Each team shall be composed of six players. If a team has fewer than five players available, the other team is entitled to claim a win unless the team that is short can rearrange the fixture.
Teams must be drawn from recognised areas or departments of the University, although departments can be combined. All players must be in gainful employment with the Open University (although any recently retired members of staff will still be able to play). Any team found entering a player external to the OU will be disqualified from the tournament.
Where a department submits two or more teams, i.e.; an ‘A’ team and a ‘B’ team, a 'C' team etc. the ‘A’ team will be considered by the organisers to be the stronger team. Should a vacancy occur in the ‘A’ team, any one player from the ‘B’, 'C' etc. team may move up to fill the vacancy. However, if the reverse occurs, an ‘A’ team player may not bat, bowl or keep wicket whilst he is a substitute in the ‘B’, 'C' etc. team. Put simply, the ‘A’ team player may only act as a fielder. 'B', 'C' etc. team players will be allowed to bat/bowl/keep wicket just one time for the higher ranked team but may field any number of times.
Each team shall bowl a maximum of five six-ball overs. No bowler shall bowl more than one over.
All six batsmen/women may complete their innings. If a team loses five wickets, the last bat remaining can stay in (i.e. teams can lose up to six wickets), but the last bat out must remain as non-striker, and can be run out.
There shall not be more than two fielders on the leg side of the wicket.
If the ball pitches less than half way down the wicket, a no ball shall be called.
If a bowler's run up exceeds 10 paces, a no ball shall be called. Fast bowling is not prohibited, but if the umpire considers that it is intimidating, particularly against inexperienced players, he/she is at liberty to ask the bowler to slow down.
The team scoring most runs wins the match. In the event of a tie, the team losing fewer wickets wins. If the runs and wickets are level, a draw will be declared.
Any player scoring 25 runs or over shall be retired - out. This means that they cannot bat again should all other team members be out before the end of the overs available. If a player wishes to retire before reaching 25, they may bat again after all other players are out until they score 25.
Except for the above, the normal laws of cricket apply. Teams (especially umpires and captains) will be expected to have a working knowledge of these.
Players wearing spikes on the artificial strip will be requested to leave the game. Rubber studs are acceptable.
Teams must be ready to play at the time specified in the fixture list. Teams not ready at the time specified shall, if the opposition is ready, be deemed to have lost the toss. Teams not ready five minutes after the specified start time shall concede five runs to the opposition, if they are ready. Teams not ready ten minutes after the specified start time shall concede ten runs to the opposition, if they are ready. Teams not ready fifteen minutes after the start time shall forfeit the match.
If a team forfeits a match (for whatever reason), they will be deducted 20 runs from the Run Difference tally in their respective group. The team who they were due to play will be automatically be awarded plus 20 runs.
Teams are expected to play within a spirit of friendly competition, recognising that some opponents will be playing purely for fun. Players should not argue with the umpires. The decision of the organisers shall be final in the event of any dispute.
