Competition Rules

These rules were last substantively updated on 1 December 2024 and are carried across unchanged in substance.

1. Laws of Cricket

Play is governed by the Laws of Cricket — 2017 Code, with the limited exceptions set out here. Where these rules say “law” or “laws”, they mean the 2017 Code.

2. Code of conduct

All players and officials abide by the league’s codes of conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. Those are published as separate documents: the Player Code of Conduct, the Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct, and the Coach and Official Code of Conduct.

3. Affiliation

Players entering the draft need to be affiliated with, and playing, registered and structured club or school cricket. Players cannot choose which team they represent in the competition.

4. Conduct of competitions

Subject to the disputes procedure below, the committee decides all aspects of the competition — including adjusting age groups and team sizes, and adding or removing divisions, while maintaining the integrity of the tournament.

5. Officials and umpires

Umpires uphold the Laws of Cricket 2017 and these rules fairly and impartially. League umpires are registered, and accredited umpires are registered through Cricket Australia’s umpire accreditation scheme.

The committee appoints umpires and may make changes where necessary. Where an umpire is unavailable, a league staff member neutral to both sides is appointed as square leg umpire and the accredited umpire controls the match.

Teams have no say in the appointment of umpires and scorers, and appointments change only at the tournament organisers’ discretion.

6. Format

• A match is between two teams of 12 active players, all able to field and bowl.
• Only 11 or fewer may bat.
• A bowler may bowl a maximum of 3 overs.
• One batting and one bowling innings per team, of 20 overs each.
• Five overs per side constitutes a match.
• Delays for rain reduce playing time and overs, and Duckworth–Lewis applies.
• Teams arrive no later than 45 minutes before the match.
• Teams submit their squad list to the scorers before the toss.

Powerplay

The powerplay is the first four overs, during which a maximum of two fielders are permitted outside the inner circle. After it, a maximum of five.

Power surge

Each batting innings has a power surge: the batting team chooses two overs from the 11th over onwards with a maximum of two fielders outside the inner circle. After it, a maximum of five.

If the batting team has not taken the power surge by the 18th over, the umpires apply it automatically for the 19th and 20th.

Timings

• Matches start and finish promptly at the times in the official fixture list.
• 1 hour 20 minutes per innings.
• 10 minutes for the change of innings.
• Ends change every five overs. Batters change ends when bowlers complete their overs, but not when the fielding team changes end at the five-over allotment.
• Full team sheets to the scorers no less than 20 minutes before the first match.
• Only players on the squad list submitted to the scorers may take part, unless the competition manager authorises otherwise.

7. Cricket balls

Matches are played primarily on turf. 142g white leather balls are used for Under 10, 11 and 12; 156g white leather for Under 14, 16 and 19, boys and girls. The same balls are used for selection and training.

8. Weather

Wet weather, ground closures and lightning are covered by the Wet Weather and Extreme Weather Policy, published separately.

9. Protests and disputes

The onus sits with the officials present on the day.

1. Every effort is made to resolve a dispute or complaint at the ground on the day — first with both umpires, then if necessary with the management of the teams present.
2. If that is unsuccessful, the dispute is referred to the management of the clubs concerned.
3. If still unsuccessful, the clubs may apply to the committee for adjudication.
4. The league appoints a disciplinary committee of management staff and representatives from three other franchises not involved in the incident.
5. That committee investigates, and may adjust competition points for the match and reprimand or suspend any player involved for a period it determines.
6. Any protest must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the match finishing.
7. Rulings may be appealed to the full committee by written notice to the Chairman by noon on the fifth day after the verdict.
8. Delegates who sat on the disciplinary committee may not vote on the appeal, but may appoint alternates who can.
9. The committee may uphold, set aside or amend the ruling. Its decision on the appeal is final.