League Rules

Objectives & Rules

Title

1.1 The combination of clubs shall be called The Barnsley & District Junior Cricket Association (hereafter referred to as “The Association”).

1.2 The management committee shall have the power to add to the title the name of a sponsor.

Objectives

2.1 Shall be open to all irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, colour, social status and sexual orientation.

2.2 The promotion of the best interests of local cricket, club matches and county cricket. The fostering and the promotion of amateur cricket.

2.3 The Association shall minister to the development, interests, needs and potential of all young people involved in all levels and standards of the game of cricket and will actively promote the development of women’s cricket. The association shall seek to develop through consensus and to increase and widen its membership, skill base and provision in order to fulfil its objectives.

2.4 The Association shall be represented by both Clubs and Management on the Barnsley Area Cricket Development Group.

2.5 The Association and its coaches shall be involved in District Cricket representation and form links with Barnsley schools at all levels where possible.

Membership

3.1 The Barnsley and District Junior Cricket Association shall consist of like-minded junior clubs, junior sections of clubs and any other teams who wish to provide cricket in all its aspects for young people within the Barnsley area and outside it.

3.2 The Association shall be administered by a Management Committee (MC) comprising of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Results Co-ordinators and Representative Team Managers. These posts shall be elected at the A.G.M. and membership of the MC may be from outside the member Clubs at the discretion of the Association. If none of the above posts are filled at the A.G.M., then those members who are elected to the MC can co-opt additional members as necessary for the effective management of Association business.

3.3 Membership of the Association shall be attained or renewed by each club yearly at the A.G.M. Teams to be entered should be registered at this meeting. Any club unsure of raising a team at any age group has three weeks from the date of the A.G.M. to add or to withdraw that team. Any team withdrawn after setting and production of the fixtures shall incur the full season's dues.

3.4 The Association retains the right to refuse to either accept or renew, or terminate any clubs membership. Such decisions from the management committee shall be notified to the club within two weeks after the A.G.M.

3.5 The Association retains the right not to accept as an official or a delegate any individual from any club or team whom it believes will not act in the best interests of the Association.

3.6 No points shall be awarded for any team whose Club has not paid full membership fees (including any fines for late payment) or any other monies owed to the Association by 1 May in any League fixture played after that date until all outstanding monies are paid in full. The annual membership fees to join the Association for each club shall be £35.00 for each of the first two teams and £20.00 for each team thereafter entered on behalf of each member club.

3.7 Failure by any club to meet set dates for return of specified important information and documents as defined by the Association shall incur a fine of £20.00.

3.8 In all disciplinary matters, the Association will comply with YCB guidelines.

3.9 Unless previously informed the Association shall deem all clubs responsible for the conduct of teams and players representing them. In particular, all Clubs must ensure that all team managers obtain and maintain CRB checks or the equivalent under the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

3.10 Any rule of the Association may only be altered, amended or rescinded at the A.G.M. or an E.G.M. called for that purpose by the M.C. Any proposed changes to rule must be registered with the Association at least 6 weeks in advance of the date of the A.G.M. (or E.G.M) as appropriate.

3.11 Each club will receive two handbooks per registered team. Any further handbooks must be ordered by 1st February in writing to the Secretary at a cost of £1.00 each, payable with the request.

3.12 The Association shall embrace all aspects of child welfare. The Association and it Clubs shall register a Child Welfare Officer at the beginning of each season. The Association shall seek to maintain the knowledge and qualifications of these officers.

3.13 All Clubs must be members of the YCA and come under its umbrella.

Meetings

4.1 There will be meetings during the year at which representatives of all member Clubs shall attend. A list of dates of those meetings will be included in the handbook. Clubs will be fined £20.00 for any non-attendance.

4.2 The Elected management Committee shall meet as appropriate between Executive Committee meetings to ensure cohesive application of the Associations business.

Player Registration

5.1 No Player can play for more than one Club at the same level (for this purpose Under 13s (8-a-side) and Under 13s (11-a-side) teams shall be considered two separate levels) unless a bone fide transfer is agreed between the two Clubs and the Association Secretary.

5.2 Where a club has an “A” and “B” team at U11 age group, the club will nominate 8 named “A” team players to the U11 Fixtures Co-ordinator and these players will not be available to play in “B” team fixtures.

Fixtures

6.1 The fixtures will be drawn up by the fixtures Secretary. The Association’s League programme should not go beyond the second Sunday in September; all matches must be played as arranged in the Fixtures.

Under 17 League matches to be played on Wednesday evenings.
Under 15 League matches to be played on Thursday evenings.
Under 13 League matches to be played on Tuesday evenings.
Under 13 - 8-a-side matches to be played during Sunday mornings.
Under 11 League matches to be played during nominated week.
Under 9 Tournaments to be played on Saturday mornings.

6.2 If the clubs ground is required for senior Club commitments then, with the opponent’s permission the game may be played on any other suitable date that week or on the opponent’s ground.

6.3 The Association support representative schools and ECB club cricket at all levels. Should any member club have difficulty fulfilling any given fixture because of representative schools or ECB club cricket, then the Association will consider rearranging that fixture on a case by case basis.

6.4 All cup fixtures shall be played on the date printed in the handbook. No grounds for postponement of cup fixtures to be considered except for inclement weather and ground conditions. If the home ground is not available any Cup fixture shall be played at the away ground if available. Any rearranged match can be played at either team’s ground.

If any Cup match is not played within 3 days of the next round, the result shall be decided by the toss of a coin between the team managers and the result must be communicated as soon as possible to the Website Administrator.

6.5 Any club unable to raise a side on scheduled match day may by mutual consent re-arrange as a “friendly”.

6.6 All cup final dates shall be included in the handbook with an alternative date in the event of postponement under Rule 6.4.

6.7 In Cup finals in 11 a-side games each innings shall be of 30 overs per side and no bowler shall bowl more than six overs.

6.8 All Cup Finals shall be played at neutral grounds.

Playing Conditions

7.1 All clubs and players in the Association shall participate not only in the upholding of the rules of cricket but also the spirit of the game.

7.2 The Association shall consist of Under 17, Under 15, Under 13, Under 11 and Under 9 sections. The sections shall consist of teams accepted by the Executive Committee as listed in the handbook section.

7.3 A player who attains the age of 17, 15, 13, 11 and 9 years on/before 31 August in the previous year is ineligible to play in the respective section. Girls shall be allowed (eligible) to play in any age section of the Association and can be “2 years in age” older than the age of that section.

An Under 9 or Under 11 player cannot play in any game beyond the next two higher age groups – e.g. an Under 9 can only play in Under 11 or Under 13 games (and not in Under 15 or Under 17 competitions) and an Under 11 can only play in Under 13 or Under 15 games (and not in Under 17 competitions) except in very exceptional circumstances and only then with the express agreement and permission of the relevant Fixtures Co-ordinator for the player’s actual age group.
7.4 Each club to provide an umpire and a scorer. In semi-final and final games (cup or League play-offs) neutral umpires, agreed by the Association may be used.

7.5 Evening matches shall commence no later than 6.30p.m. For the result to count a maximum of 20 overs each innings and a minimum of 16 overs to be bowled, unless the opposing team is all out. Any team not present for 6.30pm start with 7 players shall forfeit the toss.

7.6 The Captains shall toss for the choice of innings provided both teams comply with rule above.

7.7 Umpires shall as instructed by Yorkshire Cricket Board, in the event of conditions becoming dangerous (either through inclement weather or bad light or dangerous surface) suspend the game forthwith.

7.8 If a League or a cup game has to be curtailed (rain or light) in the second innings, the side batting first having completed its agreed overs, (provided at least 50% of the agreed 1st innings overs have been bowled in the 2nd innings) then the score at the end of the final over of the team batting second shall be compared with the corresponding over of the team batting first. The side with the most runs or having lost least wickets in case scores equal shall be declared the winner. This may be a winning draw if both sides are not all out. If the side batting first declares before the end of its agreed overs then the side batting second may bat on until light intervenes or it completes its agreed overs.

7.9 Each team shall provide their own ball, which shall conform to E.C.B. standards.

7.10 In all 11-a-side games at least 5 bowlers must be used. No bowler shall bowl more than 4 overs (except in games of more than 20 overs).

7.11 Points to be awarded as follows in 11-a-side games:

Complete win (i.e. losing side having lost all their wickets) 5 points
Incomplete win (i.e. losing side not all out) or opponents conceded 4 points
Tied game 3 points
Game cancelled or abandoned through inclement weather 2 points
Incomplete loss (i.e. losing side not all out) 2 points
Fulfilling a game in complete loss 1 point
Game conceded to opponents 0 points
In the event of a tie, 3 points to be awarded to each side irrespective of the number of batsmen out.

N.B. any side declaring its innings closed before completing its allotted overs shall be considered as being all out.

When a batsman reaches a personal total of 39 for Under 15s (59 in cup final) - and 49 for Under 17s (74 in cup final) – the player will retire after the next scoring shot and the next player shall enter the crease. The retiring player shall not return to the crease.

A complete win is defined as being when all available wickets have fallen before the end of a game irrespective of the number of batsmen having had to retire in the innings.

7.12 No fielder who is under 15 years of age, except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than 8 yards measured from the middle stump except behind the wicket on the off side until the batter has played the ball.

7.13 All players batting, wicket keeping or fielding close in front of the batsman shall wear a helmet and abdominal protector in accordance with the E.C.B. instruction. The Association does not accept any form of alternative permission.

7.14 Umpires and managers shall be responsible for the adherence to playing rule and safety of players. Clubs shall be responsible for the behaviour of their spectators and should act under the rules governing child welfare.

7.15 In matches where spring-loaded stumps are used the umpires must decide upon the convention to be adopted before the game commences. Inspection must decide whether the ball will pass between the stumps without dislodging the bails. A ball striking the side base shall be given not out. Both teams shall be made aware of the umpires rules prior to the match.

7.16 In all matches apart from Under 11 (8-a-side) the full LBW rule will be applied as in the laws of crickets. In Under 11 (8-a-side) games this rule will not be applied but umpires should help players learn about the LBW law.

7.17 The Association shall take full consideration on all matters of direction, instruction and restriction passed down from the Y.C.B., E.C.B. in the interests of all playing members, team managers and club and League officials.

7.18 Points will automatically be awarded to the opposition, if any team cancel the match for any reason other than adverse weather or ground conditions. Games cancelled due to the weather may not be cancelled before 4.30pm (or 2 hours before the scheduled start) points will be shared in these circumstances.

7.19 Clubs should ensure that during matches and breaks between innings, some form of liquid refreshment or access to it is provided.

7.20 In the event of scores being equal in a Cup Match the team who has lost least wickets shall be the winner. If wickets lost are equal then the team having most runs at the end of the penultimate over shall be the winner, and if the scores are still tied a count back method is used, e.g. 18 overs, then 17 overs, etc.

7.21 A club may agree to allow any of their unselected players to play for their opponents to facilitate a game of cricket being played which would otherwise have been conceded due to a shortage of players. If a club includes in its side a player (or players) loaned by their opponents it shall be deemed to have lost the match (i.e. either 5 points for a complete win or 4 points for an incomplete win as applicable to their opponents) but will be judged to have fulfilled its fixture obligation and suffer no further penalty - i.e. they will receive the one point awarded for fulfilling a fixture lost.

Special Rules U13 11 a-side

8.1 Each team shall consist of a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 11 players.

8.2 Pitch 21 yards.

8.3 Ball 4.3/4 ounces.

8.4 Stumps a minimum 27” above the ground and a maximum of 28” or 8” and 9” wide.

8.5 Each innings shall be 20 overs maximum (18 or 16 on weather and conditions).

8.6 In all 11 a-side games, at least 5 bowlers must be used. No bowler shall bowl more than 4 overs.

8.7 When a batsman reaches a personal total of 29 runs (49 in cup final) he/she must retire after the next scoring shot and the next player enter the crease. The retiring player shall not return to the crease.

8.8 The team scoring the most runs shall be the winner.

8.9 Points will be awarded as in rule number 7.11.

8.10 In all matches no fielder except the wicket keeper shall be allowed to field nearer than 11 yards, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side.

Under 11 and Under 13 Special Rules (pairs games)

9.1 Pitch - 21 yards or 20 yards for Under 11.

9.2 Ball 4.3/4 ounces.

9.3 Stumps - 27” above the ground, 8” wide.

9.4 Each team shall comprise of 8 players.

9.5 Each game shall consist of one innings per side, each innings to be of 16 overs (cup final 20).

9.6 The batting side shall be divided into pairs. Each pair batting for 4 overs (5 overs in 20 over games). Pairs changing at the end of 4, 8 and 12 overs (5, 10 + 15 in 20 over games).
Batsmen shall have unlimited lives but each life shall result in 5 runs being deducted from the total at both Under 11 and Under 13 level.
Wide Balls 2 runs shall be added to the batting side’s score for each wide bowled and shall be added to any runs scored from the ball. No extra ball shall be bowled.
No Balls 2 runs shall be added to the batting side’s score and shall be added to any runs scored from the ball. No extra ball shall be bowled.
This rule for wides and no balls shall apply until the last over of each innings when normal cricket laws shall apply. No balls shall take precedence over wides.

9.7 Every player on the fielding side must bowl, with the exception of the wicket keeper. If the wicket keeper bowls all 8 players in the side must bowl. No player may bowl more than 3 overs (4 in 20 over games).
9.8 Each team shall commence its innings with a score of 200 runs.

9.9 The winning team shall be the side scoring the highest number of runs after deductions for the fall of each wicket. In the event of the scores being equal in a cup match the team who has lost the least wickets shall be the winner.

9.10 No player may field within an 11 yard circle centred upon the middle stump at the batsman’s end in front of or behind the wicket on the off side except the wicket keeper who will adhere strictly to the E.C.B. helmet use instructions applies to U11 and U13 players.

9.11 Points to be awarded as follows in 8-a-side games:

Win 5 points
Tied game 3 points
Game cancelled or abandoned through inclement weather 2 points
Fulfilling a game lost 1 point
Game conceded to opponents 0 points

9.12 The Under 11 and Under 13 pairs games, as with all games within the Barnsley & District Junior Cricket Association are games of equal opportunity.

9.13 In the event of a player receiving a verifiable injury on the field during the course of play forcing him/her to retire hurt for the rest of the game then a substitute will be allowed. This player can both bat and bowl as is appropriate and the game continues as normal rules.

9.14 Where a side has only 7 players then one player bats twice and that player is chosen before the start of the game by being drawn out of a hat by the opposing manager.

Under 9 Tournaments Special Rules (pairs games)

1.Each team shall comprise of 8 players, squads may contain more than 8 players and changes may be made between (but not during) games.

2.Games shall be played at a series of mini-tournaments, on Saturday mornings starting at 9 am, with each tournament based on the principle of giving 3 games to each team.

3.Junior Windballs and any stumps will be used.

4.Pitch length 18 yards.

5.Each game shall consist of one innings per side, each innings to be 8 overs.

6.Score to start at 200 for 0 wickets. Winning team is the scorer of most runs after deducting 5 runs for each wicket lost. If net scores are level then the team losing the fewer wickets shall be the winner. If still level, all players will bowl one ball at the stumps. If still level, bowl-off will continue on a traditional sudden-death basis.

7.Players to bat in pairs for 2 overs, with each batter facing 3 balls from one bowler.

8.Fielders rotate clockwise after each over.

9.Every player must bowl 1 over; bowling can be over-arm or under-arm, but the ball MUST NOT be thrown.

10.Umpire to operate at bowling end when their team is fielding. Square leg umpire shall keep score.
11.There shall be no LBWs, no-balls or hit wicket. However, a batsman cannot be out caught from a delivery which would have been called a no-ball on basis of height.

12. A wide shall count as 2 extra runs (plus any byes scored) but there shall be no extra ball.

13.A wide can be called for the following reasons:

a)Wide of the stumps.
b)Over the top of the batters head without bouncing.
c)Not reaching the batsman.
d)Throwing the ball.

14.All fielders except the wicketkeeper shall be at least 9 yards from the bat.

15.Wicketkeepers do not need to wear gloves, pads or helmets.

16.It is the responsibility of the HOST club to inform the U9 Fixture Co-ordinator of the result of their tournament (including any outstanding performances) immediately after the finish. It is also their responsibility to award the winners of the tournament with 10 medals or trophies.

17.If any club is unable to take their place in any tournament, they should contact the U9 Fixtures Co-ordinator no later than 7 days before the allocated tournament.

18.The winners of each tournament shall be awarded 8 points, with the second place 7 points, third place 6 points and so forth. The Champions will be the team with the most points at the end of the season.

Results and General Procedures

11.1 The result of each match shall be reported within 3 days of the match by the home Club by one of the following methods:
a) Entering the result and full scorecard onto the League Website.
b) Emailing the result to bdjca@hotmail.co.uk and sending the result sheet to the Website Administrator.
The home Club must notify the Website Administrator by email of any forfeited or rained off matches.
A fine of £10 will be imposed by the Association for any breach of this rule.

11.2 Prizes will be given to the players with the best batting and bowling averages in each Section to the players with the most catches in each section and to the Wicket-keeper with the most returns in each section. Evidence must be provided to the Results Coordinator for all nominations.

To qualify for League averages the following must apply:
Players must have played (and for batting awards batted in) at least 50% of the League games actually played by that Club during the season.
8 a-side games
Batting to have scored at least 100 runs
Bowling to have taken at least 8 wickets.
11 a-side games
U13 batting to have scored at least 120 runs
U15/17 batting to have scored at least 150 runs
All age groups bowling to have taken at least 8 wickets.
The best averages to be sent from each club. Result Co-ordinators must receive averages from Clubs before the last day of September.
U13 8 a-side and U11 8 a-side Batting averages to be calculated as follows:
Batting Average for U13 Players = Total number of runs scored less 5 for each time the batsman is out during the season, divided by total number of innings played.
Batting Average for U11 Players = Total number of runs scored less 5 for each time the batsman is out during the season, divided by total of innings played.
Return Sheets (Match Results)

The “man of the match” section must be completed by an agreed member of the opposing side or official.

11.3 If two or more teams finish on level points the team with the most complete victories shall be named champions. If teams finishing level have the same number of outright wins a play-off shall decide the championship.

11.4 The champions of each section to be presented with a Trophy and 12 prizes (9 for U13 8 aside and U11 8 a-side). The Committee shall be responsible for the purchase of the Trophies and Prizes.

11.5 Officials of the League shall be present at cup finals and shall present the Trophies. All trophies must be returned to the Secretary by 1st July. If not so returned then a fine of £50.00 will be imposed for every Club concerned.

11.6 The Association will endeavour to enter teams in club external competitions where representation is by club the Association will determine the process and method of qualification and selection. Clubs will be kept informed at all stages of the process by the Association.

11.7 Representative sides from the Association will be entered in:

(a) The Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival (Under 15, Under 13, Under 11 & Under 9)
(b) The Joe Lumb Cricket Competition (Under 17)

To be considered for selection in these sides a player must have played with the Association It is expected that clubs will endeavour to make players available for representative sides. Representative selection must be given precedence over club selection. Clubs will be given seven days notice of selection and be given a full fixture list of representative matches. Requests for release from selection must be made at least 48 hrs before representative games but will not automatically be granted.

Any player selected to play for the Association Representative sides shall present himself/herself suitably attired on match days in shirt and tie and on the field shall wear Association insignia or simple cricket wear. The wearing of insignia of any other organisation will not be allowed. The standard of behaviour from all involved in the Association’s public face shall be exemplary both on and off the field of play. Y.C.C.C. insignia will be allowed.

Barnsley Area Under 13 and Under 15 representative teams will play in the league structure at the age group above – i.e. Under 13s in the Under 15 League and Under 15s in the Under 17 League. All results to count to the League standings.
11.8 Nominations for the Colleen Morley Coaching Award to be received by the Chairman before the 30th September following the season.

11.9 By the 30th November following the end of each season details of all fines and any other outstanding monies owing to the League will be sent to all member Clubs by the Treasurer.
If any Club has mitigating circumstances as to why any fine should not be applied then an appeal to the Secretary must be made in writing within 7 days of receipt of this letter.

Closure Clause

12 In the event of the cessation of the activities of the Association all monies remaining after the settlement of outstanding debts and duties shall be placed in the hands of properly constituted local sporting bodies or charities for the benefit of the young people of the Barnsley area. The choice of such bodies to be made by the Committee at the time of dissolution.