Pyramid Womens and Girls Section - Constitution & Playing Conditions
Updated 3 Feb 2026 AD
General Administration
The MHA Northern Pyramid shall run Women's and Girls Competitions.
These competitions shall be run by a sub-committee which will be represented on the Northern Pyramid, Northern Premier Cricket League and Palace Shield Cricket Competition Executives.
The sub-committee will consist of the following roles
- Chairperson (This person or their deputy will represent the section at other meetings)
- Secretary
- Assistant Secretary - Results
- Assistant Secretary - Fixtures
- Assistant Secretary - Registrations
- Interleague Representative
- Junior Cricket Liaison
- Others can be part of this sub committee without a specific title.
This committee will be supported by the Pyramid Administrator, Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer and EDI Officer, Discipline Officer along with others from the Pyramid Executive.
General Meetings
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Section shall be held not later than 31st January each year where rule changes can be suggested by the clubs.
Meetings may be held face to face or on a suitable virtual meeting platform.
Notices of motion must reach the Secretary not later than the 14th December.
50% of clubs playing in that season's competition shall form a quorum at general meetings.
Policies
The league shall adopt and implement all relevant ECB policies as prescribed in the Northern Pyramid Constitution
For any administrative matters not covered by the following rules then the relevant Northern Pyramid and Palace Shield Rules will apply.
Competitions:
The Northern Pyramid will run cricket that is suitable and appropriate for the clubs in the area.
The Palace Shield Junior Cricket Section & Westmorland Junior League will work alongside the Women’s and Girls Sub-Committee to run appropriate competitions at the appropriate age groups.
External Teams
Clubs who are not members of the Northern Pyramid Competition will be allowed to enter team(s) into the competition given that the club receives at least 75% of the available votes at the W&G Annual General Meeting. These clubs will be required to be re-elected at each subsequent AGM, where they will require at least 50% of the available votes, in order to enter team(s) the following year.
These clubs must follow all rules of the Northern Pyramid as per the Northern Pyramid Constitution.
Registration of Players
Clubs should register all players via their own Play Cricket site and nominate for League Registration with the Northern Pyramid (If necessary, the Pyramid Administrator can advise on how to do this). All players must be registered to play in all competitions. When registering new players, photographs must be included
Professional Players – players who are part of any full ICC member countries national playing squad will be considered professional players, as will all players contracted to play in any of the 8 regional teams (ie Lancashire Thunder, Northern Diamonds, Sunrisers etc) or in The Hundred. Professional players are permitted to be registered for this competition, no more than 2 such players may play for any team in any one game.
Clubs shall be allowed to field ONE category 3 player per fixture.
Players shall be registered by 12pm on the day of the game.
Further clarification on registrations can be found in the Palace Shield Competitions rules
Dual Registration
In order to support the development of Women and Girls cricket, W&G Players may be dual registered for two clubs under the following conditions:
- Players may only be registered for One Club in the 30 Over League
- This Dual registration only applies to Women and Girls Competitions and may not allow a player to play for two teams in NPCL or PS Senior competitions.
- A Player may not play for two clubs in the same tier of W&G Competition.
For Clarification :
Tier 1 - 30 Over
Tier 2 - Twenty20
Tier 3 - Super8s Hardball
Tier 4 - Super 8s Softball
Both clubs and the player shall be responsible for the conduct at all times and will be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action via the GCR process.
Any team playing an incorrectly registered or non – registered player in any game, shall be subject to penalties agreed by the league sub-committee.
W&G teams are able to loan players using the Palace Shield Loan System. This is for players playing for other teams in the same tier of W&G Cricket.
Qualification & Eligibility of Players
Players who have played in over 50% games in a senior competition shall be ineligible for this competition. Senior Competitions include the Cheshire County Women's League and Lancashire ECB Premier League Thunder Cup.
Players who have played over 50% of games in the 30 Over league shall not play in the Super8s Softball.
Relaxation of the above must be obtained by writing to
Where a team is short of players, it will be acceptable to loan up to 2 players from other teams provided they are registered with the league. Guidance is available from the league for this process.
Women & Girls Teams and Entry Fees
Team entries must be notified to the Secretary by the date agreed at the AGM (Normally 1st December).
Clubs will be invoiced for entries as declared centrally by the Northern Pyramid treasurer.
Competing clubs will pay team entries in accordance with Pyramid Rule 3
The W&G teams shall be charged the same as “Sunday League” teams.
Should a team withdraw one or more teams after the entry deadline, then the entry fee is still to be paid.
Fees to be paid by the 1st June each year and clubs will be invoiced centrally.
Any club that has not paid their entry fees by the deadline date will incur fines as per and Pyramid Rule 3.4.
Structure of the Competition
Following team entries the structure of the Competition will be agreed by the Sub Committee and Fixtures shall be produced by the Northern Pyramid Administrator.
Fixtures will be provided a fixture date.
The 30 Over league shall be played on Sunday afternoons with a start time of 2pm. If a club needs to rearrange a fixture they should do so at the first possible moment no later than 7 days prior to the fixture.
In the Twenty20 and Super8s competitions fixtures can be agreed by the clubs for a suitable date and time. The fixture date is a guide to help clubs but fixtures can be moved to different weeks to suit both clubs involved.
By the 1st April, All Clubs shall send their agreed dates to the Assistant Secretary - Fixtures (
Rained off Fixtures will be recorded as No Results and shall not be rearranged for league points.
Evening games shall start no later than 6.30pm. Sunday morning fixtures shall commence no earlier than 9.30am.
Where a team concedes a fixture, the W&G Committee will apply penalties which could include points deductions or a fine.
This rule is to act as a deterrent to conceding games. Whilst no club wants to ever concede the game, there is a knock-on effect to the opposing club, eg less fixtures, loss of income and empty grounds etc.
A team conceding three matches or more will have to appeal to the committee to remain in the league for the rest of the season and reapply to be allowed back into the league for the following season. Any such application will have to be supported by evidence that they are able to fulfil all fixtures. If a club concedes three matches or more, the league retains the right to remove all their matches from the league table at the end of the season and all points obtained in the matches (both teams) will be removed.
In Knockout matches, elimination from the knock out competition will occur and the opposition progress to the next stage.
Fixture Arrangements
The home side are required to confirm fixture details with the opposition 3 days prior to the game - these details should include:
Date of fixture
Venue of fixture
Start time
Pitch Type
Playing Conditions - General
The following regulations will apply
30 Over - ECB Generic Regulations
20 Over - ECB Generic Regulations
Hundred Cup - ECB Generic Regulations
Super8s - Appendix A
Notes & Overriders
DLS Standard G Value 200 must be used in any DLS calculations.
30 Over : Rule 8.6.3 or 8.7 does not apply in league stage matches.
20 Over : Rule 9.1 and Rule 9.4 does not apply in league stage matches. Where scores are level, the result shall be a tie irrespective of wickets lost.
In Knockout games, where no play is possible, a Bowl Out will be used to determine a result.
Use of sight-screens:
For Health and Safety purposes and to prevent insurance problems should any player be injured, in all games played using a hardball, adequate sight screens must be used.
Any club found guilty of not providing suitable sight screens will be deemed to have forfeited the game. The away side will be awarded the game and maximum points, with the offending home team having an additional 5 point deduction applied.
The Home club can use either White or Black Sight-Screens with the Pink Ball.
Teas & Refreshments
In the 30 Over competition, Teas will be provided at nil cost to the teams and umpires.
Host clubs are expected to provide drinks (squash or water) for visiting players.
In other competitions clubs may choose to provide food; a tea, a BBQ, etc. This is not a requirement and visiting clubs are under no obligation to partake. If a host club wishes to provide hospitality they should communicate these intentions to all visiting teams prior to the match day.
Balls, Clothing & Equipment
Teams shall wear uniforms in the same colour. Opposing teams may wear the same colour.
In Tier One Cricket (30 Over Hardball) All women and girls must wear tracksuit bottoms not leggings or shorts.
Protective wear (thigh pads etc) must be worn on the inside.
Hardball
5oz Pink Supersports balls shall be used and ordered via the approved league purchasing system.
Each team provide their own ball for their fielding innings.Each team must also ensure there is a spare ball available during their innings in the event of a replacement ball being required.
Softball Equipment – Balls, Bats and Stumps
Softball matches must be played with an ECB recommended full size pink incrediball which should be sourced through the league. We recommend a new ball can be used for two matches. The fielding side are responsible for providing the ball for their fielding innings. Spares should be on hand should the ball get lost.
Wooden bats may be used, although we recommend the use of a composite women’s softball bat Stumps and bails can be plastic or wooden and must be to standard heights.
Wooden spring back stumps are recommended if playing on artificial wickets. Bails are not mandatory, indeed we have had occasions where using wooden stumps with wooden bails has meant that the softball has hit the stumps but not dislodged the bails.
Umpires & Scorers
Clubs shall provide their own umpires. Clubs are welcome to apply to the NWCAO panel for Panel umpires who may be available via the form on the website. Panel Umpire fees are set by the NWACO each year.
Clubs are welcome to pay their own club umpire an agreed rate.
If there is only one appointed umpire they must stand at the bowler's end for the whole match. In this instance both clubs shall pay the umpire the appropriate amount.
Clubs must make suitable provisions in their facilities for umpires and scorers to enable them to fulfil their roles effectively.
Each team must provide their own competent, non playing scorer in all matches. The use of live electronic scoring is mandatory for all matches.
It is the responsibility of the batting side to ensure the correct score is displayed on the scoreboard by supporting the match scorers.
Team sheets and player requirements
A team sheet must be handed to the umpires immediately before the toss, it must contain the nominated match players (up to 12) with details of ages of young players. The team sheets must be signed by either a captain or club official prior to exchange.
Each team may have a squad of up to 12 players, no more than 11 players can bat or be on the field at any time. There is no requirement to nominate which 11 players will bat. Any replacement/substitution of a member of the fielding side can only be made with the approval of the umpires and only at the end of an over, the fall of a wicket or during an interval in play. Once a player has taken the field, they can immediately play a full part in the match, subject to the provisions of Law 17.6 (Bowler changing ends).
The League wishes to encourage teams to play even when they are short of players.
The minimum number of players allowed to constitute a team will be 8. (6 in Super-8s)
Late Arrivals
If one team, having a minimum of seven players (six in Super8s), not be ready to start at the designated time, but their opponents be ready, then the team failing to be ready shall forfeit the toss, and their opponents shall have the choice of batting or fielding first.
Early Abandonments.
A decision to abandon a match shall not normally be taken before 1 hour after the scheduled start time on the appointed day with both teams and umpires present.
In extreme weather conditions, when there is no prospect of play, the match can be called off after 9am on the morning of the game subject to all of the following conditions, as appropriate, being met:
a) Initially, the Captains of both clubs teams will verbally agree, which must then be followed up by a written (e-mail or text) confirmation
b) The weather forecast and conditions and state of the ground mean that there would be no chance of play by the latest possible start time using normal drying methods.
Abandonments
In accordance with the provisions of Law 2, para. 2.7 of the revised 2022 M.C.C. Laws of Cricket, the umpires shall be the sole judges of the ground, weather and light for play, both before the commencement of a match and once play has started.
Any discussions will take place between Captains and Umpires only. After the interruption of a match , due to weather or other conditions, the umpires shall, when it is judged by them that play may re-commence, notify each captain of their decision and the time when play shall re-start.
If the start of the match is delayed or an interruption occurs during the first innings due to adverse weather or other circumstances, overs will be deducted from the total overs as per below. Where overs are deducted, the side batting second shall have a maximum of half of the revised number of overs.
8 minutes = 2 overs
15 minutes = 4 overs
The minimum overs allowed shall be
30 Over League - a total of 20 overs (10 overs per side) - as per Generic Regs
20 Over Competition - a total of 20 overs (10 overs per side) as per Generic Regs
Super8s - a total of 16 overs (8 overs per side)
If a game has to be abandoned due to any other reason but weather (eg Player Safety or Injury), the result shall be initially entered on play cricket as a No Result and a report should be submitted to
Artificial Pitches
Artificial pitches will be allowed in league matches played in the Twenty20 and Super8 competitions.
The visiting team must be informed in advance if alternative footwear is required, due to the use of an artificial pitch.
Artificial pitches will not be acceptable for semi-finals or finals.
Pitch Lengths
Hardball : The length of the pitch will be 22 yards (20.12m).
Softball: The length of the pitch will be 20 yards (18.28m).
Boundaries
For all matches the minimum boundary size of the ground shall be 35 yards from the batter on strike, the exception being where the natural boundary of the ground is less than this. Should part of the outfield be unfit for play, that part of the ground may be roped off to enable the game to take place. In these circumstances, the minimum boundary size does not apply (for that part of the ground only).
Injuries
Player becoming injured during the game:
If a bowler be incapacitated or cease to bowl for any legitimate reason acceptable to the Umpires, then that over in progress shall be completed by a bowler other than who bowled the previous over, other than who is to bowl the next over, or other than one who has completed their allocation.
If a reserve player is eligible and available, they may replace the injured player and play a full part in the game (being allowed to bat and bowl).
Discipline and appeals
The Northern Pyramid is committed to maintaining high standards of behaviour from its member clubs, and has adopted the ECB General Conduct Regulations (GCR) for Recreational Cricket.
Captains are responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket, as well as the Laws of Cricket. Players and participants must always accept an umpire’s decision; this includes cricketers, volunteers, club members and officials, other match officials and coaches.
In the event of a complaint regarding a breach of conduct, the ECB GCR and processes therein shall apply.
The Disciplinary Officer must be notified of any breach of conduct within 24 hours of the end of the game. A written report of the incident must be submitted to the Disciplinary Officer within 72 hours of the end of the game.
Code of Conduct
All players, team officials, club supporters and umpires shall be bound by the MCC Spirit of Cricket and the Northern Pyramid Code of Conduct.
Coaching
Coaches and non-players are not permitted to enter the field of play at any time once play has commenced without the permission of both umpires.
Any coaching should not distract or impact on pace of play, should this occur, the umpires will request the individual to stop. If the behaviour persists the umpire will report the matter to the Northern Pyramid Disciplinary Officer who will act in accordance with the ECB GCR.
Coaches and non-players are not permitted to challenge or question umpire decisions either during or after a match.
Match results
It is the responsibility of the HOME side to enter the result and full scorecard details onto Play-Cricket within 24 hours of the match being completed.
The AWAY side should confirm that the summary result has been correctly entered within the next 24 hours.
Both teams must ensure all “unsure” players are rectified within 48 hours of the fixture.
Failure to correctly enter the above details will evoke penalties decided by the W&G Sub Committee.
Match Points
30 Over Competition
Results
Win 9 points plus any bowling points
Loss 0 points plus any batting or bowling points
Tie 5 points each plus bowling points
No Result 2 points each plus batting and bowling points provided that the team batting first has received at least 10 overs, or has previously completed its innings.
An uncompleted game where the scores are level will be regarded as a tie.
Batting Points - First innings
1 point for scoring two runs per over throughout the whole innings
2 points for scoring three runs per over
3 points for scoring four runs per over
An over started counts as a completed over for this calculation.
If an innings is completed inside the allocated overs, the run rate shall be calculated using the final number of overs available in the innings
Batting Points – Second Innings
1 point for scoring 70% of the total of the side batting first
2 points for scoring 80% of the total of the side batting first
3 points for scoring 90% of the total of the side batting first
In games where DLS applies, this shall be the adjusted target.
Bowling Points
1 point for 5 wickets
2 points for 7 wickets
3 points for bowling the opposition out irrespective of the number of batters available.
Twenty20
Results
Win 3 Points
Loss 0 points
Tie 2 points
No Result 1 points
No Bonus Points are available in T20 Games.
Super8s
Result and Points System
When there is no interruption and when both sides have had the opportunity of batting for the same agreed number of overs, the team scoring the higher number of runs after wicket amendments shall be the winner.
The points for the Super 8’s Pairs are:
3 Points will be awarded for a win
2 Points will be awarded to each team for a tie
1 Point will be awarded to each team in an abandoned game
0 Point will be awarded for a loss
0 Points will be awarded for a concession (opposing team to receive full
3 points).
If a match is interrupted (eg by weather) and the full allocation of overs is not able to be completed, then:
If the first innings is not completed, the match will be deemed to be an abandoned game.
If the first innings is completed, but less than 50% of the scheduled over in the second innings have been completed, the match will be deemed to be an abandoned game.
If at least 8 overs have been completed in the second innings the winning team will be the team with the higher average net number of runs scored per completed over (after wicket deductions).
Examples
In a normal game of 16 overs, to constitute a game you need 8 overs in the second innings.
In a 12 over game, for a result, you need 8 overs in the second innings.
In a 8 over game, you cannot have an incomplete game – the game needs to be completed or it is then a no-result.
For example:
A scores 100 runs in 16 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Average runs per over = 70/16 = 4.375
B scores 45 runs in 9 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. Average runs per over = 30/9 = 3.33
Team A win.
Should any teams be tied on points, teams will be separated in the League Table using Net Run-Rate as calculated by Play-Cricket
Appendix A - Super8s
Playing Conditions : Super 8s Pairs
The Game
A coin toss will take place between the two team captains, the winner of the coin toss will determine if their team is either batting or fielding first.
This is a pairs competition with one batting innings per team, each innings shall consist of 16 overs. An over consists of 6 balls only.
Maximum of 15 mins interval
Reduced Overs Scenarios in the case of interrupted play – in the event a game needs to be reduced, overs must be deducted in multiples of 4, all batting pairs should bat an equal number of overs.
An innings can be reduced to 12 or 8 overs. In a reduced game, bowlers can bowl a maximum of a quarter of the total overs of the revised innings length as agreed by both captains and umpires.
A team may play short-sided, the minimum number of players needed per team is 6. In this event, the last batting pair will be made up of a player/players who have already batted, the bowling team will select which player/players will bat again prior to the start of the game.
Batting & Scoring
The batting side shall be divided into pairs, each pair batting for 4 overs or a quarter of the innings.
Each time a batter is out, 5 runs are awarded to the bowling side, and the other batter of the pair faces the next ball. The batter who is out cannot face the next delivery.
A batter may be out bowled, caught, run out, stumped, hit wicket.
For the avoidance of doubt, when a run out occurs, all runs accrued prior to the dismissal shall still count towards the score (ie. If the run out is affected as the batter attempt to complete a second run, the first completed run will still count towards the score).
LBW will apply for Hardball. For Softball LBW should not be given unless the batter is deemed to have been deliberately or consistently blocking the ball with a leg or foot.
A Free Hit will NOT be awarded for a No Ball.
Bowling and Fielding
To save time, the first 50% of the overs in an innings (i.e 8 overs in a normal game) will be bowled from one end, and the remaining 50% of the overs will then be bowled from the other end.
Bowling should be a legal overarm delivery with a straight arm. As a guidance for umpires, if someone is struggling to maintain a straight arm, quietly inform the bowler, batters and fielding captain that if a wicket is to fall from an illegal bowling action a No Ball shall be called and the wicket void.
Bowlers may bowl a maximum of 4 overs or, if the total number of overs is reduced, no bowler may bowl more than one-quarter of the overs.
Wides and No Balls will count as 2 runs (plus any additional runs scored) and will only be re-bowled in the final over of each innings.
As a guideline to the umpires for the calling of wides on the offside and legside, a wide shall be called if the ball passes outside the 17-inch guideline on the legside, and outside the return crease on the offside.
No Balls - Hardball
The umpire shall call and signal No Ball if the ball bounces more than once before it reaches the popping crease in Hardball.
No Balls - Softball
The umpire shall call and signal No Ball if it bounces more than twice or rolls along the ground before it reaches the popping crease.
If the ball comes to rest in front of the line of the striker’s wicket, without having previously touched the bat or striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead Ball.
No Balls - Additional Rules
Short-pitched deliveries (Bouncers) - For the avoidance of doubt any fast short pitched delivery (passing the batter above shoulder height) will be called No Ball under this playing condition and shall also count as one of the allowable short pitched deliveries in that over.
Additional Guidance
In Softball only, no fielder may stand within 10 yards of the striking batter, measured from the middle stump, except behind the wicket on the off-side before each ball is bowled. A fielder may move into the restricted area to make a catch or field a ball provided they were outside the area when the ball was bowled.
‘Mankad’. As a guidance for umpires, if a ‘Mankad’ appeal is made by the fielding team whilst a batter is looking to gain a distinct advantage by leaving their crease before a ball is bowled, the batter is to receive a verbal warning and the fielding captain and bowler notified. The next time a ‘Mankad’ appeal is made, the appeal can be upheld and the batter given out.
For the Super8s Hundred Cup the following Rules apply
The game is still 8-a-side
If the link stops working it can be accessed here - https://www.ecb.co.uk/about/policies/regulations/recreational-cricket
