Legal Mumbo Jumbo

The anti-basher (SCC VP of Operations!) has furnished us with a concise set of rules for this years competitions. It’s suggested that all players have a browse through these documents so they understand what’s going on and know what to do when they have their turn umpiring or scoring.

Go see the rules documents here or there’s a link in the sidebar for future reference.

Some edited highlights;
1.    Field/Dress Code and Penalties for Breaches
 
This year Division 1 and 2 cricketers are required to dress like cricketers, and to maintain the field of play as if it is a cricket field. It might not seem it, but this is very important to raising the standards of play – it sets the tone. Specifically this means:
 
-         All players in white trousers
-         All players in predominantly white shirts
-       All players in predominantly white shoes
-         No drinks bottles or anything else to be left anywhere on the field of play, including behind the stumps, except for fielders equipment or drinks behind the wicket-keeper. Should any of these be hit the usual 5-run penalty applies. If batsman require water, one bottle can be held by the square-leg umpire. Any drinks taken outside of official drinks intervals must not delay the game.
 
For Divisions 1 and 2, there will be a 5 run penalty enforced by the standing umpire (added to the opposition’s batting extras) for:
-         every breach of the dress code (e.g. one person in shorts, one in a non-white t-shirt, one in non-white trousers = 15 runs to opposition batting total)
-         every time an object is left on the field of play when a ball is bowled
-         drinks breaks taken between overs/balls that hold up play
 
For Division 3, there will be no penalties but it is still a requirement to be enforced as much as possible by umpires, captains, coaches and players alike.
 
FYI, white tracksuits are available from the Nike store at Fangdian Rd (in or near Carrefour), as well as other sports shops. They can also be ordered from Imran Sports in Hong Kong www.imransports.net, or anyone you know going to Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, the UK, the Caribbean and numerous other countries.
 
2.    Etiquette
 
Please read and ensure your players read the attachment regarding cricket etiquette, this is also something that needs to be enforced by all.  In addition:
 
• Give the match ball to the umpire before the innings commences
• The umpire’s decision is final; showing dissent only creates embarrassment and brings shame to everyone. Accept the decision and get on with the game.
• Offer support and or encouragement to any player that bowls a good delivery, takes a sharp catch or makes a sharp stop or play’s a fine shot. Even if they are on the opposing side.
• When you are dismissed while batting, don’t stand around or dawdle off the field dragging your bat; walk smartly off the field.
• When leaving the field for breaks or at the end of an innings, the batsmen walk off first. The fielding team’s best bowler then leads off his team, if not then the captain followed by the umpires.
• At the end of the game thank the umpires and the scorers and acknowledge the efforts of your opponents 
 
3.    Main Changes to Rules
 
Division 1
-40 overs, 8 per bowler
-one bouncer per over as per ODIs
-no MVP scoring
 
Division 2
-25 overs, 5 per bowler
– retire at 506
-one bouncer per over as per ODIs
-no MVP scoring
 
Division 3
As per 2008 social league except:
– wides scored as 2 and rebowled up to max 9 balls per over (i.e. 9 wides = 18 runs, 5 dots then 4 wides = 8 runs)
 
Please however read these in full as attached, as well as the standard conditions for ODIs. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
4.    Duckworth Lewis
 
We have the software to calculate this, although until now, it has only been required once. If a game is called off during the second innings when at least 15 overs have been bowled, then it is possible to simply use it after the game. If it happens during the game and then play is able to restart, then you need to recalculate the targets, for which the software is required. I will send it to one representative from each of the clubs; in the event of this happening, it will be up to the captains on the day to work it out if possible, if not, then the match will be classed as abandoned.
 
5.    Summary
 
Some of these rules may sound draconian. However, this is all simply standard cricket etiquette, and as the custodians of the game in Shanghai, it is our duty to maintain that. Captains and senior players have a big role in ensuring this is all done!
 
Thanks
 
 
Mike Tsesmelis
Club Captain
Shanghai Cricket Club