Junior Girls Rules

The following rules govern the Eastern Cricket Association (ECA) Junior Girls Competition for the current season.

The ECA Junior Girls competition operates under the constitution of the ECA.

In the event of extraordinary circumstances not covered by these rules, the competition rules of the Senior Mixed Eastern Cricket Association shall apply.

These rules have been developed in partnership with, and in reference to:

ECA Junior Executive

Junior Mixed Rules 2026-2027

Junior Girls Rules 2025-2026

Victorian based, peer reviewed Junior Cricket Competition Policies

MCC Laws of Cricket

Cricket Australia Junior Format Rules and Regulations

Cricket Victoria Child Safety Rules and Regulations

All Clubs are to be compliant with Cricket’s Australia’s Safeguarding Policy.

Clubs will ensure that all adults above eighteen (18) years of age who are responsible for, and interact with children under the age of 18, across the ECA Competition have a valid working with children’s check. This is to be submitted to each club's Junior Coordinator no later than Oct 1st each year, BEFORE Round 1 commences. The Eastern Cricket Association, may at any time audit completion of working with children’s checks.

Clubs will, as a minimum requirement, have the following people obtain a working with children check:

• Junior Coordinator, Junior Secretary, Junior Blast Coordinator
• Team managers, coaches, umpires and ‘non-parent’ umpires
• Other members of the club who are involved in regular contact with children and who are not directly supervised by a person who has completed a working with children check (regular contact includes coaching, and/or electronic contact).
• The Junior Coordinator or Junior Secretary of the club is to maintain a register for recording and sightings of Working With Children Checks. The register is also to record individuals holding those exemptions, endorsed by Cricket Victoria policy, from the Working With Children Checks legislation.

The Junior Executive will, as a minimum requirement, have the following people obtain a Working With Children Check:

• Members of the Junior Executive who are involved in regular contact with children who are not directly supervised by a person who has completed a Working With Children Check (regular contact includes coaching and/or electronic contact).
• Official ECA Umpires appointed to Junior Section matches
• Representative coaches and team managers

The ECA Junior Girls Competition shall be administered by the ECA Junior Executive acting as a Committee of Management delegated by the Senior Executive as per the provisions of the ECA Constitution.

The ECA Junior Executive shall consist of the ECA Junior Chair, the ECA Assistant Manager and a minimum of 4 general members, all nominated and elected in accordance with the ECA Constitution. Should insufficient nominations be received to fill these positions, the ECA Executive has the power to call on clubs to provide a member to fill any vacancies.

Four members shall form a quorum and business shall not proceed unless such a quorum is present.

No more than two (2) members of any one affiliated club shall be on the Junior Executive

The ECA Junior Chairperson will facilitate meetings, and in their absence, the meeting shall elect a chairperson for that meeting.

The Chairperson shall be entitled to a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote.

The Junior Executive will meet monthly as a minimum from the commencement of the month of June to the last Friday of April in the cricket season.

Any member who is absent, without leave, from three consecutive meetings of the Junior Executive may, by a majority vote of the Executive, forfeit their seat.

The Junior Executive will issue directives in order to enforce and administer the rules of the competition. The Junior Executive may make, at its discretion, directions relating to issues arising, but not covered by these rules in the interests of the integrity, fairness, and well-being of the competition. In circumstances where the Junior Executive exercises its discretion, it must notify the Junior Coordinator of each Club.

The Junior Executive, in the absence of any set penalty for the breach of a rule, will determine at its discretion, the penalty which may include a fine and or the loss of match points.

Players, Club Officials and Spectators are required to follow any direction from an ECA Executive member, Office Bearer, ECA Junior Executive member, ECA Umpire or ECA Match Day Official. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the ECA Junior Subcommittee.

ECA Junior Girls Competition Rule Changes and General Meetings

Proposed alterations, additions or deletions of Rules must be lodged in writing to the ECA Assistant Manager via the provided portal as advised by April 30 each year.

The Junior Executive may propose any alteration to the junior girls section rules as it deems fit.

Any alterations, editions or deletions to the junior section rules shall not become effective until voted on at the Junior Rules Change General meeting. This will take place on a date determined by the Junior Executive but that will be scheduled as soon as practical after the ECA General Meeting.

The ECA Assistant Manager will notify clubs of proposed rule changes at least 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.

The ECA Assistant Manager will notify clubs of other ordinary general meetings prior to, or during the current cricket season.

Each club, upon request from the ECA Assistant Manager, shall nominate a Junior Coordinator (other than the Senior Club Secretary) who shall receive correspondence from the ECA Assistant Manager. The Junior Coordinator must be notified to the ECA Assistant Manager by the last Friday of June in each year.

Each club may also nominate one other person to act as proxy (Club Secretary in the first instance).

Each club shall, each season, also appoint a non-playing team manager for each of its teams fielded. Failure to complete this by October 1st each year may result in team forfeit from ECA Junior competition.

All clubs must provide updated delegate information in a format requested by the ECA Assistant Manager prior to the new cricket season.

Where the details of a Junior Coordinator / Delegate change during the season, updated information must be submitted to the ECA Assistant Manager.

Until such time that the ECA is advised of any changes to a Club’s Junior Coordinator and or Delegate, the existing registered details will be those recognised by the ECA and all correspondence will be sent to those currently registered details.

At least one of the nominated individuals (delegate or proxy), will be expected to attend ECA scheduled meetings, however only one will be entitled to vote at all General Meetings of the ECA Junior Competition.

Clubs shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all communications and enquiries relating to matches, officials, rules, fixtures, complaints and processes with the ECA must come through the Club Junior Coordinator, Secretary or President. Communications from players, parents or other club volunteers may be referred back to the club who at its discretion may officially refer the matter back to the ECA Assistant Manager for resolution.

Any continued, persistent or vexatious communication direct to the ECA may render the Club concerned liable to:

• a fine at the discretion of the ECA.
• suspension from the ECA.

In addition volunteers, players, parents, members etc who make continued, persistent or vexatious communication direct to the ECA may also be deemed in breach of the applicable Code of Conduct and, at the discretion of the Association, dealt with accordingly.

Affiliation

All cricket clubs affiliated with the ECA Junior Girls Competition in the previous season will receive an invitation via PlayHq to participate in the upcoming season by June 30 of the current year. Invitations for new clubs will be issued upon request and post that club being given approval to participate in the ECA Junior Girls Competition. Late club nominations may be accepted under special circumstances, at the discretion of the ECA Executive.

To confirm affiliation with the ECA Junior Girls Competition for the upcoming season, all clubs must accept the invitation via PlayHq no later than August 1 of the current year.

Fees

The annual affiliation fee shall be determined by the Eastern Cricket Association (ECA) prior to the annual general meeting each season. The subscription fee will be invoiced to clubs, with a due date determined by the ECA Financial Operations Manager.

Fines and Penalties

All fines incurred by clubs during the season shall be invoiced and paid within 14 days to the ECA Financial Operations Manager.

Should the Junior Executive make a preliminary decision that there has been a breach of any Rules as stated in this document, it shall notify the club concerned, advising the intended penalty. A Penalty Unit is a financial or points value related implication determined by the ECA Executive under clause 46(3) of the ECA Constitution. The current dollar value of a Penalty Unit will be published on the ECA website.

Should the club not dispute this, within seven days of the notification, such decision shall be confirmed. However, if the decision is disputed, a hearing shall be held into the matter.

In respect of any breaches of rules for which there is no specific penalty set down, the Junior Executive shall impose such fine or other penalty as deemed appropriate.

A Penalty Unit means a penalty unit having the dollar value determined by the ECA Executive under clause 46(3) of the ECA Constitution. The current dollar value of a Penalty Unit will be published on the ECA website.

Player Registration

Clubs must ensure that players are registered in PlayHQ to their club and Cricket Australia, and eligible to play as per the below age criteria prior to their first game in the year in which the season commences. Fill-in players must be registered within 24 hours of their first game to be eligible to play for the rest of the season.

Age Eligibility:

• To be eligible to be registered to play in the Stage 1 Spirit and Stage 1 Stars Junior Girls Competition, it is advised that the player be between 7-12 years of age on or after 1 September in the year in which the season commences

• To be eligible to be registered to play in the Stage 2 Spirit and Stage 2 Stars Junior Girls Competition it is advised that a player be between 12-15 years of age on or after 1 September in the year in which the season commences.

• To be eligible to be registered to play in the Stage 3 Junior Girls Competition it is advised that a player be between 14-18 years of age on or after 1 September in the year in which the season commences.

The Junior Executive may, at its discretion, audit any club at any time during the season and request documentary evidence as described above to prove correct registration of a player/s. Proof of a player’s date of birth must be provided upon request. If this is not provided within 48 hrs then the player will be deemed inappropriate and removed from that level and the team is deducted 12 points.

All registered players shall be deemed to have agreed to abide by The Laws of Cricket, The Spirit of Cricket and the ECA Code of Behaviour.

It is the responsibility of the Club to ensure any players who have had their registration deactivated are re-registered to play.

The Executive shall have the power to reject, review or revoke any player registration at any time.

A club may submit an application to the Junior Executive seeking approval and a special permit for a player to participate in a grade or division where exceptional or valid circumstances exist. The Junior Executive will grant approval at its discretion and determine any applicable conditions and duration on a case-by-case basis.

All applications for approval (including medical/health, compassionate reasons), must be lodged with the Junior Executive no later than twenty-four hours prior to the start of a scheduled cricket match.

An approval can be reviewed or revoked at any stage during the junior cricket season at the discretion of the Junior Executive and with consultation with the club. These players will be ineligible for any ECA competition awards.

A Club playing an unregistered player in any match shall be penalised under the provisions of Junior Mixed Rule 6.5.

An ineligible player is defined as:

• a player currently serving a term of suspension invoked by this or any other Cricket Competition in Victoria.
• a player where the necessary clearance has not been obtained and lodged with the Junior Executive
• a player in breach of the finals conditions
• any player who is ineligible to play in the age group without permit due to age (Under or Overage)
• a player playing under a false name
• a player not registered in PlayHQ (as above). A player added as a fill in will be accepted for that one game but must be registered post game.
• a player subject to any competition by law which declares them ineligible

The ECA PlayHQ portal will be open for team registration on a date determined by the ECA Executive.

All team nominations must be entered into PlayHq by a date as directed by the Junior Executive. This deadline is essential to ensure timely planning and delivery of fixtures for all clubs. If a club wishes to enter more than one team in any one grade within the same division, it must be approved by the ECA Junior Executive.

All grounds and pitches shall at all times be subject to the approval of the Executive Council and any instructions issued by it for their improvement shall be carried out.

All matches shall be played on turf or synthetic pitches or any other type of pitch approved by the Executive Council.

On or before the last Friday day of September in each year, clubs entering team(s) shall notify the General Manager of the location of the home ground for each team for the ensuing year. Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of 4 penalty units.

Semi-final and final matches shall be played on a ground, approved by the Executive Council, provided by the club, which team finished higher on the ladder at the conclusion of the home-and-away series of matches.

The Association shall have prior claim over all grounds of clubs competing in the Association especially for the use for semi-final and final matches.

A home club shall provide a pitch and ground approved by the Executive Council when its regular ground is not available for a complete round and shall notify the General Manager of the change at least 72 hours prior to the commencement of the match.

A club unable to provide a ground for a complete round shall forfeit the match. However, in cases where it can be proven to the satisfaction of the Executive Council that the pitch was not prepared or the ground was not available due to circumstances beyond their control, the club shall not be held responsible.

The home club shall make every effort to ensure that facilities (pavilions, toilets etc) are available for the convenience of players and umpires 30 minutes before play is scheduled to commence and until 30 minutes after play has concluded for the day.

Before the commencement of each match and each day of play, all requirements related to the insurance coverage held by the club (checklist, ground assessments etc) must be completed.  A club who fails to comply with this rule shall be dealt with as the Executive sees fit.

The ECA Executive will advise Local Government Authorities and Junior Clubs to the best of its knowledge, at the start of the season, of any cricket competitions and events that may require grounds to be booked outside of ‘normal’ operating periods, ie: The 100 competition on a Monday night.

Providing sufficient entries are received for the respective age divisions; a minimum of six (6) teams will generally be required to constitute a grade within an age division, the Junior Girls Competition shall be comprised of the following age groups:

Stage 1 Spirit T20

Stage 1 Stars T20

Stage 2 Spirit T20

Stage 2 Sharon Lynas Stars T20

Stage 3 Anna Lanning Shield T20

Clubs are requested to enter their teams into the preferred grade in PlayHQ as directed by the ECA Assistant Manager with the Junior Executive determining the final grading of all teams entered in the Junior Girls Competition.

If a club wishes to enter more than one team in any one grade within the same division, it must be approved by the ECA Junior Executive.

Note: Fixture preparation timelines may be impacted by unexpected changes or delays in receiving accurate and timely information from clubs. Fixtures will initially be released for the first 3 rounds. Full release of fixtures will then occur after the competition re-grade has been completed.

Home and away matches and finals series will be conducted on days nominated by the ECA Junior Executive.

The Junior Executive shall have the power to alter or vary game day details and grounds during the season should this be required.

All team performances will be reviewed by the Junior Executive after round 3 of the fixture and they will use their discretion to re-grade teams. Clubs will be notified of re-grading decisions that will be final for that season.

Points earned from previous matches will be carried between grades. OR If a team wins all grading games and is moved to a higher level then 1 games points are deducted to ensure fairness for all ie: win 4 out of 4 grading games then move up a level with points for 3 wins.

The fixture re-draw will be released the week of the re-grade and before the next scheduled round.

No player shall play or be registered to play with more than one club in the junior section, in any one season, unless that player has written clearance from the club for which they first played during the current season. This written clearance must give permission for the player to play with another club in the junior section for the remainder of the current season.

The transfer must be lodged in PlayHQ and approved by the Junior Sub Committee BEFORE the player plays with another club during the current season.

For a player to then be able to have permission to play for two clubs in the one season, they must then gain a season permit which must also be given clearance from the primary club.

No more than three (3) players from a particular age group shall be permitted to transfer from one ECA Member Club to another ECA Member Club in any particular year unless both ECA Member Clubs

agree in writing that the transfer can occur and the transfers are approved by the ECA Junior Executive at their discretion.

Club Officials and/or Club Volunteers shall not engage in the aggressive recruitment of players. A Club Official and/or Club Volunteer who is found guilty of engaging in aggressive recruitment of players shall be considered to have engaged in conduct prejudicial to the interests of the ECA and shall be dealt with by the ECA Executive at its discretion.

Aggressive recruitment is to be determined on the facts of each particular case. As a guide only, aggressive recruitment may be considered to have occurred where there is contact on more than one occasion with a player (parent/guardian) and/or inducement is offered to a player to change Clubs.

Players called upon to act as substitutes MUST be registered players of the Association and must comply with the eligibility requirements.

Within any one match in all grades where one of the competing teams is unable to field the maximum 11 players (but has the minimum 6 players) and the opposing team in that match has more players available than the first team, the opposition team may loan (although there is no obligation to do so) one or more players to the first team for that match only. Such loaned player shall be deemed a fully qualified player for the first team for the match provided that:

• each player so loaned is properly qualified as a registered player (if the player is not so qualified the opposition team that loans the player may be fined);
• the actual club with which the player who has been loaned is registered, shall note against the player’s name on the team sheet and match report (entered as part of the team for which the player actually played) and in the scorebook of each team.

A fill-in player may be used for one match only where a shortage of players exists in a team in a match.

The player being used as a fill-in player must not be registered with, or be in any other club in the ECA, or any other association in the current season.

A player who is already registered in another competition within the season cannot be used as a fill-in for a player.

A fill-in must not be used for any player who is on suspension in any competition within Australia, or due to a transfer or permit not being completed or approved.

The fill-in player can only fill-in once in a season, for one competition anywhere in Australia. Thereafter, the player must be registered with the club if required to play in an ongoing capacity for the remainder of that season. This is also essential for personal injury claims as the player will not otherwise be covered by their Cricket Australia registration fee.

The fill-in player must be registered no later than 24 hours following the conclusion of the match in which the player first played or was named to play. If the match is the last home and away match the player must be registered no later than 24 hours following the conclusion of the match otherwise the club and player will be penalised in accordance with Rule 6.4

When adding a fill-in player to the team list, the following must be completed:

• Log into E-scoring and locate the game you are scoring. Proceed to the Team Line-Up section
• Go to Add Fill-in
• You will need to add: first name, surname, email and date of birth
• You will need consent from the players Guardian
• Add Fill-in

You can go to the following link for further information:

How to add Fill-In Players or Unallocated Players to Line-up – Play Cricket Support

A player playing a second and any ongoing games after their fill-in game will be deemed to be an unregistered and ineligible player if they have not registered as per the above rule.

Any breach of the fill-in rules may incur point penalties and/or a fine or penalty as decided upon by the Junior Sub Committee.

NOTE: The fill-in players record does not link or connect game statistics to any existing PlayHQ profile. You will need to replace a fill-in record with a player’s actual record after they have registered through PlayHQ. This can be completed in the GameDay section of the Admin portal.

Match fees to be paid to official ECA umpires shall be determined yearly by the ECA.

Match fees shall be paid to official ECA umpires by the ECA and clubs will be invoiced for the cost of the umpire/s.

If no play takes place but the team is present at the ground in preparation for a game, an official ECA umpire, if in attendance, shall be paid half the match fee.

Official ECA Umpires will be assigned by the ECA Umpire Appointments Manager where possible to the following games in order of priority:

1.Stage 3 Anna Lanning Shield

2.Stage 2 Spirit and Stage 2 Sharon Lynas Stars playing divisions

Where only one official umpire has been appointed, that umpire shall (unless special circumstances apply and both team managers are in agreement) officiate at the bowler's end of the pitch for the duration of the game.

Where only one official ECA umpire is appointed, a club nominated umpire will officiate at square leg while that club’s team is batting. Refer to Square Leg Umpire Rules in (page 17). In all decisions and in the conduct of the match authority, the official ECA umpire will have precedence.

Where no official ECA umpire/s is/are appointed, each Club will nominate one or two non-playing representative/s as umpire/s. If two club nominated umpires are present, each will officiate alternately at the bowler's end and at square leg while the match is in progress. Club nominated umpires are expected to be conversant with the laws of cricket and the rules of the Junior Girls section of the Eastern Cricket Association. Refer to Square Leg Umpire Rules in (page 17).

A team manager or team coach (or any other adult) may act as a club-nominated umpire or square leg umpire.

Upon the arrival of the official ECA Umpire(s) at the appointed ground on each day of play, the umpire(s) will assume sole control of the match and will decide as to the weather and the ground being fit/unfit for play. Where no official umpire/s are in attendance, the substitute umpire/s will have all the powers and duties of official umpire(s).

Umpires will be presented in their official uniforms and provide themselves with copies of the ECA Junior Mixed Competition Rules. They will adopt the recognised code of signals and be in attendance at least 45 minutes before the start of play. Substitute umpires will be in suitable attire – fully closed shoes and high vis vest to ensure that they are visible and as part of safety precautions.

Confirm with the home team manager the boundary markings for the match and inform the visiting team manager accordingly.

Confirm with both team managers that:

• All players listed in PlayHQ are present, and

• Only players entered in PlayHQ will take the field.

Ensure that:

• At least one (1) paper scorebook is available and prepared for use.

• At least one (1) electronic device is available and prepared for live scoring on PlayHQ.

Collect two (2) match balls from each team and verify that they meet ECA requirements.

Conduct the Toss -in all matches, including semi-finals and finals, the captains shall toss a coin or bat (roof or flat edge), for the choice of innings, on the field of play and in the presence of one or both of the appointed umpires (or team managers as appropriate), not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 10 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the start of play. As soon as the toss is completed, the captain of the side winning the toss shall decide whether to bat or to field and shall notify the opposing captain and the appointed umpire(s) (or team managers) of this decision. Once notified the decision cannot be changed. If no play takes place on that day after the captains of tossed such toss becomes void

Synchronise match time with both team managers and inform them, at the appropriate time, that play will commence in five (5) minutes—regardless of whether teams are ready.

Club-nominated umpires may not apply the provisions relating to team and player behaviour as set out in rule 10 - where no ECA appointed umpire present, any concerns with rule 10 should be reported by a team manager to their own junior coordinator to be raised with ECA.

A Club nominated umpire may not use a mobile telephone or other electronic device on the field while umpiring.

Remuneration of club-nominated umpires is a matter for the individual clubs.

Club nominated umpires are required to wear high visibility vests while officiating.

The scorebook must be officially signed at the end of play by the umpire (or substitute umpire) and both team managers.

• This serves as confirmation of the final match result by both teams, particularly important in the event of a dispute or review after match day

When a team is required to supply a Square Leg Umpire, this umpire:

• must be conversant with the MCC Laws of Cricket 2026 Code (4th Edition).
• must be easily distinguishable from members of the fielding side by wearing a different colour.
• must wear appropriate covered footwear.
• shall not hold a broom or bat.
• must not take upon the role of coaching whilst acting as Square Leg umpire.

If a club member is required to act as a Square Leg Umpire, this position is equally as important as the head umpire, and involves several duties, which are listed below.

1. Keep track of the number of deliveries in each over and regularly confirm the count with the head umpire using a pre-arranged signal.

2. Observe and clearly signal any short runs at your end of the pitch

3. Be prepared to adjudicate and provide decisions or determine appeals in the following situations, including runouts and stumpings, at your end, detailed at Points 4-7 below:

4. Call the signal No Ball when: the wicketkeeper does not remain wholly behind the wicket until the ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker or passes the wicket or the striker attempts a run.

5. Ensure there are no more than two fielders behind square on the leg side at the moment of delivery. Notify the bowler’s end umpire if this condition is not met.

6. Be ready to give advice to your partner in instances where he/she may have been unsighted.

7. Assist the central umpire in identifying waist-high or above full tosses and signal how high the delivery was on the batter’s body. Waist height is defined as the top of the batter’s trousers when standing upright at the popping crease.

8. Do not act as a coach whilst Square Leg umpiring.

Stage 3 Anna Lanning Shield

A club representative, whilst in the process of umpiring, shall at no time act in an advisory capacity to any player, except in the course of normal umpiring duties. A representative doing so may be subject to an official warning and on a second occurrence occur a 5-run penalty. This penalty can only be given by a paid official umpire.

Stage 1 and 2 Spirit and Stars and

In Stage 1 and 2 matches, the adults with the team may assist the players by coaching, guiding or organising the team during the match in any phase of the game during the Home and Away series provided it does not take up undue time. This should be done within the spirit of the game and with the intent of ensuring matches progress in a timely manner.

ECA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all participants in ECA cricket. A high standard of behaviour is expected at all times, particularly where conduct involves or is directed towards a child or young person. Team managers and coaches are responsible for the general behaviour of teams and the specific behaviour of individual players.

A person must not engage in harassment, bullying, discrimination, vilification, victimisation, abuse, intimidation or other inappropriate conduct towards another person in connection with any ECA match, competition, training session, event or other ECA cricket activity.

This includes conduct that is based on, relates to, or targets a person’s race, colour, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or any other personal attribute. It also includes conduct that is threatening, humiliating, degrading, offensive, intimidating or otherwise likely to cause harm or distress.

Prohibited conduct may be verbal, physical, written, visual or electronic, including conduct occurring through social media, messaging platforms or other forms of electronic communication where the conduct has a connection with ECA cricket.

This Rule applies to all persons participating in or involved with ECA cricket, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, spectators and other participants.

Any alleged breach of this Rule may be reported to ECA and dealt with in accordance with the ECA Constitution, Rules, Codes of Conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures. Where appropriate, ECA may refer matters to an external authority or other relevant organisation.

Umpires and Gameday Discipline

Official ECA umpires where appointed, are to use a system of warnings for the purpose of enforcing a code of discipline:

A first warning will be given to a player for unacceptable behaviour.

A second or subsequent warning for unacceptable behaviour will be given to any player already having received a first warning.

A third warning will result in the second and subsequent player being sent from the field for a period of five completed overs. A substitute or a replacement fielder may not be used during the period of suspension. A batter given a third warning for a team's second or subsequent warning will be sent from the field and may not return to bat until the remainder of the team has battered. A dismissed batter who is given a third warning must serve the suspension at the commencement of the next innings in which the batter’s team participates in the current or next fixtures round including finals. Where a third warning suspension is issued to a dismissed batter and it cannot be served in the current match, the official ECA umpire must forward a report to the Junior Executive.

In a situation where an official report is required for serious misbehavior by a player, the player may not participate for the remainder of the match and is to be reported by the official ECA umpire and may face further disciplinary action. An official report need not be preceded by a third warning. A substitute or replacement fielder may not be used during the period of suspension. A batter reported before dismissal is deemed to be ‘Retired-Out’. A dismissed batter who reported must serve the suspension at the commencement of the next innings in which the batter’s team participates in the current or next fixtured round including finals.

Team Managers, coaches and/or spectators may be given first, second or third warnings for unacceptable behaviour or serious misbehaviour.

Team managers, coaches and/or spectators may be given warnings for unacceptable behaviour or serious misbehaviour.

A first warning is to be given to a team manager, coach and/or spectator who displays unacceptable behaviour.

A second warning will be given for subsequent unacceptable behaviour when a first warning has already been given to that team’s manager, coach and or/spectator. The official ECA Umpire must submit a report to the Junior Executive, as per Junior Playing Rule 11.0, which may take further disciplinary action.

A Reportable offence will be decided upon by an umpire for a team manager, coach and/or spectator for serious misbehaviour. This report need not be preceded by a second warning. A team manager, coach and/ or spectator who is reported by the umpire must remove themselves from the vicinity of the ground and not approach the ground nearer than 200 metres for the rest of the match. Play will not continue until the individual complies with an official ECA umpire's direction. Where such an individual refuses to comply with an official ECA umpire’s direction in this respect, the associated team will forfeit the match. The official ECA Umpire must submit a report to the Junior Executive, as per Junior Mixed Rule 11.0, which may take further disciplinary action.

For the purposes of the above rules, unacceptable behaviour includes the making of audible obscenities, minor dissent, the throwing of equipment, aggressive or offensive language directed at an opponent or other unsporting Behaviour in breach of the ECA Junior Section Code of Behaviour.

For the purposes of the above rules, serious misbehaviour is major dissent including the breaking of stumps, actual or threatened physical violence directed towards player, umpire, official or spectator, serious abuse of a player, umpire, official or spectator or other serious unsporting behaviour in breach of the ECA Junior Section Code of Behaviour.

The send off rules work in addition to the player reporting and tribunal rules in rule 11.0 of the ECA Junior Mixed Playing Rules.

Behaviour

Any player, team, club official, or spectator having an affinity with a club, shall be bound by the Association’s Code of Behaviour and by the Laws of Cricket. Team captains, coaches and team managers shall be expected to carry out their responsibilities for the proper conduct of matches as defined in Law 41.1 in the Laws of Cricket.

Charges And Reports

All behaviour and judiciary matters, including official reports and cautions, shall be actioned in

accordance with Senior Mixed Playing Rule 12.0 ‘Behaviour and Judiciary Matters’ together with the ECA

Policy regarding the application of Fixed Penalties.

Laws of Cricket

https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws

Matches shall be played according to the Laws of Cricket 2026 Code (Fourth Edition), subject to any changes made to these Laws, applicable in any future season.

Matches conducted under the ECA Junior Girls competition shall be played as a T20 format.

The applicable minimum standard for all helmets worn by players is British Standard 7928:2013 'Specification for head protectors for cricketers'.

Refer to Game Day Rules on the wearing of helmets. All Junior ECA players MUST wear Approved Helmets at all times whilst batting.

Following a significant impact helmet should be replaced immediately in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Both gloves and batting leg pads must be worn at all times when batting and wicketkeeping. Thigh guards and female abdominal guards are optional

Batting

Wicketkeeping

ALL home teams shall have a First Aid Kit available at the ground for the use of both competing teams and umpires.

In Semi Final and Finals both competing teams must provide First Aid Kits.

Where a player or Umpire, during the course of a match, suffers an injury which causes bleeding:

• That person shall immediately retire from the match until such First Aid has been administered to prevent further bleeding.
• The injured person shall not resume her part in the match until either the bleeding has stopped, or the wound is securely covered to prevent blood seepage. If there is any blood on clothing, this must be changed, or equipment needs to be cleaned. All cleaning materials need to be disposed of correctly by being double bagged.

Reduction in Overs

There shall be no reduction in the number of overs to be bowled or requisite period when time is lost due to injury.

Where an injury occurs to an Umpire necessitating the Umpire leaving the field, a competent person, on agreement between the captains, shall be nominated to officiate if the Umpire is unable to resume after five minutes.

Players shall wear their club top and pants whether white, cream or coloured.

All players in any side shall wear either white/cream or coloured shirts. It is not permissible for some players to wear plain shirts and others coloured on the same day of any match.

Pants shall be full length.

Player Tops

• Tops shall have a collar
• Tops may have the player's registered surname on the back, and if required first name or initial - (nicknames are not permitted).
• Tops may include a number on the back that is no bigger than 30cm in height

Cricket pullovers incorporating club colours may be worn.

While playing on synthetic surfaces, no player shall wear footwear with sprigs, studs or spikes.

While playing on turf surfaces, players will be required to wear shoes with sprigs, studs or spikes to ensure safety.

Headgear shall consist of cricket club caps or hats, plain white hats or Association representative caps or hats, but under no circumstances are they to carry commercial logos or the like.

Failure by the home club to provide appropriate match equipment, such as rollout surface, stumps, bails, boundary markers, etc., in a satisfactory condition shall be reported by the umpire(s), or, if there are no official umpires, by the visiting club. Failure by the home club to comply with this rule, shall incur a fine of 4 penalty units.

The Executive shall direct a club whose stumps and/or bails are defective in any way to replace them within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the Executive. Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of not less than 4 penalty units.

All clubs shall provide at their home grounds an appropriate and clearly legible scoreboard. It is the batting team’s responsibility to update the scoreboard at a minimum of every 2 overs. Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of 2 penalty units for each breach.

Under wet conditions, the home team shall provide sufficient sawdust. Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of 2 penalty units.

When no official umpire has arrived 30 minutes prior to the time for commencement of play, the home club shall be responsible for the proper fixing of the stumps, the marking of the creases, and any other necessary markings on the pitch.

The Junior subcommittee shall determine the type and brand of ball or balls permitted to be used in each grade. Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of 4 penalty units.

All balls used in the ECA Junior Girls Stage 2 and 3 Shields shall have two-piece leather covers.

In all matches, each team shall supply one approved new ball and one approved reserve ball, all of a quality that meets the satisfaction of the umpire(s) if in attendance or the opposition coach.

Each team shall have the balls under their control during the match.

A new ball shall be used at the commencement of each first innings, and a new ball may be used in an opponent’s second innings.

In all matches, but subject to the below rule, the balls that have been provided by each team shall be used when its opponents are batting.

The umpire(s) shall decide when a ball is unfit for play, and the home club shall have a supply of reserve balls for use if the original and reserve balls supplied by the bowling team are lost or destroyed or unfit for play.

Ball Specifications:

All pitches and grounds shall be properly prepared, weather permitting, for each day’s play by the home club. The home club shall also be responsible for the laying of rollout synthetic surfaces (if necessary) and for defining and marking the boundaries where necessary.

In case of adverse weather, and if play has not been cancelled, every possible attempt shall be made by the home club to ensure that the ground is fit for play by the scheduled starting time. Before commencement of play on any day, the umpire(s), captains, coaches and team managers shall see that any necessary steps are taken to improve the ground or the pitch, with a view to expediting play. The ECA umpire(s) if present or those responsible shall not draw stumps until the hour fixed by these rules for the conclusion of the day's play, unless they are satisfied there is no possibility of play.

If the competing clubs agree more than two hours before the scheduled starting time of the match that the condition of the ground or pitch renders play impossible on that day, the ECA Assistant Manager is to be informed within 30 minutes of the decision being made.

The area between the popping crease and the stumps shall be filled in level with the pitch and the approach to the wicket shall be sufficiently level to enable the bowler to obtain a fair run to the wicket.

The Executive may require a Club whose synthetic surface is, in its opinion, not of the required length or in good condition, to replace or repair the synthetic to the satisfaction of the Executive Council within a reasonable time.

The ground management will have discretion on the rolling and preparation of Turf pitches to ensure the pitch is properly prepared for each day of play of a match.

The location of a match may be changed during a match at the discretion of the Executive (or their appointee). Any new location, must, in the opinion of the Executive (or their appointee), be equal to or in better condition than the original. Once a decision has been made to change, then the match will continue, just like any other resumption of play after an interruption.

Where play does not recommence because of the refusal of one of the teams to play, the team unwilling or unable to play shall be fined a minimum of 4 penalty units, forfeit the match and will be dealt with by the Executive.

Boundaries dimensions and measurements will be determined as per the Game Day Rules set for each age division.

Boundaries of each ground shall be marked by a distinguishing line, rope or by easily distinguishable markers. The line, rope or markers must be a minimum distance of 3 metres inside any off field hazards which include but not limited to, fencing, concrete perimeters, gutters, trees or other solid fixtures which may cause injury to fielders. A club who fails to comply with this rule shall be dealt with as the Executive sees fit.

Where the boundary line is not permanently defined, the home team shall provide any secure methods of ensuring boundaries are in the same place for all days.

Boundary markers shall be clearly visible and placed not more than 15 metres apart and the boundary, unless defined by a rope or marked line clearly visible from the centre of the pitch, shall be a straight line between the markers.

Boundary flags, if used, shall be at least 30cm above the ground and of a clearly distinguishable colour and size.

Plastic boundary markers (domes or witches’ hats) may also be used.

Where boundaries overlap, distinguishing markers shall be used for each ground’s boundary.

Failure to comply with this rule shall incur a fine of 1 penalty unit for each breach.

The conditions for the use of covers from the preceding season shall remain in force unless the Executive, prior to September 1 in the current season advises clubs of a change.

The conditions for use of covers shall be issued by the ECA Turf Wicket Manager and the General Manager.

Any club, whose ground management insists that a variation to Rule 20.1 and/or 20.1.2 is needed, must apply and receive permission from the Turf Wicket Committee by 7pm of the day preceding match day. The Turf Wicket Manager reserves the right to review the result of any match where they consider the result may have been adversely impacted by the non-compliance to the correct playing conditions.

In semi-final and final matches, the competing clubs shall comply with any conditions imposed by the Turf Wicket Manager and/or General Manager.

Clubs failing to comply with any conditions of use of covers (except those exempt, as a result of Rule 20.1.3) shall be dealt with as the Turf Wicket Manager and/or General Manager sees fit. This may include loss of a match or a fine or both.

Should the Umpire(s), or in their absence the captains call off play due to adverse weather on a day of play where a subsequent consecutive day of play is scheduled for the same match then the following shall apply:

(i) The use of the covers shall be under the control of the Umpire(s). If the Umpire(s) feel the prevailing weather conditions will assist the wicket table to be ready for the next day’s play, the Umpire(s) and sufficient players from both clubs required to lay or remove the covers, must remain at the ground until 6.15pm so that the Umpire(s) may instruct both clubs on when to lay and remove the covers. The decision on the use of the covers after 6.15pm is under the control of the Ground Manager.

(ii) The Umpire fee will be half of the designated daily match fee.

(iii) No player or official may carry out work on the Turf wicket or surrounds without the permission of the ground management. The designated home club is responsible for making every effort to contact ground management to ensure that Umpire requests to improve the ground can be accommodated.

Where adverse weather forecasts warrant, the Turf Wicket Manager and/or General Manager has sole discretion to instruct clubs to lay covers early on any day prior to a match.

The laying of covers in all grades shall include the compulsory laying of hessian as an underfelt between the pitch to be played on and the cover. The Hessian should as a minimum be large enough to cover the rolled surface and must be completely enclosed by the protecting cover. The ECA Turf Manager and/or General Manager may also communicate that hessian is not required.

Where weather conditions warrant, the Turf Wicket Manager and/or General Manager, at their discretion, may offer clubs the opportunity to decline the use of covers on the night prior to a match day. Should a club proceed with the use of covers all normal conditions regarding the laying of covers should apply.  

If an official ECA umpire has been appointed to a match, decisions about whether conditions are fit for play to commence, resume or continue are the responsibility of the official ECA umpire. The official ECA umpire (if appointed) may consult with the team managers in reaching their decisions. In the absence of an official ECA umpire, team managers may delegate the onfield umpiring functions and are responsible for decisions about the fitness or future fitness of the pitch and/or ground. In such cases, play will not commence, continue or resume unless the team managers agree. When the team managers cannot agree whether to play, wait or not to play one hour after the scheduled time for play to have commenced, there shall be no play.

Before the commencement of play on any day the official ECA umpire (if appointed) and team managers shall see that any necessary steps are taken to improve the ground or pitch, with a view to expediting play, and shall not draw stumps (that is abandoned play for the day) until the hour fixed by these rules for the conclusion of the day’s play unless satisfied there is no possibility for play.

After the commencement of play each day the official ECA umpire (if appointed) or the team managers shall be in sole control of the match.

Play shall continue until the scheduled finishing time, unless in the opinion of the official ECA umpire (if appointed) or the team managers, the conditions are not good enough to continue.

An over shall be started if time has not been reached and shall be completed, irrespective of the fall of wickets.

The over shall be deemed to have started as soon as the umpires are in position.

The umpire shall call “time” and at the same time remove the bails from both wickets on the cessation of play before any arranged interval, at the end of play each day and at the conclusion of the match.

These rules must be applied in conjunction with ECA Senior Mixed Two Day and One Day Rules.

Should play on any day of a match not start at the appointed time by reason of default by either team, the umpire at the bowler’s end at the commencement of play shall immediately notify such default to the coach of the offending team. The team or teams in default shall be fined one penalty unit and may, in addition, be otherwise dealt with by the Junior Executive.

Umpires must compare watches prior to the commencement of and at the cessation of play.

If during play, the official ECA umpire (if appointed) or the team managers decide that the light is unfit, only the batting side shall have the option of continuing play. After agreeing to continue play in unfit light conditions the captain of the batting side (or a batter at the wicket) may appeal against the light to the official ECA umpire (if appointed) or the team managers who shall uphold the appeal only, if in their opinion, the light has deteriorated since the agreement to continue was made.

Drinks shall not be taken more than once in any session of play, except in unduly hot weather and when the official ECA umpire (if appointed) or the team managers agree.

In a standard game day match, a ten minute drinks interval shall be taken 85 minutes after the scheduled starting time of play.

If after the first hour of play but before the scheduled drinks break an innings to be completed, or bad light or poor weather conditions disrupt the match, the interval shall be taken immediately.

Upon resumption, play shall continue until the normal time for cessation of play without further adjournment for drinks and there shall be no deduction from the standard overs rate for that innings break.

Should bad light or adverse weather conditions prevent play until 45 minutes or more after the scheduled starting time, no interval shall be taken.

In hot weather, there is one drink break per innings, normally at 10 overs but this is to be discussed between the umpire(s) if present and captains/coaches/team managers with the focus on ensuring the health and safety of all individuals involved in the match.

An individual player may also be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks will be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires.

Umpires, team managers and coaches are to always facilitate and encourage continuity of play at all times.

The Junior Executive will investigate allegations of slow play and, where substantiated, may impose sanctions consistent with the findings. Penalties may include loss of points or other penalties deeded appropriate.

The ECA is at all times throughout the season, aware of expected weather predictions. As an association it consults with each section representative, to ensure that decisions that are made are in the best interests of clubs and teams so as to minimise disruption on gameday.

We request that the ECA is not contacted on days of adverse weather, but that all teams prepare to attend the ground as scheduled unless advised otherwise by a final ruling that will be provided by the ECA Junior Executive.

The ECA Junior Executive may cancel matches should there be any extreme or prolonged adverse weather conditions prior to the commencement of any day’s play.

A decision to proceed with or cancel a Junior Girls match due to adverse weather will be made by the Junior Executive by:

• 3pm the afternoon of the scheduled match or earlier if the ECA Junior Executive is able to support a decision to cancel the fixture for that day.
• Or the night before if the ECA Junior Executive is able to support a decision to cancel the fixture for that day.

If the competing clubs agree, more than two hours prior to the scheduled start time, that the ground or pitch conditions make play impossible, the ECA Junior Executive must be notified immediately so that timely communication can be made to the umpire/s.

If play has not been cancelled more than two hours prior to the scheduled start time, teams must attend the ground and the official umpire/s - or, in their absence, the team managers - must inspect the ground and continue to assess conditions until a decision is made to commence or abandon play at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.

If, at any time, the umpire/s—or in their absence, both team managers together; determine that the conditions of the ground, weather, or light pose an obvious and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire, and that it would be unreasonable or dangerous for play to continue, they must immediately suspend play or prevent play from commencing or resuming.

The decision as to whether conditions are sufficiently unsafe to warrant suspension, delay, or abandonment of play rests solely with the umpire/s, or with the team managers in the absence of appointed umpires.

The presence of wet or slippery grass and a damp ball does not, on its own, constitute grounds for declaring the playing conditions unreasonable or dangerous.

If the umpires—or in their absence, the team managers; determine that the ground is so wet or slippery that it deprives:

-the bowler of a reasonable foothold

-the fielders of freedom of movement, or

-the batter of the ability to play strokes or run safely between wickets,

then such conditions shall be deemed unreasonable for play to continue or commence.

The umpires shall not draw stumps until the hour fixed by these rules for the conclusion of the day’s play, unless they are satisfied there is no possibility of play.

If adverse conditions cause a cessation of play, the result of the match will be taken according to the playing conditions when play is finally ceased.

If no umpire is in attendance and the team managers are unable to reach agreement, either team manager may contact a Junior ECA representative for a final determination. Once a decision is made by the Junior ECA representative, it shall be considered final and binding.

In the Stage 3 Shield,, the Junior Executive may agree to the use of turf pitches. When matches are scheduled to be played on turf pitches, the home club must have a backup synthetic turf ground available by 2.00pm on the day of the match (evening match), in the event of play not being able to commence on the nominated turf ground. If the home club is unable to provide either the designated turf ground or a suitable backup synthetic turf ground, the away club may (and should acting reasonably) make its own ground available to ensure the match can be played. Failure of the home team to provide an alternative ground with a synthetic wicket will result in the home team forfeiting the match.

The Heat Policy and rules are implemented strictly for player safety and are non-discretionary. These rules must not be ignored, varied, or overridden by agreement or unilateral decisions made by team managers, captains, or umpires.

All teams must prepare to attend the ground as scheduled unless advised otherwise. A final ruling from the ECA Junior Executive will determine whether play proceeds.

A decision to proceed with or cancel a Junior Girls match due to forecast temperatures of 36°C or above will be made by:

• 3pm the afternoon of the scheduled match or earlier if the ECA Junior Executive is able to support a decision to cancel the fixture for that day.
• Or the night before if the ECA Junior Executive is able to support a decision to cancel the fixture for that day.

If the ECA Junior Executive confirms a cancellation:

• All matches across all grades will be cancelled.

• Match points will be awarded as per the standard cancellation points system

• Cancelled matches will not be rescheduled.

Official temperature readings must be obtained through the BOM Weather app (Bureau of Meteorology), available in relevant app stores. Use the ‘Current Location’ setting to determine the temperature from the drop-down menu.

Decisions regarding suspension or abandonment due to heat:

• Must be made solely by the umpire(s) or jointly by the two team managers, if an umpire/s are not present

• Shall not be influenced by captains, players, officials, or the status of the match.

No match shall commence if the temperature is 36°C or above at the scheduled start time.

If the temperature reaches 36°C during play, the match must be immediately suspended.

In case of an expected improvement in conditions, the resumption of play may be delayed for up to 60 minutes.

If play cannot resume within that period, the match is to be abandoned.

In the event of an active thunderstorm, lightning or electrical storm in the immediate vicinity of the ground the following is to apply:

a) Play is to cease IMMEDIATELY and all players and umpires are to find safe shelter without delay. Safe shelters include large substantial buildings with electric or telephone wiring and/or plumbing that provide a safe current to the ground. Players and others should not remain in open areas or take refuge beneath trees. Once play has ceased covers must not be laid.

b) To determine what is ‘in the immediate vicinity’, players and Umpires should follow the “30/30” rule: i. Play must stop when the time between a lightning flash and thunder bang is 30 seconds or less since this indicates that the lightning is 10km away. This creates a significant risk that the next lightning strike could be at an observer’s location. ii. Play must only commence 30 minutes after both the last lightning flash and last thunder bang.

The ECA Assistant Manager and opposition team must be informed of a forfeit by 3.00pm on the day of an evening match. This is to ensure that the opposition team has due notice to inform their players, to prevent unnecessary travel and so that the ECA Junior Executive can inform the official ECA umpire/s so that they do not attend. Failure to do so will incur a fine of 5 penalty units.

A team which fields fewer than five players in Stage 1 and Stage 2 and 9 players in Stage 3 after 30 minutes from the scheduled commencement time for play on each day of a match shall forfeit the match. When one team is ready and present at the venue, but the opposition team fails to present at the ground, the offending team will forfeit the match.

Any club forfeiting a match shall be fined 4 penalty units per team for the first offence and this will increase by 2 penalty units for every subsequent forfeit.

When a team receives a forfeit, it shall be awarded six (6) match points.

Under no circumstances are teams permitted to forfeit their first innings only.

In the event of a club forfeiting a match or withdrawing a team from a competition, that club must withdraw its lowest grade team in the division for that round.

Where a decision is taken to forfeit a match within 90 minutes of the scheduled start of the match, the forfeiting club will be liable for the payment of a full fee to any ECA umpire who is appointed to and arrives at the match.

Any team who has lost in the first innings and then provides a forfeit on week 2, shall be subject to a financial penalty as determined by the ECA Executive. Furthermore, the winning team shall be awarded outright points as though the forfeiting team had lost all second innings wickets without further score.

When a forfeit has been received from the opposition, the team winning the match may submit a team selection. The team responsible for the forfeit must enter the match result in PlayHQ. All players selected [in the non-forfeiting team] shall be credited with a match towards eligibility for finals.

A delivery pitched outside the width of the surface or landing in a hole in the surface shall be called a “no ball” by either umpire.

In any Under 18, 16A,14A match, a front foot no ball when called shall mean a free hit is to be given to the striker off the next delivery. The umpire shall signal the free hit. If the same batter is on strike for the free hit, the field cannot be changed. If the non-striker to the no ball is on strike, then the field may be changed for the free hit. The batsman cannot be dismissed by any methods other than those applicable for a no-ball, namely run out, hit the ball twice and obstructing the field. (Note:- This rule is only in use if

an ECA Umpire is controlling the game.

A ball pitching on the half of the pitch closer to the bowler shall be called a “no ball”.

A delivery pitched on the playing surface of a pitch, which passes out of reach of the striker in normal batting position, shall be called a “wide”.

Any delivery delivered by the bowler, reaching the batter in his/her normal stance on the full and above the waist shall be called a “no ball”. A subsequent delivery above the waist from the same bowler shall result in the umpire calling “no ball” with the bowler not being permitted to bowl again in the innings. If the over is incomplete, it shall be completed by another bowler. (See Law of Cricket 41.7 ‘Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries’.)

Any delivery delivered by the bowler reaching the batter, in his/her normal stance, above shoulder height shall be called a “no ball”.

In the event of scheduled games being cancelled due to adverse weather or heat the match cannot be rescheduled.

Matches may be played on an alternative day or evening for other reasons (i.e. school camps,etc) provided both sides mutually agree to the reschedule prior to the scheduled time and inform the Junior Executive. The rescheduled match must take place within seven days of the date listed for the normal playing fixture.

Scoring is to be as follows:

• The home club must score electronically on PlayHQ https:/score.playhq.com (or download the PlayHQ App.
• The away club must score in the official Eastern Cricket Association scorebook (or Junior Cricket scorebook as applicable for the grade). This is to ensure that there is a written record of the game in case of technical failure and for follow up should any disputes arise between teams from the result of the game.
• If electronic scoring is not available, both teams must complete scoring in the official Eastern Cricket Association scorebook.
• At the conclusion of each day's play the official ECA umpire(s) if appointed and/or both team managers shall sign the book, at the same time recording any reports regarding players, ground conditions and teams. Any issues related to the match must be reported to the ECA General and Assistant Manager within twenty-four hours.

At the conclusion of each day’s play the official ECA umpire(s) if appointed and/or both team managers shall sign the book, at the same time recording any reports regarding players, ground conditions and teams. Any issues related to the match must be reported to the ECA General and Assistant Manager within twenty-four hours.

The Team Manager, or the club’s nominated person on gameday is responsible for the input of match results. Both teams shall be responsible for scores to be entered into PlayHQ.

Match results for the home and away round must be entered into PlayHQ by Sunday 8pm. This includes:

1. Player scores
2. Player scores (opposition dismissals)
3. Confirmation from the team reporting second, a confirmation of the match result.

At the cessation of Day 1 in a 2 day Split Innings match this must include:

• Score at the end of the allotted split
• ‘Not Out Batters’ and their scores
• The end from which the last over was bowled, the bowlers name, batter on strike

The Club Junior Coordinator and/or Secretary must contact the ECA Junior Executive for assistance if required prior to Sunday 8pm.

Failure by any team to lodge the required input as above shall result in that team’s club being fined two penalty units for the first offence. Provided that the Junior Executive has, after the second offence, notified the club of its failure to fulfil its obligations, the fine shall be twelve penalty units for the third and any further offences by that team during the season.

The Junior Executive is able to re-open matches for data input and correction upon request from the Club Junior Coordinator. No home and away matches played prior to the Christmas break will be opened thereafter.

At the conclusion of the last round of home-and-away matches the four leading teams shall play off in their respective grades in semi-final matches, the first team playing the fourth and the second team playing the third. The winners of each semi-final shall play off in the grand final match for the premiership.

Semi-final matches shall be played at a ground provided by the team that finished in the higher position on the ladder at the conclusion of the last round of home-and-away matches. The higher placed club must notify the Junior Executive of the ground to be used and this must be approved by the Junior Executive before confirmation.

Grand-final matches shall be played at a ground provided by the team that finished in the higher position on the ladder at the conclusion of the Semi Final. The higher placed club must notify the Junior Executive of the ground to be used and this must be approved by the Junior Executive before confirmation.

Semi-Finals and Grand Finals First Innings Lead

Once a first innings lead has been achieved in a semi-final or grand final, play may continue only if the team behind on the first innings elects to continue.

Semi-Final Result

If a semi-final is tied; or has no result, the team that finished higher on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away series will be deemed the winner.

Grand Final Result

Where a grand final match is not able to start or is abandoned because of ground, weather, light or lightning, it will be played on a Grand Final Reserve Day designated by the ECA Executive..

If then, the grand final:

a. is tied; or

b. is abandoned because of ground, weather, light or lightning,

the premiership will be shared.