PHILADELPHIA CRICKET LEAGUE

"Revival of Cricket in the Mecca of Cricket"

              Established 2006          

BY-LAWS

Copyright material, no electronic copies of the material to be reproduced without the prior consent of the PCL.

All games are played under International Cricket Council (I.C.C.) rules and P.C.L rules and by-laws. The P.C.L. rules and by-laws will take the precedence over I.C.C. rules.

1. THE LEAGUE

1.1 The name of the league is Philadelphia Cricket League.

1.2 The mission of the league is to promote this beautiful game to all while maintaining the true spirit and competitiveness in its most genuine form.  Where, people can truly sense and feel the taste of this great game, thus bringing competition, harmony, affection, self accomplishment, love and unity reflecting the true color of America.   

2. START TIME OF PLAY

2.1 All league matches including play-offs shall start at 11:00 AM except games at those fields where the permit time is 12.00 noon or 1.00 PM then the matches will start at 12.00 noon or 1.00 PM. For the teams traveling 3.00 hours to a game the start time will be 1.00 PM.  The rest of the rules for 12.00 noon or 1.00 PM games shall be same as for the games starting at 11.00 AM. The Executive Committee reserves the right to set the starting time for the semi-finals and the Championship game.

2.2 If due to circumstances beyond the control of the home team, the ground is not ready for play by the scheduled starting time, the official umpire (or both captains) may agree on a new starting time.

2.3 In the event that a game is delayed as a result of PCL approved reasons, the revised starting time shall not be later than 2.00 PM. Further, the number of overs may not be reduced to less than 25. If such an agreement is reached, no penalties shall be imposed on the home team. However, the captain of the home team shall state to the officiating umpire, or the visiting captain if no official umpire is present, what circumstances led to the ground not being ready for play. An email or letter must be sent to the League's Administrative director explaining the same within a day after the game.

3. SPINNING OF THE TOSS

3.1 In order to guarantee that the first ball is bowled at the mandated starting time, teams are required to spin the toss no less than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time i.e. 10.45 AM for 11.00 AM start time and 11.45 AM for 12.00 noon start time and 12.45 PM for 1.00 PM start time.

3.2 A team not having a player to spin the toss or is not ready or unwilling to spin the toss as stipulated, shall be considered in violation of league rules and shall result in the offending team losing the toss.

3.3 A team need not have all its players present to spin the toss. Any playing member may spin the toss after providing the officiating umpire and the opposing captain, or the captain’s representative, with his list of declared players for that game. Such list must be legible with first and last names. A team will not be considered ready to play unless this requirement is met.

3.4 Once the toss has been spun, the winning team must immediately inform the opposing team of its decision.

3.5 If the team that won the toss does not have 8 declared players present at the mandated staring time, that team shall give up the toss to the opposing team (assuming the opposing team have a minimum of 8 declared players present).

4. PENALTIES FOR LATE START

4.1 A team is not considered ready to play until the umpire and opposing captain are presented with a legible list of each player's full name (Minimum 8 players).

4.2 A team is not considered ready to play if it fails to provide any item necessary for the start of play including but not limited to a PCL approved ball, stumps, bails, secured matting or a properly prepared pitch.

4.3 For every 5 minutes, or fraction thereof, of delay in starting a game after the scheduled starting time, the offending team will lose 1 over. (Example: if a team is not ready to play 1-5 minutes after the scheduled starting time, they will lose 1 over. If they are not ready to play 6 minutes after the starting time, they will lose 2 overs, etc.

4.4 A team not ready to play or unwilling to start after 45 minutes past the scheduled starting time shall automatically forfeit the match.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOST TEAMS

5.1 THINGS TO HAVE AND PREPARATION OF FIELD

Each Host Team shall be responsible for the following:

5.1.1 If the host team does not have the ownership of the field then making sure that they have contacted the team that has the ownership/permit of the field at-least a day before in arranging the key to the field, storage shed, metal box or club house and making sure about the whereabouts of the Matting and the Nails and Hammer box/bag.

5.1.2 Rolling the pitch and making sure the pitch and the outfield is suitable for play.

5.1.3 Clearly marked creases on the pitch/matt.

5.1.4 Providing a broom to sweep the pitch.

5.1.5 Providing boundary markers (Ropes, Cones and Flag markers) to clearly mark 25 yards circle with flat cones or fluorescent paint, boundaries preferably with flag markers.

5.1.6 Providing chalk to mark the batsmen’s guard.

5.1.7 Providing two (2) sets of stumps and bails, wood only. (Steel/Plastic stumps or bails are not permitted at-all).

5.1.8 If the host team does not have the ownership of the field then they must carry with them (2) sets of stumps and bails, wood only, boundary markers Flag markers preferable, flat cones for the 25 yard circle, chalk, broom and Nails and Hammer Box/bag.

5.1.9 If the host team does not have the ownership of the field then they may not have to carry the Nails and Hammer Box/bag if the team that has the ownership/permit to field has agreed to provide. However, if for any reason the Nails and Hammer box/bag is missing at the field then it is the host team requirement to arrange it. If the host team is unable to arrange the Nail and the hammer 45 minutes after the regular start time in normal weather conditions then they will forfeit the game. The rule of 1 over lost for every 5 minutes delay shall stay.

5.2 MATTING

5.2.1 It shall be the responsibility of the host team to lay and put away the matting.

5.2.2 Only in the event of inclement weather should the matting

be left on the grass to be dried and subsequently returned to the storage area as soon as possible by the hosting team.

5.2.3 If the two non permitted teams are playing in a field they should contact the team who has the ownership of the field, to leave all the things intact along with the matting if the next day is Sunday and there is a PCL schedule game with the permission of the team who has the ownership of the field. Both the teams then should let the league know about such arrangements. However, PCL will not be responsible for any damage to the matting etc. since it is left with the approval of the club which has the ownership/permit to the field.

5.2.4 If the two non-permitted teams are playing in a field on Sunday and due to the inclement weather matting is wet. They should do everything possible to get the matting reasonably dry. However, they have to put the matting back in the storage area under any circumstances; otherwise there will be a fine if that field is arranged by the PCL. There will be no fine if the usage of the field is the direct agreement b/w the team playing with the team that has the ownership/permit to the field.

5.3 GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF FIELDS

5.3.1 Teams that receive fields from local jurisdictions/townships shall be the only teams holding permits for those fields. The permitted teams shall be responsible for the general maintenance of the said fields.

5.3.2 Teams that are hosting the game shall be ultimately responsible for the disposal of trash/litter generated from games.

5.4 WATER/REFRESHMENTS

5.4.1 All hosting teams are required to provide enough dirking water to the visiting team.

5.4.2 All hosting teams are encouraged to provide food and refreshments to the visiting teams. However, it is not required.

6. SCORER

6.1 Each team is required to provide scorers with the score being recorded on the regular Cricket scorebook.

6.2  If teams have spare players/individuals. Then both the scorers should tally the score at the end of every over.

6.3 Notwithstanding the above, the captain of each team shall be responsible for a full and correct account of both batting and bowling figures being kept of each match played. At the close of each game, he shall sign the score sheet of the opposing team as being correct in confirmation with the umpire. Umpire should tally the score at each drink intervals and keep copying the detail of the other team in one of the teams score book for which he will be taking the copy with him to fill it online on the website.  Umpire is the final authority in confirming the score. He must sign score book of both teams.  Umpire must also write down the highlights and declare Man of the Match in conformation with both captains. In case there is a disagreement b/w the captain’s then umpire is the one who decides the Man of the Match.

7. FORFEITS/WALKOVER

7.1. TEAM WITH FEWER THAN EIGHT PLAYERS

7.1.1 A team which has fewer than eight (8) declared players present at the ground, 45 minutes after the scheduled start of the game shall automatically forfeit the match.

7.1.2 A team that is not ready to play even with all being perfect and umpire ready, or for any other unjustified reason, or is unwilling to start after 45 minutes past the scheduled starting time, shall automatically forfeit the match.

7.2 INELIGIBLE PLAYER

7.2.1 Any team, which uses an ineligible player, shall automatically forfeit the game and is subject to other fines and penalties.

7.2.2 If a team forfeits a scheduled fixture for any reason whatsoever, the offending team shall be liable for a fine as outlined in Bylaw 16.

7.3 IMPROPER TRANSFER OF PLAYER

7.3.1 Any team in the PCL that uses a player in a PCL game without following the official transfer procedure outlined in         section 8.3 below shall forfeit all games that they won while using in improperly transferred player. In addition, that team shall be subject to a fine as outlined in Bylaw 16.

7.3.3    No meeting or hearing of the Executive Committee shall be necessary to enforce this regulation.
7.4 MATCH WON on a FORFEIT

7.4.1 If a team wins a match on a forfeit, it shall fill the score sheet online on the league website a completed team list showing the names of its players by following Friday.  All points/percentage shall be awarded to that team.

7.5 EXPULSION BASED ON FORFEITURES

7.5.1 A team shall automatically be expelled from the league upon forfeiting 3 games in one season. And will loose its membership and will be considered as new applicant  if they decide to join back the following year. All prior year forfeiture fine must be paid before the the team is consider for the new year.

7.6 FOLLOWING YEAR SCHEDULING CONSEQUENCES FOR TEAM FORFEITING  GAME(s)

7.6.1 A team that forfiets a game in one year where they are a visiting team to another field will not get the hosting right at their field the following year against the team they forfeited.

8. REGISTRATIONS and TRANSFERS

8.1 REGISTRATION LIST

8.1.1 Teams primary/secondary contacts with PCL are required to have the player’s roster update by March 31st of every year.  

8.1.2 All the registered players need to sign a PCL Release and Hold Harmless Agreement in presence of their club officers. The club officers will then sign on each form and mail it to the leagues address.

8.1.3 No player shall be allowed to play without being registered and not have his electronic Release and Hold Harmless Agreement received by the league by 9.00 AM the game day.

8.1.4 Any player not on this initial registration list but subsequently playing during the course of the season must comply with the By-Laws relating to New Registrations as set down in By-Law 8.2

8.2 NEW REGISTRATION

8.2.1 Teams may add/register new players throughout the season by going online on the PCL website. Players can no longer register at the field with the umpire.  The deadline time to register is 9.00 AM the game day. Each club administrator primary/secondary contact with PCL while registering the player online shall enter the name of the player on the Release and Hold Harmless Agreement form and put his signature. At this moment he can print the copy to have it signed by the player and mail it within 5 days of the game.

8.2.2 The new player registered should have signed Release and Hold Harmless Agreement in presence of his club officers. The officers will then sign the form and mail it to the leagues address within 5 days of the game otherwise there is a fine of $ 20.00.

8.3 TRANSFERS

8.3.1 A player may transfer only once into the PCL from another PCL team by May 31st of every year.

8.3.2 The burden of securing a transfer and ensuring that it is done properly shall be the sole responsibility of the player or team seeking such permission. In order for a transfer to be official, a player must seek and receive permission from the League and pay a transfer fee of $50 no later than the Monday immediately preceding the game in which he wants to participate. Failure to reach the league officials shall not be an excuse for a player to transfer to another team without following the official procedure.

8.3.3 The player being transferred to the new team will still be required to play 33% of the games for the new team to be eligible to play in the play-offs.

9. CRICKET ATTIRE

9.1 CRICKET ATTIRE PERMITTED

9.1.1 Every player participating in PCL competition matches including the substitutes shall wear proper cricket attire, which comprises white/cream shirt with collar attached, white or cream long trousers. Teams are encourages to wear PCL logo shirts to discourage the individuals wearing white T-shirts or white shirts with no collars and to maintain the league standards.

9.1.2 Club or other logos or emblems may be worn on pants/shirts.

9.1.3 White Sweater/pullover only

9.1.4 Cricket shoes and sneakers only with no metal spikes if playing on Jute matting.

Note: Each new member club is encouraged to have at-least 15 PCL logo shirts as their basic membership.  Thereafter, shirts for every member of their club playing in the PCL. Club captains may ask their players to wear the PCL shirt to maintain the standard and uniformity. 

10. CRICKET BALLS TO BE USED

10.1 A new ball must be used at the beginning of each inning.

10.2 Only a four-piece leather cricket ball of a brand approved by Philadelphia Cricket League shall be used in a League match.

11. UMPIRES     

11.1 LEAGUE UMPIRES

11.1.1 All umpires shall be governed and will be held responsible to the highest standards of the Code of Ethics of the PCL.

11.1.2 The umpiring director shall appoint an official umpire to officiate in all games when possible, regardless of whether or not a request was made by any of the contending teams.

11.1.3 Only certified umpires or umpires that have attended or passed a PCL approved umpiring course, may officiate in PCL games.

11.1.4 Where only one official umpire is present, the batting team will provide the Square Leg Umpire (who will not call wide balls or no-balls).  

11.1.5 In case where the batting team provides the Square Leg Umpire and that Square Leg Umpire is found to be dishonest in his declarations then he shall be deemed to have committed offense under the Code of Ethics and is subject to all the punitive measures including fines and suspension.

11.2 LEAGUE UMPIRE NOT IN ATTENDANCE

11.2.1  If for any reason an official League umpire is not appointed to or is not in attendance at the scheduled start time of a match, the captains may agree to appoint a person or persons to act as umpire(s) for the match at their risk without holding the league liable for any.

11.2.2  If for any reason an official League umpire is not appointed to or is not in attendance at the scheduled start time of a match, and it is not agreed that another person act as umpire for the match, a player or player(s) of the batting team shall act as umpire(s) for the innings of his team. 

11.2.3  Any dispute which arises in regard to the fitness of play due to unfavorable weather conditions shall be resolved by the captains. If the captains cannot come to an agreement over the commencement or re-commencement of play, the game shall be deemed to be abandoned.
11.3 UMPIRE ATTIRE AND THINGS TO CARRY

11.3.1  Every umpire shall try to wear proper umpiring attire, which comprises long black trousers, white shoes, white shirt     and white hat or cap. However, it is not required due to the warm and extremely hot weather during the playing           season.

11.3.2  Players officiating as square leg umpires must put/wear something colorful to look different from the 11 fielders.         

11.3.3  An umpire shall not be permitted to smoke on the field during a match. He can smoke during the breaks.

11.3.4  Water bottles may be carried by the square leg umpires.  No other equipment (e.g. bats, stumps) except protective helmets can be held by square leg umpires.

11.3.5 As a best practice umpires are recommended to carry and use the umpiring Clicker/Counter and a paper and a pen to keep track of the overs bowled by each bowler and the number of wickets that have fallen.

11.4 UMPIRES’ FEES

11.4.1  In all matches including play-offs, the umpire(s) shall be paid $50 by each team.  It is recommended the amount to be paid prior to the start of the game and Umpires should ask for it. However, Umpire and the Captains can reach an  understanding about the timing.

11.4.2 The umpire shall be paid full $ 50 by each team even if play is abandoned due to unfavorable weather conditions even when just one ball was bowled.

11.4.3 The umpire shall be paid half the fee i.e. $ 25 by each team, if the umpire reaches the field and for some reason both or just one team present at the field has decided to cancel the game. This condition may happen if the hosting team has not timely advised the Umpiring Director of not sending the Umpire to the field.

11.4.4  The umpire shall be paid full $ 50 by each team even if for unforeseen reason umpire is late and both the teams have started the game without the official umpire. At the arrival of the umpire both the teams have to accept the official umpire and relinquish the ad-hoc umpires.

11.4.5  Umpires who are required to commute from the Woodmoor/Towson MD areas to officiate a game in Eastern Pennsylvania shall be paid an additional amount of $ 10 by the league.

11.4.6 Umpires who are required to commute from Eastern Pennsylvania to officiate a game in Woodmoor, MD area shall be paid an additional amount of $ 10 by the league.

11.4.7 Umpires who are required to commute from the Harrisburg, PA areas to officiate a game in Eastern Pennsylvania shall be paid an additional amount of $ 10 by the league.

11.4.8 In cases where 2 umpires are assigned to a game, each umpire shall be paid $100.

11.5 UMPIRE’S REPORTS

11.5.1  Umpires report is now blended into the Score sheet that now umpires are required to fill online on the league’s website reducing the redundancy.

11.5.2  This report should include the names of any player to whom a warning or citation or Yellow or Red card was issued.

11.5.5  The Umpire’s report must conform in all respects to the highest standards of Code of Ethics of the PCL.

11.5.6  Umpires who submit late score sheet/umpires reports will incur a fine as outlined in bylaw 16 of these bylaws.

11.6 TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDING UMPIRES

11.6.1  Each team is required to provide at least five (5) PCL approved umpires to officiate each month. It shall be the responsibility of each team's official contact person to submit the names of candidates for umpiring to the Umpiring Director no later than the Wednesday prior to the weekend matches for which their team is assigned. Failure to meet this requirement shall result in a fine not to exceed $60.00.

11.7 CERTIFICATION OF UMPIRES    

11.7.1  All umpires officiating in PCL competition games must be certified by the PCL.

11.7.2  Individual who fail the certification examination will be allowed to re-take it.  They may be allowed to umpire (as trainees) on behalf of their club.

11.7.3  Any individual who fails the certification examination twice in a given year will not be allowed to umpire any PCL games until he retakes the test the next year.

11.7.4  Certification will be good for 5 years after which all umpires must be re-certified.

11.7.5  The Executive Committee reserves the right to require umpires to attend courses or meet certain requirements to maintain their certification.

11.8 RESPONSIBILITIES OF UMPIRES           

11.8.1 Must show up at least 30 minutes before the start of the game. Failure to do may result in a warning letter from the umpiring director.

11.8.2 Will remain IMPARTIAL at ALL times on the field.

11.8.3 Will keep time of all intervals, and notify the Captains when to resume.

11.8.4 Will be fully authorized to make any decision of any misconduct behavior by players during the game.

11.8.5 Must enter online on the PCL website the highlights of the game by 9.00 AM Monday morning after the game. Otherwise, there is a $ 10.00 fine upon umpire. Teams providing the umpire(s) are required to pay that, unless he/she is a independent umpire then the individual is reponsible himself/herself.

11.8.6 Umpires are the final authority during the game. Their decisions are final decisions.

11.8.7 Umpires are required to complete the score book with the details of both teams and rip the carbon copy for entering the score sheet online.  The score sheer must be filed by Friday following the game, otherwise there is a fine of $ 20.00 upon umpire. Teams providing the umpire(s) are required to pay that, unless he/she is a independent umpire then the individual is reponsible himself/herself.

12. PLAYING RULES

12.1 OVERS TO BE BOWLED

12.1.1 In league matches, each side will be allowed a maximum of forty (40) over. No bowler shall be permitted to bowl more than 20% of the total number of overs in an inning. That is, no more than 8 overs in a 40-over game or more than 7 in a 35-over game etc. Whereas no one bowler may bowl more than 20% of the total number of overs in an innings, in the event of a fraction, that number will be rounded down up the next integer.

NOTE: In the event a team loses overs, the opposing bowlers will not be restricted to bowling less than 8 overs unless their team had incurred a penalty of their own.

12.1.2 All overs must be bowled alternatively from both ends of the matting. Playing from one end will be only allowed if it is impossible to play from the other end. A game will not be played from one end unless both captains and umpire unanimously agree. The captains and the umpire cannot agree to the playing of the game from 1 end if doing so will cause any sort of damage to one end of the wicket or matting.

12.2 ADJUSTMENT OF OVERS TO BE BOWLED

12.2.1 If the start of the match is delayed or play temporarily suspended because of unfavorable weather conditions, or any other unavoidable circumstances, the number of overs shall be reduced on the basis of one over for every 10 minutes or part thereof of time lost.

12.3 NO BALLS

12.3.1  If the bowler bowls a ball which passes, or would have passed, above the shoulder of the batsman standing upright at the crease, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "no ball".

12.3.2 A bowler shall be limited to one (1) fast short-pitched delivery per over. A fast short-pitched ball is defined as a ball which passes, or would have passed, above the shoulder of the batsman standing upright at the crease. In the event of a bowler bowling more than one (1) fast short-pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "no ball" on each occasion.

12.3.3 If the bowler bowls a high full pitched ball which passes, or would have passed, on the full above waist height of the batsman standing upright at the crease, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "no ball".

12.3.4 A ball that pitches outside the defined playing area and which in the opinion of the umpire, deviates unnaturally shall be called a "no ball".

12.3.5 Runs scored from the batsmen crossing off no balls shall be added to the one bonus run that is automatic with such deliveries.

12.4 WIDE BALLS

12.4.1 If the bowler bowls a ball sufficiently wide on either side of the wicket to make it impossible for the striker, standing in his normal guard position, to play a normal cricket stroke, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "wide ball".

12.4.2 Notwithstanding the above, all balls bowled that passes outside the leg stump is deemed to be a wide.

12.4.3 The umpire shall not adjudge a ball as being a wide if the striker, by moving from his guard position, either cause the ball to pass out of his reach or brings the ball within his reach.

12.4.4 Runs scored from the batsmen crossing off wide balls shall be added to the one bonus run that is automatic with such deliveries.
12.5 FIELDSMAN ABSENT FROM FIELD

12.5.1 The consent of the umpire at the bowler's end must be obtained for a player to leave the field or return to the field during a session of play.

12.5.2 A player who leaves the field and is absent from the field for longer than 15 minutes shall not be permitted to bowl    after his return until he has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which he was absent.

12.6 SUBSTITUTE FIELDSMAN

12.6.1 The consent of the opposing captain must be obtained for the use of a substitute if any player is prevented from fielding for any reason other than illness or injury suffered during the match.

12.6.2 If a member of the fielding team is late in taking the field at the start of play for whatever reason e.g. stuck in the traffic, he may bowl immediately on his arrival. The consent of the opposing captain must be obtained for the use of a substitute in such cases.

12.6.3 If consent is not obtained or the opposing captain has not been advised of the player's absence or late arrival, the player who has been substituted or late in arrival shall not be permitted to bowl for that length of playing time for which he was absent, provided that time was longer than 15 minutes.

12.6.4 A substitute fieldsman must be a registered player of the team for which he is substituting and wearing white/cream proper cricket attire, the shirt must have collar.

12.7 SCORES IN DISPUTE

12.7.1 In the event of a dispute in the scores, both score sheets shall be impounded by the umpire, who shall forward them to the Administrative director within 48 hours of the close of play on the day of the dispute. However, umpire is highly encouraged to resolve the dispute at the field.

12.8 BREAKS BETWEEN INNINGS

12.8.1  Breaks between innings shall not exceed 20 minutes. However, both captains may agree to make them shorter.
12.8.2  Each drink break shall be exactly 10 minutes and may not exceed 3 per innings. Umpires must offer breaks to both teams at similar intervals in both innings. In a 40 over game, in a normal day first drink break to be offered after 13 overs and 2^nd break after 26 overs. In case of extremely hot day the breaks can be called after 9-10 overs. In the event a team refuses its break as offered by the umpire, it may not request another one before the next scheduled interval.

12.8.3  Drinks intervals shall not be taken if both captains agree to forego a drinks interval, or if an innings has been reduced to fewer than 30 overs because of unfavorable weather conditions.

12.9 25 YARD CIRCLE

12.9.1 All PCL games shall be played with the restrictive 25-yard circle.

12.9.2 Markers for the 25 yard circle may be marked in brightly colored paint (only White, Red, Orange or Pink) or flat cones. Said cones may only be made of plastic and cannot have any metal or sharp points.
12.9.3 Teams that fail to properly mark the restrictive 25-yard circle shall lose overs, per PCL rules, in the event this requirement is not met to the satisfaction of the official PCL umpire by the official starting time. Teams in violation of this rule will lose a maximum of 9 overs and the toss, but not forfeit the game. Only official umpires assigned by the PCL shall have the authority to enforce this rule or determine if the requirement is met.

12.9.4 The fielding team shall have minimum of 9 players in the circle at the time the ball is bowled for the first 12 overs in a 40-over game. In the event a team is fielding with 9 or fewer players, all players on the field must be inside the circle for this period. After the first 12 overs, a minimum of 6 players, including the bowler and wicketkeeper, must be in the circle at the time ball is bowled. The official PCL umpire may call no-ball in the event this requirement is violated.

12.9.5 The number of overs in which the 9-player rule shall apply shall not exceed 30% of the total number of overs for an innings. However, in the event there is a fraction, the number of overs shall be rounded up to the next integer.

12.10 BOUNDARY MARKERS

12.10.1 The distance between boundary markers may not exceed 10 feet. The home team shall lose overs and the toss, per       league rules, in the event this requirement is not met by the official starting time of the game. Teams in violation of this rule may lose a maximum of 9 overs, but not forfeit the game. Only official umpires assigned by the PCL shall have the authority to enforce this rule or determine if the requirement is met.

12.11 ABANDONED/RAINED OUT GAMES  

12.11.1 If play is abandoned because of unfavorable weather conditions or because a ground or pitch is unfit or unavailable for play, the match shall not be rescheduled.

12.11.2 A game that is interrupted by rain, bad light or other factors will be decided on the runs-per-over average of both teams, provided the team batting second has batted at least twenty (20) overs. This 20 over minimum shall apply to all games, even if the number of overs for the game is less than 40 and even if one team was penalized and overs taken away.

12.11.3 Runs per over average for abandoned/rained out games will be calculated as follows:

Team batting first:
Runs scored, divided by the allotted number of overs for the game.

Team batting second:
 Runs scored, divided by the actual number of overs   completed.

Allotted number of overs will be:

(a)        Forty (40) overs for every game, including play-offs or

(b)       The number of overs decided by the umpire or agreed upon by both captains if no official umpire is present before the start of the game. However, no PCL game will be played less than 25 overs.

12.12 TIED GAMES

In the event of a tie, the winner will be

12.12.1 The side losing the lesser of wickets.

12.12.2 If both sides are all out or have lost the same number of wickets, the side with the higher score rate.

12.12.3 For tied games, the score rate for each team will be calculated as follows:

Runs scored divided by actual overs batted.

12.12.4 If the result cannot be decided by any of the above, the side with the higher score:
(a) after 30 overs, or if still equal

(b) after 20 overs, or if still equal

(c) after 10 overs

The above criteria for resolving tie games shall apply to both regular season and play-off games.
12.13 TEAMS TIED ON POINTS

12.13.1 In the event that more than one team ends up with the same points or winning percentage in a particular competition, the winner shall be the team that won the game played between the two tied teams. If both teams had not played each other, the winner shall be the team which has scored the most number of runs per wicket fallen in all matches. These criteria shall also apply to teams with identical winning percentages at the end of the season.

12.14 DELAY OF GAMES PENALTIES

12.14.1 For all PCL One Day Games, teams are required to complete each over within 4.5 minutes. Whereas a penalty will       not be assessed after each over if a team fails to complete its 40 overs in 3 hours (not including 10 minutes for 2 or             maximum 3 breaks per innings) it will be penalized as follows for time wasting:

12.14.2 Team Fielding First - 1 over deducted from its batting inning for every five (5) minutes of delay, to be capped at 10 overs.

12.14.3 Team Batting First - 1 over deducted from its batting inning for every five (5) minutes of delay, to be capped at 10 overs.

12.14.4 Penalties will be waived for the following:

- Interruptions due to rain
            - Ball is lost outside the field of play
            - Interruptions due to major injury
            - External bleeding
            - Fainting or head injury.

12.15 DEFINITION OF TIME WASTING

12.15.1 Definition of time wasting for the fielding team: it will be based on completing the required number of overs in the allotted time. If any of the exceptions are to be applied, then the umpire should keep track of it in his notebook and inform both captains of exceptions.

12.15.2 Definition of time wasting for batsmen: Consistently failing to take strike after the bowler is ready to start his run up    or after he has started his run up. The umpire shall be the official timekeeper and is the sole judge in this matter. He shall inform the player and captain immediately after each violation

12.16 DEFINITION OF A DEAD BALL

12.16.1 It is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.

12.16.2 A boundary is scored.

12.16.3 A batsman is dismissed.

12.16.4 Whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and pads of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.

12.16.5 Whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.

12.16.6 Lost ball is called.

12.16.7 The umpire calls over or Time.

12.16.8 It is clear to the umpire at the bowler’s end that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.

12.17 BATSMAN RETIRING

12.17.1 A batsman may retire at any time during his inning. If a batsman retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, he is entitled to resume his inning at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another batsman.

12.18 POWER PLAY RULES IN CONFORMATION WITH ICC CERTIFIED POWER PLAY

REGULAR 40 OVERS POWERPLAY RULES:

• First regular 8 overs Powerplay (PP) with only two fielders outside the inner circle allowed (i.e. In event of nine players or less present on the field no player is allowed to field outside of the inner circle Respectively with ten players only one is allowed to field outside the inner circle during regular PP overs).

• 4 Overs of fielding and 4 overs of batting PP with should be taken with 3 fielder allowed outside the inner circle. And it can be taken at any time during the total quota of regular 40 overs. Fielding team will let the umpire know of their timing of the Powerplay and batting team (it is decision of two batters present at the wicket) will let the umpire know of their timing of PP. (Like point no#1; incase of eight players no fielder will be allowed to field outside the inner circle. i.e. In case of 9 only 1 is allowed and 10 only 2 is allowed during fielding and batting PPs.)

• Each block of Powerplay Overs must commence at the start of an over.

• At the commencement of each discretionary block of Powerplay Overs, the umpire shall signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating his arm in a large circle. If the batting side has chosen the Powerplay the umpire shall signal this to the scorers by tapping his hands above his head after the signal.

•  The umpire shall also indicate to the fielding captain before any signal is made that the batting side has chosen its Powerplay.

• In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire shall call and signal "No Ball".

•  Should either team choose not to exercise their discretion, their PP Overs will automatically commence at the latest available point in the innings (i.e. in an uninterrupted innings, one unclaimed Powerplay will begin at the start of the 37th over or two unclaimed PP will begin at the start of the 33rd over in a regular PCL 40 over game).

• Once a side has nominated a Powerplay, the decision cannot be reversed.

• Any one of the on field batter or the fielding side captain should nominate his team's PP any time prior to the commencement of the over. The umpire who will stand at the bowler's end for the commencement of a Powerplay block shall determine which side first made the request.

COMPLEX POWERPLAY RULES:

 

• If play is interrupted during the powerplay overs, then on resumption it is necessary to determine how any remaining Powerplay overs should be allocated. The total number of Powerplay overs for the innings is derived from the table at the very bottom of the By-laws page, keep scrolling all the way down.

• Any Powerplay overs already taken prior to the interruption will be deemed to have been in sequence:the initial allocation, the fielding side's allocation then the batting side's allocation. The decision of the batting side, and if applicable of the fielding side, of when to take any remaining Powerplay overs, is made in the usual way.

Example:

• A match starts as 40 overs; with the first regular 8 as Powerplays (PP). The next two overs are not PP, the match is then delayed after 10 overs and shortened to 30 overs.

• The new PP allocation is 6+3+3 (refer the attach table), we have had 8 pp overs, so there is one over of fielding side selection left and all three overs for the batting sides. Both teams can choose when to use their respective 1 and 3 over allocations.

•  As above but the match resumes as 23 overs each. The pp allocation is now 5+2+2, so one batting side PP over remains to be taken at their discretion.

13. STATISTICS

13.1.1 Statistics are now automatically calculated.

13.1.2 The statistics from all games (including those affected by rain or other conditions) shall be incorporated into the final tally of the league's averages.

13.1.3  Individual scores and performances against suspended teams shall stand.

13.1.4  Any team that has declared its innings or has less than eleven (11) players in a game shall be deemed to have conceded all its wickets (10), provided the team playing short is bowled out.

13.2 CALCULATING WIN/LOSS PERCENTAGE

13.2.1  Winning Percentage or Win to Loss Ratio shall be determined by dividing the total number of games won by the total number of games completed multiplied 100.

14. PLAYOFFS

14.1 TEAM QUALIFICATIONS

14.1.1  Playoff matches shall be contested between the top eight teams at the completion of the qualifying matches. If two or more teams are level on points, the positions shall be decided by the result among them. Winner between them will take the higher seed.

14.1.2  The top eight teams shall be those that compile the best winning percentages from all games played throughout the regular season.

14.1.3  In the first round 1^st ranked team will play the 8th ranked team. The 2^nd ranked team will play the 7th ranked team. The 3rd ranked team will play the 6^th ranked team and the 4^th ranked teams will play the 5^th ranked team.

14.1.4  In the second round Semi-finals, the winner of the game between the 1st and 8^th ranked teams will play the winner of the 4th and 5th ranked teams and the winner of the game between the 2nd and 7th ranked teams will play the winner of the 3rd and 6th ranked teams.

14.1.5  The two winners that emerge from the second round (semi-finals) will compete against each other for the Championship game.

14.1.6  All first round games will be played on the home field or field of choice of the team with the better winning record, but the date and day will be decided by the league once conforming there are no restrictions in holding the game at the field of the choice.  The 2nd round (semi-finals) games will be held either in Delaware or Eastern Pennsylvania fields. The fields and the date and the day will be decided by the league. The team that resides closer to the field will do all the prep work for a match even if it is not there home field. The team residing far from the field will take care of everything at the end of the game. The first round ground preparation rule will not apply at the Woodmoor field. The hosting team at Woodmoor, MD will be responsible for the prep work and also taking care of everything at the end of the game.

14.1.7  The Executive Committee shall decide the venue date and time for the semi-finals and the Championship game. Both teams are required to bring their drinks and lunch at the final. The league will give dinner after the game to all the players and the member spectators associated with the league. If there is enough food then non member spectators will also be asked to join. 

14.2 PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS

14.2.1 To be eligible to play in the playoffs, a player must have played in 33% of the number of games actually played by the club (counting the games that rained out after the game started) he is representing during the season in question. In the event 33% represents a fraction, the number will be rounded down.

14.2.2 In case where the game was rained out or abandoned for other reasons, a player who is declared by his team and is physically present at the start of the game will receive credit toward the three game 33% requirement, as long as the toss has been spun and all was ready for the game to begin or the game had started.

14.2.2 In the case where a game was forfeited by a team that never showed up at the field, and the other team is at the field, the player who is declared by the team present at the field and is physically present at the start of the game will receive credit toward the three game 33% requirement. This list of the declared players needs to be given to the umpire. In case if the umpire does not show up as well then the team present at the field must call the league director administrator and explain the entire situation and enter the names of their players declared for that day online on the league website by Friday following the game.

14.2.3  In case where a game was forfeited by a team well in advance where both teams do not have to be at the field.  The players of the team against whom the forfeiture happened will receive credit toward the 33% requirement. The team receiving the credit of the forfeiture must enter the names on the score sheet online on the league website by Friday following the game. Players will not get any credit, if their names are not entered in the score sheet within the time mentioned.

14.2.4 The 33% requirement does not apply to substitute fielders.

14.2.5  All the teams qualified for the playoffs are required to upload at-least the pictures of those players playing in the playoffs. This is required and each team is encouraged to take the print-outs of the opponent teams player name and pictures report at the playoff games.

15. COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS

15.1 LODGING A COMPLAINT

15.1.1  Any club may lodge in writing with the Administrator Director a protest or complaint for anything done in contravention of these By-Laws or the PCL Code of Conduct.

15.1.2  The complainant must notify the Administrator Director verbally and lodge in writing a statement of his protest or complaint no later than five (5) days from the date of the event that precipitated the complaint, protest, or appeal.

15.1.3  The complaint, protest or appeal may be filed electronically.

15.1.4  A deposit of $50 shall accompany each protest, appeal or complaint and may be forfeited to the League at its discretion, if the protest, appeal or complaint is dismissed, but will be refunded if the protest, appeal or complaint is upheld.

15.1.5  All complaints filed by the officiating umpire shall conform to the procedure outlined in the Code of Conduct for Umpires.

16. DUES/FINES & PENALTIES

16.1 Any club that fails to meet an engagement in accordance with the schedule shall be fined. A fine of $125 shall result for the first forfeiture, $100 for the second and $75 for the third.

16.2 In addition to the above fines, the offending team shall also be responsible for the umpire's fee. Both the fine and the umpire's fee must be paid to the PCL within 7 days of the forfeited game - no billing is required from the league.

16.3 Failure to enter score sheet online by Friday following the game (within 5-6) working days of a game shall result in a penalty of $20 for each infraction. The additonal fine of $20.00/week will continue until the score sheet is entered online and saved.

16.5 Team failing to pay an umpire shall be fined $20 plus the cost of the umpire's fee. This fine and fee must be paid within 7 days of the infraction. No billing will is required from the league.

16.6 In cases where it can be established that hosting teams are responsible for leaving trash and foreign materials at the field, those teams will be fined $150 for the first offense, $250 after the second offense in the same season, $500 after the third offense in the same season and $750 after the fourth.

16.7 Failure to secure matting back in the storage area when there is no rain or after it has dried out following rain showers shall result in the offending team being fined $50 for each violation. The offending team in this case will be a hosting non-custodian team.

16.8 Any umpire who fails to report (within 5 days of occurrence) any violence between players and abuse of umpires during a game (on or off the field) will be fined $50 for the first offense and will be removed from the umpiring circuit on the second offense.

16.9 Any team that use an ineligible player in a regular game shall be fined an amount no less than $250.00. In addition, that team shall forfeit the game.

16.10 A team that uses an ineligible player in a playoff game shall be fined an amount no less than $500.00. In addition, that team shall forfeit the game.

16.11 Teams that fail to follow the proper transfer/registration process shall be fined $50 for each violation.

16.12 Teams that fail to provide umpires as required or whose umpires are unable to officiate in games as assigned by the PCL will be fined $60 per infraction.

16.13 Any umpire that fails to show up after being assigned to a game with his commitment will be fined $60. This fine must be paid within 7 days of the offense.

16.14 Teams that do not have at-least five Certified umpires shall be fined $ 100 per month beginning May 1^st of every year till September 30^th until they have at-least five certified umpires. Having one or two certified umpires will not meet the requirement and the monthly fine shall stay.

16.15 Yearly membership fee, insurance fee and balls fee for new and existing teams are due by January 31st of every year. The fee can be paid by the extreme deadline date of February 15th with a late fee of $150.00.

16.16 Failure to enter Highlights on the website by Monday 9.00 AM following the game will result in $10.00 fine to the umpire. Teams providing umpire will be held reposible for the fine, unless the unpire is an independent umpire then the individual himself/herself will be responsible.

16.17 Each club must send their representative or make alternate arrangement for its trophies to be picked up at the final game, otherwise it will result in a fine of $50.00. Trophies must be picked up by December 15th upon payment of fine. This rule is not applicable to a team that does not have any Man of Match trophies from the regular or playoff games. 

17. CONTACT PERSONS

17.1 Each team is required to submit the name and telephone number of a primary contact person to the PCL by January 1st of each year. All correspondences from the league to the club will be sent to this representative. In addition to the primary contact person, each club can submit the names of 1 other leader in the organization who will be consider as the secondary contact person with the league.

18.  EMAIL POLICY

18.1 PCL will have email addresses of maximum of two designated individuals of a club in the league mailing list who are either Primary or Seconday contacts of their clubs listed with PCL.

18.2 The maximum two email addresses excludes those if the club has the representative in the league Executive Committee or Board of Directors.

18.3 PCL will not honor to any email sent by a player of a club who is not listed as Primary or Seconday contact of their club with PCL.

18.4 When communicating with Legue, primary/secondary contacts listed with PCL should not include the names of any other members of their club.

19. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

19.1 With the new website, each club will be given two user names and passwords. One password will have the administrative rights that would allow registering the players online. The 2^nd account the club primary contact will give to all of their certified umpires to enter the Highlights and Score sheet online.

19.2 The clubs administrator and the umpires will not distribute their userid’s and password to other member clubs or anyone not associated with the league.

20.  LEAGUE GAME SCHEDULE

20.1 League schedule will be prepared by the Fields and Scheduling Director.

20.2 All the teams must email their special scheduling preferences by January 31st of each year. The special preference does not include any considerations of any other league the team plays in.

20.3 A PCL finalized schedule will be  ready by April 21st of each year.

20.4 None of teams can have all their games on either Saturdays or Sundays.  PCL can give maximum of 60-65 % games to a team on their preferred days to balance the limited fields and offering adequate umpiring coverage.

21. LEAGUE UMPIRING SCHEDULE

21.1 League umpires schedule will be prepared by the Umpiring Director in relation to the schedule.

21.2 An umpiring Test will be conducted once every year to increase the number of umpires in the league.

22. LEAGUE STATISTICS

22.1 League Statistics will be automatically calculated and maintained on the leagues website.

23. JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

23.1 Director administrative affairs will chair the Judiciary Committee along with the other executive committee members.

23.2 A record of all cases heard by the Judiciary Committee and the decisions thereof shall be maintained by the director administrative affairs.

23.3 A player who is suspended by the league shall not play, act as a substitute player or in any way participate in any League competition match played by any team or his Club for the period of his suspension.

23.4 If the offending player is a member of the Judiciary Committee. In that case the Judiciary Committee member will not sit in the committee to make any decision. This is to uphold an un-bias decision.

24. LEAGUE WEBSITE

24.1 League Website will be developed and maintained by the Director of Information Technology. All request for logos, updates, score sheet corrections etc. should be sent to the Director Administrative Affairs and after his verification/approval it will  forwarded to the Director Information Technology.  Director Information Technology is not going to entertain any request unless it is from Director Administrative Affairs.

25. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAPTAINS

25.1 Will be conversant and proficient with the laws of Cricket.

25.2 Will follow the rules and regulation of Philadelphia Cricket League.

25.3 Will control the behavior of all his team players.

25.4 Will respect the umpires opinions and decisions.

25.5 Will be responsible to go over rules and regulations with their players. However, each and every individual player will be held responsible for obeying the by-laws of the PCL.

26. TROPHIES/PRIZES/AWARDS

26.1 All trophies will be presented at the Championship game.

26.2 Individual trophies for every game’s Man of the Match.

26.3 Special Individual trophies for top performers.

26.4 Special team trophies for top performers.

26.3 Champions & Runner-Up trophies/medals.

27. INSURANCE 

27.1 Each member club is required to pay for the PCL liability insurance.

27.2 PCL expects each player/umpire/member to carry some kind of medical insurance that covers that individual’s injury or worst. However, each and every player, club members and umpires need to sign an individual Release and Hold Harmless agreement that will bind him not to claim anything against any one associated with the league. This is an additional requirement set by the league to safeguard everyone.  However, teams are still expected to have their own club insurance to cover incidents for any claims.  Again, It is the SOLE responsibility of each Club’s Officer’s/Contact persons in relation to PCL to make sure that all their players/umpires/members have signed the PCL Release and Hold Harmless Agreement and then the club officers have signed all the  forms and mailed the hard copy of the agreement to the PCL. Beginning May 1st 2008, an electronic Release and Hold Harmless Agreement form is signed by each clubs Primary contact person on behalf of each new member registered through the new automatic online web registration process.

28. DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE

28.1 Cricket club members must behave with a disciplined gentlemanly attitude at all league games and functions.

28.2 Players shall play not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game.  Any physical or verbal (direct or implied, written or via email, on a website or Internet chat groups) attack by a player(s) or a league member against:

The umpire

Other Cricketers

The stumps, matting, ball or other cricket gear

Ground facilites such as toilets, chairs, benches, trash cans etc. Natural settings such as Trees/plant/pots landscape.

Spectators

PCL officers

Shall result in the suspension and/or fine against the player(s) and/or his team, or both.

29.  AMENDMENT    

29.1 PCL Executive Committee can alter these by-laws with the approval of the Board members.

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