The Greater Manchester Cricket League | Est 2016 | an accredited ECB Premier League
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WELCOME TO GMCL FOR YOUR MOBILE
The Greater Manchester Cricket League | Est 2016 | an accredited ECB Premier League
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WELCOME TO GMCL FOR YOUR MOBILE
Last updated 12 March 2025
4.1.1.1. No alteration to Saturday fixtures shall be allowed after publication
4.1.1.1.1. This is because in accordance with the Club-League agreement, clubs playing in the Saturday competition give assurance that the team and ground is available every Saturday
4.1.1.1.2. However the Board recognises that there may be exceptional & unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
4.1.1.2. Notifications of Saturday Fixture at Risk -
4.1.1.1.1. It is imperative that the league are notified immediately of any Saturday fixture at risk with a full explanation by email to fixtures@gtrmcrcricket.co.uk, the e-mail to be marked URGENT in the Subject line.
4.1.1.1.2. If it is established that notification was delayed, deliberately or not, then the game will be treated as a forfeit and penalties issued.
4.1.1.3. Fixture Changes, Cancellations, Exceptional Circumstances & Misuse of Rules
4.1.1.3.1. The Board will review the change request and the exceptional circumstances submitted and determine the outcome for the game.
4.1.1.3.2. Cancellations without exceptional circumstances will attract a penalty on the defaulting club.
4.1.1.3.3. Full details of the fixture change procedure for claims and penalties is at Rule 4.0.
4.1.2.1. Watering of Grounds
4.1.2.1.1 Under no circumstances shall the pitch be watered after 9:00 p.m. on the day but one before the day of the match. (i.e. 9pm Thursday for Saturday)
4.1.2.2. Boundary Perimeter
4.1.2.2.1. Clubs should check for and endeavour to remove overhanging trees and branches
4.1.2.3. Scoreboard Maintenance
4.1.2.3.1. The scoreboard should be checked and must be able to display a minimum of
4.1.2.3.1.1. total runs, wickets down
4.1.2.3.1.2. overs remaining, current individual batter’s score, last batter’s score,
4.1.2.3.1.3. total required to win,
4.1.2.3.1.4. Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Revised Target and D/L/S Par score
4.1.2.4. First Aid Kit
4.1.2.4.1. Every club must have a fully stocked First Aid Kit, this should be checked weekly in advance and restocked where necessary.
4.1.2.4.2. A notice showing the location of the kit must be displayed in the umpires’ room and the visitors changing room.
4.1.2.5. Ground Information
4.1.2.5.1. With clubs visiting new venues for the first time we ask that clubs make information available in changing rooms to inform visitors of such things as the location of first aid kits, local rules, practice areas, neighbour issues etc.
4.1.3.1. All players registered at a club are eligible to play for the club’s First XI in the GMCL Premier League with the following exceptions
4.1.3.1.1. Any player currently banned from a league under the management of GMCL or by any ECB registered league must not play in this division and is not eligible to play in any GMCL or other competition. No exemptions will be granted for Banned Players.
4.1.3.1.2. Players must meet the minimum Age Restriction for GMCL Open Age competition.
4.1.3.1.3. Premier League Teams are limited to 1 Category 3 player.
4.1.3.2. Clubs are reminded that all GMCL League & Cup competitions are meant to be for the appropriate players at their club
4.1.3.2.1. Only players meeting the registration requirements as set out in these full rules regarding players shall be eligible to play in the Premier League.
4.1.3.2.2. Clubs do have some freedom to select the players for teams playing at the same time however it should be remembered that the First XI competitions are for the best players clubs have available and clubs should ensure that this is the case in order to be fair to the competition and to all division members; attempts to improve the standard of lower teams, particularly at the end of the season, can attract penalties.
4.1.3.3. Paid players, Professionals and Paid Category 3 players may play at First XI level in GMCL Premier League
4.1.3.4. Amateur Category 3 players may play in the Premier League provided there is no professional Category 3 player in the team
4.1.3.5. Starred player rules do not have to be considered for selecting players for Premier League teams.
4.1.3.6. Whilst clubs with teams in the GMCL Premier League may loan players to other clubs with teams in Division 4 or below or the Sunday Competition, Loan players are not allowed to play in the GMCL Premier League.
4.1.4.1. It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to ensure that the team’s squad list on play-cricket is up to date prior to the day of a game.
4.1.4.1.1. No Scorer (Home or Away) should be tasked to add players to squad lists shortly before or during a game.
4.1.4.2. All matches in the GMCL Premier League MUST be scored using Play Cricket with Live ball by ball connected via wi-fi or the phone network to the Play Cricket Match Centre.
4.1.5.1. Both teams must attend the ground in the Premier League competition, irrespective of weather.
4.1.5.1.1. The league does have a Rain Panel of Umpires but this is only for our lower leagues,
4.1.5.2. Teas
4.1.5.2.1. Supply of teas to opponents, umpires and scorers is mandatory in The Premier League
4.1.5.2.2. All tea costs are to be paid by the home side in GMCL League and Cup Competitions.
4.1.5.3. Scorers - see Rule 4.1.7. below
4.1.5.3.1. Both teams must have scorers present at the game
4.1.5.4. Cricket Kit
4.1.5.4.1. The purpose of this rule is to maintain high standards in all GMCL Competition, and the captains are responsible for ensuring compliance.
4.1.5.4.2. All players must appear in full “whites” cricket attire.
4.1.5.5. Base Layer under Kit
4.1.5.5.1. Players wishing to wear a visible base layer underneath a short sleeve shirt may do so, as long as the base layer is the same colour as the shirt or white
4.1.5.6. Caps
4.1.5.6.1. Caps may be worn where printed or embroidered with their club badge or league or county representative caps awarded. Country caps and other sports teams caps should not be worn.
4.1.6.1. Club Authority on Match Day - The League deem the appointed Team Captain for the match, present at the game, as the authority over the team attending a match
4.1.6.1.1. This applies from arrival at the ground to leaving after the game,
4.1.6.1.1.1. The captain is responsible for all interactions of the team with League Officials including Umpires, the Scorers, and opponents, and
4.1.6.1.1.2. The captain is responsible for all the team’s compliance with the rules, and
4.1.6.1.1.3. The captain is responsible for the team's attitude to participants of the match and behaviour of the team on and off the field.
4.1.6.1.2. The Board will hold the captain accountable for any breaches in rules by the team at a match.
4.1.6.1.3. Should the designated captain arrive after other players or leave before other members of the team then the vice-captain or most senior player present shall be the designated captain.
4.1.6.2. Attendance and Readiness at the Match
4.1.6.2.1. Captains will be responsible for ensuring their team is present at the ground on time.
4.1.6.2.2. Captains will be responsible for ensuring their team is ready to start the game on time.
4.1.6.3. Full Team at Start
4.1.6.3.1. The club’s agreement within the MOU includes only registering in competitions for which they have sufficient players.
4.1.6.3.1.1. A penalty as set out in the Penalties Appendix , shall be imposed on any club not playing a full team
4.1.6.3.2. The minimum number of players to constitute a team at the start of play will be 7.
4.1.6.3.3. MCC law 24.2 will apply to those players who arrive late with regards as to when they may bat/bowl.
4.1.7.1. Mandatory Scorers
4.1.7.1.1. It is expected that both teams have a scorer present
4.1.7.2. If one team does not have a scorer available for a match, then
4.1.7.2.1. they must, in advance of the game, notify the other team that they do not have a scorer to check that the game will have a scorer and
4.1.7.2.2. The team not supplying the scorer must pay the opponent’s scorer £25, (irrespective of what the opponents pay their scorer).
4.1.7.2.3. The team not supplying the scorer has a penalty in accordance with the Penalties Appendix.
4.1.7.2.4. The umpires must report a team without a scorer.
4.1.7.3 Should neither team have a scorer then
4.1.7.3.1. the home club should immediately contact the league to cancel the game and umpires.
4.1.7.3.2. Should this not be done in time and the umpires attend then they must both be paid by the home team.
4.1.7.3.3. A penalty will be levied against both teams (see Penalties Appendix).
4.1.8.1. Visitor Facilities
4.1.8.1.1. Clubs should ensure that visitors changing rooms are clean and tidy prior to their arrival
4.1.8.1.2. Clubs should ensure that Umpires changing rooms are clean and tidy prior to their arrival
4.1.8.2. Boundaries, Boundary Markers & Safety
4.1.8.2.1. Clubs must use a Boundary rope / boards where they have them
4.1.8.2.2. Flags must be used on a painted boundary
4.1.8.2.3. (New for 2025 season) Boundary Edge Safety
4.1.8.2.3.1. A recommendation was issued to clubs that the boundary should be 3 metres from any hard hazard such as walls, trees, benches etc this relates to any immovable objects or features
4.1.8.2.3.1.1. At grounds where the pitched wicket is close to the boundary this would significantly reduce the outfield however it is a real safety risk for boundaries to be up against the hard hazard.
4.1.8.2.3.1.2. The Board have decided that clubs should stick to the recommendation of 3 metres, however the boundary must be at least 1.5 metres from the immovable object where there is limited space, the umpires will be required to check this safety element.
4.1.8.2.3.2. Movable objects, such as rollers, must be 3 metres from the Boundary Edge.
4.1.8.3. Sight Screens
4.1.8.3.1. Boundaries can no longer be moved to accommodate the movement of a sight screen during a game
4.1.8.3.2. Where sight screens would normally be wholly or partly within the field of play
4.1.8.3.2.1. all clubs must now place a boundary line in front of the screen and supports
4.1.8.3.2.2. that boundary line must extend wide enough to allow the movement of the sight screen from side to side to accommodate all bowlers’ actions during the whole game to ensure that the sight screen remains wholly outside the boundary for the whole of the game.
4.1.8.3.2.3. Where a rope delineates the boundary, this rope must be in position before start of play to allow the sightscreen to be moved without alteration to the boundary throughout the game to accommodate bowlers over and around the wicket
4.1.8.3.2.4. Therefore, any ball off the bat pitching behind the line and within the extremities of the sight screen will count six runs.
4.1.8.4. Fielding Circle
4.1.8.4.1. A fielding circle shall be marked for all senior games
4.1.8.4.1.1. There should be an area made up of two semi-circles behind the stumps at each end, centred on each middle stump at 5 yard intervals by a plastic or rubber disc measuring around 7 inches in diameter.
4.1.8.4.1.2. Each semi-circle must have a radius of 30 yards and should be joined by a parallel lines at each side of the pitch.
4.1.8.4.1.3. This applies to all League, Cup and GMCL20 games
4.1.9.1. Start Times - All Saturday league games from April to 31st August have a start time of 12:30pm. This comes forward to 12pm in September.
4.1.9.2. Match Overs - Premier, Premier 2, Championship, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3 and Div 4 are all 50 over games
4.1.9.3. Innings Length - Premier, Premier 2, Championship, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3 and Div 4 - Maximum Time is 3 hrs 10 mins.
4.1.9.4. Umpires
4.1.9.4.1. The Umpires Association will appoint two panel umpires to GMCL Premier League games
4.1.9.4.2. Umpire Fees -
4.1.9.4.2.1. The match fee is £70 where there is any play
4.1.9.4.2.2. The fee is 50% of the normal match fee for the game in question if the game is abandoned before the start time, without a ball bowled.
4.1.10.1. MCC Law 1.2 Nomination of Players: -
4.1.10.1.1. Each Captain shall name the players on an ECB Team Card to one of the umpires before the toss.
4.1.10.1.2. No player may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
4.1.10.2. Notifying the Scorers.
4.1.10.2.1. The Umpires should immediately make the lists available to the scorers to ensure that the Play Cricket team on the Scoring App is completed and ready to start the game and verify that the players listed on Play Cricket match the cards.
4.1.10.2.2. The umpires are to be shown the team lists on Play Cricket by the scorers to confirm all players are registered to play in GMCL.
4.1.11.1. Captains shall toss no earlier than 30 minutes before the scheduled start but no later than 15 minutes before scheduled or agreed start time (“the Toss Time”),
4.1.11.1.1. after which the batting side’s captain can request that the pitch be rolled for not more than 7 minutes.
4.1.11.2. If a captain or person deputising for him is not available at the latest Toss Time then the other team shall have the decision as to whether to bat or bowl first.
4.1.12.1. Prior to taking the field the captain of the bowling side must hand to the umpires a regulated match ball to start the innings and a suitable spare ball for inspection, which the umpires will hand back when on the field, ready for play. This applies to the start of both innings.
4.1.12.1.1. The umpires are to report failure to provide the appropriate match ball
4.1.12.1.2. The Match Balls required in GMCL Premier League are as follows:
4.1.12.1.2.1. Match to commence with NEW Windsor Ball
4.1.12.1.2.2. Spare Ball must be a Used Windsor Ball
4.1.12.1.2.2.1. In order to maintain standards, any used Windsor Ball supplied at the start of the innings must be in a good enough condition that the embossed badges must show that the ball is a GMCL Windsor ball. If not, the used ball cannot be used as a spare.
4.1.12.2. Should it arise that there is a new club joining the Premier League the new club has no exemption from using GMCL stamped balls for the full season in the Premier League.
4.1.12.3. Should we have a change of ball supplier then special instructions will be issued to umpires and teams regarding balls to use.
4.1.13.1. A bell, hand or wall mounted, must be rung 10 minutes prior to the time play should commence, and 5 minutes from the resumption of play after the interval.
4.1.13.1.1. The ringing of the bell is to be the responsibility of the umpires.
4.1.13.1.2. Players must be ready and take the field along with the umpires 5 minutes prior to the time a match shall commence and at the interval.
4.1.14.1 Laws of the Game
4.1.14.1.1. All matches must be played under the Laws of Cricket produced by the M.C.C. except as provided by these rules, or as the Board might decide
4.1.15.1. When a time for restart is known,
4.1.15.1.1. The umpires should calculate the overs lost, there is no Grace Period where there is a delay not due to weather.
4.1.15.1.1.1. for every 7.5 minutes lost, the match shall be reduced by 2 overs
4.1.15.1.1.2. This is one per team because the innings must be equal at the start of the game
4.1.15.1.1.3. down to a minimum of 40 overs, 20 per side (league minimum) or 20 overs.
4.1.15.1.1.4. Should the calculation go beyond this the game must be abandoned and the league will deal with the issue upon receipt of the Umpire’s report
4.1.15.2. Umpires should report the reasons given for any late starts other than weather.
4.1.15.2.1. Where the circumstances were beyond a team or player’s control
4.1.15.2.1.1. The Board or an Executive Sub-Committee shall record the event and may excuse the offending team on reasonable grounds.
4.1.15.2.2. Captains will be responsible for ensuring their team is ready to start the game on time.
4.1.15.2.2.1. Prompt starts are expected for all games and a penalty shall be imposed for a late start in circumstances that were not beyond the control of the offending players/team (see Penalties Appendix),
4.1.15.2.2.2. Where it is found that a game was deliberately delayed in order to gain an advantage then the league may levy a fine of £100 and apply a further points deduction.
4.1.16.1. Overs can be lost due to bad weather before the start of the game – see “Weather Affected Games”
4.1.17.1. There is a restriction on the placement of fielders, at the moment of delivery,
4.1.17.1.1. a minimum of 4 fielders (plus the Bowler and Wicket Keeper) must be within the marked Fielding Circle.
4.1.17.1.2. In the event of infringement, the Striker’s End Umpire shall call and signal “No Ball”.
4.1.18.1. No bowler will be allowed to bowl more than 30% of the overs of an innings.
4.1.18.1.1. The maximum is recalculated, rounded up, when overs are lost from the game on the new expected innings length at the time the first over is bowled at the restart, examples are
4.1.18.1.1.1. On a Saturday, 50 overs maximum is 15 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.2. On a Saturday, 45 overs maximum is 14 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.3. On a Saturday, 40 overs maximum is 12 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.4. On a Saturday, 35 overs maximum is 11 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.5. On a Saturday, 30 overs maximum is 9 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.6. On a Saturday, 25 overs maximum is 8 overs per bowler
4.1.18.1.1.7. On a Saturday, 20 overs maximum is 6 overs per bowler
4.1.19.1. Please refer to Rule 3.4 for all restrictions on players Under 13 to Under 19
4.1.20.1. In addition to “traditional” wides Umpires shall call and signal “Wide” to deliveries that go behind the batter’s legs and miss the stumps
4.1.21.1. In addition to Law 41.6 the following regulations shall apply in all GMCL Competitions
4.1.21.1.1. 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.
4.1.21.1.2. 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.
4.1.21.2. But in addition, our rules ensure fair play by limiting the number of fast short pitched deliveries (above shoulder) that may be bowled
4.1.21.2.1. 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.
4.1.21.2.2. A bowler shall be limited to one fast short pitched ball per over.
4.1.21.3. Penalties for Short Pitched Deliveries
4.1.21.3.1. If this limit of one fast short pitched ball per over is exceeded
4.1.21.3.1.1. The Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "No Ball" on each occasion.
4.1.21.3.1.2. And the umpire must invoke the procedures of Law 42.7 (a) regarding cautioning the bowler.
4.1.21.3.2. Second Offence in the game
4.1.21.3.2.1. 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.
4.1.21.3.3. Third Offence in the game
4.1.21.3.3.1. A third such offence in the same innings shall cause the Umpire to invoke Law 42.7 (c),
4.1.21.3.3.2. i.e. the bowler shall be removed forthwith and shall not be allowed to bowl again, in that innings.
4.1.22.1. Responsibility to meet Over Rate
4.1.22.1. 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
4.1.22.1.1. 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.
4.1.22.2. Umpires Advice on Over Rate
4.1.22.2.1. Each innings is monitored independently
4.1.22.2.1.1. Umpires should inform the fielding captain of the passage of each full hour of playing time and the number of overs bowled.
4.1.22.2.1.2. 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.
4.1.22.3. Failure to meet Over Rate
4.1.22.3.1. In the Premier League, If a side fails to bowl their overs within the allotted time the umpires must
4.1.22.3.1.1. at the allotted time that the innings should have finished, for league games, 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.
4.1.22.3.1.2. report the matter on the Umpires match report form, which they complete at the end of each match.
4.1.22.3.2. On receiving such a report, the League will apply the sanction in the Penalties Appendix
4.1.22.4. Time Allotted and Scheduled Time
4.1.22.4.1. For the purposes of the above provisions on slow over rates, if a match has reduced overs then the time allotted and scheduled time for cessation of the innings shall be recalculated.
4.1.22.4.2. 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)
4.1.23.1. In the Premier League
4.1.23.1.1. The side batting first has the right to declare its innings, no overs are carried over to the opponents innings.
4.1.23.1.2. The side batting second will not be allowed to declare.
4.1.24.1. The tea interval will be 30 minutes, with the umpires advising both captains of the restart time after leaving the field
4.1.24.1.1. If tea has been taken during a weather delay, then the break between innings will be 10 minutes with the umpires advising both captains of the restart time after leaving the field
4.1.26.1. Respect for your opponent and officials
4.1.26.1.1. Post-match handshake
4.1.26.1.1.1. It is established practice in our League that all players in both sides shake hands with the umpires and each other as the bowling side leave the field at the end of the second innings. We ask captains to ensure that this practice continues in every game at every level, for the spirit of the game.
4.1.26.1.1.2. Should COVID restrictions be reintroduced, hand shakes or fist bumps create skin to skin contact so we would suggest that the current virus spreading prevention technique of bumping covered elbows resumes, until we receive the all clear again.
4.1.27.1. Post Match Meeting
4.1.27.1.1. Umpires & Captains’ Meeting
4.1.27.1.1.1. It is expected that the home captain or representative is available to meet with the captain or representatives of the visiting side and to meet with the umpires shortly after the end of the game. This will ensure that the final scores are confirmed and any issues arising during the game are closed off. This will also ensure any payments required for scorers and umpires are settled on the day.
4.1.27.2. Captain’s Report
4.1.27.2.1. Captain’s Reports are Mandatory
4.1.27.2.1. Each captain, within the 48 hours following a match, must submit the GMCL Captain’s Match Report found via the GMCL League website. Penalties will be imposed on clubs for late submission of forms after Wednesday Midnight (see Penalties Appendix). Completion of the report will be acknowledged by an automatic email.
4.1.27.3. Umpire’s Report
4.1.27.3.1. Umpire’s Reports are Mandatory
4.1.27.3.1.1. The umpires, within the 48 hours following a match, must submit the GMCL Umpire’s Match Report found via the GMCL League website.
4.1.28.1. Win, Draw, Tie & Abandoned
4.1.28.1.1. Five points for a win, three for a tie, two points where there is no result, no points for a defeat.
4.1.28.2. Bonus Points (New for 2025)
4.1.28.2.1. There are Bonus points available for the 2nd innings
4.1.28.2.2. There is a Batting Point, when batting in the second innings
4.1.28.2.2.1. Winning Batting point - Reaching the target with no more than 3 wickets lost
4.1.28.2.2.2. Losing Batting point - Reaching 75% of the target (irrespective of wickets lost) but bowling side win
4.1.28.2.3. There is a Bowling Point when bowling in the second innings
4.1.28.2.3.1. Winning Bowling point - The chasing side are “all out” without reaching the target.
4.1.28.2.3.2. Losing Bowling point - Taking 7 or more wickets but the batting side win.
4.1.28.3. Determining a team’s position in the Division after results are uploaded.
4.1.28.3.1. All points achieved in all league games less any penalty points will count toward the relative placings in the Division.
4.1.28.3.2. If there are clubs having equal points then
4.1.28.3.2.1. the club having the most outright (5 & 6 point) wins shall occupy the higher position but if still equal then
4.1.28.3.2.2. the club having the highest Net Run Rate shall occupy the higher position.
4.1.29.1. Finding the Division Winner at the end of the season
4.1.29.1.1. All points achieved in all league games less any penalty points will count toward the final placing in the Division.
4.1.29.1.2. The club scoring the most points in the division at the end of the season shall be considered the Premier League Champions for the year.but If there are two or more teams at the top of the division with equal points then
4.1.29.1.2.1. the club having the most outright (5 & 6 point) wins shall occupy the higher position but if the clubs still have equal records at the head of the table and are still level, the title shall be shared.
4.1.29.1.2.1.1. Net Run Rate is not taken into account in determining Premier League Winners.
4.1.30.1. GMCL operates promotion and relegation pots to determine the teams that are promoted and relegated between our Saturday Divisions.
4.1.30.2. The Rules at 5.1. set out how the pots are made up, a combination of the final placings in the division at season end and clubs engagement with ECB requirements and the league’s Ground and Facility standards.
4.1.30.3. To make it clear - any club that is working with the GMCL Grounds & facilities team and is at or progressing towards the next standard will not be impacted by this rule.