THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET
Preamble to the Laws
Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the
fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of
the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game
itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the
captains.
1. There are two Laws which place responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly
on the captain.
Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted
within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
Player’s conduct
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or
criticising by word or action the decision of an umpire, or showing dissent, or
generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the
umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire
and to the player’s captain, and instruct the latter to take action.
2. Fair and unfair play
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
The umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the
captain to take action where required.
3. The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
 Time wasting
 Damaging the pitch
 Dangerous or unfair bowling
 Tampering with the ball
 Any other action that they consider to be unfair.
4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
 Your opponents
 Your own captain
 The roles of the umpires
 The game’s traditional values
5. It is against the Spirit of the Game:
 To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture.
 To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire.
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
To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
(a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when
appealing
(c) to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment
with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of
enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side.
6. Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
7. Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match.
Every player is expected to make an important contribution towards this.
© Marylebone Cricket Club
IDENTILAM COLTS LEAGUE
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LEAGUE REGULATIONS 2017
1. All players must be members of their parent club, as this is an absolute requirement for
insurance purposes.
2. Players cannot play IDENTILAM COLTS LEAGUE CRICKET for more than one club during the
current season. However, if a club does not have a team entered at a particular age group, then
a player will be eligible to join another club, at this age group.
3. Registration of Players. All clubs must register their players and have documentary proof of
their ages. Registration must be completed before a player takes part in a match. The
registration information can be sent by email or text (which would have the date and time
stamp necessary) to the Membership Secretary.
a) Should a Club enter 2 sides in any age group League, players will NOT be allowed to
cross over from one team to the other. Player’s names must be registered with the
Registration Secretary, stating clearly which team they will be representing
4. Contravention of regulations 1, 2 and 3 will result in the deduction of all points from the
offending club in that match. The game will be awarded to the innocent club, who will be
awarded the points. The game will not be replayed.
5. Amendments to the published fixture list are permitted (although not desirable) if agreed with
the opposition and advised to the Fixture Secretary, Web Master and the Age Group Recorder
by Sunday 16TH APRIL, 2017
6. After the 16TH APRIL 2017 only bad weather can be the reason for postponing a game. Every
effort must be made to play on the specified date. In the event of a game not being
played/abandoned through adverse weather conditions, after a minimum of 2 cancellations and
unless clubs agree to reschedule, 6 points will be awarded to each club. In the U8, U9 and U10
leagues, this will be 2 points per club. In the event of a postponement due to bad weather, the
home side must take the initiative and agree a new date with the opposition. The new date
must be advised to the fixture secretary/webmaster and the age group recorder within 6
days of postponement. Revised fixtures shall also be posted on the play-cricket website in
accordance with the arrangements set out by the age group recorder/webmaster.
7. Any team/club that fails to report a result for the weekend games by Midnight on the day
following the game will be deducted 3 POINTS. Likewise any team/club that fails to report a
result for the midweek games by midday on the Sunday following the game will be deducted
3 POINTS. In the Under 9 and 10 leagues this will be 1 POINT per club.
8. Every effort must be made for the players to be correctly dressed, i.e. white shirts, grey or
white trousers, white boots or training shoes.
9. It should be noted that some clubs pay on artificial wickets. Players should therefore take the
relevant footwear, for both grass and artificial, to all matches and we recommend that the
AWAY manager contact the HOME manager to determine the correct footwear required.
10. In the event of any occurrence not provided for in the Rules or Regulations the League
Management Committee will decide the matter. This will apply to all competitions under the
jurisdiction of the IDENTILAM League.
NB. The League Management Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary
and Fixture Secretary. If any dispute involves their parent club(s), then other officials will be
appointed.
11. Six legitimate balls must be bowled in the final over of all games at ALL age groups.
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12. It is the responsibility of the AWAY Club to provide the ONLY match ball. It is not essential
to have a ball for each innings but this should be agreed prior to the match.
13. RESULTS ENTRY PROCEDURE
The following procedure for entering the Results of all matches and for revising the dates of
Fixtures shall be strictly adhered to:



The HOME team shall enter the full result by midnight of the day following the match day.
The Age Group Recorder will be checking to see if the result is entered. Midday on a Sunday
for all midweek games.
The Opposition shall review the result and scorecard, correcting any names ONLY. If there
is any disagreement with score data entered it should be discussed with the HOME team
manager and agreement reached. He then ticks the ‘confirmed result’ box against the
result in his Admin section.
The Age Group Recorder will monitor, via the fixtures list, that the expected results have
been entered and confirmed by the opposition, at which point he will ‘lock’ the result on
the League site. It cannot then be altered.
The whole procedure will be monitored by the Age Group Recorders and Webmaster.
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LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 8s
1. Boys must be under 8 on 1st September 2016. Girls must be under 10 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games should be played on weekday evenings at 6.00 pm but may be started earlier by prior agreement.
3. Each team shall comprise 8 players.
4. The length of the pitch shall be 16 yards.
5. Kwik Cricket kit will be used at all times. This means that an orange windball and blue bats are
to be used. No protective gear is necessary.
6. 16 overs per side should be bowled. By prior agreement a match may be shortened to 12 overs per side.
7. The batting side shall be divided into 4 pairs, each batting for 4 overs (or 3 overs if the game is
reduced to 12 overs per side).
8. No player may bowl more than 4 overs (or 3 overs in a 12 over game).
9. Each team will commence batting with 200 runs.
10. Every time a wicket falls 5 runs are deducted from the team score.
11. When a batsman is dismissed he/she should immediately change ends with the non-striker (on
all but the last ball of the over or after a run-out).
12. Wides and no-balls to count as 1 run, there being a maximum of 8 balls bowled in each over
except the last over of an innings which must contain 6 legitimate balls.
13. The winning team shall be the side scoring the highest number of runs after deductions for the
fall of wickets.
14. Points awarded: 4 for a win, 2 each for a tie or for an abandoned match that cannot be replayed
and 1 for a loss. In the event that two or more sides are tied on points net run difference will
decide their respective league positions.
15. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
16. The Laws of Cricket apply unless amended by these rules. Particular note must be made of Rule
17 below:
a) in the interests of consistency and safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
b) any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal
batting stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the
warning system, explaining to the offender immediately.
c) in the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of
the wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
d) a ball that bounces MORE THAN TWICE shall be called NO BALL.
17. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game. A substitute may also act as non-striker whilst their team is batting. In such
circumstances the “live” batsman shall receive strike continuously.
18. For Rules concerning the cancellation of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played within the season see League Regulations 2017 on page 4. However it
is possible for the match to be played at any stage during the week, Monday to Friday, of the
date set in the fixtures but at all times let the Recorder and Webmaster know the revised date
if applicable. If the match is not played for whatever reason during that week the game will be
classed as “CANCELLED”.
19. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES.
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LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 9s
1. Boys must be under 9 on 1st September 2016. Girls must be under 11 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games should be played on weekday evenings at 6.00 pm but may be started earlier by prior
agreement.
3. Each team shall comprise 8 players.
4. The length of the pitch shall be 16 yards.
5. Kwik Cricket kit will be used at all times. This means that an orange windball and blue bats are
to be used. No protective gear is necessary.
6. 16 overs per side should be bowled. By prior agreement a match may be shortened to 12 overs per side.
7. The batting side shall be divided into 4 pairs, each batting for 4 overs (or 3 overs if the game is
reduced to 12 overs per side).
8. No player may bowl more than 4 overs (or 3 overs in a 12 over game).
9. Each team will commence batting with 200 runs.
10. Every time a wicket falls 5 runs are deducted from the team score.
11. When a batsman is dismissed he/she should immediately change ends with the non-striker (on all
but the last ball of the over or after a run-out).
12. Wides and no-balls to count as 1 run, there being a maximum of 8 balls bowled in each over
except the last over of an innings which must contain 6 legitimate balls.
13. The winning team shall be the side scoring the highest number of runs after deductions for the
fall of wickets.
14. Points awarded: 4 for a win, 2 each for a tie or for an abandoned match that cannot be replayed
and 1 for a loss. In the event that two or more sides are tied on points net run difference will
decide their respective league positions.
15. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
16. The Laws of Cricket apply unless amended by these rules. Particular note must be made of Rule
17 below:
a) in the interests of consistency and safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
b) any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal
batting stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the
warning system, explaining to the offender immediately.
c) in the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of
the wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
d) a ball that bounces MORE THAN TWICE shall be called NO BALL.
17. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game. A substitute may also act as non-striker whilst their team is batting. In such
circumstances the “live” batsman shall receive strike continuously.
18. For Rules concerning the cancellation of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played within the season see League Regulations 2017 on page 4. However it
is possible for the match to be played at any stage during the week, Monday to Friday, of the
date set in the fixtures but at all times let the Recorder and Webmaster know the revised date if
applicable. If the match is not played for whatever reason during that week the game will be
classed as “CANCELLED”.
19. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES.
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LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 10s
1. Boys must be under 10 on 1st September 2016. Girls must be under 12 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games should be played on Saturday mornings at 9.30am. Due to Premier League matches
starting at an earlier time, those clubs that are effected will need to vacate their ground by 12
noon. This means that in those circumstances games could start as early as 9am. In order to
save time, there will only be 6 balls bowled in overs 1 to 19 (or 1 – 14 if a 15 over match). Any
no balls or wides will be awarded with 2 runs. In the final over 6 legal deliveries must be
bowled and any wides or no balls will count as 1 run. No change of end after every over. It was
suggested that the end is changed every 4 overs and then a maximum of 10 minutes for drinks
only between innings. All of this has to be agreed prior to the match starting by both team
managers. None of this applies if the ground is not required for senior cricket.
3. Each team shall comprise 10 players.
4. The length of the pitch shall be 19 yards.
5. A new small ball (4¾oz) must be used. The AWAY team shall provide the match ball.
6. 20 overs per side should be bowled. By prior agreement a match may be shortened to 15 overs per side.
7. The batting side shall be divided into 5 pairs, each batting for 4 overs (or 3 overs if the game is
reduced to 15 overs per side).
8. No player may bowl more than 4 overs (or 3 overs in a 15 over game).
9. Each team will commence batting with 200 runs.
10. Every time a wicket falls 5 runs are deducted from the team score.
11. When a batsman is dismissed he/she should immediately change ends with the non-striker (on
all but the last ball of the over or after a run-out).
12. Wides and no-balls: See rule 2.
13. The winning team shall be the side scoring the highest number of runs after deductions for the
fall of wickets.
14. Points awarded: 4 for a win, 2 each for a tie or for an abandoned match that cannot be replayed
and 1 for a loss. In the event that two or more sides are tied on points net run difference will
decide their respective league positions.
15. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
16. The Laws of Cricket apply unless amended by these rules. Particular note must be made of Rule
17 below:
a) in the interests of consistency and safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
b) any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal
batting stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the
warning system, explaining to the offender immediately.
c) in the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of
the wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
d) a ball that bounces MORE THAN TWICE shall be called NO BALL.
17. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game. A substitute may also act as non-striker whilst their team is batting. In such
circumstances the “live” batsman shall receive strike continuously.
18. For Rules concerning the non-playing of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played on the specified date, see League Regulations 2017 on page 4.
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19. It is envisaged that there will be two leagues based purely on a geographical basis. The winners
of each group will play off for the title of U10 champions.
20. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES
LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 12s
1. Boys must be under 12 on 1st September 2016 Girls must be under 14 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games should be played on Saturday mornings at 9.30am. Due to Premier League matches
starting at an earlier time, those clubs that are effected will need to vacate their ground by 12
noon. This means that in those circumstances games could start as early as 9am. In order to
save time, there will only be 6 balls bowled in overs 1 to 19 (or 1 – 14 if a 15 over match). Any
no balls or wides will be awarded with 2 runs. In the final over 6 legal deliveries must be
bowled and any wides or no balls will count as 1 run. No change of end after every over. It was
suggested that the end is changed every 4 overs and then a maximum of 10 minutes for drinks
only between innings. All of this has to be agreed prior to the match starting by both team
managers. None of this applies if the ground is not required for senior cricket.
3. 20 overs per side should be bowled.
a) By agreement prior to the match, a match may be shortened to 15 overs per side.
b) A side batting second must complete at least 10 overs to ensure a result on a faster
scoring rate if the match is stopped due to bad weather.
4. No bowler can bowl more than 4 overs.
5. Batsmen must retire at 30 AND WILL NOT RETURN. However for the 10th wicket, the
retirement rule does not apply, e.g. One batsman out innings closed
6. Points awarded: - 20 for a win
10 each for a tie
7. Bonus points (Losing side only): 1 for every 20 runs (Max 100 runs) *
1 for every 2 wickets **
8. A side obtaining maximum batting points can declare and any of their unused batting overs can
be allocated to their allocated bowling overs to help them achieve additional bowling points or
a win.
** A side bowling out a team with less than 11 players shall still gain the maximum 5 bonus
points.
9. The length of the pitch shall be 21 yards.
10. A new small ball (4¾oz) must be used. The AWAY team shall provide the match ball.
11. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
12. In the interests of consistency ands safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
13. Any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal batting
stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the warning
system, explaining to the offender immediately.
14. In the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of the
wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
15. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game.
16. As in 2016, we envisage two leagues (division 1 and division 2), based on prior performances and
discussion with the team managers. The winner of Division 1 will become U12 champions, and
the winners of division 2 will receive a trophy and medals.
17. For Rules concerning the non-playing of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played on the specified date, see League Regulations 2017 on page 4.
18. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES.
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LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 14s
1. Boys must be under 14 on 1st September 2016. Girls must be under 16 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games must be played on Sunday mornings at 9.30am.
3. 20 overs per side should be bowled.
a. By agreement prior to the match, a match may be shortened to 15 overs per side.
b. A side batting second must complete at least 10 overs to ensure a result on a faster
scoring rate if the match is stopped due to bad weather.
4. No bowler can bowl more than 4 overs.
5. Batsmen must retire at 40, AND WILL NOT RETURN. However for the 10th wicket, the
retirement rule does not apply, e.g. One batsman out innings closed
6. Points awarded: - 20 for a win
10 each for a tie
7. Bonus points (Losing side only): 1 for every 20 runs (Max 100 runs) *
1 for every 2 wickets **
8. A side obtaining maximum batting points can declare and any of their unused batting overs can
be allocated to their allocated bowling overs to help them achieve additional bowling points or
a win.
** A side bowling out a team with less than 11 players shall still gain the maximum 5 bonus
points.
9.
A full size (22 yard) pitch must be used.
10. A new full size ball must be used. The AWAY team shall provide the match ball.
11. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
12. In the interests of consistency ands safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
13. Any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal batting
stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the warning
system, explaining to the offender immediately.
14. In the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of the
wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
15. No bowler may bowl more than 9 balls per over.
16. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game.
17. For Rules concerning the non-playing of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played on the specified date, see League Regulations 2017 on page 4.
18. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES.
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LAWS FOR THE 2017 SEASON
UNDER 16s
1. Boys must be under 16 on 1st September 2016. Girls must be under 18 on 1st September 2016.
2. Games must be played on Sunday mornings at 9.30.
3. 25 overs per side should be bowled.
a. By agreement prior to the match, a match may be shortened to 20 overs per side. (see
change to bonus points)
b. A side batting second must complete at least 15 overs (10 overs in a 20 over match) to
ensure a result on a faster scoring rate if the match is stopped due to bad weather.
4. No bowler can bowl more than 5 overs.
5. Batsmen must retire at 50 AND WILL NOT RETURN. However for the 10th wicket, the
retirement rule does not apply, e.g. One batsman out innings closed Points awarded: - 20 for a
win, 10 each for a tie
6. Points awarded: - 20 for a win.
10 each for a tie
7. Bonus points (Losing side only): 1 for every 25 runs (Max 125 runs) in a 25 over game. *
1 for every 20 runs (Max 100 runs) in a 20 over game. *
1 for every 2 wickets **
8. A side obtaining maximum batting points can declare and any of their unused batting overs can
be allocated to their allocated bowling overs to help them achieve additional bowling points or
a win.
** A side bowling out a team with less than 11 players shall still gain the maximum 5 bonus
points.
9. A full 22 yard pitch must be used.
10. A new full size ball must be used. The AWAY team shall provide the match ball. By agreement
prior to the start of the match a new ball may be used for each innings.
11. Each club must nominate an umpire who will stand for the whole match.
12. In the interests of consistency ands safety, the high ball / beamer must be interpreted in
accordance with Law 42.
13. Any ball having pitched and passing over the batsman’s shoulder, standing in his normal batting
stance, will be called and signalled NO BALL. Umpires are instructed to operate the warning
system, explaining to the offender immediately.
14. In the interests of safety, no player shall field within 10 yards of the batsman - in front of the
wicket and behind the wicket on the leg side only.
15. Substitute fielders will only be allowed in the event of injury to a player already participating in
the game.
16. For Rules concerning the non-playing of matches and awarding of points in the event that a
game cannot be played on the specified date, see League Regulations 2017 on page 4.
17. Both teams and their supporters MUST abide by the MCC Spirit of Cricket at ALL TIMES.
IDENTILAM COLTS LEAGUE
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