OCC publishes 2012 Division 1-4 Regulations

With the long awaited first round of matches in the OCC's top divisions only round the corner, the OCC has today released the regulations for the forthcoming season.

The move at the begining of the 2011 season to have the top divisons in LCU cricket mirroring ODI regualtions worked well, with the regulations hopefully helping aspiring players, umpires and scorers to make the transition to national and international cricket much easier.

The changes to the 2012 regulations can be splut into two groups - those neccessitated by changes to the ICC's ODI regulations, and those made to improve the running of the game in Leinster.

The main changes are as follows.

Changes based on ODI regulations

1. Powerplay overs - The non-mandatory power play overs must now be taken between the 16th and 40th overs
2. Deliberate bouncing of the ball when practicing bowling - This has now been brought in line with the Irish Senior Cup, ODI's and the Laws of cricket. The practice is now NOT allowed

Note that two aspects of the new ODI regulations have NOT been brought into LCU league cricket. There will continue to be only one ball in use in all innings (it was though an unneccessary expense for clubs to have a ball from each end), and runners ARE allowed in LCU cricket. The MCC has recommended that the ban on runners should not apply for non professional cricket.

Other changes

1. Changing of a pitch during a match - ?

"The pitch shall not be changed during the match unless the umpires decide that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue on it and then only with the consent of both captains.

Should a pitch be changed after a match has commenced a new match shall start with innings duration reduced as per clause 15.1 below."

This change was based on a hole that exists in the Laws, whereby nothing is stated what should happen if it is decided to change a pitch in the middle of a match

2. Covering of pitches - Similarly, the Laws don't compel covers to be used. The following makes this clearer

"Law 11                   Covering the Pitch

11.1        Law 11.1 - Before the match

The following shall apply in addition to law 11.1:

The pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to commencement of play.

11.2        Law 11.2 - During the match

Law 11.2 shall be replaced by the following:

The pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play and for the duration of the period of the match. The covers must totally protect the pitch.

11.3        Law 11.3 - Covering bowlers’ run ups

Law 11.3 shall be replaced by the following:

Whenever possible the bowler’s run-ups shall be covered in inclement weather in order to keep them dry."

If you have any questions, please get on touch with Paul Reynolds or Kevin Gallagher