3rd XI Sunday Eligibility Criteria

Date: 18th May 2023

A review of the season's scorecards of the Sunday 3rd XI Divisions so far has made it clear that not all captains fully understand the eligibility criteria which is listed below. While the Committee appreciate, that at the start of a season, there are occasions where circumstances require a player's involvement, please note that from this weekend, clubs found fielding players, who do not meet the eligibility crtiteria, will be asked to explain and if necessary, further action may be taken.

In summary,

- under 18 age group and over 40 (as at the age group qualifying date of 01/09/22) are eligible

- upto three players (outside of the above age groups) who played the previous day, can play PROVIDED they meet the 11 game countback by having played more 3rd XI games than at a higher level.

- players who did not play the previous day, are eligible to play

- Some restrictions are in place for those deemed 1st XI players.

Special circumstances (such as designated driver status) are also allowed upon request prior to the game to the Management Cttee / 3rd XI Sub committee.

Please also note that Newton LW 4th XI have had to withdraw from the 3rd XI North division although they hope to arrange a series of friendlies later in the summer.

7.1.6 - In 3^rd XI matches: All rearranged Saturday 3rd XI league fixtures played on a day other than Saturday are to be played under normal Saturday regulations including a countback requirement over the last 11 league games and where 6 or more of these of these games have been in the 3^rd XI:
7.1.6.1 - any 1st XI player, as calculated by the last 11 consecutive league matches countback rule, who has not played on either or both previous two days for a 1st or 2nd XI will be eligible to play in leaguematches subject to the batting and bowling restrictions set out in 7.1.6.4 below and the batting and bowling pattern of the player in their most recent 1^st XI match;
7.1.6.2 - any 2nd XI player as calculated by the last 11 consecutive league matches countback rule who has not played on either or both of the previous two days for a 1st or 2nd XI will be eligible to play without restriction;
7.1.6.3 - no more than three players who have played on either or both of the previous two days for a 1st or 2nd XI will be eligible to play in league matches and then only if they have played 50% or more of their matches for a 3rd XI, as calculated by the last 11 consecutive league matches countback rule;
7.1.6.4 - Players under the age of 18or over the age of 40,on 1st September the previous year, can play on both days in league matches; however, such players from a club’s 1st XI are subject to the following restriction:
- if they batted or were scheduled to bat in the top 5 of a1st XI match they shall not bat higher than number 7 in the 3rd XI match;
- if they bat and score more than 50 runs, they shall be required to retire but may return on the fall of the last wicket; and
- any player, irrespective of age, who has bowled 5 or more overs for a 1st XI on thepreceding Saturday is not allowed to bowl. If they have bowled four or fewer overs for the 1^st XI on the preceding Saturday and then subsequently bowl in the 3^rd XI and take three or more wickets, they shall then be removed from the bowling attack at the end of that over.

The ManagementCommittee and the 3rd XI Sub-Committee will monitor their usage in the 2nd and 3rd XIs respectively to ensure that Spirit of Cricket is not abused;