TCCA 15-Overs Softball Cricket League (T15)

TCCA 15-Overs Softball Cricket League (T15)

Rules & Regulations (2026)

Tamil Canadian Cricket Association (TCCA) is committed to providing a professional, fair, and enjoyable cricket experience for all teams and players. This document outlines the official rules and regulations for the TCCA 15-Overs Softball Cricket League (T15).

Note: TCCA reserves the right to update rules at any time. Please check our website regularly for updates, including information on Umpire Training & Certification for the upcoming T15 League.

1. League Structure

Number of Teams

The league will consist of [16] teams.

Match Format

  • Each team will play one innings of 15 overs
  • Matches will be played according to TCCA-approved softball cricket rules

2. Points System

Points are awarded as follows:

  • Win: 6 points
  • Tie: 3 points
  • Loss: 0 points
  • Rainout: 3 points

Playoffs

For the 2026 season, the top 8 teams in the points table will advance to the playoffs.

3. Player Eligibility

Player Registration

  • All players must be registered with TCCA and provide required documentation
    (Please check our website to become a TCCA Member)
  • Registration is completed through the online player registration form
  • Teams may register unlimited players throughout the season (subject to deadlines and rules)

Dress Code

Players must wear proper cricket attire:

  • Team colours
  • Numbered jerseys
  • Appropriate cricket shoes / gear

4. Match Regulations

Match Duration

Each innings is capped at:

  • 15 overs, or
  • 1 hour (whichever comes first)

There will be a 10-minute break between innings.

Overs Per Bowler

  • Maximum of 3 overs per bowler

Powerplay

  • First 4 overs of each innings are a powerplay
  • Only 3 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle

No-Ball

  • Any no-ball results in a Free Hit for the batting team

Additional Match Rules (2026)

  • Substitute Player (Injury Only): A substitute player may only participate if another player is injured during the game, subject to umpire approval.
  • Playing XI Submission: Each team must submit their Playing XI list to the umpires before the toss. The umpires will complete the official game sheet and send it to the Scoring Coordinator.
  • Late Arrival – Bowling Restriction: Any player arriving late to a match must wait the same amount of time they were late before being eligible to bowl (e.g., 30 minutes late = 30-minute wait to bowl).

5. Softball Tennis Cricket Rules (Delivery Rules)

To ensure fair play under tennis-ball softball regulations:

  1. Double Bounce – Dead Ball
    If the ball bounces more than once after delivery from the bowler, it will be called a Dead Ball
  2. Outside Pitch – Dead Ball
    If a pitched ball lands outside of the pitch area, it will be called a Dead Ball
  3. Umpire's Decision
    The umpire's decision is final in all delivery-related rulings

6. Ground & Equipment

Ground

  • All matches will be played on high-quality grounds approved/provided by TCCA

Ball

  • Only TCCA-approved softballs will be used for league matches

Boundary Size

  • Boundary size will follow the standard size depending on the venue and ground layout

7. Umpiring & Scoring

Umpires

  • All umpires will be professionally trained and assigned by TCCA

Decisions

  • Umpire decisions are final and must be respected at all times

Scoring

  • Electronic scoring will be used
  • Each team must ensure a scorer is present for every match

8. Code of Conduct

Sportsmanship & Behaviour

All players and teams must uphold the spirit of cricket by:

  • Respecting opponents, officials, and spectators
  • Maintaining professionalism and discipline
  • Playing fairly at all times

Penalties

Verbal abuse, dissent, or unsporting conduct may lead to:

  • Penalty runs
  • Match suspension
  • Disciplinary actions

Zero Tolerance Policy

  • Physical altercations will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament

Disputes

Disputes must be raised only through:

  • Team Captains, to the TCCA Tournament Committee

9. Awards & Recognition

Individual Awards

The league will recognize top performers throughout the season, including:

  • Best Batsman
  • Best Bowler
  • Man of the Match
  • Player of the Tournament

Team Awards

Trophies and awards will be presented to:

  • Winning Team
  • Runner-up Team
  • Exceptional Sportsmanship

Recognition & Motivation

TCCA will emphasize recognition of emerging talent through:

  • Performance reviews
  • Seasonal recognition
  • Player development initiatives

10. Weather & Cancellations

Rain Delays

Matches affected by rain may follow the Duckworth–Lewis method, where applicable.

Cancellations

  • Matches cancelled due to extreme weather will be recorded as a rainout

Rematch / Reschedule

Matches will only be rescheduled if:

  • TCCA cannot conduct the match due to:
    • Ground issues
    • Venue restrictions
    • Other league-related causes

11. Entry Fees & Prizes

Team Entry Fee

Teams must pay registration fees:

  • In full, or
  • Through 3 installment payments

Prize Money

Prize distribution includes:

  • Winners
  • Runner-up
  • Individual award winners

12. Miscellaneous Rules

Alcohol & Substance Use

  • No alcohol or illicit substances allowed at any TCCA venue

Spectators

  • Matches are open for spectators
  • Teams are responsible for the behaviour of their supporters

13. Additional League Rules

Schedule Change Requests

  • Requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance
  • Emergency requests may be reviewed
  • Approval is at league management discretion

Off-Day Requests (Players)

  • Players must submit off-day requests before the deadline
  • Each player can request a maximum of:
    • 2 off-days per season

Protests

  • Regular matches: must be filed within 24 hours
  • Playoffs: must be filed within 2 hours
  • A $200 fee is required for all protests

Player Transfers

  • Player transfers allowed until: July 16, 2025
  • Transfers/registrations must be completed by Wednesdays
  • Transfer fee:
    • $50 per player
  • Player stats will transfer with the player
  • Transfer requests must be submitted via email only

Walkover Fee

  • If a team fails to show up and forfeits (walkover), a $60 charge applies (covers umpire costs)

Team Structure & Player Seeding

Divisions, player seeding and committee involvement will be managed by:

  • TCCA T15 League Committee for 2026

14. Playoff Format (2026)

The 2026 playoff format rewards top performance and keeps competition strong:

Qualifier Match (Teams 1 & 2)

  • Team 1 vs Team 2
  • Winner advances straight to the Finals

Second Chance Path

  • The losing team from Team 1 vs Team 2 will wait until:
    • Other playoff matches are completed
  • The winner emerging from the remaining playoff games will face:
    • The loser of Team 1 vs Team 2

Finals

  • Qualifier Winner (Team 1/2 winner)
    vs
    Challenger Winner (winner of remaining bracket)