Outdoor All-Abilities Cricket Rules

All games are to be played in accordance with the laws of cricket as recognised by Cricket Australia, except for the following: 

1.0 The Game:

1.1 Each game is played between two teams of ten (10) players
1.2 The umpires have the ability to allow substitute players at any time during the games for fielding purposes
1.3 Length of innings:

1.3.1 Preliminary Games: an innings consists of each fielding players bowling one (1) x six (6) ball over, all overs are to be bowled from one end
1.3.2 Final: an innings consists of each fielding player bowling two (2) x six (6) ball overs, bowlers swap to the other end of the pitch at the completion of ten overs

1.4 Ground and Pitch dimensions can be adjusted to suit:

1.4.1 The ability of the batters to hit the ball a certain distance to reach the boundary to score four or six runs
1.4.2 The ability of fielders to cover the ground when fielding
1.4.3 The number of players in fielding team
1.4.4 A boundary distance of 35 - 45 metres from the batter provides an initial guidleine
1.4.5 Regular cricket pitch dimensions are used with umpires using their discretion on the bowlers ability to reach the batter with a playable delivery. The bowler may be allowed to release the ball further up the pitch if required

2.0 Wides and No Balls:

2.1 No balls and wides will be at the discretion of the umpire and will depend solely on the ability of the batter to play the ball rather than the width of the ball in relation to the stumps

3.0 Scoring:

3.1 Two runs are scored for no balls and wides. Any additional runs made off a no ball are added to the total. i.e. A score of four hit off a no ball would result in six runs
3.2 Each wicket lost results in five runs added to the bowling side

4.0 Equipment:

4.1 If using a ‘hard ball’ it is compulsory for all players to wear pads and gloves
4.2 If using a ‘soft ball’, wearing protective equipment is at the batter’s discretion
4.3 The wearing of helmets is recommended

5.0 Bowling:

5.1 Bowlers are limited to a maximum 8 pace run up
5.2 Underarm bowling is permitted as long as it does not disadvantage the batter. However all players should be encouraged to bowl overarm
5.3 There will be a maximum of 6 deliveries in 1 over in the event of ‘no balls’ no extra ball is to be bowled

6.0 Batting:

6.1 Players bat in pairs with each pair facing a set number of overs
6.2 Preliminary Game: 2 x 6 ball overs
6.3 Final: 4 x 6 ball overs
6.4 Batters can be dismissed in accordance with the rules of cricket
6.5 Batters change ends upon being dismissed
6.6 Pairs remain batting irrespective of the number of times they are dismissed, until their allocated overs are finished
6.7 If a particular batter has had the majority of the strike (faced the majority of balls) the umpire has the discretion to swap the batters in order to allow both batters a chance to bat
6.8 The next batting pair must be ready to bat immediately following the previous pair’s innings
6.9 Wooden bats will be used where possible. Tennis racquets may be used by those who have difficulty using cricket bats, eg players in a wheelchair and those without the strength to hold or hit the ball with a cricket bat

7.0 Fielding:

7.1 No player is permitted to field within 10 metres of the bat except for wicketkeeper and slip fielders

8.0 Result:

8.1 At the completion of both innings, the team with the highest combined score (runs made while batting plus bonus runs for dismissals – 5 runs per dismissal while bowling) is declared the winning team.