Gloucestershire County Trophy - Rules 2017
1. TITLE
The full title of the Competition is the “Gloucestershire Cricket Board County Trophy”
2. MANAGEMENT.
The control of the competition, which will take place annually, shall be undertaken by
the Senior Clubs and Competitions Development Group (SCCDG) of the GCB and all
decisions relating to these rules or to matches played in the competition shall be final
and binding on all concerned.
3. ENTRY.
(i) All competing clubs must be affiliated to the GCB and ECB.
(ii) All Clubs that play in any league below the West of England Premier League
(all Divisions) shall automatically qualify to enter the Competition.
(iii) All eligible clubs will be invited to enter the competition shortly after the end
of the previous season. Clubs wishing to enter must return their entry forms
before January 1st of the year of the competition.
(iv) If a club fails to fulfill a fixture in any one year that club may not be allowed to
compete in the following year's competition.
(v) Previous year's finalists shall be exempt from the preliminary round of the
following year’s competition.
4. COMPETITION STRUCTURE
The competition shall be organised on a straight knock out basis.
5. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS.
(i) A cricketer shall only be eligible to play for a club in the competition if he is a
bona-fide, fully paid up member of that club.
(ii) If a club is a member of a League, a cricketer shall be deemed to be a "bonafide" member of that club if he is eligible to play for that club under the rules
of the League.
(iii) No currently contracted professional cricketer may take part in this
competition.
(iv) No player may represent more than one club in the competition in any one
year.
(v) Overseas players, as defined by ECB, shall be limited to one per team at any
one time.
(vi) In addition to the above, it is against the Spirit of this Competition to boost the
strength of a team temporarily with good players that normally play for the
club, or any other club, in a higher team. Therefore, the following restrictions
will apply.
a. For the 1st round a player will only be eligible if he has played no more than
50% of any clubs WEPL matches in the current season. For subsequent
rounds, no player who has played in more than 25% of any clubs WEPL
matches will be eligible to play.
b. The number of players eligible to play, who have played in WEPL matches
in the current season, will be limited to 2 players per club.
6. CRICKET BALLS.
Each club shall provide the umpires with one new ball prior to the toss (this will
normally be the ball used in their league matches or a ball of equivalent quality). This
applies to all matches, except the Final, when the balls shall be provided by the Board.
The HOME team shall be responsible for supplying spare balls of an adequate standard
(inspected before the game by the umpires) to be used in the event of the match ball
being lost or damaged or needing to be replaced.
A new ball must be used at the start of each innings.
7. UMPIRES.
The GCB shall be responsible for ensuring that GACO is requested to appoint two
umpires for each game. Once the umpires have been appointed, it will be the
responsibility of the HOME club in each round, except the Final, to confirm all
arrangements with the appointed umpires, particularly in the event of
postponements.
Umpires appointed by GACO are to be reimbursed their fee on the day by each club,
preferably before the game.
8. SCORERS.
Each club is strongly encouraged to provide a competent scorer.
9. FIXTURES.
Subject to the over-riding discretion of the competition organiser, matches must be
played on the date set.
(i) In the event of the game not being played on that date because of inclement
weather, the clubs will be advised by the organiser of the deadline date
applicable to the particular round. The HOME club must offer the AWAY club
at least 2 dates on which the game could be played provided these are on or
before the deadline date. If the away club declines all of the dates offered,
then they shall be liable to be excluded from the competition.
(ii) In the event of a re-arranged game not taking place on the agreed date
because of inclement weather, then the game must take place on the Sunday
following - and so on until the game is played. Unless exceptional
circumstances prevail, failure of a club to adhere to this may result in the
offending club being eliminated from the competition.
(iii) A game may take place mid-week if absolutely necessary with a match of a
minimum of 20 overs a side provided that the organizer has been informed
and official umpires are appointed.
10. TEAM SHEETS.
Each side must provide the umpires with a signed team sheet before the start of the
match identifying any player who has not reached the age of 18 on the date of the
match showing the specific age of the player. It is recommended that the ECB Team
Sheet is used wherever possible.
NB. Umpires will not stand in any match unless this requirement is met.
11. REPORTING RESULTS.
Following the match, the WINNING TEAM must inform the competition organiser
of the result by email and must enter the final scores on Play-Cricket by mid-day of
the following day. The full score sheet must be added to Play-Cricket within 72
hours.
12. HELMETS.
Any player under the age of 18 playing in the competition must wear a helmet that
conforms to the latest ECB regulations.
13. CODE OF CONDUCT.
All players, team officials and club members shall be bound by the MCC Spirit of
Cricket and the ECB Code of Conduct.
14. PLAYING CONDITIONS.
A. The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code – 4th Edition – 2010) shall apply with the following
exceptions:
B. Hours of Play and interval.
(i) Normal hours of play will be 13:30hrs - 19:00hrs (12 noon – 17:30hrs for the
final). Matches may commence at 13:00hrs providing both sides are agreeable
and the Organiser has been informed. If no change to the start time has been
officially made to the Organiser then the umpires will assume a 13:30hrs start.
(ii) In uninterrupted matches, an interval of 30 minutes will be taken at the
conclusion of the
innings of the team batting first (normally 16:20hrs)
(14:50hrs in the Final). In the case of an
interrupted match or a match in
which the start is delayed, the duration and time of the
interval can be
varied by the umpires (minimum 10 mins.).
(iii) A scheduled cessation time for each innings shall be fixed prior to its
commencement by applying the provisions of Playing Condition 14 C 2 (i).
(iv) Close of Play shall normally be 19:00hrs (17:30hrs in the Final) but play may
continue after that time, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light,
until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved - see
playing condition D.
(v) Additional Time - subject to weather and light, in the event of play being
suspended for any reason other than normal intervals, the playing time shall
be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of 30 minutes. The
captains may agree to dispense with this rule only by mutual consent. In such
circumstances the umpires must be notified before the start of the match.
C. Length of Innings.
1. In uninterrupted matches
(i) Each team shall bat for 40 overs unless all out earlier.
(ii) All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their
40 overs within 2 hours 30 minutes playing time. In the event of them failing
to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, and the batting side will be
credited with 6 runs for every whole over that has not been bowled. This will
apply to both innings of the match. If the side batting second is credited with
runs in this way and this consequently takes their score to or past their victory
target, then the match shall be deemed to be won by the side batting second.
All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes
dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings.
(iii) If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 40 overs the team batting
second shall be entitled to bat for 40 overs.
2. In delayed start matches.
(i) The number of overs shall be arranged so that both teams have the
opportunity of batting for the same number of overs (minimum 10 overs each
team). A result can only be achieved in a match of less than 20 Overs per side
if both sides have the opportunity to bat for the full number of overs originally
allocated. The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based
on one over for each full 3.75 minutes (i.e. 3 mins-45secs) in the time
remaining before the close of play (normally 19:30hrs).
As a guide the following shall apply. Time for the interval must be allowed for
in the Calculation (See 14 B (ii)).
Overs Remaining Calculation Chart
Playing Time
Remaining (mins.)
Total Overs to Bowl
Playing Time Remaining
(mins.)
Total Overs to Bowl
75
20
210
56
90
24
225
60
105
28
240
64
20
32
255
68
135
36
270
72
150
40
285
76
165
44
300
80
180
48
315
84
195
52
330
88
337.5
90
(ii) A fixed time will be specified for the start of the interval as calculated by
applying the provision of 14 C 2 (i). In the event of the innings of the team
batting first being completed prior to the scheduled time, the interval shall
take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will
commence correspondingly earlier. If either team fails to bowl the required
number of overs by the scheduled time, play shall continue until the required
number of overs has been bowled and playing condition 14 C 1 (ii) shall apply.
In all reduced over matches the fielding team will be given one overs leeway
in addition to any time that the umpires might allow for stoppages. The
interval shall be of the duration determined by the umpires as in 14 B (ii).
3. In matches where play is suspended after the match has started.
(i) When play is suspended during the first innings the object shall be to rearrange the number of overs so that both sides have the opportunity of batting
for the same number of overs (minimum 20 overs per side). The calculation of
overs shall be as in 14 C 2 (i). The provisions in 14 C 2 (ii) shall also apply.
(ii) If, owing to a delayed start in the second innings or a suspension in play during
the second innings, there is insufficient time for the team batting second to
face the same number of overs as the team batting first, then the number of
overs to be bowled will be those that could be bowled by the scheduled close
of play (14 B (i), 14 B (iv)) assuming a rate of 16 overs per hour. The number of
overs to be faced by the team batting second will never be increased after an
interruption.
(iii) In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of
full overs to be bowled will be calculated, and any balls remaining to be bowled
in the over during which play was suspended, will be added.
(iv) Where the match has started and, due to an interruption there is no longer the
opportunity for both sided to face a minimum of 20 overs, if time allows, the
original match will be abandoned and a new match of not less than 10 overs
per side will commence. A result can only be achieved in a match of less than
20 overs per side if both sides have the opportunity to bat for the full number
of overs originally allocated.
4. In all matches.
The umpire shall inform the fielding team captain when taking the field for the first
time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted by the weather, of the
scheduled cessation time for that innings. The umpire at the bowlers end will inform
the fielding captain, the batsman and his fellow umpire of any time allowances as and
when they arise. (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). The
umpires shall be responsible for calculating the revised number of overs to be played
in the match, the fielding team will be given one overs leeway.
D. The Result.
(i) In an interrupted match where the number of overs has had to be reduced, a
result can be achieved only if both teams have batted for at least 20 overs
unless one team has been all out in less than 20 overs or unless the team
batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 20 overs. There is
provision for a result to be achieved in an equal overs per side contest of
minimum of 10 overs per side as long as both teams have the opportunity to
bat for the full number of overs originally allocated (see 14 C 2 (i) , 14 C 3 (iv))
(ii) When there is no interruption in the match and when both teams have had
the opportunity, subject to the provisions of 14 C 1 (ii), of batting for the same
agreed number of overs, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be
the winner. If the scores are equal, the result shall be determined by the loss
of wickets with the team losing the fewer number of wickets being declared
the winner. If still equal, or if both sides were all out, the team with the higher
score at the end of the completed penultimate over shall be the winner, and if
still equal, at the end of the previous over, and so on until a winner can be
decided.
(iii) If due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs
in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that
originally allotted (minimum 20 overs) then a revised target score should be
set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the
opportunity of facing. This will be calculated on the basis of average run-rate
(nb. a completed innings with the side being dismissed in less than their
allotted overs, counts as their full allocation of overs for the purpose of
calculating run rate. If the scoring rate is the same then the winner will be
determined as set out in 14 D 2).
(iv) If a match is abandoned before it has been played to a conclusion and before
the team batting second has received its allotted number of overs (providing
that it has received not less than 20 overs) the result shall be decided by
average run rate.
(v) If it is not possible to obtain a result in the Final on the original scheduled date
the GCB will make arrangements for the match to be re-staged.
(vi) If a result cannot be achieved based on 14.D.1, 14.D.2, 14.D.3 above, the match
shall be declared "No result" and Regulation 9 above will apply.
E. Number of overs per bowler.
(i) No bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the amount of overs scheduled for
the innings. However in a delayed start, or interrupted match, where the overs
are reduced for both sides, or for the team bowling second, no bowler may
bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has
been exceeded before the interruption) except that where the total overs are
not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum
number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance.
(ii) When an interruption occurs in the middle of an over and on resumption the
bowler had exceeded the new maximum allocation, he will be allowed to finish
the incomplete over.
(iii) In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over,
another bowler will bowl the remaining balls. Such part of an over will count
as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.
F. ECB Fast Bowling Directives.
(i) The ECB Fast Bowling Directives will apply to all matches.
(ii) For the purposes of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to
whom the wicketkeeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances
stand back to take the ball.
(iii) Team Managers and/or Captains are responsible for providing the umpires
with a team sheet showing the ages of any player who is aged Under 19 or
below before the toss for innings takes place.
(iv) Umpires are requested to ensure that this Playing Condition is strictly adhered
to in all circumstances.
G. Restrictions on the Placement of Fieldsmen.
(i) Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The circles shall have as
their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of
the semicircles shall be 30 yards (27.4 metre). The ends of each semi-circle
shall be joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same
side of the pitch. The fielding restriction should be marked by painted white
dots at five yard intervals, preferably each dot to be covered by a white
plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter. In
the absence of appropriate discs, white painted dots will suffice provided
they are visible to the umpires.
(ii) At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fieldsmen on the
leg side.
(iii) For the duration of the innings only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside
the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.
(iv) In the event of an infringement of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire
at the strikers end shall call and signal "No ball':
H. Law 14 - Declarations.
Unless otherwise indicated Law 14 will not apply in the competition. The captain of
the batting team may not declare the innings closed at any time during the course of
the match.
J. Law 25 - Wide Ball - Judging a Wide.
Law 25 shall apply with the following addition;
(i) Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in
regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the
wicket. Any delivery which, in the opinion of the umpire, does not give the
striker a reasonable opportunity to hit the ball by means of a normal cricket
shot shall be adjudged a wide.
(ii) In the case of leg side wides, the captains and umpires will agree at the toss
as to how these will be judged.
(iii) A penalty of one run for a wide shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in
addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
Latest Edition modified on 19/12/2016