Clubs' bulletin no 7 of 2026 - 12 June 

 

We have recently had an enquiry about an 11-year-old playing in our league. The League rule is that players under 12 are not allowed to play in the YCSPL, and, as a general rule, we do not want to deviate from that. However, ECB Safety Regulation 3.2.2 says that ‘in exceptional circumstances only’ an 11-year-old who also satisfies the four set criteria in the rule may be allowed to play. For 'exceptional circumstances' to be met, the YCSPL would require written confirmation from the player’s county coach that, 'the player has the ability, size, mentality and maturity to participate in open age cricket, as well as the ability to cope safely with uneven bounce’, which they would inevitably encounter in our lower divisions. 

 

 

Following a couple of recent incidents, we would like to make clear the League’s matchday policy on the above: 

 

• participants in the game, including officials, should not partake of alcohol at any point throughout the duration of the game 

• there must be no smoking or vaping on the field of play. 

 

 

There will be an Extraordinary General Meeting of YCSPL Premier Section clubs on Thursday 9 July at Shaw Lane Sports Club, Barnsley, on Thursday 9 July at 7.30pm. This is to vote on the Points Cap proposal for operation in the Premier & Championship Divisions from 2027 onwards 

 

Full formal notification and documentation will follow in the next few days, in order to provide the 21 days’ notice requirement in the League Constitution. 

 

 

When a visiting side are going to include a female player or players in their side, can they please let the home team know, so that changing arrangements can be put in place if needed. 

 

 

Premier Section clubs (and aspiring Premier Section clubs) must have run a Girls Only Cricket Programme, either via Roses Cricket powered by Dynamos or another suitable ‘girls only’ format this season. Clubs are encouraged to enter one of the YCF girls’ cricket festivals following their programme and to keep in touch with the players in order to meet the requirements for 2027. 

 

Failure to meet this requirement will result in the imposition of penalties on the club’s first team (league point deductions) and the League (financial) by the ECB (or clubs being deemed ineligible for promotion into Premier Section). 

 

 

This recently played women and girls charity match was a huge success, thanks to the many supporters and players involved, and thanks to Whiston Parish CC for their fabulous hospitality. To see photos and a write-up of the excitement from the evening, go to the South Yorkshire W&Gs Facebook page. There was also a feature about the event on Cricket Yorkshire. 

 

 

Clubs are reminded that, for games in the Premier, Championship, 1st and 2nd divisions, the blue line guidelines for judging wide balls are required (17 inches inside the return crease on either side of the wicket). 

 

 

If any player wishes to change their name on Play-Cricket they must initially contact our Play-Cricket administrator, Melvyn Bond. Any player who changes their name without prior contact will be deregistered. 

 

 

The President’s Cup final is on Sunday 30 August this year. It was allocated to Wath CC, but unfortunately their ground is not available on that day. If any other club is interested in hosting the day, please contact Richard North as soon as possible. 

 

 

There is a fundraising campaign Sheffield Children’s Hospital commemorating their 150-year anniversary. This is the Pride of Yorkshire Club Summer Challenge, where 150 lions are hidden around Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. This might be something that club junior sections would like to get involved with. The club that finds the most lions will get a prize and certificate.  

https://prideofyorkshire.org/?fbclid=IwRlRTSASV83lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEesTE7Ivc-BWDtDJr234O-AuUT69n09k_dnuh9FnHJFgMa7EvSbpvMApjCPcU_aem_QK7NlHrjvGffyd4XHeSDyw 

 

 

Please see the latest information from the ECB DBS team. 

 

 

If a single hot dish, such as chilli, curry, lasagne or pizza, is to be provided for matchday teas, please advise the opposition and umpires in advance, so that they can make alternative provision if necessary. 

 

Those clubs who have dispensation not to provide teas to the opposition must provide a tea for all officials, including umpires and scorers, at all games. To offer a monetary reimbursement to officials instead of a tea is not acceptable.