Strathmore Cricket Union Handbook 2001

4 Changes to the Laws of Cricket This season sees the introduction of the new, 2000 Code of Laws which replaces the 1980 Code with which we were all (hopefully) familiar. To try to cover all the changes which have been introduced is beyond the scope of this article but we’ll highlight here some of the main changes. It is the responsibility of all Union Clubs to ensure that they are aware of the new Code and that the umpires and scorers in Union matches understand and apply the new Code. The changes are many and varied - some will apply to matches of our standard while others are applicable to cricket of a higher level. The main changes are the introduction of new signals (Law 3.14), the addition of a one run penalty in addition to any runs scored from a No Ball or a Wide (Law 24.12 and 25.5) and the award of Penalty Runs known as Penalty Extras for various offences (mainly under Law 42). Signals With the introduction of Penalty Extras which can be awarded to either the batting or the bowling side, signals are required for each. To indicate a 5 run penalty in favour of the batting side, repeatedly tap one shoulder with the opposite hand. To award 5 runs to the fielding side, place a hand on the opposite shoulder. There are many other subtle changes which aren’t likely to affect Union matches. Fielders Players leaving the field must report the reason to the umpires. Similarly, players may no longer return to the field without permission. This is a major change and should be noted. Failure to observe this Law will result in the award of 5 Penalty Extras to the batting side so if you’ve got to put on the tea urn, let the umpires know! Penalty Extras The batting side may receive penalty runs through the circumstances noted above and through the fielder stopping the ball illegally as at present. If the ball hits a discarded helmet, the batting side is awarded 5 runs as at present. No award is made, however, if the contact comes from a ball which has hit the batsman and would have resulted in leg byes being disallowed. The batting side may also be awarded a 5 run penalty for ball-tampering, repeated time-wasting, repeated deliberately damaging the pitch or deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsmen by the fielding side. The fielding side may receive penalty runs if