Updated 21 Mar 2026
8.3. Section 3 - Match forfeiture and player eligibility matters in GMCL league games.
8.3.1. MATCH FORFEIT
8.3.1.1. Offence - Forfeit of a League Game
8.3.1.1.1. Card - Red
8.3.1.1.2. Breach - At point of forfeit
8.3.1.1.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.1.1.4. Additional Penalty - Opposition get 5 point win and there is a Forfeit Fine for forfeiting club (see Rule 8.4)
8.3.1.1.5. Comments - Fines are increased if the match forfeited is an away game (see Rule 8.4) .
8.3.1.1.6. Appealable ? - Not appealable
8.3.2. REGISTRATION ISSUES
All players at a club wishing to play in GMCL competition must be registered on play-cricket with a personal account and that account must also be linked to their club and linked to GMCL.
In addition, new players, named professionals and all Category 3 players must complete the leagues registration form and have any transfer approved in accordance with league rules
All elements of both must be completed before a player can play in a GMCL game.
8.3.2.1. Offence - (In a league game) - Named Professional & Substitute Professional registration issues (includes Cat 1 & all Cat 3 Professionals).
Players are barred from playing until there is a live, unique and accurate play-cricket account for the player.
Players not registered after joining the club are not able to play until properly registered, if that game is a league game
8.3.2.1.1. Card - Red
8.3.2.1.2. Breach - a breach occurs when a player without a registration plays their first game(s) for a club in the season.
8.3.2.1.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.2.1.4. Additional Penalty
8.3.2.1.4.1. Whatever the result, it is the club’s Play Cricket admin’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered on Play Cricket before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures, failure to do so will result in a fine of £50.00 in each case per player per game to be paid by the club and the following applies to the result of the match:
8.3.2.1.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.2.1.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category.
8.3.2.3.4.1.2.1. Where the defaulting team won or tied the game, then the result will be amended to show a win for the opponents, therefore all points gained by the defaulting team will automatically be removed and if the defaulting team received a bonus point for the match then a penalty point will also be deducted.
8.3.2.3.4.1.2.2. Where the defaulting team lost the game then the result stands but any bonus point gained by the defaulting team will be deducted by a penalty point.
8.3.2.1.5. Comments - If it is established that the lack of registration for the player is compounded by the player being registered at another club in any league then the higher penalty for that offence will apply.
8.3.2.1.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable
8.3.2.2. Offence - (In a league game) - Unregistered Category 3 Amateur Player (Not Named Professional) registration issues.
Players are barred from playing until there is a live, unique and accurate play-cricket account for the player.
Players not registered after joining the club are not able to play until properly registered, if that game is a league game
8.3.2.2.1. Card - Red
8.3.2.2.2. Breach - a breach occurs when a player without a registration plays their first game(s) for a club in the season.
8.3.2.2.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.2.2.4. Additional Penalty
8.3.2.2.4.1. Whatever the result, it is the club’s Play Cricket admin’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered on Play Cricket before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures, failure to do so will result in a fine of £50.00 in each case per player per game to be paid by the club and the following applies to the result of the match:
8.3.2.2.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.2.2.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category.
8.3.2.2.4.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.2.2.4.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.2.2.4.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record. League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team. (This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved).
8.3.2.2.5. Comments - If it is established that the lack of registration for the player is compounded by the player being registered at another club in any league then the higher penalty for that offence will apply.
8.3.2.2.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable
8.3.2.3. Offence - (In a league game) - Unregistered Category 1 Player (Not Named Professional) for a club, when the player first plays for that club in the season.
Players are barred from playing until there is a live, unique and accurate play-cricket account for the player.
Players not registered after joining the club are not able to play until properly registered, if that game is a league game
8.3.2.3.1. Card - Red
8.3.2.3.2. Breach - a breach occurs when a player without a registration plays their first game(s) for a club in the season.
8.3.2.3.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.2.3.4. Additional Penalty
8.3.2.3.4.1. Whatever the result, it is the club’s Play Cricket admin’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered on Play Cricket before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures, failure to do so will result in a fine of £50.00 in each case per player per game to be paid by the club and the following applies to the result of the match:
8.3.2.3.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.2.3.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category. (Amended Mar 2026).
8.3.2.2.4.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.2.3.4.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.2.3.4.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record, League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team.(This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved)
8.3.2.3.5. Comments - If it is established that the lack of registration for the player is compounded by the player being registered at another club in any league then the higher penalty for that offence will apply.
8.3.2.3.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable
8.3.2.4. Offence - (In a league game) - Invalid play-cricket Registration only by reason of either a missing or invalid photo ID or no payment if the League applies registration fees.
8.3.2.4.1. Card - Rescindable Yellow
8.3.2.4.1.1. Should this be remedied by 8pm on the Friday of the following week after the league game, then the yellow card will be rescinded but if not then the yellow becomes a full yellow every week until registration is complete.
8.3.2.4.2. Breach - Once resolved
8.3.2.4.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.2.4.4. Additional Penalty (whether or not a Card) - None
8.3.2.4.5. Comments - None
8.3.2.4.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable (Amended Feb 2026)
8.3.2.5. Offence - No league form or play-cricket registration, or defective or invalid league form or play-cricket registration for any other reason
8.3.2.5.1. Card - Red
8.3.2.5.2. Breach - At end of game
8.3.2.5.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.2.5.4. Additional Penalty -
8.3.2.3.5.1. Whatever the result, it is the club’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered correctly before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures.
8.3.2.3.5.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.2.3.5.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category. (Amended Mar 2026).
8.3.2.2.5.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.2.3.5.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.2.3.5.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record, League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team.(This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved)
8.3.2.5.5. Comments - None
8.3.2.5.6. Appealable ? - Not appealable
8.3.3. Other Ineligibility
8.3.3.1. Offence - False Registration on Matchday - Incorrect Player Registered or Player Playing under ‘false name’
8.3.3.1.1. Card - Red
8.3.3.1.2. Breach - Once resolved
8.3.3.1.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.3.1.4. Additional Penalty (whether or not a Card) - Whatever the result,
8.3.3.1.4.1. It is the club’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered correctly before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures.
8.3.3.1.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.3.1.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category. (Amended Mar 2026).
8.3.3.1.4.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.3.1.4.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.3.1.4.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record, League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team.(This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved)
8.3.3.1.4.2. In addition, where it is established the player has played under a false name then
8.3.3.1.4.2.1. a £250 fine will be issued to the defaulting club, and
8.3.3.1.4.2.2. Disciplinary action will be taken against the team captain and the individual playing with that player’s home club and home league (if not GMCL) being made aware of any ban imposed by GMCL.
8.3.3.1.5. Comments - None
8.3.3.1.6. Appealable ? - Appealable
8.3.3.2. Rule merged with 8.3.3.1.
8.3.3.3. Offence - Category 3 player playing in a team for which they are not qualified or two or more Category 3 players playing in same team
8.3.3.3.1. Card - Red
8.3.3.3.2. Breach - At end of game
8.3.3.3.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.3.3.4. Additional Penalty (whether or not a Card) - Whatever the result,
8.3.3.3.4.1. It is the club’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered correctly before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures.
8.3.3.3.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.3.3.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category. (Amended Mar 2026).
8.3.3.3.4.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.3.3.4.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.3.3.4.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record, League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team.(This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved)
8.3.3.3.5. Comments - None
8.3.3.3.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable
8.3.3.4. Offence - List A player playing below 1st XI or List B player playing below 2nd XI
8.3.3.4.1. Card - Red
8.3.3.4.2. Breach - At end of game
8.3.3.4.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.3.4.4. Additional Penalty (whether or not a Card) - Whatever the result,
8.3.3.4.4.1. It is the club’s responsibility to ensure all their players are registered correctly before they play and registered in accordance with laid down procedures.
8.3.3.4.4.1.1. Where Both teams have unregistered players in this category then the result and points gained will stand, irrespective of how many or the quality of players on each team in the match.
8.3.3.4.4.1.2. Where only one team has unregistered players in this category. (Amended Mar 2026).
8.3.3.4.4.1.2.1. All points, including bonuses, gained from the match by the defaulting team will be removed by the deduction of penalty points to the equivalent value.
8.3.3.4.4.1.2.2. The GMCL Executive has the absolute discretion to apply further sanctions to the offending team, or should the Executive feel that an unfair advantage was gained by the defaulting team despite the points deduction. Further sanctions may include but are not limited to –
8.3.3.4.4.1.2.2.1. Removal of the “win” from the defaulting team’s record, League position can be based on number of wins, therefore removal of the win may be required to lower the defaulting team’s league position compared to the non-defaulting team.(This does create other automated issues in play-cricket which would have to be resolved)
8.3.3.4.5. Comments - None
8.3.3.4.6. Appealable ? - Not Appealable
8.3.3.5. Offence - Player playing a single game in another open age weekend league
8.3.3.5.1. Card - Red, for the player's regular team, or the player’s highest team where the player switches between GMCL club teams.
8.3.3.5.2. Breach - at the point identified
8.3.3.5.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.3.5.4. Additional Penalty - 3 week ban for the player from the point identified.
8.3.3.5.5. Comments - We hope that this is identified by the club or the league before further games are played in another league because the penalties are increased significantly for subsequent games and significant financial penalties are added.
8.3.3.5.5.1. Reminder that there is no penalty for age limited competitions, midweek competitions, representative teams or benefit/charity games.
8.3.3.5.6. Appealable ? - Appealable only for manifest error by GMCL
8.3.3.6. Offence - Player playing multiple games in other open age weekend leagues
8.3.3.6.1. Card - Red Card for each GMCL open age weekend game played within the Breach period.
8.3.3.6.2. Breach Period - is between the dates of the first and last games for other teams.
8.3.3.6.3. Penalty Points - Part of the Card System
8.3.3.6.4. Additional Penalty
8.3.3.6.4.1. 3 week ban for the player from all GMCL competition from the next game after the breach identified.
8.3.3.6.4.1.1. This becomes a 6 week ban for the second offence in the season.
8.3.3.6.4.2. £300 fine on the club for each open age weekend GMCL game played by that player in the breach period
8.3.3.6.4.2.1. The £300 will be split as follows - £200 for the opponents in each game, £50 to GMCL Junior fund, £50 to GMCL’s designated charity
8.3.3.6.5. Comments - Previously for this offence, points were awarded to the opponents in each GMCL game in the breach period in accordance with the rules in place however the Board have recognised that these breaches can take time to establish and therefore this can bring about a late (in the season) adjustment to league tables unlike other such eligibility breaches which are identified as they happen.
8.3.3.6.6. Appealable ? - Appealable only for manifest error by GMCL.
