Playing Conditions

1. LAWS OF CRICKET

Except as varied hereunder the Laws of Cricket (1980 Code) Second Edition - 1992, subsequent amendments shall apply in all matches.

2. DURATION OF MATCHES

Matches shall be four days scheduled duration.

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 DAYLIGHT SAVING

It is proposed that all matches played in non-daylight saving hours in NSW, VIC and SA shall commence at 10.30am. All matches in WA in October 1999 and March 2000 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 circumstances, 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 added prior to the scheduled start of the first session and the remainder shall be added to the last session. No scheduled sessions shall exceed 2 ½ hours. In the event that Law 16.3 becomes applicable, the scheduled cessation time shall be 2 ½ hours from the conclusion of the tea interval.
(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 the 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. If it is decided to play such extra time on one or more of these days, the whole period shall be player 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 previously extended under this clause.

Refer to Clause 3.1 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.

Refer to Clause 3.1 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 and 16.4. Law 16.5 and Law 16 Note (b) shall not apply.

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 player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

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 34.5) both umpires shall be appointed by the home State to officiate in all preliminary Sheffield Shield matches. Note: The ACB may from time to time appoint one umpire to officiate in preliminary Sheffield Shield matches. A third umpire shall be appointed to all matches where the technology is available. ICC conditions to apply.

5. SUBSTITUTES
5.1 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 discretion 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 field to do so (not changing on the field) but no Substitute will be allowed.

The player acting as Runner for an injured Batsman shall at all times wear similar external clothing and protective equipment as the injured Batsman.

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 side 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, when 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 personally informs the Umpires when he is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress.

6. 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.

7. THE BALL

(a) First quality balls approved by the Australian Cricket Board shall be used in Sheffield Shield 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 taken, 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 be 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 may 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 brand 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.

8. 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 over from the same end, provided only that he shall not bowl two overs, or part thereof, consecutively in one innings.

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 as possible to that pertaining when the choice of innings was made.

The outfield shall be mown daily before play begins.

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.

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.

(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 Groundsman, 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.

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.

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.

10. 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 gutter 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.

11. NO BALL
11.1 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.

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.

11.3.1 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, irrespective 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."
11.3.2 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.

Law 42.9 and Law 42 note (e) shall be replaced by the following:
Any high full pitched ball (regardless of its pace) 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 procedure of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8 above. However, if the Umpire at the Bowlers end considers that such a 'fast' high full pitch has been bowled 'deliberately' at the Batsman he shall call and signal No Ball and direct the Captain of the fielding side to take the Bowler off forthwith without adopting the procedure of caution and final warning.

12. NO BALLS AND WIDES - BOWLING ANALYSIS AND PENALTY

In place of Law 24.8 the following will apply:

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.

A penalty of one run shall be scored for a no ball, plus any runs scored from the delivery. The above penalty shall also apply to Clause 11.3 (Fast Short Pitched Balls) and Clause 11.4 (Fast , High Full Pitched Balls).
A penalty of one run shall be scored for a wide, plus any runs scored from the delivery.
All runs which are not run, or result from a Wide Ball which is not a No Ball shall be scored Wide Balls.

13. INTERPRETATION OF PLAYING CONDITIONS
13.1 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.

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 club 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 opportunity 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 following:
(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 other 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".

14. MINIMUM OVER RATES
14.1

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:
(a) on days other than the last day - minimum of 96 overs.
(b) on the last day - a minimum of 80 overs (or 16 overs per hour) for playing time other than the last hour when Clause 14.5 below shall apply.

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 3.75 minutes to enable a minimum of 96 overs to be bowled in 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 14.5 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.

Except in the last hour of the match, for which Clause 14.5 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 full 3.75 minutes of the aggregate playing time lost.

On the last day, if any of the minimum number of 80 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 the completion of those overs.

Law 17.6 and 17.7 will apply except that a minimum of 16 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 3.75 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.

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 the scheduled or rescheduled cessation time or thereafter.

An over completed on resumption of a new day's play shall be disregarded in calculating minimum overs for that day.

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.

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

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.

15. PENALTIES FOR NOT ACHIEVING OVER RATES

Subject to the provisions of Clause 14 (Minimum Over Rates), over rates shall be assessed on 16 overs per hour, ie a minimum of 96 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 14.4 shall be excluded.
(b) a maximum allowance of 20 overs in any hour shall apply.
In the event of a match finishing within 3 scheduled 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.

16. THE RESULT
16.1 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
(ix)	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

Law 21 shall apply with the following:
Any query on the result of the match as defined in Law 21.6 and 21.7 shall be resolved as soon as possible and a final decision made by the umpires at the close of play.

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 34).
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 15 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 15 (above).

17. PLAYER CONDUCT

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

18. 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 protective 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 grounds provided the helmets are completely covered and their storage causes no surface obstruction.

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 to 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, or when conditions are unfit for play. Amongst the facts to be considered are background, sightscreens and the type of bowling. Before deciding to suspend play, or not to resume play after an interval on account of bad light (but for no other reason), the Umpires 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.

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.

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 the 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 stroke 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 and 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. LAW 22.7 - BOWLER INCAPACITATED OR SUSPENDED DURING AN OVER

The following shall apply in place of Law 22.7:
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 over from the same end, provided only that he shall not bowl two overs, or part thereof, consecutively in one innings.

29. LAW 25.1 - JUDGING A WIDE

Law 25.1 will apply, but in addition:
(i) For bowlers whom umpires consider to be bowling down the leg side as a negative tactic, the One Day International Wide interpretation will be applied.
(ii) In place of Laws 25.2, 25.6 and 25.8 the following will apply:
A penalty of one 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 run or result from a Wide Ball which is not a No Ball shall be scored Wide Balls.

30. LAW 42.3 - UNFAIR PLAY

In addition to Law 42.3 the following will apply:
It is normal fielding practice for fielders in recognised close to the wicket catching positions to be stationary, and for outfielders to walk in towards the striker when the bowler commences his run up. Any significant movement, off line or in depth, by a fielder once the bowler commences his run up is considered unfair and either umpire shall take action under Law 42.3 (Unfair Play). As a guide, the movement of a wicket keeper standing back who moves up to the stumps would be regarded as significant, whereas the movement forward by a wicket keeper of a couple of paces for a slower delivery or in taking his normal stance would not be regarded as significant. The same provision will apply to a slip fielder who takes only a couple of steps forward. The umpire has to make a judgement taking all the circumstances into account.

31. LAW 42.4 - (LIFTING THE SEAM) AND 42.5 - (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 brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.

32. LAW 42.11 PLAYERS DAMAGING THE PITCH

Law 42.11 (c) shall be replaced by the following:
In the event of the batsman damaging the pitch, the umpire at the bowler's end shall follow the procedures of caution and final warning as set out in Law 42.10 (c). Should the above warnings prove ineffective the umpire shall intervene without appeal by calling and signalling "Dead Ball" as soon as he considers there is no immediate chance of a dismissal, disallow any runs, and return the batsmen to their original ends.

33. LAW 42 NOTE (C)

Law 42 Note (c) shall apply except that the reference to "4 ft" shall be replaced by "5 ft".

Except as varied hereunder ordinary Sheffield Shield playing conditions shall apply.

34.1 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)

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

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.

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 choice shall be offered to the State whose team finishes second. Otherwise the decision shall be made by the Board.

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

ACB will appoint a Referee for the Final

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.