Rules of Indoor Cricket

The following rules are based on the official rules for Indoor Cricket as specified by the Australian Indoor Cricket Federation.

Contents

Foreword

Section 1 - Rules Of The Game

1. Fielding A Team
2. The Game
3. Uniforms
4. The Toss
5. Playing Equipment
6. The Umpire
7. Arrival/Late Player(s)
8. Player Short/Substitutes/Injured Players
9. Field Placement
10. Play Ball/Live Ball/Dead Ball
11. Scoring
12. No Ball
13. Wide And Leg Side Wide Balls
14. Bowler Changing Direction/Style
15. Ball Leaving The Playing Area
16. Appeals For Dismissals
17. Dismissals
18. Interference
19. Misconduct
20. Order Off
21. Illegal Court Entry/Exit
22. Runners
23. End Of Game
24. Mixed Games

Section 2 - AICF Standards

1. Court Layout And Dimensions
2. Equipment

Section 3 - Management Procedures

1. Game Fees
2. Late Starts
3. Premiership And Bonus Points
4. Ladder Position
5. Finals Qualifications
6. Drawn Final

Section 4 - Variations

Section 5 - Umpire Signals

Foreword

Dear Player,

This book contains the Official Rules of the sport of Indoor Cricket, as endorsed by the Australian Indoor Cricket Federation, the nationally recognised governing body for the sport.

Indoor Cricket has its origins in Western Australia in the late 1970's. Over the years a number of refinements to rules have been made, and this document lists the nationally accepted rules as at April 1998.

Please take a few moments to look through this book, and keep it handy as you enjoy the game. As with most sports, the rules are very simple, although sometimes a situation requires expert interpretation - and your match umpire is trained to provide exactly that adjudication.

In the event that you and your team do not agree with a decision, your captain may seek a clarification from the umpire - but remember the umpire's job is a difficult one, and their decision is final.

The most important thing to remember is that you are playing a great Aussie game, and the staff at your Indoor Cricket centre want to see you enjoy yourself.

Indoor Cricket offers you many opportunities to develop your skills, from social matches to International games. Whatever your skill level and motivation, you'll find every match to be enjoyable and challenging.

All the best in your Indoor Cricket career, and may you and your team enjoy the success your best efforts deserve.

Section 1 - Rules Of The Game

Rule 1. Fielding A Team

  1. A game is played between two teams, each of a maximum of 8 players.
  2. Each team must nominate a captain for each game.
  3. No team can play with less than 6 players.
  4. A game must proceed when scheduled, if a minimum of 6 players for each team is present.
  5. To take part in a match, a player must be able to bat and bowl, except as in Rule 8 (Substitutes).

Rule 2. The Game

  1. The game consists of 1 batting and 1 bowling innings per team.
  2. Each innings consists of 16 overs. (For the purpose of simplicity in this rule book, all references will be to 8 ball overs. For alternative over lengths, refer to Section 4 - Variations.
  3. The run deduction for a dismissal will be 5 runs, and other penalties (ie misconduct, uniform penalties etc) will be 5 runs or multiples of 5 runs.
  4. Each player must bowl 2 overs except in the case of Rule 8 (Player Short/Substitutes/Injured Players). Prior to the start of each over the umpire must be advised of the bowler's name.
  5. A bowler must not bowl 2 consecutive overs. The fielding team will be penalised 5 runs for each over offended.
  6. A delivery commences from the moment a bowler (with the ball in their hand) starts their run up and continues until the same time of the next delivery.
  7. A batting innings is divided into 4 sections. Each section consists of 4 overs.
  8. The batting team bats in pairs with each pair batting for 4 overs. Upon arrival at the batting crease the batters must inform the umpire of their respective names.
  9. Batters continue batting for the entire 4 overs, whether they are dismissed or not. When a player is dismissed, 5 runs are deducted from their team's score.
  10. Batters must change ends at the completion of each over.
  11. No batter may bat more than once, except in the case of a Rule 8 (Player Short).
  12. A team may not declare an innings closed.
  13. The team compiling the higher number of runs will be the winner.

Rule 3. Uniforms

  1. Teams must be dressed as follows:
    Tops: Matching colour shirts (leisure shirt or T-shirt). Teams may combine shirt styles but colours and logos must still be matching.
    Pants: Males - long or short sports pants. Females - long or short sports pants, or sports skirts.
    Jeans are not permitted.
    Footwear: Rubber soled sports shoes that will not mark the court surface. (Players in socks, barefoot or in leather-soled shoes are not permitted).
  2. A penalty of 5 runs will be deducted from a team's batting score for every unacceptable item of apparel. The team batting first will have any uniform penalties deducted at the start of the offending player's partnership. The team batting second may have uniform penalties deducted at the commencement of the second innings. umpire's are not to "square off" the uniform penalties of one team against another.
  3. The maximum team penalty for incorrect uniforms in any match will be 20 runs.
  4. Captains may not appeal for uniform penalties after the commencement of the second over of the second innings.
  5. The umpire will be the initial judge of the correctness of a uniform. However, in the event of a dispute, particularly with regard to colour, the duty manager or tournament director will have the final decision.

Rule 4. The Toss

  1. The umpire or a person delegated by the tournament organiser will toss a coin or token to determine the order of the innings. The umpire will advise which team is to call.
  2. Teams may negotiate the order of innings prior to the toss with the consent of the umpire, duty manager or tournament organiser.

Rule 5. Playing Equipment

  1. Bats: Must be made of wood with dimensions no larger than 96.5 cm in length and 10.8 cm in width and have a suitable bat grip. If an umpire is not satisfied with the suitability of a bat or bat grip, they should not allow it to be used. Note: Bat grips must be of a non-slip material and in good order.
  2. Batting Gloves: A batting glove (which completely covers the hand from the wrist) must be worn on both hands by each batter. An umpire, on noticing a player does not have 2 suitable batting gloves, must not allow play to continue until 2 gloves are worn.
  3. Keeper's Gloves: The wicket keeper has the option to wear none, 1 or 2 suitable gloves. The gloves may be keeping or batting gloves, or a combination of both. Gloves similar to baseball style etc are not permitted. They may only be worn by the wicket keeper in the approved area [See Rule 9D - Wicket Keeper].
  4. Fielding Protection: Players may wear suitable protective equipment when fielding. This includes: elbow and knee pads, sporting helmets, face guards, gloves, groin protectors and safety glasses. The decision to allow protective equipment in the field rests with the duty manager or tournament organiser. Their decision must take into account the safety of all players and relevant medical reasons.
  5. Balls: The centre will supply a recognised Indoor Cricket ball for each match. Teams may not supply their own. Any person or team found substituting or deliberately scuffing, gouging, or attempting to reshape the ball will be penalised 10 runs for ball tampering.
  6. Equipment not in immediate use (eg. gloves, elbow pads and protectors) must be placed outside the court until required. Players will be warned to remove unused protective equipment. Refusal to do so will result in a 5 run penalty to the offending team.
  7. The Stumps will be "Wilkins" style collapsible stumps which may be free-standing or bolted to the floor. The base plate is considered to be part of the stumps.
  8. Bails may be wooden or plastic and must be tied to the stumps.

Rule 6. The Umpire

  1. Before each game, an umpire will be appointed to adjudicate the rules of the game with absolute impartiality.
  2. Teams will have no choice in the appointment of the umpire.
  3. The umpire may only be changed at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser.
  4. The umpire's decision during a game is final. No dispute, written or otherwise, will alter the result.
  5. The umpire will be the sole judge of fair and unfair play.
  6. The captain of the fielding side or the batter at wicket may query an umpire's decision. Once the umpire has replied, any further talking to, at or about the umpire, or their decision, may be penalised.

Rule 7. Arrival / Late Players

  1. All teams are to be present at the court allocated for their match to do the toss 2 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement of their game.
    1. Any team failing to arrive on time will forfeit the right to a toss. The non-offending team can choose to field first or wait until the offending team has 6 players present and bat first.
    2. If both teams are late, the first team to have 6 players present will have the right to choose their batting innings. [See Rule 7B(i)].
  2. All forfeits will be declared at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser.
    1. Individual player(s) arriving late may take part in the match providing their arrival is before the commencement of the 13th over of the first innings.
    2. A team captain may ask for the consent of the duty manager or tournament organiser to allow a late player to participate after the 13th over of the first innings. This player may not bat or bowl and is regarded as a late player, not a substitute, and may keep wickets if their team is fielding.
    3. Any player known and expected to arrive late must be nominated by the team captain to the opposition captain, umpire and the duty manager or tournament organiser prior to the commencement of the game.
    4. Players who arrive late to field, must wait until the end of the over in progress before entering the court.

Rule 8. Player Short / Substitutes / Injured Players

Rule 9. Field Placement

  1. Fielders Per Half Court

    The court is divided into two halves with the dividing line being the non-striker's running crease. No more than 4 fielders may field in either half of the court from the moment the bowler commences their run up until the ball leaves the bowler's hand. On the line is considered in the other half. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".

  2. Fielders on Pitch

    With the exception of the bowler, no fielder (including a wicket keeper), can move on or extend over the pitch from the commencement of the bowler's run up until the ball is played at by the batter or passes the striker's wickets. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".

  3. Exclusion Zone

    An Exclusion Zone will be marked in an arc extending at a radius of 3 metres from the batting crease. No fielder can move on or extend over the Exclusion Zone from the commencement of the bowler's run up until the ball is played at by the striker or passes the striker's wickets. A wicket keeper may move into the Exclusion Zone after the ball has been bowled provided they are legitimately getting in position to field the ball, and they do not pass forward of the imaginary line through the stumps. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".

  4. Wicket Keeper
    1. A fielder is classified as a wicket keeper if they take up position behind the stumps at the striker's end in the area designated for the wicket keeper.
    2. The area designated for the wicket keeper is between the imaginary lines extending along the extremities of the pitch to the back net and the line running at right angles through the stumps at the striker's end. (See diagram on court layout).
    3. The wicket keeper must take up a position with both feet wholly inside the designated area and cannot move out of that area until the ball leaves the bowler's hand. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".
    4. A wicket keeper may move into the Exclusion Zone after the ball has been bowled provided they are legitimately getting into position to field the ball, and they do not pass forward of the imaginary line through the stumps. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".
    5. The wicket keeper cannot take the ball either in front of or from the side of the wickets, with the exception of when the ball strikes the batter's person or equipment. If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call "No Ball".
    6. The wearing of gloves by the wicket keeper is optional. [See Rule 5C - Playing Equipment].
    7. A wicket keeper is optional.

Rule 10. Play Ball / Live Ball / Dead Ball

Rule 11. Scoring

  1. Runs may be scored as follows:

  1. When both batters cross between the batting crease and the non-striker's crease and make good their ground. One run is scored (called a "physical" run).Bonus runs as defined in Rule 11A(iii), B(i), B(iv) and E will only be scored if the batters successfully make a physical run as described in Rule 11A(i).
  2. When a batter hits the ball with the bat or the hand(s) holding the bat, into a perimeter netting, this includes balls unintentionally deflected by the batter's protective equipment, deflected by fielders and unintentionally deflected from the non-striker's person or equipment, the following bonus runs will apply: 

Zone A (Front Net)

0 RUNS

Zone B (Side Net)

1 RUN

Zone C (Side Net)

2 RUNS

Zone D (Back Net on Bounce)

4 RUNS

Zone D (Back Net on Full)

6 RUNS

Zone B or C onto Zone D

3 RUNS

Refer to the diagram at Section 2 - A.I.C.F. Standards.
The scoring zone that the ball strikes first will count with the exception of a ball coming off Zone B or C onto Zone D.
The top net is neutral. A ball hit via the top net onto the Zone D net on the full scores 6 bonus runs for the batting side.

  1. When a fielder causes an overthrow, physical runs will be scored when the batters cross between the batting crease and the non-striker's crease and make good their ground. An "overthrow" results from the deliberate effort of a fielder throwing, flicking, slapping or kicking the ball in an attempt to strike the wicket and cause a run out, or at any other time the ball is live.
  2. The batting team will be credited with a 2 run penalty when the umpire calls a delivery "No Ball", "Wide" or "Legside". If the batter plays a "No Ball" into a scoring zone, the zone score and the physical runs made will be added to the 2 run penalty. Any physical runs made off a "Wide" or "Legside" will be added to the 2 run penalty.
    1. If in the opinion of the umpire, the fielder, whilst attempting to run out the batter, does not have "reasonable control" of the ball and it hits a scoring zone, the relevant bonus runs will apply.
    2. "Reasonable control" may be defined as the deliberate attempt by a fielder which causes the ball to noticeably change from its original path to the direction of the intended target wickets in an attempt to run the batters out. Flicking, slapping and kicking the ball fall within this definition.
    3. Any net zones struck as a result of a reasonably controlled attempt will not result in bonus runs being scored. If the umpire is uncertain that the ball was reasonably controlled, the bonus net score will count.
    4. A ball deflected by a fielder into a scoring zone after the ball has been hit by the striker's bat or the hand(s) holding the bat, will score the relevant zone score. [See Rule 11A(iii) above].

  1. Balls deflected into scoring zones off the batter's person (eg. leg) where no contact has been made with the bat will not score bonus runs. Only physical runs may be scored.
  2. If a batter is given "Out", the batting team will lose 5 runs. All previous runs scored off that delivery will not count.
  3. Where a ball strikes a zone scoring tape or corner conduit, the higher zone score will count.
  4. In case of a scoreboard error, unless the captain of the fielding team or the batters at the wicket appeal about the score before the commencement of a new over, or before the players leave the court in the case of the last over of each innings, the scoreboard will be assumed to be correct.

Rule 12. No Ball

  1. "No Ball" will be called when: 
    1. The ball is thrown, not bowled. If the umpire is not totally satisfied with the fairness of the delivery, "No Ball" will be called at the moment of delivery. (Note: As a guide, the bowler's arm must not be straightened in the delivery action. If the elbow remains bent throughout the delivery, it may be a fair delivery).
    2. Any part of the bowler's front foot is not grounded inside the return crease and behind the popping crease at the moment of delivery. (Note: Any part of the front foot on the line is a "No Ball").
    3. If any part of the ball, when bowled underarm, pitches on or before the underarm line it will be a "No Ball".
    4. There are more than 4 fielders in either half of the court at the commencement of the bowler's run up. [See Rule 9A - Field Placement].
    5. A wicket keeper moves outside their designated area before the ball leaves the bowler's hand or takes the ball in front or from the side of the stumps. [See Rule 9D(iv) and Rule 9D(viii)].
    6. A fielder, other than the wicket keeper, has any part of their body in the wicket keeper's area or exclusion zone until the ball is played at by the striker or passes the striker's wickets. [See Rule 9D(i) and 9C - Field Placement].
    7. A bowler changes style of bowling (ie. overarm to underarm, left arm to right arm or vice versa) or changes sides of the wicket (ie. from over to around or vice versa) without first informing the umpire [See Rule 14].
    8. The bowler depresses the net and/or the net protection in Zones D or C with any part of their body during the course of their run up.
    9. The ball, when bowled, passes over or would have passed over the striker's front shoulder, either on the full or bounce, when the striker is in a normal stationary batting stance at the time of the bowler's delivery stride. This is regardless of the ball hitting the striker's bat or person. A striker must have part of their back foot behind the batting crease when the ball passes or would have passed the batting crease to be entitled to the call of "No Ball" under this rule. The back foot need not necessarily be grounded behind the batting crease. Note: The umpire may regard an exaggerated batting stance in the crouched position as unfair play.
    10. Any part of the ball, when bowled, initially lands off the pitch before reaching the line of the batting crease.
    11. A mankad is illegally attempted. The umpire will call "No Ball, Dead Ball". The ball will not count as part of the over and 2 runs will be added to the batting team's score. [See Rule 17F(iii)].
    12. When a bowler makes more than 2 unsuccessful mankad attempts in any one over, the 3rd unsuccessful attempt will be called "No Ball, Dead Ball". The ball will not be counted as part of the over and 2 runs will be credited to the batting team's score. [See Rule 17F(iv)].
    13. The ball, after being bowled, hits the top or side net before reaching the batter. The umpire will call "No Ball, Dead Ball". The ball will not be rebowled and 2 runs will be credited to the batting team's score.
    14. A fielder, or part of a fielder (with the exception of the bowler) moves onto or extends over the pitch from the commencement of the bowler's run up until the ball is played at by the striker or passes the striker's wickets. [See Rule 9B]
  2. A batter can be given "Out" off a "No Ball" in any of the four following ways: 
    1. If the ball is hit twice other than to protect the wickets [See Rule 17G(iii)].
    2. If either batter deliberately interferes with the fielding team [See Rule 17G(ii)].
    3. If in attempting a run, either batter is run out [See Rule 17C(ii)].
    4. If the striker is run out by the wicket keeper [See Rule 17C(i(c))].
  3. Any batter dismissed off a "No Ball" will be penalised 5 runs. The 2 run bonus for the "No Ball" is negated by the dismissal.
    1. A "No Ball" is included as part of an over except in the last over of the innings.
    2. Any "No Ball" bowled in the last over of an innings may be rebowled at the batter's discretion. The umpire must ask the batters immediately if the ball is to be rebowled. The batters must decide before the next ball is bowled. Any penalties, runs or wickets resulting from the "No Ball" delivery will count regardless of whether the ball is rebowled or not.
    3. A "No Ball" incurs a penalty of 2 runs, which is added to the batting pair's score. Runs scored by hitting any net zone and/or physical runs are also added to the score.

Rule 13. Wide And Legside Wide Balls

  1. A "Wide" will be called when: any part of the ball passes on the striker's off-side, outside the intersection of the batting crease and the edge of the pitch, without being touched by the striker's person or equipment. Any part of the ball passing on the line will be deemed "Wide".
  2. A "Legside" wide will be called when: any part of the ball passes outside the intersection of the batting crease and the legside line without being touched by the striker's person or equipment. A ball passing between the batter and the stumps is not a legside wide. Any part of the ball passing on the line will be deemed "Legside".
  3. For the purpose of identification, the edge of the pitch will be taken as the offside line, and the point 45cm from the centre stump will be taken as the legside line.
  4. Batters may be dismissed by all forms of dismissal when a "Wide" is bowled, bearing in mind that if a ball is struck by the striker's person or equipment, it is no longer a "Wide".
  5. A batter dismissed off a "Wide" will be penalised 5 runs. The 2 run bonus for the wide is negated by the dismissal.
  6. A "Wide" counts as part of the over, except in the last over of either innings.
  7. All "Wides" bowled in the last over of an innings may be rebowled at the batter's discretion. The umpire must immediately ask the batters if the ball is to be rebowled. The batters must decide before the next delivery is bowled. All scores, penalties or wickets from the "Wide" or "Legside" delivery will count regardless of whether the ball is rebowled or not.
  8. The penalty for a "Wide" is 2 runs, which will be added to the batting pair's score, plus any additional physical runs scored.

Rule 14. Bowler Changing Direction / Style

  1. A bowler must advise the umpire if they intend to change their bowling style (ie. overarm to underarm, left arm to right arm or vice versa) or sides of the wicket (ie. over the wicket to around the wicket or vice versa).
  2. The umpire must use the correct hand signal to indicate to the bowler that their change of bowling style has been noticed. The onus is on the fielding team to ensure that the umpire is aware of the bowling change.
  3. When a bowler changes direction or style, the change is to both batters unless a difference is advised.
  4. The umpire must advise both batters of the change and only one advice need be given unless there is a further change.
  5. "No Ball" will be called if a bowler contravenes this rule.
  6. If the batters believe the umpire has overlooked a change they may appeal for a "No Ball", however the umpire's decision is final.

Rule 15. Ball Leaving The Playing Area

  1. Any ball, when bowled, that leaves the playing area or lodges in the net or corner conduit as a result of being hit by the striker, will be called "Dead Ball" by the umpire and will be rebowled. This includes balls coming off the striker's bat onto the non-striker or fielders prior to leaving the playing area. No runs will count and the original striker must face the ball again.
  2. Any ball, when bowled, that leaves the playing area without being touched by the batter or the fielding side will be called "Dead Ball" by the umpire and rebowled.
  3. Any ball that leaves the playing area as a result of an attempted run out by a fielder will be called "Dead Ball" by the umpire. All runs made off the ball, prior to it leaving the court, will count. Batters must have crossed to be eligible to score a physical run. Under these circumstances the ball will not be rebowled.

Rule 16. Appeals For Dismissals

  1. The umpire will not give a batter out unless appealed to by the opposing team. An appeal must be made prior to the next ball being bowled.
  2. An appeal will cover all ways of a dismissal.
  3. The umpire will have final jurisdiction on all appeals and retains the right to alter their decision provided it is done promptly.

Rule 18. Interference

  1. Batters must not have their running path unfairly impeded. If in the umpire's opinion this constitutes unfair play, the batters are not to be given out and all runs will count. The fielding team will be issued a warning. A 5 run penalty will be issued to the fielding team for a second occurrence. Note: A player may not be guilty of obstruction if they do not move.
  2. The fielder has right of way provided they are legitimately fielding the ball.
  3. If the ball is bowled, then deliberately fielded prior to the batter having the opportunity to hit the ball, the fielding team will be penalised 5 runs for unfair play and the ball will be re-bowled.

Rule 19. Misconduct

  1. Any misconduct may incur a run penalty at the discretion of the umpire. No warning need precede the application of this penalty. Any act of misconduct may result in the player(s) being ordered off the court by the umpire. [See Rule 20].
  2. The maximum penalty for any single rule violation is 5 runs. In the case of misconduct related violations, the penalties can range in multiples of 5 to a maximum of 20, depending on the severity of the violation.
  3. Umpires must use their discretion when determining if run penalties are warranted for misconduct. Players may be warned prior to being penalised, but this is not a pre-requisite.
  4. Any of the following may constitute misconduct:
    1. Dangerous or unduly rough play.
    2. Swearing or making obscene gestures.
    3. Deliberate physical contact or fighting.
    4. Unfair play. (See Rule 19F)
    5. Spitting.
    6. Sledging (eg. any baiting, harassment, gestures, words or actions which may interrupt the concentration of an opponent).
    7. Mistreatment of equipment (eg. bats, nets, carpets, stumps or balls).
    8. Deliberate time wasting.
    9. Any player deliberately stepping on the nets.
    10. Disputing or arguing with the umpire.
      Note: The captain of the fielding side or the batter at the wicket may query an umpire's decision. Once the umpire has replied, any further talking to, at or about the umpire, or their decision, may be penalised.
  5. Any person or team found substituting or deliberately scuffing, gouging or attempting to reshape the ball will be penalised 10 runs for ball tampering.
  6. Unfair Play can be defined as actions taken outside the spirit of the rules of the game to create an unfair advantage over an opponent. Any of the following would be considered unfair play:
    1. A fielder pretending to have the ball in order for the wicket keeper to run out a batter who may stray outside their crease.
    2. A wicket keeper clicking their fingers to simulate a ball striking the edge of a bat.
    3. Undue noise and movement during a bowler's delivery.
    4. Unnecessarily slowing down play.
    5. After missing a delivery, the batter lifting the bat in front of the wicket keeper to prevent the ball being thrown to the receiver.
    6. Ball tampering.
  7. Any game may be stopped and awarded to the opposition, or cancelled, should infringements of the above nature escalate to the point where the captains have lost control of their players. No game may be called off without consultation with the duty manager or tournament organiser.
  8. Any player incurring 2 misconduct penalties for any reason must be ordered off for the rest of the game by the umpire.

Rule 20. Order Off

  1. Umpires must order off:
    1. Any player whose conduct is extreme (eg. striking or threatening behaviour).
    2. Any player who has been the cause of 2 separate penalties for misconduct being awarded against their team.
  2. The umpire is the sole judge of what constitutes extreme misconduct.
  3. A player ordered off the court will take no further part in the game.
  4. A player ordered off will not be replaced. Teams are to revert to the Player Short Rule [Rule 8] for the batting and bowling.

Rule 21. Illegal Court Entry / Exit

  1. Illegal Court Entry

    Any player, other than the 2 batters and the 8 fielders on court, who enters the court during a game without permission being given from an umpire, can be ordered off and refused further participation in the game. They may be subject to further disciplinary action by the duty manager or tournament organiser if there is additional misconduct.
    Note: Commonsense should be applied in circumstances such as when a player is injured and requires immediate attention. This does not however entitle the assisting player/s to say or do anything intimidatory towards the opposition.

  2. Illegal Court Exit

    Any player who leaves the court during a game must request permission from the umpire and provide a legitimate reason before being allowed to leave. Any player leaving the court without permission will be refused any further participation in the game.
    Note: If sufficient players violate this rule, the game may be forfeited.

    Rule 22. Runners

    1. Runners are not permitted except for persons with a permanent disability, and only with the consent and at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser..
    2. Where a runner has been permitted, they must:
      - Wear 2 gloves and carry a bat;
      - Stand behind the batting crease until the striker has either played at the ball or the ball has passed the batting crease.
      If this rule is infringed, no runs will be scored and the batter will be penalised 5 runs for unfair play. This violation is not subject to the order off rule [Rule 20].
    3. The 'disabled batter' should, where possible:
      - Stand near Zone A to the leg side of the facing batter when not on strike;
      - Having struck the ball, make a reasonable effort to get out of the line of play of the fielders.
    4. The disabled batter will be given out "Stumped" or "Run Out" if either they or their runner are out of their crease.

    Rule 23. End Of Over / Game

    1. An over is completed when off the last delivery: 
      1. The ball is fielded and held over the stumps at either end whilst at least 1 batter is in their crease and the umpire calls "Over".
      2. All players on the court regard the ball as being "Dead" (ie. no further play is possible).
      3. A wicket falls, excluding a mankad (subject to it being a legal delivery) and the umpire calls "Over".
    2. The umpire will end the match by calling "Game" after all of the prescribed overs have been bowled.
    3. No run penalties may be imposed after the umpire calls "Game".
    4. Any misconduct occurring after "Game" has been called should be referred to the duty manager or tournament organiser for possible further action.

    Rule 24. Mixed Games

    All rules apply to Mixed Games except where they conflict with the following By-Rules. These rules should be read in conjunction with the previous Rule descriptions.

    BY-RULE 1 - Fielding a Team [Rule 1]

    There can be no more than 4 males or 4 females in any one team. A team must have a minimum of 2 males and 2 females, and have at least 6 players in the team, to start a game.

    BY-RULE 2 - The Game [Rule 2]

    1. Bowling sequence: the captain must bowl male and female players alternately. The fielding captain will determine whether a male of female bowler commences the 1st over.
    2. Batting pairs: A male and female must bat together.

    BY-RULE 3 - Player Short [Rule 8]

    1. If a team is player(s) short, they can only be replaced by other player(s) of the same sex. Females are not permitted to fill in for males and vice versa.
    2. When a team plays short, the male/female batting pairs and bowling sequence must be maintained.
      1. If a team is 1 player short, a player of the missing sex must be selected by the opposition captain after the 12th over to bat for the remaining 4 overs, or bowl 2 of the remaining 4 overs.
      2. If a team is both a male and a female player short, the opposition captain must select a male and a female player after the 12th over to bat the last 4 overs, or bowl 2 overs each of the last 4 overs.
      3. If a team is 2 players short of the same sex, the remaining pair of the same sex must alternate their respective batting and bowling overs.

    BY-RULE 4 - Field Placement/Intimidatory Play[Rule 9]

    A. Fielding

    1. Excessively close-in fielding and rushing tactics that in the umpire's opinion intimidate the female striker, will be penalised by the call of "No Ball". No warning is required.
    2. There are no restrictions on the court placement of males or females when fielding provided the conditions of Rule 9A are satisfied.

    B. Bowling

    C. Batting

    BY-RULE 5

    Either batter (male or female) will be given "out" if they are caught from a direct hit (on the full) to the "6" net (Zone D).

    BY-RULE 6 - Substitutes [Rule 8]

    When a team utilises the Substitute Rule or Player Short Rule during a mixed game, the replacement must be a player of the same sex.

    BY RULE 7 - Equipment

    All mixed games will be played using indoor cricket bats approved by the AICF.

    Section 2 - AICF Standards

    1. COURT LAYOUT AND DIMENSIONS
      1. The pitch is the area between both sets of stumps, the bowling return  creases and the offside lines at the striker's end.
      2. The stumps will be of equal and sufficient size to prevent the ball from  passing through them. Their tops will be 71.1 cms above the floor.
      3. A wicket line will be marked in line with the stumps at each end, and  will be 1.83 metres in width at the batting end and 2.47 metres at the bowling  end, with the stumps in the centre, and the middle stumps will be 20 metres  apart.
      4. The popping crease will be in front of, and parallel with, the wicket  lines at both ends. It will have its back edge 1.22 metres from the centre  of the stumps. At the striker's end, it will extend from one side of the  court to the other and will be called the batting crease. At the bowler's  end, it will be the line extending between the return creases and will be  called the bowler's crease or the front foot line.
      5. The return creases at the bowler's end will be lines at right angles  to the bowling crease to the line of the wickets. The return creases will  be marked 1.22 metres from the middle stump on the line of the wicket. The  return creases may be considered to extend back from the line of the stumps  indefinitely for the purpose of adjudication.
      6. The running crease (or non-striking batter's crease), which is the edge  of the crease marking nearest the bowling end, will be parallel to the popping  crease and extend from one side of the court to the other. The distance  between the running crease and the batting crease will be 11 metres.
      7. The court must be no less than 28 metres and no more than 30 metres in  length, and no less than 10.5 metres and no more than 12 metres in width,  with the height being no less than 4 metres and no more than 4.5 metres.
      8. The legside lines are to be positioned with the inside edge 45 cms from  the middle stump. The legside lines should extend a minimum of 15 cms at  right angles to the batting crease. The offside or wide lines are to be  positioned with the inside edge 90 cms from the centre stump.
      9. A fielding Exclusion Zone will be marked in an arc extending from the  centre of the batting crease at a radius of 3 metres. [See Diagram below].
      10. The underarm line is marked across the pitch 7 metres from the striker's  stumps.
      11. All lines will be marked at a thickness of 55mm.
    2. EQUIPMENT  
      1. Two sets of stumps, each 22.86 cms wide, and consisting of 3 stumps with  2 bails upon the top, will be pitched opposite and parallel to each other  at a distance of 20 metres. Wickets will be "Wilkins" style either free  standing or with their bases bolted to the court.
      2. The bails will be 11.1 cms in length, and when in position will not extend  more than 1.3 cms above the stumps. Bails may be wooden or plastic and must  be tied to the stumps.  

    Section 3 - Management Procedures

    1. GAME FEE
      1. No game will commence until full game fees have been paid by both teams, unless previously approved by the duty manager or tournament organiser.
      2. Full game fees must be paid, even if a team is short of players. Team penalties for non-payment of game fees may apply at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser.
    2. LATE STARTS
      1. Generally, the start of the game will only be delayed by a period of time set by the duty manager or tournament organiser. Failure to arrive by this time may result in a forfeit.
      2. Team penalties for late starts may apply at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser.
    3. PREMIERSHIP AND BONUS POINTS
      1. PREMIERSHIP POINTS

    Win

    4 Points

    Tie

    2 Points

    Loss

    0 Points

    4. LADDER POSITION

    5. FINALS QUALIFICATION

    6. DRAWN FINAL

    Section 4 - Variations

    This section has been included to offer rule variations from some of the rules in Section 1. These variations introduce alternative forms of Indoor Cricket competition. Some of these rule variations have been successfully trialed in AICF National Competitions. There is no compulsion to use any of these rule variations.

    1. Varying Over Length Competitions

    1. Indoor Cricket Centres and Organised Competitions may vary the number of balls required to be bowled in each over. Over lengths may be of 6 or 7 ball duration.
    2. Dismissals in 6 or 7 ball over games may be penalised from -3 to -5 at the discretion of the duty manager or tournament organiser.
    3. In 6 or 7 ball over games, it is recommended that all misconduct penalties should range in multiples of 5 to a maximum of 20. However, misconduct penalties in multiplies of 3 to a maximum of 12 could also be used.
    4. Other Team Penalties, such as for Uniforms, could either be in multiples of 3 or 5.

    2. Skins Scoring System

    The intention of this scoring system is to provide further strategy and interest to all matches regardless of the total team scores. The following rules will apply when using the Skins Scoring System:

    1. Win and Skins Points

      Win Points

      Win: 3 points
      Tie: 1½ points

      Skins Points

      The corresponding batting pairs in each team (that is: partnership 1v1; 2v2; 3v3; 4v4) will compete for an additional point (known as a skins point) which will be given to the pair making the highest partnership. One skins point is offered for each corresponding pair, making a total of 4 skins points per game. A tied batting pair will jackpot the skins point forward to the next pair or backwards in the case of the last pair.

      Ineligible Player/Forfeit/Team out of Competition:Points for Non-Offending Team

      The non-offending team will be awarded a win plus the average skins points scored against the offending team to that point of the competition. (Calculated to the nearest whole number.)

    2. No Balls/Wides and Legside Balls

      All Wides, Legsides and No Balls bowled in the final over of each batting partnership will be re-bowled at the batter's discretion. This is irrespective of whether runs are scored from the delivery or a dismissal occurs.

    3. Misconduct

      Any misconduct and uniform penalties will be applied in the following way:

      Individual Penalty

      When batting, to be applied against the offending player's batting partnership.

      When fielding, or off the court, to be applied against the offending player's batting partnership.

      Team Penalty

      Any team penalties will be applied against the partnership of the offending team's captain.

    4. Ladder Position

      The Ladder position for skins competitions will be determined by the following criteria:

      1. Highest Total Points (Wins and Skins)
      2. Highest number of Outright Wins (if equal on total points)
      3. Highest number of Skins Points (if equal on total points and outright wins)
      4. Highest Percentage (if equal on all the above)

      Note: A draw or tie counts as half a win.

    5. Tied Finals

      The team who wins the highest number of skins in a tied final will be declared the winner. If the skins are also tied, the winner will be declared as follows:

      Minor Finals:

      The game will be awarded to the team who finished highest on the ladder in the preliminary matches.

      Grand Finals:

      A mini game of 8 overs each will be played. The team with the highest score will win. If the scores are tied, the team who wins the highest number of skins will be declared the winner.

    Section 5 - Umpire Signals

    The signals shown should be used at all times and accompanied by the appropriate call.

    All signals should be bold and demonstrative. All calls should be loud and clear.

    You Are Out!! OUT
    Arm raised above the head, finger pointing skyward. Call "Out".
    Dead Ball DEAD BALL
    Fist clenched, arms crossed over body. Call "Dead Ball".
    You Just got Hit for Six! SIX HIT
    Both arms raised above the head, fingers pointing up. Call "Six Runs".
    You Just got Hit for Four FOUR HIT
    Arm bent at the elbow moved to and fro across the chest. Call "Four Runs".
    Please Stop! STOP
    Hand out, palm facing players. Call "Stop".
    Play Thanks PLAY
    Hand out, palm facing umpire. Call "Play".
    Wide or Leg Side WIDE & LEGSIDE WIDE
    Arm extended straight out from the shoulder. Call "Wide".
    No Ball NO BALL
    Arm raised bent at right angles at the elbow with fist clenched. Call "No Ball" and reason.
    Changing Sides/Style CHANGE OF BOWLING STYLE
    Arm straight out, finger pointing down. Call "Over The Wicket", "Underarm" etc.
    Third Ball THIRD BALL
    Three fingers held out. Call "Third Ball".
    Over OVER
    Both hands held together in front of body, and then moved outwards in an opposite direction. Call "Over".