With an apocalyptic forecast over the next couple of days, and with a full league program due to be played this weekend, it may be a good time to have another look at the new regulations concerning changing and covering pithes - in all Divisions.
. In these divisions, it is just a case of the home club taking into account the conditions on the ground. Whilst it is advisable to save the away team from making a wasted journey, it should also be remembered that we are all here to play cricket, so it's best not to call games off too early.
If the match is called off, and there were scheduled to be LCU&SA umpires (as notifeid on the fixtures page), remember to contact either Peter Thew or the umpires directly.
If it does look like the match may go ahead, but in questionable weather, the possibility of changing the pitch surface is also dealt with in the regulations
9.9 Non- Turf Wickets
9.9.3 For matches in Divisions 3-14, and all cups except Senior and midweek cups the following shall apply:
9.9.3.1 Clubs should at the start of the season notify opposing teams that certain scheduled fixtures will be played on non turf pitches. If, for weather or other reasons, a home club subsequently wishes to change a fixture from grass to a non-turf pitch (or vice versa) they should notify the opposition at least two days before the day of the match. If, on the day of the match, the scheduled surface is unplayable and the alternative is, then play may only commence with the agreement of both captains
The regualtions are more complicated for the higher levels of the game.
To start with, the way in which all pitches are covered, both before and during a game are specified
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.
Matches in these Divisions can only be called off by the umpires, as specified here
44.4 Cancelling of matches: No match may be called off, irrespective of weather conditions, before the official starting time except with the agreement of the officially appointed umpires, at least one of whom shall have first inspected the pitch and determined that no play would be possible on that day. The umpires shall decide whether the pitch is playable or not taking into account the ground authority's view.
Finally, should both umpires and captains agree, it is possible to change the surface which the pitch is due to be played on
In Divisons 1 and 2 the following applies
9.9.2.1 Clubs should notify opposing teams before April 1st which scheduled fixtures will be played on non turf wickets. If, on the day of the match, the scheduled surface is unplayable and the alternative is, then play may only commence with the agreement of both captains and umpires. If the pitch is changed under these circumstances, or no play is possible at all, a report must be sent by the umpires to the OCC and the OCC may take action against the host club including but not limited to the reversal of the result of the match.
whereas in Divisions 3 and 4, it is
9.9.3 For matches in Divisions 3-14, and all cups except Senior and midweek cups the following shall apply:
9.9.3.1 Clubs should at the start of the season notify opposing teams that certain scheduled fixtures will be played on non turf pitches. If, for weather or other reasons, a home club subsequently wishes to change a fixture from grass to a non turf pitch (or vice versa) they should notify the opposition at least two days before the day of the match. If, on the day of the match, the scheduled surface is unplayable and the alternative is, then play may only commence with the agreement of both captains