Backyard Cricket

THE TEAM 

5-aside

  • The number of players shall be five (5) players.

  • The team must include a minimum of two (2) male, two (2) female and all remaining players can be any gender including gender diverse people.

  • You can play the game to the smallest team numbers. If one team has five (5) players then the other team can only field with five (5) players, however everyone can have a turn at rotating through batting.

  • Please consider our Default, Forfeit, and Substitute Policy

  • Substitutes can be used as long as they have created an account and signed the most up to date Urban Rec waiver. During game play, substitutes can be made at any point in the game.

GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME   

The game is played in four (4) 7-8 halves with a few minutes break at half time. Each team will alternate between batting and fielding.

COURT BOUNDARIES 

A standard Tennis court is used however some variations may vary depending on the venue.

STARTING THE GAME 

Captains will Scissors, Paper, Rock to see who bats or fields first.

SCORING 

Each single run will be worth one (1) point & each boundary is worth four (4) points. Boundaries are dependent on the venue and up to the Event Hosts discretion.

RULE SPECIFICS

BOWLING: 

Any player can bowl one (1) over which is six (6) balls before rotating within the team. Players can bowl overarm or underarm. Bowlers should be conscious of the skill level of the batsman they are bowling against. Balls can bounce twice on the wicket.

STUMPS: 

(AKA wickets) Are the three posts sitting at either end of the wicket and must be hit by a bowler or fielder to get a batsman out. 
 

FIELDING: 

When your team is not batting they are fielding. This means that your team is out in the field trying to get the batters out. You should allocate one player to bowl for one (1) over (max 2) and they can then rotate, and one to wicket keep. The others will be in the field. When it is your team’s turn to field, the most important thing to do is not be afraid of the ball and try to catch it. This is your chance to get the batsman out. 

GETTING A BATSMAN OUT 

  • If the ball is hit up into the air and a fielder catches it before it hits the ground then that batter is out. 

  • One hand, one bounce – if the ball is hit up into the air and the fielder catches it with one hand, after it has bounced only once, then that batter is out.

  • If you gain possession of the ball and hit one of the wickets before the batter reaches the corresponding crease, then the batsman is out.

  • If you bowl and the ball makes it past the batter and into the stumps, they are out.

  • If you hit the ball over the fence/net on the full, you are out. This is to avoid players smashing it and not making the game fun.


BATTING

The batter tries to score runs by hitting the ball when it is bowled to them. The batter stands in front of the wicket line.  Once the batter hits the ball and starts running they become a runner. The batter must make it to the other wicket before the fielding team get them out. 

Other ways a batsman can get runs is by making big hits;
a.    SIX: There are none, we want to avoid players just smashing the ball out and making it no fun for everyone. (If the Event Host makes a six rule i.e into a basketball hoop, this is up to their discretion).
b.    FOUR: If the batsman hits the ball and it hits the back fence (not side nets) on the full. This will depend on the venue.

You can not get out on your first attempt at bat, you get 3 chances to hit the ball. If you do not hit the ball on the third chance you have to automatically try and make the run without getting out.

TOO GOOD?  Retire at thirty (30) runs: To keep the game fair, and interesting, a batsman must retire once they have made 30 runs, without getting out.  

URBAN REC SPECIFICS

FUN FIRST POLICY 

All Urban Rec leagues, irrespective of skill level, are fun-first. Our Event Hosts facilitate a fun, safe environment for teams. They will acknowledge, coach and make calls according to your level of experience playing the game. Urban Rec leagues expect a certain level of self-officiation, meaning that players are expected to display good sportsmanship to govern their behaviour. Open communication and camaraderie between teams is encouraged.

DISCIPLINE

Urban Rec Event Hosts have the final say on any issue that cannot be self-resolved.

If you are seen to be rude or not playing within the respect of the rules, your Event Host has the right to ask you to sub and take a break. If your Event Host then has to warn you more times then they have the right to ask you to leave the field or court and an assessment will be made if you can return to play. We don’t tolerate idiots, play fair.

INCLUSION

Urban Rec seeks to provide a safe, inclusive and happy environment for our members, staff and participants. Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary participants are welcome to play within our leagues along with any sexuality and persons from any background. Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.