Posted: October 26, 2007

Four rule amendments were passed at the Heavy Woollen Annual General Meeting at Gomersal on Tuesday, October 23.

All were passed with resounding majorities and will come into force for the 2008 season. The most significant is the one which allows for a straight majority of clubs voting to allow a rule to be passed in future. Previously two thirds of the clubs had to be in favour.

It was also agreed that in the event of a tie there would no longer be a replay. Instead the team losing the fewest wickets would be declared the winners. If both teams lost the same number of wickets a bowl out will take place.

The remaining changes relate to fees. The umpires match fee is to be increased by £2 from £28 to £30 and the entry fee for the Heavy Woollen Cup has been increased from £20 to £25. The entry fee for the Crowther Cup remains at £10.

Clubs were told that the Management Committee had decided to put forward only four changes, rather than the full revision of the rule book which they had outlined at July's Rules Revision Meeting because they felt it was crucial to engage in a full and open consultation with the membership over the future direction of the competition.

It is envisaged that the review will look at the size of the competition, the entry requirements, the playing conditions and a reassessment of the wet weather rules.

The rule change in full

Rule HW 12 Rules and alterations Proposed: Management Seconded: Townville
Amend clause e to read: Any rule may be altered/and or a new rule included at the AGM provided that a majority of clubs present vote in favour.
(straight majority replaces two thirdst of the clubs present.)

Rule HW 8 Umpires Proposed Management Seconded: Brighouse
Amend clause a to read: The Umpires Secretary shall appoint umpires for all matches they shall be paid a fee/and or expenses, by the home side at the conclusion of each day they are in attendance at the following scale: £30 including travelling expenses, when play is completed on the scheduled date.
(£30 replaces £28)

Rule HW4 Membership and subscriptions Proposed: Management Seconded: Hanging Heaton
Amend clause a to read: All clubs entering the competition shall play an annual subscription of £25
(£25 replaces £20)

Rule HW7 Match procedures and results Proposed: Management Seconded: Barnsley
Amend clause m to read: In the event of a match resulting in a tie the side losing least wickets will be the winners. If they are identical a bowl out will take place.
(This replaces a replay will be played)