Junior Cricket – General Competition Rules
1 INTRODUCTION
This document covers the specific general
competition rules common to all age group
competitions as played in the



Cricket Illawarra Junior local competition
Combined South Coast Cricket Illawarra
competition
South Coast Junior local competition
The term “Association” within the rules means the
governing committees of the above bodies.
1.1 The Competition
It is the responsibility of the Association to conduct a
cricket competition for girls and boys aged up to 16
years. The competition is to be structured and
conducted to maximise participation and enjoyment
for all players.
It is the responsibility of every club, official and
player participating in the Association competition,
to ensure each match is played in the finest spirit of
the game of cricket.
1.3 Authority of Association
As part of the Associations’ responsibility for
upholding the stated ideals, it has the authority to
take an appropriate course of action considered
necessary to ensure these ideals are upheld. This
may include the imposition of fines, penalties,
suspensions or exclusions as appropriate. Such
action/s will be determined after consideration of
the merits of each individual situation.
Contents
1
2
3
1.2 Ideals of the Association
The ideals upon which the competition is based
include:





a belief that participating in the game of
cricket is more important than the result of
any match and/or competition;
an expectation that all players, parents,
supporters and officials demonstrate
exemplary standards of sportsmanship and
conduct at all times;
an acknowledgment that every official has a
responsibility to nurture and develop all
players involved in the game;
an acknowledgment that every official has a
responsibility to encourage players to
develop an appreciation and respect for the
game of cricket, its history, rules, traditions
and spirit of play;
an acceptance of responsibility for
conducting the competition in a fair,
equitable, safe and efficient manner.
The Association acknowledges its responsibility in
supporting coaches and officials to achieve these
stated ideals.
(2016/17)
4
5
INTRODUCTION ................................................. 1
1.1
The Competition ....................................... 1
1.2
Ideals of the Association ........................... 1
1.3
Authority of Association ............................ 1
COMPETITION PROCESSES ................................ 2
2.1
Local Rules................................................. 2
2.2
Alterations to Rules ................................... 2
2.3
Use of MyCricket ....................................... 2
2.4
Draws ........................................................ 2
TEAM REGISTRATIONS ...................................... 3
3.1
Nomination procedure .............................. 3
3.2
Age groups and divisions ........................... 3
3.3
Teams in divisions ..................................... 3
3.4
Late or Withdrawn nominations ............... 3
3.5
Final nominations ...................................... 3
PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS .................................. 3
4.1
Registrations ............................................. 4
4.2
Registration Method ................................. 4
4.3
Age Eligibility ............................................. 4
4.4
Minimum age qualification ....................... 4
4.5
Overage and Underage Players ................. 4
4.6
Playing fill in Games in a Higher Age or
Division ................................................................. 4
4.7
Playing across teams in same Age Division4
4.8
Breach of qualifications ............................. 4
4.9
Final Series Qualifications ......................... 4
4.10 Regrades ................................................... 4
4.11 Clearances ................................................. 5
MATCH RESULTS ............................................... 5
5.1
Declaration of winner................................ 5
5.2
Scoring Responsibilities ............................. 5
5.3
Score books ............................................... 5
5.4
Submission of MyCricket Results .............. 6
5.5
Final round results & Semi-final results..... 6
5.6
Submitting results late .............................. 6
5.7
Ladders and correctness ........................... 6
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
6
WET WEATHER ................................................. 6
6.1
Powers ...................................................... 7
6.2
Council procedures ................................... 7
6.3
Notifications ............................................. 7
6.4
Team procedure ....................................... 7
6.5
Match results ............................................ 7
7 FORFEIT ............................................................ 7
8 COMPETITION POINTS ...................................... 7
8.1
Points Allocation ....................................... 8
8.2
Competition Placing.................................. 8
8.3
Claims to Titles ......................................... 8
8.4
Premiers – Combined Competition .......... 8
9 FINAL SERIES ..................................................... 8
9.1
General Conditions ................................... 9
9.2
Umpiring ................................................... 9
10
TROPHIES ...................................................... 9
Page 2 of 9
2 COMPETITION PROCESSES
2.1 Local Rules
1) Local rules are organised, outlined and detailed
in separate documents to facilitate ease of
reference, clarity and consistency. These
documents govern for all age groups the
 Administration,
 General Competition conditions,
 General Match conditions,
 Specific playing conditions for various age
group competitions,
 Codes & policies.
2) Local rules are developed utilising the MCC
rules. Should any local rule and the MCC rules
conflict, the local rule shall be binding.
3) All reference documents can be found on the
website.
2.2 Alterations to Rules
Should any rule or policy require changing or
clarification, the written consent to such change
from a majority of member Clubs shall suffice in
making the change effective until such time as the
amendment can be ratified by a general meeting of
the Association.
2.3 Use of MyCricket
1) The MyCricket system shall be used to
a) Register all players
b) Coordinate the competition draws
c) Collate all match data
d) Collate all player statistics
e) Display points ladders
f) Announce any news items and events
2) The entered MyCricket data shall assist and
determine the
a) Team positioning for final series matches
from the calculated ladders
b) Individual player award winners
3) Clubs shall be responsible for demonstrating and
training their club teams, members and officials
in the use of MyCricket protocols each season.
2.4 Draws
1) A list of draws will be available on MyCricket. If
any alterations become necessary after the
Wednesday prior to the match the Association
shall advise the respective Clubs and umpires
accordingly.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
2) All matches must be played on the grounds as
programmed. The relocation of matches for any
reason is not permitted without the permission
of the Association Competition Manager.
3) In cases of an emergency, the Association
Competition Manager may alter the program
with respect to dates of play and the grounds on
which matches will be played.
Page 3 of 9
3 TEAM REGISTRATIONS
3.1 Nomination procedure
A Club, when nominating teams preseason;
a) Must be fully financial to be accepted.
b) May nominate in all age groups and
divisions.
c) Must provide applications in writing on the
prescribed form.
d) Must at a minimum include 9 intending
players per team to be valid and accepted.
e) Must submit applications on or before the
closing date specified for nominations.
3.2 Age groups and divisions
Competitions are played in age groups which can be
split into divisions. Where there is only one division,
it will be deemed an “A” competition. Where there
are more divisions they will be deemed “B”
competitions.
3.3 Teams in divisions
1) A Club having 2 or more teams in the same age
group which are split into divisions, shall
a) have at least one team entered in the “A”
competition unless it can show and justify
otherwise.
b) be registered separately and play in
accordance with those team registrations.
c) be known as “A”, “B” etc or distinguished by
Club colours.
2) Clubs with single teams wishing to nominate in
the “B” competitions must show and justify
reasons.
3.4 Late or Withdrawn nominations
Clubs nominating or withdrawing a team after the
specified closing date may incur a fine for any
redrafting required of the competition draws. Late
applications may not be accepted based on current
draw structures.
3.5 Final nominations
A Club in season must submit in writing a final
nomination list of players who are to be registered
within each team by November 30. Failure to comply
will render players and teams as ineligible and
unqualified.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
4 PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS
4.1 Registrations
All players must be registered with the Association
prior to playing each season.
4.2 Registration Method
1) A Club shall be responsible for registering a
player by
a) Collecting and retaining the player details on
their prescribed registration form, duly
completed by the intending player and
parent (guardian). Hard copies of
registration forms must be produced on
request by the Association;
b) Verifying a player’s age by sighting an
eligible proof of age document. (Extract of a
birth certificate, passports, etc.). Sighting is
only required on first registration;
c) Entering (or uploading) the required player
details into their MyCricket player database
marked accordingly with a junior player role;
and
d) Finally registering the player through
MyCricket to the Association competition
prior to playing.
2) Registration in this method shall be deemed a
Club has certified the players’ age qualification.
4.3 Age Eligibility
Players will qualify for age groups according to their
age as at 31 August of the current season. Example:
a player who is 10 years old on 31 August would
qualify to play Under 11s or higher.
4.4 Minimum age qualification
The minimum age qualification is 7 years of age as at
31 August of the current season. This may be varied
at the discretion of the Association.
4.5 Overage and Underage Players
1) Females may play up to 2 years below their age
with prior notification to the Association.
2) Players may only compete in an age group up to
2 years above their age. Example: a player who
is 9 years old on 31 August adds 2 years to their
age meaning 11 years and would then qualify to
play up to Under 12s.
3) Players registered in an older age group team in
which they would normally qualify, shall not be
Page 4 of 9
permitted to play in lower age groups without
the permission of the Association.
4) Overage players with disabilities or other
specialised cases, may upon application and
approval of the Association, play in an age group
one year lower than they would normally
qualify.
4.6 Playing fill in Games in a Higher
Age or Division
Any player who plays in 3 matches during a season in
any age group or division higher than that in which
initially registered shall on completion of the third
match remain in the higher age group and division
and cannot return to their original team without
prior consent of the Association.
4.7 Playing across teams in same Age
Division
Players are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE between teams,
where a Club has multiple teams in the same
division, once final team nominations are received
without prior consent of the Association.
4.8 Breach of qualifications
Any team found playing an unqualified player (i.e.
not registered correctly, incorrect age group or
team) shall incur a fine for each offence and loss of
points for that match. Any winning points gained
from the match by the offending team will be
forfeited to the opposing team with the offending
team receiving zero points.
4.9 Final Series Qualifications
1) Players must participate in a minimum of 4
matches for the club and be duly registered
within that team to be eligible to play in a semifinal or final.
2) The Association only under exceptional
circumstances may grant dispensation. The
guidelines for dispensation shall be players must
come firstly from the same age group (if
possible) before any other age group and be a
similar type and standard to any players being
replaced.
4.10 Regrades
1) The Association will consider all player regrade
applications and it is the responsibility of the
approved representatives of the Club concerned
to seek approval.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
2) In the first instance, regrades must be verbally
acquired by 6pm on the night preceding the
match concerned. Requests are to be supported
by a statement of player performances and the
reason for the regrade.
3) In the second instance, all regrade applications,
although verbally approved, will be technically
invalid until supported in writing. The
Association must receive all regrade paperwork
by 6pm on the Wednesday after the verbal
regrade approval. Failure to submit the written
regrade applications within the prescribed time
renders that player ungraded and unqualified
and subject to the relevant grading rule.
4.11 Clearances
1) A player transferring from one Club to another
Club within the Association’s boundaries or
moving from another association to a Club
within the Association boundary must obtain a
clearance, (in writing and / or via MyCricket),
from the players former Club. Should a Club not
grant a player’s application for a clearance
within seven days from application the player
concerned may apply to the Association for a
clearance.
2) The Association has the power to grant such
clearance provided satisfactory information
regarding the player concerned has been
obtained. The only permissible reason for a Club
withholding a clearance is for a player being
financially indebted to the Club concerned OR
under suspension for misconduct.
3) The Association may approve a request for
transfer between Clubs during the season, but
only in exceptional circumstances.
4) Any junior player playing junior cricket for a Club
and wishing to play senior cricket for another
Club (or vice versa) must obtain the written
consent from both Clubs and must notify the
Association. The Association shall handle any
disputes arising.
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5 MATCH RESULTS
5.1 Declaration of winner
The declaration of the winning team for a match
shall be
a) The team, which both captains, umpires or
team officials have agreed as being the
winner of the match; and
b) Made by the countersigning of scorebooks
immediately after the match and prior to
leaving the ground.
5.2 Scoring Responsibilities
1) The Association shall provide any special score
sheets required for modified cricket.
2) It shall be the responsibility of each team at
matches to
a) Provide a scorer
b) Provide the appropriate scoring material
(score books, pens)
c) Ensure the match result and player statistics
are recorded accurately and agree
d) Ensure all areas of the score book are filled
in and completed
e) Ensure at the completion of an innings and
match the score books are countersigned by
the umpires or team officials prior to leaving
the ground.
3) All signed copies of the score books must be
kept for any future possible scrutinising of a
disputed match result or scorecard.
5.3 Score books
1) The scorebook must be completed in full and all
areas agreed upon to enable the successful entry
of match data to MyCricket. Specific attention is
required to:
 Total scores (team & player)
 Number of overs (team & player)
 All team members’ names listed who
participated in the match whether players
have batted or bowled or not.
 Not-out batsman must be shown
 Wides and no-balls must be included in the
bowling figures
 Players names involved in run outs, taking
outfield catches, wicketkeeper catches and
stumpings must be recorded
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
Dismissal order of batsmen and the relevant
fall of wicket team score
2) The above will apply to all second innings
performances in batting, bowling and fielding
and must be entered against the name of the
players concerned.
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5.4 Submission of MyCricket Results
1) Prior to the commencement of each match,
Team nomination lists (ie player names
intending to play in that match) should entered
by each team in MyCricket, to allow the smooth
processing of full scorecards by opposing teams.
2) At the conclusion of each day’s play and match,
match details shall be promptly provided and
entered into MyCricket by:
a) Match results – 6pm Sunday (ideally player
statistics should be entered at the same time
for media reports)
b) Player statistics – 10pm Tuesday
3) Each team shall be responsible for entering on
time
a) Match results (or if already entered confirm
results)
b) Their own team player statistics (in batting
order, bowling order, fielding &
partnerships)
c) Adjusting the nominated team list
containing the players who only actually
participated in the match. All other players
must be removed from the team list.
Notes:
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
Either team can enter the match results first,
noting that it does so for both teams (i.e. full
match scorecards are required – both team
scores, overs, sundries, match comments,
bonus points & match result).
The opposing team then checks the accuracy
and confirms the result (i.e. match result
now agreed).
Media reports shall be run Sunday night to
meet publishing deadlines. Should any player
statistics be entered the report will also
automatically include any outstanding player
performance.
Page 6 of 9
5.5 Final round results & Semi-final
results
After the completion of both the last round and
semi-finals, match results are to be submitted by
6pm on the day of the match. Where the result of
one of these matches is in dispute, the Association
must be notified by 6pm on the day of the match.
5.6 Submitting results late
Results not submitted by the times specified above,
may result in fines on a per team basis for each
offence. In addition, continual offending teams may
face loss of points.
5.7 Ladders and correctness
Ladder tables published on MyCricket are
automatically generated. Teams wishing clarification
of the point score may contact the Association
MyCricket Manager. Teams wishing to dispute the
points score must do so in writing within 7 days of
publication to the Association secretary via their
Club officials.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
6 WET WEATHER
6.1 Powers
The Association whenever weather and ground
conditions warrant, shall
a) Have the power to cancel or abandon
matches (including the final series), prior to
play commencing on any day,
b) Be the sole judge as to the fitness for play of
any ground in these circumstances,
c) Have the power to adjudicate on the fitness
of the ground for play, in cases of
disagreements after play commences.
6.2 Council procedures
1) Where Wollongong City Council has
a) Closed or made their grounds unavailable,
all matches scheduled in the Illawarra area
will be cancelled.
b) NOT closed or made their grounds
unavailable, a decision shall be made for the
Illawarra area only, by approximately 7am
on the morning.
2) Where either Shellharbour or Kiama Councils
have advised through media outlets of ground
closures, all matches in these South Coast areas
shall proceed as normal, on a ground-by-ground
basis unless otherwise advised.
6.3 Notifications
1) The Association once a decision is made will by
approximately 7am on the day,
a) Notify the local radio stations of any
cancellations.
b) Post a MyCricket website notice, listing
details of cancellations and ground closures
that have been advised.
2) Cancellations should clearly advise the specifics
for any competitions.
3) Radio cancellations for the Illawarra area
normally occur regularly after news bulletins.
(Local radio stations details I98 FM: 42234170 or
42234198 and Wave FM: 42752965 or
42745444)
6.4 Team procedure
1) Teams participating in matches not cancelled by
the Association must proceed to the allocated
Page 7 of 9
ground otherwise forfeiture of points could
result. (see Common Match rules)
2) Should a team fail to turn up for the match prior
to the scheduled start of play, and the
opposition team official believes the ground is
playable, the attending team must advise the
Association within one hour. The Association
shall investigate, and if agreed that the ground
was playable, the attending team shall be
entitled to claim a forfeit.
3) If in doubt, the accepted procedure is for the
visiting team to check with the home team
about playing conditions. If the visiting team has
not contacted the home team and play is
impossible, the onus is on the home team to
contact their visiting team.
6.5 Match results
Results must be entered into MyCricket by the
stipulated time regardless of whether play
proceeded or not.
7 FORFEIT
1) A team unable to fulfil its engagement shall
notify the Association of its intention to forfeit
no later than 48 hours prior to the match.
2) A team which forfeits
a) shall be responsible for all expenses
associated therewith
b) two matches may, at the discretion of the
Association, be withdrawn from the
competition
c) without notice as per clause (1) will be
subject to a fine for each offence
3) The Association shall
a) have discretionary powers in dealing with all
forfeited matches referred to it.
b) under no circumstances, approve a request
for a match to be deferred without a
justifiable reason. A team, unable to fill its
engagement, shall forfeit the match.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
8.2 Competition Placing
8 COMPETITION POINTS
Places for teams finishing equal on points will be
determined on the basis of highest quotients.
8.1 Points Allocation
First innings result only
Win
Tie
Draw
Loss
Outright result only
Win after first innings win
Win after first innings tie
Win after first innings loss
Tie after first innings win
Tie after first innings loss
Loss after first innings win
Loss after first innings loss
Loss after first innings tie
Other results
Non-forfeiting team
Forfeiting team
Bye
Bye (round is a complete
wash out)
Page 8 of 9
Points
14
10
8
2
20
14
14
14
12
14
0
10
Maximum
points
gained in
the round
concerned
0
14
8
Bonus points in addition to the above competition
points shall be awarded for events which occur
within the first 30 overs of each teams' 2nd innings
batting.
A maximum of 6 bonus points total can be achieved
for the match.
Batting Bonus
1 point per 40
runs scored
to a
maximum of
3
Bowling
Bonus
1 point per 3
wickets taken
to a
maximum of
3
Bowling
Bonus
3 points max
where a team
is dismissed
which does
not have a full
complement
of players
Outright win
(no bat)
3 points max
where a team
wins outright
without
batting a
second time
A quotient is calculated for each team by dividing the
team’s batting average (runs scored / wickets lost)
by the team’s bowling average (runs conceded /
wickets taken).
Note: In the calculation of quotients, a team
declaring its innings closed shall be deemed to have
lost the number of wickets that actually have fallen.
8.3 Claims to Titles
1) Teams leading the point score at the end of
normal competition shall be known as “Minor
Premiers”
2) Final winners shall be known as “Premiers”
8.4 Premiers – Combined Competition
1) For each particular Association, its Premier team
will be the highest placed last standing team at
the completion of the combined competition
final.
2) For a particular Association should
a) No teams contest the semi-finals the highest
placed team will be declared its premier
team.
b) One team contest the semi-final or final
series, then that team will be declared its
premier team.
c) Two teams be defeated in the semi-finals, a
final will be played between those two
teams on the same weekend as the overall
combined competition final to determine
the premier team.
(2016-17) Junior Cricket Rules 2 - General Competition
9 FINAL SERIES
9.1 General Conditions
1) The formats of the final series in the respective
competitions whether there are quarterfinals,
semi-finals or finals (with or without reserve
days) shall be determined each season.
2) Teams contesting a final series shall have the
highest number of competition points, with
ultimate divisional placing, if necessary, being
determined by quotients. (refer to competition
placing)
3) The general formats shall be
 Quarterfinals – (pools in a division) – Team
Ranked 1 shall play Team Ranked 4 and
Team Ranked 2 shall play Team Ranked 3
across the pools.
 Quarterfinals – (Single division only) – Team
Ranked 1 shall play Team Ranked 8, Team
Ranked 2 shall play Team Ranked 7, Team
Ranked 3 shall play Team Ranked 6 and
Team Ranked 4 shall play Team Ranked 5.
 Semi-finals – Team Ranked 1 shall play Team
Ranked 4 and Team Ranked 2 shall play
Team Ranked 3.
 Final only – Team Ranked 1 shall play Team
Ranked 2.
4) In the event of a draw or tie, the team from the
two contesting sides having the highest position
on the point’s table shall advance to the next
stage.
5) All final series matches shall be played on the
best available pitches and grounds. The team
finishing higher on the point score shall have the
home area / ground advantage where possible.
6) The nominated home team and must provide
the stumps, bails and boundary markers as
required.
7) The question of fitness of the grounds and
conditions for play shall be entirely in the hands
of the officiating umpires. Should the allocated
ground be deemed unplayable for any reason,
the match may be transferred to a suitable
alternate ground by agreement with the umpires
and teams. The competition manager shall
nominate a reserve ground.
Page 9 of 9
9.2 Umpiring
1) If available and where possible, at least one
accredited official umpire will be appointed to all
final series matches starting from the oldest age
divisions.
2) All Clubs / teams in all divisions not qualifying for
a final series match (either a quarterfinal, semifinal or final) will be required to provide neutral
umpires in all final series matches as appointed.
Failure to comply will attract a fine per match
per day.
3) Club / team appointments may be allocated
across age groups / divisions to provide
neutrality. Clubs / teams losing in semi-finals will
be allocated to finals.
4) Clubs will not be appointed to a final series
match, which involves another single team from
their Club. Clubs may be appointed to a final
series match, which involves two teams from
their Club.
5) In all under 11 and below final series matches
only one neutral umpire is required with the
fielding team providing the square leg umpire.
10 TROPHIES
Association Awards and Trophies will be issued and
handled in accordance with the Association Awards
& Trophy document.