Saturday Cricket | Ferny Districts Cricket Club Inc.
Saturday cricket covers age groups from U8s through to the Open Divisions (U16-17). The following information provides an overview of the various age groups. BNJCA provides a rule book which details the specific rules applying to each age group. Because of the sometimes subtle differences in rules between the different age groups, those involved in umpiring and scoring must be familiar with these differences. Assuming rules based on earlier years has been known to cause some distress and is easily avoided by reading the rule book and keeping a copy at the ready during a game for a quick reference if needed.
Note: Age groups are based on the DOB for the year from 1st September to 31st August the following year and not the Calendar year. For correct age groupings, refer to Join the fireballs.
The season runs Fri 7th October 2016 to Sat 3rd December 2016, and then agina in Term 1 2017 late January to March 2017.
For game dates for each round go to the BNJCA website.
Play on a 14m length pitch with a 30m boundary.
A 110g composite ball is used.
Teams are based on 8 on the field including the bowler and wicket keeper.
U8s play a 1-day format in a quarters-format of 9 overs per quarter. Total overs for the game is 36.
There is no LBWs and batters stay in for an equal number of balls regardless of getting out. While the batsmen gets to stay in if they get out, 3 runs are taken off the team score as a penalty.
Main aim is even participation by all players.
Play on a 16m length pitch with a 30m boundary.
U9s also play a 1-day format in a quarters-format of 12 overs per quarter. Total overs for the game is 48.
Play on a 18m length pitch with a 35m boundary.
Teams are based on 10 on the field including the bowler and wicket keeper.
U10s also play a 1-day format in a quarters-format of 15 overs per quarter. Total overs for the game is 60.
Game times from 8:15am to about 11:45 am.
Play on a full-length pitch (20.12m) length pitch with a 45m boundary. Synthetic grass wickets are generally introduced at U12s subject to field availability.
A larger 142g junior composite ball is used or leather for synthetic pitches.
Teams are based on the full 11 players on the field including the bowler and wicket keeper.
U11 and 12s introduce the 2-day format as a longer version of the game and continue to play in quarters-format over 2 days. That is 25 overs per quarter. Total overs for the game is 100 over the 2 days.
LBWs are introduced at U11.Batters are generally given warnings at the U11 level and less so for U12.
While fair participation is still sought for junior players, these age groups are about preparing junior cricketers for competitive cricket in U13 and above.
The most significant difference here is that "out is now out". From U11 on, batters who get out lose their wicket and do not remain for a minimum number of balls as occurs in the younger age-groups.
Game times from 8:15am to about midday.
Play on a full-length pitch (20.12m) length pitch with a 50m boundary. Synthetic grass wickets are generally used for U13 and above.
The full-size 156g leather ball is introduced at U13.
Quarters cricket is no longer used and standard format of 1st and 2nd innings are played over 2 days having a maximum of 55 overs for the first innings.
Competitive cricket is introduced at U13 where premierships are played for.
Scores are entered int Mycricket for recording all statistics.
NOTE for U14: the first-half season games (pre-Christmas) will be played in the afternoon.
Scores are entered int Mycricket for recording of all statistics.
Divisions are introduced for grading purposes. Allocation to divisions is based on guidance provided by BNJCA.
Turf pitches are used subject to availability with a 60m boundary.