Pre-Match

• The home team shall confirm match details at least 8 days prior to the game. Call off procedures must be arranged at this time. If details have not been confirmed within 5 days of the fixture the Division Representative should be advised. The sending of an e-mail, text or phone call does not constitute contact; confirmation of receipt must be obtained.
• Home teams should offer hospitality to the visiting team. If the visiting team is unable to accept the hospitality, they must advise the home team in advance of the fixture. If the home team is unable to provide hospitality, they must advise the visiting team in advance.

Registrations

• All players/umpires/coaches/managers MUST be registered with both the West District and SHU BEFORE participating in any matches – failure to comply with this rule will result in penalties/fines.

• All U14s must have an U14 Form submitted before they can participate

Umpires

• Umpires for matches in Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 must be qualified to at least ‘C’ badge, or Level 1 level. Umpires for matches in Division 4 must hold a valid theory test pass. The Committee shall have the power to amend this requirement when it seems appropriate.

Results

• The home team shall provide a Match Report Form and the team lists must be completed by both teams and handed to the umpire BEFORE the match. The umpires will complete the Match Report Form at the end of the match and return it to the home team. The Match Report Form must note any cards issued, name of carded player and the reason for issue.
• Match results and the names of the match umpires should be sent to Division WhatsApp group straight after the match
• The home team must send the properly completed Match Report Form to the Division Representative by scanned e-mail or photo direct via WhatsApp, to arrive within 48 hours of the match. The result must also be notified to the Division Representative within 24 hours of the match. If the Match Report Form is not returned by the weekend following the match being played, then 1 point will be deducted from the home team

Postponements                                                                                                                                                     

• All clubs must endeavour to play fixtures on the allocated dates, subject to the arrangements in Byelaw 3.1 (b)
• Postponements for reasons other than those detailed in this Byelaw must first be checked with the Division Representative. In such circumstances as much notice as possible must be given to the opposition with a minimum of 14 days’ notice.
• With the agreement of the Division Representative as noted above, teams may rearrange autumn fixtures to be played before Christmas, as long as the opposing team is given at least 14 days’ notice and agrees to the change.
• Due to the costs involved, a team withdrawing from a fixture up to 7 days before a fixture should pay full costs incurred by the home team; provided the home team have made efforts to cancel the pitch booking when notified of the cancellation.
• The home team is responsible for notifying all postponements and abandonments in writing and e-mailed to the Division Representative as soon as possible; but not later than 4 days following the scheduled fixture.
• The match must be played on the earliest available date. The home team shall offer 3 dates, one of which may be a midweek date. Where a team has to travel in excess of 35 miles, weekend dates only are acceptable. Teams should make provisional arrangements within 7 days of the original match date and confirm the pitch booking within 14 days of the original match date. The Division Representative must be kept informed at all stages of the discussion. Additional penalties may be imposed by the Committee on teams who persistently fail to keep the Division Representative informed.

Adverse Weather Conditions

• Where there has been adverse weather the home team is responsible for ensuring a timely pitch inspection. Where the pitch is deemed unplayable the visiting team and umpires shall be notified in good time, to prevent unnecessary travel. Teams are reminded that in their pre-match contact, they should arrange a suitable cancellation contact time on the day of the match taking into account travel and weather conditions.
• In the event of adverse weather conditions immediately prior to or during, a match it shall be the responsibility of the umpires to decide on the possibility of play. If the umpires disagree, a replay should be arranged.
• In the event of a match being abandoned before full time due to exceptional circumstances, the match shall be classified as complete if more than 52 minutes are complete; if fewer than 52 minutes are complete the match should be rearranged using the terms outlined in Byelaw 5 (e)

Forfeiture

• Individual teams cannot take or forfeit points.
• The Division Representative will endeavour to rearrange any match which has not been played, subject to the terms of Byelaw 5 (e); only if this proves impossible by the end of the season, the Division Representative shall determine that 3 points and a score of 5-0 will be awarded to the team who did not originally cause the cancellation.
• If a team persistently fails to fulfil fixtures, the Committee has the power to take additional action under Byelaw 1 (f).