Loudoun County Cricket League (LCCL) Playing Handbook
Version: 1.1 Last Updated: March 30, 2011
Handbook Conceived & Written by: Gaurav Sharma (Knights Cricket Club, Leesburg, VA) for PRCS (Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services)
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Table of Contents
1 DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ...... 3 2 INTRODUCTION...... 4 3 CONTACTS ...... 4 3.1 LOUDOUN COUNTY (PRCS) ...... 4 3.2 WEATHER HOTLINE AND OTHER COUNTY NUMBERS ...... 5 3.3 WEBSITE ...... 5 3.4 CAPTAINS GOOGLE GROUP ...... 6 4 CRICKET FIELDS ...... 6 5 GENERAL MATCH FORMAT, TIMINGS AND PUNCTUALITY...... 6 6 20/20 CRICKET RULES ...... 9 6.1 OVERS ...... 9 6.2 FIELDING RESTRICTIONS ...... 10 6.3 POWER PLAY ...... 10 6.4 BATSMAN ...... 10 6.5 BOWLER ...... 11 6.6 FREE HIT ...... 11 6.7 SUPER OVER/ELIMINATOR ...... 11 7 EQUIPMENTS/CRICKET GEAR...... 12 8 UMPIRING DUTY ...... 13 9 GENERAL CRICKET RULES ...... 14 9.1 RUN OUT/STUMPING ...... 14 9.2 WICKET KEEPER ...... 15 9.3 BYES AND LEG BYES ...... 15 9.4 LBWS ...... 16 9.5 DELIBERATE PADDING ...... 16 9.6 WIDE BALL ...... 16 9.6.1 Scoring (Wide Ball) ...... 17 9.7 NO-BALL ...... 17 9.7.1 Scoring (Due to height) ...... 18 9.7.2 Scoring (Due to Overstepping) ...... 18 9.8 DEAD BALL ...... 18 9.9 SUBSTITUTION/ BATSMAN RETIRED HURT ...... 18 9.10 PLAYING 11 ROSTER ANNOUNCEMENT (EACH GAME) ...... 19 9.11 PLAYOFF & FINALS ROSTER ...... 20 9.12 RAIN/WASHOUTS/BAD WEATHER/BAD LIGHT ...... 21 9.13 BALL USAGE ...... 22 9.14 GROUND SETUP ...... 22 10 GENERAL GUIDELINES ...... 22 11 UMPIRING GUIDELINES ...... 23 12 CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 24 13 CODE OF CONDUCT/ DISCIPLINE ...... 25
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1 Document Revision History
Season Revision ID Name Team Comments Represented Spring 1.0 – First Gaurav Sharma Knights Initial Document 2011 Version ([email protected]) based on past 4 LCCL seasons experience Spring 1.1 Gaurav Sharma Knights Added clarity on 2011 ([email protected]) “Substitution Vs Replacement” (Section 9.10.7)
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2 Introduction
Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community services (a.k.a PRCS) of Virginia promoted a Hard-Tennis ball cricket league back in spring of 2009. After its successful first season, the league has attracted many new teams to participate season over season. The playing format of the league is based on ICC (International Cricket Council) Twenty20 (T20) format using a hard tennis ball.
This handbook draws together the main rules and regulations that govern this cricket league including the playing conditions for Twenty20 cricket, as well as Code of Conduct, which regulates the behavior of players and officials.
There is also contact information on the county officials including weather hotline numbers where captains of teams can call in to confirm about the field conditions prior to the game.
It is hoped that the Playing Handbook can help provide an understanding of the international game that will enable everyone involved in the sport to uphold the unique spirit of Cricket.
It is important that this publication is a resource that is relevant so if there is any useful information missing from the handbook or any details that have changed since publication, please drop an e-mail to [email protected] and necessary amendments or additions for next year can accordingly be made. Typically, every season PRCS organizes a captains meeting where all such topics of discussion happen and changes are accordingly made.
PRCS does not host a website for this league, but there is a website, which is managed and hosted by one of the participating teams (Knights). This is where all team captains contribute with content. It is a gateway into the league and has content related to each team, their players, league schedules including match summary as uploaded by various teams representatives during the season.
3 Contacts 3.1 Loudoun County (PRCS)
Name: Tim Lander (Adult Sports Specialist) Email: [email protected] Office: 703-737-8450 Cell: 571-233-3192 Fax: 703-771-5354
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3.2 Weather Hotline and other county numbers
Weather Hotline: 703-777-0456 (Line is updated at 4 PM daily)
Sports on-call Phone: 571-233-0424
Sports Pager: 703-443-3926
¾ If an umpire or both the umpires do not show up, alert the facilities attendant (Mark – He is typically on the field representing the county)
3.3 Website
URL: www.lccl.us
Note: This website is NOT managed by Loudoun County.
Website Management Team
1. Name: Gaurav Sharma Email: [email protected] Cell: 571-230-2374
2. Name: Anupam Kulkarni Email: [email protected] Cell: 703-728-2255
Content Management Team
Team captains are encouraged to participate in adding content (including their own team players details) to the website.
For access to add content, please contact anyone from above website management team.
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3.4 Captains Google Group
Email: [email protected]
Captains Google Group Management Team
1. Name: Prateek Kumar Email: [email protected] Cell: 703-867-5125
2. Name: Gaurav Sharma Email: [email protected] Cell: 571-230-2374
3. Name: Anupam Kulkarni Email: [email protected] Cell: 703-728-2255
For access to be added in the group, please contact anyone from above captain’s Google group management team.
4 Cricket Fields
There are four fields currently used for playing cricket. Three fields are in Brambleton and one is in Middleburg.
The three fields in Brambleton are using a rolled mat on a baseball ground. The field at Middleburg is a dedicated cricket ground with an “Astroturf” pitch.
Brambleton fields are inside “Brambleton Regional Park” and the Middleburg cricket field is inside “Mickie Gordon Memorial Park”
5 General Match Format, Timings and Punctuality
1. All matches are generally 3 hours in length. Typically, there are three time slots for league matches.
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a. 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM b. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM c. 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
2. 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
3. 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.
4. All matches will be a maximum of 20 overs per innings.
5. Teams should report on the ground at least 15 min before the start.
6. The first ball of the match should be bowled at the match start timing (as identified in the county’s schedule).
7. Either captains (or designated captain/s) should be present for the toss before the start time.
8. Toss shall be conducted at least 10 mins before the match start time. Immediately following the toss, both teams will be fully prepared to take the field as soon as the field is available.
9. A team should have at least Eight (8) players on the ground to start the game.
10. Penalty for taking the field late:
In case one team is not able to take the field due to minimum number of players required(8) to start a game arriving late, the following rule shall be used to deduct overs for that defaulting team in that game:
If the team takes the field:
i. After 15 minutes from the Scheduled start of play: Deduct 3 overs when batting in that game
ii. After 30 minutes from the Scheduled start of play: The match will be forfeited.
11. Umpiring duties delay aspects:
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In case the team assigned with the umpiring duty does not show up on the ground or are late, following rules shall be used:
i. Out of the two assigned umpires, if
(a) One Umpire is available at the start of the scheduled game time, the game should start on time with the assigned teams umpire acting as the main umpire until the assigned teams 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 from the assigned team is 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 15 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 who is responsible for such a selection. 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 innings 10 over, he will act as the Main umpire for the rest of the game.
(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.
(d) Penalties for Umpiring duties delays
11.1 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 (at any stage of the season). There will be no change to their NRR.
11.2 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.
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11.3 If none of the umpires show up by the 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.
11.4 Any Two such instances in a season by the umpiring teams where they are either late (11.1, 11.2) or do not show up (11.3), will count towards their teams 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.
12. Teams completing a game are expected to exit the field in an orderly and efficient manner.
13. 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, Will be 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.
6 20/20 Cricket Rules
6.1 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 10 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).
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6.2 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).
6.3 Power Play
1. TWO (2) power plays are included starting from spring 2011 season on all grounds.
2. Bowling Power Play: Mandatory Three (3) overs at the start of innings ( 1st to 3rd over).
3. Batting Power Play: Three (3) overs anytime during the innings by the batting team. (Default overs – 18th to 20th)
4. During the power plays, no more than Three (3) fielders outside the 30 yard circle.
5. 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)
6. 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.
7. The above rules are applicable even when there are only 8 fielders/players.
6.4 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 player can be disqualified if found wearing one.
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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.
6.5 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 Three (3) 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.
6.6 Free Hit
1. Free hit will be allowed as a result of a No-Ball due to over-stepping only
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.
6.7 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?
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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.
(c) How many players take part in the eliminator?
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-balls, wides etc apply to the eliminator overs.
(f) What if the teams are tied at the end of the eliminator / Super Over?
A second Super Over or third Super Over if necessary to determine the winner will be used. A maximum of Three (3) Super Overs can be played. If at the end of the third Super Over, the teams are still tied, the match will be decided by the toss of a coin.
7 Equipments/Cricket Gear
Each team is required to carry the following for every game:
1. Bats
2. Balls/Measuring Tapes – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)
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3. Wicket keeping gloves
4. Flat cones to mark the inner circle and the boundaries – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)
5. Medical kit for emergency – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)
6. Stumps and Bails – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS) 7. Spray canes to paint the crease – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)
8. Spray canes to mark the wide delivery area – Available with county official on the ground (Loudoun County, PRCS)
9. Score sheets, clipboard and pens
i. Manual Score Card : Official copy available at: http://www.lccl.us/downloads ii. iPhone App: CricMitra : Official copy available at itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cricmitra/id363331269?mt=8
8 Umpiring Duty
1. For the league games, as per county’s “Officials” schedule, every identified team for a game nominates TWO umpires.
2. For the playoffs and finals, the team selected to provide umpires must provide two senior players from their team.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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5. For decisions related to snicks/nicks, the main umpire SHOULD not consult the Leg Umpire. Such decisions SHOULD solely be made by the MAIN umpire and not the Leg umpire. The main umpire SHOULD only consult the Leg umpire to “Confirm” if the catch was taken cleanly by the fielder or not.
6. The final decision will be with the “Main” umpire on the ground.
7. Main umpire cannot overrule the leg umpire's decision, for Run Outs, Height related No balls and stumping as required.
8. The leg umpire shall maintain a copy of the score including the number of overs.
9. 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.
10. The final completed score sheet, shall be officially signed by the umpires after the game is complete. This also includes FINAL RESULT of the game. Once signed, the score sheets should be returned to respective team captain’s to be published on league’s website. Captains can email the signed score sheets along with a quick summary of the game to LCCL captain’s Google group at: [email protected] within 48 hours of the game completion.
9 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.
9.1 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”.
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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 no striker will receive one warning from the Main umpire. The second offense will result in an out.
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. 9.2 Wicket Keeper
1. There should be one wicket keeper behind the wickets at all times.
2. The wicketkeeper must may gloves while keeping wickets.
3. 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 progress. He needs to let the main umpire know of his decision, every time there is a change in role.
4. The wicket keeper shall not move once the bowler has started the run up.
9.3 Byes and Leg Byes
1. Byes are allowed.
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2. Leg Byes are not allowed. Runners shall go back to their original position. No runs shall be accrued. Players can be run out while attempting a leg bye. No runs shall accrue on an over throw resulting after a Leg Bye.
9.4 LBWs
1. LBW’s are not allowed. 9.5 Deliberate Padding
1. There is no LBW and hence no penalty for Deliberate padding. 9.6 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.
4. 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.
5. The ball will be considered “LIVE” after a call of WIDE, i.e. the batsman can be out.
6. 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.
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7. 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.
9.6.1 Scoring (Wide Ball)
¾ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball + Any run taken by Byes + any overthrows
9.7 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, a bowler cannot bend his forearm more than 15 degree in angle with his upper arm.
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.
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.
7. 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.
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8. The ball remains live after the call of NO BALL. Batsman can be run out.
9.7.1 Scoring (Due to height)
¾ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball + Any run taken by Bat/Byes
9.7.2 Scoring (Due to Overstepping)
¾ 1 Extra Run + 1 Extra Ball with Free Hit + Any run taken by Bat/Byes + Free Hit
9.8 DEAD BALL
1. A ball will be considered dead, if:
1.1 Bowler bowls and the ball pitches outside the Mat or turf
1.2 Bowler bowls and the ball hits 'any' of the side nails (in front of the batting wicket)
1.3 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. A ball will NOT be considered dead, if:
3.1 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).
4. If the bowler 'stops' and does not deliver the ball, the main umpire calls it a "dead- ball" 9.9 Substitution/ Batsman Retired Hurt
1. A substitute shall be brought on for an injured fielder.
2. A substitute shall not bat, bowl, keep wicket or act as captain.
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3. The original player shall return on the field if he has recovered anytime during the match.
4. A batsman who becomes unable to run may have a by-runner, who completes the runs while the batsman continues batting.
5. 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’.
6. 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.
7. Decision to allow a runner for batsman is based on discussion between the unfit batsman and the fielding captain. If the fielding captain allows a runner, the batsman shall inform the umpire(s) accordingly.
8. Decision of a batsman to ‘retire hurt’ is between the umpire(s), fielding captain and the batsman.
9. 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.
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.
11. A batsman requiring a by-runner in a match will not be allowed to bowl in the match.
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.
9.10 Playing 11 roster announcement (Each Game)
1. Batting & Fielding team captains shall provide a list of their playing 11 roster (names, jersey number) to the umpire(s) at the ‘TOSS’ time.
2. "All" the players mentioned in the playing 11 roster have to be "Physically" present on the ground by the First 10 over mark. Any missing player(s) will not be considered in the playing 11.
3. Under any circumstances, a fielding player(s) not on the field by the start of 10 over mark will not be allowed to Bowl in the match.
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4. In case the fielding player joins after the start of the match but before the 10 over mark, 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.
5. 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.
9.11 Playoff & Finals roster
1. In the interest of the cricket league, it is 'mandatory' that playoff roster for any team(s) should include players who have played 'at least' 2 league games.
2. 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.
3. The captains are discouraged from selecting players who have not played league games.
4. All captains shall send a playoff roster of players (who have played at least 2 league games) via email over to ‘Tim Lander’ at Loudoun county no later by COB Tuesday (after their FINAL league game).
5. Tim Lander from Loudoun County will publish the Playoff Roster for every team by Wednesday COB (after the FINAL league game) and inform all ‘Captains’ accordingly. This list of playoff roster for each team will be published on the website (www.lccl.us).
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6. If any Captain(s) wants to challenge the other team(s) roster, send an email to Tim Lander.
7. In case any team’s captain does not submit his playoff roster before the playoff game, that team will be ‘disqualified’ from playing the playoff game.
8. The goal of the league is to improve “standards of umpiring”. For this to happen, each team is responsible for nominating their best players who understand “Rules” for this league and Cricket sport in all seriousness.
Remember, officials will be a reflection of the team they represent in this league.
9. As part of the “Playoff Roster” that every team is required to submit, this season onwards, each team will nominate 5 “Senior & Capable” players from their team who can umpire during the playoff games. 10. Tim Lander will then “randomly” select 2 umpires (each from different teams) and inform the team captains accordingly to officiate for each of the playoff games.
9.12 Rain/Washouts/Bad Weather/Bad Light
1. In case there is rain during a game (before 30 overs are bowled), decision to call off/abandon the game is with on-field available "County Official". The general guideline is to observe ground conditions every 20 mins and if the umpires and both the team captains agree after inspecting ground conditions, the game can either continue or delayed by another cycle of 20 mins.
2. 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.
3. 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 match and not ‘during’ the match.
4. If a game is abandoned before a total of 30 overs are bowled, it will be “re- played” based on county’s re-schedule plan.
5. Incase 30 overs have been bowled (20 overs for first innings and 10 for second innings), the game can only be “SUSPENDED” and will resume exactly where it was left off depending on the new schedule by county for affected games.
6. 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.
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9.13 Ball Usage
1. Only balls that are supplied by PRCS should be used for all tournament matches.
9.14 Ground Setup
1. Batting will be done only from one side. Accordingly, bowling will be done from one side. The side identified will be common for the complete tournament.
2. Once the assigned team for ground setup, completes the setup, it will not change for that day – irrespective if the measurements were incorrect to begin with. This is done in-order to ensure there is no time wastage during the following games on that day.
3. The exact position of the pitch and the boundaries will be set before each game depending on the ground conditions. This will be done by the team identified as per county schedule to do the ground setup for that day.
4. The pitch should be 22 yards.
5. Boundaries should be marked clearly, 55 yards (as a circle) from the center of the pitch with either flags or cones.
6. 30 yard should be marked as a circle with flat discs. This will be used especially during power plays.
7. Batting/ Bowling crease should be a full bat plus the handle of the bat.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10 General Guidelines
1. All teams (and their players) are expected to be familiar with rules identified in this handbook.
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2. Transfer of players between teams (pre & post season) is not allowed unless otherwise approved by the Scheduling Committee.
3. Play will be continuous on multiple grounds if required.
4. No specific attire is required. White/grays are recommended.
5. Teams with less than Eight (8) players will not be allowed to play a league match. A match will not start until at least Eight (8) players are on the field for both the teams. If there is a delay till Eight (8) players arrive on the ground, the team will be penalized as per the rules defined
11 Umpiring Guidelines
1. All umpires should read this handbook thoroughly and have a hard copy with them while on the ground.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Umpire(s) are the final authority during the game. Their decisions are final. Any player showing unreasonable dissent in the opinion of the umpire(s)/adjudicator shall be disqualified from further play in the tournament following due and fair warning from the said official/s.
5. Umpire(s) will remain impartial at all times on the field.
6. 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.
7. 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
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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 (cell phone call, meet someone)
8. Umpire(s) keep time of all breaks, and notify the captains as to when to resume.
9. Umpire(s) should file a complaint about any indecent behavior by a player or a team on the field to the proper committee. The starting point is to send an email to [email protected] and [email protected]
10. 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. However umpire(s) are encouraged to consult the leg umpire for any doubtful decisions. He can consult with the leg umpire or can decide himself to reverse his decision if he thinks he was wrong. His priority is to give the right decision.
11. 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.
12. For decisions related to snicks/nicks, the main umpire SHOULD not consult the Leg Umpire. Such decisions SHOULD solely be made by the MAIN umpire and not the Leg umpire. The main umpire SHOULD only consult the Leg umpire to “Confirm” if the catch was taken cleanly by the fielder or not.
13. The final decision will be with the “Main” umpire on the ground.
12 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
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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.
13 Code of Conduct/ Discipline
1. Everyone participating in this league should follow the rules and regulations of appropriate conduct on the field.
2. Moreover everything that happens falls under the jurisdiction of the Local police departments.
3. 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.
4. 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 disqualification of the team. The final decision will lie with the organizers.
5. We encourage the participating teams to play in line with the laws and spirit of the game.
6. We strongly discourage any physical or verbal (direct or implied) attack by a player(s) against:
i. The umpire ii. Other cricketers iii. The stumps, iv. ball or other cricket gear and v. Spectators
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7. 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.
8. Determination of what constitutes unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior will be based on the umpire and adjudicators combined opinion.
9. Players abusing or threatening either umpire(s) or opponent team members will be suspended for 1 or more matches.
10. It’s the duty of the captain to maintain discipline and decorum on the field.
11. Any coach or manager who uses an intelligible 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 be reinstated.
12. Under any type of confusion on the field, only the ‘Captain’ (Bowling and/or Fielding side) is allowed to talk with the umpires.
13. A captain could nominate an individual (Vice‐Captain) to represent him under any such circumstances.
14. No player shall get into an argument with the Umpire.
15. No Banter/Bench Clearing/Swearing type activities shall be entertained.
16. 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.
17. Loudoun County PRCS requires that participants follow all guidelines, policies and the county code of conduct will participating in Loudoun County adult sports activity.
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