Referee and Trainee Attendance

Several trainee referees missed their scheduled sessions in the first three weeks. While no fines will be introduced this season, this may change if poor attendance continues. Referees are essential—matches cannot go ahead without them.

Teams that have not met the 2025 referee requirements have already been contacted. This is a further reminder that teams must be fully compliant to remain eligible for 2026 entry. Please use this season to ensure all requirements are met.

Rulebook Clarification – Rule 41.3 (Obstruction)
 

There is a correction to Rule 41.3 under the Infringements – Obstruction section of the rulebook. The currently published version reads:

“When a batting player obscures the bowler’s view of the backstop, i.e. by leaning over the batting square, she is guilty of obstruction. Therefore, when a good ball is delivered but it strikes below the head and above the knee of the batting player’s body, the batting player will be given out. (A batting player cannot ‘obstruct’ a bad ball).”

This is incorrect. The correct version is as follows:

“When a batting player obscures the bowler’s view of the backstop, i.e. by leaning over the batting square, she is guilty of obstruction. Therefore, when a good ball is delivered but it strikes the trunk of the batting player’s body, the batting player will be given out. (A batting player cannot ‘obstruct’ a bad ball).”

This clarification reflects the outcome of the 2022 AGM, where a proposed rule change was rejected by majority vote.