LCCL Rule Book Are All Mandatory Equipment That Needs to Be Provided by Each Team in the League

Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League Playing Handbook and Rules

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

1.00 Administrative Regulations and Information

1.01 The following Adult Cricket Leagues shall be played in accordance ICC (International Cricket Council) Twenty20 (T20) format using a hard tennis ball.

1.02 Qualification for participation in Adult Cricket Leagues is based on the following criteria:

a. Submission of a timely filed team application.

b. Submission of a timely filed roster, signed by a designated team manager, which documents full legal name (no nicknames), signature, address, zip code, and telephone number for each player. . Submission of the entry fee is to be payable to County of Loudoun on or before the established deadline date. Partial fees will not be accepted.

1.03 All rosters, roster changes, protests or any other paperwork affecting the administration of this league will not be considered official unless PRCS is notified in writing on the designated form. Papers sent by mail should be verified by telephone. Incomplete paperwork will not be accepted.

1.04 Tournament Play. At the conclusion of regular season play, some leagues will have post-season tournaments scheduled. The Commissioner may decide to curtail the length of the tournament due to limited fields and/or time constraints. However, it is the intention of the League Office to play all intended regular and playoff games.

1.05 All players must be eighteen (18) years of age and out of high school prior to the opening game of the season.

1.06 Standings will be calculated by awarding teams four points for a win, two point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. In case of ties, the order of tiebreakers follows: a. Total Wins b. NRR c. Head to Head

1.07 All teams will participate in a registration process regardless of how long they have been playing or how good their score/NRR, if any team violates LCCL rules such as forfeit, no umpires, violates rules will receive negative points determined by League Commissioner. These negative points will force your team into the wait list of teams (new and old) that will need to qualify for the next season.

1.08 All teams are required to submit their team payment, and signed roster. Those teams that qualified to play in Division 1 and 2 will be considered in the league provided they satisfy all governing rules of registration, payment and have no violation toward their team.

1.09 The bottom 4 teams from Division 3 determined by NRR at end of the season will be regulated to a pool of teams that will need to qualify for the next season.

1.10 The bottom Four (4) teams from Division 1 (2 teams from Division 1 East and 2 teams from Division 1 West) will be move to Division 2. The top Four (4) teams from Division 2 (2 teams from Division 2 East and 2 teams from Division 2 West) will be moved up to Division 1 for next available season (Spring/Fall). The bottom 2 Four (4) teams from Division 2 (2 teams from Division 2 East and 2 teams from Division 2 West) will be move to

Division 3 and the top 4 teams in Division 3 will move up to Division 2. Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

1.11 All new teams will register with PRCS and be added to a list of teams that may be selected to enter the league in Division 3. Four (4) teams every season from the list of teams that are eligible for Division 3 that will include new and old teams will qualify for the upcoming season.

1.12 For new teams to qualify for the league they will need to be selected from a random draw that the county will conduct if the division has reached its full capacity.

1.13 For wait listed teams to qualify for the league they will need to be selected from a random draw that the county will conduct.

1.14 If there is a situation where the league does not have more than 54 teams register for the league that season all teams that register will be entered into the league as long as they have submit their team payment, and signed roster.

2.0 Weather Hotline/Rain/Washouts/Cancellations

2.01 All field updates will go through Rainout Line at https://www.loudoun.gov/fieldstatus. All fields will be updated by 7:00 am on weekends and by 3:00 pm on weekdays.

2.02 Sports on-call Phone: 571-233-0424 (This number is if you have trouble at the field not to find out if fields are open or closed)

2.03 In case there is rain during a game a decision to call off/abandon the game is with on-field available "County Official", after that a decision comes from only the umpires. The general guideline is to observe ground conditions every 20 mins and if the umpires and the County Official agree after inspecting ground conditions, the game can either continue or delayed by another cycle of 20 mins.

2.04 Incase not a single ball has been bowled and it is decided by the umpires to reduce the number of overs for each side based on time delay due to rain, goal would be to complete the game within the original time slot of 3 hrs. So that scheduled games on that ground are not affected.

2.05 The number of overs can only be reduced to a minimum of 10 overs per side and this can only happen at the start of the and after the first 10 overs ‘during’ the match. In this case, only 1

2.06 If a game is reduced in overs, teams will need to determine the amount of overs a player can bowl. To do this you will divide the amount of overs left by 5 to give you the number of overs a player can bowl.

2.07 If a game is abandoned before both teams have played more than 5 overs due to weather related causes, it will be rescheduled based on the county’s reschedule plan.

2.08 Incase 5 overs have been bowled into the second innings, the game will be decided by the Duckworth- Lewis Calculator. (Please refer to Rule Section?)

2.09 If any affected game cannot be re-scheduled at a future date, points will be shared between the two teams with no change to NRR to either of the teams.

3 2.10 The League Commissioner shall have the authority to set, change, or reschedule date, time and

location of all games. Games may be rescheduled for any available day, this may include week nights. Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

3.0 LCCL DL Calculation

3.01 DL Calculation in LCCL will be decided only by League Commissioner (PRCS & Committee) this will be used to identify the team who wins due to washout or other circumstances only.

3.02 When teams have to come to a decision with the DL method, if both teams are playing with all 11 players then the DL method is calculated out normally with placing wickets lost and it will calculate correctly. 3.03 Now if a team is playing with less players then we will account those missing players as wickets lost during DL calculation, so we concur with DL calculator. If any teams plays with less players then they are in losing position to begin with, hence in LCCL we will account those as loss of wicket(s).

For example: 1. Team A has all 11 wickets and bats first. They score 150 runs in their inning. Team B has 9 wickets and is batting second. Now that Team B is playing 2 wickets down already, they will need to plug in 2 wickets out to start their turn at bat. This now will allow the calculator to account for 11 players and calculate the score correctly without giving advantage to the team that is playing with less players.

2. Team B with 9 players bats first and scores 150 runs for loss of 3 wickets, and if Team A plays with 11 players and the match is abandoned then for DL Calculation we will consider the Team B as 150 for loss of 5 wickets which will even out during calculation

3.04 DL decisions are made only by League Commissioners after the game is reported by Captains/Umpires and such decision will be conveyed via email.

4.0 Equipment/Cricket Gear

4.01 Bats / Wicket keeping gloves / Guards / Uniforms / Scoresheets / Copy of the LCCL Rule Book are all mandatory equipment that needs to be provided by each team in the league

4.02 Match Balls / Cones (inner & outer boundaries)/ Stumps & Bails / Playing Field with field markings. A medical kit for emergency maybe available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)

4.03 Only match balls are supplied by PRCS. Each team will be required to play with the PRCS suppled match balls for all matches. All practice balls shall be furnished by each team.

4.04 All teams are required to furnish its own matching uniform/jersey top. All uniform/jerseys tops must be matching in all color and style. Players without a matching uniform/jersey top will not be allowed to play.

4 Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

5.0 Cricket Playing Area Setup/Clean-up/Rules

5.01 Both teams should report on the ground at least 30 min before the start to make sure the field is setup. Loudoun County PRCS staff will help with setup of the field, but it is the responsibility of both the teams to look over the setup of the field to ensure proper setup, so the games start on time

5.02 Batting and bowling maybe done from both ends of the pitch. Each season the direction will be announced for the batting and bowling side for that season.

5.03 All Cricket Fields – ideally the lines (boundary and 30 yard inner circle) would be marked, but may differ from site to site due to the size of the area of play. Boundary – 55 yards or 165 ft. from center of the pitch Inner Circle – 30 yards or 90 ft. from center of the pitch Pitch – 22 yards or 66 ft. stump to stump.

5.04 Batting/ Bowling crease should be a full bat plus the handle of the bat.

5.05 There should be a box (Return Crease) for the bowler’s side. The width of the box should be full bat plus the handle of the bat from the side stumps.

5.06 For umpire reference (wide balls), there should be an off side wide line reference at the batting side. The width of the box should be full bat from the off stump.

5.07 All teams are expect to clean up all areas of the field at the conclusion of each game.

5.08 No person or persons shall possess and/or partake in alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco products of any kind while participating either as a team member or spectator at any PRCS or school locations. - Note that tobacco may only be used in designated areas within the Bolen and Mickie Gordon Park. There is absolutely no tobacco use at any school site.

6.0 General Match Format, Timings and Punctuality

6.01 All matches are generally 3 hours in length. Typically, there are five time slots for league matches.

6.02 Each innings is expected to last for 90 mins. This includes:

(a) One 10 min. Break after 10 overs (optional) in an innings (b) One 2 min. strategy timeout (optional) by the bowling team can take at any time of the innings at start of a new over

6.03 County publishes a match schedule along with other duties (Umpiring, Ground Setup and Ground Clean up) at the start of the season. Each team is responsible for their assigned part.

6.04 All matches will be a maximum of 20 overs per innings.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

6.05 Toss shall be conducted at least 10 mins before the match start time. Either captains (or designated Captain/s) should be present for the toss. Batting & Fielding team shall be logged into CricClub and provide a list of their playing 11 roster (names, jersey number before the “TOSS” time to start the game. Both teams can confirm roster on CricClub before the start of the match.

6.06 Immediately following the toss, both teams will be fully prepared to take the field as soon as the field is available. Penalty – If a team does not have a minimum of 8 players, physically present at the ground, 10 mins prior to the scheduled start time (for games starting on time) or minimum 8 players at the time of toss (for delayed games), they would automatically lose the toss. If either team does not have 8 players, the team with higher number of players wins the toss.

6.07 The first ball of the match should be bowled at the match start timing (as identified in the county’s Schedule. This is going by the umpire’s cell phone time.). If the start of the game will be delayed due to circumstances before the game, overs need to be reduced at the start of the match. No impact to power play overs. Max overs per bowler limit changes based on over reduction. If further delays happen during the game depending on where the match is at that point in the game the umpires should consider notifying teams that the game maybe determined by the DL Calculator. Example: if the 12:15 game is delayed by 20 mins (Game now starts at 12:35) the umpires will need to reduce over at the start of the game to make up for the delay in time to assure that the full game is completed in the 3 hour time (12:15 to 3:15)given for the game.

6.08 A team should have at least Eight (8) players on the ground to start the game else they will have to forfeit the match if they don’t have 8 players after 30 mins from the scheduled start time. Umpires should give a strict warning to the team and after an initial 10 mins of buffer time penalize 1 over for every 5 mins delay up to maximum 5 overs. The team at fault will lose 1 power play over. No impact to opponents Max overs per bowler limit. Example: Initial warning at 7.00 pm. If the team does not have 8 players by at 7:10 penalize 1 over (7:15 – 2 overs; 7:20 – 3 overs; 7:25 – 4 overs; 7:30 – 5 overs) - so they bat 19 overs but bowl 20. They get only 2 batting power play overs in their 19 overs. The opponent team still can bowl 4 overs max per bowler

Note: Even if both teams are willing to play the game cannot be continued with 1 team having less than 8 players. The game will be officially considered a forfeit after the initial 30 mins of wait time

6.09 All teams are expected to communicate with their opponent (including the assigned umpiring team captain) if there are any changes to the teams participation in upcoming game (e.g. No-Show due to less than Eight (8) players, late on the ground). If a team does not show up on the ground on their game day (except when match is abandoned due to weather), it will be called a “Match forfeit” by the umpires for that game. Any Two such instances of “Match forfeit” in a season will count towards team’s disqualification from the season. All their games after their disqualification will be considered as “forfeited” and their opponents will by-default get 4 points with no change in NRR for the beneficiary

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

7.00 Team Rosters

7.01 Team roster, application form and entry fee must be submitted to the League Office by the entry deadline each year. Rosters must be typed or printed on the roster form provided by the League Office in original form. Rosters must list the full legal name (no nicknames), signature, address, zip code, and either a home or work telephone number for each player, manager or coach. Incomplete rosters and duplicated copies will not be accepted. Teams failing to comply will not be considered for the league.

7.02 All roster changes, (i.e., additions, deletions, etc.), must be made in writing on a separate change of roster form and filed with the League Office prior to that player's participation in league games. Added players must sign the change of roster form. A team roster may be changed by team managers or coaches only.

7.03 Roster will be locked and final for the full season starting at a date before the first game. A request for a roster change after the deadline will not be allowed.

7.04 A player who is dropped from a team may not be reinstated to that same team during the same season.

7.05 A "returning team" is defined as a team having played the previous season, which, for the current season, is comprised of 33% of the previous season's roistered players. (Team does not have to play under the same team or sponsor's name).

7.06 If it is determined that a team roster is falsified the team representative shall be suspended from participation in the Loudoun County Adult Cricket League for the remainder of the season plus one additional year.

7.07 Each roster will be limited to a maximum of 25 players.

7.08 Batting & Fielding team shall be logged into CricClub and provide a list of their playing 11 roster (names, jersey number before the “TOSS” time to start the game. Both teams can confirm roster on CricClub before the start of the match.

7.09 "All" the players mentioned in the playing 11 roster have to be "Physically" present on the ground and acknowledged by the umpires before the First ball of the 11th over. Any missing player(s) will not be considered in the playing 11.

7.10 In case the fielding player joins after the start of the match but before the First ball of the 11th over, he has to be on the ground for ‘additional’ Three (3) overs before he can bowl. Example: If a player joins, the fielding team at the start of 8th over, he has to wait until the end of 10th over before he can bowl.

7 Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

7.11 In addition to the playing 11 roster announcement before the start of the game, a “strict" policy is enforced on "replacement Vs substitution"

a. Every team submits their playing 11 at the start of the game to the umpire(s).

b. Irrespective of any player situation/condition - no player "replacement" is allowed at any point in time after the playing XI list has been given to the umpires.

c. Max of Two (2) substitute(s) are allowed on the ground during a game. Any team can make a max of Two (2) substitutions in a match (at same or different times).

d. A by-runner is considered a substitute.

e. At no point a substitute shall be allowed to replace any playing 11 (as given to the umpire at the start of the match) player for that game.

8.0 Substitution/ Batsman Retired Hurt

8.01 A substitute shall be brought on for an injured fielder.

8.02 A substitute shall not bat, bowl, keep wicket or act as captain.

8.03 The original player shall return on the field if he has recovered anytime during the match.

8.04 A batsman who becomes unable to run may have a by-runner, who completes the runs while the batsman continues batting.

8.05 Alternatively, a batsman may retire hurt or ill, and may return later to resume his innings if he recovers. In case a batsman gets retired hurt, he can only return into the game as a ‘Last Wicket’.

8.06 Decision to allow a substitute fielder is based on discussion between fielding captain and the umpire(s). It is a very subjective call based on the situation of the injured fielder.

8.07 A runner will be allowed for an injured batsman that was injured during the game, only if both captains agree to allow the runner.

8.08 Decision of a batsman to ‘retire hurt’ is between the umpire(s), fielding captain and the batsman.

8.09 Batsman should have run his first run himself once he is on the crease for the first time before he can ask the umpire for a by-runner due to injury during the game.

8.10 A batsman can retire only if he is actually injured. The umpire should act with due diligence to ensure that is the case especially during the power plays.

8.11 A batsman requiring a by-runner in a match will not be allowed to bowl in the match.

8 8.12 Any medical emergency will require immediate attention and umpire will enforce that decision on the

field – even if the player does not want to accept it. Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

9.0 Players leaving the Game (With DL inclusion)

9.01 All players on the playing roster have to be on the ground during play time.

9.01 If you leave the game without injury then you cannot be substituted or return to the game at any time and your team will play down a player.

9.01 If a player has bowled his over and has taken his turn at bat and at that time if the player needs to leave he may do so, but if it goes to a Super Over that player will not be replaced.

9.01 If the game goes into a DL decision and the player has left before they have batted then that player will be considered as a lost wicket at the start of that teams batting inning if batting second in the game.

10.0 Playoff & Finals roster

10.01 In the interest of the cricket league, it is 'mandatory' that playoff roster for any team(s) should include players who have physically played 'at least' 2 league games. Being on the playing 11 roster of an abandoned/washed out or rescheduled game does not count game.

10.02 If a player who has not played a minimum of 2 league games, he should not be part of the roster and accordingly in the playing 11 for playoffs and/or finals.

10.03 In case a team has 2 or more washed out games at the end of the season (no make-up game), then the team can send a request to the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner to provide exception for 2 players that do not meet the criteria, to be added to the play-off roster. The players should have physically played at least 1 game during the season.

10.04 The captains are discouraged from selecting players who have not played league games.

10.05 All captains shall have updated rosters available for the post season tournament (who have played at least 2 league games) to their CricClub team account.

10.06 Teams shall be able to view all the Post Season Tournament Roster Players for every team through CricClub by Wednesday COB (after the FINAL league game).

10.07 If any Captain(s) wants to challenge the other team(s) roster, send an email to the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner.

10.08 In case any team captain does not have his roster posted with all players eligible for the post season tournament before the start of first tournament game, that team will be ‘disqualified’ from all post season tournament games.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

11.0 Umpiring 11.01 For the league games, as per county’s “Officials” schedule, every identified team for a game nominates TWO umpires from a registered LCCL team from the season being played or from the LCCL Umpire Panel. Each team is responsible for nominating the best players who understand “LCCL Rules” for this league and the game of Cricket in all seriousness

11.02 For the playoffs and finals, it is recommended the teams provide senior players for umpiring duty

11.03 All umpires should read this handbook thoroughly and have a hard copy with them on the ground. Team captains should ensure that the umpire sent for umpiring duty have proper knowledge of ICC T20 and Loudon County Cricket League rules and can control the match at all times. Goal is to ensure there is “discipline” on the ground and game progress is not hampered.

11.04 Umpire(s) should check the pitch and the ground to see if it meets the basic requirements as in the ground standards. He should check the suitability of outfield for play when it rains. Checks the condition of the ball and decides on replacement. Umpire(s) decision will be final on the field conditions. However umpire(s) are encouraged to consult the leg umpire and PRCS Facility Attendant for any doubtful decisions. His priority is to give the right decision for the safety of the players.

11.05 The players nominated by the team captain will act as the (a) Main and (b) Leg umpires for the “Complete” game. The assigned umpires can decide on the field if they would like to switch as the Main or Leg umpire after every over or every Five (5) overs.

11.06 Before the start of every match, umpires should go through a quick checklist with both the captains – especially as to how they would like the game to progress and what would they focus on during the game (Wide/No Balls). Set the expectation with both the teams straight from ball one.

11.07 Neutral umpire(s) will adjudicate each game as identified in the published counties “official’s schedule”. The umpire(s) will have access to additional balls (good condition) from which the balls will be provided to the bowling team, in case the ball is lost or damaged severely. Bowlers will be given another ball (by the umpire only) if retrieval of the previous ball would waste time (e.g., a long boundary shot) or the ball’s covering/skin is coming out.

11.08 Umpire(s) shall ask the bowler about his bowling arm and side from where he will bowl and accordingly inform the batsman. Umpire cannot give a no ball if he has not asked the bowler about his arm and/or side.

11.09 During a match, each "Batting" team will assign an "Official Scorer" who will keep count of Balls/Overs/# Overs per Bowler/Runs/Runs per individual/Wickets and will have the rights to inform the main umpire of any irregularity (e.g. less number of balls bowled in an over). At the same time, the Umpire can consult with the official scorer whenever he is in doubt. The umpires should try and keep a track of score, wickets and number of overs.

11.10 Umpire(s) will keep track of the number of overs during which a fielder has left the field (for

whatever reason) - applies mostly to bowlers. A player can ask for substitution or team can be play without

that player on the field if the need by the fielder to go out is related to using restroom or personal time off

10 (cell phone call, meet someone).Umpire(s) keep time of all breaks, and notify the captains as to when to

resume Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

11.11 For decisions related to snicks/nicks, run outs, height related no balls, and stumping each umpire shall answer appeals on the matters within his own jurisdiction. If an umpire is in doubt, he may call upon the other umpire that may have been in a better position to make the call for consolation. Both umpires will consult on the facts and then give a decision. If there is still doubt after both umpires have consulted, the decision shall be NOT OUT. Note: Leg Umpire should not initiate the call for Snicks/Nicks. If Main umpire has doubts related to Bump ball or Clean Catch then Main umpire can consult with the Leg Umpire.

11.12 Umpires may consult with each other whenever necessary to make the correct call. Umpires need to have digital or hard copy of the rule book at all times when administering the game and they may consult with each other before or after decision to make the correct call.

11.13 Main umpire cannot overrule the leg umpire's decision, for Run Outs, Height related No balls and stumping as required.

11.14 Umpire(s) are the final authority during the game. Their decisions are final.

11.15 Umpire(s) will remain impartial at all times on the field.

11.16 The final completed score sheet, will be confirmed in CricClub once the game is complete.

11.17 If the umpire’s decision is challenged based on the rulebook, the umpire can reconsider and reverse the decision, if needed. Strict action can be taken against umpires not following the rulebook.

11.18 Umpire(s) should file a complaint about any indecent behavior by a player or a team on the field to the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner.

12.0 Umpire Penalties

12.01 Umpiring duties delay aspects: In case the assigned umpiring does not show up on the ground or are late, following rules shall be used:

a. If only One Umpire is available at the start of the scheduled game time - the game should start on time with the assigned umpire acting as the main umpire until the assigned second umpire shows up. The leg umpire can be substituted by a player from the batting side who is registered on their team’s roster with the county. Once the second umpire available, he should replace the substituted leg umpire at an end of the over.

b. None of the assigned umpires are available at the start of scheduled game time - the playing teams should wait for 10 mins and start the game if no official umpire/s show up by then. Toss should be conducted 10 mins before the start of the game. The official umpires will be substituted by players from the batting side who are registered on their team’s roster with the county. The assignment of umpiring to particular players from batting team is up to the batting captain only. If the assigned umpires show up by the end of 10th over (first innings), they will replace the existing substitute umpires. Again, if only one assigned umpire is available by the end of first

11 innings 10 over, he will act as the Main umpire for the rest of the game.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

c. Under Emergencies (Personal or Family) only, One of the umpires can leave the ground who will then be substituted by a member from the batting team only as a leg umpire through the innings of that team. The other umpire acts as the Main umpire through the end of the game.

12.02 Penalties for umpiring duties delays:

a. If both the umpires are late, but on ground by the end of 10 overs (first innings), that team will lose 2 points from their total for that season. The 2-point deduction will kick in when the team wins any points (any stage of the season). There will be no change to their NRR.

b. If the second umpire does not show up by 10 overs (first innings), that team will lose 2 points from their total for that season. The 2-point deduction will kick in when the team wins any points (at any stage of the season). There will be no change to their NRR.

c. If none of the umpires show up by the 10 overs (first innings), that team will lose 4 points from their total for that season. The 4-point deduction will kick in when the team wins any points (at any stage of the season). There will be no change to their NRR.

d. Any Two such instances in a season by the umpiring teams, any condition above, will count towards their team’s disqualification from the playoffs and could lead to disqualification from the league.

e. 1st Offense in a season – A team that fails to honor their umpiring duties will be deducted 4 points from their total score that season.

f. 2nd Offense (same season) – A team that fails to honor their umpiring duties will be withheld from the playoffs.

g. If a team was to miss the last game of the season and it was not going to affect their team due to them being in last place a 4 point deduction will be carried over to the next season.

h. Playoffs – A team that fails to honor its playoff officiating duties will be removed from the playoffs, if they had moved on in the bracket the team that lost their match would replace them on the bracket, also failure to honor your officiating duties will result in that team not being eligible to compete in the playoffs if they have yet to be knocked out, or the next season.

13.0 Code of Conduct/ Discipline

13.01 Everyone participating in this league should follow the rules and regulations of appropriate conduct on the field.

13.02 Moreover everything that happens falls under the jurisdiction of the Local police departments.

13.03 As far as the cricketing code of conduct is concerned; the teams are here to have fun and to sigh a bit of relief during the weekends. Therefore, we expect to see a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

12 Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

13.04 Sledging is strictly prohibited. However, the difference between encouraging one’s own team-mate and sledging can sometimes get unclear. Under such circumstances, the umpire will have the say in deciding what a tolerable limit is. If the umpire(s) find things exceeding the limit, they might recommend expulsion of player(s) or action against the team to the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner.

13.05 We encourage the participating teams to play in line with the laws and spirit of the game.

13.06 There will be a no tolerance policy with any physical or verbal (direct or implied) attack by a player(s) against: (All of the actions below will result in an automatic red card). a. The umpire b. Other cricketers c. The stumps, d. ball or other cricket gear e. Spectators f. PRCS staff

13.07 Unruly and un-sportsman like behavior will not be tolerated. Guilty players will be ejected. If the player refuses to leave the field, the team will be penalized with forfeiture of the match. No substitutes will be allowed for the ejected player. Determination of what constitutes unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior will be based on the umpire and Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner combined opinion.

13.08 Players abusing or threatening either umpire(s) or opponent team members will be suspended for 2 or more matches given under the discretion of the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner. Any player that has been ejected two times in a season will be removed from the league for that season.

13.09 It’s the duty of the captain to maintain discipline and decorum on the field.

13.10 Any captain and/or vice-captain who uses an ineligible player (a player not on their roster or a player playing under a false name) shall be automatically suspended from the next Five (5) games his team plays in and will be placed on a probationary status for a period of one calendar year. A second offense will result in the forfeiture of the remainder of their season. The player will be suspended for the remainder of the season and must apply in writing to the Loudoun County PRCS League Commissioner to be reinstated. Team playing with ineligible players will be automatically declared as losing team.

13.11 Under any type of confusion on the field, only the ‘Captain’ (Batting side and Bowling and/or Fielding side) is allowed to talk with the umpires. A captain could nominate an individual (Vice‐Captain) to represent him under any such circumstances.

13.12 No player shall get into an argument with the Umpire.

13.13 No Banter/Bench Clearing/Swearing type activities shall be entertained.

13.14 Based on strict guidelines of Loudoun County ‘Code‐of‐Conduct’, all such acts will be dealt with severe penalty for an individual and/or team he represents.

13.15 Any question or situation not included in these rules or official interpretation thereof, shall be

13 referred to the League Commissioner for final disposition.

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13.16 Loudoun County PRCS requires that participants follow all guidelines, policies and the County Code of Conduct while participating in Loudoun County Adult Sports Activities. There will be a no tolerance policy with any violations towards the PRCS Code of Conduct below, all violations will result in a red card. PRCS Code of Conduct Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services has adopted the following Code of Conduct as a result of its concern for good sportsmanship, respect, fair play and spectator/player/coach’s conduct.

While individual leagues and organizations hold the responsibility of monitoring and the enforcement of individual league/organization rules, the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) may enforce penalties on a case by case basis, when necessary.

All coaches, players, and parents must abide by our Code of Conduct. Reports of violations of this code will be investigated. Violators will be subject to penalties such as but not limited to, removal from events, suspension from games/practices up to a lifetime ban from all Loudoun County facilities in extreme or recurrent situations.

Spectators Code of Conduct Coaches Code of Conduct Players Code of Conduct

Provide support for coaches and players Provide a positive experience in a safe Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, player in the game, in order to provide a environment for all players on your during, and after games by being able to positive, enjoyable experience for all team. win without gloating, respecting one's participants. opponents, and being able to lose Lead by example by demonstrating fair gracefully Treat all participants, spectators and play and sportsmanship to all players, officials with respect regardless of race, coaches and officials. Treat coaches, other players, officials and sex, creed or ability. fans with respect regardless of race, sex, Maintain self-control at all times, creed or abilities and expect to be treated Respect the decisions of officials and accepting adverse decisions without accordingly. encourage all players to do the same. public displays of emotion or of dissatisfaction with officials. Be courteous and respectful to opposing Condemn the use of violence in any teams, spectators and officials. form, whether it is by other spectators, Emphasize the importance of proper coaches, officials or players. sideline behavior and the necessity of Maintain composure and never leave the restraining from entering the playing bench to enter the playing area to engage Maintain high ideals of sportsmanship area to engage in unsportsmanlike in unsportsmanlike physical or verbal by being able to win without gloating, physical or verbal behavior. behavior. respecting one's opponents, and being able to lose gracefully. Be modest when successful and Respect the privilege of the use of the gracious in defeat. public facilities, the equipment provided Maintain composure and refrain from and the staff that maintain and supervise unsportsmanlike physical or verbal Supervise participants under his/her it. behavior. immediate care. Show respect for authority to the game Respect the privilege of the use of the Place the emotional and physical well- officials and PRCS employees. public facilities, the equipment being of players ahead of personal provided and the staff that maintain desire to win. and supervise it. Respect the privilege of the use of the public facilities, the equipment

provided and the staff that maintain and supervise it.

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15.0 Player Code of Conduct Penalty Cards

15.01 If a player does not follow the League and the County’s Code of Conduct on/off the field, that players actions will be reviewed by the League Commissioner to determine the outcome of a penalty.

15.02 If the player(s) has violated LCCL rules and presented un-professionally on/off the field and it affected the league overall, then League Commissioner would enforce penalty based on the severity of the issue which will be determined based on the below rules.

15.03 Yellow Card - Any abusive repetitive foul language, upon umpire or opponent team making a first request not to use abusive language, and the player continue continues to offend and ignore all warning, then it will result in Yellow card with penalty of the player(s) being suspended for 2 games. If the argument involves both teams then both team player(s) are considered and both may be suspended too.

15.04 2 Yellow Cards - A 2nd abuse or offense of same player(s) will result in two (2) yellow cards which is equivalent to 1 red card, which would eliminate the player(s) from the roster and not allowed to play entire season.

15.05 1 Red Card - If the player(s) abuse or offense due to argument, physically involvement, group thrash-talk, display of threat or excessive show of force intimidating players(s) or audience(s) or Staff(s) or Committee member(s) or general public, will eliminate such player(s) of the roster and the season. If a red card is given the League Commissioner has the right to extend the suspension, which may even extend into the next season.

15.06 Any player(s) with penalty will be revisited every season as they sign up to ensure they will exhibit good behavior and PRCS has authority to approve/deny such player(s) to be part on roster.

15.07 If an incident occurs on the ground during the game and if the PRCS staff determine it's not good for the player to play, then player should walk away voluntarily and the team’s umpires/Staff/Captains/Players report the incident.

15.08 No actions will be taken on the field during the game by either umpires or captains regarding a player code of conduct unless it is a physical involvement were the player will be ejected immediately with a red card . All penalties (yellow or red card) will be given ONLY by League Commissioner upon internal discussion and we notify the team and Captains group. All actions will be reviewed by the League Commissioner to determine the outcome of a penalty.

15.09 If a team has more than 3 players with yellow cards, that team/Captain needs to ensure their team will play professionally at all times, if failing to do so they might end up being dis-qualified and may result in negative points thus leading to elimination of the team for next season.

15.10 How to report an incident? Either captains or umpires or other players(s) can report an incident to League Commissioner (which comprises of PRCS staff and LCCL Committee members). All such incidents need to be reported via email within 1-3 days of the game detailing the match and any mis-conduct. We need full details of the player(s) or team being reported for and the contact details of the person reporting and

detail description of events. 15

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16.0 Forfeit Penalties

16.01 Forfeit game will be considered as washout (only for winning team), non-washed out game for team forfeiting the game and both teams will have blank scorecards with no players added from either team.

16.02 The forfeit will result in negative points to the team, you will receive -2 points during regular season games if your team points table is less than 10. (Assuming you’re at mid-point and have played 5 games)

16.03 If your team points table is above 10 points and you decided to forfeit then you get higher negative points say -4 there by it will force teams which are winning not to forfeit intentionally. (Assuming your team has 14 or 16 points and you forfeit then you get -4 which will put you at 10 or 12 points and you may not qualify for playoffs)

17.0 Scorecard Entry Guidelines

17.01 All scores will be keep through CricClub scoring for all league games. Both Team Captain should verify the scorecard from opposition teams are complete scorecard and submit it through CricClub scoring. If CricClub is not available then paper scoring will need to be taken, with scores and game information confirmed by both Captains and submitted by the end of the day.

Any question or situation not included in these rules or official interpretation thereof, shall be referred to the League Commissioner for final disposition.

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20/20 Cricket Rules

Overs

1. All matches will be a maximum of 20 overs per innings.

2. If any match is rain affected, teams are encouraged to play a min. of 5 overs to complete a match if possible.

3. A bowler can bowl a maximum of four (4) overs in a 20 over match (accordingly, a bowler can bowl a maximum of two (2) overs in a 10 over match).

Fielding Restrictions

1. Five (5) fielders can field on leg-side at any point of time in an innings

2. There is no limit to the number of fielders on the off side.

3. Four (4) fielders should be within the 30 yard circle at all times (excluding the bowler and keeper).

Power Play

1. One (1) power play is included starting in the Spring 2019 season on all grounds.

st 2. One Power Play: Mandatory first Six (6) overs at the start of innings (1 to 6th over).

3. During the power plays, no more than Two (2) fielders outside the 30 yard circle.

4. Fielders cannot take a start outside the circle, they have to be physically present inside the 30 yard circle (at least One foot should be inside the 30 yard)

5. All the field restrictions should be met before the bowler starts his bowling strides. Umpire shall call it a no ball if any field restrictions are found under violation.

6. The above rules are applicable even when there are only 8 fielders/players.

Batsman

1. A new batsman is expected to come to the crease within 90 seconds after the dismissal of the previous batsman.

2. A batsman is not allowed to wear cricket pads anytime during a match.

3. Regular shin guards are allowed for safety purpose. Wide shin guards will not be allowed and the

17 player can be disqualified if found wearing one.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

4. A batsman is allowed to wear batting gloves. If the ball hits the glove and is caught by the fielder, it will be considered out.

Bowler

1. Bowler shall inform the umpire about his bowling arm & side from where he will bowl only for the first time. Typically, the umpire would ask the bowler the first time.

2. Bowler shall inform the umpire ever‐time, if he changes his arm/side of bowling.

3. Bowler is not required to inform the umpire of his arm/bowling side if, umpire changes

4. A bowler shall be warned by the umpire for first beamer ball (ball without bouncing passes above the batsman waist when the batsman is at his crease). If Two (2) beamers are bowled by the bowler in any innings, he shall be barred from bowling again in the remainder of the match. His over will be completed by any other player in the team.

Free Hit

1. Free hit will be allowed as a result of any type of No-Ball

2. Umpire should ensure that the bowler’s foot was completely outside the popping crease

3. The Batsman playing a free hit delivery and the runner batsman can be dismissed only by Run Out

4. No fielding changes are allowed for the free hit ball, if the batsman facing free-hit is the same as the one who faced the no-ball. The fielding can change, if the batsman facing is different from the one who faced the no-ball.

Super Over/Eliminator

If a 20/20 match (regular season or playoff or finals) ends in a tie, the outcome is decided by a novel concept called Eliminator / Super Over

(a) What is an eliminator?

It is the tiebreaker for Twenty20 internationals. In July 2008 the eliminator, also referred as the Super Over, replaced the bowl-out as the official tool to separate teams that finish at the same score at the end of a completed Twenty20 game.

(b) How does it work?

Both the teams get to play one over each after the match, and the team that wins that contest is the winner: in a way, it is an One1 to resolve a Twenty20 tie.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

Both sides have to nominate three batsmen and one bowler each for the eliminator. A team can be bowled out in the traditional sense, if it loses two wickets. The bowler and batsmen, once nominated, cannot be changed. All the fielders take a part in the contest. The eliminator is played with the same fielding restrictions as those in place for the first over of a normal Twenty20 match (Which is a mandatory bowling power play for both the sides)

(d) Is there a toss for the eliminator?

No. The team that batted second in the actual match bats first.

(e) Is there a change in any of the other ground conditions?

The eliminator - conditions permitting - has to be played on the same day, on the same pitch, with the umpire(s) standing at the same ends as they finished the match, and with the ball that was in use at the end of the second innings. Both eliminator innings are played from the same end, which is chosen by the umpire(s). The usual cricket rules governing no-ball, wide etc apply to the eliminator overs. Power play field restrictions apply to the Super over.

(f) What if the teams are tied at the end of the eliminator / Super Over?

The team whose batsmen hit the most number of boundaries (fours and sixes) combined from its two innings in the main match and the Super Over shall be the winner. In an event of a Tie with numbers of boundaries from Main match and Super Overs, only the number of boundaries from the Main match will determine the winner.

General Cricket Rules

1. Under-arm bowling is strictly prohibited. All bowling actions shall be “over arm”.

2. Runs and extras are scored in accordance with the laws of cricket except as indicated otherwise in this rules document.

3. Teams should complete the overs in a timely manner. Umpire(s) are requested to ensure this.

Run Out/Stumping

1. In the case of run-outs and stumping, a batsman is considered to be out of his ground unless a part of his bat or body is grounded inside the crease. Thus, if the body or the bat is grounded on the crease line, but not inside, the batsman is “out”.

2. In case a stump is already dislodged and batsman is safe in terms of run out, the stumps has to be uprooted to get a run out provided at a later time the batsman decides to take a run.

3. The no striker can be run out by the bowler if the bowler has not started their bowling action. Each

19 team will receive only one warning from the Main umpire. The second offense will result in an out.

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4. If the bowler "intentionally or unintentionally" hits the non-striker stumps (i.e. bail(s) are dislodged) before delivering the ball, then:

a. If the bowler 'appeals' for a run-out of non-striker, the main umpire treats it as an illegitimate appeal as the non-striker cannot be run-out in this case as the bowler is ‘already’ in his delivery stride he cannot run the non-striker out. A bowler can only run-out a non-striker before he gets into the bowling stride.

b. If the bowler ‘delivers' the ball, it is counted as a 'legitimate' ball (as any other 'legitimate' ball). In case there is a run-out situation at the non-striker side, if one bail still remains on the stumps the fielding side can remove that bail to affect a run out. If both bails have been dislodged the fielding side would need to uproot one stump while holding the ball next to it in order to effect a run out.

Wicket Keeper

1. The wicketkeeper may wear gloves while keeping wickets.

2. Wicket Keeper is allowed to bowl in the tournament. He is not required to wait for any number of overs before he can bowl, accordingly he can take the role of wicket keeper at anytime during the game. He needs to let the main umpire know of his decision, every time there is a change in role.

3. The wicket keeper shall not move once the bowler has started the run up.

Byes and Leg Byes

1. Byes are allowed.

2. Leg Byes are not allowed. Runners shall go back to their original position. No runs of the bat shall be accrued. Players can be run out while attempting a leg bye. No Runs are allowed on an over throw in an attempt to get the player out.

LBWs

1. LBWs are not allowed.

Pad & Bat

If the ball hits the pad and then the bat, the batsman can be out “Caught”. Runs are allowed in a pad & bat scenario and goes to the striker (not extras)

Deliberate Padding

1. There is no LBW and hence no penalty for Deliberate padding.

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WIDE BALL

1. Leg Stump: Any ball that misses the leg stump (without touching the batsman or his equipment) shall be declared a wide by the umpire. There is no special condition i.e. even if the batsman is down the track, or the ball pitches outside the off stump. Once the ball passes the batsman, if it is outside the leg stump (without touching the batsman or his equipment), it shall be called a wide.

2. Off Stump: A reference marker (One standard bat length from the off stump) should be used only as a “guide” by the umpire to declare a ball as wide that is outside the off-stump. General rule is, if the ball is not playable (i.e. batsman did not have a “reasonable” opportunity to score) after missing the batsman outside the off stump, shall be declared wide by the umpire.

3. To assess a WIDE delivery, two lines are drawn at a distance of one full standard bat from the off/leg stump at right angles to the crease and extending from the batting crease. A bowled ball passing the crease outside these lines shall be designated a WIDE, provided it does not touch the bat and/or any part of the striker or part of his equipment.

4. The ball will be considered “LIVE” after a call of WIDE, i.e. the batsman can be out.

5. When the ball goes over the head of a batsman in his normal stance when standing at his crease and he cannot play a normal cricket shot it should be called a Wide.

6. The ball pitching outside the Mat or turf will be called a WIDE

Scoring (Wide Ball)

➢ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball + Any run taken by Byes + any overthrows

NO-BALL

1. The bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease (front line) .If the umpire at the bowler's end is not satisfied that both these conditions have been met, he shall call and signal NO BALL. This will be categorized as an “Over-Stepping” No-Ball that will follow with a Free-Hit.

2. Bowler shall bowl within the sidelines – return crease (box). Umpire can only give a NO BALL if “both” foot of the bowler are “completely” outside the sidelines – return crease (box). This will be categorized as an “Over-Stepping” No-Ball that will follow with a Free-Hit.

3. The normal rules will apply to the call of “NO BALL”. If after delivery, the ball is then considered a “WIDE-BALL” the call of “NOBALL” takes precedence over the “WIDE-BALL” call.

4. Umpire will also call a “chucked delivery“, a NO BALL. Three NO-BALLED chucked deliveries by a bowler will lead to prohibition of the bowler from bowling any further in that game. As a guideline,

21 a bowler cannot bend his forearm more than 15 degree in angle with his upper arm.

Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

5. Any ball, which, after bouncing, passes the batsman above SHOULDER height in his normal stance, or would have passed him above SHOULDER height if it strikes the batsman’s bat or body, shall be called a NO BALL by either umpire. One (1) ball which is over the shoulder height, but below batsman’s head in his normal stance is allowed per over. More than one such ball within the same over will be declared as No-Ball.

6. Any ball, which, having not bounced after leaving the bowler’s hand, passes the batsman above waist height, or would have passed him above waist height if it had not struck the batman’s bat or body, shall be called a NO BALL by either umpire. The umpire should make a call after the completion of the delivery. If Two (2) balls are delivered above waist height in a game by the same bowler, that bowler will no longer be able to bowl for the remainder of the game.

7. (Related to above rule) Any ball, which, having not bounced after leaving the bowler’s hand, hits the stumps, without any contact with the bat or body, will be considered OUT (for simplicity the pace of the delivery or the perceived height will not be taken into consideration)

8. The ball remains live after the call of NO BALL. Batsman can be run out.

9. While bowling, if the bowler hits the bails/stumps and the bails fall down, the ball will be called a NO BALL

Scoring (Due to height)

➢ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball + Any run taken by Bat/Byes

Scoring (Due to Overstepping)

➢ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball with Free Hit + Any run taken by Bat/Byes + Free Hit

DEAD BALL

1. A ball will be considered dead, if:

1.1 Bowler bowls and the ball hits 'any' of the side nails (in front of the batting wicket)

1.2 Bowler bowls and the ball bounces 'multiple' times before reaching the batsman (at least 2 times)

2. A ball is also considered 'dead' once the 'wicketkeeper' passes the ball.

3. If the bowler 'stops' and does not deliver the ball, the main umpire calls it a "dead-ball"

4. A ball will NOT be considered dead, if:

5. Bowler bowls and the ball hits 'any' of the nails behind the stumps (provided the ball is legitimate i.e.

not any of the above-mentioned cases of a dead ball).

22 Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules

Captain’s Responsibilities

1. One player from each team will act as Captain for the duration of the competition.

2. The Vice Captain shall assume responsibility of a Captain, in case the Captain is not playing a game.

3. The captain should be conversant and proficient with the laws of cricket and LCCL Playing handbook.

4. The captain should control the behavior and conduct of all his team players and act on their behalf in the case of disputes

5. The captain should respect the umpire's opinions and decisions.

6. The captain will be responsible for going over the rules and regulations with their players.

7. The captain should encourage the bowlers to bowl with the standard bowling action

8. It is the captain’s responsibility to make sure that the volunteers are present for umpiring/scoring when scheduled.

9. It’s the captain’s responsibility to make sure that the players coming for umpiring know the rules of the tournament.

23 Page Loudoun County PRCS Cricket League-Playing Handbook and Rules