Rules of Mulbarton Cricket Club

1. The club shall be known as Mulbarton Cricket Club (M.C.C.).

2. Aim of the club .The aim of the club shall be to promote the game of cricket as a recreational sport within Mulbarton and adjacent areas.

3. Club membership. Membership is open to all persons irrespective of ethnic origin, religion or sex. The club shall have four types of members, Life, Adult, Junior and Youth. The membership year shall run from 1st April to 31st March.

Life Membership – The committee may at its discretion award life membership to persons that have made what they deem to be a significant long term contribution to the club.

Adult membership – Available to persons aged 16 and over.

Youth membership – Available to persons that qualify to play for any M.C.C. youth team by virtue of their age.

Junior Membership – Available to persons under 17 years of age on the first day of the membership year (1st April) that do not qualify to play for any club youth team. Junior membership rates are also available to persons aged 18 or less who are in full time education.

All persons representing the club either in a playing or administrative capacity must be club members. Membership fees are listed in appendix 1.

4. The club committee shall consist of no less than seven persons who are club members. A Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Team Manager, Youth Team Liaison Officer and Welfare Officer shall be elected by club members. Elected committee members shall hold their posts for a maximum of two years before having to seek re-election. The committee shall appoint a Club Captain who shall automatically become a member of the committee and have a vote on all matters except appointment to his own post. The Club Captain shall hold his post for a period of one year and will be appointed annually by the committee at their meeting immediately prior to the club Annual General Meeting (AGM). A quorum shall be not less than 5 members of the committee.

5. No person may at any one time hold more than one office that has voting rights on the committee.

6. The club shall have a President (Honorary) to be chosen by the committee. The committee may also elect Vice-Presidents (Honorary).

7. The committee shall appoint a Vice-Captain on the recommendation of the Club Captain.

8. Person’s assigned positions of responsibility within the club by the committee may attend committee meetings. They do not however have a vote on matters before the committee. Such persons may at any time and without reason be asked to absent themselves from discussions.

9. The Club Captain and Vice-Captain may be removed from their posts by a majority vote of the committee. Elected members of the committee may be removed from their posts by a majority vote of club members present at an AGM or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

10. Adults involved with youth team cricket are obliged to submit themselves to the scrutiny of relevant official bodies (i.e. the Police) with regards to regulations concerning child welfare. It is the responsibility of the club welfare officer to ensure that such checks are completed and that the club operates within the law in this respect.

11. The Youth Team Manager, with the assistance of other youth team officers that shall be appointed on the recommendation of the Youth Team Manager, shall have day to day responsibility for running the youth teams. The Youth Team Manager shall deal with playing matters relating to the youth teams as he sees fit unless directed towards a particular course of action by the club committee. In the case of a dispute between the Youth Team Manager and the committee on particular aspects of the way youth teams are administered the will of the majority of committee members shall prevail.

12. The committee shall meet at least once in every two month period. The secretary, on the written request of any three members of the committee, or on the request of the chairman shall forthwith call a committee meeting on fourteen days notice.

13. Minutes shall be kept at all formal club meetings.

14. The committee shall, on proof to its satisfaction and in absolute discretion, have the power to discipline any club member whatsoever whose conduct (whether act or omission) it considers to be contrary to the best interests and good name of the club. Any member contravening club rules shall be requested to appear before a disciplinary meeting to explain their alleged misconduct. The outcome of disciplinary meetings shall be relayed in writing to the member concerned within 7 days. Members may appeal against disciplinary action. Requests for an appeal must be received by the club secretary within 28 days from the date of the original disciplinary meeting. Appeals will be heard by a panel of 3 randomly selected adult members of the club who are NOT members of the committee. Appeal panels may choose to set aside, reduce or increase in severity any disciplinary action. The decision of the appeal panel is final.

15. An AGM shall be held between 1st February and 31st March each year. Notice of an AGM shall be given in writing by the secretary to club members not less than 14 days prior to such a meeting. The notice shall contain club accounts for the past 12 months to be supplied to the secretary by the treasurer. All resolutions before the AGM must be proposed and seconded by full club members.

16. Youth and Junior club members are not eligible to vote at club meetings or hold any office on the club committee.

17. Club rules may only be changed or amended by a majority vote of club members present at an AGM or EGM. The chairman shall have the power to call an EGM on fourteen days notice. The secretary shall call an EGM on fourteen days notice on receipt of a written request signed by seven club members. Any such request shall set out the reasons why such an EGM is required. The occurrence of an EGM and its purpose will be relayed in writing to the members by the club secretary. The only business that may be conducted at an EGM is to change, amend, implement or rescind a club rule, to remove from office and/or appoint elected committee members.

18. Resolutions at all club meetings to be decided by a show of hands. The chairman shall have a casting vote.

19. Every member shall be furnished with a copy of the club rules and shall be bound by the same.

20. The decision of the committee on any matter not specifically provided for in the club rules shall be final.

21. In the event of the club being would up, merged or otherwise ceasing to exist, the assets of the club shall be disposed of in a manner determined by a majority of the club’s members at an AGM or EGM.

22. The Treasurer shall pay all monies received by him on behalf of the club into dedicated banking accounts. Separate accounts will be used for the financial activities of youth and senior teams. All cheques drawn on club accounts shall be signed by the treasurer and at least one of several other prescribed members of the club as appointed by the committee. In the case of youth team accounts, cheques must be countersigned by the youth team manager. The treasurer shall keep complete and accurate records of all financial transactions of the club and prepare annual accounts to be provided to all full members annually. Annual financial statements shall be subject to appropriate independent review.

23. Where due, match fees are to be paid to the treasurer (or other nominated person if the treasurer is absent) BEFORE commencement of the match. Match fees are laid out in Appendix 1.

24. Junior and Youth members that have paid the appropriate membership fee are eligible to pay reduced fees when playing for the senior team as laid out in appendix 1.

25. Membership fees become due immediately upon a player’s first appearance of the season.

26. Substitute fielders are exempt from match fees. Match fees shall be refunded if less than 1 innings of the match is completed.

27. Fines will be levied on any player failing to pay match fees in a timely manner. Fees paid AFTER the commencement of a match shall be considered late and shall incur a fine. Fines will be as follows, failure to pay on time for one game - 25% of match fee. Failure to pay on time for two successive games - 50% of match fee, plus original fine for first game. A third successive failure to pay a match fee will lead to a fine of 100% of the match fee, plus the other fines already imposed and shall lead to the player in question not being selected again until all amounts outstanding, (fees and fines) have been paid to the club treasurer. Fines and exclusion from selection may be waived on the discretion of the committee subject to their acceptance of exceptional circumstances.

28. Some protective equipment will be made available to players on match days free of charge. However all players should own and wear their own box, spares will be available but these will be for emergencies only.

29. The practice of guest appearances, i.e. where a last minute stand in plays without having to pay a match fee shall only ever apply to junior players and then only at the discretion of the club captain.

30. Players receiving a lift to away matches are strongly encouraged to make a contribution towards the driver’s petrol costs for more distant games.

31. Conduct. All club members shall conduct themselves according to the ECB code of conduct (appendix 2) whilst representing the club. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action under rule 14. The club and its members shall comply with the rules and regulations pertaining to all competitions in which they compete (for more information on these rules see the MNSCL handbook held by committee members).

32. The club shall comply with the ECB fast bowling match directives (appendix 3).

33. Supplementary rules pertaining to youth members whilst representing youth teams are listed in Appendix 4.

34. All players are required to familiarise themselves with ‘The Laws of Cricket’.

35. Trophies for outstanding performance shall be awarded to persons that have represented the senior team following the end of each season based on the following criteria:-

Best batsman – to the player with highest average score with a minimum of 7 completed innings. In the event of a tie the trophy shall be awarded to player having completed the greatest number of innings.

Best bowler – to the player with the lowest average runs per wicket with a minimum of 25 overs bowled. In the event of a tie the trophy shall be awarded to the bowler with the lowest economy rate (runs conceded per over bowled).

Highest Individual Score – to the player scoring the most runs in a single innings. In the event of a tie the trophy shall be shared between the players concerned for equal periods of the year.

Best Bowling Performance – to the player with the best bowling figures in a single match. The criteria, in order, for determining best figures shall be as follows:-

1) Highest number of wickets taken

2) Fewest runs conceded

3) Most overs bowled

4) Most maidens bowled

36. The awards of ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ and ‘Clubman of the Year’ (President’s Cup) trophies shall be determined by a vote of club members. The trophy for most improved player shall be awarded to a player chosen by the club committee.

37. Trophies for outstanding performances by youth members in youth team matches shall be awarded at the discretion of the youth team manager.

38. Presentation trophies remain the property of M.C.C. at all times. They should be returned to a committee member no later than the 31st October in the year following their award so that they may be engraved in time for subsequent presentation.

39. The club captain with the assistance of the vice captain shall select players for senior matches, their decision shall be final. It is the duty of the club captain or the person nominated by him to do so, to inform those persons selected to play that they have been selected as well as the time and location of the match.

40. The youth team manager shall select players for youth team matches.

41. If selected and confirmed to be playing, it is ESSENTIAL that if you are no longer able to play, or will be late arriving that you inform the club captain to warn them so that if necessary a replacement may be found. Failure to do so without good reason will lead to a fine equal to the match fee of the relevant game. Fines may be waived at the discretion of the club chairman but only if good reason for being late or failing to attend can be shown.

42. Wearing of protective equipment. The law imposes a duty of care on those responsible for minors (i.e. those under the age of 18). As such when representing Mulbarton Cricket Club minors must wear a helmet when batting, when standing up to the stumps when wicket keeping and when fielding in close proximity to the batsman in matches and in practice in which a hard ball is being used. Coaches, teachers, managers, captains and umpires should ensure that young players ALWAYS wear a helmet. The wearing of gloves, pads and an abdominal protector (box) is compulsory for all players when batting and keeping wicket. Young players shall be expected to use additional protective equipment such as thigh and arm guards as and when available.

43. Attire. Members are expected to be correctly attired when playing for the club. The wearing of white cricket trousers, white shirt and suitable white footwear is mandatory for all players except in matches that specifically require the wearing of coloured clothing. Spiked footwear, whilst not compulsory, is highly recommended for bowlers of medium pace and above.

44. Members wishing to make use of Mulbarton Social Club after matches are required to be a member of said club.

45. Persons play for the club at their own risk.

46. Only persons that have completed and signed the relevant membership form (including the signature of a parent or guardian in the case of persons under the age of 18) shall be eligible to represent the club in any match.

47. The chairman, in consultation with the committee if time permits, shall in exceptional circumstances have the power to temporarily amend or waive any club rule where such action will facilitate the smooth running of the club. Such actions require ratification by the committee at their next meeting. Permanent changes to the rules shall only be made at an AGM or EGM.

Appendix 1

M.C.C. Match and Membership Fees

Membership fees shall be as follows:-

Adult membership £15 per year (reduced to £10 if paid before commencement of player’s 2nd match of the season)

Junior membership £7.5 per year (reduced to £5 if paid before commencement of player’s 2nd match of the season)

Youth membership £25 per year

Match fees for senior squad games shall be as follows:-

Weekend matches

Adult members £4

Junior members £3

Youth members £3

Evening Matches

Adult members £2

Junior members £1.50

Youth members £1.50

Match and net fees for youth team games and practice sessions are included in the youth membership fee.

Appendix 2

England and Wales Cricket Board - Code of Conduct

1. The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.

2. The Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.

3. Players and Team Officials must at all times accept the Umpire’s decision. Players must not show dissent at the Umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disappointing manner towards an Umpire at any time.

4. Players and Team Officials shall not intimidate assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an Umpire, another Player or a Spectator.

5. Players and Team Officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as “sledging”) nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.

6. Players and Team Officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.

7. Players and Team Officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

8. Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and Umpires.

The Spirit of Cricket

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws, but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the Captains.

1. There are two Laws which place responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the Captain.

Responsibility of 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.

Player’s Conduct: In the event of any Player failing to comply with the instructions of an Umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the Umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other Umpire and to the Player’s Captain, requesting the latter to take action.

2. Fair and Unfair Play: According to the Laws the Umpires are the sole judge of fair and unfair play. The Umpires may intervene at any time, and it is the responsibility of the Captain to take action when required.

3. The Umpires are authorized to intervene in cases of:

Time wasting

Damaging the pitch

Dangerous or unfair bowling

Tampering with the ball

Any other action they consider to be unfair

4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

Your opponents

Your own Captain and team

The role of the Umpires

The game’s traditional values

5. It is against the Spirit of the Game:

To dispute an Umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture

To direct abusive language towards an opponent or Umpire

To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance

a) Appeal knowing the batsman is not out

b) Advance towards an Umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing

c) Seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side

6. Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

7. Players

Captains and Umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.

Appendix 3

For the purposes of these Directives a fast bowler is defined as a bowler to whom a wicket keeper in the same age group would in normal circumstances stand back to take the ball.

Having completed a spell the bowler cannot bowl again, from either end, until the equivalent number of overs to the length of his* spell have been bowled from the same end. A bowler can change ends without ending his current spell provided that he bowls the next over that he legally can from the other end. If this does not happen his spell is deemed to be concluded. If play is interrupted, for any reason, for less than 40 minutes 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. 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 his spell before the interruption have been bowled from the same end. If the interruption is of 40 minutes or more, whether scheduled or not, the bowler can commence a new spell immediately. Once a bowler covered by these directives has bowled in a match he cannot exceed the maximum number overs per day for his age group even if he subsequently bowls spin. He can exceed the maximum overs per spell if bowling spin, but cannot then revert to bowling fast until an equivalent number of overs to the length of his spell have been bowled from he same end. If he bowls spin without exceeding the maximum number of overs in a spell the maximum will apply as soon as he reverts to bowling fast. Captains, Team Managers and Umpires are asked to ensure that these Directives are followed at all times.

*Any reference to he/his should be interpreted to include she/her.

Age groups are based on the age of the player at midnight on 31st August in the year preceding the current season.

Appendix 4

Supplementary rules for youth members representing youth teams

1. Members are expected to behave in a polite and orderly manner at all times.

2. The required protective equipment, as determined by club management and coaching staff, shall be worn during training and match sessions. Boys MUST provide their own abdominal protector (box).

3. Members will respect the property of M.C.C and other organisations in close proximity to Orchard Park at all times.

4. At all times, team members shall show consideration to others. Foul and abusive language, behaviour or gestures will not be tolerated.

5. The umpire’s decision is final. No dissent shall be shown however unfair the decision might seem.

6. Members shall respect Orchard Park by taking their litter home.

7. Seat belts shall be worn at all times when travelling to away matches or training sessions whether, in the minibus or other vehicles.

8. Members will bring their subscriptions when required.

9. Members are expected to provide their own white cricket trousers, shirt and suitable footwear. Whites are not necessary, or desirable, for training sessions.

10. The Youth Team Manager may at his discretion impose disciplinary measures on any youth player contravening these rules. There is no avenue for appeal.