ECA Clubs – Rule Change Proposals

1. Rule 3.5.1 – Additional Sentence

   Proposed by Greg McLeod – ECA Umpires Appointments Officer PASSED

   Wicket box on synthetic pitches

   The home club shall be responsible for ensuring that sufficient soil/sand/grass is in the wicket boxes on synthetic pitches so as to hold the wickets and for the wickets to be set at the same level as the pitch.

   Rationale

   Umpires advised that the lack of soil/sand/grass in the wicket boxes of synthetic pitches so as to hold the wickets caused issues during matches, in particular delaying play. 

   Executive Comments

   The Executive supports this rule change.

2. Items 2–3

   1. Rule 3.14.4 – Interchange Players becomes Rule 3.14.4.1 – No change to the rule itself.
   2. Create Rule 3.14.4.2 – In all Limited Over Competition (LOC) Turf and Synthetic Grades, a captain shall have the option to nominate 12 players.

   Proposed by Deepdene Uniting, Burnley CYMS & Trinity Willison Cricket Clubs PASSED

   3.14.4.2(i) A team can play 12 players with only 11 players being allowed to bat, and only up to 11 players being able to bowl (ie the 12th player can either bat or bowl - not do both). All players named in a team must physically take the field at some stage during the match. The maximum number of players at any one time for the fielding side is 11.

   3.14.4.2(ii) With the consent of the umpires, or as agreed between the captains if an official umpire is not present, unlimited interchange of the 12 nominated players shall be allowed between overs or after intervals or interruptions.

   3.14.4.2(iii) A substitute is only allowed, outside the nominated 12 players, if the injured or absent fielder cannot be replaced by another nominated player within the 12. For clarity, substitute players are not permitted if there are 11 nominated players available.

   3.14.4.2(iv) All 12 players must be named on the team sheet and in PlayHQ prior to the toss.

   Rationale

   • Primarily to increase participation in both home and away games and finals. This rule would allow clubs with teams in LOC competitions to field an extra player in each side, keeping more players involved each week. This rule has largely been taken from a similar rule in Premier cricket which has allowed 12 players in teams below 1^st grade for a number of years. Important to remember that the rule only provides the option to play 12, teams can obviously field 11 players as usual if that is their choice (Deepdene United).

   • Believe this rule should be added to increase participation. We have teams in other competitions where this is the norm. It would allow us to prolong some careers as well as give some of our younger players a go (Burnley CYMS).

   • When availability is high, this means fewer players miss out on a game of cricket (Trinity Willison).

   Executive Comments

   • The Executive supports this rule change. Maybe this could be extended to all 1 day games in all senior mixed grades in the future.

3. Remove Rule 3.14.4 (iv)

   Proposed by Ashwood Cricket Club PASSED

   Neither interchange player can play in any other match during the two day match in which they have been named as an interchange player, except where the other match is a match in the ECA Veterans or junior competition. Rule 3.14.4 (v) would become 3.14.4 (iv) and Rule 3.14.4 (vi) would become 3.14.4 (v).

   Rationale

   If a player is missing for 1 week of a two day match, why should their replacement be forced to sit and watch the day they are not needed? Let them play as an interchange player in the next lower grade and another player can come up to replace them This is how it works in nearly every other two day competition including premier cricket.

   Executive Comments

   The Executive supports this rule change.

4. Remove Rule 3.18.1 – Hospitality

   Proposed by AYC Harlequins & Richmond Union Cricket Clubs REJECTED

   All home clubs are expected to provide afternoon tea for visiting club members, officials and umpires.

   Rationale

   AYC Harlequins Cricket Club

   • Believe that providing afternoon teas is an unnecessary burden on clubs that adds financial strain, as a club we have always provided a spread to cater for all but also include savory, fruit and sweets.

   • However not all clubs provide the same too often we have had biscuits (BBQ shapes), a few cakes and maybe some bread rolls/scrolls with nothing on it (tomato, cheese, ham, etc.). 

   • Believe that this should no longer fall on club as it was in COVID that players to bring their own afternoon tea. Clubs will still be required to provide drinks for players, umpires, etc. for afternoon tea and all drinks breaks.

   • General communication across clubs with players and comments of substandard afternoon teas provided by certain clubs and then compliments for the teas provided by others. In other words better off taking your own when playing some clubs. The levels of what each club produces varies greatly with some making greater effort than others. 

   • This is another financial burden for clubs (smaller clubs suffer more) and is passed onto to players through subscriptions and or left to them to purchase food (which can be chips, biscuits or anything see from Coles/Woolworths and generally not nutritious or fruit of any kind). 

   Richmond Union Cricket Club

   • Removal of the rule totally, no longer the need to provide afternoon tea accept maybe at the higher levels such as Dunstan Shield, etc. where there may be an opportunity to retain the rule but lower level cricket should have it removed.

   • Cost - we all have rising costs and trying to keep our membership fees down and this is a cost clubs could do without and help to keep player memberships as low as possible.

   • Budget priority - preference to spending club’s funds on developing junior cricket rather than providing an egg sandwich for a 40 year old bloke on a Saturday.

   • The quality of food varies greatly, some clubs put on a great spread, others pretty average and some nothing at all, just do away with it.

   • We all survived through Covid providing our own food on match days.

   • Liability - In lower grades in often some fairly average facilities, food preparation and storage can be poor. It is also only a matter of time someone eats something they are allergic too and will the provider of the food be held liable for this? If we are serving food in council facilities does this mean all captains should have Council Food Serving certificates? These are the issues that will come to light when a health issue arises.

   Executive Comments

   The Executive does not support this Rule Change. The Executive believes that time spent together during the tea break promotes stronger relationships and collaboration between the clubs.

5. Rule 5.2 – Hours Of Play

   Proposed by AYC Harlequins Cricket Club REJECTED

   Rule 5.2.1 - Proposed new wording of rule

   One-Day matches in all grades shall commence at 12:00pm (currently 12.30pm) and except as provided hereunder, cease at 6:00pm. If the match commences after 12:00pm (currently 12.30pm) but before 1:30pm (currently 2.00pm), the maximum number of overs that each team is entitled to bat for is to be determined in the following way:
   
   Rule 5.2.2 - Proposed new wording of rule

   If the match has a delayed start for any reason and commences after 12:00pm (currently 12.30pm), but prior to 1:30pm (currently 2.00pm), the maximum number of overs that each team is entitled to bat for is to be determined in the following way:

   Recalculation of Overs (Delayed start: 12.01pm to 1:30pm)

   Overs Per Team - Rule 5	Overs Per Team - Rule 5A	Start at	Or before
   40	35	12:01pm	12:27pm
   39	34	12:27pm	12:34pm
   38	33	12:34pm	12:41pm
   37	32	12:41pm	12:48pm
   36	31	12:48pm	12:55pm
   35	30	12:55pm	1:02pm
   34	29	1:02pm	1:09pm
   33	28	1:09pm	1:16pm
   32	27	1:16pm	1:23pm
   31	26	1:23pm	1:30pm

   Before the start of the game the revised number of overs for each team/game should be agreed by the umpires or captains.

   All times above have been brought forward 30 minutes.

   Rationale

   • Too many games in LOC grades 40 overs are finishing well beyond 6:00pm without delay due to adverse conditions mainly due to constant multiple field changes within the over. (After shot played fielder moved in hope of wicket or batsman playing same shot only to be changed again after different shot played!).

   • Over rates very slow across many games at varying levels of LOC grades. Other issues discussed by club is introducing penalties for slow over rates (no adverse conditions), this may be more complicated but will attempt to draw up rules and or changes in separate form.

   • This has hindered timings when trying to organise/hold club functions and or match report to encourage players / supporters to stay around to help support the club. In turn this provides an environment for social cohesion within the club to help with funding and allow the club to keep player subscriptions at acceptable levels. 

   • Not so much held discussion with other clubs but noted players concerned after games with the timing of finishes when well after 6:00pm. Discussed at club level during committee meetings.

   • The only possible unintended consequences of making this change is that it may affect juniors playing senior cricket and ability to get to games on time due to junior games finishing on time and or distance required to travel. This may also affect those that would work on a Saturday morning (half day?) again for the same reason, distance to travel, etc.

   Executive Comments

   The Executive does not support the rule change.

6. Further to Number 6 rule change proposal above

   Proposed by AYC Harlequins Cricket Club REJECTED

   Rule 5.2 – Slow Over Rates Penalties

   With request for rule change to time of commencement of play 5.2, the alternative would be to introduce penalties for slow over rates (LOC grades and/or all 1 day games?). Maybe the added penalties could be introduced as by-laws? Or considered by ECA if the time change alone is not considered?
    
   Timings as it stands and with change:

    
   (i) 12.30-6.00pm = 5 hours 30min play time - 20minutes tea & 10 minute change of innings = 2 hour 30 minutes per innings = 3.45 minutes per over 

   (ii) 12.00-6.00pm = 6 hours play time - 20min tea & 10min change innings = 2 hours 45 minutes per innings = 4.15 minutes per over
   
   * (i) = 1st innings 12.30pm to 3.00pm (30 minutes tea break & change over), 2nd innings 3.30pm to 6.00pm 
   * (ii) = 1st innings 12.00pm to 2.45pm (30 minutes tea break & change over) 2nd innings 3.15pm to 6.00pm  

   Suggested Penalties (MacGibbon, Burt and LOC 1 with field restrictions) with either of times above. 
   
   If 1^st innings not completed as above time, the bowling team to complete 40 overs but forfeit overs remaining after time from their batting innings (eg: 38 overs bowled at 3.00pm (or 2.45pm) they complete 40 but forfeit 2 overs of their batting). If 2^nd innings bowling side has not completed overs by 6.00pm (40 or however many due to above) fielding restrictions to apply for remaining overs after 6.00pm. The following can be set anyway but as a guide:

   1-3 overs left 4 fielders outside 30 metre circle (1 less) 
   4-6 overs left 3 fielders outside 30metre circle (2 less) 
   7 or more overs left Only 2 fielders out full restriction 
   
   Should the batting side attempt to stall play (long pitch conference, not ready when fielders in place. etc., 1 warning given and 2^nd time would be a penalty of 5 runs. I know the above could be controversial, however the higher grades would have an umpire. The controversy would be more so in lower grades with no umpire(s), again this is to ensure games finish at a reasonable time not after 6.30pm-7.00pm.  

   LOWER LOC GRADES 
   
   They would follow the above, however without fielding restrictions the 2^nd innings would differ.
   
   If 1^st innings is not completed as above time, the bowling team to complete 40 overs but forfeit overs remaining after time from their batting innings (eg 38 overs bowled at 3.00pm (or 2.45pm) they complete 40 but forfeit 2 overs of their batting).
      
   2nd innings bowling side has not completed overs by 6.00pm (40 or however many due to above), they lose penalty runs TBC eg 6 runs per over x 3 overs = 18 runs) 

   The above maybe harder to police without an official umpire and cause controversy. Again penalties could be added as an alternative by-law or new to suggested rule change 5.2 put forward. The other unforeseen issue would be with live scoring and adjustments at the end of innings and on match completion. This would include change of runs required by batting team in 2^nd innings if the bowling team had a slow over rate.

   Furthermore calculations of run rates could also be affected if the bowling team in the 2^nd innings was behind and penalised runs and the batting team had already passed the score with the change. The above penalty suggestion may require further thought by clubs and ECA including complications mentioned but suggested to have games or make team captains responsible to finish games in a timely manner.

   Rationale

   See above.

   Executive Comments

   The Executive does not support the rule change. The Executive believes a number of the suggestions are not workable.

7. Rule 11.8.3 – Remove Reference to Sunday Turf

   Proposed by East Doncaster Cricket Club PASSED

   Rule 11.8 Eligibility and Qualification for Semi-Finals and Final Matches

   Rule 11.8.3

   Where an ECA Veterans or ECA Sunday Competition exists, players who play or are named to play in any of these grades for more than 3 games of play will be able to count a maximum of 2 games for semi and grand finals qualifications under Rule 11.8.

   Rationale

   Remove the reference to using Sunday turf games (just Vets) towards qualification for Saturday as they do not count. Under Sunday Turf Rule 2.10 - eligibility and qualification for semi-finals and finals matches, ECA Senior Playing Rule 11.8.3 does not apply.

   Executive Comments

   The Executive supports this rule change.

ECA Executive – Rule Change Proposals

9. Rule 3.7 - Covers on Turf Pitches

   Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

   Rule 3.7.6(ii)

   As per Rule 10.6.4, the Umpire fee will be half of the designated daily match fee. The Umpire Fee shall be as per the Schedule of Umpire Fees issued by the Executive prior to the commencement of each season in accordance with Rule 10.6.

10. Rule 10.6 - Match Fees for Umpires

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    Rule 10.6

    10.6.1 Match fees to be paid to official umpires shall be determined yearly at the Annual General Meeting. A Schedule of Umpire Match Fees as determined at the Annual General Meeting will be issued prior to the commencement of each season.

    10.6.2 Each team, on for each playing day, shall pay half the match fees to the umpires shall be responsible for payment of half the match fees paid to the umpires.

    10.6.3 Match fees shall be paid to umpires no later than 15 minutes after the end by the ECA as early as practical following the completion of any designated day of play. of the day’s play. Such match fee will be invoiced to clubs by the ECA following any designated day of play. Failure to pay on time shall incur a fine of 2 penalty units. In the case of non- payment, the offending team’s club shall be liable for any amount not paid to the umpires together with an additional fine of 4 penalty units.

    10.6.4 If no play takes place, an official umpire, if in attendance, shall be paid as per the Schedule of Umpire Match Fees in 10.6.1. 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. These fees shall be paid within 10 minutes of the cancellation of the day’s play.

    10.6.5 In the case of the non-payment, or the late payment, of a match fee or an additional fee by a team on any day, the official umpire shall report this to the Umpires’ Manager. Delete

    Rationale

    The changes to Rules 3.7 and 10.6 reflect today’s common practice of umpire match fees being paid by the Executive and also specifies now that umpires will only be paid when a day’s play is cancelled, if they are at the ground after the scheduled starting time of play.

11. Rule 3.14.4 – Interchange Players

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    Rule 3.14.4 (ii)

    Clubs may interchange one player for another in a team during a two day home and away match, subject to the following conditions:

    i) This rule also does not apply to semi-finals and finals matches in any grades.

    ii) There is a limit of two interchange players in all Senior Mixed two day games. Dunstan Shield, Wright Shield, A & B Turf and MacGibbon, Burt, Menzies & Mackay Shield and A Synthetic. In all other grades there is a limit of three interchange players.  Rule 3.14.2 also applies to each interchange player.

    Rationale

    Have a maximum of two interchange players in all two day games, no need to have three in lower grades. This also means the printed out team sheet will be consistent across all grades.

12. Rule 5A One-Day Matches Including Limited Over Competition Matches - 36 Overs

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    5A.2 Playing Conditions

    5A.2.1 One No bowler shall be permitted to bowl 8 overs no more than 7 overs in any innings. All other bowlers cannot bowl any more than 7 overs. In the event of a bowler being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be allowed to be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.

    Rationale

    It does not make sense in the LOC grades playing 36 overs, that it requires a 6^th bowler to bowl at least one over, rather than one bowler being able to bowl 8 overs.

13. Rule 7 - Two Day Final (Where A Reserve Day Has Been Allocated)

    Proposed by Executive PASSED

    Rule 7.1.5 – Three or More Reserve Days Available

    Should play on Day one and two, and any following reserve day, be abandoned without a ball being bowled for any reason, and there are two reserve days remaining, the match shall be played on those two reserve days (as a two day match) under Rule 4.

    Should play on the first two days and each of the reserve days, prior to the last reserve day, be abandoned without a ball being bowled for any reason, and there are three or more reserve days, the match shall be played on the last reserve day under Rule 6.

    Rationale

    This brings Rule 7.1.5 in line with the preceding Rules 7.1.3 and 7.1.4

14. Rule 18 – T20 Conditions

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    Rule 18.2 Eligibility of Players

    18.2.2 Players competing in Premier or Sub District Cricket 1^st or 2^nd XI sides in the season of the competition are ineligible, unless they have qualified for finals in the Junior Mixed section of a Club in a minimum of two seasons (per player points rule11.7.6.3). Premier and Sub District

    3^rd or 4^th XI players representing such club which has been accepted into the competition, or for whom prior approval has been given to play are eligible. Clubs can only select one player in each match who is eligible under the abovementioned criteria.

    18.2.3 The ECA Executive may nominate rounds of the T20 Competition that marquee players may be selected. A Club may select one marquee player not otherwise eligible under Rule 18.2.1 or 18.2.2 in any nominated round of the T20 Competition. No clearance is required however the name of the marquee player must be communicated to the General Manager T20 Coordinator at least 48 24 hours before the match and be registered on PlayHQ. Each Club participating may use a marquee player in only one of the nominated rounds each season.

    Rationale

    These changes enable ECA clubs to have more flexibility in selecting players who are marquee players and/or have represented the club in Junior Mixed cricket previously. This is more consistent with other community T20 competitions and will help raise the profile and the standard of the ECA T20 competition.

15. Rule 18 – T20 Conditions

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    Rule 18.4 - Hours of Play and Intervals & Rule 18.5 – Length Of Innings

    18.4.1 Standard Scheduled Start and Cessation Times as follows:

    First Session 5.30pm – 6.45pm

    Interval 6.45pm – 6.55pm

    Second Session 6.55pm – 8.10pm

    Note: Start times may only be altered with the approval of the Umpire or the General Manager

    18.4.2 Intervals between innings shall be of 10 minutes duration. No drinks intervals are permitted.

    18.4.3 In exceptional circumstances the game date may be changed in advance with the consent of both clubs and the approval of the General Manager. However the game must be played within seven days of the original scheduled playing date.

    18.4.4 Semi Final and Finals games may be scheduled at the discretion of the General Manager.

    18.4.5 If no play is possible, or any of the matches are a tie or no result, a higher ranked team may take place (refer Rule 18.6 for details).

    18.4.6 If in the opinion of the umpires, natural light is deteriorating to an unfit level, they shall authorize the use of any available artificial lighting so that the match can continue in acceptable

    conditions.

    18.5 Length of Innings

    18.5.1 Each team shall bat for 20 overs unless all out earlier. If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 20 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 20 overs.

    18.5.2 Play shall, if necessary, continue beyond 8.10pm weather and light permitting, in order to

    complete the full over entitlement of the side batting second.

    18.5.3 Where there is no delay or interruption in the innings of the side batting first and If the overs are not completed at 6.45pm the umpires shall note the remaining overs yet to commence, number of overs completed, with the team batting first receiving their full entitlement of overs. The team batting second will then only receive the number of overs commenced completed at 6.45pm. ie if at 6.45pm team A has received 18.5 18 completed overs then they can bat for 20 overs and team B will receive 19 18 overs.

    18.5.3 4 If a match is delayed or interrupted 10 overs per side will constitute a minimum match

    requirement.

    18.5.4 5 If, the match is delayed or interrupted during the innings of the team batting first the overs requirement shall be reduced by 1 over for each 3.5 minutes of time lost or part thereof.

    18.5.5 6 Notwithstanding rule 18.5.1 above If the innings of the side batting first is delayed or interrupted, the that innings of the side batting first will be compulsorily

    closed after completion of the over in progress at 6.45pm or the completion of 10 overs whichever happens later. The team batting second shall be entitled to bat for only the same number of overs as bowled to the side batting first.

    18.5.6 7 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 overs are not completed at 6.45pm the umpires shall note the remaining overs yet to commence, with the team batting first receiving their full entitlement of overs. The team batting second will then only receive the number of overs commenced by 6.45pm. ie if at 6.45pm team A has received 18.5 overs then they can bat for 20 overs and team B will receive 19 overs.

    Rationale

    Will assist in the need to have the match completed before the light conditions make it unsafe to continue.

16. Rule 18 – T20 Conditions

    Proposed by ECA Executive PASSED

    Rule 18.6.3 Bowl Out Result In The Event Of A Tie Or No Result

    In the event of a tie or no result in the preliminary pool rounds, the match points will be split evenly between the two competing clubs. In the event of a tie or no result in the knockout finals rounds, the match will be awarded to the higher ranked club in the pool rounds. In the event of a tie in the Grand Final the premiership will be shared, consistent with the Senior Mixed Rule 4.14.3.

    In the event of a tie or no result, if circumstances (outdoors or indoors) permit (Umpires shall decide) a ‘bowl-out’ will be contested to achieve a result: five players from each side will bowl over-arm two deliveries each at a wicket (conforming to Law 8) pitched at a distance of 22 yards with, if practicable, bowling, popping and return creases (conforming to Law 7). The first bowler from Team A will bowl two deliveries, then the first bowler from Team B will bowl two deliveries, then the second bowler from Team A will bowl two deliveries, and so on. The side which bowls down the wicket (as defined in Law 29.1) the most times shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the same players will bowl one ball each alternately to achieve a result on a ‘sudden death’ basis. If circumstances make a ‘bowl-out’ impossible the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin under the supervision of the Umpire(s).

    The following shall also apply in respect of ‘bowl-outs’:

    i) The same suitably acceptable ball (not a new one) will be used by both teams. If this ball becomes wet, it may be changed subject to the umpires’ approval.

    ii)If a bowler bowls a ‘no ball’ it will count as one of his two deliveries but will not count towards the score of the team, i.e. if a wicket is achieved, it will not count.

    iii) If the original match has started, the five players to take part in the ‘bowl-out’ must be selected from the original 11 nominated players. If the match has not started, the five cricketers to take part in the ‘bowl-out’ can be any five eligible, registered players from that club.

    iv) Each side will appoint a wicketkeeper to stand behind the wicket but out of reach of the stumps.

    Rationale

    The light at the end of most T20 matches does not properly allow a safe environment for a bowl off or super overs. The above changes to the rule are deemed reasonable.