QSDCA Playing Regs Review 2026

Introduction

Welcome to the QSDCA Playing Regulations Review for 2026.

Blog URL https://qsdcaplayingregsreview2026.blogspot.com (Link printed so it can be copied off paper printouts.)

This is the QSDCA 2026 Playing Regulations Review.

This is the 2026 edition of a series of blogs which have been running for a number of years now.

Aim as always is to present new versions of Playing Regulations at the AGM in July to have them adopted.

Topics as of 13-Jul-2026 UPDATED

Here is the list of items under consideration.

ITEM 2026-01 Make the Grading Rules Clearer STATUS POSTED

Review Regs 3,4,5 and 35.15-35.24 Player Registration, Grading and Qualification for Finals (For all competitions)

These Regs. require a language review to make these rules more easily understood.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-01 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-02 2nd Innings Finish Time in One Dayers STATUS POSTED

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-02 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-03 Reg 23.2 Unexpected Replacement Players STATUS POSTED

To ensure that a match continues as 11 players v. 11 players on day 2, the unexpected replacement is permitted.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-03 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-04 Replacements for Over 40's Matches STATUS POSTED

It's high time we revised the awkward allowance for a 12th batter in Over 40's matches.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-04 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-05 Electronic Team List STATUS DROPPED

If the paper team list systems which we have used and held so dearly for decades can be replaced by using the electronic team lineup in PlayHQ then we should do so.

But they can't and here's why.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

Item 2026-06 New 2026 Laws of Cricket STATUS POSTED

A new edition of the Laws of Cricket (to be known as The Laws of Cricket 2017 4th edition 2026) will come into force worldwide on 1-Oct 2026. LINK

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-06 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-07 Clear up the rules appearing for two different clubs in the same competition STATUS POSTED

In 2025/26 season we had a very strange case where Reg 5 failed to prevent a couple of players from appearing for two DIFFERENT clubs on the same weekend in same (Saturday 2 day) competition.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-07 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-08 Change the Date Rules in the Constitution STATUS POSTED

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-08 CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-09 Player Absences (previously Item 2026-13) STATUS DROPPED

About Reg 12 Dropped 25.6.26

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-10 Reformat Playing Regs to follow Laws of Cricket STATUS DELAYED

This is a major change which will make Playing Regs more clear for players, captains, teams and umpires.
It's a *LOT* of work which will take some time. So we'll delay to till next year...

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

ITEM 2026-11 Limited Overs Wides STATUS POSTED

There's actually a difference between what gets called a wide in a limited overs game and what gets called wide in a 2 dayer.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-11 CLICK HERE

Appendix Updates for 2026/27 include:

Item 2026-12A App C Racial Vilification Code STATUS POSTED

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-12A CLICK HERE

Item 2026-12B Concussion Substitute STATUS DROPPED

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

Item 2026-12C App E Bowling Injury Prevention STATUS POSTED

Premier Cricket will be moving to this being a restriction (rather than recommendation) for 2026-27

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-12C CLICK HERE

Item 2026-12D App G Lightning Safety 30-30 Rule STATUS POSTED

Premier Cricket has made 30/30 into 40/30

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-12D CLICK HERE

Item 2026-12E App K Playing Condition – Helmets STATUS POSTED

Premier Cricket is moving to neck guards being mandatory for batters in 2026-27

Wicketkeepers and close fielders will remain at recommended.

Currently QSDCA is at “recommended”.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-12E CLICK HERE

Item 2026-12F App J Child Protection Policy STATUS POSTED

Recent Qld government legislation requires some changes to this Playing regulation.

LINK TO DISCUSSION CLICK HERE

LINK TO NOTICE OF MOTION 2026-12F CLICK HERE

HISTORY

Previous editions of the QSDCA Playing Regulations Review can be seen here. LINK

DO YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES YOU WANT TO SEE DISCUSSED?

Click on LINK TO DISCUSSION links to read more.
There will be a page of this blog dedicated to each issue.

Please feel free to join in the discussions. (If you cannot post comments, please email me at a.martin@qsdca.com.au )
On every page readers may make any comment or suggestion they wish.
Such comments are subject to moderation (which means I can control any irrelevant stuff).
Want to submit your own issue?
- Ok, here's how.
- QSDCA Constitution Closes Mon 13-Jul-2026 (ref. s20.2e) says that Notices of Motion must be submitted to secretary@qsdca.com.au 7 days prior to the AGM
- Submission Deadline is Mon 13-Jul-2026
- Notice of Motion Form is here https://tinyurl.com/4vyu288t

ABM 21-Jan-2026

Latest Update 13-Jul-2026

(Updated 13-May, 21-May, 3-Jun)

TO ADD YOUR COMMENT

Click on this link for a guide on how to post a comment. https://tinyurl.com/kmkvpub
If you can't do a comment perhaps it would be easier to send me an email at a.martin at qsdca.com.au

The email address has been 'munged' to prevent 'spamming'.
To use it copy and paste into your email software and replace the " at " with a "@"

Comments can be entered on each discussion page. (They are subject to moderation.)
Useful comments are appreciated.

The overall aim is to present reviewed regulations at the QSDCA AGM in July for adoption by the Association.

Just because some matter is being talked about here doesn't mean it's inevitable.
Just because we're not talking about it yet doesn't mean it can't happen.

Item 2026-01 Make Grading Rules Clearer

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT
Regs 3, 4, 5 and 35.15-24 require a language review to make these rules more easily understood.

DISCUSSION

Each of these Regs is about the requirements for players to be properly registered in PlayHQ. Grade changes for players and qualification for finals are covered in these rules also.

These are very important regulations that support the integrity of each competition. That means they support the character and the quality of QSDCA cricket matches in a direct way.

AFAIC any cricket players (or teams or clubs) who feel unconstrained by such concepts are welcome to play in other cricket associations.

Player registration means the players, teams, clubs and the association are protected by insurance.

Player grading rules mean the standard of play in each grade is regulated. (It is meant to stop A graders scoring double centuries in half an hour in C grade.)

Finals eligibility rules mean the personnel who appear in the C grade semi final consist of the same players who appeared in the earlier competition Rounds. (Not half the A side who didn't make the finals and who are trying to ensure a trophy win for their mates in C grade.

What is in these Regs is sound and worth having. These rules are good for QSDCA cricket but the current versions require a great deal of interpretation and can lead to confusion and may even be slightly misleading in some cases.

So we'll try figuring 'em out a bit and re-writing 'em a bit.

Reg 5 is redone in NOM 2026-07 Clearances For Players Changing Clubs WEBLINK

PROPOSAL

OLD REGULATIONS	What does this mean?/Why does it need change?	PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
3 REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS Applies to All Competitions		No changes (yet)

3.1 All players will be registered in PlayHQ https://www.playhq.com/cricket
3.2 Each club must register at least eleven (11) players for each grade in which the club has entered a team.
3.3 Deadline is no later than seven (7) days before the first day of play for the season.
3.4 Any team that cannot register eleven (11) players by the deadline may lose its nomination.
3.5 Any club may register additional players during the season.
3.6 The eligibility of any player for registration will at all times be the responsibility of the Club concerned.
3.7 Any player who appears as a PlayHQ Fill-In player may do so on just two occasions.
3.7.1 It is the responsibility of Clubs to fully register fill-in players before any further appearance.
3.7.2 Any player who appears for a third or further appearance as a fill-in player in any match is in violation of this Playing Regulation.
3.8 If any player plays in a match without being registered in accordance with Playing Regulation 3 the Management Committee may impose a penalty in accordance with Playing Regulation 46 and 47 on that player's team.
3.8.1 Penalties may include: 3.8.2 Loss of points for the match or matches involved 3.8.3 A monetary penalty 3.8.4 Suspension of players 3.8.5 Suspension of the team captain. 3.8.6 Disqualification of the team 3.8.7 Disqualification or suspension of other teams from the same club.

4 PLAYERS CHANGING GRADES Applies to All Competitions	Title changes emphasis.	4 PLAYER ~~S CHANGING GRADES~~ GRADING Applies to All Competitions

Preamble: The aim of this section is to promote fair and matched play between teams of comparable ability as much as possible. While it is desirable that all players in a club get an opportunity to play as much as they can it is also desirable that the enjoyment of the game is not hampered by sides with players of mismatched ability dominating.		No changes
	Added for clarity.	For the purposes of this Playing Regulation, "Grade" means A, B or C not A1, A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3.
AT THE START OF THE SEASON		AT THE START OF THE SEASON
4.1 Clubs with more than one team will be allowed to play any registered players in any grade for the first 4 matches.		4.1 Clubs with more than one team will be allowed to play any registered players in any grade for the first 4 matches of each season.

THE ROUND 5 FINAL GRADING	Does this apply in anything other than Saturday competition?	THE ROUND 5 FINAL GRADING FOR TWO DAY COMPETITION
4.2 After the completion of match 4 and before the beginning of match 5, Clubs with more than one team will finalise player gradings.		No changes
4.2.1 The finalised player gradings will be sent in writing to the Management Committee.
4.2.2 Finalised player gradings will be examined by the Management Committee.
4.2.3 Failure to register such player gradings will automatically register players in the grade played in match 5.
4.2.4 If an ungraded player does not play in match 5 then that player will be registered in the grade first played in after match 5.
	Added Regulation	4.2.5 Reg 4,2 applies only for Saturday Two Day Competition
PLAYING IN A HIGHER GRADE
4.3 Any previously graded player can play in a higher grade.		No changes

DOWNGRADE STEPS FOLLOWING AUTOMATIC UPGRADE	Title changes emphasis.	~~DOWNGRADE STEPS FOLLOWING AUTOMATIC~~ AUTOMATED UPGRADE
4.4 Any previously graded player who plays three matches in a higher grade is automatically upgraded.	This is the automated upgrade condition.	No changes
4.4.1 Any automatically upgraded player may seek permission from the Management Committee for a downgrade.	Automated Upgrade = procedure to be downgraded again.
4.4.2 The player's club will seek permission from the Management Committee by submitting in writing details of the player's performances in those three matches.
4.4.3 Management Committee will decide permission based on the player's performances in those matches played in the higher grade.
4.4.4 The Honorary Secretary of the Association will advise the player's Club of any decision prior to the match following the Management Committee Meeting at which the decision is reached.

	Title added for clarity.	DOWNGRADE WITHIN GRADES
4.5 No permission is required for a player downgrade within grades (such as from A1 to A2, B2 to B3, or C1 to C4) in regular competition rounds.		No changes
	Combining the Finals Eligibility Rules into Reg 4.	PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES
4.5.1 Playing Regulation 4.5 does not apply in SEMI FINAL and GRAND FINAL MATCHES.		4.5.1 Playing Regulation 4.5 does not apply in SEMI FINAL and GRAND FINAL MATCHES.
4.5.2 See Playing Regulation 35 for additional finals player eligibility conditions.	Delete this Reg	4.5.2 Nil
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES	Moved up.
35.15 To be eligible to play in a SEMI FINAL or GRAND FINAL MATCH of the Saturday competition a player must have appeared in 4 matches of the current season • for the same club • in the same grade (or a lower grade) • for the same team (or the same club in a lower grade)	This Regulation has been combined for all competitions. Added reference to PlayHQ match appearance data for each player	4.5.3 To be eligible to play in a SEMI FINAL or GRAND FINAL MATCH of the each competition a player must have appeared in ~~in 4 matches~~ a minimum number of matches of the current season, as shown in the table in 4.5.4 for the same club in the same grade (or a lower grade) for the same team (or the same club in a lower grade) as shown in PlayHQ records.
	Table TBD	4.5.4 COMPETITION, Minimum Appearances for Finals Eligibility For Saturday Two Day Matches (Finals), 4 For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches (Saturday 1 day only competition FINALS), 3 For Sunday 50 Over Matches (Finals), 3 For Super 20 Matches (Finals), 3 For Sunday Over 40's - 40 Over Matches (Finals), 3 For Night T10 Finals Matches (Finals), 2 For Friday Night T20 Matches (Finals), 2

35.16 Note: in the case of clubs with more than one team in a single grade this means that players can not become eligible using games played in the other team in that grade.	Renumbered, some sentence edits.	4.5.5 ~~Note: in the case of~~ If a club has ~~with~~ more than one team in a single grade this means that players can not become eligible for a final using games played in the other team in that grade.
35.17 Any exceptions to Playing Regulation 35.15 must be submitted to the Management Committee for approval.		4.5.6 Any exceptions to Playing Regulation ~~35.15~~ 4.5.3 must be submitted to the Management Committee for approval.
35.18 Request for exception of a player who has appeared in two or less matches in the current season in that particular grade or a lower grade will be denied in all cases.		4.5.7 Request for exception of a player who has appeared in two or less matches in the current season in that particular grade or a lower grade will be denied in all cases.
35.19 Players listed for abandoned or forfeited matches count toward qualification for SEMI FINAL and GRAND FINAL MATCHES. See Playing Regulation 13.		4.5.8 Players listed for abandoned or forfeited matches count toward qualification for SEMI FINAL and GRAND FINAL MATCHES. See Playing Regulation 13.
35.20 When a club has consecutive teams in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES a maximum of 2 eligible players may be downgraded from the higher grade team to the next lower grade team without approval.		4.5.9 When a club has consecutive teams in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES a maximum of 2 eligible players may be downgraded from the higher grade team to the next lower grade team without approval.
35.21 Any player downgraded as in Playing Regulation 35.19 for a SEMI FINAL MATCH will become ineligible for the GRAND FINAL MATCH if the higher grade team is eliminated.		4.5.10 Any player downgraded as in Playing Regulation ~~35.19~~ 4.5.8 for a SEMI FINAL MATCH will become ineligible for the GRAND FINAL MATCH if the higher grade team is eliminated.
35.22 All other player downgrades in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES are not permitted unless approval is granted by the Management Committee.		4.5.11 All other player downgrades in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES are not permitted unless approval is granted by the Management Committee.

GENERAL DOWNGRADE STEPS		No changes
4.6 No previously graded player may play in a lower grade without the consent of the Management Committee.
4.6.1 Any previously graded player may seek permission from the Management Committee for a downgrade.
4.6.2 The player's club will seek permission from the Management Committee by submitting in writing details of the player's performances and reasons supporting the downgrade.
4.6.3 If a previously graded player plays in a lower grade match without permission (against Playing Regulations 4.6 to 4.6.2), the Management Committee may impose a penalty in accordance with Playing Regulations 46 and 47 on that player’s team.
4.6.4 That penalty will be loss of match points for the player’s team and the award of maximum points for the round to the opposing team as described in Playing Regulations 11.6 and 11.7.
4.7 Nil

CHANGING GRADES FOR SAME CLUB, DIFFERENT COMPETITION		No changes
4.8 Any club in the Association that also has teams in the Community Cricket Championship will transfer players subject to Playing Regulations 4.1 to 4.6.
4.8.1 Any club in the Association that also has teams in other QC affiliated competition(s) or has a written player exchange agreement with a club in another QC affiliated competition may register any of their players in any grade in this Association without the approval of the Management Committee.
4.8.2 Any player who has played third grade or higher in QC Premier Cricket in the current or immediately previous season may not play unless granted approval by the Management Committee.
4.8.3 The Management Committee reserves the right to veto clearances from any player who has a record of appearing in Premier Cricket (QC or otherwise e.g. Sydney)
4.8.4 In such cases, the decision of the Management Committee will be final.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES		PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES
35.15 To be eligible to play in a SEMI FINAL or GRAND FINAL MATCH of the Saturday competition a player must have appeared in 4 matches of the current season • for the same club • in the same grade (or a lower grade) • for the same team (or the same club in a lower grade)	Delete all but the reference in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES	35.15-35.22 NIL
35.16 Note: in the case of clubs with more than one team in a single grade this means that players can not become eligible using games played in the other team in that grade. 35.17 Any exceptions to Playing Regulation 35.15 must be submitted to the Management Committee for approval. 35.18 Request for exception of a player who has appeared in two or less matches in the current season in that particular grade or a lower grade will be denied in all cases. 35.19 Players listed for abandoned or forfeited matches count toward qualification for SEMI FINAL and GRAND FINAL MATCHES. See Playing Regulation 13. 35.20 When a club has consecutive teams in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES a maximum of 2 eligible players may be downgraded from the higher grade team to the next lower grade team without approval. 35.21 Any player downgraded as in Playing Regulation 35.19 for a SEMI FINAL MATCH will become ineligible for the GRAND FINAL MATCH if the higher grade team is eliminated. 35.22 All other player downgrades in SEMI FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES are not permitted unless approval is granted by the Management Committee.
35.23 See Playing Regulation 4.5 for additional finals eligibility conditions.		35.23 See Playing Regulation 4.5 for additional finals eligibility conditions.

CLICK to go back to INTRODUCTION ABM 12-Jul-2026

Item 2026-02 Second Innings Finish Time in One Dayers

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT

Review Regs 25 Innings Finish Time (For limited over competitions i.e. Sat 35, MLC 50, Over 40's)

DISCUSSION
Last year a new section on Second Innings Finish Time was added to this Regulation.

The aim was to prevent negative tactics by bowling sides in the second innings (the "run chase") to allow batting sides to have a fair opportunity to face enough overs (to score enough runs) to win.

The new regulation is quite complicated and so, this review will try to make the rules simpler.

An initial suggestion about the Second Innings Finish time was to reduce the complexity by having play cutoff at Second Innings Finish Time and then using the penalty runs for un-bowled overs to decide the result.

This is not a good idea because:

It uses to a Time based cutoff of the second innings which is exactly the compromise that was removed from First Innings Finish time in 2021.
The first innings batting is extended if the bowling is slow but the second innings is cut off if the bowling is slow. This is not consistent.
Time based cutoff unfairly denies the chasing batting team the opportunity to pace their batting innings toward the climactic last few overs.
While it could be sensible enough in a September game on Saturday, a time based cutoff in December or January (when light is often perfectly playable at 6pm) makes no sense.

i.e. Only 32 overs bowled (out of 35) but....It's 6pm so the game is over...
But ump the light's alright, can't we keep playing?
Not in the these rules...
Huh? that's stoopid...

Same can be said for Over 40's or MLC50 games which are set to end at 3.30pm and 4.40pm except no one has to ask about the light...

A big part of the problem with Reg 25.12 to 25.30 is the length of the section.

So lets try an edit or two and see if it's any easier.

PROPOSAL
For simplicity the Regulation for the Saturday 35 over competition only is examined. Changes will be start times and running times.

OLD REGULATION	What does this mean?/Why does it need change?	PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
25 INNINGS FINISH TIME For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches		25 INNINGS FINISH TIME For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches
FIRST INNINGS FINISH TIME		FIRST INNINGS FINISH TIME
25.1 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the First Innings Finish Time.	No change	25.1 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the First Innings Finish Time.
25.2 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 2.50pm.	No change	25.2 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 2.50pm.
25.3 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 3.20pm.	No change	25.3 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 3.20pm
	For Over 40's this figure is 165 minutes, for MLC50 it's 200 minutes	25.3.1 The initial First Innings Finish Time is 140 minutes after the start of play.
25.4 If the final over has not started before the First Innings Finish Time is reached, the first innings will continue until 35 overs have been bowled or until 10 wickets have fallen.	Reformatted	25.4 If the final over has not started before the First Innings Finish Time is reached, the first innings will continue until 35 overs have been bowled or 10 wickets have fallen.
25.5 When the team bowling first comes to bat, they will receive the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.	No change	25.5 When the team bowling first comes to bat, they will receive the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.
25.6 The number of overs in Playing Regulation 25.5 is referred to as the entitled number of overs for the second innings.	Edited	25.6 The number of overs in Playing Regulation 25.5 is called the entitled number of overs for the second innings
25.7 For example: • Team B (bowling first) is part way through over 33 at First Innings Finish Time. • Overs 34 and 35 will be bowled. • Following a standard length innings break, Team B (batting second) will face up to 33 entitled overs.	Removed	25.7 Nil
	Heading added for clarity	IF THE FIRST BATTING TEAM GOES ALL OUT
25.8 If the team batting first is all out in less than 35 overs, before the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will be entitled to bat for 35 overs.	edited	25.8 If this is before the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will be entitled to bat for 35 overs.
25.9 For example: • Team A (batting first) is all out on 2nd ball of over 30 before the First Innings Finish Time is reached. • Following a standard length innings break, Team B (batting second) will face up to 35 overs.	Removed	25.9 Nil
25.10 If the team batting first is all out in less than 35 overs, after the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will be entitled to bat for the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.	Edited	25.10 If this is after the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will bat for the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.
25.11 For example: • Team B (bowling first) is part way through over 32 when First Innings Finish Time is reached. • The innings continues. • Team A (batting first) is all out on last ball of over 34, 10 minutes after the First Innings Finish Time. • Following a standard length innings break, Team B (batting second) will face up to 32 entitled overs.	Removed	25.11 Nil

SECOND INNINGS FINISH TIME For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches	No change	SECOND INNINGS FINISH TIME For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches

25.12 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time.	No change	25.12 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time.
25.13 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 5.30pm.	No change	25.13 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 5.30pm.
25.14 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 6.00pm.	No change	25.14 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 6.00pm.
	For Over 40's this figure is 165 minutes, for MLC50 it's 200 minutes	25.14.1 The initial Second Innings Finish Time is 140 minutes after the start of play.
	If the entitled overs is 32 then 2IFT = 32x4 + innings start time.	25.14.2 If the Second Innings has reduced entitled overs the Second Innings Finish Time will be number of overs times 4 minutes.
25.15 If the final over has not started before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, play will continue until the entitled number of overs have been bowled or until 10 wickets have fallen, subject to conditions of weather, ground and light.	Reformatted	25.15 If the final over has not started before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, play will continue until: the entitled number of overs have been bowled or until 10 wickets have fallen subject to conditions of weather, ground and light.
25.16 If the team bowling second is not in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, the team batting second will be credited with penalty runs for every whole over that has not been started.	No change	25.16 If the team bowling second is not in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, the team batting second will be credited with penalty runs.
25.17 The penalty runs credited in Playing Regulation 25.16 will equal the average run rate scored in the first innings of the match rounded up to the next whole number times the number of whole overs not been started.	Reformatted	25.17 Penalty runs will equal: the average run rate scored in the first innings (rounded up to the next whole number) multiplied by the number of whole overs not started.
25.18 For example: • In a 35 over match starting at 1pm, the first innings average run rate is 4.2 runs per over. • Team B (bowling second) is part way through over 33 of 35 entitled overs when 6pm is reached. • Team A (batting second) will be credited (2 overs x 5 runs per over ) = 10 penalty runs at the end of the innings.	Removed	25.18 Nil
	Heading added for clarity	IF THE SECOND BATTING TEAM GOES ALL OUT
25.19 If the second innings ends before the Second Innings Finish Time, no over-rate penalty will apply.	Edited	25.19 If this is before the Second Innings Finish Time, no over-rate penalty will apply.
25.20 If the second innings ends after the Second Innings Finish Time because the team batting second is all out they will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face.	Edited	25.20 If this is after the Second Innings Finish Time the team batting second will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face.
25.21 For example • In a 35 over match starting at 1pm, the first innings ends at 3.20pm • Average run rate is 140 runs / 35 overs = 4 runs per over. • Second innings is 8/130 in over 33 when 6.00pm is reached. • Team A (batting second) ends at all out 130 on 1st ball of over 34 at 6.02pm. • Penalty runs added is 4 for over 34 and 0 for over 35. • Second Innings is adjusted to all out 134. • Team B (bowling second) wins by 6 runs.	Removed	25.21 Nil
	Heading added for clarity	IF THE SECOND INNINGS ENDS DUE TO BAD LIGHT OR RAIN OR OTHER INTERRUPTION
	Added for clarity	25.22.1 If this is before the Second Innings Finish Time, no over-rate penalty will apply.
25.22 If the second innings ends, after the Second Innings Finish Time has been reached, because play was called off due to suspension under Law 2.8 (2017 Code 3rd Ed.) the team batting second will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face. An average run rate result will apply. (See Playing Regulation 33.4)	Edited	25.22.2 If this is after the Second Innings Finish Time has been reached, the team batting second will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face.
	No change	25.23 An average run rate result will apply. (See Playing Regulation 33.4)
25.23 For example: • In a match starting at 1pm, the first Innings ends at 3.20pm. • Average Run Rate is 140 runs / 35 overs = 4.00 runs per over. • Team B (batting second) has scored 5/130 in over 33 of 35 entitled overs when 6.00pm is reached. • A bad light call ends the game after 1 ball of over 34 at 6.02pm. • Team B (batting second) ends at 6/130 not all out. • Penalty runs added is 4 runs for over 34 and 0 for over 35. • Second innings is adjusted to 6/134. • Average run rate result will apply. (See Playing Regulation 33.4)	Removed	25.23 (example) NIL
25.24 All penalty runs added and entitled overs will be confirmed by the umpire(s) with the scorers at the end of the innings.	No change	25.24 All penalty runs added and entitled overs will be confirmed by the umpire(s) with the scorers at the end of the innings.
25.25 Both teams are warned that match results can be overturned because of these rules.	No change	25.25 Both teams are warned that match results can be overturned because of these rules.
25.26 The umpire(s) will inform the fielding captain and the batters of any time allowances as they arise for injuries, lost balls or other interruptions.	No change	25.26 The umpire(s) will inform the fielding captain and the batters of any time allowances as they arise for injuries, lost balls or other interruptions.
25.27 Batting teams are reminded of Playing Regulation 30 (Timed Out).	No change	25.27 Batting teams are reminded of Playing Regulation 30 (Timed Out).
25.28 Batters, Captains and all other participants are reminded that Law 41.9 Fielding Side Wasting Time and Law 41.10 Batter Wasting Time (2017 Code 3rd Ed.) will apply at all times in matches.	Edited	25.28 Batters, Captains and all other participants are reminded that Law 41.9 Fielding Side Wasting Time and Law 41.10 Batter Wasting Time (2017 Code 4th Ed.) will apply at all times in matches.
25.29 Changes to First or Second Innings Finish Time are only allowed under circumstances due to interruptions as in Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22.	Edited	25.29 Changes to First or Second Innings Finish Time will only be made under circumstances due to interruptions as in Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22.
25.30 If either innings is interrupted or delayed, the penalties will apply based on the new First or Second Innings Finish Time for that innings. See Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22	No change	25.30 If either innings is interrupted or delayed, the penalties will apply based on the new First or Second Innings Finish Time for that innings. See Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22

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Plain Text of PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
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25 INNINGS FINISH TIME
For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches

FIRST INNINGS FINISH TIME
25.1 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the First Innings Finish Time.
25.2 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 2.50pm.
25.3 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the First Innings Finish Time is 3.20pm
25.3.1 The initial First Innings Finish Time is 140 minutes after the start of play.

25.4 If the final over has not started before the First Innings Finish Time is reached, the first innings will continue until:
35 overs have been bowled
or
10 wickets have fallen.

25.5 When the team bowling first comes to bat, they will receive the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.
25.6 The number of overs in Playing Regulation 25.5 is called the entitled number of overs for the second innings
25.7 Nil

IF THE FIRST BATTING TEAM GOES ALL OUT
25.8 If this is before the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will be entitled to bat for 35 overs.
25.9 Nil
25.10 If this is after the First Innings Finish Time, the team batting second will bat for the number of overs bowled including the one in progress at the First Innings Finish Time.
25.11 Nil

SECOND INNINGS FINISH TIME
For Saturday One Day 35 Over Matches

25.12 Both teams are expected to be in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time.
25.13 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 12.30pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 5.30pm.
25.14 For 35 over matches scheduled to start at 1.00pm, the Second Innings Finish Time is 6.00pm.
25.14.1 The initial Second Innings Finish Time is 140 minutes after the start of play.
25.14.2 If the Second Innings has reduced entitled overs the Second Innings Finish Time will be number of overs times 4 minutes.

25.15 If the final over has not started before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, play will continue until:
the entitled number of overs have been bowled
or
until 10 wickets have fallen
subject to conditions of weather, ground and light.

25.16 If the team bowling second is not in position ready to bowl the first ball of the final over before the Second Innings Finish Time is reached, the team batting second will be credited with penalty runs.
25.17 Penalty runs will equal:
the average run rate scored in the first innings (rounded up to the next whole number)
multiplied by
the number of whole overs not started.

25.18 Nil

IF THE SECOND BATTING TEAM GOES ALL OUT
25.19 If this is before the Second Innings Finish Time, no over-rate penalty will apply.
25.20 If this is after the Second Innings Finish Time the team batting second will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face.
25.21 Nil

IF THE SECOND INNINGS ENDS DUE TO BAD LIGHT OR RAIN OR OTHER INTERRUPTION
25.22.1 If this is before the Second Innings Finish Time, no over-rate penalty will apply.
25.22.2 If this is after the Second Innings Finish Time has been reached, the team batting second will not receive penalty runs for any whole over they did not face.
25.23 An average run rate result will apply. (See Playing Regulation 33.4)

25.23 (example) NIL

25.24 All penalty runs added and entitled overs will be confirmed by the umpire(s) with the scorers at the end of the innings.
25.25 Both teams are warned that match results can be overturned because of these rules.
25.26 The umpire(s) will inform the fielding captain and the batters of any time allowances as they arise for injuries, lost balls or other interruptions.
25.27 Batting teams are reminded of Playing Regulation 30 (Timed Out).
25.28 Batters, Captains and all other participants are reminded that Law 41.9 Fielding Side Wasting Time and Law 41.10 Batter Wasting Time (2017 Code 4th Ed.) will apply at all times in matches.
25.29 Changes to First or Second Innings Finish Time will only be made under circumstances due to interruptions as in Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22.
25.30 If either innings is interrupted or delayed, the penalties will apply based on the new First or Second Innings Finish Time for that innings. See Playing Regulations 26.15 and 26.22

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Item 2026-03 Reg 23.2 Unexpected Replacement Players

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT

For Saturday 2 Day competition...

Reg 23.2 governs the process for replacing players who suffer an unexpected injury, a call up to Premier Cricket or Rep cricket or some other kind of social or domestic problem which means the player is unable to take their place for day 2 of a match.

So in order to ensure that the match continues as 11 players v. 11 players on day 2 the unexpected replacement is permitted.

DISCUSSION

This rule has been in place since 2019. It has made normal the idea that when life gets in the way of cricket day 2, the day can be saved.

So what's the problem?
Problem seems to be the admin is VERY demanding.

The nature of this scheme is that many applications for unexpected player replacement take place late in the week. This creates a rush of last minute approval admin which is done at a very anti-social point of the week (i.e Friday evening.)

The application deadline was revised from 10am Saturday to 8pm Friday for precisely these reasons a few seasons back. Doing the approval checks and notifying the parties was being rushed through on a Saturday morning.

Back in 2024, Andrew Keyte and me tried to document the Unexpected Replacements Process. It was comprehensive but only because it's long-winded and involved.

See for yourself LINK (Gravity Forms were discontinued and replaced by MSForms in late 2024.)

How to improve this problem.

First idea this time around is that admin might be better handled by doing the admin post-match day 2. In other words, let the teams make whatever team changes they want, then, sort out whether it was acceptable during the week after the game.

There would be no reduction in admin load (the same work would still need to be done) but it could be transferred from 8.05pm Friday to 9am-5pm Monday...

Any post match inconsistencies would result in points loss (or other penalty).

In a tight, tense game this could lead to team on team conflict and does not give the umpire(s) the advance information that would allow the umpire to be able to exercise any authority or control over the (quite important) Law 1 on day 2 of the match.

At least initially I would expect many teams that use this will neglect to do the follow up either properly or at all. Someone will get the Admin job of chasing up a lot of team changes. The workload could conceivably become greater by making this change.

A better idea.
It might be just as easy to move the application deadline forward.... to (say) 4pm Friday (from 8pm Friday).

This allows the work of permitting replacements prior to the game to be done from 4.05pm Friday instead of from 8.05pm Friday. (Not the perfect work schedule but a much better alternative.)

There will be an advantage in preventing some penalties (by checking and flagging errors earlier.)

This timetable will greatly reduce the chance of an outcome where some team inadvertently gets fined or penalised (which could be really disastrous.) Also the disputes would be avoided too.

Notifications to parties of replacements (see Reg 23.2.24 and 23.2.25) will be issued well ahead of the start of play. Any disputes which might ensue (eg. about eligibility) can be settled early.

A suggestion to make the replacement request time limit 12pm Friday is probably a step too far but the debate could be had...

About making the notifications an email from 'cricketops' which one team captain shows the other team captain before the start of day2.

Reg 23.2.24 and Reg 23.2.25 says that a written approval must be sent to the the replaced player's club secretary, the opposition team's club secretary, both team captains and the match umpire(s).

The approval (and any period of player suspension) is also displayed publically at https://qsdca.com.au/cricketops/

There is a belief that this process can be reduced to a single unconfirmed email held by the replaced player's team captain for distribution prior to the start of play on day 2.

The captain's gonna forget to mention it or lose the email or leave it at home. Umpires will be left in the dark about it and powerless to make decisions about it as a result.

If the approval becomes casual, lackadaisical that will tear at the integrity of the game itself and the importance of team nomination.

A large part of the nature of a proper sporting competition is the notion that the players are selected and known by the other team. If any circumstance allows a random unknown person to "join in" to "make up the numbers" then the game becomes a less than serious, formal affair. This is a great loss of structure and integrity.

There are some instances on record of opposition teams who REFUSE to accept Unexpected Replacement Players on the basis that they believe it is not "authorised".

A formal notification from the Association executive received independently by both club secretaries and both captains and umpires well before the start of play day 2 settles any such a dispute without conflict.

The same message, received independently, by more than one party is more believable.

The game is meant to be 11 against 11. Not half a dozen different, random guys in week 2.

I believe it is vital for the success of this process to maintain Unexpected Replacements as a formal process.

To "make this casual" would be to make QSDCA cricket like a game in the backyard without a BBQ to break up the monotony.

That would be a major mistake to make.

PROPOSAL

OLD REGULATIONS	What does this mean?/Why does it need change?	PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
23.2.12 The time limit for replacement requests is 8pm Friday prior to start of play day 2.	This Reg controls the time limit for replacement requests.	23.2.12 The time limit for replacement requests is 4pm Friday prior to start of play day 2.

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Item 2026-04 Replacement Players for Over 40's Matches

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT
Review Reg. 23.6 to 23.11 Replacement Players (for Over 40's matches)

It's high time we revised the awkward allowance for a 12th batter in Over 40's matches.

DISCUSSION
Key problem is understanding the requirements of Reg 23.9 and 23.10.

In summary, in any situation where a 12th batter is allowed, that 12th batter must bat BEFORE any other retired batter returns to the crease (but only if that batter retired due to scoring 50 runs) AND there must be at least TWO earlier retirements in order to get the first retired batter back to the crease.

Great controversy and confusion has occurred when:

earlier in the second innings a batter reaches 50 runs and retires
later the chasing team reaches 9 wickets down and still needs a few runs to win
the 12th batter is eligible and ready
the batting tries to send the retired at 50 batter back to the crease to bat out the match instead

In that situation the "wobbly" 12th batter is actually obliged to come in and the retired at 50 "gun" batter must sit it out.

Obviously the "wobbly" 12th batter is much easier to get out and the game would be decided as a narrow win to the bowling side.

Note that this rule creates a distinction between retiring hurt under Law 25.4 (for an injury which occurs during the match or any reason acceptable to the umpire) and voluntarily retiring after scoring 50 runs as in Playing Regulation 31.6. Only one of these has a restriction about the retired batter returning after the 12 batter has batted.

In my view it would not be in the spirit of the game for the 12th batter to feign injury after 1 or 2 balls and then retire hurt under Law 25.4 thus allowing the retired at 50 "gun" batter to return to the crease.

I'm not aware that anyone has actually tried this yet (which is actually a good thing...).

I do recall more than one instance of a team trying the send the retired batter back *before* the 12th batter though.

Umpires can easily misunderstand this rule and allow teams to get away with rorting this. Batting sides would merely claim ignorance or failure to understand. Fielding sides might protest *very* loudly.

By contrast the "Supersub" rule used in MLC50 and Super 20 is easy to understand and simple to use.

Supersub features a swap of a 12th batter for anyone in the starting 11 at the innings break. The names are declared before the coin toss (on the team list). The batting 11 is declared just before the toss. (There remains a small chance that an injury replacement might vary the batting list to include the bowling supersub however.)

In such a case as above the "retired at 50" batter would be able to resume their innings at the fall of the 9th wicket. The "wobbly" 12th batter will have already had their bat earlier in the innings.

Importantly the finish of the game would be exciting and not marred by complaints about rules violation.

Some consideration was given to scrubbing the rule requiring "gun" batters to voluntarily retire at 50 runs. (i.e. allow them to continue to bat without limit. This is a feature of Over 40 cricket which would change the spirit of the competition if it was removed.

The replacement replacement rule is different to the previous version but is much more easily understood and easier to follow.

The side benefits of providing an opportunity to an extra player or cover for any player who might be stopped by an injury both remain in place.

PROPOSAL

OLD REGULATIONS	What does this mean?/Why does it need change?	PROPOSED NEW REGULATION
23 REPLACEMENT PLAYERS For Sunday Over 40's - 40 Over Matches		23 REPLACEMENT PLAYERS For Sunday Over 40's - 40 Over Matches
Preamble: Substitute fielders are defined in Law 24.1 (2017 Code). Eligibility to bat is defined in Law 25.1 (2017 Code). The "Super Sub Rule" applies only to the Sunday 50 over competition.	Adapted from Reg 23.5 in Sunday 50/Super 20	Preamble: Substitute fielders are defined in Law 24.1 (2017 Code 3rd ed.). Eligibility to bat is defined in Law 25.1 (2017 Code 3rd ed.). The "Super Sub Rule" applies only to the Sunday 50 over, Sunday Over 40 and Super 20 competitions.
23.1-23.5 NIL		23.1-4 NIL
		“SUPERSUB”
		23.5 Prior to the toss a twelfth player name may be added to the Team List.
		23.5.1 On the Team list, team captains will identify:
		23.5.2 one player of their twelve who is a batting only player
		23.5.3 one player of their twelve who is a bowling only player
		23.5.4 These players will be swapped at the innings break. The order of replacement is determined by the innings order.
		23.5.5 Only in case of injury or other unavoidable circumstances, these players may be swapped at any point in the match. The umpire will be informed immediately or as soon as practical when such a replacement is made.
		23.5.6 After replacement, the replaced player may not return to the match except as a substitute fielder.
		23.5.7 If the replaced player has already batted then the replacement player is not permitted to bat.
		23.5.8 If the replaced player has already bowled all permitted overs under Playing Regulation 27 then the replacement player is not permitted to bowl.
		23.5.9 Teams are also permitted to name and play eleven players in the normal way.
23.6 Each team may add a 12th player to their Team List.	Unique to Over 40's	23.6 Nil
23.7 All 12 players will be permitted to bowl.	Unique to Over 40's	23.7 Nil
23.8 If either team names only 11 players then both teams can bat only 11 players.	Unique to Over 40's	23.8 Nil
23.9 The 12th player will be permitted to bat only if an earlier batter retires.	Unique to Over 40's	23.9 Nil
23.10 The 12th player must bat before any batter who has retired under Playing Regulation 31.6 resumes their innings.	Unique to Over 40's	23.10 Nil
23.11 The bowling team needs to take a maximum of 10 wickets to dismiss the batting team.	Unique to Over 40's	23.11 Nil
PLAYER AGE QUALIFICATIONS 23.12 To play in the Over 40’s competition, a player must have reached 40 years of age or be turning 40 before 30 June of the last year the competition is running in. 23.13 For example in the 2024/25 season the cut off date is 30 June 2025. 23.14 Each team may be permitted to play two under-age players who must be turning 38 or 39 in accordance with Playing Regulation 23.12 23.15 An application for approval of further underage players must be submitted to the Management Committee (cricketops@qsdca.com.au) before the start of the match, stating player name, DOB and reason.	Allows some relaxation of the age rules.	No changes

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