Notes to 2007/08 Rules for Y6

Rule 6 – Length of innings

The maximum length of the second innings is the numbers of overs completed in the first innings – unless the team batting first has been dismissed in less than 25 overs, in which case the maximum length of the second innings is 25 overs.

Rule 7 – Pitch Length

This season, all Y6 games will be played on shorter wickets – 18 Metres.

If the game is scheduled on a full-length wicket, then its length must be shortened and marked before the start of play. At both ends:

1. position the stumps on the popping crease instead of the bowling crease

2. mark new popping creases with chalk - 4 feet (1.22 metres) from the centre of the stumps.

This will result in a pitch length of 17.71 Metres, which is acceptable under these Rules.

(Note – this means that all Y6 teams must carry a set of freestanding stumps, some chalk, and something to measure 4 feet.)

Rule 14 - Dismissals

At Grade 6B, the batting “life” has been changed for this season.

Rule 17 – Uneven Team Numbers

This rule is in place to ensure that the batters who have had the “least cricket” get the opportunity for some more. (Where there are two players on the same lowest score, the batsman who has faced the least number of deliveries returns first.)

Rule 18 – No balls/Wides

For bouncers and full tosses, the “height” of the batsman’s shoulder and waist is taken when he is standing upright on the popping crease. If the batsman hits it, it is still to be called a No ball. No ball overrides Wide.

In respect of the bowler’s feet:

Law 24.5: Fair delivery – the feet

For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride:

(i) the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease;

(ii) the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether

grounded or raised, behind the popping crease;

If the umpire at the bowler’s end is not satisfied that both these conditions have

been met, he shall call and signal No ball.

A batsman can only be dismissed from a No ball as follows:

Law 24.15: Out from a No ball

When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws

except 33 (Handled the ball), 34 (Hit the ball twice), 37 (Obstructing the field) or

38 (Run out).

Wides – the wide-lines must be agreed before the start of the game and preferably marked with chalk on the popping crease. The calling must be consistent throughout the game. As a guideline, the wide-lines should be no closer to the stumps than:

· off-side - one stump-length (including the ferrule) from the outside of the off-stump;

· leg-side - one stump-length (including the ferrule) from the inside of the off-stump.

Rule 25 – Appointment of Umpires

This a new Rule introduced for this season to encourage teams to provide an umpire other than the team coach, and thereby avoid allegations of bias by a coach who is umpiring.

Rule 26 – Exchange of Umpires

Permitted, but should really be avoided if at all possible in the interest of consistency for the players – particularly in the calling of wides and “over-height” deliveries.

Rule 27 - Coaching on the Field.

There was considerable feedback from games last season regarding coaches being on the field whilst the game is in progress, without first talking to the opposition coach.

The Rule is quite specific:

Allowed but coaches may only provide advice between overs to ensure that the match is not unduly delayed. At no stage during the match should the coach be on the field, unless he/she is umpiring. In the interests of player development, coaches should direct their advice to the captain.

This is in place not only to avoid holding up the game, but also to allow the players to develop and learn the strategies and tactics of the game – and learn from their own mistakes!!

Having said that, situations will arise where this rule is perhaps too strict – for example where an inexperienced captain is setting the field or perhaps a fielder is larking about or not following the directions of his captain. Clearly the coach will have to intervene in these and similar situations but it would be prudent to talk to the opposition coach either before the game starts or as the need arises – no reasonable coach would have a problem in unusual circumstances.

Rules Arbiter

The Rules Arbiter will promptly, by mobile phone availability, provide decisions on Rules or Spirit of Cricket issues arising during the course of play to try and avoid any subsequent debate or dispute. He will rule on written issues arising during the season and will rule on points penalties (if any) that may be relevant to a rules breach.

The Arbiter’s decision is final, binding and non-negotiable. All participating Clubs and Schools agree to be bound by these guidelines and decisions of the Arbiter.

The Arbiter for the 07/08 season is Richard Walker, Auckland University CC, phone 027-424-1880, email WalkerRF@xtra.co.nz