GMCL Rules Tabs - F16 - In-Play Rules & Restrictions

	GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024
16.	In-Play Rules & Restrictions
16 (a)	This section of the rules gives explanation and charts for calculating overs events during GMCL matches .

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16.1. Bowling Restrictions in Open Age GMCL competition

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.1.	Bowling Restrictions for Over 19s in Open Age GMCL competition
	16.1.1.	Maximum for Bowlers
	16.1.1.1.	In the Saturday competition,
	16.1.1.1.2.	no bowler will be allowed to bowl more than 30% of the overs of an innings.The maximum is recalculated when overs are lost from the game on the new expected innings length at the time the first over is bowled at the restart.
	16.1.1.1.2.1.	On a Saturday, 50 overs maximum is 15 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.1.2.2.	On a Saturday, 45 overs maximum is 14 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.1.2.3.	On a Saturday, 35 overs maximum is 11 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.1.2.4.	On a Saturday, 30 overs maximum is 9 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.1.2.5.	On a Saturday, 25 overs maximum is 8 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.1.2.6.	On a Saturday, 20 overs maximum is 6 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.2.	In the Sunday League competition, (the Open Division provisions being in brackets) (Updated and detail added Winter 23/24)
	16.1.1.2.1	no bowler will be allowed to bowl more than 25%(20% in Open)) of the overs of an innings.The maximum is recalculated when overs are lost from the game on the new expected innings length at the time the first over is bowled at the restart.
	16.1.1.2.1.1.	On a Sunday, 40 overs maximum is 10 overs per bowler(8 in Open)
	16.1.1.2.1.2.	On a Sunday, 35 overs maximum is 9 overs per bowler(7 in Open)
	16.1.1.2.1.3.	On a Sunday, 30 overs maximum is 8 overs per bowler(6 in Open)
	16.1.1.2.1.4.	On a Sunday, 25 overs maximum is 7 overs per bowler(5 in Open)
	16.1.1.2.1.5.	On a Sunday, 20 overs maximum is 5 overs per bowler(4 in Open)
	16.1.1.3.	In the cup competitions (Updated and detail added Winter 23/24)
		no bowler will be allowed to bowl more than 20% of the overs of an innings.The maximum is recalculated when overs are lost from the game on the new expected innings length at the time the first over is bowled at the restart.
	16.1.1.3.1.	In the cup, 45 overs maximum is 9 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.3.2.	In the cup, 40 overs maximum is 8 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.3.3.	In the cup, 35 overs maximum is 7 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.3.4.	In the cup, 30 overs maximum is 6 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.3.5.	In the cup, 25 overs maximum is 5 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.3.6.	In the cup, 20 overs maximum is 4 overs per bowler In the cup 10 overs maximum is 2 overs per bowler
	16.1.1.4.	For players Under 19, the number of overs per bowler in GMCL is also restricted by the E.C.B. Fast Bowling Directives, see Rule 16.2.
	16.1.1.5.	Bowlers maximum overs can change in games at the time overs are lost, see “Weather Affected Games”
	16.1.1.5.1.	If the match overs are reduced, then the maximum overs per bowler is recalculated at 30%, 25% or 20% as appropriate of the revised total overs. Overs for the innings per bowler, rounded down, So for example in the cup, if the number is not divisible by 5 (for 5 bowlers) then the best split is taken eg 32 overs = 2 x 7 overs and 3 x 6 overs
	16.1.1.5.2.	If the maximum is reduced below the number of overs already bowled by any player then a bowler may complete any over interrupted but then bowl no more.
	16.1.1.5.3.	Please note that the cricHQ app will not notify that maximum reached if overs are reduced, scorers should be aware of this.

16.2.Bowling Restrictions – ECB Directives for Under 19

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.2.	Bowling Restrictions – ECB Directives for Under 19
	16.2.1.	Under 19 Directives – Qualifying Bowlers
	16.2.1.1.	The ECB Fast Bowling Directives 2013 version will apply to all matches in the Greater Manchester Cricket League and Cup Competitions.
	16.2.1.1.1.	A fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in normal circumstances would stand back to take the ball and the restrictions apply to any bowler bowling “seam up” and still applies where a wicketkeeper chooses to stand up to the wicket.
	16.2.1.1.2.	The maximum overs are detailed below but all these overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day. This is most likely to arise for Under 13s on a Sunday afternoon when they may have had an Under 13 game on Sunday morning.
	16.2.2.	Under 19 Directives – Bowling Spells
	16.2.2.1.	Having completed a spell, the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until an equivalent number of overs to the length of that spell have been bowled from the same end.
	16.2.2.2.	A bowler can change ends without ending the current spell provided that the same bowler bowls the next over that the bowler legally can from the other end. If this does not happen then this bowler’s spell is deemed to be concluded.
	16.2.2.3.	Under 13 age group (School Y7 & Y8) at date of match
	16.2.2.3.1.	Max overs per spell - 5 overs
	16.2.2.3.2.	Max overs per day - 10 overs
	16.2.2.4.	Under 15 age group (School Y9 & Y10) at date of match
	16.2.2.4.1.	Max overs per spell - 6 overs
	16.2.2.4.2.	Max overs per day - 12 overs
	16.2.2.5.	Under 17 age group (School Y11 & Y12) at date of match
	16.2.2.5.1	Max overs per spell - 7 overs
	16.2.2.5.2.	Max overs per day - 18 overs
	16.2.2.6.	Under 19 age group at date of match
	16.2.2.6.1.	Max overs per spell - 7 overs
	16.2.2.6.2.	Max overs per day - 18 overs
	16.2.3.	Under 19 Directives – Interruption to play
	16.2.3.1.	If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes,
	16.2.3.1.1.	any spell in progress at the time of the interruption can be continued after the interruption up to the maximum number of overs per spell for the appropriate age group.
	16.2.3.1.2.	If the spell is not continued after the interruption the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of that bowler’s spell spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end.
	16.2.3.2.	If play is interrupted, for any reason, for more than 40 minutes,
	16.2.3.2.1.	If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately.
	16.2.4.	Under 19 Directives - Change of Action
	16.2.4.1.	Once a bowler covered by these Directives has bowled in a match,
	16.2.4.1.1.	the player cannot exceed the maximum number of overs per day for the player’s age group even if the player subsequently bowls spin.
	16.2.4.2.	A player can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin
	16.2.4.2.1.	but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of the fast bowling spell have been bowled from the same end.
	16.2.4.3.	If the player bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell
	16.2.4.3.1.	the maximum will apply as soon as the bowler reverts to bowling fast.
	16.2.5.	Under 19 Directives - Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game
	16.2.5.1.	All These overs must be reduced further if the bowler has already bowled any overs earlier in the day. This is most likely to arise for Under 13s on a Sunday afternoon when they may have had an Under 13 game on Sunday morning.
	16.2.5.2.	The maximum may also be reduced in games losing overs to weather or other circumstances
	16.2.5.3.	Under 13 age group (School Y7 & Y8) at date of match
	16.2.5.3.1.	50 over league game - 10 overs
	16.2.5.3.2.	45 over league game - 10 overs
	16.2.5.3.3.	40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
	16.2.5.3.4.	45 over cup game - 9 overs
	16.2.5.3.5.	40 over cup game - 8 overs
	16.2.5.4.	Under 15 age group (School Y9 & Y10) at date of match
	16.2.5.4.1.	50 over league game - 12 overs
	16.2.5.4.2.	45 over league game - 12 overs
	16.2.5.4.3.	40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
	16.2.5.4.4.	45 over cup game - 9 overs
	16.2.5.4.5.	40 over cup game - 8 overs
	16.2.5.5.	Under 17 age group (School Y11 & Y12) at date of match
	16.2.5.5.1.	50 over league game - 14 overs
	16.2.5.5.2.	45 over league game - 14 overs
	16.2.5.5.3.	40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
	16.2.5.5.4.	45 over cup game - 9 overs
	16.2.5.5.5.	40 over cup game - 8 overs
	16.2.5.6.	Under 19 age group at date of match
	16.2.5.6.1.	50 over league game - 14 overs
	16.2.5.6.2.	45 over league game - 14 overs
	16.2.5.6.3.	40 over league game - 10 overs(8 in Sunday Open)
	16.2.5.6.4.	45 over cup game - 9 overs
	16.2.5.6.5.	40 over cup game - 8 overs

16.3. Over Rates

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.3	Over Rates
	16.3.1.	Responsibility to meet Over Rate
	16.3.1.1.	In order to maintain a schedule for the game and a latest tea-time and match end, we impose time limits on each innings of a game
	16.3.1.1.1.	The Captain of the fielding side is responsible for the teams over rate, which the captain may check with the umpires at any time during the innings.
	16.3.2.	Umpires Advice on Over Rate
	16.3.2.1.	Each innings is monitored independently
	16.3.2.1.1.	Umpires should inform the fielding captain of the passage of each full hour of playing time and the number of overs bowled.
	16.3.2.1.2.	Umpires will allow a maximum five minutes per drinks interval, if taken, and will make appropriate allowances for unavoidable stoppages caused by injuries or other extenuating circumstances.
	16.3.3.	Failure to meet Over Rate (This section updated Winter 23/24)
	16.3.3.1.	In the League,
	16.3.3.1.1.	If a side fails to bowl their overs within the allotted time the umpires must
	16.3.3.1.1.1.	at the allotted time that the innings should have finished, for league games in Premiership1, Premiership2 and the Championship, then for those remaining complete overs there must be a minimum of 5 fielders (plus the Bowler and the Wicketkeeper) within the marked Fielding Circle at the moment of delivery.
	16.3.3.1.1.2.	report the matter on the Umpires match report form, which they complete at the end of each match.
	16.3.3.1.3.	On receiving such a report, the League will apply the sanction in the Penalties Appendix
	16.3.3.2.	In the Cup
	16.3.3.2.1.	If the fielding team in either innings fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the innings (2 hours, 50 minutes for 45 over games, 2 hours 30 minutes for 40 over games),a penalty of 6 runs per full over not bowled will be added to the batting sides score at the time that the time limit is passed and then play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled.
	16.3.3.2.2.	If penalty runs are added in the second innings and these runs take the team batting second past the required score, the match will cease with the team batting second winning the match.
	16.3.3.2.3.	Umpires have discretion on the cause of irregular delays and should notify batters if they are deemed to be causing a delay at the time that delay occurs.
	16.3.3.2.4.	Where any penalty has been applied to the bowling side, this must be reported on the umpire's report for the game.
	16.3.3.3..	Time Allotted and Scheduled Time (This section updated Winter 23/24)
	16.3.3.3.1.	For the purposes of the above provisions on slow over rates (whether in the league or cups),if a match has reduced overs then the time allotted and scheduled time for cessation of the innings shall be recalculated.
	16.3.3.3.1.1.	For example a 40 over cup game starting at 1pm has an allotted time for an innings of 2 hours 30 minutes so the 1st innings is scheduled to finish at 3.30pm. Part way through the 1st innings there is a 30 minute rain delay. The match is therefore reduced to a 36 overs per side match with playing time allotted of 2 hours 15 minutes and a scheduled finish time of the 1st innings of 3.45pm (ie from 1pm start, 2 hours 15 minutes playing time plus 30 minutes rain delay)

16.4. Fielding Restrictions

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.4.	Fielding Restrictions
	16.4.1.	In the League, restriction on the placement of fielders
	16.4.1.1.	At the moment of delivery,
	16.4.1.1.1.	a minimum of 4 fielders (plus the Bowler and Wicket Keeper) must be within the marked Fielding Circle.
	16.4.1.1.2.	In the event of infringement, the Striker’s End Umpire shall call and signal “No Ball”.
	16.4.2.	In the First and Second XI Cups, subject to rules for bad weather, below
	16.4.2.1.	At the moment of delivery,
	16.4.2.1.1.	there may be no more than 5 fielders on the leg side and in
	16.4.2.1.2.	Powerplay Overs 1 to 10 - Only two players can be outside the 30 yard fielding circle
	16.4.2.1.3.	Overs 11 to 45 - A maximum of four players outside the 30 yard fielding circle
	16.4.2.1.4.	In the event of infringement, the Striker’s End Umpire shall call and signal “No Ball”.
	16.4.3.	In the Sunday Cup, subject to rules for bad weather, below
	16.4.3.1.	At the moment of delivery,
	16.4.3.1.1.	there may be no more than 5 fielders on the leg side and in
	16.4.3.1.2.	Powerplay Overs 1 to 8 - Only two players can be outside the 30 yard fielding circle
	16.4.3.1.3.	Overs 9 to 40 - A maximum of four players outside the 30 yard fielding circle
	16.4.3.1.4.	In the event of infringement, the Striker’s End Umpire shall call and signal “No Ball”.
	16.4.4.	GMCL Cup – Powerplay changes following loss of overs due to Bad Weather.
	16.4.4.1.	In each circumstance when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced,
	16.4.4.1.1.	The number of power play overs shall be reduced in accordance with the sub rules below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that this shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.
	16.4.4.2.	TABLE - POWERPLAY IN REDUCED OVERS GAMES
	16.4.4.2.1.	Inning Duration 10-15 overs - Powerplay - 3 Overs
	16.4.4.2.2.	Inning Duration 16-20 overs - Powerplay - 4 Overs
	16.4.4.2.3.	Inning Duration 21-25 overs - Powerplay - 5 Overs
	16.4.4.2.4.	Inning Duration 26-30 overs - Powerplay - 6 Overs
	16.4.4.2.5.	Inning Duration 31-35 overs - Powerplay - 7 Overs
	16.4.4.2.6.	Inning Duration 36-40 overs - Powerplay - 8 Overs
	16.4.4.2.7.	Inning Duration 41-43 overs - Powerplay - 9 Overs
	16.4.4.2.8.	Inning Duration 44-45 overs - Powerplay - 10 Overs
	16.4.5.	Proximity of Young Fielders
	16.4.5.1.	No young fielder except the wicket keeper, shall be allowed to field nearer than the distances shown below, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off-side, until the batter has played at the ball: -
	16.4.5.1.1.	Under 15 players – 8 yards (7.3metres)
	16.4.5.1.2.	Under 13 players - 11 yards (10 metres)
	16.4.5.1.3.	These minimum distances apply even if the player is wearing a helmet.
	16.4.5.2.	Should a young player in these age groups come within the restricted distance
	16.4.5.2.1.	the umpire must stop the game immediately and instruct the fielder to move back.
	16.4.5.3.	In addition, any young player in the Under 16 to Under 18 age groups, who has not reached the age of 18
	16.4.5.3.1.	must wear a helmet and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box) when fielding within 6 yards (5.5 metres) of the bat, except behind the wicket on the off-side.
	16.4.6.	Protective Equipment – Fielding & Wicketkeeping
	16.4.6.1.	All Players should obtain and wear appropriate protective equipment before they are fielding in a position where they feel at risk.
	16.4.6.2.	The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by younger players keeping wicket.
	16.4.6.2.1.	A helmet is to be worn by young players when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice.
	16.4.6.2.2.	A young player should not be allowed to stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without a helmet against a hard ball.
	16.4.6.3.	The ECB recommends that this guidance is followed by all players up to the age of 18. It applies to young players in adult cricket as well as to all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball.

16.5. Young Players and Batting Helmets

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.5.	Young Players and Batting Helmets
	16.5.1.	ECB Guidance
	16.5.1.1.	The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by younger players.
	16.5.1.1.1.	A helmet is to be worn by young players when batting against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice.
	16.5.1.1.2.	A young player should not be allowed to bat without a helmet against a hard ball.
	16.5.1.2.	The ECB recommends that this guidance is followed by all players up to the age of 18. It applies to young players in adult cricket as well as to all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball.
	16.5.2.	Mentor Care
	16.5.2.1.	Coaches, teachers, managers and umpires should always ensure that a young player wears a helmet.
	16.5.3.	Self-Governance
	16.5.3.1.	Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball

16.6. & 16.7 Wide Balls and No Balls

GMCL Rules Reviewed & Updated February 2024

	16.6.	Wide Balls
	16.6.1.	Wide balls in GMCL competition
	16.6.1.1.	in Divisions 3 and above and all 1st & 2nd XI cup competitions
	16.6.1.1.1.	In addition to “traditional” wides Umpires shall call and signal “Wide” to deliveries that go behind the batter’s legs and miss the stumps
	16.6.1.2.	In Divisions 4 and below, all Sunday League Divisions and Sunday Cups,
	16.6.1.2.1.	normal MCC Rules on wides shall apply (i.e. not automatic leg side wides) (updated for 2023)
	16.7.	No Balls
	16.7.1.	In all GMCL Cup Competitions
	16.7.1.1.	The delivery following a no ball regardless of the reason it was called shall be a free hit for whichever batter is facing it.
	16.7.1.1.1.	If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball) then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batter is facing it.
	16.7.1.2.	The umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.
	16.7.1.2.1.	For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.
	16.7.1.2.2.	Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker.
	16.7.2.	Short Pitched Bowling
	16.7.2.1.	In addition to Law 41.6 the following regulations shall apply in all GMCL Competitions
	16.7.2.1.1.	For clarity, a fast-short pitched ball is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above the shoulder of the batter standing upright in the crease.
	16.7.2.1.2.	Any delivery which, after pitching, is clearly over the head of the striking batter standing upright at the crease will be called a No Ball.
	16.7.2.2.	But in addition, our rules ensure fair play by limiting the number of fast short pitched deliveries (above shoulder) that may be bowled
	16.7.2.2.1.	The Umpire at the bowler's end shall make it clear to both the bowler and the batter when such a delivery has been bowled.
	16.7.2.2.2.	A bowler shall be limited to one fast short pitched ball per over.
	16.7.3.	Penalties for Short Pitched Deliveries
	16.7.3.1.	If this limit of one fast short pitched ball per over is exceeded
	16.7.3.1.1.	the Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "No Ball" on each occasion.
	16.7.3.1.2.	And the umpire must invoke the procedures of Law 42.7 (a) regarding cautioning the bowler.
	16.7.3.2.	Second Offence in the game
	16.7.3.2.1.	If a bowler is "No Balled" a second time in the innings for the same offence the Umpire shall advise the bowler that this is the final warning for the bowler as provided for in that innings.
	16.7.3.3.	Third Offence in the game
	16.7.3.3.1.	A third such offence in the same innings shall cause the Umpire to invoke Law 42.7 (c),
	16.7.3.3.2.	ie the bowler shall be removed forthwith and shall not be allowed to bowl again, in that innings.

GMCL Rules Tabs - F16 - In-Play Rules & Restrictions

16.1.

Bowling Restrictions for Over 19s in Open Age GMCL competition

16.1.1.

Maximum for Bowlers

16.2.

Bowling Restrictions – ECB Directives for Under 19

16.2.1.

Under 19 Directives – Qualifying Bowlers

16.2.2.

Under 19 Directives – Bowling Spells

16.2.3.

Under 19 Directives – Interruption to play

16.2.4.

Under 19 Directives - Change of Action

16.2.5.

Under 19 Directives - Restrictions combined with GMCL over limits in full game

16.3

Over Rates

16.3.1.

Responsibility to meet Over Rate

16.3.2.

Umpires Advice on Over Rate

16.3.3.

Failure to meet Over Rate (This section updated Winter 23/24)

16.3.3.3..

Time Allotted and Scheduled Time (This section updated Winter 23/24)

16.4.

Fielding Restrictions

16.4.1.

In the League, restriction on the placement of fielders

16.4.2.

In the First and Second XI Cups, subject to rules for bad weather, below

16.4.3.

In the Sunday Cup, subject to rules for bad weather, below

16.4.4.

GMCL Cup – Powerplay changes following loss of overs due to Bad Weather.

16.4.5.

Proximity of Young Fielders

16.4.6.

Protective Equipment – Fielding & Wicketkeeping

16.5.

Young Players and Batting Helmets

16.5.1.

ECB Guidance

16.5.2.

Mentor Care

16.5.3.

Self-Governance

16.6.

Wide Balls

16.6.1.

Wide balls in GMCL competition

16.7.

No Balls

16.7.1.

In all GMCL Cup Competitions

16.7.2.

Short Pitched Bowling

16.7.3.

Penalties for Short Pitched Deliveries

Failure to meet Over Rate
(This section updated Winter 23/24)

Time Allotted and Scheduled Time
(This section updated Winter 23/24)