The Eastern Cricket Association (ECA) Senior Women’s Competition will be known as the ECA Senior Women’s Competition.

All matches are conducted according to the Constitution and Governance of the ECA. The rules outlined apply to all matches unless specifically amended.

The ECA Senior Women’s Competition will be administered by the ECA Senior Women’s Competition Management Committee, hereafter known as the Committee, delegated by the Senior Executive as per the provisions of the ECA Constitution.

The ECA Senior Women’s Competition Management Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, the ECA Assistant Manager and a minimum 4 general members, all nominated and elected in accordance with the ECA Constitution. Should insufficient nominations be received to fill these positions, the Committee 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 Committee.

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

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

The Committee will issue directives in order to enforce and administer the rules of the competition. It 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 Committee exercises its discretion, it must notify the Senior Women’s Coordinator of each club.

The Committee, in the absence of any set penalty for the breach of a rule, will determine at its discretion, any 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 or Committee member, ECA Umpire or ECA Match Day Official. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the Committee.

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

The Committee may propose any alteration to the senior women’s rules as it deems fit.

Any alterations, editions or deletions to the rules shall not become effective until voted on at the Senior Women’s Competition Rule Change General Meeting. This will take place on a date determined by the Committee, scheduled as soon as practical after the ECA Annual 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 determine and notify clubs of other ordinary general meetings prior to, or during the current cricket season.

The ECA senior women’s cricket season will consist of multiple grades as deemed appropriate to support the senior women’s competition. The Committee will endeavour to maintain an even number of teams in each grade to minimise the occurrence of bye rounds.

The Committee will be responsible for the scheduling of home and away matches and finals, however, it may alter the match schedule, including dates and venues at any time if deemed necessary.

Each club, upon request from the ECA Assistant Manager, shall nominate a senior women’s delegate (other than the Club Secretary) who shall receive all correspondence from the ECA Assistant Manager.

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

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 delegate changes during the season, it is expected that updated information will be submitted to the ECA Assistant Manager. Until such time that the ECA is advised of any changes to its 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 Senior Women’s Competition.

All cricket clubs affiliated with the ECA senior women’s 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 Senior Women’s Competition. Late club nominations may be accepted under special circumstances, at the discretion of the Committee.

To confirm affiliation with the ECA senior women’s competition for the upcoming season, all clubs must accept the invitation via PlayHQ no later than August 1 of the current year.

The annual affiliation fee shall be determined by the 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.

Note: New clubs nominating to enter the ECA Senior Women’s Competition must provide additional information to be reviewed by the Committee. These nominations will undergo a due diligence process and must receive final approval from both the Committee and ECA Executive before entry into the competition is confirmed.

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

Should the Committee 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. 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 Committee shall impose such fine or other penalty as deemed appropriate.

A club shall ensure that its players are eligible to be registered.

Applications by clubs for registration of players are to be submitted electronically via PlayHQ..

A player must be registered no later than 72 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.

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

No player may play, be named to play or be allowed to enter the field of play during the scheduled hours of play, in any association match who:

i) is a suspended or disqualified player in this or any other cricket association; or

ii) is an unregistered player in this association (including where the registration application, of the player, has been refused or revoked)

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

All team nominations must be entered into PlayHQ no later than the last Friday of August. This deadline is essential to ensure timely planning and delivery of fixtures for all clubs. Late team nominations may be accepted under special circumstances, at the discretion of the ECA senior women’s Committee.

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

Should a club withdraw a team from a grade after the commencement of any season, all opposition teams in the relevant grade will be awarded points equal to that of a bye for any home and away match in that season involving the withdrawn team, prior to the withdrawal or up to 31 December in that season, whichever is the earlier.

Where the withdrawal occurs after 31 December all subsequent matches involving the withdrawn team will be treated as a forfeit. The match results of the withdrawn team prior to withdrawal will stand. The remaining teams in the grade will be advised accordingly within 7 days of the withdrawal. The club who withdrew the team shall be dealt with by the Committee.

Note: Fixture preparation timelines may be impacted by unexpected changes or delays in receiving accurate and timely information from clubs.

The Committee will review all nominated teams and assigned grades, considering the following factors:

1. whether the team is new to ECA Senior Women’s and cricket
2. team performance in the season prior

For all ECA Senior Women’s competitions and grades - except the highest grade - clubs whose teams finished at the top of the ladder or who performed strongly in the previous season will be encouraged to engage in discussions with the Committee regarding possible promotion to a higher grade.

The Committee recognises that team composition may change in the off season affecting overall skill level and performance potential. Consequently, promoted teams may not always perform at the same higher level as they did previously.

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 in the Senior Women’s Weekly Grade shall be played on turf or synthetic pitches. All matches in the Senior Women’s Fortnightly Competition and Social T20 Competition shall be played on synthetic pitches or any other type of pitch approved by the Committee.

On or before the last Friday day of August in each year, clubs entering team(s) shall notify the Assistant 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 Committee, 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 Committee 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 Committee 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 Comittee sees fit.

No player in this Association shall be permitted to play in any other Sunday afternoon cricket competition (Cricket Victoria Premier and Sub-District competition and school matches excepted) during the season without a permit from the Committee.

Any club having a team or teams in any other association within the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union shall be permitted free interchange of players between these teams and any teams in this Association without permits, providing that such players are properly registered with this Association and comply with all rules governing player eligibility.

Any registered player with a club who wishes to move to another club in this Association, may do so by lodging an initial registration application in accordance with rule 5.1.1 provided they have not played or been named to play in any match for their original club in the current season.

Any player who has played or been named to play with a club in the current season and then wishes to move to another club in this Association in the same season shall first obtain a transfer approval in the Competition Management Platform from the club they are leaving before playing with their new club.

A player requesting a transfer shall be entitled to a reply from their club within 14 days from the date of application. Should a reply not be received within this time, the clearance shall be deemed to have been refused. Any player refused a clearance by their club shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Council who shall grant or reject the clearance.

A player wishing to register with a club in this Association following a transfer from another club within the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union during the current season shall first obtain transfer approval in PlayHQ. Should such clearance not be obtained the player will be deemed to be unregistered.

Should a club or Association refuse a player’s application for a clearance, the player may appeal to the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union, whose decision shall be final.

A player may be granted a one-time permit to fill in for a club, 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 Junior Mixed Playing Rule 6.5

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.

Any team with six or more players at the commencement time of play shall be entitled to request two substitutes from the opposing team. If a team has less than six players when 30 minutes has elapsed from the time set down for the commencement time of play it shall forfeit the match.

All substitutes shall be registered players of the Association. A player registered in the Junior Section shall be permitted under this rule, provided the player is over the age of 12 at 1 September in the year in which the season commences.

The fielding captain shall inform the opposition captain and the umpires of the names of the substitutes prior to their participation in the match. Failure to comply with rule shall incur a fine of 2 penalty units.

Clubs must inform the ECA Assistant Manager when registering or selecting players who have recent experience playing cricket at a high level, including players who fall within the following categories:

The above categories do not constitute an official player points, grading or eligibility system for the 2026 season. Rather, they are intended to promote fairness across all teams while allowing experienced players to participate in and contribute to the competition. The notification process also aims to preserve the integrity of the ECA Senior Women’s Competition as a grassroots competition, allowing clubs to benefit from experienced players without creating an uneven playing field.

Any club that plans to forfeit a match must notify the ECA Assistant Manager and the opposition club by 8pm on the day preceding the match. Failure to do so will incur a fine of 5 penalty units.

A club’s forfeiting team must be its lowest ranked team. Failure to do so will mean the club’s team(s) ranked lower than the forfeited team shall also be deemed to have forfeited its match and these teams shall be dealt with in accordance with these rules.

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.

The Umpires’ Appointment Manager or other assignee shall appoint official umpires to matches in Division 1, then Division 2. Social T 20 games will not be umpired except for semi and grand finals.

The Umpires’ Appointment Manager or other assignee shall have the ability to change an official umpire between days of play at their discretion.

Where only one official umpire is appointed to a match, that umpire shall officiate at the bowler’s end throughout the match.

If no official umpire attends a game, the two captains shall jointly decide on any matters usually attended to by official umpires.

An official umpire shall be at the ground at least 45 minutes before the scheduled starting time for the commencement of play each day. Any umpire persistently late may be fined a maximum of 2 penalty units.

If an official umpire is not in attendance at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement of play, the batting team shall provide non-professional umpires, unless otherwise agreed by the respective captains.

The captain of the batting team may replace a non-official umpire from time to time and is requested to ensure that such person is competent and capable.

A non-official umpire shall be at least 16 years of age.

A non-official umpire shall wear suitable distinguishing clothing. Singlets, thongs or bare feet are not permitted.

If the nominee who has been informed by the Umpire's Manager or assignee that they have been appointed to a finals match, is unable to keep the appointment, the Umpires' Manager or assignee is to be advised by the intended Umpire or the club secretary of the club that made the nomination, within 48 hours of such appointment of a replacement person acceptable to the Umpires' Officer or assignee. Failure to comply will incur a fine of 4 penalty units.

Match fees to be paid to official umpires shall be determined yearly at the Annual General Meeting.

Match fees for Umpires will be invoiced to clubs by the ECA Finance Operations Manager.

If no play takes place, an official umpire, if in attendance, shall be paid half the match fee (each team to pay half the amount), unless the official umpire remains at the ground after 4:00pm when the full match fee shall be paid.

All professional umpires shall complete match reports on PlayHQ/Officials HQ by 8:00pm on the Monday after the completion of the game.

Such report shall give special attention to the time of starting, state of the pitch and its surrounds, ground and boundaries, spirit of the match, etc.

Where the umpires are required to make a decision upon the state of any ground and pitch under these rules, they shall include in their report of the match full details of the circumstances under which such decision was made.

Where the umpires are required to make a decision upon the definition of boundaries under these rules, they shall include in their report of the match full details of the circumstances under which such decision was made.

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 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

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.

Except as varied hereunder, the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code – 3rd Edition 2022), shall apply to all matches played in the Senior Women’s Section of the Eastern Cricket Association Inc.

The team batting first in a match shall be referred to as “Team A” and the team batting second as Team “B”.

A “full over entitlement” refers to the minimum number of overs that have to be bowled in all matches as set out in the rules.

“A fixed penalty” means the amount of any penalty, not being a suspended penalty, as determined by the Executive.

All Players in all divisions of the ECA Senior Women’s Competition are to wear helmets. The applicable minimum standard for all helmets worn by players is British Standard 7928:2013 'Specification for head protectors for cricketers'.

Helmets MUST be worn in the following circumstances:

1. When fielding close to the bat, within 10 metres of the wicket (ie. Silly mid-on, silly mid-off, short leg, leg slip etc) but not slip & gully fielders. No player under the age of 16 (as of September 1) will not be permitted to field within ten (10) metres of the striker’s end stumps except slips and gully in the ECA Senior Women’s Competition.
2. When wicketkeeping within 3 metres of the wicket.
3. When Batting against fast or medium pace bowling. If necessary, whether the bowling is fast or medium pace will be determined by the official appointed umpires or, in their absence, the batting captain. Failure to comply with this rule shall be reported by the official appointed umpires or, in their absence, the captain to the ECA Senior Women’s Coordinator by 5pm on the Monday following the incident. The ECA Senior Women’s will then determine what penalty, if any, to impose on the club and the player(s).

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 be cleaned. All cleaning materials need to be disposed of correctly by being double bagged.

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.

It is recommended pregnant players seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner as to:

• the risks involved in participating in cricket while pregnant.
• is it safe to continue participating in cricket while pregnant and, if so, for how long participation should continue.

Cricket Victoria and the ECA are strongly committed to ensuring all Club players, officials and members, umpires and other representatives are able to participate in cricket in an environment free of racial and religious harassment.

Racial or religious harassment at any level of our cricket, both on and off the field of play, will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Club officials and members have a responsibility to create and maintain a playing environment in which participants feel comfortable and where people respect and tolerate the rights, views and opinions of others.

All players shall wear their club top and pants whether white, cream or colored.

Players in any side shall all wear the same designed coloured or white/cream shirts and pants. 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. In the Social T20 competition, cricket leggings (no shorts) may be worn in lieu of cricket pants.

Tops shall have a collar and may display manufacturer or one club sponsor logo; however such logo is restricted to a maximum size of 8cm x 8cm.

Cricket pullovers incorporating club colours may be worn.

Any attire as laid down by Cricket Victoria or Cricket Australia shall be acceptable.

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

While playing on turf pitches, a player who is expected to be bowling and/or batting must wear spikes.

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.

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

No more than four, sponsors logos are allowed, provided that any one is

i) not greater that 8cm x 8cm in size - and are situated on either the right/left breast, right/left sleeve or rear of the shirt

ii) may include a single line of a Sponsor website address (or similar length slogan) on the rear of the shirt that is no higher than 8cm

iii) may have the player's registered surname on the back, and if required first name or initial - (nicknames are not permitted)

iv) may include a number on the back that is no bigger than 30cm in height

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 Committee. 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 Executive Council 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 Senior Women’s Weekly and Hardball Fortnightly Competition shall have two-piece leather covers. Social T20 are permitted to use junior plastic softballs as outlined in the T20 game day rules.

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

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

A new ball shall be used at the commencement of each first 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.

In the Senior Women’s Fortnightly and T20 format matches, there will be a 10-minute break between innings. No extended afternoon tea break is permitted unless agreed upon by both teams and the umpire (if present) prior to the match.

In the Senior Women’s Weekly 35 over competition, a 20-minute afternoon tea break is allowed between innings.

• The home team is responsible for providing afternoon tea for the visiting team.

In hot weather, there is one drink break per innings, normally at 10 overs but any alteration to this is to be decided between the umpire(s) if present and captains 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.

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, both umpires and captains shall see that any necessary steps are taken to improve the ground or the pitch, with a view to expediting play. 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 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 Committee 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 Committee 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 Committee (or their appointee). Any new location, must, in the opinion of the Committee (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 as scheduled in Rule 19.1.9 above 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 Committee.

Boundaries for the Division 1 Senior Women’s Weekly competition shall, where possible, be 55 metres from the centre of the pitch. Boundaries for the Division 2 Senior Women’s Fortnightly competition shall be 50m where possible from the centre of the pitch. Boundaries for the Social T20 competition shall be 45m where possible from the centre of the pitch.

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 Committee 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 Turf Wicket Manager and the General Manager.

Any club, whose ground management insists that a variation to Rule 21.1 and/or 21.1.2 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 21.1.3) shall be dealt with as 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 5:30pm 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 5.30pm is under the control of the Umpire(s).

(ii) As per Rule 10.6.4, 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.

The ECA Executive may cancel matches should there be any extreme or prolonged adverse weather conditions prior to the commencement of any day’s play. The adverse weather procedures will be issued by the ECA Executive prior to 15 September each season.

The website, social media details and mobile number to be checked and called on days of adverse weather shall be notified by the Executive before the start of the season.

The ECA Senior Women’s committee may announce that teams are to report to grounds to assess viability of the potential to play.

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 Assistant Manager must be notified immediately so that timely communication can be made to all affected teams and umpires.

If play has not been cancelled more than two hours prior to the scheduled start time, official umpires—or, in their absence, the team captains—must inspect the ground and continue to assess conditions until a decision is made to commence or abandon play.

The ground and pitch must be inspected at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time, to determine their fitness for play.

If, at any time, the umpires - or in their absence, both captains 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 umpires, or with the team captains 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 captains - 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’s ability to play strokes or run safely between wickets, then such conditions shall be deemed unreasonable for play to continue or commence.

If no umpire is in attendance and the captains are unable to reach agreement, either captain may contact the ECA Assistant Manager for a final determination. Once a decision is made by the ECA Assistant Manager, it shall be considered final and binding.

If the decision is made to commence the match, 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, both umpires and captains shall see that any necessary steps are taken to improve the ground or the pitch, with a view to expediting play. 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 a decision is made to proceed with the match, the home club must make every reasonable effort to ensure the ground is fit for play by the scheduled start time.

Before play begins, both umpires and captains must oversee and support any necessary actions to improve the ground or pitch, with the aim of facilitating play.

Umpires shall not call stumps before the scheduled finish time as set by the competition rules, unless they are satisfied that no further play is possible.

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.

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

The ECA Senior Women’s committee reserves the right, at its discretion, to adjust playing conditions or abandon play for any scheduled match - including finals - if severe weather is forecast.

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

A decision to proceed with or cancel an ECA Senior Women’s match due to forecast temperatures of 36°C or above will be made by:

• By 8:00 AM on the day of the match.

If the ECA Senior Women’s committee confirms a cancellation:

• All matches across all grades will be cancelled.
• Match points will be awarded as per the standard cancellation points system.

However, in the spirit of the game, the ECA Senior Women’s committee encourages both teams to play a practice match if they wish to do so. The scheduling and location of this practice match are the responsibility of the teams involved.

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.

• 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.

An umpire may suspend or abandon play at any time if they deem conditions to be dangerous, unreasonable, or unfit.

If no official umpire is present, this responsibility falls to the captain or team manager.

Decisions regarding suspension or abandonment due to heat:

• Must be made solely by the umpire(s) or captain/team manager when the umpire is not present.
• Shall not be influenced by captains, players, officials, or the status of the match.

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

1. 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.
2. To determine what is ‘in the immediate vicinity’, players and umpires should follow the “30/30” rule:
3. 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.
4. Play must only commence 30 minutes after both the last lightning flash and last thunder bang.

If 50% or more of the scheduled matches in a particular Grade are completed (i.e., played to a result) in any round, then:

1. All completed matches will be awarded points as per the standard competition points system (win, loss, tie, etc.).
2. Matches that are not completed (due to abandonment, cancellation, or washout) will be treated as "abandoned" and both teams will receive the standard points for an abandoned match, as outlined in the competition’s points table (below)

However, if fewer than 50% of matches in the Grade are completed, then all matches in that round (including those played to a result) will be treated as abandoned, and abandoned match points will be awarded to all teams.

(Example Scenario)

If a Grade has 5 matches scheduled in a round:

• If 3 or more matches are completed → Those 3+ matches get standard points, the remaining 2 or fewer get abandoned points.
• If 2 or fewer matches are completed → All 5 matches are treated as abandoned.

Teams must be entered into PlayHQ and the paper scorebook thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the match.

Such named players shall not play or be named to play in any other association match (other than ECA Sunday junior or veterans matches) during the scheduled day(s) of play for the match, irrespective of any abandonment or conclusion of play in the named game.

Any changes after the toss to the players in the nominated team, must be agreed to by the captain of the opposition team, and must be noted in the scorebook. All under-age and any interchange players are to be highlighted in the scorebook.

The captains are to notify the umpire/(s), or if no official umpires, each other, of any under-age players participating in the match.

A player whose name appears on a team list shall be deemed to have played in that match. However, should the match proceed, any player that fails to attend the match shall have their name erased from the list by the umpire(s). Captains must be notified.

All permissions for FROGBOX, photography and video must be checked and confirmed. Refer to current CV child safety policy.

Any sub fielder taking part in the match is to be listed on the team list/PLAY HQ.

If a sub fielder joins the match after the commencement of play, the sub fielder can be used in consultation with game day Umpire(s) if present and/or the captains.

Any team not having a full team shall be permitted to ask the opposing captain to provide up to two (2) substitutes. The opposing Captain has the right to refuse the request. If the request is granted the Umpire(s) must be notified.

If play has not been cancelled by the Association, the official umpires or, in their absence, the captains, shall inspect the ground and pitch with a view to determining their fitness for play at least 20 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the day’s play. Official umpires, or in their absence, the captains, shall continue with inspections until it is determined that play can start or be abandoned.

Once the official umpires or, in their absence, the captains, have agreed that the ground and pitch are fit for play, the coin shall be tossed at least 15 minutes before the agreed starting time.

In all matches, including semi-final and final matches, the captain of the first-named team shall spin the coin.

If the toss for the choice of innings (the toss) has not been made by 15 minutes before the scheduled match starting time or before the agreed starting time, the team unavailable to toss shall be deemed to have lost the toss.

The toss shall be made in the presence of the professional umpires, if in attendance.

The captain winning the toss shall forthwith advise the opposing captain of the decision to bat or field.

Once the toss has taken place, if either captain refuses to play, there having been no material change in the state of the conditions of the ground, pitch, weather or light, such refusal to play shall be deemed to constitute a forfeiture of the match.

If no play takes place on the day the toss occurred, such toss becomes void.

For all matches in all Grades the designated home team will make available a device suitable to electronically score the game. Currently the PlayHQ App is the recommended platform. To assist with this, every team must be entered into the system before the game commences.

Unless otherwise agreed to, it will be the home team who is responsible to ensure the device is continually used through the match. The away team side shall utilise the manual scorebook (can also electronically score as well). Whilst the preferred option is to live score the match as it evolves, a minimum expectation is that at each break in play, a progressive game score will be uploaded using the E Scoring format.

All teams shall use the Association scorebook.

At the end of the match both captains are to ensure their players names, as listed on the team sheet or agreed during the match, are recorded within the Competition Management Platform.

During the progress of each match, each team shall ensure the detailed scores and bowling analyses of the day's play and the times of starting and finishing play on each day have been noted.

At the conclusion of each innings and each day’s play, the professional umpire(s) if present and both captains shall ensure that details of time lost due to any unscheduled cessation of play for any reason whatsoever have been recorded.

The captains and any official umpires shall ensure the scoring devices are completed and correct at the end of each day of play.

If a club(s) is/are found to contravene any of Rules 26.1.1 to 26.1.7 inclusive, it may result in disciplinary action being taken, including a fine of up to 4 penalty units.

In the case of a protest or dispute concerning the result of a match or the scores in a match, the captain of the protesting team shall, at the conclusion of the match, where possible, write in both score books “under protest”, briefly noting the reason for the protest or dispute and any claim for match points. Where one or both scorebooks are not available, for whatever reason, then Rules 26.2.4 and 26.2.5 must be strictly adhered to.

The official umpire shall impound both score books, where possible and deliver them to the Assistant Manager not later than 7:00pm on the Monday following the last day of the match. If no official umpire attends the match subject to disputed scores, each captain shall deliver his team’s score book, where possible, to the Assistant Manager by the time set out in the previous sentence subject to 26.2.1 above.

If the protest or dispute relates to a match in the last home and away match or a semi- final or final match is involved in a score dispute, the scorebooks shall be delivered by 12:00 noon on the day after the completion of the match.

Notification of a protest, dispute or claim for match points shall be advised to the Assistant Manager by 7:30pm on the final day of the match concerned.

Written confirmation of a protest, dispute or claim for match points shall also be received by the Assistant Manager within 48 hours of the completion of the match.

Failure to adhere to the conditions outlined above will result in the protest or dispute lapsing and not being heard.

Team scores of each day's play for both teams shall be entered in PlayHQ by the home team by 8.00pm on each match day.

Note: for games where Run Rates determine ladder positions when a team is dismissed you must enter the overs faced as the maximum overs to be bowled to that team.

Full scorecards of each day's play shall be entered and confirmed on PlayHQ by each team by 8.00pm on Tuesday following each match day.

A team must advise the Assistant Manager of any inaccuracies in the team scores or full scorecards. Such notification can be made by disputing the result on PlayHQ and must be made within 72 hours of the conclusion of the match.

Once a match has been approved by the ECA, the details contained therein shall be deemed to be correct and shall not be subject to any subsequent alterations unless approval is given by the ECA.

When a match is forfeited, abandoned without play commencing, or a bye, a match report may be submitted listing no more than eleven registered (named) players who are eligible to be names and who have not participated in any other match for that day(s) and these players shall be deemed to have played in the match. Any such match report must be submitted within the specified time frames and no late reports will be accepted. The team impacted shall be responsible for the submission of any match report.

Progressive penalties shall be incurred for:

• failure to submit a team score or full scorecard on time, or submitting an incorrect or incomplete team score or full scorecard – 1 penalty unit, other than in the last round of home and away matches when the penalty shall be 2 penalty units
• failure to submit a team score or full scorecard within 7 days of the conclusion of the match – 2 further penalty units.
• further failures to submit a team score or full scorecard shall be dealt with by the Executive Council

When an official umpire has officiated during a match, the captain of each team shall complete the umpires performance report form on PlayHQ by no later than 8:00pm on the Monday after the conclusion of the match. The club of the captain failing to comply with this rule shall be fined 1 penalty unit. Should an assessment not be lodged a week after the match, a further fine of 4 penalty units is to be imposed and will continue for any subsequent weeks until the report is lodged.

When a day of play is cancelled, the result of the match shall be declared an abandoned game.

If a team has been allocated a bye in a round impacted by the previous rule, that team shall continue to be awarded the match points for a bye.

During the home and away season, the Committee may fixture reserve days that may be used in the event that a whole round/s of matches are cancelled.

The teams in each grade shall be placed on a ladder in the order of the number of match points earned.

If two or more teams are equal on match points, the relevant positions of those teams on the ladder shall be determined by the “Net Run Rate” which shall be calculated by using the following formula:

Where:

A= the total number of runs scored by the team

B = the total number of overs faced by the team

C = the total number of runs scored against the team

D = the total number of overs bowled by the team

The team having the higher “Net Run Rate” shall be placed higher on the ladder.

For the calculation of “net run rate” any over commenced shall be deemed as a completed over.

For the calculation of “net run rate” a team will be deemed to have faced their full allocation of overs where they have been dismissed in less overs.

Where the award of match points may be varied by these rules, the scores of the affected team in the match concerned shall not be taken into account for ascertaining the “net run rate” of both teams.

The game will be held on Sunday afternoons with a start time of 1pm.

The match will consist of 1 innings per team with each innings being limited to a maximum of 20 overs.

• First session 1pm-2.45pm
• Interval (10mins)
• Second session 2.55pm - 4.40pm

10 Overs constitutes a match.

Boundaries for the Division 1 Senior Women's Weekly competition shall, where possible, be 55 metres from the centre of the pitch. Boundaries for the Division 2 Senior Women's Fortnightly competition shall be 50m where possible from the centre of the pitch. Boundaries for the Social T20 competition shall be 45m where possible from the centre of the pitch.

In the Senior Women’s Weekly Competition the pitch should be either synthetic or TURF, 20.2268m - 22 yards (full pitch). In the Senior Women’s Fortnightly Competition the pitch will be synthetic, 20.2268m - 22 yards. In the Social T20 competition the pitch will be synthetic, 18m - 19.685 yards in length (slightly shortened at one end).

A drinks interval will be permitted after 10 overs of each innings.

There will be a 10 minute break between the changeover of innings.

Drinks may be taken on field, if pre-arranged before each session between captains and umpires.

An individual player may 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 umpire/(s)/ team captains.

In the Senior Women’s Weekly Competition a team can have twelve (12) ECA registered players of which any combination of eleven (11) players can bat, bowl and field or (9) players in the Senior Women’s Fortnightly and Social T20 Competitions who can bat, bowl and field.

Overs shall be a maximum of eight (8) balls, regardless of the number of illegal deliveries. For Weekly Competitions only: The final over of each innings shall be completed by six (6) legal deliveries. For Fortnightly Competitions all overs are a maximum of eight (8) balls.

Five (5) overs to be bowled at each end before changing ends, batters change ends at the end of each over except every fifth over.

At the end of each fifth over, the fielding team will change, as bowling will commence from the opposite end. Umpires may change positions at the same time as the bowler.

If the team batting first is dismissed “all out” in less than twenty (20) overs then the team batting second will be entitled to bat until the completion of the 20th over or when a decision has been reached.

If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs in the scheduled time for cessation of the first innings, then the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for twenty (20) overs.

If the side batting second receives less than 10 completed overs and no other result has been obtained, the match shall be drawn.

If the match is delayed or interrupted during the innings of the team batting first the overs requirement shall be reduced by one over for each 3.5minutes of the time lost or part thereof.

Senior Women’s Weekly and Fortnightly Competition:

A batter retires immediately after completing the delivery on which they reach 50 They do not continue batting until the end of the over.

For example:

• A batter on 49 hits a single. Once that ball is dead, they have 50 and retire immediately. A new batter comes in for the next delivery.
• A batter on 46 hits a four. They reach 50 and retire after that delivery.
• A batter on 48 hits a six. They finish on 54 and retire immediately after that ball.

The retired batter will be considered retired ‘not out’. If all named team members present at the ground and able to bat have batted, retired batters may return in the order in which they retired.

Social T20 Competition:

All batters, unless dismissed, should retire after 20 legal balls are faced (ie: no balls and wides are not included in the batter’s count). These players can bat again in the innings once 9 players have batted. If a player reaches 50 runs (as per rule 11.1), irrespective of the balls faced and will not bat again in an innings.

Retired batters can return only once when all other batters have batted and only in the order in which they retired and face a further 20 legitimate balls. Retired batters cannot bat again in an innings after they have faced their allocated balls a second time. The batter’s innings is now finished and recorded as “not out”.

No fielder is to be within 10m of the batter or each other (except the wicketkeeper) without a helmet. No player under the age of 16 (as of September 1) will be permitted to field within ten (10) metres of the striker’s end stumps except slips and gully in the ECA Senior Women’s Competition.

An inner circle of 30 metres radius is to be clearly marked to allow fielding restrictions to apply. This should be marked by producing two continuous semi-circles out from the centre stump at each end and a continuous parallel line on each side of the wicket joining the semi-circles

The number of fielders allowed outside the fielding restriction circle in each innings (irrespective of any reduction in overs) is as follows:

When there is no interruption after play has commenced and when both sides have had the opportunity of batting for the same agreed number of overs, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. A tie is equal runs, irrespective of wickets lost.

Where both sides have received at least 10 completed overs but the side batting second has received less overs than the side batting first, the result will be determined on average run rate. The number of completed overs received by each side will be divided into their respective scores and the team with the highest run rate per over shall be the winner.

One-Day matches in all grades shall commence at 1pm and, except as provided hereunder, cease at 6:00pm.

Team A Bat 1pm - 3.20pm (140mins)

3.20pm-3.40pm : Tea Break (Change of Innings)

Team B Bats 3.40pm-6pm (140mins)

The match will consist of 1 innings per team with each innings being limited to a maximum of:

Overs: 35

17 Overs constitutes a match.

Boundaries for the Division 1 Senior Women's Weekly competition shall, where possible, be 55 metres from the centre of the pitch.

The pitch will be either synthetic or TURF, 20.2268m - 22 yards full pitch.

While playing on turf pitches, a player who is expected to be bowling and/or batting must wear spikes.

Clubs must notify the ECA Assistant Manager and the opposition team at least one week prior to the match if teams are to play on TURF.

There will be a 20 minute break between the changeover of innings

Drinks may be taken on field, if pre-arranged before each session between captains and umpires.

An individual player may 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 umpire/(s)/ team captains.

A team can have twelve (12) ECA registered players of which any combination of eleven (11) players can bat, bowl and field.

Overs shall be a maximum of eight (8) balls, regardless of the number of illegal deliveries. The final over of each innings shall be completed by six (6) legal deliveries.

Five (5) overs to be bowled at each end before changing ends, batters change ends at the end of each over except every fifth over.

At the end of each fifth over, the fielding team will change, as bowling will commence from the opposite end. Umpires may change positions at the same time as the bowler.

If the team batting first is dismissed “all out” in less than thirty-five (35) overs, then the team batting second will be entitled to bat until the completion of the 35th over or when a decision has been reached.

If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs in the scheduled time for cessation of the first innings, then the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for thirty-five (35) overs.

If the match has a delayed start for any reason and commences after 1pm, but prior to 2:30pm, the maximum number of overs that each team is entitled to bat for is to be determined in the following way:

Before the start of the game the Revised Number of Overs for each team/game should be agreed by the umpire(s) if present and or the captains of each team.

Play shall, if necessary, continue past 6:00pm weather and light permitting to allow the revised number of overs to be bowled (as calculated in Rule 11.1.1). The match result will be determined as per Rule 15.0.

If the match commences after 2:30pm the innings of Team A, if not otherwise terminated, shall be compulsorily closed at the completion of 35 overs. However under no circumstances shall an over commence after 6:00pm and there is to be a 10 minute change over between any innings with no refreshment break.

The result shall be a draw unless Team B has.

1. passed Team A’s innings total or
2. received their full over entitlement or
3. been dismissed

The refreshment break shall be for a period of 20 minutes regardless of the actual starting time of the break.

The innings of Team A, if not otherwise terminated, shall be compulsorily closed at the completion of 35 overs subject to rule 11.1.3.

If the innings of Team A is compulsorily closed, Team B, if it is not dismissed earlier, shall be entitled to bat for only the same number of overs as bowled to Team A, whereupon the match shall end.

If necessary play may continue beyond 6:00pm weather and light permitting.

The match shall conclude if play is not possible at or after 6:00pm due to weather or light conditions.

If Team A is dismissed or declares before it has received its full entitlement of overs, Team B, unless dismissed beforehand, shall be entitled to receive its full entitlement of overs.

The match shall conclude when a first innings decision has been reached.

For the Senior Women’s Weekly competition, a no leg side policy is to be applied by the Umpire(s) during any game played under this rule.

Batters must retire immediately when their score reaches or passes the following:

• Division 1 - 100 runs

A batter retires immediately after completing the delivery on which they reach 100. They do not continue batting until the end of the over.

For example:

• A batter on 49 hits a single. Once that ball is dead, they have 50 and retire immediately. A new batter comes in for the next delivery.
• A batter on 46 hits a four. They reach 50 and retire after that delivery.
• A batter on 48 hits a six. They finish on 54 and retire immediately after that ball.

i) Runs scored in the shot that achieves any of these requirements shall count in full (so the maximum score would therefore be, either 105 or 55) and the batter will retire immediately the ball becomes dead.

ii) A batter or batters so retired may return to bat and continue to bat until dismissed once all other batters in the team have batted and been dismissed. Where more than one batter is retired under this rule they must return in the order they retired.

iii) No other batter may retire voluntarily once any batter has been retired under this rule.

A retirement under this rule shall count as not out and be recorded in PlayHQ as “retired, not out’.

For Division 1 where an official umpire has been appointed by the Association, the bowling of fast short-pitched deliveries above shoulder height of the striker will be treated as follows:

• A bowler shall be limited to two (2) fast short-pitched deliveries per over. A fast short-pitched ball is defined as one which passes or would have passed above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease. The umpire at the bowler’s end shall advise the bowler, fielding captain and the batsman on strike when each fast short-pitched delivery has been bowled.
• Should a third such delivery be bowled in an over, either umpire shall call and signal No Ball and caution the bowler in accordance with Law 41.6.
• If the bowler is “No Balled” for the same offence a second time in the innings, the final warning and removal procedures of Law 41.6 shall be applied.
• Any fast short-pitched delivery, not being a No Ball otherwise, which passes so high that it is not sufficiently within the striker’s reach for it to be hit by the bat with a normal cricket stroke, shall be called and signalled Wide by the umpire at the bowler’s end.

The team scoring the greater number of runs in the first innings, regardless of wickets lost, shall be the winner except where play is interrupted by weather or light conditions as detailed in this rule.

If both sides score an equal number of runs, the result shall be a tie irrespective of wickets lost.

If the match is interrupted for any reason once the match has commenced, there shall be no reduction in the number of overs to be bowled in the match (as determined at the start of play). Play shall, if necessary, continue past 6:30pm conditions permitting on any day. Play for the day shall conclude if play is not possible at or after 6.30pm due to weather or light conditions.

If the match is interrupted for any reason once the match has commenced and the number of overs to be bowled in the match have not been bowled for any reason by 7.30pm on the last available day of play (ie. no reserve days available for play to continue) and a decision has not been reached, the match result shall be a draw.

Interruption between 1 to 59 minutes (inclusive) once the match has commenced

If the match is interrupted for a total of between 1 to 59 minutes (inclusive) once the match has commenced, there shall be no reduction in the number of overs to be bowled (as calculated at the start if play. Play shall, if necessary, continue past 6.30pm conditions permitting.

Interruption 60 minutes or more once the match has commenced

If the match is interrupted for a total of 60 minutes or more, once the match has commenced, the time remaining from the resumption of play to 6.30pm excluding any time for any scheduled tea interval, shall be divided by 3.5 (see ready reckoner). The resulting number, rounded upwards, shall be the minimum adjusted overs to be bowled between the resumption of play and 6.30pm. If necessary, the adjusted overs to be bowled shall be amended for any further delays or interruptions in play. Play shall continue, if necessary (weather and light permitting) after 6.30pm to achieve the completion of the adjusted overs. The match result will be a draw UNLESS Team B has received the over entitlement of Team A by the end of the minimum adjusted overs or 6.30pm whichever is the greater, or it is dismissed or has passed Team A’s score.

Interruption to play after 6.30pm

If the match is interrupted after 6:30pm the match will cease and the game will be a draw.

Semi-final and final matches shall be played in accordance with the conditions outlined in this rule except as here under amended

A reserve day/s may be fixtured for all semi-final and final matches should no play take place on the scheduled day.

Where a reserve day(s) has been fixtured

i) and the match commences on any day of play between 13.01pm and 2.30pm (except on the only or last available reserve day) there will be no reduction in the overs to be bowled in the match.

If the match cannot commence by 2.30pm on the scheduled day (or reserve day/s), the available reserve day/s will be used.

If the number of overs to be bowled in the match have not been bowled for any reason by the end of any day's play, and a decision has not been reached, then play shall continue on a reserve day/s until a decision has been reached or the allocated overs have been bowled. Play on any reserve day/s will commence at 1pm.

ii) Rule 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4 and 1.2.5 (delayed start to matches/revised number of overs for match): will apply on the last available day when no play has been possible on the scheduled day (or other reserve day/s).

iii) the reference to “match shall conclude” in Rule 1.3.4 means that play on that day shall conclude if play is not possible at or after 6.00pm due to weather or light conditions

iv) Rule 5.7 is to be replaced with:

In any semifinal match where there is no decision, the team higher on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away matches shall be deemed to have won the match.

In any final match where there is no decision, the team higher on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away matches shall be deemed to have won the match. However, when the match is tied, the premiership shall be shared.

In a grade; if there are four (4) teams, there will be no semi-finals, and the final will be contested by the first and second placed teams.

The Team Manager of each participating club shall submit for eligibility check, by input in Play HQ, the names of players intended to be selected for each team participating in such a match.