Hong Kong Cricket Association

* If the required number of overs is not bowled by 1720 hrs without ‘good cause’, the winning run target is adjusted as per Rule 3(f) and the hours of play may be extended to achieve a result.

Conditions of Play

3. a) Games are to commence as shown above but may commence earlier, should both captains and umpires agree.

b) Each team shall bat for 50 overs unless all out earlier or the match is restricted through delay/interruption. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.

c) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for lunch, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled. Unless otherwise determined by the umpires, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled by it at the scheduled time for lunch. The over in progress at the scheduled time shall count as a completed over. The interval shall not be extended and the next innings shall commence at the scheduled time. The umpires may increase the number of overs to be bowled in the second innings (to a maximum of 50) if there was ‘good cause’ to prevent the bowling of the required number of overs within the scheduled time.

d) If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled interval time, the second innings shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the scheduled time for the interval and the over in which the wicket falls shall count as a completed over.

e) If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 50 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 50 overs except as provided for in (d), above.

f) If the team fielding second fails, without good cause, to bowl the required number of overs within the scheduled time, the run target of the team batting second shall be reduced by the average of the 10, highest-scoring overs of the team batting first multiplied by the number overs bowled short at the scheduled interval time. The over in progress at the scheduled time shall count as a completed over. The hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs is bowled and a result achieved. If bad light stops play Rule 7, below shall apply. The Umpires may reduce the penalty if there was good cause to prevent the fielding side from bowling its required overs within the scheduled time.

Duration of Play

4. a) Unless there has been “Good Cause” (see (c) below) the team batting first shall be permitted to complete their full allocation of overs, even if this takes the time past the scheduled break. All runs scored shall count towards their final total.

b) The team batting second will then only be entitled to receive the number of overs which they had bowled at the time that the luncheon break was originally scheduled. This number of overs includes any over being bowled at the scheduled time.

c) The umpires shall be responsible for keeping time pertinent to this rule. In addition, the umpires shall make allowance for legitimate losses of time which have prevented the team from bowling its allotted overs within the scheduled time. Examples of such “Good Cause” include, but shall not be limited to, the following:-

(i) Injury to players of either side.

(ii) Inability to locate and/or retrieve a ball. Note: A maximum of 2 minutes will be allowed for this, after which the bowling side must produce a replacement ball for use.

(iii) Delays caused by the batting team e.g. changes of equipment.

Note: In instances of inclement weather, Rule 6 shall apply, NOT the provisions of “Good Cause”.

d) During the innings, the umpires are to inform the Captain of the fielding side and the batsmen when they are making a judgement of “Good Cause” and advise them of the time they have allowed. All “Good Cause” minutes will be tallied over the course of the innings. For every 3 minutes, or part thereof, of the total time allowed, the bowling side will be given relief from one of the required number of overs to be bowled.

e) At the conclusion of the first innings, the umpires shall inform both captains of their calculations, if any, in relation to revised overs. If no official umpire is present, both captains must agree to any revision prior to the start of the second innings. Any disputes arising from this situation should be referred to the MDC at the completion of the game.

g) Late commencement of the game will not normally be considered “Good Cause” unless the delay is the fault of the batting side. It is the responsibility of both captains to ensure their teams are ready to start play at the scheduled time.

Please see the following example for clarification:

In a 50 over a side game, lunch was originally scheduled at 1.40 pm. At exactly 1.40 pm, the team bowling first had completed 47 overs, and had bowled 2 balls of the 48th. At the end of that over, the score is 6 wickets for 160. There was no “Good Cause” (see below) for this other than slow over rate. The batting side is then allowed to complete their full 50 overs, and finishes at 8/200 runs. Lunch is then taken. The side batting second must score a total 201runs to win the game, and will have only 48 overs available to do so. If there had been 2 injuries, each of 2 minutes duration, (total 4 minutes) during the innings, this would provide “Good Cause” for a total of 2 overs (1 x 3 minutes, plus 1 x part 3 minutes). Consequently, the bowling side need only deliver 48 overs inside the time before lunch is scheduled. As they had done so, then the innings closes and lunch is taken. The score at the end of the 48th over (6 for 160) is the total to beat. The Team batting second has 48 overs to reach 161 for a win i.e. there is no penalty.

h) In the second innings, sides who bowl their overs slower than the required 17 overs per hour may be reported to the MDC by the Umpires and / or the Captains, who may impose penalties including deduction of points.

Bowling Entitlement

5. No bowler may bowl more than 13 overs per innings.

Procedures in Matches Restricted Due to Weather, Light or Ground Conditions

6. a) To constitute a game, the side batting second must receive a minimum of 15 overs unless a result is achieved sooner.

b) During the first innings, for every full 6 minutes lost, the total number of overs in the match shall be reduced by two; and the maximum number of overs in the first innings reduced by one.

The Result

7. To calculate a result, if it is not possible to complete the required number of overs in the second innings and the minimum 15 overs has been bowled, the result will be decided by superior run rate (calculated under Saturday League Rule 6(b)). In cases of slow over rate Net Run Rate will apply in addition to Rule 3(f), if necessary. Bonus points shall count to the loser. Should the run rates be equal, the game will be a tie.

Points

8. Competition Points will be awarded as follows:

Walkover = 22 points to opposition.
Win = 12 points (plus batting & bowling bonus points)
Loss = 0 points (plus batting & bowling bonus points)
Tie = 6 points each (plus batting & bowling bonus points)
No Result = 12 points each

Batting Bonus Points

9. Batting Bonus Points shall be awarded as follows:

a) For the team batting 1st (and the team batting 2nd if it ultimately loses the game:

- One (1) bonus point for reaching each of 160, 190, 220, 250 & 280 runs(max. 5 points).

- The above points thresholds relate to a first innings of 50 overs. If a match is of reduced duration due to weather or other factors, bonus points shall be scored on a pro-rata basis, i.e. divide the thresholds above by the number of overs available. In calculating this, truncate all part runs. e.g. In a 44 over per side match, points would be: 1 point at 140 runs ( 160 / 50 x44 = 140.8, truncated to 140), plus 1 point at 167 runs ( 190 / 50 x 44 = 167.2, truncate to 167), plus 1 point at 193 runs ( 220 / 50 x 44 = 193.6, truncated to 193), plus 1 point at 220 runs ( 250 / 50 x 44 = 220.0, truncate to 250), plus1 point at 246 runs ( 280 / 50 x 44 = 246.4, truncate to 246).

b) Team batting 2nd (if it ultimately wins the game):

-Points are calculated based on the speed that the side batting second passes the first innings score, inside a certain number of “Target Overs”. The calculation for this is based on run rates derived from the batting thresholds in a) above, as follows:

- 5 bonus points based on a rate of 5.60 runs per over or higher.

- 4 bonus points based on a rate of 5.00 runs or better.

- 3 bonus points for a rate of 4.40 runs or better.

- 2 bonus points for a rate of 3.80 runs or better.

- 1 bonus point for a rate of 3.20 runs or better.

- 0 bonus points if they pass the total slower than this.

- Points are actually scored by reaching the “Target Score (the 1st innings total+ 1 run) within the “Target Overs”, NOT by raw run rate alone.

- To calculate the “Target Over”, divide the “Target Score” by the run rates given above.

- All part overs are truncated (i.e. ignore the decimal points to the next lowest whole over). See the following example:

The team batting first scored 149. “Target Score” is therefore 150 runs for the team batting second (149 plus 1 run).

- To score 5 points, the team batting second must pass the 1st innings score within 26 completed overs. (Calculation = 150 / 5.60 = 26.785, truncated to26 overs).

- 4 points = Must reach the Target of 150 within 30 completed overs (150 /5.00 = 30.000000. Truncated to 30).

- 3 points = Must reach the Target of 150 within 34 completed overs (150 /4.40 = 34.090909. Truncated to 34) etc.

- If the side batting second reaches 150 in 30 completed overs, they would score 4 points. If they reach 150 in 30 overs & 1 ball, they would score 3.

- If chasing a very small target, it may occur that, after truncating overs, the same target over applies for different points. In this case, the team that reaches the target in this time shall receive the highest applicable points.

-The points are not cumulative ie the side only scores the maximum attributable points.

Note: Captains of both sides should calculate the number of points earned by each team & include them on the score sheet submitted to the HKCA after each game. These will be verified by the HKCA by checking the information on the scoresheet. The HKCA determination will be final. Therefore, it is important to clearly indicate on the score sheet which over the team batting second scored the target runs, if they won the game. This should be done in the ‘remarks’ section of the form as follows: “Team (e.g. LSW), batting second, scored the target of (e.g. 150) runs in (e.g. 26 overs); equals (e.g. 5) batting bonus points.”

Bowling Bonus Points

10. Bowling Bonus Points are awarded to both sides as follows:

One point each for 2,4, 6 and 8 wickets plus one point for “All Out”. (maximum 5 points)

Reduced Overs Matches

11. Should the start of the match be unavoidably delayed due to ground, weather and/or light conditions or other reason, the umpires shall reduce the total number of overs to be bowled by two overs for every six minutes lost (i.e. one over per innings). In the event that a 50-over match is so reduced, the number of overs allowed per bowler and the fielding restrictions shall be reduced as follows:-

Total overs in Innings	Overs Per Bowler	Fielding Restrictions
47-49	13	14
44-46	12	13
40-43	11	12
37-39	10	11
34-36	9	10
30-33	8	9
27-29	7	8
25-26	6	7

Fielding Circles

12. A fielding circle shall be drawn or otherwise marked with disks by the home side in each game. The circle shall be 27.5m (30 yards) metres in radius measured from the base of both centre stumps. Fielding restrictions AT THE MOMENT OF DELIVERY are as follows:

a) a minimum of four fielders, in addition to the bowler and wicket keeper, must remain within the 27.5m circle throughout the game;

b)for the first 15 overs, there must be no more than two fielders outside the 27.5m circle; and

c)for the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary (catching) fielders within a 13.72m (15 yards) circle from the striker’s wicket.

Note: At the umpire’s discretion when a fast bowler is bowling, the 13.72m rule for catching fielders may be relaxed for orthodox slip, gully and leg-slip positions.

13. The umpire at the striker’s end shall monitor the position of the fielders and should any of the above conditions not be observed, either umpire shall call and signal No ball.

Tied Matches

14. A tie occurs when the scores are level at the conclusion of the game.

Walkover

15. A WALKOVER shall be awarded to a team whose opposition is unable to raise aside. A side shall comprise no less than seven players.

League Champions

16. At the conclusion of the season, if the top teams have the same number of points, the following will be the order of precedence for deciding the League Champions:

i. Team with most outright wins.
ii. Team with fewest lost matches.
iii. Team with most bonus points.

17. Should all the above be identical, a play-off match will be arranged. If this is not possible the Championship will be shared.

Sunday Cup Rules

Sunday league Rules will apply unless specified otherwise.

Entrants and Eligibility

1. a) The top 8 teams from the Sunday League are eligible to enter the Sunday Cup competition. The LCMC may invite other, non-league teams to enter.

b) Teams must submit their player squads in writing to the HKCA before the draw is made for the first round. No transfers or additions will be allowed thereafter without the prior approval of the MDC.

c) All players must have played at least two HKCA matches during the current season.

The Draw

2. The draw for each round of the Cup will be made by the LCMC Chairman (or his representative) and a minimum of three HKCA members appointed by him. Teams will not be seeded before the draw and its date, time and venue published in advance.

Venues

3. All matches except the final will be played on the home ground of the first drawn team, whenever possible.

Playing Conditions

4. The Sunday Cup will be held on a simple knockout basis. Playing conditions for the Cup will be the same as for the League except that:

a) Intervals will be limited to one, 10-minute drinks break after 25 overs in each innings with a 30-minute lunch break taken between innings.

b) No bowler may bowl more than 10 overs per innings.

c) Matches abandoned as no result will be re-scheduled, if possible. If not, the result may be decided by the toss of a coin.

d) Any expenses incurred during the game are to be shared equally between the teams.

Result

5. a) The team scoring the higher number of runs in the allocated number of overs shall win.

b) In the event of tied scores, the team losing fewer wickets will win.

c) If both teams have scored the same number of runs and have lost the same number of wickets, the winner will be the team with the superior run rate (total runs scored divided by the total number of balls bowled). If still equal, the superior run rate after 20 overs (and, if necessary, 10 overs) will decide the winner.

Players' Code of Conduct

All HKCA members, players and officials agree to take positive steps to maintain the high reputation of cricket and of the Hong Kong Cricket Association. Players must approach the game with a determined, winning attitude, i.e. play hard but maintain control.

1. Everyone on the field shall ensure that the match is conducted within the Laws of Cricket and the Spirit of the Game.

2. No player shall fail to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticise his decision by word or action, show dissent or generally behave in a manner, on or off the field, which may cause embarrassment to an umpire or to the HKCA.

3. Every player selected to represent Hong Kong or the HKCA shall follow the instructions of the Team Manager and Coach and, while at a tournament, the directions of the tournament controller.

4. If a player is in serious breach of this Code or is deemed to have indulged in alcohol or drug abuse, he may be suspended and/or expelled from the tournament by the Team Manager (if overseas) or MDC.

5. Any player guilty of unacceptable behaviour is to be reported to the Match & Disciplinary Committee.

6. Examples of unacceptable behaviour:

A player assaulting or attempting to assault an umpire, another player, spectator or official.
Abusing an umpire or disputing (as distinct from questioning) an umpire's decision or reacting in an obviously provocative or disapproving manner by word or action either towards an umpire, his decision or generally following an umpire's decision. This includes a batsman lingering at the wicket after being dismissed.
Use of crude or abusive language or engaging in conduct detrimental to the Spirit of the Game.
Excessive appealing or any actions or words that may be construed as an attempt to influence an umpire’s decision.
Abusing players on the field or making derogatory remarks about the opposition. 'Sledging' is not condoned by the HKCA and shall be interpreted as contrary to this Code and the Spirit of the Game.

ANY BREACH OF THIS CODE IS LIABLE TO ACTION BY THE MATCH & DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE AND MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF HKCA MEMBERSHIP