Preparation & Match Day Requirements for the Thames Valley Cricket League

The League requests our Member Clubs to carry out all requirements necessary to ensure that full arrangements take place for League matches. All Clubs are expected to ensure that their grounds and pitches are prepared and fit for play on League match days.
All Clubs are reminded that team Captains need to introduce themselves to match Umpires, whether panel appointed or not, and to supply the Umpires with a team sheet as required by the Laws. Captains of teams in Divisions 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B are expected to do this.
At all levels the home team must supply at least 6 TVCL Balls of variable use when required during the match. These spare balls must be available for inspection and approval by umpires, if appointed, and captains at the toss.

GROUND AND PREPARATION

The ground, including the outfield and surrounds and the pitch preparation, is to be fully prepared in readiness for the match. Boundaries must be defined and markers used if available. Sightscreens are to be aligned.  A scoring facility shall be provided which has adequate light, is comfortable and clean, and has adequate cover in the event of inclement weather.

The pitch must be fully prepared and correctly marked. The League has received many observations from Umpires on crease markings. The popping crease must be a minimum of 12 feet (3.66m) in length. The bowling crease must be 8 feet 8 inches (2.64m) in length. The return creases must be at right angles to the bowling crease and must be a minimum of 4 feet (1.22m) in length. Each return crease shall be marked from the popping crease to a minimum of 8 feet (2.44m) behind it. It is strongly recommended that covers be used pre-match, wherever possible, by Clubs who have suitable/adequate covers. This ensures pitch and bowlers run ups protection leading up to the start of the match.

Clubs are expected, where possible, to remark the pitch between innings.

MATCH DAY ADMINISTRATION

The League appoints panel Umpires for all matches in Divisions One, 2A and 2B and for some matches in Divisions 3A and 3B. Clubs are advised of these Umpires and their telephone numbers before the start of the season. Panel Umpires’ expenses must be paid before the start of the match.

As soon as possible after the match and in all cases by 8.30 pm (8.00 pm when a match is scheduled to start at 12.30 pm) Home Sides must telephone the match result to their Divisional Results secretary. When telephoning the Home Side must always state the precise Division and which XI (i.e. 1st, 2nd or 3rd), the names of both Clubs involved, who won the toss, the exact scores from the match, the number of wickets each side lost, the number of overs each side bowled and the first and last name of players scoring 50 runs and/or taking 5 wickets in the match, also mention hat-tricks and the like, and the number of points earned by each side. All this information is of considerable assistance to the results secretary therefore please record it down on paper prior to making your telephone call. The names and telephone numbers of the Divisional Results Secretaries and the League Divisions for which they are responsible are shown on page 3 of this Handbook.

The match result sheet must be completed to show the result and points and must include names of players on both sides, and also the start and finish time of both innings-accurately recorded. When entering these times there shall be no “collusion” by captains.

The result sheet must be signed by both Captains who are expected to enter marks for both the ground and outfield. The match result sheet must be sent by first class post to the Divisional Result Secretary to arrive by the Thursday following the match.

Each Captain marks League appointed Panel Umpires, and any other Umpire standing in Division 3A or 3B, on a separate Assessment Form that is sent to the named destination by first class post, also to arrive by the Thursday following the match.

Proper preparation and match management, with attention to the necessary administration, does assist in ensuring the prospect of a good match on the day.