PLAYING CONDITIONS

Changes made at the 2007 AGM are underlined.

1.		COMPOSITION OF DIVISIONS: The number of teams in any one division shall be a maximum of 18.
2.		FIXTURES: Unless weather or unforeseen circumstances intervene, each team in the Premier Division and Division Four shall play every other team in that division twice per season, home and away. Teams in Divisions One, Two and Three shall play every other team in that division once per season. Where practicable, in Divisions One, Two and Three home and away matches shall be equal, and the venue reversed in alternate years. The league fixtures shall be arranged by the Fixture Secretary of the League in conjunction with the Fixture Secretaries of member clubs. Any changes to the fixtures issued to member clubs shall be advised to the affected clubs by the Fixture Secretary. Once published in the League handbook no fixture shall be altered except by permission of the League Fixture Secretary. As far as possible fixtures will run consecutively from the first Saturday in May. League matches are to be played on Saturdays only, and to be completed by the second Saturday in September. The League Fixture Secretary will endeavour to ensure that all XIs of a club will play on the same dates. Where a club has two teams participating in the same division, the League Fixtures Secretary will arrange for the match between the two teams to be played within the first two weeks of the season. If the teams are in a division where matches are played home and away, the first match will be arranged in the first two weeks of the season and the second will be arranged in the first two weeks of the second half of the season. Before the scheduled starting time, the decision of whether a ground is fit for play is the responsibility of the Home club only. Once play has begun, the umpires shall be the judges of the fitness of conditions for play, in accordance with the Laws of Cricket as issued by the MCC. Venues can be changed only by the mutual consent of both clubs. In the event that a game is abandoned by the weather, so long as both teams agreed, the game can be replayed on a future date. The Fixture Secretary and the Results Line must be advised.
3.		ARTIFICIAL PITCHES: Games may be played on an artificial pitch provided both teams are agreeable.
4.		DURATION OF THE GAME: The duration of the game to be decided by 45 overs being bowled by each side, or until a side is dismissed whichever is sooner. No bowler may bowl more than 10 overs in any game. Any over or part over bowled by a bowler in excess of the stipulated 10 overs shall stand. If the error is discovered during the course of an over, that over shall be completed by a different bowler and shall then count as a complete over for him. Guidance: each innings should take no longer than 2½ hours.
5.		STARTING TIMES: The normal time for the commencement Premier Division matches shall be 1:00pm (12:30pm for the last two Saturdays in August and September). Matches in the remaining divisions shall commence 1:30pm (1:00pm for the last two Saturdays in August and September). Any team not at the ground 15 minutes before the scheduled start time shall forfeit the toss. Any team not present and ready to begin the game by the scheduled start time shall forfeit two of their allotted batting overs for every further five minutes (or part of five minutes) until they are ready to begin the game. This reduction shall apply in full, even where the allotted overs are reduced in accordance with Playing Condition 7. At the toss the two captains shall confirm to each other how many players they expect to field. Any team not present and ready to begin the game by 45 minutes after the scheduled start time shall forfeit the match. The defaulting team may be fined £150 of which £125 will be paid to the opponents. For the purposes of this playing condition, ma team shall comprise no fewer than eight players.
6.		TEA BREAK: The tea break shall not exceed 30 minutes duration, and shall be between innings, unless otherwise agreed by mutual consent of both captains.
7.		DELAYED START: Should the start of the game be delayed or the game be interrupted because of the weather, then the two captains shall agree on a suitable equal number of reduced overs, with a minimum of 20 overs being substituted for 45 overs under Playing Condition 4 to decide the result of the match. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, should an innings be completed, or a target reached, within 20 overs, the match shall be completed. For example, Side A scores 86 all out in 19 overs and Side B scores 87-1 in 15 overs. Side B wins despite neither side facing 20 overs because a completed match has been played. Fifteen overs should be deducted for every hour lost, if necessary (every 4 minutes or part thereof lost = 1 over). For example, if 30 minutes play is lost at the start of the game, 8 overs are lost – 4 per side. If in this example an uneven number of overs are lost, an additional over should be lost so that each side loses the same number. If 30 minutes play is lost during the second innings, the team batting second will face 37 overs and the result will be decided on run rate. In the event of 2 sides having an unequal number of overs available, owing to interruption by weather, then the game shall be decided by their respective overall run-rates per over. In this connection: (i) Where the side batting first is bowled out before its total allotted number of overs are completed, its total score shall be divided by its full number of allotted overs to determines its run-rate per over (see Example 2 below). (ii) Part overs shall be counted as completed overs. (iii) All bonus points accumulated during a match of reduced overs shall be retained. Example 1 – Side A scores 225-6 after 45 overs when rain causes the game to be reduced to 20 overs for side B: Side A’s run-rate per over is 5 (225÷45) Side B’s target to beat in 20 overs is 100 (5x20) Example 2 – Side A is bowled out for 90 runs off 30 overs when rain causes the game to be reduced to 20 overs for Side B: Side A’s run-rate per over is 2 (90÷45) Side B’s target to beat in 20 overs is 40 (2x20) Or Side A is bowled out for 90 runs off 30 overs in a game already reduced to 35 overs each when rain causes the game to be reduced to 25 overs for Side B: Side A’s run-rate is 2.57 (90÷35) Side B’s target to beat in 25 overs is 64 (2.57x25) (ie more than 64.25) Example 3 – Side A scores 180-7 off 45 overs. Side B has scored 135-5 off 30 overs when rain causes the game to be abandoned: Side B wins by faster run-rate per over (4.5 against 4). Example 4 – Side A scores 200-6 in 43 overs when rain interrupts play. After 10 minutes tea is taken and the rain continues until 20 minutes after tea, thus 30 minutes play is lost (8 overs): Side A’s run rate is 4.65 (200÷43) Side B’s target to beat in 39 overs is 181 (4.65x39)
8.		FAILURE TO HONOUR A FIXTURE: Should a team fail to honour a fixture, their opponents will be adjudged to have won and will be awarded 20 points. The team cancelling it will not receive any points. Any club failing to honour a fixture shall be fined £25, and shall also pay £25 to its opponents. Both sums to be sent in the first instance to the League Treasurer. Any Team failing to notify their opponents that they are unable to honour a fixture by 8:00pm on the Thursday before the match shall pay a £100 surcharge, in addition to the original fine. Notification must be made by speaking to the opponents, eg messages and emails cannot be relied upon. If this happens a second time in any season, the team will be expelled from the League, unless the Executive Committee decide that there were very exceptional circumstances. Any Team failing to honour more than two fixtures in a season shall be expelled from the League. If a team is expelled under this playing condition (or withdraws during the course of the season) all its matches played to date shall be expunged from the League tables. If a club is unable to honour a fixture it must concede the match which its lowest XI is due to play that day. For the purposes of this playing condition, a team shall comprise no fewer than eight players.
9.		POINTS SYSTEM: 20 points shall be awarded for a win, 5 points for a tie (a tie is recognised as both sides having equal scores regardless of wickets lost), no points for a defeat. In addition the following bonus points will be awarded to the losing or tying sides: 60 runs 1 point 2 wickets 1 point 90 runs 2 points 4 wickets 2 points 120 runs 3 points 6 wickets 3 points 150 runs 4 points 8 wickets 4 points 180 runs 5 points 10 wickets 5 points When a side does not have its full complement of 11 players it is deemed to be all out when their last wicket falls and consequently 5 bonus bowling points are awarded to the fielding side. Full bonus bowling points are also awarded to the fielding side if a side declares its innings closed. No points shall be awarded in the event of a game being abandoned prior to commencement or whilst in progress before a result can be obtained under Playing Condition 7. It shall be the duty of the captain of the team batting second to ascertain between innings the total runs scored by the side batting first and to agree the batting target accordingly.
10.		LEAGUE POSITIONS: The league positions shall be decided by the average points per game played. The average shall be determined by dividing the number of games actually played and completed (ie excluding abandoned games) into the total points obtained from those games. In the event of two or more teams having an identical average, the league position will be determined by reference to the result of the match (or the matches) between the teams concerned, ie the winning team shall be placed higher. If this method is inconclusive (eg where the match is tied or abandoned, or where more than two teams are concerned) the team scoring most runs per wicket throughout the season shall be placed higher.
11.		PLAYERS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY: A player may play for only one member club during any one season, unless he receives written permission from the Executive Committee. In the event of any infringement of this paragraph, the Executive Committee may take such action as it considers appropriate in regard to the result of the match, including forfeiture by the offending team. Any player engaged in a League fixture, shall not participate in any other cricket match during the same playing time. Clubs are expected to field their strongest available sides in all matches. In addition, in any case where a club’s first XI does not have a League fixture, clubs are expected to select their second (and other) XIs from players who would normally be expected to play in those particular XIs. If a complaint is received from any club within 14 days of the match alleging infringement of this playing condition, the Executive Committee may call for an explanation from the club concerned and take any action it considers appropriate with regard to the result of the match in question. On complaint of the opposing team, or another team not party to the match but adversely affected by the match result, the Disciplinary Committee may investigate an allegation that a team has played a player of a notably higher standard than the normal level of that division, and that player has had an undue influence on the result of the match. The Disciplinary Committee will take into account the following factors: · Whether the player plays regularly for the club or not (in the recent past, or subsequent to the match in question). · The difference in standard of the player compared to the norm for that division. · The importance of the result of the match in the context of the league positions, particularly with regard to promotion and relegation. · The level of influence the player had on the result of the match. The Disciplinary Committee may alter the result of the match, and may impose a points penalty if the allegation is proved. STAR PLAYERS: Divisional Statisticians to use performance data to select 5 first XI players. The selection will take place immediately after the second Saturday of June (this allows 4 to 5 games to assess players), and will need to be in place by the fourth Saturday in June (14 days later). Star players will remain so until the end of the season. Clubs will be notified of their star players, and have 7 days to appeal against the inclusion of up to 2 of the players in the list. The appeal must state the reasons, and offer alternatives. The Divisional Statistician will reconsider the list and amend it if appropriate, or refer the appeal to the Executive Committee for a final decision. The final list of all star players is to be circulated to all clubs and other Divisional Statisticians. From the fourth Saturday in June, clubs with more than one team will not be able to field any star player in a lower XI. Divisional Statisticians are to check result cards against the list of star players, and report any transgressions to the Executive Committee. Opponents may also bring transgressions to the notice of the Committee. Registration of players is not suggested, but any falsification of result cards should be considered as a serious disciplinary matter. Penalties could include forfeiting the points of a game, or banishing one of the offending star players from the team to which he is allocated for 5 games (thus weakening the higher XI over a longer period).
12.		UMPIRES: Subject to availability, two independent umpires shall be appointed to each match in the Premier Division. If only one umpire is appointed he shall stand at the bowler’s end for the full match and the batting side must provide an umpire at the striker’s end. Should an independent umpire not be available, both teams must provide a non-playing umpire for the full match. Teams in Divisions Two-Five should provide an umpire, if possible. If not possible the umpiring must be agreed by the captains before the game.
13.		NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS: Both captains must send a completed League result card (whether the game is abandoned, incomplete, conceded or finished) by first class mail before the first post the following Monday (the following day for cup matches). The result card must record two full correct names for each player. Failure to comply will incur a fine of £10. Both captains are required to mark their opponents for sportsmanship on a scale 5 = Very Good to 1 = Poor. Visiting captains are required to mark the home team’s batting surface and outfield on a similar scale. Any 1 marking for a pitch must be explained in writing (by post or email) to the General Secretary within 7 days of the game in question. Any 1 marking for sportsmanship must be explained in writing (by post or email) to the Discipline Secretary within 7 days of the game in question. A captain may also report in writing (by post or email) to the Discipline Secretary within 7 days of the game in question any incidents of poor conduct even though a sportsmanship mark above 1 was awarded. If a team finishes a season in a promotion position but has an unsatisfactory pitch mark (below 3), it may forfeit promotion. The promotion place may be taken by the highest finishing team outside the promotion places with a satisfactory pitch mark. Should a team have an unsatisfactory pitch mark (below 3) in two consecutive seasons, it may be relegated to the division below for the following season replacing the highest placed team in the relegation positions. The home captain shall telephone the match result to the Results Line on the day of the match before 10:00pm. This shall apply whether the game is abandoned, incomplete or finished. Where a team concedes a match to its opponents, it shall be the duty of the team conceding the match to telephone the Results Line. Late submission or failure to send a result card, telephone a result, or write explaining a “1” marking as set out in this Playing Condition, will incur fines as per Rule 9.
14.		AJ SPORTS CRICKET BALL: Each side must provide one new ball, to be used in each innings of all Premier Division games. Otherwise, the home side is responsible for providing a new ball for every game. It shall be of the type specified in the contract with AJ Sports. Clubs playing more than two-thirds of their matches away from home shall provide a match ball for each game.
		LEAGUE CUP: Suspended pending new playing condition for the Twenty20 Cups – advised separately. All member clubs will be entitled to enter one team into the League Cup, which will be played midweek on a knockout basis. Matches will be played on, or before if both sides are agreeable, the dates given by the League Fixture Secretary. If a match is to be played on any date other than the published date or at a different ground to that published in the handbook, the home side shall inform both the visitors and the League Fixture Secretary at least two weeks before the date of the game. In any event, the home side shall contact the away side at least one week prior to a cup game to confirm the date of said cup game. If a cup match is postponed through bad weather, it shall be rearranged for the Wednesday immediately following (or sooner of both clubs are agreeable). If the game is not concluded, the tie will be decided by the toss of a coin. If need be any Committee member may be used to assist this process. The League playing conditions shall apply, where relevant, to League Cup matches, with the following exceptions: (i) Playing Condition 2 – does not apply. (ii) Playing Condition 9 – In the event of a tie, then the side losing fewer wickets will be deemed to be the winner. If the number of wickets fallen is also equal, then a replay is necessary. (iii) Playing Condition 14 – The visiting side shall provide a new AJ Sports ball. In the League Cup final tie, a new AJ Sports ball, supplied by the League, shall be used in each innings. (iv) Playing Condition 11 – For any match in the League Cup Round 2 a team shall consist entirely of players who have played for that club in at least two AJ Sports League matches (excluding Cup matches) in the current or immediately preceding season. In Round 3 the qualification is three such matches, in Round 4 four such matches, and in the Final five such matches. In the event of any infringement of this playing condition, the offending team shall be deemed to forfeit the match. If a team plays an ineligible player, the Executive Committee will consider suitable punishment (which may affect the cup or the league) and any further action it considers appropriate.
16.		AJ CUP AND AJ TROPHY (Twenty20 Competitions): The AJ Cup shall be open to teams in the Premier Division and Division One. The AJ Trophy shall be open to teams in Divisions Two, Three and Four. Only one team per club may be entered in each cup competition. Early rounds up to and including quarter-finals will be held on a weekday evening at the ground of the team drawn at home. At the Executive Committee’s discretion the weekday matches may be played on a regional basis. The semi-finals and final of both competitions will be held at a neutral ground on a Sunday in August. There will be a “Man of the Match” award for both finals. Match rules · Matches shall consist of 20 six-ball overs per side. · There shall be a maximum of 4 overs per bowler. · Bowlers shall have a maximum of 12 yards run up which includes walking (ie forward movement) – penalty is a No ball called by either umpire. · Any full pitched ball bowled above waist height and any ball bouncing above shoulder height shall be called No ball. · Offside wides to be adjudged in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, but any delivery which passes legside of the striker and misses leg stump shall be called Wide. · Wides and No balls shall count as 3 extra runs with no extra ball, except in the final over of each innings when they will still be counted as 3 extra runs but an extra ball shall be bowled. · Evening games must commence at 6:00pm – if a 6:30pm start is agreed between the sides, the game shall consist of 15 overs per side and a maximum of 3 overs per bowler. · There shall be 10 minutes between innings – no tea shall be provided. · The Away team shall provide the match ball. · In the event of a rain affected game, scores after 10 overs will determine the winner. · In the event of a tie, the side losing fewer wickets shall be deemed to be the winner. If the number of wickets lost is also equal, the winner shall be the side scoring most sixes. Should the sides still be level, the winner shall be the side taking most wickets “bowled”. · Should a match still remain tied, the game shall be decided by a bowl-off of 10 balls per team (2 per bowler) and if wickets are equal, the remaining players of each side shall bowl 2 balls alternatively until a winner is established. Player eligibility · Subject to the following condition, players eligible to play in the competitions are those who, during the current season, have participated in at least two league games before the first round; in at least three league games before round two; and at least three league games before the semi-final and final. · A player is ineligible if during the current season he has played first or second XI County Cricket or in the Minor Counties, or for a club’s first or second XI in County Premier League Cricket. · A player cannot play in both competitions in the same season. · The Star Players provision is applicable – see Playing Condition 11. Clubs contravening the player eligibility shall be expelled from the cup competition and may be fined or otherwise penalised by the Executive Committee.
17.		NO BALL/WIDE BALL: Bowling of high full pitched balls Any delivery which passes or would have passed on the full above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. Judging a Wide (a) If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if according to the definition in (b) below, in his opinion, the ball passes wide of him standing in a normal guard position. (b) The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within his reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke. (c) In the Premier Division and the Twenty20 cup competitions, umpires are instructed to apply very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any offside delivery shall be judged in accordance with (a) and (b) above. Any legside delivery which passes legside of the striker and misses leg stump shall be called a Wide. Delivery not a Wide The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide: (a) If the striker by moving, either (i) causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in (b) above or (ii) brings the ball sufficiently within his reach to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke. (b) If the ball touches the striker’s bat or person. Ball not dead The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball. Penalty for a Wide A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Wide not to count A Wide shall not count as one of the over.
18.	CODE OF CONDUCT: Players and clubs (including officials and members of the club) are expected to act in a manner which does not prejudice the good name or interests of the league.
	MODEL DISCIPLINE REGULATIONS ECB Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket
18.1.1	CODE OF CONDUCT
1.1.1	The ECB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Code of Conduct incorporates the Spirit of Cricket, as set out below. It applies to all matches played under the auspices of the ECB and may be applied to cricket in general.
1.1.2	The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
1.1.3	Players and team officials must at all times accept the umpire’s decision. Players must not show dissent at the umpire’s decision or react in a provocative or disapproving manner towards another player or spectator.
1.1.4	Players and team officials shall not intimidate, assault or attempt to intimidate or assault an umpire, another player or a spectator.
1.1.5	Players and team officials shall not use crude and/or abusive language (known as “sledging”) nor make offensive gestures or hand signals nor deliberately distract an opponent.
1.1.6	Players and team officials shall not make racially abusive comments nor indulge in racially abusive actions against fellow players, officials, members and supporters. Clubs must operate an active open door membership policy whilst respecting player qualification regulations and welcome players/members irrespective of ethnic origin.
1.1.7	Players and team officials shall not use or in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.
1.1.8	Clubs must take adequate steps to ensure the good behaviour of their members and supporters towards players and umpires.
18.1.2	SPIRIT OF CRICKET 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.
1.2.1	There are two Laws which place the 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 any player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, criticising his decision by word or action, 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, requesting the latter to take action.
1.2.2	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.
1.2.3	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
1.2.4	The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for: Your opponents Your own captain and team The role of the umpires The game’s traditional values
1.2.5	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) Appeal knowing the batsman is not out b) Advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing c) 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
1.2.6	Violence There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
1.2.7	Players Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.
18.1.3	Failure to comply with the provisions of this paragraph 1 may lead to disciplinary action, irrespective of an alleged breach being related to a match not under the jurisdiction of the League.
	REGULATIONS FOR CRICKET LEAGUES
18.2	PROCEDURE
2.1	Any alleged breach of 1 above shall be notified in writing (to be known as the “Complainant”) to the Secretary of the League.
2.2	Any complaint so initiated must be referred to the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee.
2.3	Upon receipt of such complaint, and as soon as reasonably practicable, the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee shall consider the complaint and resolve either:
2.3.1	To take no action except to record the complaint and notify the club, or
2.3.2	To endorse the disciplinary action taken by the club; or
2.3.3	To refer the matter for a disciplinary hearing.
18.3	DISCIPLINARY HEARING
3.1	In any case which is referred for a disciplinary hearing, at least seven days’ notice in writing of the hearing and of the offence(s) alleged shall be given to the player, or in the case of a club, its secretary.
3.2	The player and club shall be entitled to attend the hearing, state their case (in the case of a club by its secretary or other official), to be supported by a colleague and to call witnesses.
3.3	The hearing shall be conducted by the Disciplinary Committee of the League which shall consist of not less than three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player or the club.
18.4	PENALTIES
4.1	If at the hearing the Disciplinary Committee finds the alleged offence proved it shall have the power to impose one or more of the following penalties, together with such order as to costs as it deems appropriate:
4.2	In the case of a player -
4.2.1	To require the player to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
4.2.2	To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
4.2.3	To impose a fine.
4.2.4	To suspend the player for one or more matches, or for a stated period of time.
4.2.5	To deduct league points from the player’s team.
4.2.6	To expel the player from the League.
4.3	In the case of a club -
4.3.1	To require the club to submit appropriate letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
4.3.2	To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
4.3.3	To impose a fine.
4.3.4	To deduct league points from the club’s team(s).
4.3.5	To relegate to any lower division of the League.
4.3.6	To expel the club from any competition of the League.
4.3.7	To expel the club from the League.
4.4	The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to suspend the operation of any part, or all, of the penalty it imposes for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
4.5	Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee (a finding that a complaint is proved or not proved or a decision on penalty) shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Committee Chairman shall have a casting vote.
18.5	APPEALS PROCEDURE
5.1	A player or club shall have the right of appeal to the Appeals Committee. Notice of appeal setting out the grounds must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League within seven days of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, together with a deposit of £25 (to be set by the League).
5.2	If notice of appeal is given the penalty shall not take effect pending the hearing of the appeal.
5.3	The appeal shall be by way of re-hearing before a different Committee. The composition of the Committee shall be at the discretion of the Chairman of the League Disciplinary Committee and shall consist of not less than three persons, none of whom shall be connected with the player or the club. The player or club shall have the same rights of attendance and representation, and to call witnesses as they had before the Disciplinary Committee.
5.4	The Appeals Committee may confirm, vary or reverse the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and it shall have the power to increase the penalty and award costs of the appeal hearing. Decisions of the Appeal Committee shall be by majority vote; where necessary the Committee Chairman shall have a casting vote.
5.5	The decision of the Appeals Committee or, if no appeal, of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding.
18.6	INTERNAL CLUB ENQUIRY
6.1	The club of its own volition and without any need for the receipt of a written complaint or other prompting shall, where any alleged case of conduct which is not fair and proper occurs as stated in paragraph 1 above, or otherwise as the club may think fit, forthwith convene an internal club enquiry.
6.2	The purpose of the internal club enquiry shall be to establish the facts and, where appropriate, to take the necessary disciplinary action so as to ensure that the club does not fail properly to control or discipline its player or players and to ensure that the club acts in a manner designed to protect the good name of the club and cricket generally.
6.3	Any player requested to attend such an internal club enquiry, or any appeal therefrom, shall be entitled to be accompanied at the enquiry by a friend or other representative.
18.7	PENALTIES
7.1	If the internal club enquiry finds the misconduct proved, the club shall have the following powers:
7.1.1	To require the player to write letter(s) of apology within a specified time.
7.1.2	To record a reprimand and to give a warning as to future conduct.
7.1.3	To impose a fine.
7.1.4	To suspend the player’s right to be considered for selection by the club to play in one or more matches.
7.1.5	To suspend the player’s membership of the club for a period.
7.1.6	If the conduct constitutes gross misconduct the club shall have the power to terminate the player’s membership forthwith.
7.2	The club for the same offence may, if it is thought fit, impose more than one of the above penalties.
18.8	APPEALS PROCEDURE
8.1	The player shall have the right to appeal to the President of the club or to the President’s nominee for a review of the findings of the internal club enquiry and of the penalty or penalties imposed.
8.2	The decision of the President or his nominee in all cases shall be final and binding.
19.	DISPUTES OR QUERIES: In the event of any dispute or query relating to the organisation and/or the playing conditions of the League, the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.