League Constitution 2009

1. Title.

The league shall be called ‘The Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League’.

2. Objects.

The objects of the League are to promote the best interests of cricket in the area in which member clubs are situated and to foster and develop amateur talent in the game, with particular emphasis on encouragement of young players.

3. League Management Committee and Officers.

Management Committee.

The Management Committee of the League shall consist of:- (a) No more than 9 members (b) The Officials of the league (see sub paragraph (8) below) (c) No more than TWO further members may be co-opted by the Management Committee.
With effect from January 2002, one third of the Management Committee shall retire (but shall be eligible for re-election) and thereafter one third of the members of the Management Committee shall retire annually. The members so retiring shall be those who have served longest in office but shall also be eligible for re-election. Candidates for the places thus vacated shall be proposed and seconded, and must submit the relevant papers to the League Secretary by no later than 1st December prior to the A.G.M. New members shall be elected by ballot at the A.G.M. Any casual vacancy occurring by resignation or otherwise may be filled by the-Management Committee. The member so appointed shall retire at the end of what would have been the three year term of office served by his predecessor had he continued, but shall be eligible for re-election at that A.G.M.
Committee Meetings shall be held at least four times each year and the quorum for such meetings shall be 10. Such meetings shall be chaired by the President of the League or in his absence by a member of the Management Committee appointed for that purpose.
The President and Secretary shall have discretion to call further meetings for the Management Committee if they consider it to be in the interest of the League. The Secretary shall give all members of the Management Committee not less than 7 days oral or written notice of a meeting. Decisions of the Management Committee shall be made by a simple majority and in the event of equality of votes the President (or the acting Chairman of that meeting) shall have a casting or additional vote. The Secretary or in his/her absence a member of the Management Committee shall take minutes which shall be available to member clubs upon request.
The Management Committee may from time to time appoint such subcommittees as they may consider necessary and may delegate to them such of the duties and powers of the Management Committee as the Management Committee, may determine. All sub-committees shall periodically report their proceedings to the-Management Committee and shall conduct their business in accordance with the directions of the Management Committee.
The Management Committee shall be responsible for the management of the League. The Management Committee shall have power to enter into contracts for the purposes of the League on behalf of all the member Clubs of the League.
The members of the Management Committee shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the assets of the League for all expenses and other liabilities properly incurred by them in the management of the affairs of the League.
The Honorary Officials of the League shall be:- The President Secretary, Treasurer Assistant Secretary, Umpirers Secretary, Ground Committee Secretary, N.J.C.L. Secretary, Solicitor, Representative Team Manager, League Team Captain, Disciplinary Panel Secretary, Cup Competitions Secretary , Child Welfare Officer, Evening League Secretary

4. Constitution.

4.1 The League shall consist of such Clubs as the League shall approve. New Clubs may be admitted to the League at the discretion of the Management Committee and shall be placed in such Division of the League as the Management Committee thinks fit.
4.2 The League shall operate such number of Divisions as the Management Committee shall decide. The constitution of these Divisions shall be decided in accordance with Rule 26 or otherwise as the Management Committee shall decide.
4.3 The League and its Member Clubs shall operate the following; Membership shall be open to all irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, colour, social status and sexual orientation.

5. New Applications.

Any Club wishing to apply for membership of the League shall do so in writing to the Secretary of the League (the Secretary) no later than the 31st day of August in the year preceding the season in which they wish to join. All matters concerning application to membership of the League shall be at the absolute discretion of the Management Committee.

6. Club Transfers.

A Club affiliated to the Management Committee shall not negotiate with another Management Committee with the intention to leave the former to join the latter without first obtaining permission, in writing, from the Management Committee. Such permission shall only be withheld if the Club has failed to fulfil its financial obligations or has failed to observe the Rules of the Management Committee in respect of withdrawal of membership which should not conflict with the Rules and Guidelines of the Yorkshire Cricket Association. If the Management Committee does not provide the necessary written permission within fourteen days, the Club shall have the right of appeal to the Council of the Association. Permission to negotiate shall not be interpreted as resignation or dismissal but should the date, by which resignations are due to be received pass without further written notification of future action from the Club, the written permission to negotiate shall then be deemed to be invalid without further action being necessary by the member.

7. Resignation of Clubs.

A member club wishing to withdraw any team from the League must notify the Secretary no later than the 30th day of September in the year preceding the season in which such withdrawal is to take effect. All financial obligations of the Club to the League must have been discharged by that date. Failure to give such notice by the due date will incur payment of fees in full for the following season.

8. Expulsion.

The League through its Management Committee shall have power to expel a member Club when in the opinion of the Management Committee it would not be in the interests of the League for it to remain a member. A Club shall not be expelled unless it is given 14 days written notice to attend a meeting of the Disciplinary Panel (see below) together with written notice of the reasons for such expulsion. The Club shall be given an opportunity to appear before the said Panel to answer complaints against it and shall not be expelled unless at least two thirds of the members of the said Panel then present vote in favour of its expulsion and the decision of the said Panel is ratified by a two thirds majority of the Management Committee.

9. Participation in Assets.

Any member club transferring, withdrawing, resigning or being expelled from the League shall forfeit any rights to participate in the assets of the League.

10. Subscriptions.

The Annual Subscription of the League shall be determined at the Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the League (see below) upon the recommendations of its Honorary Treasurer. All subscriptions shall be paid to the Honorary Treasurer no later than the 30th day of June in every year. Any Club whose subscription shall not be paid by the 15th day of July in every year shall be liable to a financial penalty at the discretion of the Management Committee and any Club whose subscription shall not have been paid by the last day of any season shall face expulsion from the League as provided for by Rule-8.

11. Finance.

The Bank of the League shall be such bank as shall be chosen from time to time by the Management Committee.
All cheques drawn on the League’s Bank Account shall be signed by any two of the Signatories who shall be the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the League for the time being.
The financial year of the League shall end on the 31st day of December in each year after which the accounts will be audited by an Honorary Auditor who shall be elected at each A.G.M.
Where fines have been imposed by the Management Committee they should be paid within 21 days of notification otherwise such fines will be doubled.
Honoraria payable to any officials of the League shall be agreed at each A.G.M.
All money payable to the League shall be received by the Honorary Treasurer and deposited in the League’s Bank Account or otherwise as agreed by the Management Committee from time to time. Any monies not required for immediate use may be invested as the Management Committee in its discretion thinks fit.
The income and property of the League shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the League and no part thereof shall be paid by way of bonus dividend or profit to any member clubs of the League save as specifically provided for hereby or upon dissolution of the League.

12. Annual General Meetings (“AGM”)

The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held in the month of January, to which each Club may send two delegates. No club shall have more than one vote which shall be by use of coloured voting cards. Life members, officials and members of the Management Committee may also vote. Any Club failing to send at least one Delegate to an AGM shall be liable to a fine of £25 subject to the discretion of the Management Committee. Clubs shall receive 21 days notice of AGMs. The Quorum for an AGM shall be 2/3 of the number of Clubs constituting the League from time to time. Voting shall be by way of simple majority.

13. Special General Meetings (“SGM”)

An S.G.M. may be called at any time by the Management Committee and shall be called within 28 days of receipt by the Secretary of a requisition in writing signed by the Secretaries or Chairmen of at least 10 member clubs stating the purposes for which the meeting is required and the resolutions proposed. The Quorum for an S.G.M. shall be 2/3 of the number of clubs constituting the League from time to time. Voting shall be by way of simple majority.

14. Alterations to Constitution and Rules.

Any amendments to the Rules and Constitution of the League shall require a simple majority of those voting. Amendments to the Rules shall only be made at Annual General Meetings. Proposals for amendments to the rules shall be received by the League Secretary no later than the 10th October preceding the A.G.M.

15. Eligibility of Players.

OVERSEAS PLAYERS - Each club may only play one overseas player who has not played first class cricket within the previous 5 years. An overseas player is a player who is not eligible to play for England under ECB qualifications.
i) No overseas player may play except where his details in the form prescribed by the Management Committee from time to time have been provided to the League Secretary and the League Secretary has confirmed to the club in writing that the overseas player is eligible to play and has been registered accordingly
ii) The details referred to in Rule 15 a) i) above must be sent to the League Secretary before the first day of the season
iii) See also Rule 18 b), c) and d) below
iv) The Management Committee shall have the final decision as to the eligibility of any overseas player
v) For any breach of Rule 15 a) above a club may be fined, have points deducted, relegated to a lower division, be suspended or removed from the League.
No players shall be allowed to play in any division of the League for more than one club in the League or Cup matches in one season, unless transferred by the sanction of the Management Committee (see Rule 17).
i) A player may play in any division with the exception of the last 4 matches of the season when a player who has completed 10 innings with the 1st team and has a batting average of over 20 or has bowled in 10 games and taken more than 20 wickets and has a bowling average of under 20 shall not be allowed to play for any lower division teams without the permission of the Management Committee. For a player to be eligible to play in a club’s 3rd team the combined number of matches played and the combined averages for both 1st and 2nd teams shall apply.
ii) In calculating averages, scores shall be counted up to and including the last match played in the 1st team or 1st and 2nd team to the match in dispute. Matches in which no play is possible shall be taken into account for this rule.
All sections of this rule apply in entirety to clubs whose senior teams are in other leagues and to their players.
i) Clubs may only play bona-fide members. Any player who plays Saturday cricket with another club cannot play in the League or any of its competitions without the Management Committee sanction.
ii) No player is eligible who has not been registered with the secretary of the League in accordance with Rule 16.
iii) No player can be registered after the 18th Saturday of the season unless sanctioned by the Management Committee or League Secretary.
iv) Any club playing ineligible players will (at the absolute discretion of the Management Committee) lose any points gained from any games in which such players take part and will in addition lose 4 points from each such game.
v) Any breach of this rule may result in relegation to a lower division of the League and may result in expulsion from the League.
Loan Scheme. Players under 17 years of age on the 1st day of September in the year prior to the start of the current season may be allowed to play for any club in the League on Match by Match basis provided that the Club with which they are registered gives its consent in writing. Such consent must be given on the official form issued by the League and a copy of that form shall be sent to the league Secretary before commencement of the game in which such player shall take part. The Loan scheme shall apply to players both from this league and from other Leagues, provided that players from other leagues must obtain consent from such other league if its Rules require it.

All disputes relating to eligibility shall be Disciplinary Matters and shall be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedures in Rules 28 and 29 except in the case of overseas players.

16. Registration of Players.

i) All secretaries must supply (by post, fax or email) the League Secretary with a list giving full names of their players and identify their Junior Players for registration. This list, with Transfer Forms if applicable, must be in the possession of the League Secretary before the first day of the season subject to the discretion of the Management Committee, no player may be registered after the 18th Saturday of the season without the approval of the Management Committee or the League Secretary.
ii) Any new members joining a club subsequent to the registration date must have their names submitted to the League Secretary for registration. No player can take part in any League Competition until such registration has been ratified by the League Secretary.
Junior players must be marked ‘Junior’ on the result sheet of any matches in which they play.

17. Transfer of Players.

i) A player may claim a transfer from the club with which he is registered to another club by giving satisfactory reasons to the Management Committee.
ii) This rule shall be left to the discretion of the Management Committee, but no player may be transferred after the 18th Saturday of the season without the approval of either the Management Committee or the League Secretary.
iii) Before a player can apply for a transfer he must have paid his subscription for the current season to the club he is seeking to leave.
iv) No transfer shall be necessary and the earlier provisions of this Rule shall not apply if a player has not played in the League for at least 2 consecutive seasons.
Yorkshire Cricket Association Rule 11.2.4 shall apply. This states: After the 21st September, a player moving clubs for the following season must have the necessary YCA Player Transfer Form, letter or certificate from his previous club certifying that he has no obligation, financial, disciplinary or otherwise to that Club. In the case of a player moving to a club in another League, an official YCA Player Transfer Form MUST be used. This form constitutes a registration with a new club for the following year and the player is registered with his new club upon completion of the form. Any further changes of club can only be by consent of the parties concerned following the procedure in the first paragraph. When a player has entered into a written contract with a club for the following year and in the event of a subsequent wish to further change clubs, the club for which he has signed the contract is deemed to be his previous club and the contract, unless terminated by consent, means he has an obligation to that club. Copies of all completed transfer forms must be submitted to the League Secretary concerned.

All disputes relating to the transfer of players shall be Disciplinary Matters and shall be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedures in Rules 28 and 29.

18. Amateur Status.

No player may be remunerated or offered remuneration by way of any payment of subscription, wage, reward, benefit in kind, or any other payment (including any travel expenses) for playing or for having played for a club. For the purpose of this rule it does not matter whether the remuneration or offer of remuneration is made by or on behalf of the club or by any other person.

Each club chairman must provide the League Secretary with confirmation in writing that none of the players registered with the club is being paid, or is being or has been remunerated in any way (or offered remuneration) for playing and that no overseas player will play for a club save in the circumstances provided for by the League under Rule 15a) i) above. Such confirmation must be sent to the League Secretary with the list of registered players.
Each club must ensure that Rule 18a) is
i) made known to all its players, officers, members and benefactors
ii) communicated in writing (including e-mail) to any person whom the club intends will play for it as its overseas player within Rule 15a) above, and to any person who has played professional cricket within the previous 5 years and whom the club intends will play for it. The communication in writing must be given before the person plays for the club
iii) not breached.
Overseas players and players who have played professional cricket within the previous 5 years may only be approached by an official or officials of the club with the minuted authority of the club. All contacts with such players must be noted and any letter, fax, e-mail or other communication (whether sent or received) must be kept by the club for 24 months.
Copies of all contracts, letters, faxes, e-mails and minutes relating to the approach to any overseas player or to any player who has played professional cricket within the previous 5 years must be kept by the club for 24 months. In the case of an overseas player the club must obtain a copy of the travel documents including receipts for any payment for travel and identifying the person who provided the money for travel.
Each club must keep for 24 months copies of all financial records, including bank statements, cash books, cheque books, accounts and documents of account.
On any complaint under Rule 18a) or on a request to a club by the League Treasurer which has been authorised by the Management Committee the documents and records referred to in c), d), and e), above shall be disclosed to the League Treasurer who may put them before the Disciplinary Committee.
Penalties. For any breach of Rule 18a) - f) above a club may be fined, have points deducted, be relegated to a lower division, h) be suspended or removed from the League. For any breach of Rule 18a) above by any player, that player may be fined, suspended or disqualified from playing for any League club.

19. Teams.

If a club is fielding two or more teams they must fill their teams in order of seniority, i.e. the first team must have eleven players and take preference over the second team; the second team must have eleven players and take preference over the third team. Where clubs fail to field eleven players in a senior team they must submit IN WRITING to the Honorary Secretary (with their match returns) the reasons for this. Points may be deducted at the Management Committee’s discretion. All disputes relating to teams shall be Disciplinary matters and shall be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedures in Rule 29.

20. Duration of Matches.

All times stated in the Rule will be 30 minutes earlier in September - up to the last match will be 1 hour earlier.
All matches shall begin at 2 p.m.
All grounds shall be marked and rolled and the toss be made no later than 15 minutes before the start of the game.
The time of start and finish shall be recorded on the result sheet.
Teams shall be on the field, ready to commence play no later than 5 minutes before the time play is scheduled to commence. Any team reported for being late without due reason may be fined £5.
Each team may bat 45 overs unless all available batsmen have been dismissed or a declaration made. The team scoring the most runs after both innings have been completed shall be the winner.
No bowler may bowl more than 12 overs in any one innings.
If a player on the fielding side fails to take the field at the start of an innings and the absence is longer than 15 minutes he shall not be allowed to bowl until he has been on the field for at least the length of playing time for which he was absent. If a player on the batting side (when his side is batting second) fails to attend at the ground for a period of more than 15 minutes after the start of play he cannot bat for at least the length of playing time for which he was absent (NOT ON THE FIELD OF PLAY) when his side was fielding.
The tea interval shall be 30 minutes.
Umpires in divisions 1 and 2 are not to enter the field of play after the tea interval until BOTH HAVE BEEN PAID by the respective teams.
There will be no time limit on the termination of the 2nd innings except when the weather has intervened. (See Rule 21 below).
To avoid waste of time the outgoing and incoming batsmen should cross on the field of play.

21. Matches Delayed or Interrupted by Weather.

When weather has intervened, the last hour shall commence at 7.10pm (6.40pm in September, last match 6.10pm) subject to the following conditions:-
i) The fielding side must bowl a minimum of 20 overs after 7.10pm providing there are 20 overs remaining.
ii) If there are more than 20 overs remaining at 7.10pm the fielding side must bowl at least 20 overs AND MAY BOWL MORE.
iii) If conditions do not permit 20 overs to be bowled after 7.10pm the match shall be deemed to be a weather affected draw and each side shall gain 2 points.
iv) In the event of rain interrupted second innings (when the team batting first were all out or had completed their allotted overs) the result will be 2 points each if the team batting second are unable to complete the same number of overs as were available to the team batting first.
In the event of interruption of play during the last hour, should play recommence then one over shall be deducted for every complete 3 minutes of time lost. An over in progress at the start of the interruption shall be completed on resumption of play and shall not count as one of the minimum number of overs to be bowled.
In the event of a delayed start, or interruption caused by the weather during the innings of the team batting first, 1 over will be deducted from EACH innings for every 6 minutes lost.
No match shall consist of less than 20 overs for each team.
No match will commence after 5.10pm, in September 4.40pm with last match of the season 4.10pm.
In the event of a delayed start the tea interval must be taken no later than 4.40pm, in September 4.10pm, last match 3.40pm. This only applies if the match has not commenced by 4.40pm.
If weather has intervened and there is a consensus between both teams and the umpires, the time taken for tea may be reduced by such period as the parties decide. For the avoidance of doubt this shall include provision to allow for the second innings to take place before the tea interval or for tea to be taken before the first innings commences if necessary, in order to try and have a match and obtain a positive result.

22. Match Conditions.

i) Each team must provide its own match balls which must be handed to the umpires before the toss is made.
ii) The Balls to be used throughout the League are the Lords Regal County Crown Ball or the Lords Shooting Star and should be identifiable as such.
iii) In the event of there being no independent umpires, each captain should have match balls available for inspection by his counterpart when the toss is made.
Standard wickets must be used in all matches.
The home club must provide a pitch approved by the umpires for the match and shall provide umpires’ coats.
If wicket covers are available then the wicket may be wholly covered during any interruption due to the weather.
The number of overs bowled shall be shown on the scoreboard in 5s up to the last 5. Thereafter the number of the over in progress shall be shown. When scoreboards are showing every over they should show the over in progress.
Boundaries will be 4s and 6s and boundaries must be marked with a white line or rope. If sightscreens cannot be positioned wholly outside the playing area a white line or rope must be placed in front and along each side of the sightscreen to ensure their being outside the playing area.
In the event of a bowler being unable to complete an over for any reason, the captain of the fielding side shall depute another player to complete the over. This player cannot be the player who bowled the over immediately prior to the over in progress nor can he bowl the next one.

All disputes relating to any part of the Rule shall be disciplinary matters and shall be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedures in Rule 29.

23. Scoring of Points.

Points shall be scored as follows:

4 points for a win
1 point for not being out (when batting first)
1 point for not being out (when batting second) provided that a score of not less than two thirds of the score of the team batting first has been achieved. Umpires, scorers and captains to agree this target before the commencement of the second innings. (where the calculation does not result in a whole number this shall be rounded UP to the next whole number).
1 point if opponents are all bowled out (a declaration to be counted as all-out)
3 points each for a tie
2 points each for matches cancelled because of bad weather or started but abandoned because of bad weather.

24. Notification of Results.

After each match the Home Side shall telephone, fax or Email the result of their match to the League Secretary no later than midnight on the match day. Clubs failing to do so will be fined £5.00. Each team shall send the full score-sheet of both teams, including times of commencement and drawing of stumps, bowling analysis and the names of all the players in the match. A result sheet must be sent by ALL teams every week whether the match was played or not, giving the names of all players selected to play.
These score-sheets must reach the League Secretary on or before noon of the Tuesday following the match.
The name of the club sending the score-sheet must be clearly shown.
Away teams must include on their result report described above a mark out of 20 for the condition of the ground on which they have played. Guidelines for the apportionment of marks are shown on the score-sheets. These marks will be used to adjudge the most improved ground in each division.
Any team failing to send a fully completed score-sheet by the requisite deadline will be fined £10. Should a team fail to send a score-sheet including Ground Marks on 3 or more occasions in any season the Management Committee will deduct that team 6 points for this offence.

25. Cancellation of Matches.

In the event of wet weather, both teams must be in agreement that conditions are unsuitable for cricket.
A proposal of cancellation by the home side must be made to a responsible official of the visiting side.
Any proposal of cancellation by the home side must be made on the DAY OF THE MATCH no later than two hours before the scheduled start.
In the absence of any proposal of cancellation, or if both teams are not in agreement, both teams must be on the field of play 15 minutes before the scheduled start when the umpires or captains will be sole judges as to whether the ground is fit for play.
In the absence of umpires, the captains must be in agreement as to whether the ground is fit for play prior to the commencement of the match and during the course of the match.
Any team leaving the ground within 3 hours and 10 minutes of the scheduled start without the consent of the opposing captain (when league or club umpires are not officiating) will have 6 points deducted. The non-offending team will be awarded 6 points.
In the event of the Management Committee cancelling a particular Saturday’s Fixture List for whatever reason the fixtures should then be played on the Saturday following the last match of the season.
The home club is responsible for notifying the umpires of any cancellation. This notification must be made no later than 90 minutes before the scheduled start.
Teams cancelling matches for reasons other than the weather or other exceptional circumstances (agreed by the Disciplinary Panel) will be fined £10 and have 6 points deducted. The non-offending team will be awarded 6 points. Where offences have occurred during the last four games of a season, the Disciplinary Panel will have discretion to impose the sanction (up to 12 points), against the offending Club at the start of the following season.
i) Any team fielding a side with 7 or fewer players (for the first hour of a game or until after the change of innings whichever shall be the sooner) will be adjudged to have cancelled such fixture and the terms of Rule 25(i) will apply.
ii) Any team persistently failing to fulfil its fixtures or persistently breaching Rule 25(j) (i) above may be expelled from the league.
Where a club with more than one team in the league is faced with a shortage of players the Senior Fixture must always take priority.
In the event of a 1st team match being cancelled a recognised 1st team player shall not play for that club’s 2nd, 3rd or 4th teams. In the event of a 2nd team match being cancelled a recognised 2nd team player shall not play for that club’s 3rd or 4th teams. In the event of a 3rd team match being cancelled a recognised 3rd team player shall not play for that club’s 4th team. Any team being in breach of this Rule will have no points awarded and the non offending team will be awarded six points, regardless of the actual result. Batting and/or bowling figures of the offending team in the fixture concerned will NOT be taken into account for Batting and/or Bowling Averages at the end of the season.

Note: All matters in connection with this Rule are to be governed by the discretion of the Management Committee.

26. Promotion and Relegation.

In each division the team gaining the highest number of points shall be adjudged the Champions of the Division.
At the end of each season the top two teams in each Division (with the exception of Division 1) will be promoted and the bottom two teams in each Division (with the exception of Division 8) will be relegated.
Should a Club withdraw a team from the League after September 30th the Management Committee shall act to re-instate the establishment of the division prior to the commencement of the next season.
Clubs are not allowed to have two teams in Division 1.
Ground conditions, facilities and markings will be considered before promotion to Divisions 1 and 2. Any promotion is NOT automatic but at the discretion of the League Management Committee. Any disputes are to be referred to Disciplinary Panel. The specific requirements for promotion are as follows “The minimum requirements for promotion to Divisions 1 and 2 are - i) Hot and Cold Running Water - ii) Ladies and Gentlemens Toilets - iii) Shower Facilities - iv) Two Sight Screens one at each end of the pitch - v) Minimum average ground mark of 12.
The Ground Committee shall visit clubs on an official basis as and when considered appropriate.
In the event of two or more teams tie-ing for the Championship, promotion or relegation, the following shall apply:- i) Precedence will be given to teams who have not cancelled matches for reasons other than the weather.
ii) If the situation is not resolved by i) above, then the averages will be calculated, based on the team’s performances over the whole season, the bowling average to be divided into the batting average and the team with the higher average will be promoted or declared champions or (in the case of relegation being the issue) the team with the lower average relegated.

27. Prizes.

A trophy will be presented to the Champions of each division of the League. Prizes will be given for the best batting and bowling averages in each division, qualifications to be 12 innings and 30 wickets.
Trophies and Willis Cups shall be held until the 21st August of the following season, by which date they shall be returned to the League Secretary. There will be a £25 fine for not returning trophies and cups by the due date.
Club Secretaries or team Captains shall supply ON LINE within 21 days of the end of the season a list of those likely to qualify. Abandoned matches count in the averages. Batting and/or Bowling figures received after 21 days will NOT be considered for awards. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

28. Protests and Disputes.

28.1 Questions of eligibility, qualification of players or interpretation of the Rules shall be referred to the Disciplinary Panel (through the secretary) who shall consider whether a prima facie case exists in accordance with Rule 29, or whether they should take no action except to record the matter, or in the case of a player, official or supporter to refer the matter to the Club concerned. Any interested party may report matters of eligibility, qualification or interpretation of the Rules, which shall include disputes as to discretionary penalties imposed under these rules to the Management Committee or to the Disciplinary Panel, or the Management Committee may institute proceedings at its own behest. All questions and disputes relating to eligibility, qualification of players and interpretation of the Rules shall be submitted to the Secretary within 7 days of the incident giving rise to such questions or disputes but shall not require a fee.

28.2 Any dispute having reference to the Laws of Cricket shall be referred by the Management Committee (through the Secretary) to the E.C.B. for settlement. All non-administrative matters which may result in a fine or a deduction of points shall be referred to the Disciplinary Panel, in particular breaches of Paragraph 1 of the ECB Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket. Matters dealt with by way of fixed penalties within these rules are administrative matters and are final. Where these rules provide for fine or points deduction to be handed out at the discretion of the Management Committee, a right to protest exists, in which case the Management Committee must then refer the matter to the Disciplinary Panel under Rule-29.

29. Disciplinary Procedures.

29.1

A Disciplinary Panel shall be constituted which shall comprise (a) all members of the Management Committee (from whom the Chairman and Deputy Chairman shall be appointed) and (b) Five members appointed at the A.G.M. (who may be any official, player or other person connected with any Club).

29.2

Any three members of the Panel shall sit on any one matter and shall form a Disciplinary Committee for that matter; none of such members shall be connected with the Player, the Club or their opponents involved in the matter in question.

29.3 Explanatary note

The league has adopted the following Discipline Regulations, which are intended to provide assistance and uniformity to all Clubs in dealing with any alleged breach of the E.C.B. Code of Conduct and The Spirit of Cricket. The Code of Conduct and The Spirit of Cricket are set out fully at the back of the League Handbook and copies will be provided to each Club for permanent display (The Levels of breaches of the Laws of Cricket, the Code of Conduct and/or The Spirit of Cricket published by E.C.B. are also set out fully at the back of the League Handbook.) It is intended that any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct (“the Code”) and The Spirit of Cricket (“the Spirit”) that is reported should, in the first instance, be dealt with by the player’s Club, who shall notify the Disciplinary Panel Secretary (“the D.P.S.”) of the result of any action taken against the player. If the Disciplinary Panel of the League is satisfied with the action taken by the Club, the case will be closed. If the Panel is not satisfied with the action taken by the Club, a disciplinary hearing will be convened.

29.4 Procedure

Any alleged breach of the Code or Spirit shall be notified in writing (to be known as “a Complaint”) to the D.P.S. Any such alleged breach which is not dealt with during the match or within one hour after close of play must be reported to the D.P.S., using the appropriate report form, (a) in Divisions 1 and 2 by a League appointed Umpire or (b) in Divisions 3 to 8 by either a League appointed Umpire or by the opposing Captain. If any captain considers that there has been a breach of this rule during a game he MUST raise the issue with the opposing captain DURING the game or IMMEDIATELY AFTER the game so that the offending team captain is aware of the concern and can attempt to deal with it there and then. Only if it is impossible to agree a solution can the offended captain/team make a complaint in writing to the D.P.S. Any complaint so initiated must be referred to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel. Upon receipt of such complaint, and as soon as reasonably practicable, the Chairman of the Panel shall consider the complaint and resolve either:
(i) To take no action except to record the complaint and notify the Club; or
(ii) To request the Club to hold an internal disciplinary hearing and report their findings to the D.P.S. of the league; then
(iii) to endorse the disciplinary action taken by the Club (in such case a record will be made by the Disciplinary Panel and all other appropriate bodies informed of any penalty imposed)
(iv) to refer the matter for a Disciplinary Hearing which shall be convened by the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Panel as soon as practicable or to the next hearing date.
(v) If the complaint is against the club the chairman of the disciplinary panel will either decide to take no action except to record the complaint and notify the club or he will refer the matter for disciplinary hearing which shall be convened as soon as practicable or to the next hearing date.

29.5 Internal Club Enquiry

(i) The Club, on notification of a complaint by the D.P.S. of the League, or of its own volition and without any need for the receipt of a written complaint or other prompting, shall, where any alleged breach occurs in the Code of Conduct or The Spirit of Cricket, or otherwise as the Club may think fit, forthwith convene an Internal Club Enquiry.
(ii) The purpose of the Internal Club Enquiry shall be to establish the facts and, where appropriate, to take the necessary disciplinary action so as to ensure that the club does not fail properly to control or discipline its player or players and to ensure that the club acts in a manner designed to protect the good name of the club and of cricket generally.
(iii) Any player requested to attend such an Internal Club Enquiry, or any appeal therefrom, shall be entitled to be accompanied at the Enquiry by a friend or other representative.
(iv) Clubs must hold an internal disciplinary hearing within seven days of notification of a complaint by the D.P.S. of the League. If the Club fails to hold such a hearing within seven days, the player in question may not play in any match under the auspices of N.A.D.A.C.L. until the hearing is held.
(v) After an Internal Club Enquiry has been held, the results of its findings must be reported to the D.P.S. of the League within 24 hours. Players shall be able to continue to play before the date of the hearing.

29.6 Penalties

If the Internal Club Enquiry finds the misconduct proved, the club shall have the following powers:
(i) To require the player to write 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 the player’s right to be considered for selection by the Club to play in one or more matches. All suspensions to commence with immediate effect.
(v) To suspend the player’s membership of the Club for a period.
(vi) If the conduct constitutes gross misconduct the Club shall have the power to terminate the player’s membership forthwith.
(vii) The Club for the same offence may, if it is thought fit, impose more than one of the above penalties.

29.7 Appeals Procedure

(i) The player shall have the right to appeal to the President or Chairman of the Club or to the President’s or Chairman’s nominee for a review of the findings of the Internal Club Enquiry and of the penalty or penalties imposed. (ii) The decision of the President, Chairman or their nominee in all cases shall be final and binding.

29.8 Disciplinary Hearing

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. The Chairman of the League Disciplinary Panel shall convene a hearing as soon as is practicable and in any event within 21 days of the decision to refer. An adjournment may be granted at the discretion of the Chairman of the Disciplinary Hearing. 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. The hearing shall be conducted by a 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.

29.9 Penalties

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 it deems appropriate, plus costs of £30.00 against the offending player or the offending players club. 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 the player for one or more matches, or for a stated period of time.
(v) To deduct League points from the player’s team.
(vi) To expel the player from the League.
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 fine.
(iv) To deduct League points from the club’s team(s).
(v) To relegate the Club 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.
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. 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.

29.10 Appeals Procedure

A player or club shall have the right of appeal to the D.P. Notice of Appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the D.P.S. of the League within seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, together with a deposit of £100.00. If Notice of Appeal is given the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the Appeal, which shall take place as soon as practicable. The Appeal shall be by way of review before a different Committee. The composition of the Committee shall be at the discretion of the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Panel 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. 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 Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote. If the case is found proven, after an appeal, the deposit of £100.00 or part thereof will be retained as costs by the Disciplinary Committee. The decision of the Appeals Committee or, if no appeal, of the Disciplinary Committee, shall be final and binding.

30. Disciplinary Offences and Suspension Guidelines

The League’s Policy (i) By specifically adopting and incorporating the Code and the Spirit the League declares that the primary responsibility for discipline lies with Clubs and Team Captains. The League expects this responsibility to be properly discharged. If it is not the League will take action against the Club and Captain concerned.
(ii) Captains are expected to address incidents promptly and take appropriate action. If they do not, they are also liable to be charged with the offence.
(iii) The Code also places a duty on Clubs to take immediate action when notified of a disciplinary complaint. Such action will be taken into account by the League Disciplinary Committee and may be accepted as appropriate. Alternatively, the Complaint may be referred to a Disciplinary Hearing.
(iv) In all cases the following guidelines will be followed by the Disciplinary Committee, as well as by Umpires, Clubs, League Officials, etc.
(v) NOTE: The guidelines specify suspensions for a period. The Disciplinary Panel will normally assess the period so as to cover a given number of scheduled League matches. The suspension will then be notified as “being up to and including a certain date.” Clubs and players should be aware that any suspension by the League applies not only to matches under the control of the League but also to all matches played under the auspices of the E.C.B. or an E.C.B. affiliated Club during the period of suspension.

A Notifiable Offences (Category A Offences)

The League’s Umpires or team Captains in Divisions 3 to 8 as appropriate are REQUIRED to report each and every incident under this heading. This applies even where the Umpire or Captain considers that the incident has been ‘dealt with’ at the time. Such reports may be brief, and Umpires will normally use their standard reporting cards for such incidents. Category A1 offences are, in general penalised under the Laws. For the remainder (the Category A offences) each one will be recorded and repeated offences will be dealt with under the procedure relating to ACCUMULATED BAD BEHAVIOUR.

A1. Offences requiring Mandatory Reports under the Laws of Cricket

Deliberate short runs or run stealing. Dangerous and unfair bowling, including ‘bouncers’ and ‘beamers’. Ball tampering. Deliberate and malicious distraction/obstruction on the field of play. Distracting an opponent. Deliberate time wasting. Damaging the pitch.

A2. Offences classed as “General Misconduct” Mandatory Report required

a. Excessive, Ridiculous, and Orchestrated appealing. b. Charging or advancing towards the Umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing. c. Premature ‘celebrations’, before an Umpire’s decision is made. d. Persistent questioning of Umpires’ decisions/actions. (Where this falls short of actual dissent see Cat 3). e. Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner upon the dismissal of a batsman. f. Throwing the ball in a careless manner at or near a player or Umpires, team official or spectator. g. Making comments or gestures that are obscene, offensive or insulting to another player, team official or spectator. NOTE 1: the above constitutes a MAJOR offence when directed at an Umpire (see B3 below ABUSE OF AN UMPIRE) NOTE 2: It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players during the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, Umpires or Captains as appropriate will look to make a report when this behaviour falls below an acceptable standard. h. Failure of a captain to take appropriate action to control players’ conduct/behaviour. i. Any unsavoury action or event, which in the opinion of the Umpire should be reported as being contrary to the Spirit of the Game. j. Umpires and/or Captains are required to take incidents involving players under the age of 18 particularly seriously. The League will take all such matters particularly seriously and they will involve more severe penalties.

B Major Offences (Category B Offences)

(Umpires or Captains as appropriate will make formal and full reports in all cases and disciplinary charges will be laid.) The right to a fair hearing requires that an individual shall not be penalised by a decision affecting his rights or legitimate expectations unless he has been given prior notice of the case against him and a fair opportunity to answer the case against him and to produce his own case.

B1. Abuse of Cricket Equipment, Clothing, Ground Equipment or Fixtures and Fittings

The knocking of stumps, or the throwing or kicking of a bat, ball, helmet or any cricket attire, boundary marker, rope or any match or ground equipment. Suspension: MINIMUM period one week.

B2. Abuse of Player

Deliberate violent physical contact on a member of the opposing team or a fellow team member. Suspension: ABSOLUTE MINIMUM period of six weeks. (The severity of the act will influence the length of the penalty imposed. Indefinite or life bans may be appropriate in certain circumstances.) Threatening behaviour. Includes threats of assault. Also; serious and persistent verbal abuse (sledging) using comments or language designed to denigrate and intimidate the recipient. Suspension: MINIMUM period of two weeks.

B3. Abuse of an Umpire

Deliberate violent physical contact. Suspension: ABSOLUTE MINIMUM period of twelve weeks. (The severity of the act will influence the length of the penalty imposed. Indefinite or life bans may be appropriate in certain circumstances). Threatening behaviour. Suspension: MINIMUM period of six weeks. Verbal Abuse (inclusive of language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of obscene gestures). Suspension: MINIMUM period of three weeks. Dissent (any action that seeks to question or undermine the authority of an Umpire). Aggravated dissent would include the use of foul or threatening language. Suspension: MINIMUM period of one week. Aggravated offences will attract more severe penalties, with prior record being taken into account. NOTE: In dealing with the above offences, where it is apparent that, following the intervention of an Umpire, the offending player’s captain failed to take action to control the offending player, the captain will himself be subject to a MINIMUM suspension of one week.

B4. Racial Abuse

Any racially abusive comment or action, ie using language that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. Suspension: PERIOD to be decided by the Disciplinary Panel. C. Accumulated Bad Behaviour (Category C Offences) This relates to repeated offences that are reported by Umpires under the Laws of Cricket or as General Misconduct (as set out in Section A of these Guidelines). Although the individual infringements may not, on their own, merit disciplinary action they will in all cases be recorded and notified to the Club(s) concerned. A second report relating to the same player will likewise be recorded and notified: a third or subsequent report will automatically attract a Disciplinary charge, leading to penalties: Suspension: MINIMUM period of one week on the first occasion; two weeks for the second; four weeks for the third etc. Reports will only be taken into consideration for a period of 12 months from the first offence. Repeated offences involving a particular team will lead to charges against the Captain concerned. In these cases the MINIMUM suspension will be two weeks and/or a deduction of match points. Such action will take into account previous disciplinary problems during the previous 12 months.

D. Spectators’ Behaviour

Clubs are responsible at all times for the conduct of all their members, even when they are merely spectators. In the event of such a member’s conduct being reported as offensive, abusive, etc (whether to players, umpires, officials or other spectators), clubs will be liable to fines and/or points deductions, or such other penalty as the Disciplinary Panel shall deem appropriate.

E. Abuse in the Press or other public media

a) No player, umpire, club (through its players, members, or officials), League official, or member of the League Management Committee shall publish or cause to be published any abuse concerning any player, umpire, club, League official, or member of the League Management Committee whether through the press or other public media (including the internet).
b) Each club and the League is responsible for any abuse published on its own website. The penalty for a breach of Rule 30E may be a fine, or (in the case of a player, umpire, League official or member of the Management Committee) suspension. The penalty for persistent breaches by a club may be the deduction of points or FOOTNOTE: Umpires or Captains as appropriate will normally report Category A, B, C, and D offences. A club or individual or the Management Committee may report any offence in Category A, B, C, D or E.

31. Guidelines on the Conduct of Hearings and Appeals.

31.1 Natural Justice

The rules of natural justice are the minimum standards of fair decision-making imposed on persons or bodies acting in a judicial capacity. The rules of natural justice consist of the following elements:

The right to a fair hearing - The right to a fair hearing requires that an individual shall not be penalised by a decision affecting his rights or legitimate expectations unless he has been given prior notice of the case against him and a fair opportunity to answer the case against him and to produce his own case.
(a) Prior notice of the hearing - The accused person should be given adequate notice of the allegations against him and of the procedure to be followed so that he may be in a position to make representations on his own behalf, to prepare his own case and to answer the case against him. The time and location of the hearing must also be properly notified to the reported person.
(b) Opportunity to be heard - The reported person has a right to attend the hearing and be allowed to present his case. If the Disciplinary Panel is satisfied that the reported person has been given adequate notice of the alleged breach and of the time and location of the hearing, they may allow the hearing to proceed if the reported person fails to attend. However, it may not be justifiable to proceed if the time or location fixed for the hearing is such that the person cannot reasonably be expected to attend. Within the Model Discipline Regulations it states that “at least seven days’ notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or in the case of a club, its Secretary”.
The rule against bias - A person adjudicating on a dispute must have no pecuniary or proprietary interest in the outcome of the proceedings and must not reasonably be suspected, or show a real likelihood, of bias. The rule against bias also provides that a party should not normally be judged by his accuser.

31.2 Conduct of Hearings

Within these Guidelines words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and those importing the male shall include the female, and vice versa.

A complaint is received by either D.P.S. of the league or the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Panel who decides to refer the matter to a Disciplinary Hearing.
The Hearing is conducted by at least three persons (the Committee) appointed by the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Panel. No-one connected with the individual or the club, or their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action (e.g. by the deduction of points), should be a member of the Committee.
The accused person/club should be notified of the offence(s) alleged against him/them and the time and location of the hearing. The notification should be in writing, include all relevant documentation and give at least seven day’s notice.
The accused person is entitled to be supported by a colleague. There is no right to legal representation but the Committee would normally permit the accused person to be legally represented. However, the attendance or otherwise of the legal representative should not be used as a ‘delaying tactic’.
If the complaint has been made by the Umpires, they should be available to give evidence at the hearing.
Witnesses should not be present in the room at the outset but should be called in individually to give their evidence at the appropriate time. (Ideally a separate waiting area should be provided for each party).
The Chairman should open the hearing and introduce all the parties. He should then briefly outline the procedure to be followed.
The charges against the accused person/club should be specified.
Witnesses should be called individually and asked to give their evidence. The Committee may question the witnesses. The accused person (or representative)/club may question the witnesses.
The accused person/club should be asked to give his/their account and may call witnesses. The Panel may question the witnesses. Once the witnesses have given their evidence and answered any questions, they should either leave the room or, with the permission of the Chairman, they may remain but should take no further part in the hearing.
The Committee may question the accused person/club.
The Committee should deliberate in private. The Committee’s decision should be by majority vote; where necessary the Panel Chairman shall have a casting vote.
The accused person/club should be called back in and the Committee should give their decision as to whether the case is proved or not proved. If proved, the accused person/club should be asked to give any mitigation which might affect the Committee’s decision as to sentence, if they have any discretion in this area.
The Committee should consider the sentence in private.
The accused person/club should be called back in and the Committee Chairman should announce the sentence. The accused person/club should be made aware of the Appeals Process, particularly the time within which an appeal should be lodged.
The decision of the Disciplinary Committee and if appropriate the penalty should be communicated to the accused person/club in writing within 21 days. Draft forms for this purpose are attached to these Guidelines.

31.3 Appeals Process

Notice of appeal against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, whether as to verdict or sentence, to be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within 7 days of the decision of the Committee (together with a deposit of £100.00 if appropriate). The notice of appeal should record the decision or part of the decision against which the appeal is made and the grounds and basis of the appeal.
Any penalty imposed by the Disciplinary Committee should not take effect until the appeal has been heard.
The appeal must be heard by a different Committee from those who sat on the original Disciplinary Committee. The Appeal Committee must consist of not less than three people, none of whom should be connected with the individual or the club or their opponents, or a club which might directly benefit from any disciplinary action (e.g. by the deduction of points).
An appeal against the verdict should take the form of a review. The accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation and the ability to call witnesses as they did at the first hearing.
At an appeal against the sentence, the accused person or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation as they did at the first hearing.
Decisions of the Appeal Committee shall be by majority vote with the Chairman having a casting vote where necessary. The decision of the Appeal Committee is final and binding.
The Appeal Committee can confirm the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, vary it or reverse it. It has the power to increase the penalty and award costs.
The decision of the Appeal Committee and if appropriate the penalty should be communicated to the accused person/club in writing within 21 days.

32. Sentencing Guidelines Recreational Game.

The following are guidelines to sentencing policy which may be used by the Disciplinary Committee in determining the appropriate sentence in any individual case. The guidelines provide a method of considering individual cases but are not a tariff and should not be considered as such. Only a Disciplinary Committee can decide on the penalty appropriate to any individual case.

Players’ Behaviour

In the event of any player failing to comply with the instructions of an Umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, 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 the other Umpire and to the player’s captain, requesting the latter to take action. Breaches of paragraph 1.2.5 of the Spirit of the Game should automatically be reported by the Umpires to the executive of the club concerned and to any Governing Body responsible for the match. Such breaches will be treated seriously and are likely to result in suspension.

Accumulated Bad Behaviour

Repeated infringements by an individual of the Spirit of the Game (where it is decided that each infringement in itself does not merit any immediate disciplinary action), should always result in a Disciplinary Hearing. Repeated infringements by a team are likely to result in the captain being held responsible for the conduct of his team (whether or not individual players are also identified for disciplinary action) and being called before a Disciplinary Hearing. The penalties available include suspension. When issuing the penalty, the Disciplinary Panel may take account of instances of poor team discipline in previous years, particularly where the on-thefield captain is the same. Leagues should ensure that captains understand their responsibility for the ‘on the field’ behaviour of themselves and their team members. If suspension is the penalty, this will always take effect immediately.

Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play. Proven cases of violent conduct against an official will inevitably result in a lengthy term of suspension. Violence against a spectator or another player will also normally result in suspension, the length depending upon the circumstances. If suspension is the penalty, this should take effect immediately.

Racial Abuse

Players and team officials must not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Racially abusive comments or actions will normally result in suspension, the length depending upon the circumstances.

Drugs

It is E.C.B. policy that there should be no distinction drawn between “performance enhancing” and “recreational” drugs. Use or distribution of illegal drugs by players or team officials is a breach of the E.C.B. Code of Conduct.

Appropriateness of Penalties

In all cases and for all offences, an admission of guilt will almost certainly be taken into account and a lesser sentence being imposed than if the matter is contested credit being given for the admission. Plainly, the extent of the credit to be given will depend upon all the circumstances of the case, including how early the admission of guilt is made, but, save possibly in the most trivial of cases, it will not normally be such as to change the nature of the penalty or to bring about total suspension of the penalty. Whatever penalties are applied should be applied with consistency. Fines are normally more appropriate for individual breaches of regulations or the Code of Conduct. Points penalties are normally more appropriate in the case of a Club or where a significant number of the team have contributed to the breach. It is likely that cases of accumulated bad behaviour and cases of violent conduct will result in a suspension of at least four weeks. Suspension of four weeks’ duration should be reported by the League to their nominated County Board for national circulation. Players should understand that suspension of this length will normally apply to all cricket played under the auspices of E.C.B. Leagues should notify their nominated County Board of a four week suspension or above upon expiry of the seven day period within which notification of intent to appeal should be made or, in the case of an appeal, immediately upon conclusion of the appeal hearing.

33. The Publication of Proceedings

Without prejudice in any event to any form of privilege available in respect of any such publication whether pursuant to the Defamation Act 1996 or otherwise, the Management Committe, Disciplinary Panel, Disciplinary Committee or Appeal Committee shall be entitled to publish issued from time to time by the ECB as each of them think fit report of their proceedings, whether or not they reflect adversely on the character or conduct of any Club, player, official, supporter and any person bound by these rules and any person bound by virtue of any obligation whether to the League or to any third party to observe these rules shall be deemed to have provided their full and irrevocable consent to the publication of oral or written statements without limit in number by any on the Management Committee, Disciplinary Panel, Disciplinary Committee and Appeal Committee in any form or media as each of them shall think fit of details of any and all evidence tendered in any proceeding over which they shall have jurisdiction and of a full report of any finding or decision made by any of the said bodies. The Management Committee shall take out such insurance as is appropriate to protect the Committee and the League against any proceedings arising under this rule.

34.

34.1 In the event that any fines imposed by a Disciplinary Committee, by the Management Committee or by other operation of the rules remain unpaid 28 days after the club have been notified in writing of the imposition of a fine (whether payable by a club or an individual member of the club) 4 points shall be deducted from such team as the Management Committee may deem to be appropriate and a further 4 points shall be deducted every week thereafter until the fine has been paid. In the event that an appeal is validly lodged against the penalty imposed the imposition of this rule shall be suspended pending the outcome of the appeal.

34.2 In the event that a Disciplinary Committee or Appeal Panel requires a club to submit a letter of apology to any person and that apology has not been submitted within 14 days of the date that it is due 4 points shall be deducted from such team as the Management Committee may deem to be appropriate and further 4 points shall be deducted every week thereafter until the default has been remEdied. In the event that an appeal is validly lodged against the penalty imposed the imposition of this rule shall be suspended pending the outcome of the appeal.

34.3 Should a player fail to submit an apology as required by a Disciplinary or Appeal Panel within 14 days of the requirement being communicated to him he shall be suspended from playing until that requirement has been complied with. Should the requirement be imposed after the end of the season the suspension shall come into effect at the start of the next season and continue for an equivalent period as the period during which the player was in default.

35. First Aid.

All clubs must have a first aid kit in its pavilion.

36. Umpires.

i) Neutral umpires shall be appointed to Divisions 1 and 2 and Division 3 (Division 3 when umpires are available).
ii) Their expenses shall be £25 each inclusive of travelling expenses except when only one umpire is present when the fee shall be increased to £35, which shall be shared by both teams. The above expenses apply to matches played on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
iii) Payments must be made at the tea interval.
iv) Where no play is possible and in matches of less than 10 overs (in total) duration a fee of £10 should be paid to each umpire.
v) The home club shall provide umpires with teas free of charge.
i) Other Division - Neutral umpires shall not be appointed, but clubs may request the services of an umpire from the Umpires Secretary if he has one available.
ii) The club requesting one will be responsible for payment of his/her expenses and the umpire will only have equal control of the game along with the other club’s umpire.
iii) In the event of a club being without an umpire the consent of the opposing captain shall be obtained as to the person to act as umpire.
iv) In any case the match must be played and if played under protest the matter shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Panel.
The two captains when tossing must agree on starting time and enter the same in the scorebooks.
If any umpire is complained of twice for giving unfair decisions and the Disciplinary Panel sustains such complaints the offending umpire shall be suspended for the rest of the season.
i) Any club can apply to the Umpires’ Secretary for neutral umpires in any match on payment of a fee of £20 and giving 14 days’ notice.
ii) The Management Committe shall have power to appoint neutral umpires to any match they think necessary and the expenses of such umpires shall be paid out of League funds.
If an umpire decides to report a player or team to the Management Committee he/she must inform the captain of the offending team before leaving the ground.

37. Scorers.

All teams in the 1st and 2nd divisions MUST have a Scorer. The Captain of any team not having a scorer MUST depute one of his team to act as scorer even if this means fielding 10 men.

38. Teas.

Visiting teams must pay for eleven teas. The charge per tea must be no more than £2.50.

39. Dissolution.

A resolution to dissolve the League shall only be proposed at an S.G.M. and shall only be carried by a majority of at least two thirds of the member CLUBS.
The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Management Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the League.
Any property remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the League shall be given to a charity or charities nominated by the last Management Committee.

40. Covering Rule.

The Management Committee shall have power to deal with any matter not dealt with in these Rules in accordance with the Rules, Directives, Guidance and Regulations of the Yorkshire Cricket Association, the Yorkshire Cricket Board, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Laws of Cricket, the E.C.B. Code of Conduct and The Spirit of Cricket. Such Rules, Directives, Guidance, Regulations, Laws, Code & Spirit are specifically incorporated into these Rules and shall be binding on all Members of the League to the extent that they do not conflict with these Rules.

41. Conflict.

For the avoidance of doubt, if there is at any time a conflict between the Rules & Constitution in the League Handbook as published annually and the form in which the Rules and Constitution appear on the League’s website, the former should prevail.

42. Child Welfare.

The League will appoint a Child Welfare Officer who will be an “ex officio” member of the Management Committee and will have full voting rights. The Officer will be responsible for:- (a) Maintaining a Register of Club Child Welfare Officers. (b) Arranging training for Child Welfare Officers. (c) All administrative duties relating to Child Welfare. (d) Filling the role of Child Welfare Officer for league representative games and other league activities involving juniors. All clubs must comply with the E.C.B. Child Protection Policy requirements relating to junior players. Each Club is required to appoint an approved Child Welfare Officer who will ensure the ECB’s requirements are met within the club. Clubs must advise the League Child Welfare Officer of the details of their Child Welfare Officer no later than the 1st day of March each year.

43. Protection of Personal Data.

All players, officials, supporters and Club members consent and allow the Management Committee to process such personal data as the League possesses and considers necessary for the purposes of disciplinary matters and other general administration of the League. This shall include the passing of such information on to such third parties, as the Management Committee considers necessary for the purposes stated in this Rule. The Management Committee undertakes not to sell or otherwise provide personal data to any third party for commercial gain or for purposes unconnected with the League.

Last Updated : 14th April 2009