SOUTH WALES CRICKET LEAGUE - walesaco.org.uk · Web viewIt is similar to the SEWCL Ground criteria in that clubs can accrue points from a wide range of criteria. The scheme is self-marking

SOUTH EAST WALES CRICKET LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION

This Constitution consists of the Constitution proper and its Appendices covering VARIATIONS TO MATCH REGULATIONS, GROUNDS AND FACILITIES, DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES, DELAYED STARTS/WEATHER AFFECTED MATCHES and ECB DIRECTIVES.

1. NAMEThe League will be known as ‘The South East Wales Cricket League’.

2. OBJECTSa) To promote, foster, encourage and improve the standards of Amateur Cricket in

South East Wales; to promote interest in Cricket at all levels and to encourage and develop active participation in the game and to bring together, through periodic meetings, elected representatives of member clubs.

b) To recognise and uphold the Laws of Cricket (except as varied by the Match Regulations).

c) To set and maintain the highest standards of club cricket and to take whatever action is considered necessary to protect the interests and promote the welfare of all member clubs; to promote good behaviour in the league, member clubs and their teams in accordance with the Sports Council for Wales “Chwarae Teg Fair Play” initiative of 2001, and any amendments made to those guidelines from time to time either by that body or any of its approved successors; to refuse to accept a player into the League during the period of a ban by another league or club, provided that the disciplinary procedure can be shown to have followed the ECB Discipline Regulations and Guidelines.

d) To act as a feeder league, subject to the appropriate criteria for movement between leagues being met.

e) To strive to the best of its ability to ensure that equitable treatment is given to all with whom it has contact irrespective of gender, religion, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

f) To comply with the “Safe Hands’’ Safeguarding and Protecting Children policies and implement procedures set out in the ECB policy statement of June 2013, and any amendments made to those guidelines from time-to-time, either by that body or its approved successors.

g) To arrange representative matches, competitions and other fixtures as may be deemed advisable.

3. MEMBERSHIPa) Full Members. Clubs playing within the League, including clubs who have been

promoted from the League into the Premier League and who have lower X1s in the League. Full members shall have attendance and voting rights at Management Committee Meetings and General Meetings.

b) Associate Members. Clubs who have been promoted from the League into the Premier League but do not have lower XIs in the League. Associate Members shall have attendance rights at Management Committee and General Meetings.

4. MANAGEMENTa) The entire management of the League will be vested in a Management Committee

and in an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the conduct of the day-to-day affairs of the League. The Management Committee shall have the final authority over any internal restructuring of the League.

5. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEa) The Management Committee shall consist of one appointed representative from

each Full Member club, all of whom shall have voting power.b) The Management Committee shall meet at least twice yearly (pre and post

season) to review the actions of the Executive Committee, to deal with any

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business referred to it by the Executive Committee, and to deal with any matters reserved specifically to it under this constitution.

c) The Management Committee shall be empowered to add to, or to amend any Match Regulation. A two-thirds majority is required to carry any vote in the Management Committee. The two-thirds majority is arrived at by a count of those clubs present and voting. i.e. abstentions are not included.

d) Proposed changes to Match Regulations are to be supplied to the Secretary at least 21 days ahead of a Management Meeting. Amendments to notified proposals can be raised at a Management Meeting providing they are to help the Management Committee arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.

e) The Management Committee shall have the power to appoint Honorary Members, Honorary Life Members and Honorary Vice Presidents.

f) The Umpiring Co-ordinator, Registrations Secretary and the Chief Grounds Inspector shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Management Committee but shall not have voting powers.

g) Where a club is deemed by the Disciplinary Committee to have acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests and welfare of the League, the penalty of expulsion shall be subject to ratification by the Management Committee.

h) For the Management Committee to conduct its business a quorum of at least one-third of Full Member clubs must be present.

6. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEa) The Executive Committee, all to have voting power, shall consist of: -

i. The Elected Officers of the League comprising a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Minutes Secretary, Welfare Officer.

ii. A representative elected annually from each division, who may act as Results Secretaries if required (see 6g below).

Additionally, the President, Chief Grounds Inspector, Umpiring Coordinator, Registrations Secretary, Website Administrator and a representative of the clubs in Associate Membership may attend the Executive Committee but will not have voting power.

b) The Executive Committee will appoint from within their number a Communications Officer of the League.

c) 50% of the elected part of the committee represents the quorum for voting purposes. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to co-opt members as appropriate; such members shall not have voting powers.

d) The Executive Committee shall determine the number of sub-committees that it may appoint, but must include a Disciplinary Committee Chairman. Membership of Sub-Committees shall not be more than five.

e) The Executive Committee shall be entitled to replace any elected member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without good cause.

f) The Executive Committee shall be empowered to deal with any matter except those specifically reserved to the Management Committee, including the enforcement of regulations and/or breaches thereof. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to deal with any matter not provided for under the constitution.

i. When considering breaches of any regulation (except where otherwise provided) the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer shall temporarily remove themselves from the meeting. The Vice-chairman shall then take the chair so that the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer can form an appeals committee (if required).

ii. The processing of complaints to the Executive Committee and appeals against any decisions of the Executive Committee shall generally follow the principles laid down in the Disciplinary Procedures and Guidelines.

g) The Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint Results Secretaries for each division of the League.

7. DIVISIONAL COMMITTEESVersion 6.0

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a) Each Division may determine its own playing conditions via a Divisional Committee. This will be subject to ratification by the Executive Committee (to ensure the change makes sense when comparing it to the rules of the surrounding divisions). The Committee will comprise one member from each club in that division. To make a change, any proposal requires the votes of at least two thirds of the clubs in that division.

b) Clubs may submit proposals to their Divisional Representative at any time up to but no later than the end of January, who will then hold a meeting of clubs in the division. Decisions on the proposals can be taken at any time up to but no later than the end of February for them to be implemented for the upcoming season. The League Secretary must be informed of the change by the end of February to ensure the change is ratified by the Executive Committee and if so ratified, is included in the Yearbook.

c) Any proposal that would affect any other division is not permitted. Proposals that affect multiple divisions have to go via the Management Committee structure.

d) Playing conditions are defined as those conditions that apply during or for a match.

8. FINANCEa) The Financial Year shall end on 30th September each year.b) Subscriptions shall be set by the Annual General Meeting and paid by 30th April

each year.c) The Executive Committee will determine from time-to-time any penalties that may

be imposed for late payment of subscriptions.d) The Executive Committee shall be empowered to set a maximum for which an

away team may be charged for tea. (NB Maximum is £33 per team until further notice).

e) The League will carry a minimum savings surplus of £10000 to ensure it can handle any future “rainy day” situation. Moving below this figure will require ratification by the Management Committee or AGM/EGM.

f) Any Full Member club not attending official league meetings will be fined £20.

9. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGThe Annual General Meeting will be held in the last week of November at a date and venue determined by the Executive Committee.a) At least 28 days’ notice in writing of the AGM will be given to member clubs,

advising date, time and venue.b) Written particulars of proposals, notices of motion and nominations for office,

must be in the hands of the Secretary at least 21 days prior to the date of the meeting, properly proposed and seconded by separate clubs. Nominations for office may also be made by the Executive Committee.

c) The agenda, together with a copy of any proposals, notices of motion and nominations will be sent to clubs at least 14 days prior to the meeting.

d) All Full Member clubs shall be entitled to one vote. Voting will be by simple majority. The Chairman shall be entitled to a casting vote in all matters.

e) The following business shall normally be transacted at an AGM:i. Apologies for absenceii. Adoption of previous year’s minutesiii. Chairman’s reportiv. Treasurer’s report and adoption of the annual audited accountsv. Annual subscriptions and feesvi. Notices of motion and other proposalsvii. Election of Presidentviii. Election of Officers: Chairman; Vice-Chairman; Treasurer; Secretary;

Minutes Secretary; Welfare Officer.ix. Election of Divisional Representativesx. Any other business as may be allowed by the Chairman

f) For the AGM to conduct its business a quorum of at least one-third of Full Member clubs must be present. Should an AGM not be quorate, the Executive Committee shall remain in office and within 7 days meet solely for the purpose of re-


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arranging the AGM within a maximum of 28 days, and with no additions to the agenda.

10. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGa) A special general meeting shall be called on receipt by the Secretary of a written

request, signed by duly appointed officers of not less than Five Full Member clubs.b) Each request shall state clearly the nature of the business to be discussed and

shall be accompanied by a payment of a sum as will from time to time be decided by the Executive Committee to cover expenses of such meetings.

c) The rules for the conduct of such a meeting shall be the same as the rules of the Annual General Meeting save that only the proposed business and any amendments thereto shall be discussed.

11. PROMOTION/RELEGATIONTeams within the League shall be subject to promotion and relegation. Candidate clubs for promotion must meet the following criteria: -a) Meet the specified Youth Provision and GROUNDS AND FACILITIES standards

appropriate to the relevant division.b) Meet any other of the required standards for that particular division.c) Be capable of playing matches on each fixture date specified for the division.

12. ANTI-DOPING RULESa) Any cricketer must, if requested by an official, designated by the Governing Body,

for the purpose of doping control, submit to a doping control test. Failure to do so will be taken as if a positive result has been obtained and dealt with accordingly.

b) If the analysis of a sample obtained from a player indicated the presence of a banned substance, the recognised procedure as laid down by the Sports Council for Wales shall be followed, and the Council or its designated Sub-Committee shall take such action as is considered appropriate.

13. DISSOLUTION OF LEAGUEa) The League may be wound up if the number of member clubs shall at any time

fall below 10, or on a resolution of the member clubs, passed at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.

b) In the event of the passing of this resolution to wind up the League, the Executive Committee, together with any additional representatives appointed at the Special General Meeting, shall supervise the payment of debts and liabilities and the subsequent distribution of assets to the member clubs. Any assets at the time of dissolution shall be distributed among the clubs in fully paid-up membership of the League at the time of the dissolution in proportion to the number of teams they have playing in the League at that time. Thereupon the League shall for all purposes be dissolved.

14. OTHERAll member clubs shall be affiliated to Cricket Wales or any successor body.


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MATCH REGULATIONS1. All matches must be played under the Laws of Cricket, subject to any variation specified in these regulations.

2. STRUCTUREa) The League will be divided into as many divisions as deemed necessary.b) Teams from the same club will not be permitted in the same division. c) Only clubs with at least 2 teams will be eligible for promotion to Division One.

3rd X1s are not eligible for promotion to Division One. Promotion into Division One will disregard any 3rd X1 side in a promotion slot, allowing 2 sides to be promoted providing those sides meet ground and youth eligibility criteria.

d) Where the normal scheduled fixture list is 18 matches, all matches should be played on Saturdays during the months of May, June, July and August, where possible. Where the fixture list is for more than 18 fixtures, the Executive Committee shall determine when the additional matches shall be scheduled.

e) In the event of the termination of the South Wales Premier Cricket League, Associate Members will be re-admitted to the SEWCL and divisions re-structured accordingly.

f) A maximum of two teams will be promoted and a maximum number of three teams will be relegated in any one season. Exceptionally (due to the 2019 restructuring), for Division 4 and below in the 2020 and 2021 seasons only, 3 teams will be promoted and a maximum number of four teams will be relegated. To qualify for promotion a team must: -

i. Finish in the top two places of their division,AND

ii. Satisfy the GROUND AND FACILITIES STANDARD for that Division to which they are eligible to be promoted,

ANDiii. Satisfy the YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STANDARD for the division to which

they are eligible to be promoted.OR

iv. Where one of the top two teams in the division fails entry criteria to the division above, the 3rd placed club will qualify providing it meets the entry criteria.

g) To cater for the possible relegation permutations from the South Wales Premier Cricket League (SWPCL), the following rules are in place:

i. In the event of 1 East club being relegated (and 1 SEWCL club being promoted to the SWPCL Div 2), then Division 1 size remains as is with 2 sides being relegated throughout the SEWCL structure.

ii. In the event of 2 East clubs being relegated (and 1 SEWCL club being promoted to the SWPCL Div 2), then Division 1 size remains as is but with 3 sides being relegated throughout the SEWCL structure.

iii. In the event of 0 East clubs being relegated (and 1 SEWCL club being promoted to the SWPCL Div 2), then:

a. If Division 1 has 12 sides, it will change to 10 sides with 3 sides being relegated throughout the SEWCL structure

b. If Division 1 has 10 sides, it will remain at 10 sides with 1 side being relegated throughout the SEWCL structure

h) Any team finishing in the bottom two places of its division will be liable to be relegated, provided that teams eligible for promotion in the division below them satisfy all the relevant promotion criteria.

i) If a team otherwise eligible for promotion fails to pass all the criteria above, or are debarred from promotion for breach of rules or through disciplinary procedures, then the highest placed team in the division above them who would otherwise have been relegated will remain in that division.

j) If a team is relegated as a penalty for breach of rules or for disciplinary procedures, and that team would not otherwise have been promoted or


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relegated, then the highest placed team in the same division who would otherwise have been relegated will remain in that division.

k) If a team is relegated as a penalty for breach of rules or for disciplinary procedures, and that team would otherwise have been promoted, the team will still be relegated, and

i. The highest placed team in the division above them that would otherwise have been relegated will remain in that division.

ii. The highest placed team in the same division who would otherwise have been relegated will remain in that division.

l) If a team is relegated as a penalty for breach of rules or for disciplinary procedures, and that team would otherwise have been relegated, the team will be relegated by two divisions, and the highest placed team in the division below them who would otherwise have been relegated will remain in that division.

3. CHILD WELFAREINTRODUCTIONAs part of affiliation to Cricket Wales, it is mandatory that ECB Safe Hands Policies are followed. Breach of these standards may result in sanctions from Cricket Wales or the League Executive Committee. Any club that is not compliant by 28th February each year will be deducted 50 points. If the club is compliant by the start of the season the points will be given back. The Welfare Officer needs to be compliant and the Captains DBS compliant.

SAFE HANDSSafe Hands describes Cricket’s policy for safeguarding children. The intention of the Safe Hands Manual is primarily to be used as the reference document by Club Welfare Officers as they guide their club committees to plan, prioritise and implement all of the Safeguarding activities to protect children and volunteers within cricket. The Club Welfare Officer is likely to be the main user. However, the Safe Hands manual and the policy statements and guideline notes and practical advice within it, is meant for use by all within cricket including parents, children and young people,coaches, officials and other volunteers.

The manual and all its contents can also be found on the ECB website at ecb.co.uk/safeguarding/safeguarding-resources. However, every Club Welfare Officer who attends the mandatory SAFE HANDS course will have a copy and should make it available to all. SAFE HANDS is specific to cricket.

PARENTAL CONSENTParental consent is needed for U12 and U13 players as per the rules below:

· Players who are selected in a Wales U12, District U12 or Representative U12 squad are eligible to play open age cricket. Districts are those which operate within the SEWCL registration area - i.e. Brecknockshire, Glamorganshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire. · This is providing they are at least 11 years old, are in School Year 7 on 1st September in the year preceding the season, and have written parental consent to play. In allowing these players to play in open age cricket it is essential clubs and coaches recognise the ‘duty of care’ obligations they have towards these young players.· Other players must wait until they reach the U13 age group, be in Year 8 and be 12 years old on 1st September of the preceding year before being able to play in any open age group cricket. As before, written parental consent is required for these players.

SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTING CHILDREN (SPC)The SPC course must be taken by all Welfare Officers (classroom) and Coaches (via the online course). The course is designed to help coaches etc understand the issues they may encounter when coaching children. For example:


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• Identifying the foundations of Safeguarding and good practices and child protection.• Describing the different categories of child abuse and their impact on children and recognizing the signs and symptoms of each category• Identifying the appropriate action to take if abuse is suspected.• Recognizing the roles and responsibilities of the various statutory agencies.Attendance at SPC courses for other sports and vocational courses is accepted if evidence is provided.

WELFARE OFFICERSa) The League will nominate a League Welfare Officer (LWO) to act as agent for

Cricket Wales in monitoring and enforcing minimum Child Welfare standards.b) All clubs must have a Child Welfare Officer (CWO).c) The name of the CWO must be registered with the League Welfare Officer (LWO)

not less than 28 days before the clubs first scheduled league match.d) The CWO requires the following as a minimum standard (all must be refreshed

every 3 years):i. A current DBS certificate registered and vetted by the ECBii. A current Safeguarding and Protecting Children (SPC) certificate (online or

classroom)iii. A current Safe Hands certificate

e) Any changes to Child Welfare Officer must be registered with the LWO within one month of that change.

f) The LWO will report compliance information to Cricket Wales who have ultimate responsibility for compliance with minimum standards.

CAPTAINS AND THEIR DEPUTIESg) CWO’s are responsible for registering the names of their team Captains with the LWO not less than 28 days before the team’s first scheduled league match.h) Clubs must ensure that their Captains (and regular stand-ins) hold a valid DBS certificate vetted and registered by the ECB. This certificate must be refreshed every 3 years.i) Any permanent changes to Team Captains must be registered with the LWO without delay.

COACHESj) All clubs are required to provide sufficient qualified coaching for their youth structure. The Executive Committee understands that this is a significant hurdle to overcome whilst recognising that this is a minimum standard that must be achieved. ECB Minimum standards require youth coaches to have the following:

i. Coaching qualification, with lead Coach not less than UKCC2 or equivalentii. Current DBS certificate vetted and registered with the ECB (must be refreshed every three years).iii. Safeguarding & Protecting Children (SPC) Certificate (online or classroom) (must be refreshed every three years)iv. ECB recognised first aid certificate (must be refreshed every three years)v. Minimum supervision and qualified coaching ratios

The Executive Committee recognises that some clubs will require time to achieve Coaching standards.Clubs must be seen to be at or working towards this requirement with visible progress demonstrated.

YOUTH TEAM MANAGERS & COACH SUPPORT WORKERS (OVER 16)k) Youth team managers must have a DBS vetted and registered with the ECB. This must be refreshed every three years.l) Coach Support Workers over 16 must have a DBS vetted and registered with the ECB. This must be refreshed every three years. Also, they must have Safeguarding & Protecting Children (SPC) Certificate (online or classroom) (must be refreshed every three years)


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ALL STAR CRICKET ACTIVATORSm) Activators must be over 18; must have attended an All Stars Activator course; must have a DBS vetted and registered with the ECB (which must be refreshed every three years).

MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENTn) The LWO is entitled to request details of those in positions of responsibility as described in ECB Safe Hands from Club Chairmen or the CWO. These details must be supplied within one month of request.o) It is recognised that Cricket Wales, as owners of Welfare responsibility, have the right to withdraw membership/affiliation of non-compliant clubs within their structure. The League and Cricket Wales will support each other in encouraging clubs to become compliant and, where consistent failures remain, to sanction clubs appropriately. p) On behalf of Cricket Wales or the League Executive committee, the LWO may issue clubs with an improvement notice in the event of failure to adhere to minimum standards. In this instance, the club will be issued with a set timescale from the date of that notice to become compliant. Should the club fail to do so, it is expected that the League Executive Committee will take disciplinary action and, where appropriate, impose sanctions on the offending club, which may include expulsion from the League.

4. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STANDARD (YDS)All clubs shall have a satisfactory structure for the development of young cricketers. Similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the YDS scheme has different standards that can be achieved. It is similar to the SEWCL Ground criteria in that clubs can accrue points from a wide range of criteria.

a) The scheme is self-marking and all clubs should provide a provisional mark to the Executive by the end of June. In August, clubs in promotion positions should provide an update and the Executive Committee may ask for evidence in cases where doubt exists.

b) As a minimum, all clubs are expected to achieve the required Child Welfare standards (see Match Regulations 3) – this is mandatory. After that, if a club achieves the required threshold for entry into a higher division, they are eligible for promotion to that higher division.

The table below shows how the YDS scheme relates to the different SEWCL divisions.

YDS Standard Threshold Threshold (Restricted) * SEWCL Impact #

Platinum Welfare-compliant + 45 criteria

Welfare-compliant + 40 criteria -

Diamond Welfare-compliant + 30 criteria

Welfare-compliant + 25 criteria -

Gold Welfare-compliant + 20 criteria

Welfare-compliant + 15 criteria Div 1 Admission

Silver Welfare-compliant + 12 criteria

Welfare-compliant + 7 criteria Div 2 Admission

Bronze Welfare-compliant + 5 criteria - Div 3 Admission

Green Welfare-compliant Welfare-compliant League Admission

BlueFails to meet minimum Welfare standard

Fails to meet minimum Welfare standard

League Expulsion or Non-Admittance

c) *If a club is deemed to be disadvantaged (when compared to others), it can gain a Silver, Gold, Diamond or Platinum YDS under the Threshold (Restricted) category. Disadvantage may occur due to: lack of schools in the surrounding vicinity, multiple clubs competing in the surrounding vicinity and other special circumstances. Clubs should apply to the Executive for Threshold (Restricted)


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status by mid-May if they believe this is relevant to their situation. SEWCL will work with Cricket Wales to define the qualifying criteria.

d) #If a club's Youth Development Standard (YDS) is incompatible with its current divisional status, it may be granted an exceptional license to remain provided it can demonstrate it is on a pathway to the relevant YDS. The license will be reviewed annually at the end of the season to understand what progress is being made.

Available CriteriaThe criteria includes points for clubs that partner with other clubs. Clubs that are able to run on their own will get extra points for doing so.

e) ^Clubs must inform the Executive of a partnership with another club by mid-May at the latest.

Criteria ID

Available Criteria (Select Those That Apply to Your Club)

1 1 x active UKCC2 coach (or equivalent) + 1 Coach Support Worker (or equivalent)

2 2 x active UKCC2 coaches (or equivalent) + 2 Coach Support Workers (or equivalent)



5 Run and complete U5-U8 coaching programme (e.g. ECB All Stars)

6 Participate in 2 x U9 Junior Festivals7 Organize and host U9 festival (in addition to 2 x

participation)8 Run and complete coaching programme in local

school(s) (e.g. Chance to Shine)9 3 x U17 players played 6 adult matches in last season

(U17 or lower)10 8 x U17 players played 6 adult matches in last season

(U17 or lower)11 3 x girl players (U16 or lower) played 4 youth matches

in last season12 8 x girl players (U16 or lower) played 4 youth matches

in last season13 Compete in ECB U19 Club T20 competition

+ U9 U11 U13 U15

14-17Access to and use of appropriate summer coaching facility + sessions run (both unique & club partnerships^)

18-21Access to and use of appropriate winter coaching facility + sessions run (both unique & club partnerships^)

22-25Weekly coaching programme in summer for a minimum of 8 weeks (both unique & club partnerships^)

26-29 Weekly coaching programme in winter for a minimum of 8 weeks (both unique & club partnerships^)

30-33 Participation in an organized Junior League or structure (both unique & club partnerships^)

34-37 Participation in an organized Junior League or structure as a unique club

38-41 Play 15 matches in an organized Junior League or structure (both unique & club partnerships^)

42-45 Play 15 matches in an organized Junior League or structure as a unique club

46-49 Run all girls team (both unique & club partnerships^)


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50-53 Run all girls team as a unique club

5. DURATIONa) 50-over and 45-over matches are to start at 12.30pm. 40-over matches are to

start at 1pm. Different start times can be arranged via the Divisional Committee.b) The toss will automatically be awarded against the team unable to toss the coin

15 minutes before the scheduled start.c) The tea interval shall be 30 minutes in duration and will normally be taken

between the innings. If the first innings finishes before 2.45, tea will be at 3.30pm.

d) In the event of a delayed start or interruption to play, the minimum overs that constitutes a match is 20 overs per side.

e) See Appendix 1 for variations that affect Divisions 10 and below.

6. FORMATa) Each match to consist of a maximum number of overs per sides as defined by the

table below (decided by each division). In each case a toss of the coin giving the winning captain the usual options

50-Overs 45-Overs 40-OversDivs 1 & 2 Divs 3 to 6 Divs 7 and below

b) The side batting first can declare “innings closed” at any time up to the limit of the overs available and agreed.

c) Any side declaring innings closed or conceding defeat will be considered to have been bowled all out.

d) The minimum number of players that constitutes a team is 7. The game should therefore commence as the minimum of 7 players arrive. If either side is not ready to commence the match at the time appointed, the offending side(s) shall be reported to the Executive Committee. (Refer also to regulation 9(d))

e) Provided that the captains so agree before the toss for innings, the pitch may be covered completely at any time during the match

f) In Divisions One to Six, at the instant of delivery, a minimum of four fielders (plus the bowler and wicket keeper) must be in an area bounded by two semi circles centred on each middle stump (each with a radius of 30 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch.

i. In the event of an infringement, the umpire shall call “no-ball”. ii. The fielding circle should be marked by white discs at five yard

intervals

7. POINTS SYSTEMa) Points will be awarded as follows:-

Divisions One to Six (aggregate points system)Outright win (side scoring most runs) - 10 points Tie - 5 points

Divisions Seven and below (average points system)Outright win (side scoring most runs) - 16 points Tie - 8 points

Batting Points (maximum 5)50-over match: For every 25 runs over 100 1 point45-over match: For every 25 runs over 75 1 point40-over match: For every 20 runs over 80 1 pointSide batting second and winning for each 2 wickets intact. 1 point

Bowling Points (maximum 5)


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For every 2 wickets taken 1 point40-over match: Refer to Reduced Over Table

b) A side batting less than 11 men is deemed to be all out (i.e. bowling side is awarded 5 points)

c) In Divisions One to Six, League tables will be compiled on the basis of accumulated points per completed match.

i. In the event of a cancelled match, both teams are to receive 5 points.ii. In the event of an abandoned match, both teams are to receive 5 points

PLUS bonus points accrued.iii. In the event of a default, the non-offending side is to receive the average

of those points accrued by the winning teams in that division on that day. The offending side will have 20 points deducted. Please ensure the Results Secretary is aware of the default situation – so the points can be added and deducted respectively.

In the event of more than one team having exactly the same total then the team that satisfies the following criteria (in descending order) will be deemed to be the higher placed team:

iv. The team that accumulates the highest points in the matches played between the respective teams.

v. The team that accumulates the highest points in the matches played between the respective teams plus the team in the next highest position. (Additional teams shall be added until the teams can be separated).

d) In Divisions Seven and below, league positions shall be based on the average of all points earned in completed and defaulted matches only. There will be no points awarded for cancelled or abandoned matches (see Reg 13c for defaulted matches). Should two or more teams in any one division finish with an equal average, the team winning the most games will take the higher position in the Table. If equality still exists the matter will be dealt with in the following sequence to determine their position in the Division:

i. The result of the match/matches played between teams concerned.ii. The superior number of batting points.iii. The superior number of bowling points.iv. The superior number of wickets taken.

BONUS POINTS TABLE FOR REDUCED OVER MATCHESWhere reduced over matches are played, or an innings is reduced, in accordance with Regulation 7 and, if appropriate Appendix 4, bonus points shall be awarded as per the tables below.

Points Awarded Wickets Taken1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Runs Scored Overs Points Awarded125 150 175 200 225 46-50 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5100 125 150 175 200 41-45 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5100 120 140 160 180 36-40 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 590 110 130 150 170 31-35 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 580 100 120 140 160 26-30 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 570 90 110 130 150 20-25 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5

8. BOWLERS’ LIMITATION

a) In 50-over matches, no bowler may bowler more than 10 overs in an innings. In 45-over matches no bowler may bowl more than 9 overs in an innings. In 40-over matches no bowler may bowl more than 8 overs in an innings. Different limitations can be arranged via the Divisional Committee. Where matches are


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reduced in overs by the provisions of Regulation 7 and, if appropriate Appendix 4, then the following maxima shall apply: -

46 to 50 overs match 1041 to 45 overs match 936 to 40 overs match 831 to 35 overs match 726 to 30 overs match 621 to 25 overs match 520 over match 4

b) ECB Fast Bowling Match Directives (as set out below) shall apply to all matches:-

Age Group Maximum overs per spell

Maximum overs per day

Under 13 5 10Under 15 6 12Under 16,17,18,19 7 18

i. For the purpose of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom the wicket keeper in normal circumstances would stand back to take the ball.

ii. Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end.

iii. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen his spell is deemed to be concluded.

iv. If play is interrupted for any reason, for less than 40 minutes, any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end.

v. If the interruption is 40 minutes of more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.

vi. Once a bowler covered by these directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum numbers of overs per day for his age group, even if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum number of overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot revert to bowling fast until an equivalent numbers of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end.

vii. If a bowler bowls spin without exceeding the maximum numbers of overs in a spell, the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast.

9. MATCH CANCELLATIONS, DELAYED STARTS & INTERUPTIONS

a) MATCH CANCELLATIONSMatches should not be cancelled due to weather conditions/fitness of ground unless the circumstances are such that a delayed start match cannot be achieved. The Home Club shall inform the Away Club when a match is cancelled, but if the Away club, an Interested Party club or a League official has reasonable grounds to believe that the cancellation is for reasons other than weather conditions/fitness of ground, they shall have the option to investigate the matter as follows: -


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i. They shall inform the Home Club and the Secretary of the League that they believe the cancellation is unreasonable, keeping notes of who they informed and at what time. They must send a report including this data, and the reasons why they decided to investigate the matter to the Secretary of the League within 5 days of the match date.

ii. The Away or Interested Party club shall at their expense, request at least 1 Neutral Official (either an umpire on the League Umpires Panel, a fully qualified groundsman or a league official) (local, if possible to the home ground) to visit the ground immediately and compile a report on fitness for play. The Secretary of the League must receive this report within 5 days of the match in question.

iii. The Neutral Official(s) should advise the Home club of their presence and purpose and request the attendance of an official of the Home club while they make their inspection.

iv. At the inspection, the Neutral Official(s) must discuss only matters relevant to the fitness for play and follow guidelines as instituted by the league.

v. In cases where the Neutral Official(s)’ Report concludes that the actions of the home club in cancelling the game at the time were unreasonable in view of the then prevailing weather conditions/fitness of ground, the League Secretary will send a copy of the report to the Home Club advising that the matter will be brought to the attention of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, after obtaining comment from the Home club, will determine whether the matter represents a breach of the regulations, and if so apply warnings, penalties, and/or fines, including declaring the match defaulted by the Home team as per Match Regulation 13.

vi. The fee payable to the league for requesting Neutral Official(s) to make a Fitness for Play inspection will be determined from time-to-time by the Executive Committee. The cost of the visit is to be borne by the requesting club unless the report concludes a match could have started and if so, the Home club is liable to pay the fee. (NB The Fee is £50 until further notice)

b) DELAYED STARTSWhere a match is unable to start at the scheduled time, the match will be reduced by one over per side for each full seven minutes of playing time lost, subject to a minimum of 20 overs per side

c) INTERRUPTIONSWhere Interruptions occur after a match has started, refer to Appendix 4 for detailed rules.

d) DELIBERATELY DELAYING STARTS Starts must not be delayed because the fielding or batting side does not have a full team (the minimum number of players that constitutes a team is 7) by the time of the scheduled start, unless such delays are due to unavoidable and exceptional reasons where the provision of Clause 9(b) Delayed Starts above must be applied. All the overs that would be deducted from the game under 9(b) Delayed Starts above will be deducted from innings of the team arriving late. (i.e. 1 over for each full 3½ minutes of playing time lost).

In matches where there are no Independent Umpires, and no unavoidable and exceptional reasons for lateness, then the provisions of (i) and (ii) below apply entirely at the discretion of the Captain of the Team ready to start. Players/Teams arriving late are deemed NOT to have unavoidable and exceptional reasons and must convince the Captain of the team ready to start that their reason for lateness is both unavoidable and exceptional or these provisions MUST be applied.

i. In the case where one team is partially present, as soon as the scheduled start time has passed, the Captain of the side ready to start will in the presence of witnesses, advise the Captain of the other side (or any other player if the Captain is not present) that his team is ready to start, and will take the field


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(batting or fielding) as appropriate. Unless the start of a match is made within 5 minutes of the team ready to play taking the field, any further players arriving late will not be permitted to play.

ii. In the case where one team has not arrived by the time of the scheduled start, as soon as seven team members have arrived the Captain of the side ready to start will in the presence of witnesses, be entitled to advise the Captain of the other side (or any other player if the Captain is not present):- a) That his team is ready to start, b) That under Regulation 5(b), that he has been awarded the toss and that

his team is batting or fielding as appropriate.c) That the game must start within 5 minutes, and that if it does not any

players arriving later will not be permitted to play.d) That all the overs that would be deducted from the game under 9(b)

Delayed Starts above will be deducted from innings of the team arriving late. (I.E. 1 over for each full 3½ minutes of playing time lost) This calculation will be determined by the Captain of the side ready to start and communicated to the opposition.

Where discretion is awarded to a Team Captain above, he is expected to act reasonably, fairly and with due diligence.

10. BALLS

a) Two new balls shall be used in all matches.b) All balls must conform in all respects to the laws of cricket and be the type agreed

upon and supplied by the Executive Committee of the League.

11. OVER RATE

a) Fifty over matches shall be bowled in three hours. Forty five over matches shall be bowled in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Forty over matches shall be bowled in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

b) Teams failing to start the final over within the appropriate time limit will be penalised one point for every two overs or part thereof remaining unbowled

c) Table of pro rata reductions, for second eleven and/or where reduced over matches are played.

Overs Hours Min Overs Hours Mins Overs Hours Mins50 3 00 39 2 20 29 1 4549 2 56 38 2 17 28 1 4248 2 53 37 2 13 27 1 3847 2 49 36 2 10 26 1 3446 2 46 35 2 6 25 1 3145 2 42 34 2 2 24 1 2844 2 38 33 1 59 23 1 2443 2 35 32 1 55 22 1 2042 2 31 31 1 52 21 1 1741 2 28 30 1 48 20 1 1440 2 24

12. FIXTURES 1. Matches will be played on days specified by the League.2. Matches cannot be re-arranged without the permission of the Executive

Committee. Such permission will normally only be granted in the event of ground availability problems and will normally result in the first eleven fixture taking precedence. The second eleven fixture must be re-arranged.


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3. A game cannot be replayed or re-arranged at a later date if a match is cancelled or abandoned due to weather or ground conditions.

13. DEFAULTS

a) If a 2nd X1 team defaults, it will NOT impact their club’s higher teams UNLESS the higher team is in Division One – when both teams will receive default penalties. Defaults of 3rd X1 or lower team will not impact their club’s higher teams.

b) If a team defaults a fixture, one match will be added to the total number of matches played, with no addition to the points total for that team. Where a club runs 2 teams and can only raise one side, then the 1st X1 team fixture must be played and the 2nd X1 team will default its fixture. If the 2nd X1 team plays instead, then both teams will receive a default. In addition, the opposition team will have the option of receiving their match points gained or having the result declared void, whichever benefits them most.”

c) In the event of a team defaulting, the non-offending side is to receive the higher of: 1) their current average or 2) the average of those points accrued by the winning teams in that division on that day. The non-offending side may set up a fixture with another side in the same division (providing that other side does not have an existing league fixture) and that fixture may be played as a competitive fixture under league rules providing both captains agree. Match details must be passed to the Secretary and Divisional Results Secretary for entry to Play-Cricket.

d) The appropriate divisional Results Secretary must be informed, by 10pm on the day of a default, by both the home and away teams. Failure to do this will attract a £5 fine.

e) If, at the end of a season, a team has defaulted on 3 or more occasions, they will be relegated 1 division and if in a relegation slot, they will be relegated 2 divisions. If a team has defaulted on 6 or more occasions, they will have to seek re-entry to the league structure for the next season explaining how they intend to increase playing numbers to fulfil their fixture commitment.

f) When a team defaults later than a Thursday night, the opposition can claim reasonable expenses. In the case of a Home team, they can claim for cost of pitch hire/preparation and cost of teas already incurred. For those clubs hiring a pitch, they can claim the cost of pitch hire. For those clubs who own their ground, they can claim a flat fee of £50. In the case of an Away team, they can claim the cost of travel, if not informed of the cancellation before setting out on the day.

14. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFERS

a) Eligibility

i. The League is an Amateur League. No person shall play cricket in the League if, in the last 12 months, they have been paid to play cricket or had any personal costs associated with playing cricket defrayed or reimbursed by an individual, club, or organisation. The only exception to this are players representing regional Age Groups or Minor Counties who are likely to have their expenses defrayed or reimbursed. The Executive Committee can require clubs to submit copies of audited accounts and also require the permission of clubs to liaise/contact the Inland Revenue.

ii. Eligible players and any restrictions are categorised as follows:-

Category P: COUNTY STAFF CRICKETERAny player of EU Nationality who holds a current contract with a British first class county or has an ECB playing contract. Staff cricketers playing for their “home club” are designated Category A. RESTRICTION - Only one such player in any one match, who may only play in the First XI, and then only provided the player has not played for another club in the same season. Players awarded a contract after the season has started may continue to play for their registered club as


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a Category A player for the remainder of that season only. (See note 1 below for definition of “home club”).

NOTE: Category P is suspended while the South Wales Premier League is extant

Category U: MCCU UNIVERSITY PLAYERAny player in current MCCU university squads. MCCU players playing for their “home club” are designated Category A. RESTRICTION - Only two players may be registered to a club at any one time. (See note 1 below for definition of “home club”).

Category F: OVERSEAS PLAYERAny amateur player who is not a EU National (but excluding C below) and who lives in the area (for definition of “area” see note 3 below)RESTRICTION - Only those overseas players who have been continuously resident in the EU for at least 6 months immediately before they play their first match in the League. Permission may be given to a player who has been continuously resident in the UK for at least 2 months from date of arrival in the UK and can prove that he has other reasons to be in the country other than to play cricket. Clubs should apply in writing to the Executive Committee before 31st July, and approval has to be given in writing.

Category C: PAID COACHAny amateur player living in the area, who is a paid coach to ECB Level 2 standard (or overseas equivalent) (for definition of “area” see note 3 below)RESTRICTION - Residency conditions for non-EU nationals as per Category F apply.

Category A: ALL OTHERSAny amateur player of EU nationality who does not fall into any of the above categories and is living in the area.

Students who live in South Wales and attend an educational establishment outside South Wales are termed "Home Students".

Students who reside outside South Wales but attend an educational establishment in South Wales are termed "Away Students". Away students are only permitted to play during term time and not later than the 30th June in any case. (for definition of “living” see note 2 below. For definition of “area” see note 3 below)

.NB. Any player who does not fall into the above categories may apply to the Executive Committee for permission to play.

Note 1: For a staff cricketer to have a “home” club, he must have played for that club for at least two years immediately preceding the award of his first contract.Note 2: To be classed as “living in the area”, the player must be continuously resident in the areaNote 3: The “Area” is defined as the traditional cricketing counties of Brecknockshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. These entities operate to the boundaries of the administrative shire counties as they existed before the 1974 local government changes.

b) Procedure

The Executive Committee shall appoint a Registrations Secretary(s) to administer Transfers and Registrations. Players remain registered with a club until the player is formally transferred to a different club within the league or they play for another club


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outside the league in a Saturday competition. If a player has not played for three years the player can register with another club.

i. Players registering or transferring are required to complete the league's self-declaration form and Clubs are required to follow the online play-cricket registration/transfer process. The self-declaration form provides enough information for Clubs to submit requests that allow the Registrations Secretary(s) to ratify the registration/transfer on the play-cricket system.

ii. Players transferring will need to obtain a release from their old club. If a release is not forthcoming the Executive Committee can grant the release where appropriate.

iii. Transfer forms need to be submitted by midnight Thursday for them to be ratified by the Registrations Secretary(s) and/or Executive prior to the match on the Saturday. Once ratified, the player can then play.

iv. Registration forms need to be submitted by midnight after the day of the match. For purposes of play-cricket scoresheet updates, if the registration ratification does not occur by midnight Thursday, the new player will have to be entered as “Unsure” - as the registration awaits the required system ratification. This ratification by the Registrations Secretary(s) and/or Executive will occur after the match on Monday/Tuesday. At that point, the new player’s name will be available on the play-cricket system and clubs will need to amend the “Unsure” name status to the player’s name.

v. “Spare Player Loan” – a. A player can play for another SEWCL club PROVIDING it is for that other

club's lowest side AND that the player would normally play for his club's lowest side. If the player has already made 5 or more appearances for higher club sides in competitive league cricket this season, the player is ineligible. Both clubs need to agree the loan in advance of the match and (via email by midnight after the day of the match) confirm to the respective Divisional Results Secretaries for their information.

b. In addition, spare play-cricket registered players from other leagues can play for a SEWCL club providing the lending club is in the SEWCL “Area” and the other league permits player loans. The loans must adhere to the same eligibility rules as a SEWCL inter-club loan (as defined in 14b v a).

On play-cricket, the player on loan:• is to be entered as “unsure” in the “Team” section• is to be named using batting position and bowler number as appropriate, and which club the loan is from in the “Highlights” section

vi. Players cannot play for more than 1 team in any Cup competition in one season. i.e. if they transfer, they are cup-tied and cannot play for their new club.

c) Exemptions

NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER

i. Category P players do not have to be formally registered or transferred ii. Where the SEWCL has a formal agreement with a Cricket Academy regarding

“allocation” of Students, the students’ registration or transfer will be implied.

NOTE: The “NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER” provision in (i) and (ii) above is suspended while the South Wales Premier League is extant

NO IMPLIED TRANSFER

i. Students who play for a SEWCL club during term time and their home club during the summer holiday and vice-versa are exempt from the implied transfer regulation for as long as they remain students at a recognised


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educational establishment, and it is not reasonable for them to play for one club throughout the season.

ii. Implied transfer does not apply during the UK close season.

d) Deadlines for Registrations and Transfers

AWAY STUDENTS by 30th June each yearALL OTHER CATEGORIES by 31st July each year

e) Complaints & Penalties

Players and Clubs are responsible for the accurate completion of Registration/Transfer Self Declaration forms. As the league takes on trust the information provided on the Self Declaration form is true, if it is alleged that the information is false, the onus will be on the defending player or club to refute or disprove the complaint made. Complaints will be handled via the Disciplinary Process.

15. UMPIRES

a) In all matters concerning the fitness of play with respect to ground, weather and light, the umpires appointed shall have the final decision. Where independent umpires are provided by the League, they will be responsible for determining fitness for play from 1 hour before the match is due to start. Umpires are advised to consult the ground authority where delayed starts are likely and/or conditions are doubtful.

b) The League will appoint umpires for all Division One to Three matches, whenever possible. Where clubs provide a non-playing umpire, he is to be allowed to officiate PROVIDING he stands in both innings. Where 2 non-playing umpires (not appointed by the League) officiate, the decision on fitness of play shall rest with them. Where 1 non-playing umpire (not appointed by the League) or 2 playing umpires officiate, the decision on fitness of play shall rest with the captains.

c) The league-appointed Umpires fees are split between both clubs. Whilst payable by both clubs, it is the Home club who should hand over the fee to the umpires on the day. The fee is a flat rate fee that will be set by the Executive Committee.

d) The league-appointed Umpire’s fee is an attendance fee and is due as soon as the umpire(s) have arrived.

e) A special rate is payable if only one league-appointed umpire stands.f) The awarding of Penalty Runs other than from No Ball, Wides and for Illegal

Fielding shall ONLY be made if the match Umpires are Independent Umpires appointed by the League. If only one Independent Umpire is in attendance, provided he or she umpires at the non-strikers end throughout then the awarding of other Penalty Runs will be permitted.

g) The on-field sanction provisions of Laws 41.2 and Law 42 shall not be applied except in matches in which league appointed umpire(s) are officiating.

16. RESULTS SERVICE

a) HOME TEAM

i. Results Service - It is the responsibility of the Home team to ensure that the result of the match and scores, (stating reduced overs if agreed before play commenced), is sent to the Results Service by 8.30pm following the match, including cancellations or abandonments. This must be done by telephone or e-mail to the Results Service listed in the Yearbook.

ii. Result to Web-site - The Home team must also complete and submit the summary result details electronically on the Play-Cricket web-site by midday of the day after the match.


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iii. Score Sheet - The Home team must complete and submit a full score sheet for all league matches by midnight of the day after the match. This must be done electronically via the Play-Cricket web-site.

iv. Captain’s Report – the Captain is to fill in and submit the Play-Cricket online Team Captain report (via the club’s own Play-Cricket website) by the Wednesday following the match. The report covers standards of pitch, facilities, umpiring, player behaviour and match ball. If player behaviour warrants an official complaint, this should be directed to the League Secretary.

To comply with "Law 1.2 Nomination of players" in matches where there are no umpires appointed by the League, each captain shall, before the toss, nominate his players by writing their full names including age group where U19 in the Home Team scorebook.

The Score Sheet must show the first and last names of all Home and Away players, including those that did not bat. It must also record all other details required, including how batsmen were out, including the bowler’s name if relevant, bowling analyses, etc. It is the responsibility of the Home team’s captain to ensure that the electronic Score Sheet corresponds with score sheets that were kept during the course of play.

b) AWAY TEAM

i. Web-site Confirmation - The Away team must confirm the match result electronically on the Play-Cricket web-site once this has been submitted by the Home team and in any event by the Wednesday following the match. If the Away team disputes the Scoresheet, they should contact the Home club on the details, and inform the Divisional Results Secretary of the possible delay to confirmation (to avoid a fine).

ii. Captain’s Report – the Captain is to fill in and submit the Play-Cricket online Team Captain report (via the club’s own Play-Cricket website) by the Wednesday following the match. The report covers standards of pitch, facilities, umpiring, player behaviour and match ball. If player behaviour warrants an official complaint, this should be directed to the League Secretary.

Failure to observe the rules will result in the club responsible being fined £5-00 for each occasion they transgress. Persistent offenders may be liable to points deductions.

17. CODE OF CONDUCT

a) This code of conduct applies to all matches played under the control of the South East Wales Cricket League and is intended to assist in maintaining high standards.

b) Each club shall be responsible for the behaviour of its officials, players and members, notwithstanding any personal liability under the Laws of Cricket and these Regulations that officials, players and members might have. Clubs shall make all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the behaviour of its supporters is within the code of conduct, both at its own ground and at the grounds of others. The role of the captain in ensuring that high standards are established and maintained is emphasised. The captains are responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the laws.

c) Intimidation, aggressive behaviour and deliberate distraction of opponents are unacceptable. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to:-

i. Any show of dissent.ii. Any unacceptable comment or gesture.iii. Swearing, spitting or sledging.


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iv. Any action, which could be, construed as unfair play.v. Any violent action.

d) The umpires’ decisions are final - any aggressive questioning, show of dissent or failure to comply with the umpire’s instructions is unacceptable.

e) Each player has a duty to observe the laws of cricket and behave in a manner, which complies with the spirit of the game. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the captain who should deal promptly and effectively with any misconduct or indeed, any circumstances, which may lead to misconduct. The captain’s responsibility in this area relates to the periods prior to, during and after the game.

f) Clubs are encouraged to take action against its members and supporters as far as reasonably practicable for failing to comply with this Code of Conduct. Any action taken by clubs will not prevent the Executive Committee invoking the disciplinary procedure, and taking any other steps it may consider necessary.

g) If matches are conducted against the spirit of the game, even if they are strictly in accordance with the regulations, the Executive Committee reserves the right to take the appropriate action.

h) Social Media, Texts and Email - The code also extends to misbehaviour on social media. Ensure that nothing posted could cause personal distress or be seen as inappropriate. This applies to all age ranges. Greater definition is found in "ECB Guidance for clubs on the use of Social Media, texts and email" contained in the ECB “Safe Hands” Safeguarding Kit Bag at ecb.co.uk/safeguarding/safeguarding-resources.

i) Safe Hands applies online and in text and email communications, just as it does in the ‘real world.’ It is important to be mindful of any content posted online via the cricket club’s social media. Remember:

i. The content posted represents the clubii. Communications should conform to ‘Safe Hands’ policy and guidanceiii. Ensure that nothing posted could cause personal distressiv. Ensure that nothing posted could be seen as inappropriate for children

The Spirit of Cricket

1.a) Responsibility of the Captains The Captains are responsible at all times for

ensuring that play is conducted within ‘The Spirit of the Game’ as well as within the Laws.

b) Player’s Conduct In the event of a Player failing to comply with instructions by an Umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an Umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the Umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to his colleague and the player’s captain, and instruct the Captain to take action.

2. Fair and Unfair PlayAccording to the Laws, the Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. The Umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the Captain to take the appropriate action where required.

3. The Umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:• Time Wasting• Damaging the Pitch• Dangerous or Unfair bowling• Tampering with the Ball• Any Action they consider to be Unfair

4. ‘The Spirit of the Game’ involves RESPECT for:• Your Opponents• Your own Captain and Team• The role of the Umpires• The game’s traditional values


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5. It is against ‘The Spirit of the Game’:• To dispute an Umpires decision by word, action or gesture• To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire• To indulge in cheating or any other sharp practice, for instance:

o To appeal knowing the batsman is not outo To advance towards an Umpire in an aggressive manner when appealingo To seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with

persistent clapping or unnecessary noise, under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side

6. ViolenceThe is no place for any act of violence on the field of play

7. PlayersCaptains and Umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a Cricket Match. Every Player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

18. ETIQUETTE

a) Players shall not precede umpires onto the field at the start of play or after any interval.

b) Each club shall provide a bell for the umpires to ring five minutes before play is due to commence.

c) When commencing their innings, batsmen shall enter the field from the pavilion.d) Captains shall ensure that they lead the fielding team onto the field and from the

field (unless a player is designated to do so by the captain)e) All players and umpires are expected to wear recognised (i.e. players =

predominantly white) cricket clothing.

19. WIDE BALL In addition to any wide that may be called under the definition of a wide as per Law 22, Umpires will deem any ball wide if it passes both outside the batsman, and outside the line of the Leg-Stump, unless only the movement of the batsman permitted the ball to pass outside the leg stump. Different rules can be arranged via the Divisional Committee. Note: It is not permitted, whether with the consent of captains or otherwise, to deliberately impose a stricter definition of a wide within a match.

20. HELMETSClubs will adhere to the ECB Directive regarding the wearing of Helmets for Batting and Fielding by junior players.

21. COMPOSITION OF TEAMSa) Clubs must play their strongest appropriate teams at all times.b) It shall be considered unfair for a club to field players at 2nd X1 or lower team

levels, who would normally play at a higher team level with that club, if the object of such team selection can reasonably be construed as an attempt to unduly influence the final position of a team in a Division.

c) No player may play for the 3rd XI or lower team if he has already made 3 or more appearances for the clubs 1st XI team in competitive league cricket in the same season. Exceptions may be granted if acceptable mitigating circumstances are supplied to the Registrations sub-committee in advance of the match. If this rule is breached, the opposition team will have the option of receiving their match points gained or having the result declared void, whichever benefits them most.

d) The Executive Committee, on a complaint being received and the Committee deciding that a club has without justification played inappropriate players in an attempt to win a division, obtain promotion or avoid relegation, shall be


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empowered to penalise teams (both the team that was strengthened and the team that was weakened) by the deduction of points AND/OR declaring the affected match(es) void.


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Appendix 1

VARIATIONS TO MATCH REGULATIONS

a) For sides in Divisions 10 and below, match duration can be reduced providing both sides agree in advance. The game will be 40 overs unless otherwise agreed. The minimum can be 20 overs per side – but the match can be anywhere between the minimum and the maximum (40 overs). If a match is reduced, bonus points would be allocated as per rain-reduced matches. Match start times remain at 1pm – unless both sides mutually agree to a later start time no later than 3.45pm. If match duration is reduced, the divisional Results Secretary must be informed formally (by email) and the match overs noted on the play-cricket scoresheet.

b) In Division 9, at the instant of delivery, a minimum of four fielders (plus the bowler and wicket keeper) must be in an area bounded by two semi circles centred on each middle stump (each with a radius of 30 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch.

i. In the event of an infringement, the umpire shall call “no-ball”. ii. The fielding circle should be marked by white discs at five yard intervals

Appendix 2

GROUNDS AND FACILITIESSEE LEAGUE WEBSITE/DOCUMENT LIBRARY for Full Criteria Details

a) The Executive Committee shall appoint a Chief Grounds Inspector and a team of Inspectors who will visit every ground at least once over a three-year cycle.

b) The Inspection team will respond to adverse reports from umpires and any requests from the Executive Committee.

c) Candidate clubs for promotion will always be inspected; the results of this inspection will determine their promotion eligibility.

d) The inspection team will mark grounds according to a standard set of criteria that will be notified to all clubs and will set the standards for promotion to each division. The Executive Committee will not be empowered to overrule the result of the Inspectors.

e) Upon the recommendation of the Inspectorate, the Executive Committee can issue a Notice of Improvement that will require a club to rectify a defect(s) in a reasonable period of time.

i. In respect of improvement notices a club can request an extension of time, and can appeal against the issue of a notice

ii. The Executive Committee can demote a club to a division commensurate with its facilities should a ‘Notice of Improvement’ not be met by a club so served.

f) Grounds & pitches new to league cricket must be inspected. Applications for use of new grounds & pitches must be made to the Secretary by the end of September – allowing time for inspection and review prior to the AGM.

g) Teams using an artificial playing surface are allowed to compete in Divisions 7 and below but no higher. Any side using an artificial surface have to evidence a surface that is an ECB-approved non-turf pitch. Promotion into Division 6 will disregard any side using an artificial surface in a promotion slot, allowing 2 sides to be promoted providing those sides met ground and youth eligibility criteria.

Thresholds and Grading There are a maximum of 1000 points to be awarded in four sections:Schedule 1 – The Square and Pitch – 350 marksSchedule 2 – The Ground and Outfield – 200 marks


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Schedule 3 - Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment – 200 marksSchedule 4 - Pavilion & Changing Rooms – 250 marks

Divisional thresholds are:o Division One - 850 points total plus 85% in Schedule 1 o Division Two - 775 points total plus 77.5% in Schedule 1 o Division Three - 700 points total plus 70% in Schedule 1 o Division Four - 650 points total plus 65% in Schedule 1 o Division Five - 625 points total plus 62.5% in Schedule 1 o Division Six - 600 points total plus 60% in Schedule 1

N.B. Division Four to Six clubs who are inspected and fail to meet the threshold of the new division they are in, will normally be given 2 years to fulfil the requirements of the Notice of Improvement served (Div 1-3 clubs would normally receive only 1 year).

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE The final date for inspections/re-visits is the last Saturday of the season. No provision exists for assessment based on future plans – where major projects

are concerned some latitude is allowed provided work has started and it can be demonstrated that it is ongoing and will be completed before the start of the following season. – In normal circumstances the Inspectors can ONLY make assessments on the basis of that which is actually in place at the time of the visit.

Ground Classifications (OCT. 2018)

Eligible for Div 1 Eligible for Div 1 Eligible for Div 2 Improvement Notices

Abergavenny Newport Fugitives Creigiau AbercynonBarry Pentyrch* Monkswood Central Cardiff (Oct

2018)Blackwood Ponthir Pontymister &

CrosskeysCardiff Gymkhana (Oct 2018)

Brecon Pontypridd Vale*Chepstow RadyrCroesyceiliog* Rogerstone Eligible for Div 3Crumlin Sudbrook Barry WanderersDinas Powys Sully Centurions Cardiff GymkhanaEbbw Vale Tondu* HopkinstownLisvane Usk Llantwit FardreMachen Whitchurch-Heath Mountain AshMalpasMiskin Manor*MonmouthNewbridge

*Indicates clubs graded prior to 2015 and yet to undergo a fresh inspection.


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Appendix 3DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

1. Aims and JurisdictionThese regulations shall apply to any player who plays for any club at any level under the auspices of the ECB and are intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all Clubs and Leagues dealing with any breach of the Code of Conduct.

2. PROCEDURE A – INCIDENTS REPORTED BY INDEPENDENT UMPIRESa) Any player being formally reported in the prescribed manner will be the recipient

of an IMMEDIATE two match suspension unless the Chairman of the Disciplinary determines that:-

i. The action(s) and procedure(s) adopted by the umpire(s) leading up to the formal report has been irregular or unreasonable.

ii. There is a possibility of mistaken identityb) The immediate two-match suspension is provisional. If the Chairman of the

Disciplinary Committee deems that the offence warrants more than a two match suspension by nature of the seriousness of the offence or by it being a multiple offence or by it being a repeat offence then a Disciplinary Hearing can be called and must take place before the player can play again.

c) Disciplinary Hearings must always be convened if the offence is determined to be at Level 3 or Level 4 (as defined by the England and Wales Cricket Board). The Disciplinary hearing must take place before the player can play again.

d) Appeals are not allowed against the mandatory penalty.

3. PROCEDURE B – INCIDENTS REPORTED OTHER THAN BY INDEPENDENT UMPIRES

a) Any alleged breach of The Code above shall be notified in writing (to be known as ‘A Complaint’) to the Secretary of the League.

b) Any complaint so initiated must be referred to the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee.

c) Upon receipt of such complaint, and as soon as reasonably practicable, the Disciplinary Committee shall consider the complaint and resolve either:

i. To take no action except to record the complaint and notify the club; orii. To endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club; oriii. To refer the matter for a Disciplinary Hearing which shall be convened by

the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee as soon as practicable.

4. Disciplinary Hearinga) In any case which is referred for a Disciplinary Hearing, at least seven days’ notice

in writing of the hearing and of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or in the case of a club, its Secretary.

b) The Chairman of the League or of the League Disciplinary Committee shall convene a hearing as soon as is practicable and in any event within 28 days of the decision to refer. Any adjournments may be granted at the discretion of the Chairman of the Disciplinary Hearing

c) The player and club shall be entitled to attend the hearing, state their case (in the case of a club by its Secretary or other official), to be supported by a colleague and to call witnesses.

d) The Hearing shall be conducted by the Disciplinary Committee of the League which shall consist of not less than three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player, the club or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach.

e) If a 'Child' (i.e. person under 18) or ‘Vulnerable Adult’ is involved in the Disciplinary Hearing then the Club’s Welfare Officer, or if not available the League or County Welfare Officer, or another member of the Welfare team, should sit on the hearing to ensure that the 'Child ' or ‘Vulnerable Adult’ is treated fairly. It


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should not be forgotten that the person is a child or vulnerable adult. This is in accordance with the Safe Hands policy.

5. Penaltiesa) If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the alleged offence proved it

shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties, together with such order as to costs as it deems appropriate:

b) In the case of a player:i. To require the player to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a

specified time.ii. To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.iii. To impose a fine.iv. To suspend a player for one or more matches, or for a stated period of

time.v. To deduct League points from a player’s team. vi. To expel a player from the League

c) In the case of a club:i. To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a

specified time.ii. To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.iii. To impose a fineiv. To deduct league points from the club’s team(s)v. To relegate to any lower division of the League.vi. To expel the club from any competition of the League.vii. To expel the club from the League.

d) The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to suspend the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty it imposes for such period and subject to such terms and conditions it deems appropriate.

e) Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee (a finding that a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty) shall be by majority vote: where necessary the Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote. The only exception to this is in the case of a club found to have acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests and welfare of the League. The penalty of expulsion would need to be ratified by a majority of clubs attending the AGM or EGM.

6. Appeals Procedurea) A player or club shall have the right of appeal to an Appeals Committee. Notice

of Appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, together with a deposit of £50 (to be set from time to time by the League Executive Committee).

b) If the Notice of Appeal is given the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the appeal, which shall take place as soon as is practicable.

c) The Appeal shall be by way of a hearing before a different committee. The purpose of which is to determine that either:

i. The Disciplinary Committee did properly consider the evidence presented to them, and did assign the weight given to various elements of the evidence in a reasonable manner, such that their conclusion was sound or otherwise. If the conclusion was deemed to be the latter, then to re-determine what penalties if any shall be applied. If the conclusion was deemed to be the former, then to determine that the penalty(s) imposed were not disproportionate in the context of the offence committed, and if they were considered disproportionate to vary the penalty(s) accordingly.

Orii. That based on sufficient new evidence that was not available at the time of

the original hearing being introduced into the appeal, and that if presented the Disciplinary Committee would probably not have arrived at the decision that it did and/or imposed the penalties that it did, then to instruct that the Disciplinary Committee should re-hear the matter.


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The composition of the Committee shall be at the discretion of the Chairman of the League and shall consist of not less than three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player, the Club or their opponents at the time of the alleged breach. The player or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before the Disciplinary Committee.

d) The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and it shall have the power to increase the penalty and award costs of the Appeal hearing. Decisions of the Appeal Panel shall be by majority vote: where necessary, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.

e) The decision of the Appeals Committee or, if no appeal, of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding


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Appendix 4 DELAYED STARTS / WEATHER AFFECTED MATCHES 1. In Divisions 1 and 2, interrupted matches will be governed by use of the Play

Cricket scorer DLS application which can be downloaded free of charge on smartphones. It is anticipated that most, if not all games, will be covered with Independent umpires.

2. For games below Division 2, DLS shall be used if:

a) The League has appointed independent umpires.b) In the event of no independent umpires, prior to start of play both captains

agree to the use of DLS in the case of rain interruption.c) Interruptions occur AFTER the match has started. Refer to Reg 9b if starts are

delayed.d) Conditions are fit for a match to be resumed after an interruption.

Appendix 5ECB YOUNG PLAYER REGULATIONS

All clubs should implement ECB REGULATIONS relating to Young Players. The regulations and guidance below must be followed:

1. Junior Players in Open Age CricketThe ECB has issued guidance covering the selection and participation of young players in open age group cricket. This is to help clubs decide when to select young players in open age group cricket and how best to help their cricketing development when they play within open age groups. This guidance applies to boys and girls and any reference to he/his should be interpreted to include she/her. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

The guidance is as follows:

General Making the step up from junior to open age group cricket is a significant event in

any player’s cricket experience. Ensure the player’s safety, personal development needs and overall cricket experience are considered.

Clubs, squad coaches and managers must take into account the requirements on age detailed in this guidance.

Each case is to be determined on an individual basis, depending on the player’s ability and stage of cognitive and emotional maturity to take part at this level. However, the minimum age guidance provided below must be adhered to.

Juniors should be involved in all aspects of the game wherever possible i.e. socialising, team talks, practice, decision making and so on, so they feel part of the team.

Children will often feel more comfortable and able to perform if they have a family member or friend also playing in the side.

Remember, children’s early experiences will remain with them always and will often determine whether they want to remain playing the game or give up and do something else.


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Provide an opportunity for players to show their talents in an appropriate way. Children who are just used as fielders will not fully experience the game.

Be supportive, at all times, for all forms of effort even when children are not successful. Try and put them in situations where they will experience some success (however small) and ensure plenty of praise and encouragement.

The captain should inform the Umpires of under 18s in the side.

Restrictions ECB Helmets, Fast Bowling Directives and Fielding Regulations should always be adhered to for junior players in Open age group cricket.

Minimum Age Players who are selected in a Wales U12, District U12 or Representative U12

squad are eligible to play open age cricket. Districts are those which operate within the SEWCL registration area - i.e. Brecknockshire, Glamorganshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire.

This is providing they are at least 11 years old, are in School Year 7 on 1st September in the year preceding the season, and have written parental consent to play. In allowing these players to play in open age cricket it is essential clubs and coaches recognise the ‘duty of care’ obligations they have towards these young players.

Other players must wait until they reach the U13 age group, be in Year 8 and be 12 years old on 1st September of the preceding year before being able to play in any open age group cricket. As before, written parental consent is required for these players.

The duty of care should be interpreted in two ways: • Not to place a young player in a position that involves an unreasonable risk to

that young player, taking account of the circumstances of the match and the relative skills of the player

• Not to create a situation that places members of the opposing side in a position whereby they cannot play cricket as they would normally do against adult players.

In addition, the guidelines note the need for clubs and leagues to recognise the positive experience young players should have in open age cricket. Clubs should provide an opportunity for players to show their talents in an appropriate way. Children who are just used as fielders will not fully experience the game.

2. Fast Bowling Match DirectivesAge Max. overs per spell Max. overs per dayUp to 13 5 overs per spell 10 overs per dayU14, U15 6 overs per spell 12 overs per dayU16 - U19 7 overs per spell 18 overs per day

i. For the purpose of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

ii. Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen his spell is deemed to be concluded.

iii. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes, any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group. If the spell is not continued after the interruption, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.


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iv. In matches of 20 overs or less per team, where the competition regulations only allow bowlers to bowl less than or equal to the number of overs specified as the maximum in a spell in the Directives, the provisions requiring an equivalent number of overs from the same end to have elapsed before a subsequent spell can commence shall not apply (e.g. in any age group competition where a maximum of 4 overs per bowler is allowed these may be bowled at any time in the innings irrespective of the number of spells bowled).

v. Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum number overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from the same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell, the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast.

vi. Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these Directives are followed at all times.

vii. For guidance it is recommended that in any 7 day period a fast bowler should not bowl more than 4 days in that period and for a maximum of 2 days in a row.

viii. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

3. Fielding RegulationsThe ECB has regulations covering the minimum fielding distances for young players in all matches where a hard ball is used. No young player in the Under 15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field

closer than 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the batsman’s position on the popping crease on a middle stump line, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball.

For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 11 yards (10 metres).

These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the

umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back. In addition, any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has

not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 8 yards (7.3 metres) from the batsman’s position on the popping crease on a middle stump line, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.

These fielding regulations are applicable to all cricket in England and Wales. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

4. Wearing of Cricket Helmets by Young PlayersIn February 2015 the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued updated safety guidance on the wearing of helmets by young players up to the age of 18. In brief, the guidance recommends that:

helmets with a faceguard or grille must be worn when batting against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice sessions

young players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box)

young wicket keepers must wear a helmet with a faceguard, or a wicketkeeper face protector when standing up to the stumps.

With the assistance of schools, cricket clubs and leagues, the wearing of helmets by young players is now standard practice in cricket throughout England and Wales. Helmets are widely available and are covered by an updated British Standard (BS7928:2013). A face protector represents an alternative head protection system for


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young wicket keepers. Wicketkeeper Face Protectors are covered by a new British Standard (BS 7928 – 2 :2009). The ECB strongly recommends that wherever possible junior players use head protectors that have been tested against junior sized cricket balls.

Parental or guardian written consent allowing a young player not to wear a helmet should not be accepted in any form of cricket.

This guidance applies to all players up to the age of 18, both in adult cricket and in all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball.

The guidance also applies during all practice sessions. Any individual taking responsibility for players should take all reasonable steps to ensure that this guidance is followed at all times.

The ECB asks that the guidance is communicated to the parents or guardians of all young players through clubs and schools, and that young players are not allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard ball without wearing appropriate protection.

Appendix 6SEWCL ASSOCIATE CLUBS

The clubs below have associate membership of the SEWCL, and, as such, are able to attend General Meetings and Management Committee meetings, but are not able to vote.

MalpasNewbridge


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Documents

SOUTH WALES CRICKET LEAGUE - walesaco.org.uk · Web viewIt is similar to the SEWCL Ground criteria in that clubs can accrue points from a wide range of criteria. The scheme is self-marking