Rules for the Lewes stoolball league

The rules of stoolball apply subject to the following adjustments:

1. Teams

  1. 1.1 A match shall be played between two teams of eight players.
  2. 1.2There shall be a maximum of six men per team in a mixed match.
    1. 1.2.1 Any team with more than two females may receive five extra runs for each extra female.
    2. 1.2.2 In exceptional circumstances, if two females cannot be fielded, then 10 runs will be deducted for each male substituted and 30 runs for an all-male team.
    3. 1.2.3 If a team is unable to field two females, the single female bats twice (if out) to simulate two female players. If you have seven men, one cannot bat. The single female player shall bowl all five female overs.

2. Batsman's innings

  1. 2.1 Batsmen must retire immediately when reaching 40 runs, even if another batsman has already retired in the same over.
  2. 2.2 A retired batsman's innings is not deemed completed. They may return to the wicket if the rest of the team is out. If several batsmen have retired they must return in the order in which they started.

3. Bowling and the over

  1. 3.1 Matches shall be 10 overs each way, except in the tournament.
  2. 3.2 Male bowlers shall bowl a maximum of three overs in a match.

4. The batsman is out

Rule 12.2, Body before wicket, is not used in this league.

5. Venue and times

All matches to be at the Convent Field, Mountfield Road, Lewes. Players should arrive promptly, especially for the early matches so that they do not delay the following match.

6. Scorers

  1. 6.1 Loose scoresheets should be placed in the folder, and the scorebook or folder of scoresheets should be placed in the kit bag after each match.
  2. 6.2 The winning captain shall enter the match result on the Stoolball England website after the match.

7. Match fees

  1. 7.1 Match fees are to be £1 per person per game, to be paid to the league organiser.
  2. 7.2 If you cannot field a team at the last minute you may still be charged for the match, as the pitches are paid for in advance.

8. Cup and tournament draws

The draw for cup matches and tournament groups will be made at the ground a few weeks before each competition starts. Teams which can raise more than eight people may wish to field extra teams for the tournament. If this is the case please let the league organiser know.

9. Rain

In the event of rain, a match will not normally be called off before 4pm. If it is raining at 4pm a decision will be made by the league organiser based on the weather forecast. If matches are cancelled, teams will be notified by email. If in doubt please ring the league organiser, Jane Whitaker, on the number provided with your fixture list.

If it starts to rain when teams are either preparing to play or are playing then it is for the team captains to decide whether it is safe to continue or not. If it rains during an early match it should be assumed that the later match should be cancelled and someone should contact the captains of the teams scheduled to play the later match to advise them the match is cancelled. The equipment should be packed away as normal.