Applying T20 Competition Regulations

In this lesson you will learn how the layers of rules fit together. The MCC Laws provide the foundation. Standard T20 playing conditions, based on those used in professional T20 cricket, modify the Laws for the shorter format. The WFA competition regulations then set the specific rules for our matches, which may differ between the league season, the Winter Cup and the Pat McDonald Tournament. Where the WFA regulations say something, follow them. Where they are silent, apply standard T20 practice and then the Laws. Before every match, check which competition it is part of and re-read the relevant regulations. If unsure about a point, check the WFA competition regulations rather than guessing.

• MCC Laws are the foundation
• T20 playing conditions modify the Laws
• WFA regulations set our specific rules
• Check which competition each match belongs to

In this lesson you will learn the basics of the format. Each side has one innings of a maximum of twenty overs. In standard T20 playing conditions, each bowler may bowl a maximum of four overs, one fifth of the innings. An innings ends when twenty overs have been bowled, the batting side is all out, or the side batting second passes the target. Matches move quickly, so efficient changeovers, prompt new batters and good over rates are important. The interval between innings is usually short and should be agreed before the start. As umpire you help keep the match flowing while making sure every decision is still careful and correct.

• One innings of up to twenty overs each
• Maximum four overs per bowler
• Innings ends at twenty overs, all out or target passed
• Keep the match flowing

In this lesson you will learn the fielding restrictions. In standard T20 playing conditions, a fielding circle is marked by two semicircles of thirty yards radius centred on the middle stumps, joined by straight lines. In the first six overs, the powerplay, no more than two fielders may be outside the circle at the moment of delivery. After the powerplay, no more than five fielders may be outside the circle. If a restriction is breached, the delivery is called no-ball. The striker's end umpire is often best placed to count fielders. Check the WFA competition regulations for how the circle is marked and whether these restrictions apply in every competition.

• Circle: thirty-yard semicircles joined by lines
• Powerplay overs one to six: max two outside
• After the powerplay: max five outside
• A breach is called no-ball

In this lesson you will review two important T20 conditions. A no-ball is followed by a free hit, on which the striker can only be dismissed in the ways possible from a no-ball, such as run out. Fielders cannot change positions for the free hit unless the batters have changed ends. If the free-hit ball is a wide or no-ball, the free hit carries over. T20 playing conditions usually also permit only one short-pitched ball above shoulder height per over, with a second being called no-ball. Remember that the Law 41 provisions on dangerous short-pitched bowling still apply. Check the WFA competition regulations for the exact wording used in our league.

• No-ball followed by a free hit
• Fielders fixed unless batters change ends
• Usually one short ball over shoulder per over
• Dangerous bowling Law still applies

In this lesson you will learn the stricter limited-overs interpretation of wides. In T20 cricket, umpires apply a tighter standard than in longer forms, so that bowlers cannot simply bowl out of reach to restrict scoring. Typically, a ball passing down the leg side of the striker, outside leg stump, without touching the bat or person is called wide, and a ball passing outside a guideline on the off side may also be wide. Some competitions mark wide guidelines on the pitch. Consistency is the key, because both teams must receive the same standard throughout. Agree with your colleague before the match how you will apply the WFA interpretation.

• Tighter wide standard in T20
• Most balls down the leg side are wides
• Some grounds mark wide guidelines
• Consistency for both teams

In this lesson you will learn how shortened matches are handled. When the start is delayed or play is interrupted, the competition regulations set how many overs are lost and how any target is revised. In professional cricket, powerplay overs and bowler limits are reduced in proportion to the shorter match, and a minimum number of overs is needed for a result. League cricket often uses simplified methods. The key steps for you are to record accurately the times play stops and restarts, apply the WFA competition regulations to calculate the reduced overs, tell both captains and the scorers clearly, and confirm the new powerplay length and bowling limits before play resumes.

• Record all stoppage and restart times
• Apply the WFA reduction method
• Confirm new powerplay and bowling limits
• Inform captains and scorers clearly

In this lesson you will learn how results and points work. The side scoring more runs wins. If scores are level, the match is a tie unless the competition uses a tie-breaker such as a super over, so check the WFA competition regulations. In the Winn Family T-20 League season, a win earns three points, a tie one, a no result one and a loss none. In the Winter Cup, a win earns two points, a tie one, a no result one and a loss none. Knockout matches, for example in the Pat McDonald Tournament, may need a winner on the day. At the end of the match, agree the result with the scorers and sign the scoresheet if required.

• League: win 3, tie 1, no result 1, loss 0
• Winter Cup: win 2, tie 1, no result 1, loss 0
• Tie-breakers depend on WFA regulations
• Agree the result with the scorers