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CONSTITUTION
C O N T E N T S
1.Name 2. Executive Committee 3. Officers
4. Membership 5. Honorary Members 6. Management Committee
7. Annual General Meeting 8. Championship Name 9. Championship Rules - General
10. Disciplinary Code 11. Championship Rules - Playing 12.Pre Match Procedures
13. Gounds / Pitches 14. Points System 15. Umpires and Captains Checklist
16. Match Result 17. Minutes


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:

President Chairman Vice Chairman
Secretary Treasurer Results Secretary
Fixture Secretary Registration Secretary Disciplinary Chairman
Divisional Representatives Audit Facilities Chairman Umpires' Panel Representative
Welfare Officer Website Administrator  

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1 The founder members of the Championship are:

Brewood CC Cannock CC
Fordhouses CC Milford Hall CC
Rugeley CC Stafford CC
Wightwick CC Wombourne CC

4.2 Membership of the championship shall be by invitation only and the Executive Committee or their representative
shall vet any club being considered. Should any club not fulfil the requirements of this Committee with regard to facilities, playing standards and general suitability, the invitation to join may be withdrawn (See current Club Standards Document)

Promotion within the SCC 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.

These requirements (including “Clubmark” for Division 1) must be achieved by the end of the playing season AFTER promotion, or the club may be relegated.i.e. A club promoted at the end of season 2009 has until the end of playing season 2010 to meet ALL mandatory requirements of this document or it may be relegated at the end of playing season 2010.

Correspondingly, all clubs have until the end of playing season 2010 to meet ALL the mandatory requirements of their respective divisions or they may be relegated at the end of playing season 2010.
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.

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

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)

4.3 Only "First Teams" from any member clubs can play in Division 1. Only divisional winners and runners-up can be considered for promotion.

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 2010:

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 and certainly no later than the first match 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.

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:-

First offence £10.00 Fine
Second offence £10.00 Fine
Third offence £10.00 Fine plus disciplinary meeting

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.

8.5.1 The team with the most wins.
8.5.2 The team with the most winning draws.
8.5.3 The team with the least number of losses.

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)

8.7.1 In addition to the above procedure, full scorecards for all Division 1, 1a, 2 and 2a 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.

8.7.2 The entry of scorecards for other divisions is optional but clubs are encouraged to do this to help their own record keeping

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 25 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 2009 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 25 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 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

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.

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 :-
An overseas player
A paid professional
A player under the age of 40 who has played 1st class cricket in the past 10 years.

9.6 The Executive defines a professional as "any person who is paid to play cricket" and an overseas player as "any person who has not resided in the UK for a minimum of two years".

9.7 Overseas, paid professional 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 should inform the umpires of the issue.

Umpire(s) should inform the captain or other official of the club involved of the intention to report an 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) With panel umpires present (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:-

These 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:

A Win
A Draw
A Tie

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 2010 matches will be:

17th April to 7th August 1:30pm
14th August to 21st August 1:00pm
28th August to 11th September 12:30pm

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.

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 In matches with a delayed start or interrupted by weather, each period of seven minutes lost during each
stoppage of the innings of the side batting first shall count as one over per side to be deducted from the allowed
50(45) overs. This is to be determined by the umpires or, in their absence, by the captains.

11.3.9 A deduction of one over for each three and a half minute period of time lost will be made in the second
innings. However, in all cases, a minimum of 40 overs must be bowled (20 overs per innings), to constitute a
match. If not, it will be deemed an abandoned game and points allocated accordingly.

11.3.10 No match shall commence after 3 hours 30 minutes after the scheduled start time and any game starting then shall be restricted to a maximum of 25 overs per innings.

11.3.11 In all cases where there is a reduction in the 100 (90) overs match, the principle of the side batting first
for half the available overs, unless bowled out or declared, shall still apply.

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 £15 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 £15.00 (£15 per club). In the event of there being only one Panel umpire in attendance he will receive a fee of £15.00 equally shared between both teams (therefore £7.50 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 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)

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 2010, will be £30.00. If only one Panel Umpire stands on his own in a match this fee will be £42.00 (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 £30 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,

1. Approval of Balls see (11.2)
2. Confirmation of local playing regulations
3. Agreement on the dimensions of the fielding circle (see 11.3.19)
4. Agreement that when a bowler indicates that he wishes to bowl over and around the wicket in the same over, the batting side will be responsible for moving the sight-screen.
5. Agreement on drink intervals and any other appropriate internal(s)
6. The match result book has been filled in by Captains(see section 16)

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 enter a mark for the umpire(s), including Registered Club Umpires. 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)

12.9 Young Players fielding (see Appendix 2)

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.
(See Appendix 3 for ECB guidelines on Young Players playing Adult Cricket)

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 3 hours 30 minutes after the due start time, after which no game shall commence.

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 following points system shall apply to all games:

Win batting first - 25 points
Win batting second - 20 points
A loss - Bonus points achieved
A winning draw - Bonus points + 8
A losing draw - Bonus points + 2
An absolute draw (a drawn game in which run rate is equal) – Both teams: Bonus points + 5
An abandoned game - Bonus points + 1
A tied game - 15 points each only (A tied game is in accordance with law 21, clause 4:- Both innings complete on the
same score. The innings is complete if the team is bowled out or the team declares)

14.2 CALCULATION OF RUN RATE IN DRAWN GAMES:-

The calculation of run rate in drawn games will be determined on the basis of:
Number of runs scored - divided by - number of legitimate balls bowled. (Number of completed overs x 6, plus any
legitimate balls in an incomplete over)

Winning Draw Calculation in a rain affected second innings :

EXAMPLE:-

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).

14.3 BONUS POINTS

Batting:
1 point for reaching 150 runs (Divisions 4 & 5 = 125 runs)
1 point for reaching 175 runs (Divisions 4 & 5 = 150 runs)
1 point for reaching 200 runs (Divisions 4 & 5 = 175 runs)
2 points to the team batting second in a losing draw, if their score is within 15 runs of the required total.
Bowling:
1 point for taking 5 wickets
1 point for taking 7 wickets
1 point for taking 9 wickets

14.4 Allocation of points in a drawn game shall be based upon the following:
The team batting first must complete their innings or receive at least 20 overs.
The team batting second must receive at least 20 completed overs. Anything short of this shall not constitute a match.

14.5 Any disputes shall be referred to the 'Executive Committee' whose decision is final.

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 11.3.13, 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 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 and 2)

15.18 Winning Draw (see 14.1 and 14.2)

15.19 Disciplinary Procedures (see section 10)

15.20 Match Result Book (see sections 16 and 14)

15.21 Scorers (see section 11.3.21 and Club Standards Document)

16. MATCH RESULT

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, sign and mark the umpire(s) (if applicable).

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. 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 4 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 Division 1, 1a, 2 and 2a 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.

16.10 The entry of scorecards for other divisions is optional but clubs are encouraged to do this to help their own record keeping

17. MINUTES

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

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

   
 

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