11.     FEES

11.1   The entrance fee per team will be £100 per annum, which includes: annual subscription, access to the Benefit Fund, Public Liability Insurance cover (in accordance with the requirements of Bury MBC), Score Book, Score Cards and Fixture Books.  The fee will be payable in two instalments £60 at the time of team registration (ie on/before the AGM) and £40 at the July league meeting.

11.2   Teams wishing to renew their membership to join the League must complete an application form and pay the joining fee on/before the date of the AGM. 

11.3   All fees and fines must be paid to the Treasurer. Postal/money orders or cheques must be made payable to ‘The Bury Rounders League’.

12.     FINANCE

12.1   The funds of the League shall be held in a bank account/s approved by the Management Committee and managed by the Treasurer.

12.2   Expenses may be paid to officials from League or team funds.  Any payments received should be declared by individuals to the HMRC for income tax purposes.

12.3   If the League is in debt, each team shall be called upon to contribute equally to the paying of such debt.

12.4   In the event of any team resigning during the season, all monies paid will be retained in League funds.

13.     CORRESPONDENCE

13.1   All correspondence shall be addressed and forwarded to the League Secretary. (Excludes: fines, fees, insurance, registration and transfer matters).

13.2   All correspondence should include a stamped self-addressed envelope if a reply is required.

13.3   Correspondence should be dated; otherwise the postal date will be taken should any dispute arise.

14.     PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS

14.1   Details of the protests/complaints must be forwarded to the League Secretary within 7 days of the alleged incident. The League Secretary will acknowledge the correspondence and then make the person/team, about whom the complaint has been made, aware of the said complaint. One copy will be forwarded to the person/team about whom the complaint has been made. If requested, the person making the complaint may have their name removed.

14.2   The League Secretary shall notify relevant parties of such protests or complaints and when such matters will be considered.

14.3   Protests or complaints will be considered by a Complaint's Panel that shall comprise 5 registered players of the league who are not Management Committee members, at the discretion of the Management Committee.  The Complaint’s Panel will levy appropriate action after careful consideration.  Both parties will be informed in writing of the outcome within 14 days of the meeting of the Complaints panel.

14.4   Teams and their players will have the right to appeal to the Management Committee against the disciplinary measures imposed.  Such appeals must be forwarded to the League, in writing, within 14 days of the disciplinary measures being levied.

14.5   A Complaint's Panel shall have discretion regarding fines imposed.

15.     RESIGNATIONS

15.1   Any team intending to resign membership must notify the League Secretary. Any fees paid are non-refundable.  Any aggrieved team shall have the right of appeal to the Management Committee.

16.     MISCELLANEOUS

16.1   All matches will be played in accordance with the Rules of the League and Laws of the Games.

16.2   Each Club shall register its colours with the League Secretary, which will be published on the team details page(s) of the Rule Book.

16.3   Prior to the season commencing, each team will be issued with multiple copies of the Rule Book, a Fixture List, a Scorebook and Score Cards.

16.4   All playing members, team officials and referees of the League will make themselves conversant with the Constitution, Rules of the League and Laws of the Games.

16.5   Anything not provided for in these rules shall be dealt with by the Management Committee on an individual case basis and subject to the right of appeal to the Management Committee.

17.     REGISTRATION OF TEAMS AND PLAYERS

17.1   Teams are not permitted to change their name once the closing date for registration has passed.

17.2   Team secretaries should ensure that at least 11 team players are registered with the Registration Secretary by the 28th February before the new season commences, to allow the necessary processing of paperwork to be undertaken.

17.3   The Registration Secretary will return a list of confirmed players to the team secretary, if a stamped self-addressed envelope is provided.

17.4   A qualified or bona-fide player of a team is one who has been registered by her team secretary with the Registration Secretary (NB - players are no longer required to personally sign the registration form).

17.5   A parental consent form must be completed for all players under the age of 16; the form must be signed by the player’s parent/guardian.

17.6   Additional players are not allowed to play until they have been registered with the Registration Secretary for at least 7 clear days before playing in a match.  Players cannot play for more than one team in a season without the sanction of the Management Committee.

17.7   A player must only be registered for one team in the League unless transferred under the direction of the Registration Secretary at a fee of £1.00.  Players cannot transfer after 30th June.

17.8   The player requesting the transfer must complete a transfer form in full and return it to the Registration Secretary together with a fee of £1. A copy of the transfer form will be returned to the team secretary (if a stamped self addressed envelope is provided).  Transfers will only be permissible if application is made on an official transfer form, which must be posted to the Registration Secretary. Players may only transfer once per season.

17.9   Clubs with more than one team can borrow no more than 2 players per game.

17.10 Players from clubs with more than one team can play up on a maximum of 3 occasions in each season.

17.11 Any team found playing an unregistered/ineligible player will be penalised financially and deducted 2 points. In the event of the offending team winning the result will be declared null and void and the match replayed.

17.12 In the event that an unregistered player is used in a cup match the offending team will be disqualified from the competition and the non-offending team will be deemed to have won the match.

17.13 Players wishing to play in both Bury and Bolton Leagues should consult eligibility rules of both organisations before registering.

17.14 A player or referee who makes it known that she is pregnant or who is obviously pregnant shall cease to play/referee.

18.     FIXTURES

18.1   Fixtures will be arranged by the Fixtures Secretary, on behalf of the Management Committee.

18.2   Matches must be played on the arranged date; however fixtures may be changed to accommodate religious holidays. Team secretaries should make the Fixtures Secretary aware of these as soon as possible.

18.3   Matches must start punctually at the time fixed.  Matches in April and August will commence at 6.45pm.  Matches in May, June and July will commence at 7.00pm.  Cup Finals will take place week commencing 23rd August and will commence at 6.30pm.

18.4   Grounds must be properly marked out before time of commencing play, or the home team may be liable to a fine of £5.00.

18.5   Fixtures will be played Home and Away.  Visiting teams must adhere to any footwear restriction applied by the home ground.

18.6   Competitions shall be concluded on or before the end of the playing season. In the event of any team not completing their fixtures the Management Committee will have the right to deal appropriately with the matter.

18.7   Matches cannot be started unless at least 7 players from each side are present.

18.8   Any team failing to attend for a fixture (with at least 7 players) must pay the referee’s fee for that match and shall be further subject to a £5.00 fine and two points deducted. The match must be re-arranged to take place within 4 weeks of the original fixture date.  However if the teams cannot agree to a date within the 4 weeks, the Fixtures Secretary will set a date within the 4 week period on which the game must be played.

18.9   League matches have precedence over friendly matches and Cup matches have precedence over League matches when pitches are in dispute.

18.10 Should any question arise as to the ground being unfit for play, the decision shall be left to the respective captains, however the referee should make the final decision if the captains cannot agree.

18.11 In the event of a scheduled game not taking place (ie through cancellation or abandonment) the Captain of the home team must:

·                agree a new date with the visiting team’s captain and referee (the rearranged fixture must take place within 4 weeks of the original fixture).

·                complete and return a scorecard clearly stating the date and venue of the rearranged match.  If the match has been started, the scorecard must also show the names of the home and visiting teams as ‘borrowing’ rules still apply.

·                notify the Fixtures Secretary of the new match date by telephone or in writing.

·                confirm the referee’s availability to the Referees’ Secretary by telephone or in writing.

18.12 Any match not re-arranged to take place within 4 weeks of the original fixture date, will be played on a date arranged by the Fixtures Secretary and teams notified accordingly.

18.13 Teams should not leave the field of play until the game is officially declared over by the referee, unless safety of the players, officials or spectators is compromised.

19.     SCORING

19.1   The competition shall be decided by points to be recorded: 2 points for a win; 1 point for a tie.

19.2   In the event of two or more teams being equal on points, there shall be play-offs for promotion or relegation.  Champions and Runners-up of Divisions 2 to 8 shall be promoted and the bottom 2 teams of Divisions 1 to 7 relegated.  However, if vacancies occur further adjustments may be made at the discretion of the Management Committee.

19.3   Teams must provide a competent scorer, even if this means playing without a full compliment of players. The scorer will record the scores as instructed by the Referee.  No one other than the scorers, will stand alongside the scorers, except when a League Scorer has been appointed by the Management Committee.

19.4   A referee is not allowed to look at the scorebooks except at the request of the scorers.

19.5   After each team has completed one innings, the score will be announced by the Referee.

19.6   When a team holds a lead of 40 or more runs after the first innings, the captain of the leading team may compel their opponents to “follow on”.

19.7   The final score shall be agreed by the scorers and announced by the referee. The final score shall be recorded on an official score card and signed by the Referee.

19.8   If the scorers cannot agree on a final score, the score will not be announced by the referee, instead the team secretaries must send in their scorebook to the League Secretary within 24 hours.

19.9   Any matter regarding scorebook error will be dealt with separately on its own merit, by the Management Committee.

20.     RESULTS

20.1   The final score must be telephoned to the Results & Press Secretary by the home team no later than 10.00pm on the night of the match. Non-compliance with this rule will result in a fine.

20.2   The home team shall send an official score card showing the names of the players taking part in the match and the final result, signed by the referee, to the Registration Secretary.

20.3   Completed scorecards should be sent to the Registration Secretary to reach him/her within 5 days of the date of the match.

20.4   All score cards must bear the correct postage.

20.5   In the event of a team resigning during the season, all results involving that team will be expunged from the official League Table.

21.     REFEREES

21.1   The minimum age for referees is 16.

21.2   All officiating referees shall be paid £10.00 by the home team on completion of the game.

21.3   A fee of £10.00 is to be paid in respect of an abandoned or postponed game, equally shared between the two competing teams.

21.4   The fee for a Cup Tie will be £10.00 shared equally by the two competing teams.

21.5   The referee must have full control of the game, and all their decisions must be adhered to during the game.

21.6   Referees are instructed to deal firmly with all cases of misconduct, and report the same to the League Secretary within 7 days in writing. 

21.7   Any player sent off the field of play cannot be substituted.

21.8   Each case will be investigated by a Complaint's Panel.

21.9   Abuse of referees (proven) will be dealt with by the Complaint's Panel (refer to ‘List of Fines/Fees’).

21.10 Referees are allowed to suspend the fourth innings in bad weather or poor light conditions when a win has been achieved.

21.11 Prior to the start of the season, each team in Divisions 1-5 must nominate at least 2 named persons, Division 6 must nominate 1 named person and Divisions 7-8 must nominate 1 trainee referee who may be called upon to referee. 

21.12 If a referee is unable to officiate, it is their responsibility to find a suitably experienced substitute from the list of registered referees and inform the Referees’ Secretary accordingly.

21.13 Any team failing to provide a referee for an appointed game will be fined.  Consistent offenders will be dealt with by the Management Committee and may risk expulsion from the League.

21.14 Referees are responsible for checking the pitch and equipment before the game commences. This includes:

·      Ground conditions

·      Dimensions of bowling pitch and batting home

·      Distance between the bowling pitch and batting home and first base

·      Distance between bases

·      Location of pitch in relation to obstructions e.g. trees, banks, ditches

21.15 Referees must ensure that bats, balls and footwear conform to League rules.

21.16 Referees must give their decisions verbally.  Actions may be used for emphasis.

21.17 The referee’s decision is final.

21.18 In the event of the referee appointed not attending a match, and the 2 teams agreeing to one at the ground, such a referee must be considered a League official for the duration of the game.  If the teams cannot agree, the two captains must toss for choice.  If a regular referee is available, she/he must be asked to officiate.

22.     PLAYERS’ BENEFIT FUND / INSURANCE (PERSONAL ACCIDENT)

22.1   Insurance matters and the players’ benefit fund will be administered by the Treasurer.

22.2   All teams must contribute to the benefit fund (for personal accident) through the League scheme, paying £5.00 per team per season.

22.3   Any registered player, referee or scorer injured whilst taking part in any League, Cup or Interleague Match shall receive £20.00 per week for a period of 4 weeks and £10.00 per week for a period of 2 weeks.

22.4   This does not include practice matches except when they are Interleague practice matches.

22.5   All claims must be lodged with the Treasurer within 3 days of the accident occurring.  The details required will be:

·      Name, address and telephone number of person reporting the injury.

·      Name, address and telephone number of person injured.

·      Description of injury.

·      Names of the team registered for/team playing against.

·      Name of the officiating referee.

22.6   A Medical Certificate (a photocopy will suffice) from a Hospital/GP/Physiotherapist must be handed to the Treasurer within 3 days of the accident occurring.

22.7   If the Management Committee desire further evidence the player, referee or scorer shall submit him/herself for an examination by a Doctor appointed by the Management Committee.

22.8   Any player, referee or scorer refusing to submit him/herself for a medical examination shall be debarred from receiving benefit.

22.9   No player in receipt of benefit shall follow any employment whatsoever whilst receiving such benefit.

22.10 If, in the opinion of the Management Committee, such person does anything to retard their recovery, she/he will forfeit any further claim upon the benefit fund.

22.11 When a player, referee or scorer commences work or education after an accident, for which she/he has received benefit, she/he must notify the Treasurer of her/his withdrawal from benefit (within 24 hours).

22.12 Any team, through any circumstances, withdrawing or being expelled from the League, shall forfeit claims in respect of this fund.

22.13 Any matters arising, which are not covered by these rules, shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.

22.14 The Benefit Fund shall be kept separate from the League funds.

23.     PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

In accordance with the requirements of Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) the League must provide evidence that all teams have Public Liability Cover to play on public grounds belonging to BMBC.

23.1   In accordance with the requirements of Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, all teams are covered for Public Liability Insurance up to a limit of £3m.

23.2   All teams must be insured through the League scheme, the cost will be included in the annual registration fee.

23.3   A copy of the insurance certificate(s) and full policy details will be forwarded to Bury Metropolitan Borough Council by the Management Committee on an annual basis.

23.4   A copy of the insurance certificate and full policy details is available to teams on request.  A 1st class self addressed envelope should be forwarded to the League Secretary and/or the Treasurer.

24.     FINES/FEES

24.1   List of Fines/Fees

a.  Absence from meeting:...................................................................................................... £5.00

b.  Late scorecards/failure to send a scorecard/Illegible scorecard:.......................... £2.00

c.  Late telephone call (score):.............................................................................................. £2.00

d.  Failure to notify Referees’ Secretary prior to referee’s non-attendance:.................£5.00

e.  Non-attendance of referee

     First offence:....................................................................................................................... £10.00

     Second and subsequent offences:.................................................................................. £15.00

f.   Playing an unregistered or ineligible player in a League match:............................ £15.00 - 2 points

     (match to be replayed if offending team wins)........................................................... + ref’s fee

g.  Playing an unregistered or ineligible player in a Cup match:................................. £15.00 + ref’s fee

     (match to be declared null and void,

     non-offending team will be deemed to have won the match)

h.  Team with player using an alias name:...................................................................... £30.00 - 2 points

     (match to be replayed if offending team win,............................................................ + ref’s fee

     minus the number of players using alias in the fixture)

i.   Failure of a club to provide a team:............................................................................ £5.00 - 2 points

     for a League fixture (match to be replayed)............................................................... + ref’s fee

j.   Failure of a club to provide a team for a Cup fixture:............................................. £5.00

k.  Failure of a club to provide a team for a Cup Final:................................................ £20.00

     (Team to be excluded from cup competitions for the next season)

l.   Abuse of players, team officials or referees by an individual player:

     1st offence per season = £25 + 1 match suspension and the team will be deducted 2 points;

     2nd and subsequent offences per season = £25 + 12 months suspension and the team will be deducted 2 points per offence.

m. Abuse of players, team officials or referees by teams:

     each offence per season = £25 + team will be deducted 2 points and the match to be replayed if the offending team wins.

n.  Player using bat not in accordance with ‘Laws of the Games’ (League fixture): £25.00 - 2 points

o.  Player using bat not in accordance with ‘Laws of the Games’ (Cup fixture): Team disqualified from Cup

p.  Unclean/Late return of a cup/trophy:......................................................................... £5.00 per cup/trophy

q.  Ground not properly marked at time of commencement of play:.......................... £5.00

r.   More than one referee at a match:.............................................................................. £10.00

     (League to pay)

24.2   Unless an appeal is pending, all fines and fees must be paid before the date of the next meeting. Failure to do so will incur a further fine of £2.00 for every 7 days after the original date. If there are any outstanding fines at 30th September, the offending club will forfeit all right to vote at the AGM, and will be unable to register for the following season.

24.3   Where a team has failed to pay an outstanding debt, and has subsequently left or been expelled from the League, it may be possible for individual team players to re-enter the League, i.e. signing for another or new team, providing they settle an equal proportion of the outstanding debt before the new season commences.