MID-ATLANTIC CRICKET CONFERENCE (MACC)
2008 LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Table of Contents:

1. The Laws of Cricket

The 2000 Code of the Laws of Cricket, as amended May, 2003, will be the default regulations governing play in the MACC on any points not covered by the following League regulations. ICC regulations for International Test Matches and ODIs do not apply to MACC matches unless specifically given below.

2. Exceptions to new Laws in the 2000 Code

2.1 The 2000 Code of the Laws of Cricket includes more stringent regulations against unfair gloves used by the wicket-keeper. Of particular importance is a new requirement that the webbing between thumb and index finger be for support only and not form a pouch when the hand is extended that might unfairly assist in making a catch. Recognising the cost of gear, the MACC will not enforce this rule for MACC play in the 2008 season, but umpires are asked to report non-compliant gloves to the Umpiring Committee so that we will know the extent of the problem.  Teams are expected to bear this new Law in mind when purchasing new equipment and to prepare for the future time when this Law will be enforced.

2.2 The new Laws do not allow the marking of a boundary with objects at separated points like flags or cones. The markers should be a continuous item like a rope, a line painted on the ground, or a fence or board, or some combination of these. Flags or cones will still be allowed in the MACC until further notice. However, it must be remembered that the boundary is now an invisible line at the base of the marker, and thus the remainder of the marker above ground level is over the boundary. In particular, a ball struck so that it first lands on a boundary cone or flag above the ground will be a boundary six.

2.3 The new Laws require the use of two scorers at all times. While this is highly desirable and to be encouraged (see Section 7.1), the MACC requires only one scorer.

2.4 Underarm bowling is not allowed. A delivery shall be considered underarm if the ball does not reach the level of the bowler's shoulder during the delivery swing. In the event of an underarm delivery the umpire shall call and signal No ball under Law 24.1(a).

3. The Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Disciplinary Committee

3.1 The Board of Directors and Executive Committee (EC) of the MACC are constituted as specified in the Constitution and By-Laws of the MACC. If any reports are received requiring the attention of a Disciplinary Committee, one will be appointed by the Executive Committee as described in that document and in the League's written policies. These governing bodies and committees are responsible for ensuring that the conduct of all participants in MACC matches adheres both to the letter of the Laws and regulations and to the Spirit of the Game.

3.2 A Disciplinary Committee will normally be appointed by the Executive Committee in response to a report received from an umpire, a team captain, or a member of the Board of Directors or Executive Committee. However, the Executive Committee are empowered to appoint a Disciplinary Committee at any time they judge it necessary.

4. The Umpire(s) -- See also Appendix A

4.1 To the extent possible the League will schedule two umpires, who are not affiliated with the teams playing, for each match. These umpires will be scheduled by naming two umpires, by naming a League team that must provide two umpires, or by naming one umpire and naming a team to provide the other umpire.  Teams who are assigned to provide umpires may agree among themselves to swap assignments, provided that 1) the change is made in good time (preferably several weeks before the matches affected); 2) the teams playing in the matches agree to the change; and 3) notice is given to the Umpiring Committee and approval given.

If there is only one appointed umpire present for the match, he will stand at the bowler's end throughout the match unless the captains agree otherwise before the toss for innings. In this case an umpire at the striker's end will normally be provided by the batting side, but the captains may agree upon a second nonplaying umpire if one is available. All nonplaying umpires are expected to umpire for the entire match.

4.2 If two umpires officiate in a match who are not affiliated with either of the teams playing, they will normally alternate overs standing at the bowlers' end unless the umpires and the captains agree otherwise before the toss for innings.

4.3 Throughout these regulations, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the word "umpires" in the plural refers to the umpires scheduled for the match who are not affiliated with either team playing. If there is only one such umpire, the word applies only to him. The word "umpire(s)" refers to any umpires participating in a match.

4.4 Umpires shall wear appropriate umpiring clothing, which at a minimum shall be a white shirt and dark (preferably black or navy blue) trousers. The use of white umpiring jackets and other traditional umpiring clothing suitable for a day match with a red ball is permitted and encouraged.

4.5 The umpires are responsible for ensuring that the conduct of the match is strictly in accordance with the Laws and these regulations. They shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.

4.6 The umpires will be the final judges of the fitness of ground, weather and light for play, as prescribed in Law 3, Sections 8-10, of the Laws of Cricket.

4.7 When no neutral umpire appears for a match, the captains are expected to arrange between them for officiating the match. Lack of umpires is not a justification for declaring a draw or rescheduling a match. It is expected that with good will and common sense in the Spirit of the Game it will be possible to play the match and arrive at a result. In questions of the fitness of ground, weather and light the captains will use a common-sense approach and agree between them on the proper course of action. If the captains are unable to reach agreement on any matter of importance it may be necessary to refer the matter to the Executive Committee, but the first priority of the captains should be to complete the match and reach a result on the field whenever possible.

5. The Captains

The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws. Players serving as captains must understand that they are responsible both for their own actions and for those of their teams. Captains are expected to assist the umpires by intervening when one of their players fails to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticises the umpires' decisions by word or action, shows dissent, or generally behaves in a manner that might bring the game into disrepute. Captains have the right to represent their teams by asking questions of the umpires about their decisions. However, these questions should be for obtaining information about the decisions, not for opening arguments about them.  Questions should be posed at a time when they do not waste time in the match; in particular, the captain of the batting side should not come on the field of play and interrupt the match to ask questions.

6. The Players

6.1 Each captain shall write down a list of his eleven (or fewer) players before the toss for innings and bring that list to the pre-match conference for the inspection of the other captain and the umpires. This list cannot be changed after the conference without the consent of the other captain. After the conference the list should be given to the scorer to assist him in his duties.

6.2 A player not on the list provided by his captain may not bat, bowl, or keep wicket during the match, although he may otherwise substitute for a missing player as allowed by the Laws of Cricket.

6.3 If a team knowingly uses a player who has been suspended from MACC play or who is ineligible to play for that team, either under rule 6.5 below or otherwise, that team will pay a $200 fine to the League and forfeit all matches in which the suspended player was used.

6.4Teams shall maintain an updated roster of players by entry into the League website. All players nominated by a team to play in a match should have been previously entered as members of that team on the website. When for good reason this has not been possible, the captain of the team shall inform the umpires of any nominated player who is not on the website roster for that team, and the umpires shall inform the Executive Committee.

6.5 A player who is a member of an MACC club may change his membership to another club, but cannot thereafter return to his original club or join any other MACC club in the same season. A player who is a member of one club may not be one of the 11 nominated players in a match for another club without changing his membership. A player who is a member of one club may not be a substitute for another club without the consent of the opposing captain.

6.6 If a player changes club membership during the regular season as in 6.5, he must have played at least 4 matches as one of the 11 nominated players for his new club during the regular season to be eligible to play for that club in the playoffs.  If he has not changed club membership during the regular season, he will be eligible to play for his club in the playoffs if he has played at least 2 matches as one of the 11 nominated players for that club during the regular season.  A player cannot play for any club in the playoffs other than the one with which he ended the regular season.  All of the two or four qualifying matches must be completed matches with a result, not draws or abandoned matches. "Played" means that the player was nominated as a member of the side according to the Laws of Cricket and 6.1 above, his name was furnished to the other captain and the umpires before the match, and he was listed in the scorecard furnished to the League website after the match.

6.7 Nominated players shall wear white shirts and white long trousers on the field of play while participating in a match. The umpires will determine compliance with this rule; in doing so they shall not allow clothing that is predominantly khaki-colored, tan, beige, light blue, or any other color that is not white. Clothing with large advertising logos or other non-cricketing designs shall not be allowed. Small manufacturer's logos or team logos will be permitted; the backs of players' shirts may carry team names, player names or numbers, or sponsor information.

The opposing captain may give his permission for exceptions to this rule to be made for batsmen and fielders, but in no case shall a bowler be allowed to dress contrary to this rule. This rule will not apply to substitutes in the field. The umpires shall ensure that no unfair advantage is gained if a substitute is not wearing white. During the playoffs all players must wear whites and no exceptions will be allowed, even with the consent of the opposing captain.

7. The Scorers

7.1 Each club shall provide or arrange for a scorer to keep score at least during their own innings. If each side can provide a scorer for the entire match that is preferable, and in that case the two scorers should sit together and consult frequently to ensure that their scores agree.

7.2 The scorers shall accept and acknowledge all signals given to them by an umpire, who should not allow play to continue until he receives acknowledgment of his signals.

8. The Clubs

Each club in the League shall supply the League with current contact information (telephone and email address) for at least one member (preferably the captain) who can be contacted in the week before a match by the other side to make arrangements for the match. This contact information will be maintained on the MACC website and should always be kept current. It is essential that teams be able to contact each other before a match and that the contact person take the responsibility for keeping contact open if he must leave town or otherwise be unavailable.

9. Starting of Matches

9.1 League matches will normally begin at 10:00 a.m. unless restrictions on the use of the ground require a different start time.  The captains may agree to change the starting time of a match; if this is done before arrival at the field the umpires should be notified of the change in starting time so that they can time their arrivals accordingly. Matches should not be scheduled so late in the day that there is a foreseeable danger of failing light at the end of play; if a match is so scheduled anyway the umpires should take this agreement into consideration when considering the fitness of light for play. Matches may be re-scheduled for a different day of the same weekend by agreement of the two teams playing; this may be done for any reason as long as there is a field available for play. Drawn matches, as defined in Rule 25.4, may be replayed on a different weekend according to the provisions of Rule 17.4.  Matches may not be re-scheduled otherwise without the agreement of the Executive Committee that there is a compelling reason for the change.

9.2 When conditions of ground, weather or light make it evident well before the scheduled starting time that play will not be possible, it is important to avoid needless travel by teams from other cities to attend a match that cannot take place. It is the responsibility of the home team to communicate with the visiting team when conditions are doubtful, so that an agreement not to play the match, or to reschedule it for the same weekend, or to reschedule it for a different weekend, can be made as appropriate. Note Section 4.6; captains should not agree to a draw without consulting the umpires, when possible. If it is not possible to consult the umpires in making this decision, the umpires should be notified as soon as possible afterwards of any agreed cancellation or rescheduling.

10. Length of Matches

10.1 Matches will consist of one innings per side and each innings will be limited to 35 six-ball overs. This number of overs required for a complete match may not be reduced, except as is permitted in 10.2 below and Section 25.5. No bowler shall bowl more than 7 overs in an innings. Declarations will not be allowed.

10.2 If unsuitable or unreasonable conditions of ground, weather or light delay the beginning of a match until 1:00 p.m. or later, the captains of the two teams playing may agree to reduce the number of overs to 25 for each side. Reduction to any other number of overs is not allowed; all MACC matches must be agreed as either 35-over or 25-over matches.  This agreement may be made only before the start of the match and only for delays caused by unfitness of the ground, weather, or light for play. Once a match has begun, no reduction of overs is permitted except as described in Section 25.5. If the number of overs is reduced under this provision, no bowler shall be allowed to bowl more than 5 overs in an innings.

11. Balls for Matches

League matches must use the MACC-approved ball in the regular season and in the playoffs. Clubs will obtain the balls from the League to be used in matches and practices. Teams should bring spare balls in varying conditions to matches so that in the event of a ball becoming lost or unfit for play a suitable replacement can be made without wasting time.

12. Preparation of the Pitch, Outfield, and Boundaries

12.1 It is the responsibility of the home team to schedule the availability of the field and ensure that the pitch, outfield, and boundaries are prepared before the time scheduled for the start of the match. This should normally be done before the toss for innings, although marking of the boundary may have to await agreement between the captains as to where the boundary lines are. When two home teams share the same field the teams should agree on a division of responsibilities before the day of the match. Pitches must conform to the standards established by the League, as follows:

12.1a If a clay base is used, it must be covered with a mat for play. The base must be rolled and levelled to eliminate uneven bounce, and the base must be maintained in such a way that it is not adversely affected by rainy weather: either the pitch should be covered at all times protection is needed from the elements, or it should be well-drained enough not to need permanent protection.

12.1b If a concrete base is used, it should provide even bounce and be covered with carpeting or matting for play.

12.1c If a grass base is used, a Flicx pitch must be used on the grass and it must be rolled.

12.2 Bowling, popping and return creases should be marked at each end of the pitch according to the specifications given in the Laws of Cricket, Law 9 and Appendix B. In addition, as a guideline to the umpires for the calling of wides on the offside there shall be two additional crease markings at each end whose inside edges shall be 17 inches inside the return creases. Whenever possible the boundary of the field of play should be marked with a painted line or a rope. A fielding restriction area should be marked as specified in Section 21 below. It is the responsibility of the umpires to ensure that the creases, boundaries and fielding restriction area are properly marked and the wickets properly pitched.

12.3 A scoreboard should be at the grounds for every MACC match.

12.4 Batting and bowling practice are not allowed on the pitch between the arrival of the umpires and the end of the match, unless the umpires give permission. Captains are expected to assist the umpires in enforcing this rule.

12.5 When conditions of ground, weather or light cause a delay in the start of play or an interruption to play in progress, and the umpires have not agreed that the match should be drawn, players are expected to follow the instructions of the umpires in protecting the field and pitch and making them suitable for play. Captains are expected to assist the umpires in enforcing this rule.

13. The Pre-Match Conference

13.1 The umpires and captains will meet for a conference on the pitch no later than 15 minutes before the time agreed upon for the match to start. If the start of the match is delayed because of the unfitness of ground, weather or light, or because of the late arrival of players, the conference shall take place no later than 15 minutes before the time play is expected to begin. The absence of a captain should not delay this conference if a deputy is available to act for him.

13.2 During the pre-match conference the captains shall toss for innings and present their lists of players; they shall also reach agreement with the umpires on the matters covered in Law 3.3: the balls to be used during the match, the times and durations of intervals for meals and times for drinks intervals, the boundary of the field of play and allowances for boundaries, and any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.

13.3 After the toss for innings the captain winning the toss shall notify the other captain within 5 minutes of his intention to bat or bowl.

14. Late Arrival of Players

14.1 Captains, players, and umpires should always make serious efforts to begin a match on time. However, it is also expected that each captain will adhere to the Spirit of the Laws and be willing to make reasonable accommodations when the other side is not ready to play at the appointed time. We are not professionals and sometimes things happen. If a team fails to be prepared to begin a match at the scheduled time, that is time-wasting and can be reported as illegal time-wasting by the umpires, as described in Section 15.1, even if that team starts play in time to avoid a forfeit.

14.2 If either side or both sides are not ready to play at the agreed starting time for the match, each captain should notify the umpires when his side is willing to play. Before making this notification he must have at least seven nominated players present and ready to play. The umpires should record the time at which they have received this notification. If there is no unaffiliated umpire, the captain should notify the other captain and record the time of the notification.

14.3 If a delay in the arrival of players from one or both sides causes both captains to agree to delay the beginning of the match, it shall be delayed as long as both captains agree, and the umpires will respect that agreement.

15. Forfeiture before the Start of Play

15.1 It is expected that in the Spirit of the Game teams will always prefer to play a match and achieve a result through play than to claim a forfeit. Actions contrary to the Spirit of the Game are always subject to review by a Disciplinary Committee. However, a team that is ready to play cannot be expected to wait forever for the other side to be ready to play, and after a reasonable period of time the League must allow the team captain to appeal to the umpires to compel the other side either to forfeit the match or to play with the players they have available. The umpires shall not award a forfeit or compel a side to play except upon appeal after the appropriate time has expired. In situations short of forfeiture, however, the umpires may elect to report a side for time wasting, if they consider the side's delay in preparing to play to be unreasonable.

15.2 An appeal can be made for a forfeit against a local team after a delay of 45 minutes from the starting time, as agreed or re-set. When the team is late traveling in from out of town the allowed time before an appeal for forfeit is 90 minutes. If the team making the appeal was not ready to play at the agreed or re-set starting time this time period shall be measured from the time the appealing side notified the umpires that they were ready to play. The umpires may not deny an appeal for forfeit made by a team captain in accordance with these conditions. The umpires shall instruct the other team to play or forfeit. However, the umpires may choose to report appeals they considers contrary to the Spirit of the Game. See 15.1 above.

15.3 If no neutral umpire is present, a captain wishing to claim a forfeit will first request the other captain to acknowledge the forfeit and sign the scorebook to that effect. If the other captain refuses to do so, the captain wishing to claim the forfeit should document carefully the occurrences on which he bases his claim, particularly the time he notified the other captain he was ready to play, the time he requested the other captain to play or forfeit, and the number of nominated players present for both sides, and submit a report to the Executive Committee requesting that a forfeit be awarded. The Executive Committee will appoint a Disciplinary Committee to hear both sides and make a decision.

15.4 In the event of weather conditions that will cause delays in travel or in the start of a match, but may allow a later start time, the captains and umpires may agree by email or phone to set a later start time. The umpires also have the power to re-set the starting time because of unfavorable conditions. In no case will a forfeit be awarded during the time that beginning the match would be impossible anyway because of conditions of ground, weather or light.

15.5 When a team has successfully appealed and the umpires inform the other team that they must either play or forfeit, the team appealed against may avoid forfeit by playing with the players they have, even if there are fewer than seven of them present.

15.6 If a team notifies the opposing captain or an umpire in advance that they will not be able to attend a match, a forfeit can be awarded without requiring the other side to be present and ready to play. However, see Section 15.8.

15.7 If teams have agreed before the beginning of the match that no play will be possible, as described in Section 9.2, no forfeit can be claimed.

15.8 If a team forfeits a match it is immediately and automatically upon suspension from League play until that suspension is lifted by a Disciplinary Committee. Lifting the suspension requires positive action by the team to present reasons why the suspension should be lifted. Teams may also be suspended by action of the Disciplinary Committee for other reasons. A suspended team forfeits all its matches until the suspension is lifted, and the other team is not required to be present and ready to play to claim the forfeit in a match with a suspended team.

15.9 By participating in MACC League play a club makes a commitment to playing in all matches as scheduled by the League. A team forfeiting 2 matches in one season for any reason shall be expelled from the League and forfeit all of their matches for that season, played or unplayed. That team may not apply for readmission to the League until they have been out of the League for one full season in addition to the one in which they were expelled.

15.10 If a team forfeits any matches after achieving results in earlier matches, the points awarded for the earlier matches still stand.  If a team withdraws or is expelled from the League, any matches originally scheduled for them to play after that withdrawal or expulsion will be treated as forfeits and 6 points awarded to the opposing team.  If a match before the withdrawal or expulsion resulted in a draw, the opposing team for that match will receive 4 points for the match unless the match was rescheduled and replayed before the withdrawal or expulsion, in which case the result achieved in the replay will stand.

16. Intervals

16.1 Drinks intervals will be agreed by the captains and umpires before the toss. Normally in an MACC match, drinks intervals will be taken after overs 12 and 24 of each innings unless the captains agree otherwise. To ensure the safety of players on hot days, or to avoid waste of time in more moderate weather, the umpires may alter the timing of the drinks intervals after appropriate consultation with the team captains. If both captains agree when to take drinks, their agreement shall be followed; if the captains cannot agree the umpires will make the decision. The batsmen on the field may deputize for their captain in making this agreement. If a wicket falls or there is any other interruption of play during the over after which drinks are scheduled, the interval will be taken immediately and the over completed after the interval. Drinks intervals should be as quick as possible and should not in any case exceed 10 minutes. The home team should provide water or other drinks to the travelling team and umpires.

16.2 Lunch will normally be taken between the two innings of play. Whenever it is taken, this interval will last no longer than 45 minutes, although the captains may agree to a shorter lunch interval. In the event of an interruption of play for conditions of ground, weather or light during the first innings, the umpires may suggest in the interest of saving time that the lunch interval be brought forward. If the captains agree this shall be done. If the first innings is unusually short the captains may agree to forego lunch between the innings. If lunch is not taken between the innings the interval between innings shall be no longer than 30 minutes.

17. Interruptions for Unfitness of Ground, Weather or Light

17.1 Play will be interrupted for unfitness of ground, weather or light, and resumed when possible, as prescribed in the Laws of Cricket, Law 3, Sections 8-10.

17.2 A match should not normally be abandoned for unfit ground, weather or light until after all interruptions for unfit conditions have totaled 1 hour. Even after one hour of interruptions the captains can agree to wait longer if they consider that there is still a prospect of achieving a result for the match.

17.3 When common sense makes it clear that conditions are not going to improve enough to allow resumption of play, as when the field of play is completely under water or the sun has set, the match may be abandoned by agreement of the captains, with the approval of the umpires, without waiting 1 hour; the 1 hour waiting period is set as a reasonable guideline under most circumstances but not a requirement under all circumstances. However, if a match is abandoned after less than 1 hour the Executive Committee must be satisfied that there has been no collusion that adversely affects the interests of other teams in the League.

17.4 During the regular season, a drawn match, as defined in Rule 25.4, may be replayed from the start on a rescheduled date if the two teams agree to do so. The rescheduled date may be any date agreed upon by the two teams for which a ground is available. The last possible date for rescheduling a drawn match in 2008 shall be Sunday, September 7. The two teams must notify the EC, through the Secretary, of the date and place of the rescheduled match no later than midnight of the Wednesday after the date the match was originally scheduled to be played. In exceptional circumstances the EC may allow a match to be rescheduled after this deadline.  The two teams will be responsible for arranging umpiring for the rescheduled match. Rescheduled matches should be played in the order of postponement, if possible.  If this is not possible, replays of matches already rescheduled must take priority over replays of later matches to be rescheduled.  In other words, sides may not pick and choose which rescheduled matches they would rather play.  Once a match is rescheduled, if it is not played then any matches rescheduled later will be counted as draws even if played to a result.  The result of a rescheduled match will not count until all matches rescheduled previously have also been played.

Playoff matches that are drawn shall be replayed according to the playoff arrangements made by the Executive Committee. See Rule 27.5.

A forfeited match, as defined in Rules 25.2 and 25.3, may not be rescheduled for later play. If there is a disagreement between the two teams as to whether the match should be considered a draw or a forfeit, the dispute shall be resolved by the EC.

18. Time Wasting

18.1 It is expected that an innings will be completed in 3 hours or less. The umpires shall be the judges of whether or not time lost to unavoidable circumstances, such as weather interruptions, lost balls, and similar difficulties, justifies an innings lasting longer than 3 hours. If they judge that, without good justification, an innings has taken too long to bowl, they shall report this to the Executive Committee after the match. In 2008 the result of an innings being too long shall be reporting only, with no specific penalty being imposed. However, this shall not bar the umpires from taking action against time wasting during the match under the provisions below and the Laws of Cricket.

18.2 Time wasting is unfair play. If upon the conclusion of a match the umpires judge that time wasting by one side affected the result of the match they will report that judgement to the Executive Committee, who will appoint a Disciplinary Committee to investigate whether any disciplinary action should be taken, including possibly changing the award of points for the match. The umpires are entitled to act under Law 42, Sections 9 and 10, and they are encouraged to do so if they judge that either side is wasting time. However, they are not required to deliver the warnings specified in Law 42 before taking action under this section to report time wasting to the Executive Committee.

18.3 Requesting excessive stoppages for drinks outside of the scheduled drinks intervals is time wasting. However, it is important that players safeguard their health playing under a hot sun; as a result we must operate under an assumption of sportsmanship and good faith. This implies that the umpires will assume that a request for drinks is genuinely necessary and that they will allow drinks when requested. However, the umpires are still entitled to make their own judgement of time wasting and to act under Law 42 if necessary.

18.4 If batsmen must take drinks outside the scheduled drinks intervals they should not take them while an over is in progress, except on the fall of a wicket or other interruption. If fielders must take drinks outside the scheduled drinks intervals they should take them on the edge of the field without interrupting play.

19. Trial Runups

A bowler wishing to make a trial runup should notify the umpires and the batsmen. The umpires are entitled to act against excessive trial runups by treating them as time wasting under Law 42.

20. Obstructions on the Field

20.1 If the ball in play strikes any object left on the field by the fielding side, Sections 2-4 of Law 41 apply, the ball is dead, and five penalty runs are scored in addition to any already run or crossed for.

20.2 Batsmen should not leave any objects on the field, as it is difficult to make a fair ruling if any of these objects interfere with play.

20.3 A Batsman may call for a helmet to be brought out to him at any time. He must then wear or carry it personally all the time while play is in progress, or he can have it taken off the field at the fall of a wicket, or at the end of an over, or at any drinks interval. In all cases, no actions involving helmets are to waste playing time. Umpires are not to hold helmets nor to be asked to hold other objects other than in the customary accommodation to the bowlers.

20.4 Cell phones are not allowed on the field of play while play is in progress. Umpires should not be asked to hold cell phones for players.

21. Fielding Restrictions

21.1 Fielding restrictions shall be marked on the field of play by a painted white line or by dots of white at regular intervals (see section 12.2). If solid objects are used as dots to mark this line they should be of rubber or plastic if possible, to prevent injuries caused by harder materials. No material that sticks out of the ground is permitted including ropes, cones, and rocks. Materials that or nailed into the ground or spiked materials are also not permitted.

21.2 Two semicircles will be marked as described in Section 1 above. The semicircles shall have as their center the middle stump at either end of the pitch and shall be on the side of the stumps away from the ends of the pitch. The radius of each of the semicircles shall be 25 yards. The semicircles shall be linked by two straight lines marked on the field, parallel to each other and to the imaginary line joining the centers of the two center stumps, and at a distance of 25 yards on either side of that imaginary line.

21.3 During the first 10 overs of a 35-over innings, at the instant of delivery, a maximum of two fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area marked as in 1 and 2 above. (If the number of overs has been reduced to 25 per side under an agreement under Section 10.2 above, this restriction shall be in place for 7 overs.) Two fielders plus another fielder's foot is more than two fielders and is a violation of this rule. During the remainder of the innings a maximum of 5 fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area at the instant of delivery. There is no restriction of how many fielders may be placed inside the fielding restriction area.

21.4 If there is an infringement of the fielding restrictions in Section 3 above at the instant of delivery, an umpire will call and signal No ball. This call will primarily be the responsibility of the umpire at the striker's end, but either umpire can make this call. However, if the umpire at the striker's end is a member of the batting side he shall not be allowed to make this call unless agreed otherwise by the captains before the match.

22. Wide Bowling -- Judging a Wide

Wide balls will be called according to the definitions given in Law 25 of the 2000 Code of the Laws of Cricket: The umpire at the bowler's end shall adjudge a ball a wide "unless it is sufficiently within the striker's reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke." As explained in Tom Smith's New Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, the phrase in the Law "a normal cricket stroke" does not imply that the stroke has to be "a classic textbook stroke but simply means that he should be able to hit the ball with a reasonable amount of control.  So if, for example, the only contact he could make was on the toe end of the bat, that cannot be deemed to be a normal cricket stroke since there would be very little control over the direction in which the ball would be hit." 

For a delivery to be a wide the umpire must judge that the ball passes wide of the striker both from where he is standing and also from a normal guard position. If the umpire considers that a bowler is bowling down the leg side as a negative tactic, the umpire is entitled to call legside deliveries with even greater stringency: under these circumstances a ball delivered on the leg side and landing clearly outside the leg stump going further away may be called wide, and this may be used as a guide for other legside deliveries. If the umpire considers that a bowler is persistently bowling marginal wides on the off side as a negative tactic, the umpire is entitled to call offside deliveries with greater stringency as well.

23. Short-Pitched Bowling

23.1 If, in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler's end, a short-pitched delivery passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, he shall call and signal "no ball". If he is in any doubt about the legality of the delivery in this respect he may consult with the umpire at the striker's end, but the call of "no ball" should be made only by the umpire at the bowler's end. The umpire at the striker's end should not give the "no ball" signal; if consulted by the other umpire he should indicate the height of the ball.  The benefit of the doubt on this call goes to the bowler; marginal deliveries should not be called no-balls.

23.2 If the umpire at the bowler's end further judges that the bowler is deliberately delivering fast short-pitched balls that by their repetition, and taking into account their length, height and direction, are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker, irrespective of the protective equipment he may be wearing, he shall adopt the procedures of warning, final warning and removal of the bowler described in Law 42.7 of the Laws of Cricket. The relative skill of the striker shall also be taken into consideration.

24. High Full Pitches

24.1 If, in the opinion of the umpire at the bowlers' end, a full-pitched delivery (regardless of its pace) passes or would have passed above waist height of the striker standing upright at his crease, he shall call and signal "no ball". This may be in consultation with the umpire at the striker's end, as described in Section 23.1, but the call of "no ball" should be made only by the umpire at the bowler's end.  Again, marginal deliveries should not be called no-balls.

24.2 If the umpire at the bowler's end further judges that the high full-pitched delivery is fast, he shall adopt the procedure of warning, final warning and removal of the bowler described in Law 42.7 of the Laws of Cricket.

24.3 If the umpire at the bowler's end further judges that the fast high full-pitched delivery has been bowled deliberately at the striker he shall call and signal "no ball" and direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith without adopting the procedure of caution and final warning.

25. The Result

25.1 A completed match will be one in which either

     (i) the second innings is completed according to Law 12.3 of the Laws of Cricket, or

     (ii) the side batting in the second innings has reached the total needed for a win, or

     (iii) at least 25 full overs have been bowled in the second innings.  This minimum shall apply whether the innings is scheduled for 35 overs or has been reduced to 25 overs under Section 10.2 above.

The result of a completed match will be either a win for one side (by runs or wickets or penalty runs or run rate) or a tie. In case of a tie these regulations make no provision for a tiebreaker.

25.2 If a team abandons a match in progress when the umpires have not decided that the match is either complete or drawn, they agree that the match shall be awarded to the other side as a forfeit during play. In addition, they agree to the following:

     (a) That they shall be suspended as in Section 15.8 until review by a Disciplinary Committee, as provided in that Section;

     (b) That they will receive no points for the match;

     (c) If their abandonment takes place during the second innings of the match, that the net run rate (see Section 27.2) will be calculated for that match, as follows:

          (i) If the team abandoning the match is batting in the second innings, their own run rate shall be calculated on the basis of 35 overs (or 25 if there has been an agreement under Section 10.2), as though they had been all out, and the run rate of the other team shall be calculated in the usual way.

          (ii) If the team abandoning the match is fielding in the second innings, their own run rate shall be calculated in the usual way, and the run rate of the other team shall be calculated based on the actual number of runs scored and overs batted at the time of the abandonment.

If no neutral umpire is present, matches should be abandoned only by mutual consent of the captains for unfit playing conditions; teams are expected to complete matches in which they play whenever possible. When no neutral umpire is present and one team abandons play without the consent of the other team the provisions above in this Section shall apply.

25.3 A forfeit during play shall be treated the same as a forfeit before the start of play for the purposes of enforcing Sections 15.9 and 15.10 of these Regulations and for awarding points according to Section 26.

25.4 A match that is not completed according to the definition in 25.1, and is not a forfeit according to the definitions in Section 15 or 25.2, is a draw. This includes matches not played at all because of unfitness of ground, weather or light, or for other reasons not resulting in a forfeit.

25.5 A complete match in which 25 or more overs were bowled in the second innings, but no result was reached according to the Laws of Cricket, will be decided by comparing the run rates of the teams, unless Section 25.2 applies. The team with the higher run rate per over will be declared the winner. If the side batting first were all out in less than 35 overs (or 25 overs under Section 10.2) their run rate will be calculated on the basis of 35 (or 25) overs and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed. (If the resulting run rates per over for each side are exactly equal the result is a tie.)

25.6 Both captains and both umpires should sign both score books after each match and check the result for correctness. Should there be any dispute of the result the signed score sheets will be used to settle the argument.

25.7 Match scorecards should be reported to the League website, using the interface provided there, by the winning captain or his representative no later than midnight of the Wednesday after the game has been played. For matches resulting in a win or tie, all players nominated as part of each team should be listed in the report; if they did not bat they should be listed as "DNB".  If the result of the match is a tie or a draw, this report must be submitted by the home team in the match. If the web interface is down, a report must be sent by email to the League Secretary by the same deadline.  The report to the Secretary, if necessary, must include at a minimum (1) the result of the match, (2) the total score for each team, (3) the number of overs faced by each team, and (4) whether either team was all out in fewer than 30 overs. If the result of the match was a draw and the teams agreed to reschedule the match under the conditions of Rule 17.4, the secretary shall also be notified of the date and place of the rescheduled match.  Detailed scorecards are not required for a drawn match, as performances in drawn matches do not count for team and individual matches.  After submitting a report to the League Secretary, the responsible team is still required to enter the scorecard at the League website once the web interface is again operational.  If the report is not submitted by the Wednesday midnight deadline as required, the team responsible for submitting the report shall be penalized 2 points in the League standings (see section 26). 

26. League Standings

The League standings, and Divisional standings within the League, will be based on the following awards to each team:

     6 Points for a Win or Forfeit Win
     4 Points for a Tie or Draw
     2 Points for a Loss
     0 Points for a Forfeit

In addition, each MACC club scheduled to provide umpires for a match is expected to provide the number shown in the schedule (either 2 umpires or 1 umpire as scheduled), and these umpires are expected to stand for the entire match (see section 4.1). Any team failing to provide the number of umpires scheduled to stand for the entire match will lose 6 points for each such match and be fined $50 for each umpire not sent. The $50 shall be paid to the team that provides a replacement umpire for the match; if no umpires are provided for the match it shall be split between the two teams playing, who will have to use their own players as umpires. Hardship cases should be referred to the Executive Committee for consideration. Payment of the $100 fine for sending no umpires, or the $50 fine for sending only one umpire, must be made by Wednesday of the week following the match in question (1-1/2 weeks later). A team that has not paid the fine shall not be allowed to play in MACC matches until the fine is paid, and all such matches not played will be ruled forfeits by that team.

In addition, a 2-point deduction shall be taken from the point total of any team not complying with section 25.7 (see section 25.7).

The updated points table will be available on the MACC webpage and will be distributed by other means if necessary.

27. Playoffs

27.1 Sixteen teams will qualify for the playoffs. These will selected using rules approved by the Executive Commitee, according to standings after the completion of the regular season, taken by point totals.  Ties in point totals will be broken by computation of net run rates.  Regulations for the scheduling and re-scheduling of playoff matches will be published by the Executive Committee before the beginning of the playoffs.  The Executive Committee may also issue other special regulations affecting the conduct of the playoffs on matters not already covered by these League regulations.

27.2 A team's net run rate is calculated by deducting, from the average runs per over scored by that team throughout the competition, the average runs per over scored against that team throughout the competition. In the event of a team being all out in a match in less than 35 overs (25 overs in a match reduced under Section 10.2), the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on 35 overs (or 25 overs, as applicable) for that match and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed. When a drawn match is replayed under the provisions of section 17.4, the replayed match will be used in these computations, not the original drawn match. In a drawn match that is not replayed to a further conclusion, or a forfeit, run rate is not applicable, except when Section 25.2(c) is applicable.

27.3 Seedings in the playoffs will be made according to rules published by the Executive Committee. Playoff matches will normally be played on the home field of the higher-seeded team, unless both teams agree otherwise or the playoff regulations issued by the Executive Committee provide otherwise..

27.4 A win or tie in the playoffs will be determined in the same way as in the regular season, according to Section 25 of these regulations. If there is a tie in a completed playoff match the team advancing to the next round will be the team losing the fewest wickets in the match, and if this number for both sides is equal the higher seed shall advance. If the result of an incomplete match is a tie by run-rate calculation, the team that has lost the fewer wickets per over played shall advance, and if this number for both sides is equal the higher seed shall advance.

27.5 Reserve days will be provided in the playoff schedule in case the result of a match is a draw, as defined in Section 25.4. In case of a draw the match will be completely replayed on a reserve day. If all available reserve days are used and the only result is still a draw, the higher seed shall advance to the next round.

        APPENDIX A

        THE ROLE OF THE UMPIRES IN THE MACC

1. In 2004 the MACC decided to take the step of requiring two umpires, not affiliated with either team playing, to stand in each League match. Our long-term goal as a League is that this will always be the case, and that the two umpires will have received training. Occasionally it is not possible to have but one unaffiliated umpire at a match, who then must stand at the bowlers' end, with the other umpire being arranged by the teams playing. Sometimes it is unfortunately necessary for both umpires to be arranged by the teams playing. Common sense dictates that in some aspects it will be necessary to manage matches differently in these three different situations.

2. The Laws of Cricket and MACC Rules and Regulations give three kinds of power to umpires:

a. The power for one umpire to make certain decisions, within his legal jurisdiction, on his own. Examples of such powers include:

    i. Counting the balls of the over
    ii. Signalling to the scorers
    iii. Calling "time" and "play"
    iv. Calling short runs
    v. Awarding boundaries
    vi. Calling dead balls, wide balls and no balls
    vii. Signalling byes, leg byes, disallowing legbyes
    viii. Answering appeals for dismissals
    ix. Taking action against dangerous and unfair bowling
    x. Awarding five-run penalties after suitable warning

b. The power for an umpire to voluntarily consult with another on any matter that is actually within his own jurisdiction, when he thinks the other umpire may be in a better position to observe a point of fact. (In our League an umpire might also consult another who has a better knowledge of the Laws applying to a particular situation.)

c. The power to make decisions only after consultation between the two umpires has reached agreement between them. One umpire is not normally allowed to make these decisions by himself. Examples of these decisions include:

    i. Making pre-match agreements with the captains on the conditions of play
    ii. Determining the course of action if a team is late in arriving: whether to wait longer or forfeit the match
    iii. Determining whether to allow a substitute or runner for a player
    iv. Determining when conditions are unsuitable or dangerous for play
    v. Inspecting the condition of the ball and determining when it needs to be replaced
    vi. Checking the accuracy of the score with the scorers

3. All umpires in MACC matches, regardless of their training or team affiliation, have the powers listed in 2(a) above, provided that the decision is within their individual jurisdictions and the procedures required by the Laws and Regulations are followed. As long as the teams have agreed on using an umpire they must accept his decisions on these matters.

a. Some common sense should be used by the umpires; there certainly may be times when asserting their powers to the fullest would be unwise. An example of this might be no-balling a bowler for throwing. Although this is within the powers of any umpire it must be recognized that such a call will cause significant problems within our friendly League and that in almost all cases it would be wiser to report the matter for further study than to call it on the field.

b. There are also times when the umpire is not required to consult with the other umpire but would do well to do so; this is especially noteworthy in matters of judgement such as dangerous and unfair bowling, time-wasting, distraction of batsmen or interference with fielders. Many of the five-run penalties fall within this advisory; in addition, five-run penalties should not be imposed by umpires without an exact understanding of the procedures for them prescribed by the Laws, and these procedures must be followed exactly, including all required warnings and notifications.

4. For matters listed in 2(c), and similar matters requiring consultation between the two umpires, umpires and captains should handle these matters differently, depending on the nature of the umpiring for that match:

a. When there are two umpires who are unaffiliated with either team umpiring the match, they shall have the full powers given to them by the Laws and Regulations to act in consultation with each other and to issue a joint decision.

b. When there is only one such umpire and the other umpire is supplied by the teams, the one unaffiliated umpire shall have the final decision in any matters normally requiring consultation between two umpires, but whenever it is appropriate he should consult with the appropriate captains and ascertain their wishes and attempt to bring the captains to agreement, issuing his own ruling only when the captains cannot agree. For some matters, such as allowing a substitute or runner, it may be more reasonable to consult only the opposing captain. This is urged as the common-sense best way to minimize disagreements and avoid forcing a single umpire to make a decision that would normally be made by two umpires in consultation. Nevertheless, when there is only one umpire available, and a decision is necessary, that one umpire shall have the power to make it.

c. When there are two umpires furnished by the teams playing and no independent umpire, the umpires shall not have the power to decide the matters in 2(c); these must be determined by agreement between the captains. Captains are expected to be fair and unbiased in discussing these matters and always to be motivated to complete and decide a match on the field of play whenever possible. Although this is difficult to do, it is the only alternative when there are no independent umpires present. In case of irreconcilable differences the matter should be referred to the Executive Council.

5. a. All judgement decisions made by all umpires must be accepted on the field of play, and players showing dissent or refusing to follow the instructions of an umpire should be reported to the Executive Committee for appropriate action. That the umpire is a member of a playing side or that he has made the wrong decision will not be accepted as extenuating circumstances for improper behavior. Judgement decisions made by the umpires are not subject to review.

b. If an umpire has failed to follow the proper procedures specified in the Laws or the MACC Regulations, say in imposing a five-run penalty, the captains are entitled to discuss that with the umpire in a reasonable manner without the participation of the other players in an attempt to correct the matter during the match, and to refer the matter to the Executive Committee after the match if necessary.

c. Even though an umpiring decision made during a match may not be changed, the Executive Committee and Umpiring Panel should be informed of umpires who seem to be overly incompetent or biased, so that a review can be made of whether that umpire should be used again in the future.