Playing Rules

1.1 All league and cup competitions which are sanctioned by the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO, also known as the Aberdeenshire Cricket Association, [“the SCIO”] shall be regulated and administered solely by its Board [“the Board”], in accordance with the SCIO’s Constitution, and with these Operational Rules. The Board will be able to delegate any of its powers to any subcommittee it may set up, and references to the Board can apply to a sub-committee, with the Board becoming an appeals body where necessary. Appeals may be on legal grounds [vires, bias, procedure, or perversity] only; must be submitted in writing; and consist of one or more numbered propositions, which may thereafter not be added to without the Board’s specific permission. Decisions of the Board on all matters are final [see also Rule 1.6].

1.2 Matches shall be played under the MCC Laws of Cricket and under such rules and regulations as are approved by the AGM (or other duly-convened Members’ Meeting) of the SCIO. The Board shall have the powers to amend playing rules at any time should they feel exceptional circumstances support such a change (see Rule 24)

1.3 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

The ball used in all League and Cup matches shall be a ball approved by the SCIO Board, and as specified in Annex A appended to these rules. In all matches involving the use of a pink ball, teams may wear whites or coloured kit, providing the kit contains no pink in it.

1.4 All matches played under the auspices of the SCIO will be conducted in accordance with its Disciplinary Procedures and Cricket Scotland’s Levels of Conduct for Players and Officials. Foul or abusive language, or which given the context of its use could be expected to cause offence to a reasonable hearer, will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence, irrespective of the language in which it is expressed, if reported by an independent umpire or club under Rule 22 Where a language other than English is used, a translation must be provided if requested by an independent umpire or as part of a disciplinary or protest procedure.

1.5 All players, officials and umpires agree by participation in the SCIO’s competitions to comply and adhere to the Laws of Cricket (Current Code), including its Preamble “The Spirit of Cricket”. 1.6 As a term of membership of the SCIO, Clubs, their officials, members and players commit to observe the Rules of the SCIO and to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of its Board [or of pendant committees where power has been expressly devolved to them], and not to bring proceedings in any court or forum inconsistent therewith.

1.6 As a condition of continued membership, clubs must also comply with such regulations as the Board may specify from time to time to ensure that they are adequately insured and in compliance with best governance practice for unincorporated sporting bodies. This includes compliance with all applicable requirements of Scots and UK law

2.1 Playing teams shall be divided into Grades. The Board shall determine annually the number of Grades, the number of teams within each Grade, and the trophies for which they shall compete. The Board will adopt a flexible approach to its league structure, as required to reflect the number of teams in playing membership the following season. The current structure is appended to these Rules as Annex B.

The composition of grades may be approved at any time up to the start of any season, by or on the recommendation of the Board, where required to reflect entry or withdrawal of teams.

New teams wishing to enter the leagues in the following season, or to withdraw from playing, must give notice by 15 January of the relevant year.

Save in exceptional circumstances, new teams entering the leagues must do so in the lowest grade.

3.1 At the end of each season promotion and relegation will normally take place as follows.

a) The team finishing first in each Grade [other than the highest] will be promoted to the Grade above.

b) The team finishing last in each Grade [other than the lowest] will be relegated to the Grade below.

c) Additional promotions and relegations will be applied as may be required to provide a balanced structure, and to reflect new entrants or withdrawals. This will normally include the promotion/relegation of the team finishing second top or second bottom in each league. The Board has the power to modify this procedure in any year where, as a result of changes in playing membership, the total number of teams in the Grades in the following season is expected to change by two or more sides.

3.2

a) If during the season a team should withdraw from its remaining league fixtures the matches it has already played shall be deemed null and void. If during a season a team fails to fulfil at least two-thirds of its fixtures all matches played by that team shall be null and void.

b) Any team failing to fulfil four of its league fixtures during the course of the season must immediately email the SCIO Board detailing the reasons for failing to fulfil the fixtures, and also advise as to how likely it is that they will be able to fulfil their remaining fixtures. The Board will then decide whether it is of the view that the team in question has a realistic chance of fulfilling the majority of its remaining fixtures. The Board may then let the team continue to try to fulfil their fixtures, or if it so decides, declare all of their fixtures null and void.

3.3 Any team having had its fixtures declared null and void by the Board, shall require to apply formally for re-admission to the SCIO at a future Meeting of the Board, along with any other team seeking admission to SCIO competitions. Teams seeking admission or readmission to SCIO competitions must provide a written report in advance of the Board meeting considering their application supporting their ability to fulfil their fixtures. This report will be circulated to members prior to the Board meeting.

4.1 The Board shall arrange fixtures for each Grade and shall notify clubs accordingly.

Fixtures in each Grade will normally be arranged on the basis of teams playing one another twice during the season, subject to ground availability, on a home and away basis. In the event that a team does not have exclusive access to a ground, venues for matches will be allocated by the Board. In the event that a team cannot provide access to their home ground for all their home matches, the Board will arrange for an alternative venue, the cost of which will be met by the home Club. Depending on the number of teams in the lowest Grade, the Board may in that grade waive the home and away concept for matches and adopt a fixture list that maximises the opportunities for cricket to be played, whilst still trying to ensure teams have an overall balance of home and away games.

Any team changing their venue for home matches, or any team seeking to change the venue booked for them by the NESC, must discuss this with the NESC prior to the 15th of January preceding the upcoming season.

4.2 Where league fixtures have been postponed for a genuine reason other than weather or condition of ground [tours, ground non-availability, teams not wishing to enforce a walkover, religious festivals, weddings of players. This list is not exhaustive] clubs may re-arrange scheduled fixtures by obtaining the consent of their opponents and the Board, following joint application of both clubs to the Board submitted within five days of the originally scheduled date. Fixtures may not be rescheduled for league points unless application for approval is submitted within this period. No rearrangements shall however take place where a match has been cancelled or abandoned due to bad weather on the scheduled date, or where the rescheduled date is after the last scheduled weekend of the league season. On approval by the Board of a fixture being re-scheduled, such fixture then has the same status as the originally scheduled fixture, which it has replaced. For the provisions relating to the rescheduling of cup games, see Rule 18.0.

4.3 Where any fixture is postponed due to the involvement of either club in a Cricket Scotland Senior Competition or the finals day of a Cricket Scotland Junior Competition, the clubs involved may rearrange the fixture. The Board will have the power to postpone matches should they feel a compelling reason has been made, and to rearrange the match to a specified date. If no suitable date can be agreed for the rearrangement of a match, the Board will have the option to declare the match null and void.

4.4 A Club normally fielding two or more elevens, and which has two or more fixtures on the same day, must (if unable to fulfil all its fixtures) scratch (or by agreement with its opponents and the consent of the Board, postpone) its scheduled fixtures from the lowest division of the Grades, working upwards.

4.5 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

In the event of a game being called off for whatever reason, the message of the cancellation must be passed on to an official of the opposition verbally, although retained text or other such message, providing acknowledged and agreed within an hour of the original message, will suffice.

Clubs must also contact any appointed umpires at their earliest opportunity to advise that the game will not take place. Clubs should note that the match fee(s) for any appointed umpire(s) will be payable should the umpire(s) attend the venue prior to being advised of the match being called off.  

4.6 Any Club scratching a fixture must advise their opponents by 1900hrs the night before at the very latest. If the pitch to be used has been booked by the Board, then the team scratching must also advise the Board by email by 1900hrs the night before. Any Club failing to comply may incur a 5 point penalty. Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council will, and other pitch providers [including Clubs with their own grounds] may, charge for the marking of pitches which are not cancelled at least 7 days beforehand. Where such costs are levied it is the policy of the SCIO that such costs should be met by the Club scratching a fixture. This figure should not exceed the highest pitch hire fee as set by Aberdeen City Council or Sport Aberdeen.

4.7 Fixtures below Grade 1, which involve second or third elevens, may be rearranged from Saturday to Sunday, if both clubs agree. Any such agreement must be notified to acagradess@gmail.com at least 48 hours before the original scheduled start time.

4.8 All League matches shall take place on Saturdays and Sundays and be decided by a single innings. Except in cases where the Board shall fix a different start time, all matches shall start at 1300 hrs subject to the right of either team to request a delayed start should players from their club be involved in junior or schools cricket on that day. Start times may also be amended as directed by independent ground authorities. Teams may however elect to start earlier by agreement, but where pitches are booked on behalf of teams by the Board, a request to start earlier must be made to the Board before 1pm on Thursday so that permission can be sought from the ground authorities for the earlier start time. Should any unreasonable delay in the commencement of a match be reported to the Board, it shall have powers to impose a points deduction on the offending Club and/or to award the match to their opponents. [See Rule 10 for further information on hours of play.]

4.9 In order to start a game there must be a minimum of six players present from both sides at the stipulated start time of the game. Should there be less than that, the opposition have the right to claim the game, unless exceptional circumstances have prevented a side from arriving at the ground on time.

4.10 In determining whether a team has failed to fulfil or play out any fixture, the Board shall have regard to clubs’ adherence to the League’s “Wet Weather Guidelines”, as promulgated by the Board from time to time, and appended at Annex C. Failure to abide by these rules, or to complete a fixture for any other reason, may be taken by the Board as evidence of failing to fulfil a fixture “without reasonable cause” in the event of a protest, and it would be likely that the game would be awarded to the team lodging the protest, with no points being awarded to the team adjudicated against. Under such circumstances, the Board will have the powers to apply additional penalties if it deems it appropriate.

The Board may award trophies or other prizes for team or individual performance in any Grade of the SCIO, and any such award will be made at the sole discretion of the Board. Any batting or wicket keeping award will be based on the highest batting average or most dismissals obtained by an individual who must have batted or kept wicket in more than 65% of the league matches completed by his team. Any bowling award will be based on the lowest bowling average by an individual who must have taken an aggregate number of wickets equivalent to 1.4 times the number of league matches completed by his team. Walkovers will not count towards completed match numbers; but matches scratched by their team will. Cumulative appearances for different clubs in a Grade and loan appearances will not be included.

6.1 Clubs playing in the NESC SCIO must recognise their responsibilities for producing a satisfactory playing surface as well as ensuring that their grounds and facilities are up to an appropriate standard.

6.2 The home club in any fixture shall be responsible for the provision of a pitch, regulation stumps and bails, and for the proper marking of the pitch, boundary and any fielding circle that may be required. Any change from a grass to artificial pitch (or vice versa) must be advised to opponents at least 48 hours prior to the start of the match. If notification is not provided 48 hours in advance, an artificial pitch may still be used with the agreement of both teams. Each team shall bowl with its own ball. Clubs are reminded that it is also the responsibility of the captain of the home team, before the toss for each game, to agree with the umpires – or failing such, the opposition captain – if any obstacles within the field of play are classified as boundaries or constitute a “dead ball” if hit. Such arrangements are valid only if made before the toss. The requirements of MCC Law 2.3.2 also apply.

6.3 No match should be postponed prior to the morning of the match unless decided by an independent ground authority.

If on the morning of the match, the Captain of the “Home” side is of the opinion that the ground is unfit for play he should advise the Captain of the “Away” side at the latest before 11.00am. The “Away” club should then have the option to agree to the postponement of the fixture, or of insisting on a pitch inspection 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. In this case, both teams and umpires should attend to allow the match to start at the scheduled time if play is possible. Clubs should bear in mind that shortened games can take place if the weather improves.

On no account may the “Home” club postpone the fixture without the agreement of the “Away” club. In the event of an agreed postponement the “Home” club must advise the umpires and update NESC Live as per Rule 16.1.

6.4 Where games are played on artificial pitches the provisions of MCC Laws 41.11 through to 41.15.3 do not apply unless obvious damage is being caused to the playing surface. In no case should players be permitted to run up or down the central or batting zone of an artificial pitch.

6.5 It is the expectation of the SCIO that in all competitions a rate of 15 overs per hour should be maintained – i.e. that the final over of a 40 over innings should commence within 2 hours 40 minutes of the start of play [ignoring any interruptions for rain or player injury], and pro rata for innings where the maximum permitted duration is less [e.g. 1 hour 20 for 20 overs]. Any team failing to adhere to this guideline should be reported to, and a written explanation may be requested by, the Board, who may impose a deduction of points should they feel the team has taken considerably longer than expected to complete the requisite overs. To avoid unnecessary disputes, where there is no independent umpire, captains should agree on the timepiece to be used prior to the toss for innings.

In matches where an independent umpire is appointed, they will enforce the over rate noted above. For every over that has not been started at the expiry of the 2 hour 40 minute (or pro rata reduced) period, a 1 point deduction will be applied to the offending teams league points total. The umpire should allow for exceptional circumstances such as injuries, but no allowance will be made for a drinks break. The umpire will notify the SCIO of any points deductions that may arise.

6.6 MCC LAW CHANGES – 2017 CODE

The sanction of the award of penalty runs under the following Laws shall apply only where an umpire appointed by CMSOA or any successor body is standing:

Law 18.5 (Deliberate short runs)

Law 24.4 (Player returning without permission)

Law 26.2 (Practice on the outfield)

Law 28.2 (Fielding the ball)

Law 41 (Unfair play)

For the avoidance of doubt penalty runs may continue to be applied under Law 28.3.2 (Ball striking fielding helmet on the ground).

6.7 (ADDED AT 2024 AGM)

In matches with no appointed umpire, should an incident arise that either captain feels is contrary to the laws of the game or the NESC playing rules, both captains should suspend play for up to 5 minutes, and if necessary look up the relevant law or playing rule to discuss/clarify the matter of contention. If they agree that an error has been made, and if both captains agree, action should be taken to correct the error and for play to resume thereafter. Following such a ‘timeout’, should the captains disagree on how to progress matters, it will be assumed that a potential protest (see playing rule 19) may be raised about the incident without further notification to the opposition captain. It should be noted that such a ‘timeout’ discussion must only involve the 2 captains, and no other players can have input to the discussion unless both captains agree. Individuals who involve themselves in a ‘timeout’ discussion without the agreement of both captains may be subject to disciplinary action.

The implementation of this ‘timeout’ protocol ensures that the responsibility for adherence to the laws and playing rules rests with the Captains. It is not acceptable to contact any representative of the SCIO during a match and seek a ruling on a playing situation.  Any such approach will be dealt with by the Board with a mandatory points deduction up to but not exceeding 15 points. Both captains must complete a ‘timeout’ report form (if available) within 48 hours of the conclusion of the match in order that the areas of discussion can be monitored.

In any game, no team may field any player who has not been ordinarily resident in the UK – for the 183 days (six months) prior to the match concerned. This restriction does not apply to:

(a) students registered on a full-time course of education in Scotland

(b) individuals in full-time employment in Scotland for which a Work Permit is required and has been granted

(c) players eligible to represent Scotland, but abroad temporarily

(d) the spouse, civil partner or dependent relative of any of (a) to (c) above.

(e) those with refugee status and their dependents who are resident in Scotland.

Consideration may be given by the Board”” to waive this rule, but only in circumstances which are considered “exceptional”.

(AMENDED AT 2024 AGM AND FIRST SECTION AMENDED BY TRUSTEES ON 3/5/24)

All new players must be added (using their recognised full names) to Results Vault prior to the toss for innings, as required by Law 1.2. The Board will have the power to apply penalties to any team failing to register a player on time.

8.1 A player may be registered on NESC Live for multiple clubs at any one time, but – with the exceptions specified in Rule 8.2 (a), (b), (d), 8.4 or 8.5 – may only play for one club in any season; and that only providing they have no financial commitments outstanding to any previous club(s). No player may take part in any competition unless clear financially with any previous Club. Any Club knowingly fielding such a player, shall on protest, be adjudged if found guilty to have lost the match and receive no points. Action may also be taken against the player involved.

8.2

(a) If for any reason during a season a player wishes to change Clubs he may be allowed to do so provided he has permission from the Board after having forwarded written statements from both Clubs explaining the reasons why, and provided that the previous club confirms in writing that he has settled all debts to his previous Club and returned all property of that Club. The player also has to pay to the SCIO a £25 fee, to be paid and receipted before he can play for the new Club. Transfers of this nature must be made before 0001 hours on 1st June of that season, although the Board may approve transfers after that date, but only in very exceptional circumstances.

(b) If during the season, a member Club intimates that it will not fulfil its remaining fixtures, players who have played for that Club will be free to join other Clubs within the SCIO without restriction, but only once the Board specifically confirms this on the SCIO website. It should be noted that the player may not play in the Cup competitions if the player has already done so with their original club. If during a season, a Club withdraws its second or third eleven from all SCIO fixtures then, with the consent of that Club, players may be released to play for another Club in a lower Grade than their registered club’s senior grade eleven, provided that both lending and borrowing clubs have scheduled SCIO fixtures on the date concerned; that the consent of the opposition to the borrowing club is obtained; and that the borrowing club complies with the registration requirements of SCIO Rule 7.0

(c) No professional, that is any person who has received payment in cash or kind as an inducement to, or to facilitate, his playing cricket, and/or who has appeared in First Class Cricket or a List A One Day International, in each case in either the current, or the two preceding calendar years, or an Overseas Amateur registered with the Cricket Scotland League or any of its recognised Feeder Leagues, shall take part in any of the competitions. Any team playing an unqualified player shall be adjudged to have lost the match.

8.3 Where a Club’s highest-ranked team within the Grades is that club’s recognised Third or Fourth Eleven, no player over the age of 21 on 1st September of the previous season who in the current season has played in more than two games for the Club’s recognised First Eleven in league competition shall thereafter be allowed to play in a SCIO fixture for the remainder of that season.

8.4 The restrictions specified in Rule 8.1 will not apply to players who are under the age of 18 on September 1st preceding the current season, provided they have not played in the CSL Eastern or Western Premier leagues, who may play for any side within the league competitions of the SCIO. They may however play for only one club in cup competitions. Any Child Protection and playing restrictions under which such arrangements are made are for the relevant Clubs to agree; and must comply with relevant Cricket Scotland and SCIO policies & guidelines.

8.5

(a) The use of Loan Players is designed to maximise participation and to minimise the call off of games, not to strengthen teams who should otherwise have enough registered players to raise a team, and not to assist teams push for promotion or avoid relegation.

(b) Players aged 60 or over on the day of a match, or juniors under the age of 18 as of 1st September of the year preceding the start of the season, may play for any team in any Grades league match as a Loan Player without the need for consent being sought or given. The only exceptions are where these players have played more than 50% of completed league matches in a Saturday League other than the Grades for the club they are primarily registered with. In these circumstances consent would be required from the opposition for them to play as a loan player.

(c) No loan players are permitted in cup competitions, other than in the Reid Cup where a maximum of 2 Loan Players can be used in a game, and only from those noted under Rule 2, subject to the opposition giving consent in advance.

(d) Grade 1 and Grade 2 teams – can field up to 2 Loan Players in a match subject to consent being given in advance by their club and their opposition, other than as noted in Rule 2. They cannot use a Loan Player who is registered for a team who plays in their Grade. Individual Loan Players may only play a maximum of 3 times on loan to any one club.

(e) Grade 3 teams – can field up to 3 Loan Players in a match subject to consent being given in advance by their club and their opposition, other than as noted in Rule 2. Individual Loan Players may only play a maximum of 6 times on loan to any one club.

(f) Other than in Rule 2, it is essential that the borrowing club complies with the registration requirements of SCIO Rule 7.0; and that the Club for which they are primarily registered also has a game, a free date in the previously determined scheduled programme of fixtures, or no game as a result of their Club having been scratched to, on that day. In Grade 3 only, players from a team that has scratched may go on loan to another Grade 3 team, subject to consent from their own club and that of the opposition being given in advance.

(g) In Grade 3, if both captains agree, a club may loan up to three players to its opponents, in order that a fixture may be fulfilled which otherwise may have been scratched.

(h) Any team contravening these Loan Player Rules shall, on protest, be adjudged to have lost the match.

8.6 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

In the event that any Club has multiple teams in the Grades in the same season, that Club will be required to notify the SCIO Board in respect of each team, other than their lowest recognised team, of the names of 6 players who regularly participated in the Grades in the previous year and are expected to be doing so in the forthcoming season. Such players will thereafter be allowed to play only for that team, or a Club’s recognised higher team, during that season. This notification must be provided to the Board at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the season, The Board shall have power to request amendment of the list of players if they are not satisfied that those listed are, and will be, regular players at the standard of the team in respect of which they have been listed for the forthcoming season. With that exception, and providing the playing rules in 8.1 through 8.5, and also 8.7 through 8.9 are met, Clubs with multiple teams may play their members in any team as often as they wish.

(SECOND LAST SENTENCE ADDED BY TRUSTEES ON 3/5/24)

8.7 No player who in the current season has played in a higher Grade/level of cricket, or in a senior Saturday league outside of the Grades, can play in a senior cup competition unless they have played at least one league game during the season for that team. At semi-final or final level they must have played at least three league games (or in the case of Grade 3 or below at semi-final level two league games) during the season for that team prior to the cup match concerned. This restriction shall not apply to any player aged under 18 on 1st September preceding the season concerned unless they have played in the EPL or SPCU NE Championship. Please note that appearances in league matches on a Sunday will only count for cup eligibility purposes if the player has NOT played in a higher level league or Grade match for their club the day before. Please note that appearances in the Turriff Cup or 7s do not count towards eligibility criteria.

8.8 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

(a) For the last 5 League games in the season, any player who has appeared for an EPL and/or a SPCU NE Championship or Division 1 team, NOSCA Senior League side, or in the top 2 divisions of ESCA and the WDCU, in more than 60% of that club’s league matches already played during the current season shall be ineligible to play for a team in a lesser league without prior permission being granted by the Board, unless they have already played during the season a minimum of 2 SCIO league games. Cognisance of the likelihood of promotion or relegation will be taken into account when considering requests for dispensation from this Rule.

(b) Any player who is also registered and has played during the current season for an EPL, SPCU, NOSCA, ESCA or WDCU club different from that which is an Ordinary member of the SCIO will also normally not be eligible to play in any SCIO match. It is appreciated that players may move geographically during the season, or may have long standing connections to SCIO clubs, and the Board will take this into account when considering any dispensation requests.

8.9 Any requests for dispensation under rule 8 (particularly rules 8.2(a) and 8.8), will only be considered if emailed to the Board 48 hours before any match.

A club shall be entitled to pay reasonable travelling expenses to any driver (driver only and not a passenger) to defray the cost to that player of travelling to any away League match without that player being deemed to be a paid player, provided the expenses so paid do not exceed a rate per mile of necessary travel at such rate as may be fixed by the Board and intimated to clubs from time to time, [currently 17p a mile]. Such payments will be restricted to travel within the recognised boundaries of SCIO cricket. Any club which wishes to pay travelling expenses to any player shall maintain a detailed record of all expenses and MUST provide this to the Board for approval prior to making any such payment. The Board will be the sole judge as to whether the payments involved are deemed reasonable.

10.1 Matches shall commence at the time specified or agreed In accordance with Rule 4.8, and shall be completed on the day of commencement. If play is not in progress due to inclement weather 7 hours after the scheduled start [2000hrs for a 1300hrs start, or the equivalent for other start times], or if play is suspended after that hour, then there shall be no further play in the match. If play is in progress, matches may however continue beyond that hour where conditions allow.

10.2

a) The Home team shall ensure that a representative is present, on the ground where the match is to take place, at least 30 minutes before the agreed start time.

b) Matches will start at the agreed scheduled time, (weather permitting), no matter how many players are available (see Rule 4.9). Any unreasonable delay in the commencement of a match must be reported to the Board. The Board will have the power to deduct points or award the match to the opponents.

c) If a team does not have a player present at the toss, 15 minutes prior to the agreed start time, then that team shall automatically lose the toss.

d) The provisions of (a), (b) and (c) above may be waived by the Board if it is satisfied the offending team made every effort to arrive on time, but was prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond its control.

e) In all matches, Clubs must not later than the toss submit to the Umpire(s) or opposing Captain, the official Team Sheet, which should be used to complete the Match Return. In matches with no appointed umpire, clubs should accept the published list of no more than 11 players on the NESC Live system as the official Team Sheet and no changes are permitted thereafter. In these circumstances, Captains should take and retain a photo or screenshot of the opposition Team Sheet for use should any discrepancy arise.

f) Should a nominated player fail to appear to bat, his team’s innings shall be considered to be completed when the last batsman available is dismissed or retires.

10.3 The tea interval in all SCIO matches should not exceed 20 minutes. The tea interval may be delayed if hot food is being provided and will not be available at the normal break in innings. Captains should discuss this prior to the start of the match.

11.1 Except as detailed in 11.3, each team competing in a league match shall be entitled to bat for 40 overs. The team batting first may declare their innings closed providing they have accrued maximum batting points, but only with the consent of the bowling team. Should the bowling team permit the declaration, they will only earn the bonus points accrued up to the time of the declaration.

11.2 No points shall be awarded in matches which are not completed, and in which the provisions of Rule 14.3 do not apply.

11.3 Where the start of the match is delayed due to weather or other exceptional circumstances the length of the match may be shortened by 5 overs per side [10 overs in total] for each 40 minute delay or part thereof. Where weather conditions indicate the full number of overs may not be completed, the captains may agree to reduce the number of overs to be played by multiples of 5 overs per side. In Grades 1 and 2 games may not be reduced unless the weather conditions indicate that this may be necessary to complete the game. However, in Grade 3 captains shall have the right in exceptional circumstances to agree a reduced length for a game where neither Club has a full side at its disposal.

All reductions are subject to a minimum length of 20 overs per innings in all Grades. No reduction in the scheduled number of overs is permitted after the start of the match.

Umpires and Captains are given discretion with regards to the start time of the second innings to ensure that, where conditions improve, common sense prevails.

12.1 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

No bowler in Grades 1 and 2 may bowl more than 8 overs, and no bowler in Grade 3 more than 10 overs, to be reduced on a pro rata basis where the length of innings is reduced prior to the start of the match. The penalty for infringing this rule is the deduction of 5 points from the team’s total for each infringement. Wherever possible, umpires and/or scorers should alert captains when it appears likely that this rule may be infringed, but responsibility for adherence to this playing rule lies with the captain who should consult with the scorers if in doubt as to how many overs have been bowled by an individual.

12.2 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

Captains should be aware of their responsibilities to all their players, and particularly to the directives for young fast bowlers in Annex D, which will apply in all Grades. Action may be taken against teams who do not comply with the directives.

12.3 For the avoidance of doubt, any and all deliveries which, after pitching, pass or would have passed above head height of the striker standing upright at the crease, shall be called and signalled no-ball, as mandated by MCC Law 21.10.

12.4 Wides

The calling of wides will be as detailed in the Laws of Cricket except in Grade 1, the Aberdeenshire Cup, Turriff Cup and any 7s competition, in which Leg Side Wides will apply as noted below –

If the ball is bowled down the leg side and behind the body of the striker, and the striker makes no contact with it, then the Bowler’s End Umpire will call and signal ‘wide’. There are two exceptions to this Rule:

(i) It is not a wide when the batter moves across to the off stump from their original stance and the ball just misses the leg stump. “Just misses” is to be interpreted as the width of a bat (approximately 4 inches).

(ii) It is not a leg side wide when the batter plays or attempts to play, or aborts playing a reverse sweep or switch hit. In these circumstances, the normal wide criteria shall apply to both the off side and the leg side. For the sake of clarity, a ball that passes down the leg side, but in between the striker and the leg stump, shall not be deemed a wide for the purposes of this Rule.

Teams should note that they DO NOT have the power to agree to call wides under any other method, and should the Board be made aware that they have adopted a variation to this, the Board has the power to impose a points deduction on either or both sides.

(a) In all matches, throughout an innings, at the instant of delivery, there shall not be more than 5 fielders on the leg side.

(b) Prior to play, the home side will put in place outer fielding circles which shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 27.45 metres (30 yards). The semi-circles shall be linked by 2 parallel straight lines. The outer fielding circle shall be marked by white dots approximately 4.5 metres (5 yards) apart, covered by circular white plastic or rubber (but not metal) discs approximately 180 millimetres (7 inches) in diameter.

(c) Throughout an innings, at the instant of delivery, up to a maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the fielding circle area. In the event of an infringement of (c) above, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal ‘no ball’. Where a sole independent umpire has been appointed, they shall also be able to call and signal ‘no ball’ for this infringement. For clarity it should be noted that if a team at any stage in a match has less than 11 fielders on the pitch, they can still have a maximum of up to 5 fielders outside the fielding circle.

(d) In the event of the striker’s end umpire failing to call and signal ‘no ball’ when this fielding restriction has been breached, immediately the ball becomes dead, the striker may draw the matter to that umpire’s attention. If the striker’s end umpire (or a sole independent umpire, if appointed) is able to verify the breach then they shall call and signal ‘no ball’. If the umpire is unable to verify the breach then they shall confirm that the events of the delivery are unchanged.

(e) All Clubs by participation in SCIO competitions agree to abide by the ECB Directives for young fielders. See Annex D appended to these Rules for details of these.

14.1 Result Points

Winning team – 30 points [continued temporary provision approved by the Board for 2019 only]. Each team in a tie – 5 points.

Except in the circumstances governed by 14.3, the team scoring the greater number of runs in the match shall be the winners. If the number of runs scored by the teams is equal the result shall be a tie. No account shall be taken of wickets lost.

14.2 Bonus Points

In all grades, Bonus points will be awarded to the losing team, and to each team in the event of a tie, as follows [no bonus points shall be awarded to the team which wins the match] –

(a) Batting bonus points will be awarded on scoring 40 runs and every 15 runs thereafter, to a maximum of 10 bonus points.

(b) Bowling bonus points will be awarded at the fall of each wicket. The maximum of 10 bowling points will be awarded should a team be all out.

14.3 In the event that a match is abandoned, then, provided at least 20 overs of the second innings have been completed, the result will be decided by the Rain Calculator method. This will also indicate the number of winning/tie/bonus points to be awarded to each team.

The Board shall have the power to deduct points as deemed appropriate for non-compliance with the Rules of the League.

15.1 If a club has not paid any invoice issued by the NESC SCIO by a date specified by the Board, the Board will have the power to deduct 5 points from the total points for each team that club has in the Grades for that current or upcoming season. If the invoice continues to remain outstanding the Board shall have the power to give the club concerned 7 days’ notice that they will deduct further points if payment is not made by a specified date. The Board will also have the power to suspend a club for ongoing non-payment of fees if they are not satisfied that the club will honour their dues. This relates to any invoice issued by the NESC SCIO to include annual subscriptions, pitch hire fees, ball purchases, umpiring fees (including to CSMOA) and tickets for events including the Grades dinner, or any other unspecified instance that requires an invoice to be raised.

15.2 Where an independent umpire is standing, points may be deducted for slow over rates as specified in Rule 6.5.

15.3 Where a team fails to fulfil a fixture on the original date specified by the Board or on a substitute date agreed with the Board and their opponents, the team responsible shall be deemed to have forfeited the match and their opponents shall be awarded points as if they had won the match. Where a club cannot fulfil all its fixtures for a given day, Rule 4.4. applies. Any Club forfeiting a game after 1900hrs on a Friday evening (or 1900hrs on a Saturday evening for a league match on a Sunday) will incur an additional 5 point penalty except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Board.

15.4 (AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

Any Club unrepresented at a SCIO Members’ Meeting of which due notice has been given, shall be liable to a deduction of up to 15 league points from each of its teams in the playing season immediately following each Meeting at which the Club was unrepresented, subject to the power of the Board to waive the penalty on good cause shown.

15.5 The Board shall have the power at its sole discretion, before or during each season, to hold Captains’ Meetings, non-attendance at which shall be liable to a deduction of 5 league points for any team unrepresented without good cause, of which the Board shall be the sole judge.

15.6 Where member clubs wish to appeal against any decision made by the Board or a pendant committee, they must do so within 5 days of that decision being notified to them. Where member clubs wish to appeal against such a decision, notification of appeal must include the grounds of appeal, and a £50 deposit, which will be returned to the appellant club if the appeal is successful.

16.1 Short Scores

In all matches, whether completed, not completed, scratched or abandoned, the home
side must input the result to NESC Live by 2200hrs on the day of the match to facilitate
press requirements and the updating of the SCIO website.
This must include –

On the Summary Tab:

• Indication of team winning toss
• Indication of team batting first
• Runs, wickets, and overs for each team’s innings [overs to include balls for overs uncompleted] and maximum overs that were available to bowl
• Manual calculation of bonus points in the event of a tie or for the losing team ONLY
• The reason for the completion of each innings
• In NOTES include the best two individual batting performances, indicating if Not Out, and best two individual bowling performances where 2 or more wickets taken

16.2 Match Return Forms

The Home Team in any SCIO match is responsible for the completion of the full match scorecard on NESC Live. The form must be completed in full and accurately. Scorecards must be submitted by 1800hrs on the Wednesday following the match.

16.3 Captains’ Report Forms

Both Clubs in any SCIO match are responsible for the submission of the captain’s report and
fair play score on any format that the NESC may specify. These forms must be completed in full
and accurately and must be submitted by 1800hrs on the Wednesday following the match. Whilst the Board would have the power to deduct points for non-completion, they would normally remind clubs that the return is outstanding, and only apply points deductions should a team not submit their return by a specific time thereafter.

16.4 Penalties

In the event of a failure to comply with 16.1, 16.2 or 16.3 the Board will have the power to deduct up to 5 points for each offence from the total points earned during the season. Where Clubs repeatedly fail to comply with rule 16 and/or where reports remain outstanding following reminders then this will be referred to the Board who may impose a further penalty.

16.5 Fair Play Awards

The SCIO may have Fair Play Awards for each Grade. The awarding of these will be based on Fair Play submissions on NESC Live. Any team that does not input Fair Play marks will not be eligible to receive a Fair Play award.

League placings will be determined by expressing the points awarded as a percentage of the results points for a win in all completed matches. In the event that two or more teams have an equal percentage at the end of the season, the team having the greatest ratio of matches won to matches played shall be placed above the other teams.

In the event that this does not separate the teams, the points gained in the matches between the sides will determine the final placings; failing which net run rate as detailed through the league table on NESC Live will apply.

All Cup-tie Competitions shall be conducted on the knock-out principle with each side being limited to 40 overs each in the Aberdeenshire Cup (20 overs each in the Bon Accord and Reid Cups) and each bowler being limited to a maximum of 8 overs in the Aberdeenshire Cup (4 overs in the Bon Accord and Reid Cups).

All byes shall be drawn in the first round of each competition.

The Club first drawn shall be the home Club.

If play is started, but due to weather a result has not been determined, including by the use of the rain calculator, the other Club shall have the option to become the home Club for the replay. In the event of the scores finishing level in a cup tie, the team that has lost fewer wickets shall be the winner, or if both sides have lost the same number of wickets, the side which scored its runs in the lesser number of overs, including part overs, shall be the winner. If the game is still a tie, the winner shall be the team that scored the most number of runs at the end of the penultimate over, and if required, the team that scored the most runs at the end of each over counting back from the penultimate over.

The Board shall specify the initial and one reserve date for each round of each cup competition. On either date, if due to actual or anticipated weather conditions a game cannot start on time, or it is anticipated a full duration game may not be possible, it may by agreement be reduced prior to commencement by up to four multiples of 5 overs per side to not less than 20 overs per side, with a pro rata reduction (to 7, 6, 5 or 4) in the overs permitted to each bowler, or – if rain intervenes in the second innings after 20 overs have been bowled, but before completion, the result shall be determined by use of the SCIO’s Rain Calculator. In the case of a scheduled 20 over match, the Rain Calculator will be used providing at least 15 overs of the second innings have been completed.

Should the Rain Calculator state that the match was a tie, it will be replayed with the away Club having the option to become the home Club for the replay. If the match took place on the reserve date then the teams should have a bowl off to determine the winner.

Should no result be achieved on the reserve date after application of these provisions, teams should either on that date, or within five days thereafter – using remote access technology where appropriate – undertake a bowl off to achieve a result. Five players from each team, will bowl overarm, alternately, two consecutive deliveries each, at three stumps at a distance of 22 yards. The team scoring the greater number of “hits” shall be the winner. If the scores are equal the same cricketers in the same order will bowl one ball each alternately to achieve a result on a “sudden death” basis. If circumstances make the above impossible, or a bowl out is not completed within five days, the Association shall determine the result of the match by the toss of a coin.

Cup Finals (or Finals Days) shall be played on grounds to be fixed by the Board. Dependent on league size, initial and reserve dates may be scheduled for Sundays, but in the case of the Bon Accord and Reid Cup, where both clubs agree, Sunday ties may be rescheduled for a weekday evening provided that any such arrangements are submitted for Board approval no later than 7 days before the Sunday date originally fixed. In all cups, it is the responsibility of the home side to lay out a fielding circle, and fielding restrictions will apply as detailed in rule 13.

Special Regulations for the Turriff Cup and Press and Journal Trophy Competitions shall be as approved by the Board and are appended at Annex E.

For the Aberdeenshire Cup it is expected that the final over of a 40 over innings should commence within 2 hours 40 minutes of the start of play [ignoring any interruptions for rain or player injury], and pro rata for innings where the maximum permitted duration is less [e.g., 1 hour 20 minutes for 20 overs]. In 20 over cup matches it is expected that the final over of the innings should commence within 1 hour 20 minutes of the start of play. In all cases an extra 5 minute allowance will be added to any innings [e.g., 2 hours 45 minutes for a 40 overs innings, and 1 hour 25 minutes for a 20 overs innings].

Where an independent umpire is appointed, they will enforce the over rate noted above. For every over that has not been started at the expiry of the allocated period, 5 penalty runs will be applied against the offending team. The umpire should allow for exceptional circumstances such as injuries, the ball being retrieved from outside the ground, slow play by the batting side, but no allowance will be made for any drinks break.

(AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

19.1 Complaints by Clubs against breaches of Rule (except in regard to the eligibility of any players) must be submitted within 72 hours of the breach complained of, be in a form capable of preservation, specifying the Rule(s) considered to have been breached, providing a full account of circumstances, and specifying the remedy sought. Any breaches of rules that relate to player eligibility will be considered and dealt with up to the point at which the Board considers the season to be completed.

19.2  It is the normal expectation that protests will be submitted only after a match has been completed; and that play will continue under protest where necessary.  Matches will be voided, or points adjusted, following unilateral refusal to continue play, only if there is clear evidence of exceptional and compelling reasons, e.g., of player safety.

19.3 The SCIO has no power to amend individual cricketing decisions (Law 2.12) or the result of a match (Law 16.10).  It may void a fixture/order a replay, adjust league points, or exclude from a cup competition only.  Under SCIO Rule 21 photographic material will not be accepted as evidence of the accuracy or otherwise of an individual cricketing decision.

19.4 All allegations of any breach of Rule will be investigated in the first instance by a panel of not fewer than 3 persons, none of whom may have any interest in the outcome.  The panel shall determine its own procedure and may request written or oral evidence as it sees fit.

19.5  The decision of a panel must normally be communicated within 21 days, subject to extension only in exceptional circumstances, which must be communicated to all parties within the 21-day normal period.

19.6  Once reached, the decision of an investigatory panel shall have the status of a decision of the SCIO, subject only to legal review on the grounds and following the procedures specified in Rules 1.1 and 15.6.  Where a case is disposed of by written warning only, there is no right of appeal.

19.7  The penalties which may be imposed on clubs in the event of a protest being upheld and the standard of proof shall be as provided under Rule 22.0.

20.1 The Cricket Scotland Match Officials Association (CSMOA) may appoint an umpire or umpires to officiate at any match it deems appropriate. No team may object to an CMSOA appointed umpire officiating at any match.

20.2 Where a team offers to provide one or two non-player umpires, the agreement of the opposing captain is required.

20.3 Where the two captains have agreed an umpiring format for a match, it shall pertain for the whole of the match unless exceptional circumstances create the need for unavoidable change.

20.4 Where only one umpire is appointed by the CSMOA he shall officiate continuously from the bowler’s end.

20.5 Where fewer than 2 umpires are appointed under Rule 20.1, the match shall be umpired by players or other convenient people operating in shifts. When umpiring duties are undertaken by participating players, their alternating between the bowler’s end and the striker’s end shall be at the discretion of the batting teams captain.

20.6 No club shall have a right of objection to any umpire, no matter how they are appointed. All umpires, no matter how they are appointed, are expected to uphold the Laws and Spirit of the game, and to make all decisions that are required with strict impartiality.

20.7 Wherever possible, each club shall appoint a scorer for each game, but if a scorer is not appointed, the club must provide a standard “box-style” scorebook or score sheet, and the score shall be kept by members of the batting side. There must be 2 scorers recording the action at all times.

20.8 Where umpires are appointed under Rule 20.1, they shall agree the scores at the conclusion of each innings as mandated in MCC Law 3.2. Where no umpires are appointed, the captains shall agree the scores at the conclusion of each innings. Each captain shall have the right to examine each scorebook, and the captains shall jointly resolve any discrepancies within or between the two scorebooks.

20.9 Ideally, a scoreboard, legible from the pitch, should be provided by the home team. The scoreboard shall show, as a minimum, runs scored, wickets fallen, and the number of overs bowled. The scoreboard shall be updated ideally at the end of every over. If no scoreboard is available then the scorers should make both teams aware of the score at the end of every over.

20.10 All clubs are encouraged to support their members in attending training courses and sessions in order to promote the highest possible standards of umpiring and scoring throughout the SCIO.

Recording a match whilst on the field of play is strictly prohibited. Video or photographic
evidence by spectators, and reference to a live recording system, may not be used to determine
any cricketing decision which may be part of a match, e.g., the result of a match or dismissals.
This list is not exhaustive. It will be up to the Board or Disciplinary Committee to decide if it
wishes to accept and use video or photographic evidence by spectators, or a live recording
system, when considering a protest or disciplinary matter not involving a cricketing decision; but this will be for such matters only, and not in relation to any other aspect of play. Any video or photographic material from which individuals can be identified must comply with legal requirements. It can be used only if obtained with the consent of the individuals concerned, or for a legitimate purpose. Consent must be obtained for the live streaming of any match from guardians or parents of any individuals considered to be part of a vulnerable group, e.g., those under 18 at the time of the match.

22 (a) GENERAL PRINCIPLES

In applying its disciplinary procedures, the NESC SCIO will follow the Cricket Scotland Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, the Disciplinary Procedure Flowchart, its associated Notes and the CS Disciplinary Process and Procedure. Any sanction raised against a player as noted on the Cricket Scotland website will apply to matches under the auspices of the NESC SCIO.  A link to these documents is available on the CLUB ADMIN and/or DISCIPLINARY tabs on the NESC SCIO website.

In situations where Cricket Scotland consider it necessary to publish specific Guidance (currently around Covid-19 but applicable to any other Guidance issued), breaches of this Guidance may be subject to sanctions. Warnings without additional sanction may be issued for inadvertent breaches of the guidance. Where breaches by individuals are considered deliberate, the provisions of Rule 22 and the related CS Code of Conduct, Flowchart, associated notes and the Disciplinary Process and Procedure will apply. Breaches attributed to clubs will be subject to sanction as noted in Rule 22 (b).  Club breaches will not be dealt with by the Discipline Committee, but by a separate body as considered appropriate by the Trustees.

It should be stressed that ignorance of these procedures will not be a defence in any disciplinary process.

Note: The SCIO has an Internet and Social Media policy, full details of which can be found in the downloads section of the SCIO website. All players and officials should make themselves aware of this policy. Breaches of this policy will be dealt with under the SCIO disciplinary procedures. However, in certain circumstances, such a breach may also be considered a criminal offence and, if so, will be passed on to the relevant authority for action.

22 (b) SUPPLEMENTARY CONSIDERATIONS

These should be read in conjunction with the documents referred to above and any areas of consequent dubiety will be resolved by reference to the Discipline Officer (DO) of the NESC SCIO.

Responsibility for regulation of player behaviour is also a matter for member clubs and, specifically during play, rests with the captain of each team on the day in question. Both clubs and captains may therefore be subject to sanctions if in the opinion of the Discipline Committee they fail to take sufficient steps to regulate the behaviour of their players, and to respond robustly to reports of misbehaviour, even if not themselves personally involved in any misconduct. It should be noted that any sanctions considered against a club could include a warning, suspension of the club, the awarding of the match, or a deduction of points, the latter of which may be suspended for a specific time period.

In exceptional circumstances, where evidence of potential indiscipline which would constitute a level 4 offence under the Cricket Scotland Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials comes to light, whether from a formal report or otherwise, the Disciplinary Officer of the SCIO, or Deputy, appointed under Rule 22 ( c), following consultation with the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, may immediately suspend a named club or player from participation in SCIO competitions for a period not normally exceeding 14 days, pending submission of written reports from both Clubs involved in the match concerned, and to permit a disciplinary hearing to be held.

22 (c) THE DISCIPLINE OFFICER AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE AND DISCIPLINE PANEL

The Discipline Officer (DO) and if thought appropriate, a Deputy Discipline Officer (DDO), shall be appointed by the SCIO trustees. The DDO should act on any case where the DO (or the trustees) feels it inappropriate for them to make a judgement. The trustees may remove or appoint the DO and DDO as they see fit. 

The Discipline Committee shall comprise a minimum of three persons (one of whom must be a trustee), appointed by the Board and serving for one year, with any or all of its members being eligible for reappointment at the discretion of the Board, and any vacancies may be filled by co-option by the Board. The Discipline Committee will appoint a wider Discipline Panel as they think appropriate.

22 (d) CONDUCT DURING A HEARING OR APPEAL

If in the opinion of a Discipline panel or those considering an appeal, any evidence presented to them that is deliberately designed to mislead them with a view to minimising any sanction imposed, may result in consideration of an additional sanction for the individual, or for further proceedings to be raised against any witness who falls under the jurisdiction of the SCIO, for bringing the game in to disrepute.

22 (e) APPEAL FEE

The DO will have the discretion to set a fee for an Appeal of up to £100.  

22 (f) PUBLICITY

A summary detailing the name & club of the player, the offence and sanction imposed, will be published on the NESC SCIO website.

22 (h) ARRANGEMENTS

All references to the arranging of meetings or hearings in Rule 22 and Annex F is on the basis that these will be conducted by Zoom or a similar online method as agreed by the Disciplinary Committee.

Rules for junior age-group competitions shall be as set by the Board of the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO, adhering as closely as possible to Cricket Scotland recommended formats. The Board shall thereafter be the sole judge as to adherence to competition rules, and any disciplinary matters that may arise

In exceptional circumstances, any of these rules can be suspended or amended by the Board (subject to a two thirds majority being in favour) at any time, and any amendment will take effect from a date of their choosing and must be advised to all clubs within 24 hours. Any amendment made by the Board, must be approved by a simple majority of the members at the AGM following the rule change, otherwise the rule change will be deleted, and cannot be enforced by the Board in the year following the AGM, unless Health and Safety issues are considered to apply; the rule change is on the advice of Cricket Scotland; or is the consequence of a change to the Laws of Cricket.

Otherwise no alteration shall be made in the foregoing Rules without a majority of the Ordinary Members of the SCIO present voting in favour of the proposed alterations at the Annual General Meeting or exceptionally another Members Meeting expressly convened for the purpose. Notice of any such alterations must be in the Secretary’s hands by a date specified on the Web Site, in order that Clubs may get 28 days’ notice of same.

Amendments to the alterations must be in the Secretary’s hands in time for Clubs to get 14 days’ notice of same.

Any proposed alteration to rules (other than one proposed by the Board) or amendment thereto (whether to a proposal made by the Board or otherwise) must be proposed by a minimum of three Clubs.

(AMENDED AT 2024 AGM)

The Standard Ball currently approved for use by teams in league cricket is the “Dukes Special Crown Match A” 5½oz (DT054) available as directed by the Board, who may collect a levy per ball as part of the purchase price towards SCIO funds. Clubs may be invoiced by the Board for any balls supplied at a price determined by the Board. Clubs must not purchase balls from an alternative supplier without prior approval of the Board.

Both teams in a match must play with any trial balls supplied by the Board. The Board intend to trial various pink balls, mostly in cup competitions, with a view to moving to the use of a pink ball as and when approved by the member clubs.  

Grade 1 – shall consist of ten teams who shall compete for the Aberdeenshire and Bain Cups. In League Competition, each team shall have two matches scheduled with every other team.

Grade 2 – shall consist of ten teams who shall compete for the Bon Accord and Junior
League Cups. In League Competition, each team shall have two matches scheduled with
every other team.

Grade 3 – shall consist of the remaining teams who shall compete for the Ross and Reid Cups. If there are eight or fewer teams in Grade 3, in League Competition each team shall be scheduled to play a minimum of two matches with every other team; otherwise each team shall be scheduled to play each other team once, although a flexible approach may be taken to fixturing to maximize the number of games playable. ‘The games in the Reid Cup prior to the semi-final stage shall be either on a knockout or league cup basis in groups, as determined by the Board in the light of the number of teams in the Grade for that season.

The health and safety of players and officials are of paramount importance and it is the responsibility of the umpires and captains to ensure that this takes priority over any desire to complete a match or get to a position whereby a result applies.

The introduction of the Rain Calculator should reduce the perceived need to continue play in conditions that are clearly unplayable.

The following guidelines should help Captains in their discussions. The Committee advises that where protests do come before them, failure by either or both Captains to follow these guidelines may be considered in making a decision. Additionally, any Captain who has enforced play in conditions that are deemed to have been dangerous or unreasonable, may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

1. INDEPENDENT GROUNDS-PERSON

Where an independent grounds-person refuses to allow play to start, or insists that play is suspended, then his decision must be accepted as final.

2. INDEPENDENT UMPIRES

Where independent umpires have been appointed then Laws 2.7 and 2.8 of the 2017 Code of Laws shall apply, particularly:-

(a) Fitness for Play

It is solely for the umpires to decide whether conditions of ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place.

(b) Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable conditions

(i) If at any time an umpire decides that the conditions are not fit for play, then play will be suspended immediately, or not allowed to start or recommence.

(ii) When both umpires are satisfied that the conditions are no longer dangerous or unreasonable, they shall request that play resume.

Where only one Umpire has been appointed, then his decision shall apply as above.

3. BEFORE THE TOSS FOR INNINGS

Refer to SCIO Rule 6.3 for procedures prior to the start of the match.

4. WHERE NO UMPIRES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED

It is important that the following guidelines are only considered where there are NO officially appointed umpires.

4.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

i) With the aid of the following criteria, the Captains shall decide on the fitness of the ground or weather for play.

ii) For this purpose, the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their Captain but only as long as there is no dispute. Should there be disagreement between the batsmen at the wicket and the Fielding Captain then the Batting Captain should be called upon to confer with the Fielding Captain.

iii) Players and Captains should be aware that this is a matter for Captains to decide and that players should refrain from trying to influence the decision. For this reason, it is IMPORTANT that the Captains confer ALONE and that they make every effort to reach an agreement.

4.2 WHEN PLAY IS IN PROGRESS

i) If, at any time during play, conditions deteriorate to such an extent that continuing would be “unreasonable” (see criteria), then the batsmen at the wicket or the Fielding Captain may request a suspension of play. The Batting Captain cannot ask for a suspension of play unless he is one of the batsman at the wicket.

ii) If it is agreed that play should be suspended then the Captains must agree the time at which they will review the situation. If it is close to tea-time the Captains may agree to take an early tea interval.

iii) Should there be disagreement between the batsmen at the wicket and the Fielding Captain the Batting Captain shall be called upon to confer with the Fielding Captain.

iv) The Captains, with reference to the following criteria, must make every effort to come to an agreement. They have the following options:-

a. agreeing to continue play

b. agreeing to suspend play subject to review at an agreed time

c. agreeing to continue play subject to a review after an agreed number of overs have elapsed. An over in progress shall count as a completed over

d. take an early tea-interval if appropriate.

v) If the Captains cannot agree on one of these options, they must record the reason for the disagreement, the time, overs, and score in both scorebooks. Play will then be suspended subject to a review after 15 minutes.

4.3 WHEN PLAY IS NOT IN PROGRESS

(That is before the start of the match, during an interval, during the change of innings or where play has been suspended for any reason.)

i) If, while play is not in progress, weather or ground conditions are such that to start or resume play would be “unreasonable” (see criteria) then either Captain may ask that the start or resumption of play be delayed. Should conditions delay the scheduled start then the toss may be delayed to 15 minutes before the agreed starting time as under Law 12.4 the Toss.

ii) The Captains, with reference to the following criteria, must make every effort to come to an agreement. They have the following options:-

a. Agreeing to start or resume play.

b. Agreeing to stay off subject to review at an agreed time.

c. Agreeing to start or resume play subject to a review after an agreed number of overs have elapsed.

d. Take an early tea-interval if appropriate.

e. Agree to abandon the match.

iii) If the Captains agree to delay the start or resumption of play then they must agree a time at which they will review the situation. This delay should not be more than 30 minutes.

iv) If the Captains cannot agree on one of these options, they must record the reason for the disagreement, the time, overs, and score in both scorebooks. Play will then remain suspended subject to a review after 15 minutes. At this stage it is hoped that the weather will either improve or deteriorate to such an extent that there is no further dispute.

4.4 WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CAPTAINS STILL CANNOT AGREE?

i) If the Captains still cannot agree a course of action, they must suspend play for a further 15 minutes. At the expiry of that 15 minute period, it they cannot agree a course of action, the Captains should, if possible, consult a weather forecast, and if the forecast suggests that conditions are likely to stay the same or to deteriorate, they must abandon play. They must note the time and sign the scorebooks.

ii) If the forecast suggests that the weather will improve to allow the game to be completed in full (not to the point where the rain calculator comes in to force), the position should be reviewed after a further 15 minute period, and if agreement is still not possible, then the match must be abandoned.

iii) The options open to the Captains at this point are as follows:-

a. Both Captains may agree to let the result stand as ‘match abandoned’, subject to a replay if required.

b. Either Captain may lodge a protest with the SCIO Board if he considers that the opposition Captain has consistently refused to start, continue or resume play without good reason.

5. MAKING A PROTEST

If either Captain wishes to claim the match by lodging a formal protest to the SCIO Board they should follow the process as noted in SCIO Rule 19.0.

6. ACTION OF SCIO BOARD ON RECEIPT OF PROTEST

On receipt of a protest from a Club claiming the match, a meeting of the Board shall be arranged, inviting both Captains (or persons acting as Captain on the day in question) to attend, bringing with them a written account of the events as they saw them, their scorebook, and any other evidence they see fit.

The Board can then –

i) uphold the protest and award the match to the protesting Club.

ii) turn down the protest. In this event the match shall be void unless a replay is required.

WET WEATHER CRITERIA

“UNREASONABLE” CONDITIONS:

The following ground or weather conditions are to be considered “unreasonable” for starting, continuing, or resuming play:-

1. Rain which would wet players through within a 10 minute period.
2. Lighter rain driven by a strong wind.
3. Water pooling on the pitch or on the outfield.
4. Wet ground on the pitch or bowlers run-ups such that the batsmen or bowlers cannot run or turn with safety.
5. Water rising when the pitch is subject to foot pressure.
6. Water splashing up when the ball pitches.
7. Foggy or misty conditions where the pitch is not visible from the boundary.
8. Where the bowler plays in spectacles and their vision is being seriously affected by rain obscuring the lenses. It is expected that batsmen who play in glasses will be wearing helmets, but if the rain can find its way on to their glasses with a helmet on in the normal course of play, play should be suspended.

“NOT UNREASONABLE” CONDITIONS:

The following ground or weather conditions should not be considered as “unreasonable” and are therefore not sufficient reasons for suspending, not starting or not resuming play:

1. Light rain which may be unpleasant but does not seriously affect the condition of the wicket or outfield.
2. Soft wet pitches which may make batting difficult but are not so bad that they are “unreasonable” under points 3 to 6 above.

Note: Care should be taken where the match is being played on an artificial wicket and bowlers and batsmen are compelled to wear non-spiked footwear. The transition from damp grass on to the artificial pitch may be dangerous for the bowler. This may also apply in the case of fielders running and having to stop on a wet outfield, or batsmen turning on the wet artificial pitch or the grass adjacent to the pitch.

BOWLING RESTRICTIONS FOR YOUNG FAST BOWLERS [Rule 12.2]

Age Maximum	Maximum Overs Per Spell	Maximum Overs Per Day
Up to 13	5 overs	10 overs
Under 14, Under 15	6 overs	12 overs
Under 16, Under 17	7 overs	18 overs
Under 18, Under 19	7 overs	18 overs

FIELDING REGULATIONS FOR YOUNG PLAYERS [Rule 13.0 ( e )]

No young player in the Under 15 age group or younger shall be allowed to field closer than 7.3 metres (8 yards) from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off side, until the batsman has played at the ball. For players in the Under 13 age group and below the distance is 10 metres (11 yards). These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet. Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back. In addition any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18, must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 5.5 metres (6 yards) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off side. Players should wear appropriate protective equipment whenever they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk. Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31 August in the year preceding the current season.

COMPETITION RULES FOR THE TURRIFF CUP

Rule 1. The Trophy to be named “Turriff C.C. Trophy”.

Rule 2. To be competed for annually on a knock-out basis with all Grade clubs eligible to enter the competition. All players must be registered with NESC Live and may only play for one side in the competition in any season. No player who in the current season has played in a higher Grade/level of cricket, or in a senior Saturday league outside of the Grades, can play in the Turriff Cup unless they have played at least once during the season for that team. This restriction shall not apply to any player aged under 18 on 1^st September preceding the season concerned.

Rule 3. Ties prior to the semi-final round shall normally take place on a weekday evening, limited to 20 overs per team with each individual bowler being limited to a maximum of 4 overs; but may be scheduled for a Sunday provided both clubs agree, and the use of such dates are not disruptive to the SCIO’s other League, Cup & Representative fixtures. The Rain Calculator must be used to determine a result if the match has not been completed, providing 15 overs of the second innings have been completed.

Rule 4. If play is started, but due to weather a result has not been determined, including by the use of the rain calculator, the ‘away’ Club shall have the option to become the ‘home’ Club for the replay. Replays of cup-ties will take place within eight days of the original fixture; any exceptions to this will be permissible only with the agreement of the Board (and both Clubs concerned).

Rule 5. In the event of the scores being tied, the team that has lost fewer wickets shall be the winner, or if both sides have lost the same number of wickets, the side which scored its runs in the lesser number of overs, including part overs, shall be the winner. If the game is still a tie, the winner shall be the team that scored the most number of runs at the end of the penultimate over, and if required, the team that scored the most runs at the end of each over counting back from the penultimate over.

Rule 6. Draws for various rounds, any entry fees and fixture dates to be arranged by the Board.

Rule 7. If a match is called off on a second occasion the result shall be determined by a bowl out or coin toss, as specified under Rule 18.. Where conditions of weather or light require, either original or re-scheduled fixtures may, by agreement of both captains, be reduced to not less than 10 overs per side, with bowling allocations being reduced pro rata.

Rule 8. It is the responsibility of the home side to lay out a fielding circle, and fielding restrictions will apply as detailed in Rule 13.

COMPETITION RULES FOR THE P&J & DUNCAN CUPS (7’s)

Rule 1. Open to all clubs in membership of the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO.

Rule 2. Clubs may enter as many Sevens as they so desire. No player can play for more than one Seven during the course of the competition, and must also be registered on NESC Live as a playing member of a recognised Cricket Scotland club. No player who in the current season has played in a higher Grade/level of cricket, or in a senior Saturday league outside of the Grades, can play in the 7s unless they have played at least once during the season for that team. This restriction shall not apply to any player aged under 18 on 1^st September preceding the season concerned.

Rule 3. Any entry fee for the competition shall be arranged by the Board.

Rule 4. Each Seven shall be allowed SIX by EIGHT ball overs in all rounds. The Board may reduce this to 6 ball overs if time to complete matches is limited.

Rule 5. Six members of the team shall bowl in succession, the Wicket-Keeper being excepted, and only six wickets shall fall. In the event of a nominated player failing to appear in time to bowl his over, or being unable through injury to bowl his over, the opposing Captain shall nominate any of the other bowlers to bowl his over. The Wicket-Keeper shall not bowl under any circumstances.

Rule 6. The matches should commence no sooner than 6pm, and at times set thereafter by the Board.

Rule 7. In the event of the Tie ending in equal number of runs, the team having lost the least number of wickets shall be the winner. Failing that, should both teams have been all out, the team that batted the longest shall be the winner. Failing that, the team having scored the highest number of runs at the end of the penultimate over shall be the winner, and if required, the team with the highest score at the end of the over counting back thereafter shall be the winner.

Rule 8. The Board of the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO shall exercise full control over the Tournament and may amend the Rules of the Competition as may be deemed necessary.