We have been making beer at our brewery in Bury St Edmunds since 1799 and, through constant innovation, we have taken the traditional art of brewing to new heights, producing what is arguably the finest range of cask ales in the country.
Despite the simplicity of the ingredients - barley, water, yeast and hops - it’s in the creation of the recipe that the art and skill of the master brewer lies. And here is the real secret of our success. We can turn those basic ingredients into some of the best cask ales available today - each with its own individual flavour, aroma, colour and characteristics.
We use locally sourced barley malted just two miles from the brewery; water from the chalk wells sunk deep beneath Bury St Edmunds; hops from Kent and Worcestershire; and yeast strains descended from those used by our founder in 1799.
We at Greene King are very keen to support all levels of sport from our recent release of becoming the official beer of England Cricket to sponsoring a local village team, all forms of the game are supported and hugely encouraged. Greene King are therefore delighted to partner with the Bedfordshire County Cricket league to become the league sponsor for this season with a view to supporting the league and it’s clubs for years to come.
We are delighted to be able to partner with the league for the start of the season and are happy to support the clubs in any way possible throughout the season to come. The increased exposure this will give to Greene King as a brewer and a supplier of all drinks made it an obvious path to take partnering with a strong cricket league such as this one.
Chairman
League Secretary
League Officers 2025
Richard Morris 07988 680612 secretary@bedsleague.org.uk
Treasurer Malcolm Rose Treasurer@bedsleague.org.uk
Registration Secretary Geoff May 07767 895421 Registration@bedsleague.org. uk
Assistant Registration Secretary Dom Pasquariello 07851 584074 registrationassistant@ bedsleague.org
Disciplinary Chairman and BACO Representative David Inwood 07902 076757 danderinwood@btinternet.com
Facilities Secretary
Fixture Secretary and league Safeguarding Officer
Ian Smith 07880 850269 fixtures@bedsleague.org.uk
IT Officer Habib Ullah webmaster@bedsleague.org.uk
Result Secretary Colin Keeley results@bedsleague.org.uk
Umpire Secretary David Inwood officials@bedsleague.org.uk
Cricket East
Brad Matthews
Spirit of Cricket: Preamble to the Laws
Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.
1. There are two Laws which place responsibility for the team’s conduct firmly on the captain.
RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPTAINS
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
PLAYER’S CONDUCT
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decision of an umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player’s captain, and instruct the latter to take action.
2. Fair and unfair play
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
The umpires may intervene at any time and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where required.
3. The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of:
• Time wasting
• Damaging the pitch
• Dangerous or unfair bowling
• Tampering with the ball
• Any other action that they consider to be unfair
4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
• Your opponents
• Your own captain
• The roles of the umpires
• The game’s traditional values
5. It is against the Spirit of the Game:
• To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture
• To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
• To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
(a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
(b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
(c) to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side
6. Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
7. Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution towards this.
All league games shall be played in accordance with the Playing Conditions – 40 overs per side
All league games shall be played in accordance with the Laws of Cricket as published and amended from time to time by the ECB, except as varied or amended by the playing rules of the BCCL. All league games shall be played in accordance with “the spirit of cricket”, and in accordance with any directives, guidelines and policies published by the national governing bodies and adopted by the BCCL.
The ball supplier chosen by the League for the 2025 season is Readers, who will provide Sovereign Imperial Crown balls.
A new ball must be used at the start of each innings, both balls will be provided by the home team and will be identical. The captain of the away team can choose which ball his team will bowl with at the toss.
The home side must ensure there is an adequate supply of suitable spare balls and these should be with the scorers before the match commences.
A team may wear coloured clothing in division 1 (mandatory in the Premier division), all players in the team must wear the same kit and it must not clash with a pink cricket ball.
1. Duration
All matches will consist of one innings per side, and each innings will be limited to 40 six-ball overs. A minimum of 10 overs per team will constitute a match
2. Hours of Play and Intervals
2.1 Matches will commence at 1pm
2.2 The interval will be a maximum of 30 minutes and taken between innings, Captains may agree to reduce or move the interval if the weather or other circumstances so require.
2.3 Teams are expected to complete the bowling of 40 overs in two hours and thirty minutes. The total match time, including interval, should be no longer than 6 hours, exception given for the final over of each innings.
2.4 Any reference in these rules to the deduction or the recalculation of overs is based on the duration of each over being three and a half minutes.
2.5 The toss shall take place at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled start of play and team cards must be given to the umpires. If only one side is present at that time, the umpires will award them the toss, the umpires will inform the absent side the result of the toss.
2.6 No match will commence until both teams have at least seven players present at the ground.
2.7 If, at the scheduled start time, only one side is ready to commence the game, the absent side will be deducted one point for every three and a half minutes the game is delayed.
2.8 If the start of the match is delayed due to insufficient players to meet the requirements of playing rule 2.6. The offending team will be deducted one over from their batting overs allocation for every three and a half minutes of playing time lost, in exceptional circumstances the umpires or playing captains may waive this deduction (their decision will be final)
2. The batting team are to be solely responsible for the moving of sightscreens once a match has commenced. Umpires are to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in play whilst waiting for this to happen and that play continues in the absence of batting team members to move the screens.
3. Length of Innings
3.1 Uninterrupted Matches
(i.e. Matches which are neither delayed nor interrupted)
(a) Each team shall bat for 40 six ball overs unless all out earlier. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
(b) All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 40 overs within 2 hours 30 minutes playing time (including time taken for drinks). In the event of them failing to do so, one fewer fielder shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area in 4.1 or 4.4 than would normally be the case in the Powerplay in progress at the time. All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings.
The full quota of overs will be completed.
If the innings is terminated before the scheduled or re-scheduled cut off-time, no over rate penalty shall apply. If the innings is interrupted, the over-rate penalty will apply based on the re-scheduled cessation time for that innings.
The Umpire shall inform the fielding team Captain when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted, the scheduled cessation time for that innings. The Umpire at the bowler’s end will inform the fielding Captain, the batsman and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise. (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). In addition, in all reduced overs matches, the fielding team will be given one over’s leeway. For the avoidance of doubt, one over’s leeway means that the fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the penultimate over by the scheduled or rescheduled cut off time.
This is the only penalty for a slow over-rate.
3.2 Delayed or Interrupted Matches
3.2.1 General
Rearrangement of the number of overs may be necessary due to a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play as a result of adverse ground, weather or light conditions or any other reason. The timing and duration of all suspensions of play (including all intervals) or delays during the match will be taken into account when calculating the length of time available for either innings. It should also take into account time already played when recalculations are required to calculate cessation time for that innings.
a) The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that, if possible, both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
A minimum of 10 overs must be bowled to the team batting second in order to constitute a match (subject to the provisions of 8 below).
The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of three and a half minutes per over in the total time available for play up to the scheduled Close of Play.
(b) In the event of a delayed start or any break in the first innings for bad weather, the length of the match will be reduced at a rate of two overs for every seven minutes of play lost, (i.e. one over off each innings). Once the amount of time lost means that the side batting first cannot receive ten overs then the game will be abandoned.
(c) If owing to a delayed start to the second innings or a suspension of play during the second innings, the number of overs will be reduced by one for every three and a half minutes of play lost .If there is insufficient time for the team batting second to have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs as the team batting first, they will bat for a number of overs to be calculated as in 3.2.1 (a) above.
(d) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved.
(e) The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the team batting first unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.
(f) Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations regarding the number of overs, with the total rounded up.
Please refer to 8 (Result) for methodology of calculating target scores in interrupted matches.
4. Restrictions on the Placement of Fielders
4.1 Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 30 yards (27.43 metres). The semi-circles shall be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field. The fielding restriction areas should be marked by fielding discs provided by the BCCL at 5 yard (4.57 metres) intervals.
At the instant of delivery:
There should not be more than 5 fielders on the leg-side.
A minimum of 5 fielders plus the bowler and wicket keeper must be within the playing area as described in 4.1. The powerplay fielding allowances are:-
(a) Powerplay 1 – no more than two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 1 to 8 inclusive.
(b) Powerplay 2 – no more than four fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 9 to 32 inclusive.
(c) Powerplay 3 – no more than five fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 33 to 40 inclusive.
4.2 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of overs within each powerplay of the innings shall be reduced in accordance with the table in Appendix A.
For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.
4.3 If play is interrupted during an innings, overs are reduced and the table in Appendix 1 is applied. These powerplay overs take immediate effect, for the avoidance of doubt this applies even if the interruption has occurred mid-over.
4.4 At the commencement of the second & third block of Powerplay Overs, the umpire shall signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating his arm in a large circle.
4.5 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the square leg umpire shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.
4.6 In the event of the striker’s end Umpire failing to call and signal No Ball when the fielding restrictions in this playing condition have been breached or when Law 28.4 has been breached (at the point of delivery, not more than two fielders other than the wicketkeeper shall be behind the popping crease on the on side), immediately the ball becomes dead the striker may draw the matter to that Umpire’s attention. If the striker’s end Umpire is able to verify the breach he shall call and signal No Ball. If the striker’s end Umpire is unable to verify the breach then he shall confirm that the events of the delivery shall be unchanged.
5. Number of Overs Per Bowler
5.1 No bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the amount of overs scheduled for the innings. However, in a delayed start, or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides, or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption), except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance - e.g. after 16 overs, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 32 overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 8 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 7 overs and three bowlers can bowl 6 overs. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit. They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (7 as opposed to 6) and so any other bowlers are limited to 6 overs.
5.2 When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, they will be allowed to finish the incomplete over.
5.3 In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, another bowler will bowl the remaining balls. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.
5.4 The ECB Fast Bowling Directives will apply to all matches.
6. No Ball
6.1 Law 41.6 (Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries) shall apply with the following additions:
6.1.1 Regardless of how wide of the striker a delivery is, there shall be no more than two deliveries per over that after pitching pass or would have passed clearly over shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.
6.1.2 The umpire shall make it clear to the bowler (and any bowler called upon to complete an over) and the batsmen at the wicket when a delivery within the limit in 6.1.1 has been bowled. It is unfair if the limit is exceeded and the umpire shall call and signal No ball on each such occasion and consider it as part of the warning sequence in Laws 41.6.3 and 41.6.4.
Note: For the avoidance of doubt the warnings detailed in Laws 41.6.1, 41.6.2 and those above in 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 are cumulative
7. Free Hit after a No Ball
The delivery following a no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batter is facing it.
7.1 If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball), then the next delivery shall become a free hit for whichever batter is facing it.
7.2 For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.
7.3 Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker or the No Ball was the result of a field restriction breach in which case the field may be changed to the extent of correcting the breach. However, in all circumstances, any fielder within 15 yards of the striker may retreat to a position on the same line no more than 15 yards from the striker.
7.4 The umpires shall signal a free hit by (after the normal no ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.
8. Wide Bowling – Judging a Wide
Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any offside or legside delivery which in the opinion of the umpire does not give the batter a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. For guidance purposes, in the BCCL cricket a legside wide shall be called if, irrespective of where the ball pitches, it passes outside the line of the batsman and the leg stump, despite his movement.
9. The Result
A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 10 overs, unless one team has been all out in less than 10 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 10 overs. All matches in which a match has begun but both teams have not had the opportunity of batting for a minimum of 10 overs (subject to the provisions of this clause) shall be declared ‘Abandoned’.
8.1 Where the maximum number of overs available to both sides remains unaltered once play has commenced the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner.
8.2 If both sides score exactly the same number of runs in their innings the result will be declared a tie.
8.3 If the match is abandoned during the second innings after the batting side has received 10 overs , the result shall be decided on the Duckworth/ Lewis method (version of DL shall be prescribed by the competition organiser. If no agreement, PlayCricket Scorer/PCS Pro should be used).
8.4 If, due to a suspension of play, the number of overs in the innings of the side batting second has to be
revised, their target score shall be calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis method. With the Duckworth/ Lewis method, an integral target will be set for the team batting second with one run less than this target resulting in a Tie.
Appendix 1
Illustrations of Powerplay Regulations
4.2 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of overs within each phase (Powerplay) of the innings shall be reduced in accordance with the table below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.
4.3 If play is interrupted during an innings, overs are reduced and the table in 4.2 is applied, the Powerplay overs take immediate effect. For the avoidance of doubt this applies even if the interruption has occurred mid-over.
Illustrations of 4.3
A 40 over innings is interrupted after 8.3 overs and on resumption has been reduced to 32 overs. The new phases are 7+19+6. Therefore the middle phase (Powerplay 2) fielding take immediate effect when play resumes and last for a further 17.3 overs. The final phase (Powerplay 3) begins after 26 overs have been bowled.
A 40 over innings is interrupted after 18.5 overs, and on resumption has been reduced to 22 overs. New phases are 5+13+4. When play resumes, the final phase (Powerplay 3) fielding restrictions apply for the remaining 3.1 overs.
Greene King Bedfordshire County Cricket League Play off match rules for 2025
a) The play-off match between the runner up in division 1 & the club second from bottom in the premier league shall be played on the Sunday immediately after the last set of divisional fixtures.
b) The division 1 club will be the host club and the match will commence at 12.30pm.
c) If the match cannot be played at the ground of the division 1 club (due to its availability), it can be played at the premiership club’s ground.
d) Match balls will be provided by the League, the home club to provide suitable spare balls.
e) All match rules and regulations will be as played in the divisional matches for these two divisions.
f) Every player selected for this play-off match must have played a minimum of four matches for the club in the BCCL during the current season. The usual quotas for level 3 players will apply in line with our league rules.
g) In the case of a tie (both teams finishing on the same score) then the team losing the least number of wickets shall be deemed the winner.
h) If both teams are still tied (runs & wickets lost are the same) then a super over will be played.
i) There will be a toss of the coin (umpires officiating) to decide who will bat/bowl first.
j) If two wickets fall in the super over the innings is deemed closed.
k) If at the end of the super over the scores are tied, then a second super over will be played, the side that batted first in the first super over will bat second in this final super over. Both teams are to select batsman & bowlers that did not bat/bowl in the first super over.
l) if both teams are still tied then the result will be decided by a toss of a coin (umpires to officiate) home team to call.
m) There will be reserve date for this fixture if the match cannot be played due to the weather, which will be the next sunday after the date set by the league. If still not able to be played then a Bowl Off will take places.
n) The “bowl off” will consist of 4 players from each club bowling 3 balls each at a set of stumps, the side hitting the stumps the most will be declared the winner.
o) If a club cannot field four players they will forfeit the fixture.
p) The division 1 club will bowl first, all 4 players to bowl there 3 balls.
q) In the case of a tie one player from each club to bowl “sudden death” until a winner is achieved.
r) Qualified umpire to stand / committee member to keep score.
League Positions, Promotion and Relegation
League Positions
The aggregate number of points scored shall determine league positions. In the event of clubs finishing with the same number of points at the end of the season, league positions will be determined as follows:
i) The team that has won the most games.
ii) The team that has lost the fewest games.
iii) The team with the most bonus points.
iv) The team that won the game(s) between the two clubs (this rule is only intended for use when two teams are tied).
v) The team with the most points after their first ten games.
vi) Repeat v) with nine games.
vii) Repeat v) with eight games sequentially down to one game until a determination is reached.
viii) Teams to be separated by the drawing of lots.
Promotion and Relegation
(a) The top team in Division 1 at the end of the season will be promoted to the Premier Division, the bottom team in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1.
(b) The runner up in division 1 at the end of the season will play the second from bottom in a playoff with the winners team going or staying in the premier division, and the losing team either stay or relegated to division . the fixture will be played at the team in division 1 ground (please see the new rules for the playoff game )
(c) The top two teams in Division 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 at the end of the season will be promoted to the division immediately above and the bottom two teams in Division 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be relegated to the division immediately below for the following season.
(d) It is not permissible for two teams from the same club to compete in the same division; if this situation occurs, the following rules apply:
i) If a club’s team wins promotion into a division that it already has a team in then it will not be promoted (the next highest positioned team in the League will be promoted instead).
ii) If a club’s team is relegated into a division that it already has a team in then the lower team will also be relegated to allow the higher team’s relegation. Where a higher team is due to be relegated into the lowest division but already has a lower team in that Division, then the higher team will not be relegated and a side from the lowest division will not be promoted.
Promotion Criteria based on facilities
i) The result of each team’s facility marks will have a bearing on the team’s ability to be either promoted or, in extreme cases, to remain in their current Division or in the League itself.
ii) The Constitution sets out the minimum facilities required in each division. As a general rule, a side will only be considered for promotion if it attains an overall average mark in excess of 6.5 out of 10 for promotion into the Premier Division and 6.0 out of 10 for all divisions thereafter.
iii) Clubs failing to meet the marking criteria can expect an inspection of their facilities before promotion (probably with conditions attached) can be confirmed.
iv) Clubs have the right of appeal (in writing) if there have been significant variation in the level of marks awarded or if, for the ensuring season, the club has specific and finalized arrangements for the necessary improvements. The League Management Committee will be able to exercise discretion but its decision will be final.
BACO Guidance for Panel Umpires
BACO are issuing the following guidance on how to interpret whether to make time allowances. This will ensure a consistent approach, which clubs have specifically requested, and give the clubs a clear indication of the stance adopted by BACO panel umpires. The wording makes it clear that the 2 hours and 30 minutes applies equally to both innings of the match and that it is 2 hours and 30 minutes actual time, not playing time. There will be occasions when exceptional circumstances apply, however, BACO believe it would be beneficial to clarify when allowances should or shouldn’t be made. These lists are indicative only, not exhaustive, and umpires are requested to apply the same principles to other situations arising during a match.
Exceptional circumstances
Injury to players, injury to umpires, frequent lost balls, umpires leaving the field for medical or other reasons, additional drinks intervals at the umpires’ discretion due to weather conditions
NOT exceptional circumstances
Moving sightscreens (other than the first instance if fielders move the screen until members of the batting side arrive), frequent field changes, drying the ball in damp conditions, drinks/kit changes for the batting side, occasional lost balls
It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that an adequate supply of suitable spare balls is made available to the umpires prior to the start of the match. Ideally, these should be kept in the score box to ensure that a lost ball can be replaced without undue delay. Please ensure that you remind clubs of this requirement at the toss.
BACO would also like to remind umpires of the following provisions available within the Laws of Cricket:
Law 41 (9) Timewasting by the fielding side
Law 41 (10) Batsman wasting time
Finally, umpires are reminded that batsmen should cross on the outfield at the fall of a wicket; captains should be reminded of this at the toss. In the event that this does not happen, the provisions of timed out will apply on appeal or the umpires have the option of utilising Law 41(10).
Pitch Marking Criteria for Panel Umpires
The marking of the pitch should be a joint discussion between the umpires who should assess the pitch against each of the four separate categories. Pitch marking is not designed to be punitive; the guidelines below are set nationally by ECB in order to raise the standards of club pitches and enable intervention where assistance is needed by clubs in improving their facilities. The relative skill of
the bowlers should be taken into consideration, remembering a good quality spinner can often turn the ball on any surface similarly a good seam bowler can seam the ball on any surface and pitches should not be marked down for that. Whilst not an ideal mark, when spinners are not used in a match a mark of three should be awarded for the ‘turn’ category.
BCCL Pitch Marking Guidance
Post-match Requirements
A summary, by Division, of what you need to do
Facility & Umpire Reports must be logged by 11pm of the Tuesday following the match
PREMIER DIVISION, DIVISION 1 AND DIVISION 2
HOME TEAM Results to be reported directly into PlayCricket by 10pm
Online Umpires report
Post scorecards on Play-Cricket website
AWAY TEAM Online Umpires report (online facility report ONLY if no panel umpires present)
DIVISION 2
HOME TEAM Results to be reported directly into PlayCricket by 10pm
Online Umpires report
Post scorecards on Play-Cricket website
AWAY TEAM Online Facility report (include Umpire’s names)
DIVISION 3
HOME TEAM Results to be reported directly into Play-Cricket by 10pm
Post scorecards on Play-Cricket website
AWAY TEAM Online Facility report (include Umpire’s names)
DIVISIONS 4 TO 6
HOME TEAM Results to be reported directly into Play-Cricket by 10pm
Post scorecards on Play-Cricket website
AWAY TEAM Online Facility report
All Facility & Umpire reports are logged online via Play-Cricket Fines are published on a weekly basis
Any disputes over fines must be made within six days of their publication
Team Cards
All team cards (both sides) are to be scanned to the following email addresses.
Premier division
bcclpremier@gmail.com
Division 1 bccldivision1@gmail.com
Division 2 bccldivision2@gmail.com
Division 3 bccldivision3@gmail.com
Division 4
bccldivision4@gmail.com
Division 5 bccldivision5@gmail.com
Division 6 bccldivision6@gmail.com
In the premier league, divisions 1 & 2 this process is to be completed by the panel umpire immediately after the match and the cards are then to be returned to the hometeam captain. If there is not a panel umpire then the responsibility is down to the home team captain by 10.00pm on the Sunday evening.
Divisions 3-6 the process is to be completed by the home team captain (who retains the cards) by 10.00pm on the Monday after the match.
Haroon Afridi
Umpires Panel 2025
07958 196391
Ken Alden 07752 272439
Nigel Anstead 01234 965497 07780 617057
Paul Barnes 07754 093888
Navneet Bhatnagar 07747 092519
Trevor Cooper 01234 712664 07821 690800
Adrian Dell 01582 614010 07908 450080
Andrew Donald 07703 755142
Christopher Gilham 07572 408400
Peter Gurney 01767 681211 07919 241096
Philip Gurney 07969 558260
Richard Harle 07756 142795
Jan Hilhorst 01438 718751 +31 622463159
David Inwood 01234 752250 07902 076757
Peter Laughlin 01954 210982 07850 702498
Dean Lawson 07990 502604
Ian Letting 07802 247549
Guy Lewis 07500 843575
Steven McKinley 07821 640152
Linserd Miller 01234 959615 07956 431150
Pravin Mistry 01582 523454 07305 413778
Ralph Morris 01582 591582 07968 409247
Harish Padalia 01438 728632 07770 567857
Andy Rose 01234 304505 07828 566333
Malcolm Rose 01908 316636 07546 897654
Ian Russell 07947 484208
Mark Samson 07970 414699
James Simpson 07921 913559
Khaneal Statham 07718 381988
Darryl Thomson 07931 552407
Ray Ward 07708 632578
Stephen Waterhouse 01582 422574 07527 014492
Randolph Woodley 01234 313059 07539 274340
Kevin Wright 07768 075123
All panel umpires appointed by the League will be entitled to match expenses of £45
Post-Match Umpire Reports
All Match, Facility & Pitch reports are logged online at bedsccl.play-cricket.com. In order to use this web site we must set you up as a user. To do this, send an email to webmaster@bedsleague.org.uk
Any comments relevant to the game are welcome. In exceptional cases a letter or email may be sent to the League Secretary
Further Guidance for Panel Umpires
Switch hits, reverse sweeps, or similar
If a batsman changes his stance, or feigns to change his stance, after the ball ceases to be dead:
(a) The leg side for the purpose of adjudging LBW decisions will be the leg side as it was at the point the ball ceased to be dead; and
(b) The leg side wide rule will not apply; the 17” wide line will apply both sides of the wicket for that delivery
Non-pitching deliveries
Umpires must remember that although the Law now allows for discretion in issuing warnings for non-pitching deliveries, player safety must still be a paramount consideration. If a non-pitching delivery, other than a slow delivery, passes within the reach of the batsman holding a bat on either side of the batsman or above his head, the delivery is to be considered dangerous and the formal warning procedure applied.
Onfield Disciplinary Sanctions
If Panel Umpires apply one of the on field disciplinary sanctions, either a formal warning or Levels 1 -4, it is imperative that the correct action is taken at the time in accordance with the Law and outlined on the respective ECB card. All sanctions, including a formal team warning, must be reported to the Discipline Chairman.
The following guidance has been issued by the ECB-ACO for use by umpires. The League recommends that the same criteria be considered by the home club and captains when assessing the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play.
Guidance for Umpires
This guide represents the key issues and actions umpires should consider in reviewing GW&L issues caused by weather conditions (other than lightning).
In order for play to start, continue or resume, both umpires (subject to point 9 below) should agree, at all times, that conditions do not present an actual and foreseeable risk of injury to any player or umpire
To help to establish this, the following questions should be considered by both umpires. The state of the game, or the views of either team, should have no bearing on the answers
1. Have you carried out an inspection of the whole playing area, at no faster than at a reasonable walking pace, including the area immediately beyond the boundary over which fielders may need to pass as they endeavour to field or catch the ball?
2. Do the bowlers have reasonable footholds – i.e. are they able to bowl without slipping – this must include the whole of their delivery, from where they begin their run up, to the point they have regained control of their movement after delivery of the ball?
3. Do all of the fielders have the power of free movement around the ground – can they can move, turn and run at broadly full pace, without slipping?
4. Do the batsmen have the ability to play their shots and run freely between the wickets without slipping, both when they set off and in the action of turning?
5. Are you satisfied that there is no surface water and no standing water (water visible around the feet when pressed into the ground) in the playing area within 30 yards of the pitch, or on the square, or, if further away, that would be so slippery as to potentially constitute a danger?
6. In your opinion is there sufficiently good visibility to enable you to conclude that you, the batsmen, and fielders will be able to see the ball (taking into account its pace) clearly enough to be safe?
7. Are you satisfied that after pitching the ball does not bounce unpredictably or steeply or go through the surface of the pitch in a way that poses a danger to the striker or the wicket-keeper standing up?
8. Are you satisfied that none of the conditions pose an actual and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire?
9. Does the other umpire (if present) agree with your answers? If the other umpire is not a current full member of the ECB ACO then you should consult with him, but your answers to the above questions should determine the outcome.
Whenever your answers to one or more of the questions 1 to 9 above is a NO, play must be suspended until the umpires, working with those responsible for the ground, have implemented a solution that eliminates the danger.
Things to consider and actions needed before play can start, continue or resume:
Consult – Before play commences umpires should, if available, seek the view of people who know the ground and its facilities (covers etc) to agree with their colleague how GWL issues will be handled and ensure that both captains are informed.
Observe the movement and actions of the players prior to commencing and during play to help decide/affirm your answers.
Record at the time of all inspections, conversations, agreed actions, any delays/suspensions of play.
Retain these records and Record them on any official report on the match submit.
Listen to what others are saying, consider it and reach your own independent conclusions.
Ensure - play never starts or resumes without the umpires carrying out an inspection of the whole ground to confirm the answer to the above questions are all Yes. Delay – do not
Other points to note
1. Once play has commenced it is not necessary for it to rain etc again – if any of the answers become a NO, then play should be suspended immediately.
2. If players wish to continue, in spite of the umpires concluding it is dangerous, umpires should tell them they will not umpire the match under the prevailing conditions.
3. If players refuse to play, point out the decision is yours, remind them of Law 21.3, give them a chance to change their mind and if not invoke Law 21.3.
Note: To the fullest extent possible in law, neither the ECB or the CBACO (or indeed any other party involved in its production) accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material contained in this document.
Lightning: What should you do?
Cricketers may take a cavalier attitude to thunder and lightning, possibly because the game is usually suspended as soon as it rains and the thunder might come later. This is not a good idea for a number of reasons some of which are:
• Lightning can kill or seriously injure.
• Blue skies overhead do not guarantee protection from lightning strikes. Lightning can strike far from where it is raining and it may come literally out of the blue, with no cloud in the sky and not a drop of rain.
• It can strike even when the storm is as much as 10 miles away, though 6 miles or so is usually quoted as being a range at which risk really escalates.
• Any exposed open area can be at risk if there’s thunder about
• Lightning won’t necessarily go for the tallest nearby tree; it could jump sideways from another object to hit you or strike the ground and travel through it hitting you on the way.
• It is likely to seek metal objects
• It can travel from person to person if you’re close together
Go Indoors Immediately if:
• There is sudden thunder without lightning
• You see lightning in the clouds
• Flash to bang time is 40 seconds or less *
• You see lightning strike the ground or building etc. nearby
Do Not:
• Waste time covering the pitch
• Go near or move metal-framed pitch covers or machinery
• Bunch together – spread out as you move indoors
• Shelter under a tree especially a single tall tree
• Stay outside if you can get into a building (or a car)
• Sheltering inside a permanent metal-skinned or -roofed building is usually OK but avoid small sheds etc.
When to Resume:
• Keep watching and listening - 30 minutes after the last thunder it should be safe to go out * –but: if in doubt – stay indoors!!
Danger Signs:
There is imminent danger of a lightning strike if:
• You feel your hair standing on end
• There is crackling in the air
• There is sudden thunder without lightning
Remember - There is no safe place outside in a thunder storm
Never lie flat on the ground during a lightning storm. Although the ‘Lightning Squat’ (crouching low with hands over head and ears and elbows on knees) has been mentioned by some as a last resort it doesn’t work. If you can get into a sturdy building or a car do this at once.
* the ’40/30 Rule’ – by no means infallible but a good guideline. Get indoors when thunder is audible within 40 seconds after you see the associated flash (the ‘flash to bang time’) and don’t venture out until thunder has not been heard for 30 minutes.
