. Decisions of the Appeal Panel shall be by majority vote with the Chairman having a casting vote where
necessary. The decision of the Appeal Panel is final and binding.

7. The Appeal Panel can confirm the Disciplinary Panel's decision, vary it or reverse it. It has the power to increase the penalty and award costs.

8. The decision of the Appeal Panel and if appropriate the penalty should be communicated to the accused
person/club in writing within 7 days.

10.3 BREACHES OF DISCIPLINE

10.3.1 Player(s)' misconduct, 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 which are set out below:-

Level 1

a. time wasting by either the fielding side or the batting side

b. abuse of the cricket ground, equipment or fixtures

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

d.  using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or making of an obscene gesture

e. excessive appealing

Level 2

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

 b. inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play

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

d. deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play, regardless as to whether such conduct is deemed to be fair under Law 42.5

e. throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.

 f. using language or gesture that is obscene or of a serious insulting nature to another player, umpire, team official or spectator

g. changing the condition of the ball other than as permitted by Law 42.3

h. the bowling of fast short pitched balls that result in the bowler being disallowed from bowling further in that innings

I. causing avoidable damage to the pitch contrary to Laws 42.13 and/or 42.14 that results in a five run penalty being awarded

Level 3

a. intimidating an umpire

b. threatening to assault another player, team official or spectator

c. using language or gesture 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

d. the deliberate bowling of any high full-pitched ball contrary to Law 42.8

Level 4

a. threatening an umpire

b. physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator

c. any act of violence on the field of play

d. using language or gesture that seriously offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify another
person on the basis of that person's religion, sexual orientation, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin

10.3.2 The Executive of the SCCC also recognises that clubs may be accused of misconduct (e.g. illegal payments to players, playing ineligible players, failure to follow league guidelines etc). Such breaches will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee according to the procedure laid out in 10.2. The penalties for clubs are described in 10.5.3.

10.4 ACTION

a) Complaints from panel umpires (see 10.2.2)

Level 1 Breaches - will normally be dealt with by umpires i.e. the umpire will caution the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that it is a first and final warning. On any further breach the umpire will warn the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that a report will be submitted. This will result in an automatic two match ban.

Level 2 Breaches - depending on the circumstances, the umpire may decide not to give a first and final warning but immediately warn the player as to his conduct and advise him and his captain that a report will be submitted. The Chairman of Disciplinary Committee will decide if the automatic two match ban is sufficient or if a discipline hearing should deal with the matter.

Level 3 & 4 Breaches - will be dealt with at a disciplinary hearing.

b) Complaints from persons other than panel umpires:-

If panel umpires are present, the complainant must inform the umpires who should inform the captain or another official of the club involved of the intention to report the incident (see 10.2.4)

If there are no panel umpires present, complainants must follow the procedures outlined in section 10.2.4

10.5 PENALTIES

10.5.1 The following is a GUIDE to the penalties recommended for each level of breaches:-

Level 1 - Suspension for 2 to 6 matches

Level 2 - Suspension for 2 to 8 matches

Level 3 - Suspension for 4 to 10 matches

Level 4 - Suspension for a minimum of 10 matches

In addition, the following penalties are available:-
Player given ban, suspended for period
Player banned for season
Player banned for life

The Disciplinary Committee/Appeals Panel will take the following into account when considering the suspension to impose:-

a. If the player has pleaded guilty

b. The player's previous discipline 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

10.5.2 Captains who fail to control their players may be given a warning and/or a suspension by the Disciplinary
Committee and/or the Appeals Panel.

10.5.3 The Disciplinary Committee and the Appeals Panel also have the right to impose the following
penalties on clubs:-

Club written warning or fine

Club deducted points

Club relegated

Club's membership suspended

Club expelled from SCCC

11. CHAMPIONSHIP RULES: PLAYING

11.1 All games shall be played on the basis of a result comprising:

11.2 Cricket Balls. The following shall apply:

11.2.1 Divisions 1,1a, 2 and 2a:-
All Division 1,1a, 2 and 2a games shall commence with a new ball per innings, with EACH TEAM providing a new
ball as specified by the league.

11.2.2 Divisions 3, 3a, 4and 5:-
A ball shall be provided and presented at the toss up by EACH TEAM for use by that team, which can be a
new or polished ball of league specification.

11.2.3 The HOME TEAM shall also provide and present at the toss up two polished balls of league specification
to be used as a spares in the event of lost balls. Further spare balls used must be agreed by both umpires
using the best one of those available

11.3 THE MATCH

11.3.1 Start times for 2011 matches will be:

11.3.2 All matches in Divisions 1, 1a, 2 and 2a must be played on natural grass wickets. Should the match be
cancelled because the prepared wicket is unfit for play, the match cannot be switched to an artificial wicket.

11.3.3 Teams must be ready to toss up for innings at least 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time. In the
event of a team not being able to comply, it shall be MANDATORY that the toss is forfeit to the opposing side.

11.3.4 A team shall be considered not ready to commence play unless at least seven players in the team are
ready to take part in the match 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play. When there are seven players present, the game must commence with the appropriate re-calculation of overs and with the toss forfeit as stated in 11.3.3. If a team still has fewer than 7 players 30 minutes after the scheduled start for the match, unless there is agreement between captains (and umpires where present) that there are genuine reasons for the players` delay, the game shall be conceded by the offending team and the matter subject to a disciplinary hearing. The offending team will, automatically, be liable for the cost of both umpires` full fees, tea costs and ground hire charges, if appropriate.

11.3.5 Late starts for other than weather shall be reported to the 'Executive Committee' who may penalise the
offending team at its discretion.

11.3.6 Matches shall be limited to 100 (90 in Divisions 4 and 5) overs with the proviso that the side batting first
shall receive not more than 50 (45) overs. If the side batting first bat for less than 50 (45) overs, either by
declaration or dismissal, the number of overs less than 50 (45) must be taken by the team batting second,
provided the total number of 100 (90) overs is not exceeded. (In the case of any odd balls bowled these
shall constitute a completed over).

11.3.6a No bowler may bowl more than 15 overs in a 100 over match and no more than 13 in a 90 over
match. This limit shall remain the same even in a match reduced in overs.

11.3.7 A tea interval of 30 minutes shall be taken between innings unless otherwise agreed by the captains.
In the event of tea not being taken between innings then a maximum of 10 minutes is allowed between innings.

11.3.8/11 a. In the event of bad weather causing a delayed start or an interruption, the total overs in the match shall be reduced by one for every 3 minutes & 30 seconds (or part thereof) of time lost.
Guidance in the form of table and data is printed in Section 18. OVERS CHARTS

b. Where the start of a match is delayed, due to inclement weather, the number of overs available to each side shall be equal. This shall be calculated from the overs chart on a basis of one over per 3minutes & 30 seconds of playing time assuming a TOTAL MATCH TIME of 6hours and 30 minutes (6 playing hours plus a 30 minute tea interval). If subsequent interruptions mean that there is insufficient time for the team batting second to receive a minimum of 20 overs, either captain, at his request, may be given the opportunity to play to secure a win. Should a win not be secured, the match shall be deemed to be abandoned.

c. No game may start unless a minimum of 40 overs (20 overs each side) is possible based on a count back of 3 minutes & 30seconds per over from the assumed finishing time (6 hours and 30 minutes after the scheduled start time). For example: a scheduled 1pm start time would give a finishing time of 7.30 pm so that the latest possible start time would be 5pm assuming that tea had already been taken.(40 overs x 3.5 = 140 minutes plus 10 minutes between innings = 150 minutes to be deducted from 7.30 pm = 5pm)

d. Where a match is interrupted, due to inclement weather, during the innings of the side batting first, they shall still be entitled to their full allocation of overs, agreed at the start of the game. The calculation for overs remaining shall be taken from the chart and will be proportional to the time left.

e. Once the first innings is completed, the overs allocated to the team batting second, and the time allowed to bowl them, shall be calculated using the chart. This is subject to a maximum of 50(45) overs or less if the team batting first were allocated less. Exceptions to this would be in the event of a first innings declaration or an innings completion in less than the allocated number of overs. Once the calculation has been made, the allocation shall be treated as a maximum, which shall not be exceeded even if time would allow.

f. When the first innings has been completed, in less than the scheduled time allowed, and the second innings is suspended, due to poor weather or bad light, time “saved” from the first innings should be taken into account. In this instance, when play is suspended in the second innings, there will be no reduction of playing time until the expiration of the “saved” time from the first innings, e.g. if 15 minutes were “saved” in the first innings, there will be no overs reduction, in the second innings, until 15 minutes have expired.

g. If play is suspended, in the second innings, and time has been “saved”, in the second innings, the cut-off time remains the same as it was, when agreed by the Umpires/Captains at the tea interval.

h. If play is suspended during an over, then when the remaining number of overs is calculated before a resumption of play, any balls not bowled in the incomplete over shall be added to the new number of overs.

i. In all recalculations, the Umpires/Captains may adjust the targeted finishing time, which may include extending the deadline beyond the total match time of 6 hours if the time has been lost for reasons other than ground, weather and light.

j. In their calculations, the Umpires/Captains shall aggregate all interruptions for bad weather and shall count all fractions of overs as completed overs. If it, subsequently, transpires that the target has been miscalculated, the original target will stand.

k. If the first innings is interrupted for any reason, and time is lost, a target for a winning draw must be agreed by Umpires/ Captains before the second innings may commence. If it, subsequently, transpires that the target has been miscalculated, the original target will stand.

l. If the second innings is interrupted, for any reason, play may not recommence until a revised target for a winning draw has been agreed between the Umpires / Captains.

11.3.12 Both fielding sides are required to complete 50 (45) overs within 3 hours playing time. All overs not started within the 3 hour time limit shall be recorded by the umpires on the result card and for each such over recorded one point may be deducted from the offending team's league points total. The fielding side shall bowl an average of 17 overs per hour in each innings and captains should be kept informed by either umpire of slow over rates during play.

11.3.13 Matches cannot be cancelled before the official starting time on the day of the match until a pitch inspection has been made and a CONVERSATION agreeing abandonment has taken place between both captains. TEXT MESSAGES WILL NOT SUFFICE. (See also the next THREE paragraphs)

11.3.14 In the event of sustained rainfall prior to a game, the home club may seek the opinion of a local panel
umpire. If he decides that the playing area is not suitable for play, then both captains must agree to abandon
the game as outlined in the paragraph above (11.3.13). If one of the captains wishes to challenge the decision of the local umpire, both teams must attend the ground. (See also 12.11)

11.3.15 If matches are abandoned due to ground conditions, as outlined in 11.3.13 or 11.3.14, panel umpires mus
t be contacted, BY CONVERSATION NOT TEXT, at least 2 hours before the stipulated start time. Should a panel umpire be informed after this time, the HOME side will pay an attendance allowance of £16 to EACH umpire.

11.3.16 If no play is possible and both teams and 2 umpires are in attendance, each umpire appointed by the league will receive an attendance fee of £16.00 per club. In the event of there being only one Panel umpire in attendance he will receive a fee of £16.00 equally shared between both teams (therefore £8.00 per club). See also 11.3.15

11.3.17 If drinks are taken during the second innings they must be taken at least an hour before the anticipated end of the match. Time taken for drinks will not be included in the 3 hours playing time.

11.3.18 Rain during a game - see 11.3.8/11, 12.11.1 to 12.11. 9

11.3.19 For Divisions 1, 1a & 2: For each match there shall be an area bounded by two semi-circles centred on each middle stump, each with a radius of 30 yards and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch. (The accepted convention is to use plastic discs as indicators) At the instant of delivery, a minimum of four fielders (plus the bowler and the wicket-keeper) must be within this area.  In the event of an infringement, the striker's end umpire shall call and signal 'no ball' and the score shall be adjusted in accordance with law 24.  An extra delivery in that over shall be allowed as a consequence.

11.3.20 In the event of the striker's end umpire failing to call and signal "no ball" when fielding circle restrictions have been breached, immediately that the ball becomes dead, the striker may draw the matter to the attention of the umpire. If the striker's end umpire can verify the breach with his colleague, he shall call and signal "no ball". If there is no verification, the events of the delivery remain the same.

11.3.21 Clubs in Division 1 are reminded that, as laid out in the Club Standards Document, they must provide a non-playing scorer. Umpires are instructed to report teams without a scorer on the Match Results Sheet. If any club in Division 1 fails to provide a non-playing scorer for the THIRD time in a season, it will be deducted 9 points (i.e. 3 points for each default)

11.3.22 Further to an ECB Cricket Committee recommendation, it is confirmed that the practice of bowling a ball which bounces twice should be disallowed. Such a delivery will now be a No Ball in accordance with the new playing condition below:
Law 24.6 is replaced by: The umpire at the bowler`s end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched bat or person of the striker, either i) bounces more than ONCE before it reaches the popping crease or ii) rolls along the ground before it reaches the popping crease.

12. PRE-MATCH PROCEDURES

12.1 Prior to the toss, the home team shall provide the umpires with the match result book, the match ball, spare balls, bails and bowlers' marks.

12.2 The away team shall provide the umpires with their match ball.

12.3 At the same time as 1 and 2 above take place the umpires shall be paid their match fees.

12.4 The fee for each appointed Panel Umpire, for season 2011, will be £32.00. If only one Panel Umpire stands on his own in a match this fee will be £48.00 (in either case the cost is shared equally between the two teams)

12.5 In Division 2 an allocated panel Umpire must stand with a Registered Club umpire if one of the clubs has one. The panel umpire will receive a fee of £32 paid by the team not having the Registered Club Umpire

12.6 In the event of only one Panel Umpire being present, he must be invited to stand at the bowlers end throughout. However, he may decline.

12.7 The Captains and the Umpires shall then proceed onto the pitch and after,

the toss shall take place.

12.8 The Panel Umpire(s) shall retain the match book, complete their section at the end of the game, then hand them back to the home captain. He, and the away Captain, shall complete the match result book. The home Captain shall post the top copy to the Results Secretary. Each Captain shall retain a carbon copy for club files. (See section 16)

12. 8. 1 In addition, both captains must mark panel umpire(s) on the pre-printed postcard provided. This card must be posted, by first class post, to the Umpires` Secretary and should be received by Wednesday following the game. Should any Captain award an Umpire less than 8 marks, he must post a written report to the Umpires Appointments Secretary by Tuesday following the game detailing his reasons for the mark awarded. (See section16)

12.9 Young Players (see Appendices 1, 2 and 3)

12.9.1 It is mandatory for players under the age of 18 on the day of the match to wear helmets when batting and helmets when keeping wicket and standing up to the stumps. NB Until clarification is received from the ECB, face protectors will not be acceptable as an alternative to helmets.

12.9.2 Coaches, Manager, Captains and Umpires shall always ensure that a young player wears a helmet under these circumstances.

12.9.3 Young players must field at the appropriate distance from the bat, for the age group, as laid down by the ECB.

12.9.4 When they go out to bat, players under the age of 18 on the day of the match must inform the umpires and the fielding captain that they are “under age”.

12.10 Young Players - Bowling (see Appendix 1)
The ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives for players under 19 must be observed. It is the Captain's responsibility to complete the team sheet / match sheet correctly. The full ECB statement appears in Appendix 1. N.B. Age groups are determined by the player's age on 31st August of the preceding year. 

12.11 When a dispute arises over playing conditions the following shall apply:

12.11.1 Where appointed panel umpires are present, they shall be the sole judges. If they should disagree, play will be suspended.

12.11.2 In the absence of panel umpires both captains shall decide, but if they disagree play will be suspended until agreement can be reached.

12.11.3 If there is only one panel umpire, the decision lies solely with him.

12.11.4 If there are 2 Registered Club Umpires, they shall decide. If they should disagree, play will be suspended.

12.11.5 If there is only 1 Registered Club Umpire, then he and the opposition captain shall decide. Should they disagree, play will be suspended.

12.11.6 Where the umpires are players, then the captains will decide and, if they disagree, play shall be suspended until an agreement is reached.

12.11.7 In the event that agreement cannot be reached on the playing conditions for a game to start, both teams shall remain on the ground until 2 hours 30 minutes before the stipulated finish time, after which no game shall commence. For example: a scheduled 1pm start time would give a finishing time of 7.30 pm so that the latest possible start time would be 5pm assuming that tea had already been taken.(40 overs x 3.5 = 140 minutes plus 10 minutes between innings = 150 minutes to be deducted from 7.30 pm = 5pm).

12.11.8 In matches under the jurisdiction of panel umpires, they shall be sole arbiters of the playing conditions, weather and light.

12.11.9 A game, or innings, may not commence if it is raining. Also, if the players leave the field at any time during
play, the game may not continue until the rain has stopped.

13. GROUNDS, PITCHES AND CLUB STANDARDS

(See current Club Standards Document on SCCC website)

14. POINTS SYSTEM

14.1 The results of all matches played shall be tabled in League form on the following points basis:-

a. for the winning side that wins the toss and elects to field = 20 (including bonus points)

b. for the winning side in all other instances = 24 (including bonus points)

c. for a tie = 8 each side (plus bonus points). Points for a tie may only be claimed when the side batting second has been dismissed.

d. for a loss = 0 (plus bonus points)

e. for a winning draw in an uninterrupted match when both sides receive the same number of overs:-

= 10 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, when the score of the side batting second is less than, or equal to, 80% of the score of the side batting first.

= 8 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, when the score of the side batting second is more than 80% of the score of the side batting first.

f. for a winning draw in an uninterrupted match when both sides do not receive the same number of overs, i.e. when the side batting first has declared:-

= 10 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, if the score of the side batting second is less than, or equal to 80% of the average runs per over, scored in the first innings.

= 8 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, if the score of the side batting second is more than 80% of the average runs per over, scored in the first innings.

g. for a winning draw in an interrupted match when both sides do not receive the same number of overs, due to an interruption after the match has commenced:-

= 10 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, if the side batting second fails to score more than 80% of the average runs per over, scored in the first innings, provided that, at least, 20 overs have been bowled in the second innings.

= 8 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting first, if the side batting second scores more than 80% of the average runs per over, scored in the first innings, provided that, at least, 20 overs have been bowled in the second innings.

= 8 points (plus bonus points) awarded to the side batting second that earns a winning draw, due to a faster run rate.

h. for a draw where average run rates per over are equal= 5 each side (plus bonus points)

i. for a losing draw = 2 (plus bonus points)

j. for an abandoned game with some play= 5 each side (plus bonus points)

k. for an abandoned game with no play = 5 each side

 14.2 Bonus points will be awarded as follows:

i. Bowling side = 1 point up to a maximum of 4 points awarded at 3, 5, 7 and 9 wickets.
ii. Batting side = 1 point up to a maximum of 4 points awarded at 120 (120), 160(150), 200(180) and 240(210) runs.

l. In reduced over matches:-If a win is not secured, the result shall be based on the side with the higher overall scoring (run) rate. The calculation of run rate in drawn games will be determined on the basis of the number of runs scored divided by the number of legitimate balls bowled. (Number of completed overs x6 plus any legitimate balls in an incomplete over.) Should a team declare, the calculation will be the number of runs scored divided by the number of legitimate balls received. Should a team be bowled out, the calculation will be the number of runs scored divided by the number of balls allocated at the start of the innings.

EXAMPLE:-

Winning Draw Calculation in a rain affected second innings :
Side A scores 231 from 49.3 overs (which is 297 legitimate deliveries), therefore 231 runs divided by 297  balls = 0.777777 runs per ball
(0.777777 to three decimal places = 0.778 run rate)
At the resumption of play it is calculated that Side B will receive 30 overs (180 legitimate deliveries)
180 x 0.778 run rate = 140.04 runs (all decimals at this stage to be rounded up to the next whole number), therefore 140.04 becomes 141 runs.
Therefore the Winning Draw total becomes 141 runs + 1 run = 142 runs.

Should further overs be lost the Winning Draw total must be re-calculated (NB 20 overs must be bowled in both innings to constitute a match).

15. UMPIRES' AND CAPTAINS' CHECKLIST

15.1 Umpires' Appointments.
These will be made in four blocks, three of six weeks and one of four weeks.  Umpires will be sent each block by
first-class post. Clubs are responsible for downloading their own from the league web-site

15.2 Time of Arrival. Panel Umpires should arrive 45 minutes prior to the start time of the game.

15.3 On arrival Umpires must meet both Captains and arrange to meet at a specified time on the square to exchange Match Forms / Team Sheets, Fees, Match Balls, Spare Balls.  When all have been exchanged, and only then, shall the toss take place (see Section 12)

15.4 All Club Umpires must be registered with the Umpires Appointments Secretary. If a registered club umpire is present at the start of a match, it is mandatory that he officiates as ONE of the umpires.

15.5 Only one Panel Umpire (see 12.3 to 12.6 and 12.11)

15.6 Fees (see 11.3.15, 11.3.16, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5)

15.7 Pre-Match Procedure (see Section 12)

15.8 Emergency Registration of Players (see 9.2)

15.9 Rain - Procedures (see 11.3.8 / 11, 11.3.13, 11.3.14, 11.3.15, 11.3.16 and 12.11)

15.10 Notification of abandoned matches (see 11.3.13, 11.3.14, 11.3.15 and 11.3.16)

15.11 Playing Rules (see Section 11)

15.12 Playing Conditions and Disputes (see 11.3.8 / 11, 12.11)

15.13 No Ball, Wide, Unfair Play, Damaging the Pitch, etc, as per the current Laws.

15.14 Drinks Interval (see 11.3.17)

15.15 Hourly over rate (see 11.3.12)

15.16 Breach of fielding restrictions (see 11.3.20)

15.17 Young Players (see 12.9, 12.10 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3)

15.18 Points system and Winning Draw (see 14.1 and 14.2)

15.19 Disciplinary Procedures (see section 10)

15.20 Match Result Book and Umpires` marks (see sections 16 and 14)

15.21 Scorers (see section 11.3.21 and Club Standards Document)

15.22 Fewer than 7 players (see section11.3.4)

15.23 Winning Draw Calculation (see section 14.2)

15.24 Complaints (see sections 10.2 to 10.4)

16. MATCH RESULT (ALSO SEE APPENDIX 5)

16.1 The Home Captain should complete all relevant information in the Match Results Book prior to the arrival of the Away Team e.g. date, division, away team name, his own team list, junior players, Umpires (if applicable).

16.2 Match Result Book should be passed to the visiting Captain upon arrival for completion.

16.3 Where panel Umpires are in attendance, the Match Result Book is passed to them until after the completion of the match and handed back to the Home Captain once the Umpires have completed their section.  If no Umpires are present, the Visiting Captain should return the Match Result Book to the Home Captain prior to the commencement of the match.

16.4 After the completion of the match, the Home Captain will enter the result in the book, mark the Umpire(s) (if applicable) and then pass the form to the Away Captain to check the result and sign.

16.4.1 In addition, both captains must mark panel umpire(s) on the pre-printed postcard provided. This card must be posted, by first class post, to the Umpires` Secretary and should be received by Wednesday following the game. Failure to do so will result in a £5 fine which must be paid to the SCCC Treasurer within 14 days of notification. After that date, the fine will be increased by £5 per week until it has been paid. (See also section16.7 below)

16.5 Home Captain should check that the book is complete, give one copy to the Visiting Captain, retain one copy (Captains should retain the carbon copies) and send the other copy to the Match Secretary. (see next paragraph)

16.6 The HOME team must report all results to the Results Secretary, by telephone, e-mail or text no later than 10pm on the date of the match. Failure to do so will result in a 3 point penalty. Also the Results Secretary must receive a fully completed Match Result Form, posted no later than the Monday following the date of the match, even though the match may have been cancelled or abandoned. Failure to do so will result in a £5.00 fine which must be paid to the SCCC Treasurer within 14 days of notification. After that date, the fine will be increased by £5 per week until it has been paid.

Should any club return 3 forms late in one season, ALL teams from that club in the SCCC will receive a three point penalty.

16.7 Should any Captain award an Umpire less than 8 marks, he must post a written report to the Umpires Appointments Secretary by Tuesday of the following week detailing his reasons for the mark awarded.

16.8 A charge of £20.00 will be made for any Match Result Book replacement.

16.9 In addition to the above procedure, full scorecards for all matches must be entered on play-cricket.com by the HOME team before 6pm on the Tuesday following the match. The AWAY team must confirm this scorecard as a true record by 6pm on Thursday following the match.

17. MINUTES

The minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and presented at the next meeting.

18. OVERS CHARTS

GUIDELINES FOR UMPIRES AND CAPTAINS FOR MATCHES WHICH ARE DELAYED AT THE START DUE TO POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS.

GUIDELINES FOR UMPIRES AND CAPTAINS FOR MATCHES WHERE A RECALCULATION IS REQUIRED

STAFFORDSHIRE CLUBS CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP
Feeder League to Birmingham & District Premier League
Affiliated to Midlands Club Cricket Conference & Staffordshire Cricket Board