Tolchards Devon Cricket League Playing Regulations (amended) - 2020

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1 STRUCTURE OF THE DEVON CRICKET LEAGUE

The League is structured as an ‘All Through League’, with a Premier Division of ten teamstogether with as many other divisions as required. Each division has ten teams, unless otherwise determined by the League Management Committee (LMC).

To provide a full competitive season:

1. The Premier, A and B Divisions will be county-wide divisions.

2. All other divisions will be regionalized on an East/West basis as operationally necessary, determined by the LMC.

3. Promotion and relegation will be based on two teams promoted and two teams relegated. Thus, two teams will be promoted from the B Division and two teams relegated (one team to each of the regionalized C Divisions). Each regionalized C Division will relegate two teams and the division below will promote two teams etc.

4. No two or more teams from the same club will be permitted to play in the same division:indeed it is ALWAYS the case that a club’s 1st XI will be in a higher division than the club’s 2ndXI, and it is ALWAYS the case that a club’s 2nd XI will be in a higher division than the club’s 3rd XI, and it is ALWAYS the case that a club’s 3rd XI will be in a higher division than the club’s 4thXI, and so on. For clarity, East and West regionalized divisions are the same division (i.e. at the same level) for the purposes of this rule.

5. No club with a single team may rise higher than the B Division.

6. No 2nd XI may rise higher than the B Division.

7. In the event of a relegated XI dropping into a division in which there is already an XI from the same club, the lower team will also be relegated, and automatically become the first team from that division to be relegated. Similarly, if an XI is in a promotion position but there is already an XI from the same club in the higher division, then the XI will not be promoted and will be replaced by the next best-placed eligible team. Any disputes will be resolved by the LMC.

The above is the structure in a ‘regular’ season. However, with regards to the 2020 season only: dueto the shortened length of the season the league structure has been altered to follow the ECB’s Covid- 19 Guidance alongside the desire to maintain competitive cricket. Member clubs confirmed the number and relative strength of teams that will take part in 2020 and the LMC subsequently confirmed a structure of 32 small groups (localized as much as possible) with matches running from 25 July to 29 August 2020 followed by a series of play-offs and finals from 5 Sept to 12 Sept 2020.

There will be no promotion or relegation at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Teams will be placed in a division ahead of the 2021 season based upon their final positions at the conclusion of the 2019 season.

2. THE CHAMPION TEAM

For the 2020 season only it is necessary to revert from each group winner being determined on a total- points won basis to that of total points won after AVERAGING ON A POINTS PER MATCH BASIS.

Tolchards Devon Cricket LeaguePlaying Regulations (amended) - 2020

Average points, to two decimal points, will be calculated by dividing the total points gained by thenumber of matches played to a conclusion (including by DLS or ’Run Rate’ as necessary).

Points awarded for cancelled matches (rained off before play commences) or abandoned matches e.g. matches abandoned during the first innings or where 20 overs per innings is not completed, will NOTbe counted in determining ‘average’ points per match.

Both the total points won and the average points per completed match will be published on play- cricket.com.

This change to the normal DCL points basis is necessary because a club may be unable to play a match or matches because of Covid-19 forcing the ground closure and self-isolation of players.

In respect of all matches following the conclusion of the group matches, these will take place with thematch winner determined by the highest total runs achieved (to include the use of DLS or ‘Run Rate’).

3. FIXTURES

1. The Season and Rearrangement of Fixtures
   The DCL shall arrange home and away fixtures between all 30 groups of 4 teams; the 2 groups containing 6 teams will only play each other once.

   Fixtures shall be arranged each Saturday commencing 25 July 2020 until the revised 2020 season ends.

   However, where necessary, clubs will, by agreement, be able to re-arrange the Saturday fixture to the following day BUT the home side must inform the DCL Secretary of the change.

2. Cancellation of Fixtures – Procedure
   Apart from where admission to a ground is barred on the instructions of the landlord (or their servants), no fixture shall, on account of weather or ground conditions, can be cancelled before 9:30 a.m. on the day of the match. Cancellation shall only be made by the ground authority informing the captain or, in their absence, a club official, who must immediately advice the captain of the away side of the decision to cancel the fixture due to conditions.

1. In the event of any dispute between captains, or in the absence of club official, (the away team not agreeing with this decision) cancellation cannot take place.

2. The away side shall have the option to travel and inspect the ground. If this option is taken, the home side must attend the on-site decision, which is likely to be made by the ground authority/umpires on the day.

3. Should the above take place and the match be cancelled, the away side shall be fullyresponsible for the independent umpires’ costs and tea interval costs, all to be paid in full onthe day.

iii. Exceptional Circumstances
If, for wholly health and safety or exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the club concerned, a fixture has to be cancelled, the cancellation will be notified as soon as possible to the appropriate people, as in a) above. In these circumstances, if it is possible to re-arrange a fixture for a later date, the LMC will sanction this intention. If the fixture cannot be re- arranged, then the normal points awarded for cancelled games will apply.

4. Known Un-availability of Home Ground
   Where a club has prior notice of dates when their home ground will be unavailable for cricket during the following season, such dates shall be notified in writing to the Fixtures Secretary by 15th October of the previous year.

5. Ground Sharing
   Where teams share a ground with teams from another club, they should inform the Fixtures Secretary, in writing, whether these arrangements will continue for the next season or whether they will change to a different arrangement.

4. INABILITY TO FULFIL A FIXTURE

1. Should any team be unable to fulfil a fixture where a suitable ground is available, it shall forfeit the match and it shall forfeit the match and have a 10-point deduction. The opposing team will be awarded 20 points.

2. If the away team is unable to give a clear 48 hours’ notice of their inability to fulfil the fixture,they shall pay to the home team the sum of £33.00. If the away team is unable to give a clear24 hours’ notice of their inability to fulfil the fixture, they shall pay to the home team the sum of £50.00. If the away team cancels their participation on the day of the match, they shall pay to the home team the sum of £66.00 and they shall be responsible for paying independent umpires, where applicable, as if the fixture had taken place.

5. LEAGUE GROUNDS

League grounds will be monitored, and facilities inspected by officials of the DCL as required, thereby maintaining compliance with DCL Grounds and Facilities Criteria obligations. Technical assistance and advice will be offered to clubs to improve the standard of cricket grounds by the Devon CountyGroundsman’s Association (DCGA) and the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

1. Availability and use of Covers
   Effective covers must be available for immediate use in rain-affected matches (see Facilities Criteria). It is also a requirement that the covers be used during the 24 hours prior to the commencement of the match if the weather is inclement. The umpires shall have discretion in arranging to re-locate the pitch to another part of the square to commence the match. This will be done in conjunction with the home side groundsman.

2. Inspection
   The grounds will also be monitored from regular inspection reports received by the DCL. The decision of the LMC as to compliance of Grounds and Facilities will be final and binding.

3. Artificial Pitches
   The use of artificial wickets is not permitted except under the following circumstances:

1. Upon application to the DCL, a club 3rd XI or lower, playing in the lowest two divisions East and West, will be granted an exemption if their home ground has no grass pitch available throughout the whole season. This applies to one season, reviewed annually.

2. Upon application to the DCL, a club may be granted dispensation for one season to use an artificial pitch when they are moving to a new ground and their new square needs time to bed in.

3. Tolchards Devon Cricket LeaguePlaying Regulations (amended) - 2020

   c. Upon application to the DCL, a club 1st XI or 2nd XI may be granted dispensation to use an artificial pitch if their home ground is unavailable on any particular Saturday and no alternative grass pitch is available.

   6. CLOTHING and ATTIRE

   The DCL requires clubs to maintain standards across all League competitions. It is preferred that all clothing worn in League matches is predominately white. However, sensible, minimal sponsor andmanufacturer’s markings on shirts are permitted, including the player’s name and a number on therear of a shirt.

   7. LEAGUE MATCH

   Any reference to a ‘League Match’ regards to Rules and Regulations, applies to all types of matches played under the auspices of DCL.

   8. PLAYERS – ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION

   i. Procedure
   a. Each team must include a minimum of nine category 1 players. Additionally, teams may

   include either:

4. One category 2 and one category 3, or

5. One category 2 and one category 3E, or

6. One category 3 and one category 3E, or

7. Two category 3E players, or

8. If ten category 1 players are included, one player only from category

   2, 3, or 3E can play.

9. ii. Definitions – Category 1

   This category comprises players who are either:

10. Qualified for England under current ECB rules (available from the ECB website), or

11. Hold a British passport, or

12. A foreign citizen who has been resident in the UK for the preceding four three consecutive

    years as of the date of registration and has spent a minimum of 210 days in each of these preceding four three consecutive years within the UK (for which purpose shall mean a year ending 31st March), or

13. A citizen of a UK Overseas Protectorate e.g. e.g. Anguilla, St Helena, Falkland Islands, or

14. Fall under category 3 or 3E but who, on the 1st September in the preceding year, was under

    17 years of age.

15. iii. Definitions – Category 2
    This relates to players who, at the date of registration, are contracted to a first-class county or MCC young cricketers. Players must comply with the qualification requirements and restrictions of categories 1 and 3, i.e. a player regarded as non-overseas for the purpose of county cricket may nevertheless still fall within the DCL category 3 definitions and be restricted accordingly. For clarification, a contracted player with a county club is one who either has:

16. A full playing contract,

17. A summer contract or development contract,

18. Not an Academy contract (aged 16-19).

    Only one category 2 player may play in any DCL League or Cup game. However, “home-grown”players as defined below will be regarded as category 1 players.

19. Tolchards Devon Cricket LeaguePlaying Regulations (amended) - 2020

    A “home-grown“ player is one who was a bona fide member of that club for at least the lasttwo UK seasons prior to his 18th birthday and played at least 12 matches in total in DCL League or Cup games in the preceding two UK seasons and was a member of the club immediately prior to the award of a contract.

20. Definitions – Category 3
    This category comprises all players not covered by category 1, 2, 3E or by the “home-grown”rule. Only one category 3 player may play in any DCL.

21. Definitions – Category 3E

22. This category comprises players who do not qualify under category 1 or 2 but who have been

    resident in the UK between 18 months and four years as of the date of registration and who of the club to ensure that the have spent a minimum of 330 days in the UK (for which purpose shall mean a year ending 31st March), or

23. Hold a passport issued by a member state of the European Union.

24. 9. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

25. Player Registration has been suspended for the 2020 season.

26. However, a player cannot play for more than one club in the 2020 season; this relates to the group matches, as well as play-offs and finals.

    This limit of one club per player does not relate to teams in groups within Tier 6, Tier 7, and Tier 8 of the 2020 DCL season (as per Loan Player regulations (Section 11).

27. 10. CASUAL PLAYER SCHEME AND REGISTRATION OF CASUAL PLAYERS

    There is often a need for teams who are short of players to ask for volunteers.

    Qualification.

28. This scheme is only permitted for teams within Tier 6, Tier 7, and Tier 8 of the 2020 DCL

    season.

29. All volunteer players, who must be category 1 players (see Regulation 8.ii above), can only play one match under this scheme.

    The Casual Player Scheme is applicable to Group matches only; it is not open for use in the Play-Offs and Finals.

30. 11. LOAN PLAYER SCHEME

    Clubs can agree to share their pool of players with other clubs, who are short of players tofacilitate a League match and ‘get the game on’. This enables players who are not selected fortheir club to have a game of cricket.

    Club Eligibility:
    Open to all teams only within Tier 6, Tier 7, and Tier 8 of the 2020 DCL season.

    The Loan Player Scheme is applicable to Group matches only; it is not open for use in the Play- Offs and Finals.

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    Player Eligibility:

32. Only players who normally play in their club’s lowest team can participate in this scheme or

    until such time as they have played 3 matches in their 1st XI. This match restriction does not apply to a single team.

33. Whilst there is no maximum number of times a player can be loaned out, no more than 3 loaned players to a club can be used in any one match.

34. 12. PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER

35. Should a team play an ineligible player(s) in a match, then that team shall have 5 points deducted from its total to date for each player.

36. Should a team be found guilty of deliberately playing an ineligible player, in addition to the penalties detailed in Regulation 12.i above, that team shall forfeit all points gained in the match in question and have a further 20 points deducted from its total to date.

37. a. Player Transfers have been suspended for the 2020 season.

    14. MATCH RESULTS

38. Where possible ALL match results are to be entered onto play-cricket.com by 22:00 on the evening of the match being played, and a FULL SCORECARD submitted by the Home team within 48 hours of the end of play – that is by the first Monday evening following completion of the match. The Away team then has until noon on Thursday to make any amendments to spelling and the like and/or to confirm the result.

39. Where clubs make use of electronic scoring (e.g. e.g. Playcricket Pro, Playcricket Scorer and TCS), the Home team, unless agreed otherwise, will be responsible for uploading the Scorecard to play-cricket. com. Both clubs are to check that the upload was successful, and any errors corrected using their play-cricket.com Administrator’s rights. It is stronglyrecommended that corrections are not attempted by either team uploading the Scorecard again

    However, where scoring of a match is manual (scorers not using a phone, laptop, or tablet) FULL SCORECARDS must be entered onto play-cricket.com by the Home team by noon on the Tuesday following the match being played. The Away team then has until noon on Thursday to make any amendments and/or confirm the result.

    When uploading the Scorecard, it should include all players’ names (including first names),whether they have batted or not, and the bonus points that are being claimed. Cancelled or Abandoned matches should be entered in the same way. The key to success in this process is to have the Members Database on your play-cricket.com website correct and up to date.

    The Result Secretaries will check the entries and points claimed before “locking” thescorecard.

    Any breach of this regulation will attract a point(s) penalty.

    For the first offence 1 point will be deducted. For a second offence 2 points will be deducted whilst a third offence will incur a 3-point deduction. In the event of any subsequent offence

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    occurring during the same season, 5 points will be deducted each time. Errant clubs will be notified of each offence in the most expedient manner.

    15. MATCH REPORTS

41. Team Captains: Where matches have appointed umpires, it will NOT be necessary for captainsto complete the ‘Umpire Performance Feedback’ form this season unless they wish to do so. Umpires will not be marked by either DACO or the ECB ACO this remaining season.

42. Umpires: Where matches are controlled by DACO appointed umpires they must together check match timings, allowable time, overs bowled, and overs allocated at the end of the match. The Home team will then enter the overs allocated and actual playing time on their play-cricket.com website in the ‘Highlights” box for the match concerned.

43. Umpires are not required to complete the ‘Facilities and Pitch Mark’ form this season unless they wish to do so. However, there remains the duty to jointly complete, where necessary, the Disciplinary Report form (using WTU where possible) and submit this to the DCL Secretary as soon as possible following the end of the match.

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    APPENDIX

    Fines and Penalties

    Background
    Since 2017 the League has been reviewing its policies around Fines and Penalties. This is something that has not been reviewed for some while and, in many cases, the level of fine has become uneconomic to collect. In the case of appeals other than discipline, because of the costs involved, the level of deposit is far less than the cost of establishing a meeting or hearing.

    The LMC believe that the overriding principle ought to be that, wherever possible, a points penalty should be attributed to breaches of Playing Regulations or Rules, whilst a financial penalty is appropriate where clubs are in breach of either the Constitution or Administration.

    The topic was raised and discussed at the Divisional meetings, and the following was proposed by the LMC at the AGM on 30 November 2018 and approved by the meeting.

45. League Administration

    

    Article	Description	Level of Fine/Deposit or Point Penalty
    1. Obligations to DCL and DCB (para viii)	Clubs must have a representative at all General and Divisional meetings.	A breach of this article will result in a £50 fine
    1. Obligations to DCL and DCB (para ix)	Clubs must respond within 21 days to DCL communications	A breach of this article will result in a £30 fine
    5. Trophies and Awards	Failure to return a trophy/return a trophy in good condition	A breach of this article will result in a £50 fine and the cost of the repair or replacement, as necessary.
    8. Rights of appeal other than Discipline (i)	(i) By Arbitration panel (ii) By appeal panel	(i) Deposit is £100 (ii) Deposit is £150 Successful appellants will have their deposit returned

    Playing Regulations

    Playing Regulation	Description	Level of Fine or Penalty
    12. Playing an unregistered o(ir) ineligible player (paras i & ii) (ii)	(i) First offence (i) (ii) Deliberate offence	(i) 5-point deduction with no financial penalty (ii) All matches points, plus a further 20- point deduction; no financial penalty

Tolchards Devon Cricket LeaguePlaying Regulations (amended) - 2020

14. Match Results (paras i & i(i) (ii)	(i) In Premier and A Divisions (i) (ii) In all other Divisions	(i) 1-point penalty for a first offence; 2-point penalty for a second offence; 3-point penalty for a third and subsequent offence. (ii) As above
15. Match Reports (para i)	Captains to complete Umpire’s(i) performance feedback form (ii	2-point penalty for a first offence; 3-point penalty for second offence; 5-point penalty for subsequent offences. )

Playing Rules 2020 Tier 1 & Tier 2 Groups

1.

Playing Rule	Description	Level of Fine or Penalty
General (para c)	Failure to provide a Scorer for both innings	Retain present 2-point deduction.