Chris Bass the Somerset scoreboard operator has recently sent me the following article to help to explain the over rates as they apply to the different competitions that Somerset take part in.

'No doubt the subject of over rates is still in the minds of Somerset supporters in the light - or perhaps it should be the 'dark' - of the home NUL match with Glamorgan on Sunday 30 June.

This closely contested match ended in confusion, if not chaos when, at the start of the final over, the umpires awarded 6 penalty runs against Somerset for their slow over rate.

This immediately halved Glamorgan's target of 12 to win down to 6. The umpires were carrying out their duty to the letter, strictly adhering to the regulations and, forgiving the old cliché, they are the 'sole arbiters of fact'.

Only the umpires, therefore, decide the time allowances for injuries, ball retrievals and other stoppages. No time allowance is made for fall of wickets in this competition, unlike Championship matches.

Normal hours of play in the NUL are 1.00 to 7.10 pm, one hour earlier in September. There is a strict time allowance for the fielding side to complete its overs, normally 45.

The batting side is awarded 6 penalty runs for each over not bowled before the deadline.

The fielding side captain is told by the umpires at the start of the innings and after all interruptions in play what the deadline is for the completion of his team's overs.

The umpires are also supposed to keep the captain informed of any extra time allowances as and when they occur.

Also, in all reduced overs NUL matches, the fielding team are given one over's 'leeway'.

In Championship matches, a minimum of 16 overs must be bowled per hour. Here, an allowance of 2 minutes per wicket is allowed, also additional time for injuries, balls having to be fished out of the river, etc.

For each over short of the required number, the fielding side are docked ¼ (0.25) of a Championship point. However, if the rate is behind the target after the 1st innings, it can always be put right in the 2nd.

The County Ground message board displays the over rate at or near the start of each session of play and more frequently if it slips below the required rate.This is transmitted by a simple plus or minus figure.'

Thanks Chris I am sure that all of the website readers will find that very useful information.

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