21.1 Game forfeited during play: A forfeited game is a game declared ended by the Umpire in Chief in accordance with OBR. Umpires are required to submit to the CM a report on such declarations outlining the reasons for the forfeit.

21.2 In the event of a club being forced to forfeit any game, they must do so by forfeiting their lower nominated grade or grades first. The highest grade side nominated by that dub shall not be forfeited without first forfeiting all nominated lower grades (junior grades excluded).

21.3 Game forfeited prior to play: If a club is unable to field a team of 9 players, having made all reasonable effort, then a forfeit shall be declared. Clubs may “double up” players to avoid having to forfeit, but are required to have six (6) fresh players at a minimum.

21.4 Clubs whose team(s) forfeit will be responsible for the payment of umpire’s fees for that game/round.

21.5 Clubs who forfeit more than five (5) games in a season will be asked to show cause for continuation in future seasons. Conditions may be imposed on such a club should they continue in the Competition.

21.6 In any grade except the lowest grade a club appears in at a ground on a day, they are to have 9 players in the game at all times. Where a team competing in the lowest grade a club is appearing at a ground on a day does not have 9 players to start the game, they are permitted to play:

With no less than 7 (seven) players. In this case the coach of the side with less than 9 players will nominate where the gap(s) is/are in their batting line up and an automatic out will be recorded when the gap comes up in the line-up.

In the event of a team only be able to field eight players or less occurring through injury or illness in a game, the game may continue without penalty of result. Opposing coaches may choose whether to enforce automatic outs created in the lineup.