1. LAWS OF CRICKET
Except as varied hereunder the Laws of Cricket (1980 Code) Second Edition - 1992, subsequent amendments and ICC Test Match Regulations shall apply in all matches.

2. DURATION OF MATCHES
Matches shall be four days scheduled duration.

3. START AND CESSATION TIMES
3.1 Day Matches
NSW, SA, TAS, VIC, WA
11.00am - 1.00pm Session 1
1.00pm - 1.40pm Lunch
1.40pm - 3.40pm Session 2
3.40pm - 4.00pm Tea
4.00pm - 6.00pm Session 3

QLD
10.00am - 12.00noon Session 1
12.00noon - 12.40pm Lunch
12.40pm - 2.40pm Session 2
2.40pm - 3.00pm Tea
3.00pm - 5.00pm Session 3



3.2 Day/Night Matches
ALL MATCHES
3.00pm - 5.00pm Session 1
5.00pm - 5.20pm Interval
5.20pm - 7.20pm Session 2
7.20pm - 8.00pm Interval
8.00pm - 10.00pm Session 3

DAYLIGHT SAVING
It is proposed that all matches played in non-daylight saving hours in NSW, VIC, SA and WA shall commence at 10.30am.
All matches in WA in March 1999 to commence at 10.30am

3.3 Special Conditions For All Matches
(a) On the final day play may cease at the scheduled cessation time, or up to 30 minutes earlier, provided both Captains are in agreement.
(b) Any additional time required in accordance with Clause 13 (Over Rates) hereunder shall be played.
(c) Except in the last hour of the match, in the event of play being suspended for any reason other than normal intervals, the playing time on that day shall be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of one hour. In these circums tances, the minimum number of overs to be bowled shall be in accordance with the minimum over rate requirements. If play has been suspended for 30 minutes or more prior to the commencement of the scheduled tea interval, the tea interval shall be delayed for half an hour.
If any further playing time is lost, additional time of up to a maximum of one hour per day shall be added to the playing hours for the next or subsequent day(s) as required. Of this additional time the first 30 minutes or less shall be a dded to the first session.
However, under no circumstances shall the rescheduled cessation time be extended to more than one hour beyond the cessation time.

Note: - in all day/night matches the following shall apply
- play shall not proceed beyond 10.30pm on any day except to complete the required number of overs for the day.
- a maximum of 4 hours only lost playing time may be made up throughout the match over the following spread of playing hours:
day 1 : 3.00pm - 10.30pm
day 2 : 2.00pm - 10.30pm
day 3 : 2.00pm - 10.30pm
day 4 : 2.00pm - 9.30pm
(immediately prior to the commencement of the last hour).

(d) Any State wishing to change the hours of play must first obtain approval from ACB.
(e) The umpires may decide to play 30 minutes ( a minimum of eight overs) extra time at the end of any day if requested by either captain if, in the umpires opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day (this is in addition to th e maximum one hour’s extra time provided for in 3.3 (c) above). If the umpires do not believe a result can be achieved no extra time shall be allowed.
This clause shall not apply for day/night matches when play proceeds beyond the scheduled cessation time.
If it is decided to play such extra time on one or more of these days, the whole period shall be played out even though the possibility of finishing the match may have disappeared before the full period has expired. Only the actual amount of playing time up to the maximum 30 minutes extra time by which play is extended on any day shall be deducted from the total number of hours of play remaining, and the match shall end earlier on the final day by the amount of time by which play was prev iously extended under this clause.

3.4 Luncheon Interval
Refer to Clause 3.1 and 3.2 for interval times.
Subject to circumstances provided for in Law 16 (Note (b)) in consultation with the home State.
Note: Law 16.2 does not apply. Where an innings concludes, or there is a break in play within 10 minutes of the scheduled interval, the interval will commence at that time and be limited to 40 minutes.

3.5 Tea Interval
Refer to Clause 3.1 and 3.2 for interval times.
The interval shall be of 20 minutes duration from the agreed time or at the conclusion of the over in progress at the scheduled time. Subject to circumstances provided for in Law 16.3, 16.4 and 16 Note (b). Law 16.5 shall not apply.

3.6 Intervals for Drinks
The provisions of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme heat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks.
An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the Umpires. Any pla yer taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

3.7 Time Keeping
A clock on the ground shall be used to regulate the hours of play and intervals. The Umpires must notify the cricket authority of the ground which clock is to be followed, so that the spectators and representatives of the media may be informed. If the clock on the ground is out of order, the watches of the Umpires shall determine the time.

4. APPOINTMENT OF UMPIRES
Except for the final (refer Clause 30.5) one umpire appointed by the ACB and one umpire appointed by the home State shall officiate in all preliminary Sheffield Shield matches.
A third umpire shall be appointed to all matches where the technology is available, including Optus televised matches. ICC conditions to apply.

5. NOMINATION OF PLAYERS
(a) Law 1.2 shall apply except that the players nominated shall include the selected emergency fieldsmen.
(b) Subject to advice being given by the home State to the visiting State or its Team Manager, the emergency fieldsman of the home State may be released to play with his Club team, in which case the home State shall supply another emergency fieldsman to act in his stead if required.

6. THE BALL
(a) First quality balls approved by the Australian Cricket Board shall be used in Sheffield Shield matches. Orange balls to be used in all Day/Night matches .Note: The Kookaburra "Turf" brand has been approved by the Board.
(b) After 80 overs have been bowled, the fielding Captain may demand a new ball. In calculating the number of overs bowled, an over not completed by one bowler and completed by another bowler shall count as one. The over during which a new ball is t aken, irrespective of at what stage of that over, shall be the first over in respect of the calculation for the next new ball.
(c) The Umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the match when play is not
actually taking place. During play Umpires shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, a drinks interval, at the end of each over, or any other disruption in play .
(d) In the event of a ball during play being lost or, in the opinion of the Umpires, being unfit for play through normal use, the Umpires shall allow it to be replaced by one that in their opinion has had a similar amount of wear. If the ball is to b e replaced, the Umpires shall inform the Batsmen.
(e) In the event of a ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew, or an orange ball becoming significantly discoloured and in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play, the ball ma y be replaced for a ball that has had a similar amount of wear, or in the case of an orange ball improved colour, even though it has not gone out of shape.
Either bowler or batsmen may raise the matter with the Umpires and the Umpires' decision as to a replacement or otherwise will be final.
(f) Lifting The Seam - Changing the Condition of the Ball.
In the event that a ball has been interfered with and requires replacement the batsman at the wicket shall choose the replacement ball from a selection of six other balls of various degrees of usage (including a new ball) and of the same b rand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.
(g) Ball lost or Becoming Unfit for Play.
In the event of a ball during play being lost or, in the opinion of the Umpires, being unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall allow it to be replaced by one that in their opinion has had a similar amount of wear. However, if the ball needs to be replaced after 110 overs for any of the reasons above, it shall be replaced by a new ball. If the ball is to be replaced, the umpire shall inform the batsmen.

7. THE OVER
(a) Six balls shall be bowled to the over.
(b) If for any reason, a Bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowl the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the Umpire shall call and signal "dead ball" and another bowler shall bowl or complete the ov er from the same end, provided only that he shall not bowl two overs, or part thereof, consecutively in one innings.

8. GROUND & PITCH
8.1 Rolling of the Pitch
Law 10.1 will apply, but add the following sentence to the first paragraph:
However, if in the opinion of the Umpires, the delay has had no significant effect upon the state of the pitch, they shall refuse any request for the rolling of the pitch.
In addition the Umpires are empowered to authorise the Groundsman to roll, sweep and otherwise treat the pitch by such manner and means which they, bearing in mind the advice of the Groundsman, consider will return the state of the pitch as near a s possible to that pertaining when the choice of innings was made.

8.2 Mowing the Outfield
The outfield shall be mown daily before play begins.

8.3 Maintenance of Foot Holes
Law 10.6 will apply but add:
The Umpires shall see that wherever possible and whenever it is considered necessary, action is to be taken during all intervals in play to do whatever is practicable to improve the bowler's foot holes. As soon as possible after the conclusion of each day's play, bowlers’ foot holes will be repaired.

8.4 Covering the Pitch - Before and During a Match
In place of Law 11.1 and 11.2, the following shall apply:
In all matches, the pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play and for the duration of the period of the match. It shall be wholly covered at the termination of each day's play or providing the weather is fine, within a period of two hours thereafter.
The covers shall be removed no earlier that 5.00am and no later than 7.00am on each morning of the match (including the rest day) provided it is not raining at the time, but they will be replaced if rain falls prior to the commencement of play.
Note: the covers must totally protect the pitch and also the pitch surroundings, a minimum of five metres either side of the pitch and any worn or soft areas in the outfield, as well as the bowlers run-ups to a distance of at least 10 x 10 metres.
Attention is drawn to Law 3 Note (c) and Law 11.3.

8.5 Drying of Pitch and Ground
(a) Prior to tossing for choice of innings the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall be at the discretion of the Groundsman. Thereafter and throughout the match the drying of the outfield may be undertaken at any time by the Groun dsman, but the drying of the affected area of the pitch shall be carried out only on the instructions and under the supervision of the Umpires. The Umpires shall be empowered to have the pitch dried without reference to the Captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit for play.
(b) The Umpires may instruct the Groundsman to use any available equipment, including any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play.
Note: an absorbent roller may be used to remove water from the covers including the cover on the match pitch.

8.6 Pitch Inspection
In addition to Law 7.2, the following will apply:
Captains, Umpires and Groundsmen should co-operate to ensure that, prior to the start of any day's play, no-one bounces a ball on the pitch or strikes it with a bat to assess its condition or for any other reason, or causes damage to the pitch in any other way.
Prior to the start of play on any day, only the Captain and team Coach may walk on the pitch to assess its condition. Spiked footwear is not permitted.
Prior to the commencement of a day's play, one TV commentator and camera crew of the official licensed TV broadcaster/s (but not news crew) may be permitted to inspect the pitch and surrounds subject to the following:
- a ball must not be bounced on the pitch
- a key or knife may only be inserted in the pitch in the area between the popping and bowling creases.
In the event of any dispute, the home Association will rule and their ruling will be final.

8.7 Watering the Outfield
In order that the condition of the outfield can be maintained throughout the duration of a match, Oval Managers/Curators must first be granted approval by both Captains to water the outfield after any days play.
Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

9. BOUNDARIES
(a) Where the boundary of a playing area is marked by a fence and a gutter or kerb is running at or near the base of the fence, the fence line shall be the boundary for all relevant purposes of Laws 19 and 32 but if the ball rolls into the gut ter or against the kerb it shall be treated as having reached the boundary line.
(b) If an unauthorised person enters the playing area and handles the ball, the Umpire at the bowler's end shall be the sole judge of whether the boundary allowance shall be scored, and the ball be treated as still in play, or called "dead ball" if a batsman is liable to be out as a result of the unauthorised person handling the ball.

10. NO BALL
10.1 Mode of Delivery
Law 24.1 will apply except that the bowler may not deliver the ball underarm. If a bowler bowls a ball underarm the umpire shall call and signal dead ball, and the ball is to be rebowled overarm.
In addition, the Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal no ball if a ball which the Umpire considers to have been delivered:
(i) bounces more than twice, or
(ii) rolls along the ground, or
(iii) comes to rest
before it reaches the striker or, if not otherwise played by the striker, before it reaches the popping crease. If the ball comes to rest in such circumstances, the Umpire will call No Ball and Law 25.3 shall apply.

10.2 Law 24.2 Fair Delivery - The Arm
Law 24.2 shall apply with the following:
The umpire shall also adopt the procedures of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8.

10.3 Law 42.8 The Bowling of Fast, Short Pitch Balls
10.3.1 Change to the Playing Conditions
Delete existing wording and insert the following:
The bowling of fast short pitched balls is unfair if the Umpire at the Bowler's end considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction, they are likely to inflict physical injury on the Striker, i rrespective of the protective clothing and equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the Striker shall also be taken into consideration.
In the event of such unfair bowling, the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the following procedure:
(a) In the first instance the Umpire shall call and signal "no ball", caution the Bowler and inform the other Umpire, the Captain of the fielding side and the Batsmen of what has occurred.
(b) If this caution is ineffective, he shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the Bowler that this is a final warning.
(c) Both the above caution and final warning shall continue to apply even though the Bowler may later change ends.
(d) Should the above warning prove ineffective the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall
(i) At the first repetition call and signal "no ball" and when the ball is dead direct the Captain to take the Bowler off forthwith and to complete the over with another Bowler, provided that the Bowler does not bowl two overs or part thereof consecutively. See Law 22.7 (Bowler Incapacitated or Suspended during an Over).
(ii) Not allow the Bowler, thus taken off, to bowl again in the same innings.
(iii) Report the occurrence to the Captain of the batting side as soon as the Players leave the field for an interval.
(iv) Report the occurrence to the Executive of the fielding side and to any governing body responsible for the match who shall take any further action which is considered to be appropriate against the Bowler concerned.”

10.3.2 Limit Per Over
(a) A bowler shall be limited to two fast short pitched deliveries per over.
(b) A fast short pitched ball is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the Batsman standing upright at the crease.
(c) In the event of a bowler bowling more than two fast short pitched deliveries in an over, either umpire shall call and signal "no ball" on each occasion.
(d) The penalty for a fast short pitched "no ball" shall be one run, plus any runs scored from the delivery.
(e) A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitch delivery. The Umpire shall call and signal "no ball" then raise the other arm across the chest.
Where a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in one over which is also a no-ball under Law 24 eg. a front foot no-ball, the penalty will be one run plus any runs scored from that delivery.
If a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in an over, not only must the Umpire call no ball, but he must invoke the procedures of Law 42.8 (a) in regard to cautioning the bowler.
If a bowler is no balled a second time in the innings for the same offence, the Umpire shall advise the bowler this is his final warning as provided for in Law 42.8 (b).
A third such offence in the same innings shall cause the Umpire to invoke Law 42.8 (d) ie. the bowler shall be removed forthwith and cannot bowl again in that innings.
The above is not a substitute for Law 42.8 (as amended) which Umpires are able to apply at any time.

10.4 Law 42.9 The Bowling of Fast, High, Full Pitches Balls
Law 42.9 and Law 42 note (e) shall be replaced by the following:
The bowling of fast high full pitched balls is unfair. Any fast high full pitched ball which passes or would have passed above waist height of the batsman standing upright at the crease shall be called and signalled “No Ball” by the umpire at the bowler’ s end.
In the event of a bowler bowling a fast high full pitched ball (i.e a beamer), the umpire at the bowler’s end shall adopt the following procedure:
(a) In the first instance the umpire shall call and signal no ball, caution the Bowler and issue a first and final warning and inform the other umpire, captain of the fielding side and the Batsman of what has occurred.
(b At the first repetition call and signal no ball and when the ball is dead direct the captain of the fielding side to take the Bowler off forthwith and to complete the over with another Bowler, provided that the Bowler does not bowl two overs or pa rt thereof consecutively.
(c) Not allow the Bowler, thus taken off, to bowl again in the same innings.

11. NO BALLS AND WIDES - BOWLING ANALYSIS AND PENALTY
In place of Law 24.8 the following will apply:
11.1 Bowling Analysis
No balls and wides not scored from shall be added to the relevant bowler's analysis, as they occur, during the course of the innings.
Note: An over cannot be classified as a "maiden over" if a no ball or wide occurs during the over.

11.2 Penalty
A penalty of (1) run for a no-ball shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
A penalty of (1) run for a wide shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
All runs which are not run, or result from a Wide Ball which is not a No Ball shall be scored Wide Balls.

12. INTERPRETATION OF PLAYING CONDITIONS
12.1 Uniform Interpretation
The local State Association shall be responsible to ensure uniform interpretation of these playing conditions and to adjudicate, if necessary, should there be any dispute.

12.2 Contrived Result
1. The ACB shall have the power to investigate a game or the actions of the captains of the teams or any player involved in a match, if it suspects reasonably that the competing States with or without the assistance of any other person or clu b have colluded to contrive the result of a match. If the ACB decides to carry out an investigation, it will conduct such inquiries as it sees fit and invite submissions about the match or the conduct of either captain or any player, and will give the opp ortunity to be heard to interested parties, including representatives of both teams involved.
2. If the ACB finds that the teams, officials, captains or players have colluded unfairly to contrive the outcome of a match, to the detriment of any other team in the competition the ACB may in its absolute discretion do one or more of the f ollowing:
(a) fine a team, captain or player;
(b) suspend a captain from playing in any match or matches;
(c) disallow any points earned by a team in respect of the match;
(d) amend any points earned by a team in the match; or
(e) take such other action as is deemed appropriate by the ACB

“For the purpose of this playing condition, ‘colluded unfairly to contrive the outcome of a match’ means an agreement designed to contrive the outcome of a match in favour of a particular team or to achieve a result which is unfair to any of the o ther teams in the same competition. The operation of this playing condition is not intended to prevent competing captains from making aggressive declarations with a view to giving either side the chance of achieving an outright win”.

13. MINIMUM OVER RATES
13.1 Play shall continue on each day until the completion of a minimum number of overs or until the scheduled cessation time, whichever is the latest. The minimum number of overs to be completed, unless an innings or an interruption occurs, shall be:< BR> (a) on days other than the last day - minimum of 100 overs.
(b) on the last day - a minimum of 83 overs (or 17 overs per hour) for playing time other than the last hour when Clause 13.5 below shall apply.

13.2 When an innings ends a minimum number of overs shall be bowled from the start of the new innings. The number of overs to be bowled shall be calculated at the rate of 1 over for each full 3.6 minutes to enable a minimum of 100 overs to be bowled i n a day and the time for close of play shall be re-scheduled accordingly.
The last hour of the match shall be excluded from this calculation when clause 13.5 shall apply.
Where a change of innings occurs during a day’s play, in the event of the team bowling second being unable to complete its overs by the scheduled cessation time, play shall continue until the required number of overs have been completed.
Where there is a change of innings during a day’s play (except at lunch or tea), two overs will be deducted from the minimum number of overs to be bowled.

13.3 Except in the last hour of the match, for which Clause 13.5 makes provision, if play is suspended due to adverse weather or light for more than one hour in aggregate on any day, the minimum number of overs shall be reduced by one over for each ful l 3.6 minutes of the aggregate playing time lost.

13.4 On the last day, if any of the minimum number of 83 overs, or as recalculated, have not been bowled when one hour of scheduled playing time remains, the last hour of the match for the purposes of Law 17.7 shall be the hour immediately following th e completion of those overs.

13.5 Law 17.6 and 17.7 will apply except that a minimum of 17 six ball overs shall be bowled in the last hour and all calculations with regard to suspensions of play or the start of a new innings shall be based on 1 over for each full 3.6 minutes. If, however, at any time after 30 minutes of the last hour have elapsed both Captains (the batsmen at the wicket may act for their Captain) accept that there is no prospect of a result to the match, they may agree to cease play at that time.

13.6 Notwithstanding any other provision, there shall be no further play on any day, other than the last day, if a wicket falls or a batsmen retires or if the players have occasion to leave the field during the last minimum over within two minutes of t he scheduled or rescheduled cessation time or thereafter.

13.7 An over completed on resumption of a new day's play shall be disregarded in calculating minimum overs for that day.
13.8 Except on the final day, if in the event of ground, weather or light conditions causing a suspension of play and/or if the players are already off the field at the rescheduled cessation time or any time thereafter, stumps shall be drawn.

13.9 Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs.

13.10 The Scoreboard
The scoreboard shall show:
- the total number of overs bowled with the ball currently in use.
- the minimum number of overs remaining to be bowled in a day.
- the number of overs above or below the target overs for the day.

14. PENALTIES FOR NOT ACHIEVING OVER RATES
Subject to the provisions of Clause 13 (Minimum Over Rates), over rates shall be assessed on 17 overs per hour, ie a minimum of 100 overs in a six hour day, subject to the following deductions:-
2 minutes per wicket taken
4 minutes for drinks breaks in excess of one per session
actual time where treatment by authorised medical personnel is required on the ground and/or for a player leaving the field due to serious injury.
Overs will be calculated at the end of the match. For each over short of the target number, 0.1 shall be deducted from the team's match points.
For the purpose of calculation of penalties.
(a) the scheduled last hour of the match, as defined in clause 13.4 shall be excluded.
(b) a maximum allowance of 20 overs in any hour shall apply.
In the event of a match finishing within 3 playing days, penalties for not achieving the required over rates shall not apply.
A Commissioner appointed by the ACB will hear and determine all appeals against penalties imposed.
For the purpose of determining whether the fielding side has fallen short of the target number of overs, umpires may take into account any factor they consider relevant, including whether inclement weather has adversely affected the ability of the fielding side to comply with the required over rate.
Appeals shall be lodged within 14 days of the completion of the match.
The onus shall be on the appellant to prove that the umpires have erred in their assessment of time allowances. Video evidence where available may be produced by the appellant in support of the appeal.
Umpires will be required to record all delays and stoppages on the appropriate form.

15. THE RESULT
15.1 Match Points
(i) For an outright win after leading on the
first innings.............................................................6 Points
(ii) For an outright win after a tie in the
first innings.............................................................6 Points
(iii) For an outright win after being behind on the
first innings............................................................ 6 Points
(iv) For a tie where both teams have completed
two innings (irrespective of the first innings
result) ..............3 Points
(v) For a first innings lead (to be retained even
if beaten outright..........................................2 Points
(vi) For an outright loss after leading on the
first innings ......................................................2 Points
(vii) For a tie on the first innings (and no
outright result). .............................................1 Point each
(viii) For an outright loss after a tie in the first
innings.……….................................................1 Point
(xi) For a loss on the first innings..................................Nil
(x) For an outright loss after being behind on the
first innings.............................................................Nil
(xi) Abandoned or drawn matches with no first
innings result..........................................................Nil

15.2 Qualifying For the Final
The two teams which have highest aggregate of points at the end of a season shall play off in a final for the Sheffield Shield for that season (refer clause 30).
In the event of an equality of points the higher number of outright wins will determine the positions on the Sheffield Shield table.
Should there be equality in both points and wins, the positions shall be determine by average calculated thus:
(i) divide the total number of runs scored by a State by the total number of wickets lost by it.
(ii) divide the total number of runs scored against a State by the total number of wickets taken by it.
(iii) divide the former (i) by the latter (ii) the team having the higher percentage shall be considered to have the better performance.
For the purpose of the calculations and for individual averages a team declaring its innings closed shall be deemed to have lost only the number of wickets which have actually fallen.
For the purpose of the calculations the provisions of Clause 14 shall apply.
Note: It is possible for a team record a negative points tally on the Sheffield Shield table as a result of penalties incurred under the provision of Clause 14 (above).

16. PLAYER CONDUCT
State players shall be bound by the terms of the ACB Code of Conduct.

17. HELMETS (AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)
(a) In addition to Laws 23.1 (e), 32.2 (e), 38 Note (c) and 41.4 the following shall apply:
Striker is out under this Law if the ball is deflected from his bat onto his own protective helmet and he is subsequently caught. Runs may be scored off deflections from the batsmen's or fielder's helmet.
A batsman may call for a helmet to be brought out to him at any time. He must then wear or carry it
personally all the time while play is in progress, or can have it taken off the field at the fall of a wicket, or at the end of an over, or at any drinks interval.
In all cases, no action involving helmets are to waste playing time. Umpires are not to hold helmets.
The exchanging of protective equipment between members of the fielding side on the field shall be permitted provided that the Umpires do not consider that it constitutes a waste of playing time. A batsman may only change other items of pr otective equipment (eg batting gloves, etc.) provided that there is no waste of playing time.
(b) If a ball hits a fieldsman's helmet while it is lying on the ground Laws 41.1 and 23.1 (f) shall apply: ie either Umpire shall call and signal "dead ball" and five penalty runs shall be awarded.
(c) Fielding helmets when not in use are to be placed behind the wicket-keeper. With the approval of the local Association and/or ground authority, helmets may be stored in ground drainage sumps (not water tap recesses) where such exist on gr ounds provided the helmets are completely covered and their storage causes no surface obstruction.

18. SUBSTITUTES
18.1 Law 2.1 will apply as modified:
In normal circumstances, a Substitute shall be allowed to field only for a player who satisfies the Umpires that he has become injured or become ill during the match. However, in very exceptional circumstances, the Umpires may use their discretio n to allow a Substitute for a player who has to leave the field or does not take the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, subject to consent being given by the opposing Captain. If a player wishes to change his shirt, boots etc, he may leave the fi eld to do so (not changing on the field) but no Substitute will be allowed.

18.2 Law 2.6 (Runner's Equipment) will apply as modified:
The player acting as Runner for an injured Batsman shall at all times wear similar external clothing and protective equipment as the injured Batsman.

18.3 Law 2.8 - Fieldsman Leaving the Field
In place of Law 2.8, the following will apply:
No fieldsman shall leave the field or return during the session of play without the consent of the Umpire at the bowler's end. The Umpire's consent is also necessary if a Substitute is required for a fieldsman at the start of play or when his sid e returns to the field after an interval. If a member of the fielding side does not take a field at the start of play, leaves the field or fails to return after an interval and is absent from the field longer than 8 minutes:
(i) the player shall not be permitted to bowl in the innings
after his return until he has been on the field for at least
that length of playing time for which he was absent. In the event of a follow-on, this restriction will, if necessary, continue into the second innings.
(ii) the player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until, in the aggregate, he has returned to the field and/or his side's innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which he has been absent or, if earlier, w hen his side has lost five wickets.
The restriction in (i) and (ii) above shall not apply if the player has suffered an external blow (as opposed to any internal injury such as a pulled muscle) whilst participating earlier in the match and consequently been forced to leave the field . Nor shall it apply if the player has been absent for very exceptional and wholly acceptable reasons (other than injury or illness) and consent for a Substitute has been granted by the opposing Captain.
This restriction shall not apply at the commencement of a new day’s play.
Note: in the event of a fieldsman already being off the field at the commencement of an interruption in play through ground, weather or light conditions, he shall be allowed to count any such stoppage time as playing time, provided that he persona lly informs the Umpires when he is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress.

19. CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT AND FOOTWEAR
Commercial Logos & Advertising
Only approved logos and identification, as authorised by ICC policy and/or ACB/State Associations, are permitted to be worn in international and interstate matches.

The use of non-spiked footwear by players is not permitted.

20. GROUND AND FACILITIES
Hitting Up
Teams are required to observe ground authority regulations and to exercise the utmost care and caution when engaging in practice and pre-match warm-up and "hitting-up" activities so as to avoid the risk of injury to members of the public, damage t o the centre wicket region and to perimeter fencing.

21. FITNESS OF GROUND, WEATHER AND LIGHT
21.1 Law 3.8 - Fitness of Light, Ground, Weather & Light. Add the following to paragraph (a) and delete clause (i):
The Umpires will suspend, or continue to suspend play for bad light when they consider that there is a risk of serious physical injury to the batsman. Amongst the facts to be considered are background, sightscreens and the type of bowling. Befor e deciding to suspend play, or not to resume play after an interval on account of bad light (but for no other reason), the Umpire shall establish whether the Captain of the batting team (the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their Captain) wishes to continue in unfit conditions, if so, his wishes shall be met.

21.2 Add the following to the last sentence of 3.8 (a) (ii):
.....or, as a consequence of a change of bowler, if batting
conditions have become more dangerous.

21.3 The Umpires shall disregard any shadow on the pitch from the stadium or from any permanent object on the ground.

22. LAW 15.2 - PRACTICE ON THE FIELD
At no time on any day of the match shall there be any bowling or batting practice on the pitch or the square, except in official netted practice pitch areas. In addition there shall be no bowling or batting practice on any part of the square or t he area immediately parallel to the match pitch after the commencement of play on any day. Any fieldsman contravening this law may not bowl his next over.
No practice may take place on the field if, in opinion of the Umpires, it could result in a waste of time.

23. LAW 6 - THE BAT
Law 6.1 will apply as modified
The bat overall shall not be more than 38 inches/96.5 cm in length; the blade of the bat shall be made of wood, shall have a conventional "flat" face and shall not exceed 4¼ inches/10.8 cm at the widest part.

24. LAW 30 - BOWLED
The following shall apply in place of Law 30.1(b):
He plays the ball, or if it touches his person, then hits or kicks it into and breaks his wicket and in the Umpire's judgement an attempt to protect the wicket has been made, the striker will be given out on appeal - bowled. Completion of the str oke will not be considered if an attempt is made to protect the wicket. See Law 34.1 (Out-Hit the Ball Twice)

25. LAW 9.2 - POPPING CREASE
Law 9.2 shall apply except the references to “a minimum of 6 ft” shall be replaced by “a minimum of 15 yards”.

26. LAW 4.2 - THE SCORERS - ACKNOWLEDGING SIGNALS
Note: in the event of multiple signals by the Umpires off the same delivery, the Scorers shall acknowledge all signals. The Umpire at the Bowlers’ end shall direct the attention of the Scorers to the signal(s) by the Umpire at the Strikers’ end an d both Umpires will wait until all signals have been acknowledged by a Scorer before allowing the game to proceed.

27. USE OF LIGHTS
If in the opinion of the umpires, natural light is deteriorating to an unfit level, they may authorise the ground authorities to use the available artificial lighting so that the match can continue in acceptable conditions.
In the event of a power failure or lights malfunction the existing provisions for “make up” time shall apply.

28. DAY/NIGHT MATCHES
28.1 Pads and players’ clothing shall be white. Umpires’ clothing shall be white coats/pullovers, white shirts, black trousers, white footwear. Balls shall be orange.
28.2 Sightscreens will be white.

29. SHEFFIELD SHIELD FINAL
Except as varied hereunder ordinary Sheffield Shield playing conditions shall apply.

29.1 Duration of Match
(a) The Sheffield Shield Final shall be of five days scheduled duration.
(b) If immediately prior to the commencement of the scheduled last hour of the match a cumulative total of at least six hours scheduled play has been lost on account of weather, light, pitch or ground, then one extra day shall be added.
(c) If the match has not commenced by 2.40 pm on the fourth day then the match shall revert to a first innings match played under ordinary conditions (ie total playing time remaining is 15 hours or less including the extra day as in (b) above)

29.2 Over Rates
As per Tour Playing Conditions Clause 3. That is, the initial minimum of overs shall be 90 calculated at one over for each complete four minutes.

29.3 Penalties for not Achieving Over Rates
Overs will be calculated at the end of the match. For each over short of the target number 5%, of each players match fee in the fielding side (excluding twelfth man) is to be deducted for the first five overs and 10% per over thereafter.

29.4 Venue
The State whose team finishes on top of the points table at the conclusion of the preliminary matches shall have the choice of venue, provided that this venue is acceptable to the Australian Cricket Board. Should the State waive this right, the c hoice shall be offered to the State whose team finishes second. Otherwise the decision shall be made by the Board.

29.5 Umpires
The Umpires for the Final shall be appointed by the Board and must be members of the National panel.

29.6 Referee
ACB will appoint a Referee for the Final

29.7 Result
The team finishing second must defeat the team finishing first outright to win the Sheffield Shield; except where 30.1(c) above applies, whereby the match shall revert to a first innings result.
Note: If the Final is drawn or tied, the team finishing at the top of the points table prior to the Final shall be declared the winner of the Sheffield Shield.

© Copyright Australian Cricket Board.

Date-stamped : 11 Jan1999 - 07:36