The Open Competitions' League cricket in Leinster continues to be split into two distinct blocks. Divisions 1-4 for the serious cricket at the top of the game, and Divisions 5-14, which whilst just as serious for those taking part, offers more of an opportunity for a relaxed afternoon of cricket.
With that in mind the regulations for 2012 for Divisions 5-14 have now been published, and there are very few changes to 2011.
Most important are the changes to umpiring regulations. The Leinster Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association have done a great job over the winter in increasing the numbers of umpires in Leinster. As a result there will be official umpires at all divisions from Division 1 - 6. Divisions below this level may also see official umpires - keep an eye on the fixtures page of the website to see if your game is covered.
The big change is in matches where there is no official LCU&SA umpire. For 2012, there is no need for the club to provide an umpire - players can once again perform the role, hopefully making the task of running a cricket team much easier for those involved. The OCC will monitor this over the year. It is hoped that there will be no disciplinary problems related to this move.
The other three changes are relatively minor, but are well worth noting.
All matches will now be straight limited overs matches - either 40 overs per side, or 45 overs per side, depending on the level. If the side batting first is dismissed for less than it's allocation, the unused overs will NOT pass to the side batting second.
The final change is slightly more technical. The Laws of Cricket (Law 17 and 42.3) prevent practicing on the outfield at certain times along with changing the condition of the ball. In 2011 the LCU decided not to follow this Law, which meant that players were allowed to practice bowling in the outfield (such as a bowler having a test bowl to mid-on). As there is no reason to not follow the Laws of Cricket, this practice is now NOT allowed.
Finally, there has been a correction to the regulation concerning waist hight full tosses, the change bringing the regulations back into line with the Law. In Divisions 5-14, a slow delivery will only be called a no-ball if it is over shoulder height (non-slow deliveries will be called over non-ball if they are over waist height). This is as per the Laws of cricket.
The regulations in full can be read on the regulations page. Any questions relating to these regualtions should be directed to Kevin Gallagher