1. TITLE 
The competition shall be known as the Kanto Cricket League hereinafter referred to as the KCL.  

2. PURPOSE 
The purpose of the KCL shall be to organise cricket on a league basis, with the objective of playing cricket in the true spirit of the game and to maintain it at the highest possible standard; to organise any further competitions in addition to the league competition; to take any actions which may be considered beneficial to member clubs and to the game of cricket. 

3. COMPOSITION 
The league shall be organised into a number of divisions to be determined annually at the discretion of the KCL Committee.  

4. ELIGIBILITY 
a. Teams 
Properly constituted cricket clubs with a minimum of 12 registered players, whose names shall be registered with the KCL before the beginning of each season. Any club in the KCL whose number of players falls to below 10 or which does not conform to the rules of the KCL may, after a full opportunity to defend itself, be expelled from the KCL. 
b. Players 
i) A player may join a club and participate in the KCL at any time during the season provided that his name is submitted to the KCL Committee at least 48 hours before the start of a match in which that player intends to participate. In other words, no player shall participate in a KCL match unless his name has been registered with the KCL Committee at least 48 hours before the start of that match. 
ii) Any player participating in the KCL must hold a proper visa allowing him to be legally in Japan at the time of any game in which he participates. Players without a valid visa or overstaying their visa will not be allowed to participate. In case of doubt, the Committee may require a player to present himself and proof of his visa status before the Committee or any Committee member. 
iii) A team playing a non-visaed player will forfeit any game in which that player participates, and may be subject to further penalties at the discretion of the Committee. 

5. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 
a. The KCL shall be governed by the Management Committee (herein called "The Committee") consisting of:ChairpersonCommunication & Disciplinary Coordinator Treasurer Scheduler & Umpiring duty CoordinatorEquipment & Pitch Coordinator2 General Committee members (who may be designated as backup for the above positions). 
b. Except in special circumstances approved by the AGM (or at a properly called Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)) no club shall hold more than one position on the committee.  In any case, at least 6 teams must be represented on the Committee. As far as possible, work shall be divided equally among Committee Members, taking into account Members’ other commitments. Members of the committee serve until the next AGM, unless and until they resign, are removed at an EGM or their club leaves the KCL. 
c. All communications between Committee Members, whether at meetings or otherwise shall be privileged and cannot be disclosed to third parties; however abusive or personal comments will not be tolerated and the benefit of privilege will be automatically removed. 
d. Any member of any club registered with the KCL may stand for election to the Committee, provided that he and his club have played in the KCL for a minimum of 2 seasons, except that this shall not apply for members of founding clubs of the KCL for the first 2 years of its existence. 
e. Committee members shall serve for a maximum of 4 years in succession, except that they may serve beyond 4 years if voted for at the relevant AGM by a minimum of 2/3 of the votes present at the meeting. In other words if a member stands for his 5th year in succession, he would need a minimum of 2/3 of the votes in order to remain on the Committee. 

6. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE 
a. The committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the purpose and spirit of the League is upheld and it shall be empowered to take what action it considers fit to do this (but refer to 7 (j) below. 
b. The Committee shall be empowered to invite new clubs or teams to join the KCL 
c. The Committee shall have the power to discipline clubs and individual players, and to co-opt new non-voting members on the Committee for special purposes and for such periods it sees fit. 
d. The Committee shall have the power to appoint sub-committees from time to time for specific purposes which it shall determine. 
e. A quorum for all Committee meetings shall be minimum 5 Committee members. Absence from two consecutive meetings of any member without reasonable cause being stated will entitle the Committee to seek a replacement Committee member. The Committee shall have full discretion in such matters.Alternatively, ‘meetings’ may be held via email. In such case, notice of meetings with an outline agenda shall be given to all committee members at least 6 working days (i.e., weekends excepted) before the date of the ‘meeting’. Members may propose additional items for the agenda within 3 working days of the notice, after which time the Secretary shall email all members with the final agenda. During the following 3 working days, members may put forward their views on the agenda items, after which voting shall take place via email on the day of the ‘meeting’. 
f. The Committee shall be the authority over the correct interpretation and enforcement of the rules, and shall have full jurisdiction over all matters not provided for in these rules. 
g. Minutes of all Committee meetings shall be kept and sent to all Committee members by a Committee member appointed for the purpose within one week of the meeting. 
h. In the event of an office becoming vacant the Committee shall fill that vacancy from among the existing Committee members. If a vacancy occurs on the Committee, the Committee shall request member clubs to nominate replacements. Voting for the replacements may take place by email or written votes from all member clubs (one vote per club) or at an EGM at the discretion of the Committee, but without prejudice to the right of clubs to call for an EGM to discuss and vote on the issue. 
i. No member of the Committee shall be present at any meeting thereof during the determination of any matter with which his club is directly concerned, except at the invitation of the Committee.  

7. GENERAL MEETINGS 
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the KCL shall be held in February or as close as possible each year, on a date fixed by the Committee.a. Each member club shall have one vote (subject to the restriction in the next sentence) and be entitled to send up to two delegates, only one of whom shall be entitled to vote upon the resolutions submitted. Clubs will be entitled to vote from the next AGM after they have completed playing one season in the KCL. In other words, if a club joins the KCL at the start of the 2007 season, it shall be entitled to vote at the 2008 AGM onwards.b. A quorum at all General Meetings shall be 50% of the member clubs. Proxy voting will not be allowed except if approved latest one week prior to the meeting by a minimum of 2/3 of the member clubs.c. A report of the KCL’s annual financial situation shall be presented at the AGM, and the Officers and members of the Committee shall be elected.Note: All officers and Committee members elected at the AGM shall hold office until the next AGM (or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in case such EGM is called to elect new Officers or Committee members). They shall be eligible for re-election.d. The support of a simple majority of those voting shall be necessary to carry a resolution at the AGM or EGM. The Officers of the KCL shall not be entitled to vote, unless they are the sole representative of their club. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairperson (or his appointee), who normally does not have a vote, shall have a casting vote. The Chairperson of the AGM or EGM shall be the Chairperson of the KCL or his appointee.e. Voting on all resolutions shall be taken by a show of hands, but if the voting is challenged, or is regarded by the Chairperson as dealing with particularly sensitive issues, he shall order a card vote to be taken.f. Notice of all General Meetings shall be sent to all member clubs at least fourteen days before the date of the meeting. Resolutions to be submitted to the AGM (or an EGM) must be proposed and seconded by member clubs and be forwarded to the Committee not later than 7 days prior to the date of the meeting, and the Agenda of the meeting shall be published to member clubs no later than 5 days before the meeting.g. An EGM may be convened at the discretion of the Committee or shall be convened at the request of minimum 50% of member clubs who shall send their written applications of the resolutions to be submitted to the meeting. Such EGM shall be held not later than one calendar month after the receipt of the application. Member clubs wishing to call an EGM to appeal the result of a regulatory decision by the Committee must do so within one month of that decision being given (for example, if the Committee decides that a particular player is ineligible to play in the KCL, then an appeal against that decision must be submitted to the Committee within one month of notification of that decision).h. Minutes of all General Meetings shall be taken by a person to be nominated by the Committee, and be kept on record. Copies shall be sent to all member clubs.j. Any proposed amendments to Clause 16 (Dissolution) can only be passed by a majority of more than two thirds of member clubs. In case of Dissolution of the KCL, any surplus funds after meeting any liabilities will be equally divided amongst the member clubs, in proportion to their length of membership in the KCL. 

8. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS & NON PAYMENTS 
a. Each club shall be required to pay an annual subscription prior to 1st April of each season of participation in the League. The subscription amount will be decided on by the Committee and notified to participating clubs latest by 1st March of that season. 
b. Any club whose subscription remains unpaid by the 1st April in any one year may be struck off the roll of membership, but official warning to this effect shall be given as directed by the Committee, and one week be allowed for payment. 
c. A club removed from the membership under section (b) shall not be readmitted except by payment of all arrears, if any. 

9. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 
a. An account shall be kept in the name of "Kanto Cricket League" at a bank approved by the committee, into which all moneys received on behalf of the KCL shall be paid by the Treasurer or Committee member. The Treasurer shall keep the bankbook and bank card, if any, and be authorised to use the bank account only for approved purposes. 
b. The accounts of the KCL shall be kept by the Treasurer, and a report of the accounts shall be presented to all member clubs at the AGM Kanto Cricket League. 
c. Funds will be used to cover the costs of running the competition and improving playing conditions for all players. Likely costs include communication costs, traveling costs, umpire fees, equipment costs and trophy costs.d. A team representative may request funds from the Treasurer who will authorize payment of an appropriate amount having consulted the Committee. e. Misuse of Funds  Anyone found to be misusing Kanto Cricket League Funds will be severely dealt with by the Committee and, where appropriate, legal remedies will be sought. 

10. DISPUTES & DISAGREEMENTS 
All objections against a club, player or umpire, shall be made in writing/e-mail and forwarded to the Committee within five working days of the match to which the objection refers, together with a copy to the representative of the other club involved in the game in question. All parties involved will be allowed to present their case, but the Committee’s decision on the issue shall be final. 
(A) Verbal abuse, intimidation or violence are absolutely prohibited and shall be treated with extreme penalties, and may involve, in the Committee’s discretion, deduction or reallocation of points for the game in question and/or banning of the player or team concerned for one or more matches. 
(B) Procedural offences, e.g. late start, lack of facilities etc., shall generally be dealt with by the deduction of points. 
(C) No objection or complaint shall be considered with regard to the decision of an official (KCL) umpire, except with regard to wrongful interpretation of the Laws of Cricket. 

11. PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE DECISIONS 
Decisions or reports of the Committee will be published in such manner as the Committee shall direct. 

12. ENTRY INTO AND WITHDRAWAL FROM THE LEAGUE 
a. Entry into the KCL shall be by application to the Committee. New clubs applying to join the KCL may apply at any time and, if excepted by the Committee, the new club will join the KCL at the commencement of the following season in the lowest Division, except in exceptional circumstances (for example, in case a club of proven ability applies to join the KCL, and it is possible to include that club’s team in Division 1 by expanding the size of the Division without prejudice to other teams in that Division, or who have qualified for promotion to Division 1, the Committee shall have the right to allow that team to enter the KCL in Division 1).
b. In the event that a team is unable to fulfil at least half of its fixtures during the season, its record shall be erased.

13. EXPULSION FROM MEMBERSHIP
The Committee shall have the power to expel from the KCL any club which has contravened these rules or which has, in the opinion of the Committee, otherwise brought discredit upon the KCL, except that no club shall be expelled without having the opportunity of sending representatives to state a case before the Committee.

14. KNOWLEDGE OF THE MATCH RULES
The Match Rules of the KCL shall be deemed to be known to the officers of all member clubs, and through them to all members, who shall be bound by them. 

15. ALTERATION OF THE MATCH RULES
No alterations of these rules shall be made except at the AGM or at an EGM summoned for the purpose. In either case, notice in writing of any proposed alterations must be given as part of the agenda for such meeting. In special cases, if alterations of the Match Rules are required at short notice, they may be proposed by the Committee in writing to all member clubs, and may be incorporated into the Match Rules provided approval is received in writing by a majority of clubs in the KCL.

16. DISSOLUTION
The KCL may be dissolved by a resolution of an AGM or EGM, the conditions of voting in Rule 7 being applicable. Should there be insufficient funds at the time of dissolution to meet the liabilities; the deficit shall be met by the member clubs in such proportions as the meeting dissolving the KCL shall determine. 

17. TROPHIES
Winning clubs in each Division of the KCL will be presented with a trophy, and awards will be made for the best batsman, bowler and all-rounder in each division. For players to be considered, they must have taken part in more than 50% of their team’s league matches. The winners shall be decided by the Committee. The KCL may also, in its discretion, present awards to individuals scoring a century or taking at least 5 wickets. Such individuals must also comply with the participation rules in the previous paragraph.

18. CLUB REPRESENTATIVESEach member club shall notify the Committee of the names of two persons to be that club’s representatives. Official communications from the Committee shall be made to those representatives only.

BB. MATCH RULES

19. DRESS
a. During Kanto Cricket League games, players should dress in cricket attire meaning white or cream long pants and a white or cream shirt with collars. 
b.  Coloured shirts may be worn provided:     
1. that the entire team wears the same colour shirts; and     
2. that the shirts are designed for playing cricket. 
c. Under no circumstances may jeans, T-shirts or other inappropriate clothing be worn (except in exceptional circumstances, such as injury resulting in the need for a substitute who does not have suitable clothing).d. If a team or player is doubtful whether their selection of clothing is appropriate, it should first seek the approval of a committee member.

20.  PLAYERS LIST 
a.  Before a match begins, each captain will present a team list to the opposing captain who may approve or reject the list, and the senior umpire present. If the list is approved, the match will proceed. If the list is rejected and the captain who submitted the list does not amend the list to the satisfaction of the opposing captain, the matter will be referred to the Committee for decision (if a Committee member cannot be immediately contacted, the game will start, but a team later found to be in breach of the regulations risks deduction of points or other penalty).  In the case of any objection, it should be given in writing to the senior umpire present.
b. Before each match, players should be prepared to produce either their “Gaijin Card” or their passport showing a valid visa for them to be in Japan at the time of the match. This must be shown, if requested by the opposition captain or either umpire.c.  Except as mentioned above, once the match begins, the team list will be deemed approved by the opposing captain and he can not raise any subsequent objection about eligibility of players, except in the case of visa abuse.    

21. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS  
a.  Players can only register and play for one team in the KCL, unless the Committee gives advance written permission for a player to transfer to a different club.  
b. Failure to Comply  Any team found to be abusing rules related to player eligibility will be subject to disciplinary procedures by the Committee, which may include disqualification from the competition, in which case the club in questions would have to reapply for entry the following season.   

22. COMPETITION FORMAT  
a. Laws of Cricket  All matches will be played in accordance with the current edition of the Laws of Cricket as published in English by the MCC and in Japanese by the Japan Cricket Association (JCA). An official “Laws of Cricket” handbook will be issued to each team and all participants in the KCL are expected to familiarize themselves with the contents. 
b. Starting time of MatchesMatches shall start at the time appointed by the Committee (except see paragraph d. below). Except in special circumstances, this will be from 11.00 to 12.00. In case of a change in the starting time from the time initially set, confirmation of the new starting time must be obtained in writing from both teams (unless it is changed too close to the actual starting time, in which case both teams must confirm by telephone to a member of the committee or the senior umpire for the match).
c. Duration of Matches  A match will consist of 40 overs per side and any one bowler will be allowed a maximum of 8 overs. Each bowler’s allocation will be proportionally reduced in the event of a time-reduced match. Each match should be started at the appointed time, but no later than 12 noon, in case of adverse weather. 
d. Rain Affected matches  In the event of a match being shortened due to rain the following steps should be taken:  
i) Assess the total time lost in blocks of 30 minutes.i
i) Reduce the match by 10 overs (5 overs per side) for each 30 minute block of lost time.
iii) This will apply up to a total lost time of 120 minutes (20 overs per side).
iv) When the total of lost time reaches 121 minutes the match should be abandoned as a draw. However, if both captains and the umpires agree, the start of the match may be delayed beyond the 120 minutes limit, and the match reduced to a duration which can be completed within the estimated amount of time remaining, taking into account the light conditions. However, a match must be of minimum 20 overs per side duration in order to be accepted as an official KCL game.e. Calculating Targets 
i). A match result will be recognized after 20 overs have been bowled to the team batting second. If a game is abandoned after 20 overs have been bowled to the team batting second, the result will be decided according to the following rules. These rules are to be applied when the game is shortened after commencement of play.
ii) Rain affected match rules: Same as for the old KCL rules for 2006. For future years to be decided later.

23. GROUPS  
a.  For 2006 teams participating in the KCL will be divided into two groups of six teams each and will play all other teams in their group. The top four teams in each group will play in Division 1 in 2007, except that a 2nd XI of any club will not be allowed to play in Division 1. If a 2nd XI finishes in the top four, the team in 5th position will play in Division 1 for 2007.24. POINTS
a. Points will be awarded as follows: 
Condition
                               Winner    Loser 
Completed match    4 points   1 point
Tied/Drawn match   2 points   2 points
Abandoned match   2 points   2 points
Concession             4 points    0 point 
Economy Rate (as explained in b. 1. below) will be considered in case two teams end up with the same number of points 
b. Final (KCL Tophy) to decide 2006 season Division 1 Winner. 
i) For 2006 the top two teams in Division 1 will contest the Final to determine the winner of the KCL for 2006. In case of two (or more) teams finishing the first round with an equal number of points, the team(s) with the better economy rate (calculated by dividing the total number of runs scored by a team by the number of wickets lost) will contest the Final.  
ii) The venue and date for the Final will be announced after the first round matches have been completed.  i
ii) The Final is to be played under the same rules as are specified for first round matches.  

25. MATCH SCHEDULES  
a.  The Scheduler will distribute a schedule of first round Kanto Cup matches. 
b.  Matches may only be rescheduled due to unavailability of a ground on the scheduled day;  
c.  Prior to the scheduled day, teams may relocate their match to a different venue provided:  
i)  Both captains consent to the change  
ii) The Scheduler is notified in advance in writing of the proposed change and gives his written consent and  
iii) The change does not affect any other game in any way whatsoever. 
d.  Teams, which contravene any rule contained in this Clause, face immediate disqualification or other disciplinary action.  

26. COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY  
a.  Prior to the match, the captains will decide at what time play will commence (taking into account the likely duration of the match, weather conditions etc.) If a match commences later than the agreed time, the team responsible for the delay will lose one over (from the number of overs allotted when they bat) for every three minutes the match is delayed.  
b.  In the event that neither team is able to commence at the scheduled time, the captains may agree to reduce the number of overs per side provided that the number of overs bowled to each team is not less than 20. 
c.  Team captains will be responsible for:  
i)  anticipating delays which may arise due to traffic, travel distance etc
.ii)  contacting the opposing captain to agree a reasonable starting time.iii)  ensuring all team members arrive before the agreed starting time.
d.  Any dispute arising from delayed matches should be referred to the Scheduler or, in his absence, a member of the Committee.  
e. Before the toss, the captain of the home team should explain to the captain of the visiting team and the umpire(s) any local ground rules to be followed. If there is no “home” team, then the captains and umpires should mutually decide on any local ground rules.
f. Before the toss both captains and umpires should agree the time of any breaks in play. There will normally be a drinks break after 20 overs, but this can be eliminated depending on the weather and/or state of the game. More frequent drinks breaks can also be scheduled in case of extreme weather conditions, but if additional drink breaks should be as brief as possible and take place without the players leaving the playing area. A break for lunch of no more than 30 minutes duration should take place between innings, but this can be shortened by mutual agreement between the captains, especially if there is a risk of bad light.

27. SCORING  
a. Scoring of KCL matches should be accurate and, where possible, teams should provide a scorer who is not participating in the game.
b. Any person scoring during a Kanto Cricket League match should familiarize themselves with the Laws of Cricket and scoring methods.
c.  Disputes arising from scoring of matches will be referred to the Committee whose decision will be final.
d. Umpires and scorers should liaise closely to ensure that the score is maintained as accurately as possible. If a scoreboard is available, it should be updated at the end of each over.

28. BALLS
Balls provided by the KCL shall be used in all KCL matches (one new ball for each innings). Balls will be provided to all clubs and should be retained after use while still in useable condition, for possible use in case balls are lost or replacements are required during a match.

29. UMPIRES  
a.  The KCL Committee will designate one or two umpires who:
i)  have a sound knowledge of the laws of cricket; and
ii)  will fulfill their duties as umpires in a fair and unbiased way.
b. If only one umpire is designated by the KCL, he shall officiate as the main umpire for the whole duration of the game. The batting team will provide a square leg umpire.  
c. For season 2006, the travelling, lunch & drinks costs (if any) of one (only) umpire will have to be paid jointly by the two teams taking part in the game.

30. CONDUCT OF MATCHES
a. The captains jointly bear the responsibility of ensuring that any dispute arising on the field is dealt with quickly and equitably so that the game can continue in the correct spirit.
b. Any player found to be intimidating an umpire or otherwise making it difficult or unpleasant for an umpire to fulfill his duties will face severe disciplinary action.  
c. The Umpire(s) designated by the KCL Committee will submit a written report (by fax or e-mail) on the game to the Committe within 48 hours if he feels it is necessary for any reason.

31. SCORESHEETS/MATCH REPORTS 
a. Within 2 days of the completion of a match, one score sheet - filled out in the prescribed manner and signed by both captains and at least one umpire – shall be sent to the Statistician. The Statistician may stipulate the form required for the Scoresheet. 
b. Teams should do their best to complete accurate and legible score sheets, failing which, the team at fault, in the opinion of the Committee, may suffer a loss of points. Before deduction of points a team must first be given an official warning by the Committee.
c. The Committee may also request teams to provide match reports within 5 days after completion of a game.  

32. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Any dispute arising between players or administrators of the KCL should as far as possible resolve their differences in a gentlemanly manner in the spirit of cricket.  However, the decision of the Committee shall always be final.ANNEX “A”  In 2006, the Committee will comprise :  
Chairman – Tony Fordyce
Communication & Disciplinary – Bobby Philips & Sachin Chowdhery
Treasurer – Syed Aamir Ali (backup Mumtaz Alam) 
Scheduler & Umpiring duty – Robert-Gilles Martineau (backup Saqib Khan) 
Equipment & Pitch - Mumtaz Alam (backup Aamir Ali)