Grade rules · 2026/27
Year 7 & 8 Morning Hardball – Grade Rules (2026/27)
Source: Year-7-8-Morning-Hardball-Grade-as-at-26th-August-2026.pdf, pages 4–10, tidied for reading (see “Changes from the original”).
Rules: Christchurch Junior Cricket Association (CJCA). Reformatted as coaching notes; see the source PDF for the official wording.
Year 7 & 8 Hardball Format
This grade is for players mainly in Years 7 and 8, but talented Year 6 players can also be included in Year 7. It is split into sections; the number of sections depends on the number of teams entering this grade.
The top grades are called Year 7 & 8 Premier, and they have their own game variations. These grades introduce more specific batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping skills, and games can be longer (maximum 8 balls per over) because Premier games start in the afternoon.
Coaches are to make sure that, by the end of each half season, all players have had an equal opportunity to show their skills. Rotation of the batting order is required, and the CJCA recommends using the POD system (see the Batting section). Bowlers should share the overs.
Location
Year 7 and 8 cricket is played at various schools and council grounds, mainly on artificial wickets.
Pitch Length
Year 7 & 8: 18 m (yellow lines on artificial wickets).
Boundaries
We want players to hit 4s and 6s, so it’s important that boundaries are achievable. If ground conditions (e.g. long grass) prevent the ball travelling at a reasonable pace, managers and coaches should consult and agree shorter boundaries. The boundary should be marked with cones, or by a stream, path, another match, or anything else that is dangerous or stops the ball, if that is closer than these guidelines. If this occurs, a four or six is signalled.
Year 7 & 8: 40 m or natural boundaries.
Match Setup
For all grades, there is a 10 m fielding exclusion zone; it does not apply to the wicketkeeper.
Slips and gullies on the off side may be closer than 10 m.
Grading
Within these divisions, especially after Christmas, there may be an opportunity to split again based on teams’ results, so that “like vs like” matches can be played and mismatches minimised.
As these are non-competitive grades, no points are awarded and no ladder is kept, but we still want results entered on the PlayHQ website. They provide useful information for grading and moving teams around. Each team should enter results, either as a team or through their club or school convenor, so that PlayHQ is accurate and can be used to make any grade or section adjustments.
Eligibility
Players are encouraged to play in the year group they are currently in at school. Should players wish to play down because they are new to the game or because of other circumstances, clubs should apply before the start of the season, giving the names of the players, the team they wish to play for, and a brief explanation of why a dispensation is required for each player to play down a grade.
Players may play up a grade, but parents and caregivers must be aware of the risks involved in playing ahead of their current school year. We recommend no more than one grade higher.
Time
These grades start at 9.00 am on Saturday morning, or at 4.30 pm if there is a Friday round. Year 7 and 8 games will be adjusted to a 20/20 format if a Friday or other evening round is used.
Premier Year 7 and 8 games start at 12.30 pm on Saturdays.
Draw
The draw up to Christmas will be confirmed after grading. If the draw changes after it is published, junior club convenors will be informed.
Team Size
Year 7 & 8: 9 a side.
Teams with fewer than 9 players should first ask whether the opposition has additional players to balance the teams. If a team has fewer than 9 players, bowling limits can be extended to 4 overs each.
If a team has fewer than 9 players, one or more players who have already been dismissed may bat a second time to make up the 9 batters. The additional batters are chosen by fewest balls faced. Any batter who has retired returns to bat before the additional batters. Runs scored by the additional batters count towards the final team score.
By mutual agreement, a side with fewer than 9 players may use players from the opposition to help field. Teams are encouraged to make this offer.
If a team has more than 9 players, only 9 may field at any one time. All players can take part by bowling and batting, but the team’s innings ends when the 9th wicket is taken if they are playing a team of 9 (see the next paragraph).
If both teams have additional players (for example, 10 each), by mutual agreement all players can bat, but only 9 may field at a time. All players can take part by bowling. The innings then stops when the 9th wicket is taken, provided both teams are playing with the same number.
Where teams have more than 9 players, the limit on fielders is there to give batters a reasonable opportunity to score runs.
Coaches should make sure all players have an equal opportunity to bat twice or bowl additional overs across the season if necessary. Where possible, opposition players should be asked to field so there are 9 players in the fielding team.
POD System (Directive)
Clubs and schools have been issued with a directive (August 2026) that teams in all non-pairs grades should operate a “POD system”, so players have a fair opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to each game across a range of cricket disciplines.
More detail: POD system explained (CJCA, August 2026).
Equipment
Year 7 & 8 Hardball: Kookaburra 142 g leather ball.
Batters should wear full protective equipment, including a helmet in line with the New Zealand Cricket Helmet Policy.
Wicketkeepers should always wear helmets.
Match Length
In morning grades, all games are one innings each of a maximum of 27 (six-ball) overs; decide who starts with a coin toss or similar.
All grades should change bowling ends only after each block of 5 overs.
Length and Timings of Innings
Year 7 & 8 (Morning): 27 overs per side (6-ball maximum).
- Match starts at 9.00 am; drinks break after 14 overs (target time 9.45 am); 1st innings finished by 10.30 am.
- 2nd innings starts by 10.45 am; drinks break after 14 overs (target time 11.30 am); match completed by 12.15 pm.
Batting
Grace Period
Batters who are dismissed within the first 6 balls they face in their innings in morning grades (3 balls in the Premier grade) are not fully out. Instead, they remain in, and the bowling side receives a bonus 5 runs, added to its batting score. Batters dismissed during their grace period may not return as a retired batter if they reach the retirement limit.
When dismissed within the grace period, the batter should change ends with the non-striker.
Retirements
Subject to the grace-period rule above, batters bat until they are out or until they have faced 25 balls (not including wides and no-balls), when they must retire immediately. Retired not-out batters can return to bat in the order they retired, once all other batters are out or retired.
Coaches are not allowed to retire batters earlier than these limits unless they are playing with more than 9 players and spreading the innings equally.
Free Hits After No-Balls
If a no-ball is bowled on the first to seventh ball of an over, the next ball is a free hit.
On a free hit, the fielding team must stay in the positions they were in when the delivery was made. Minor changes to field placings may be made if left- and right-handed batters have changed ends.
The only way a batter can be out on a free hit is run out. To be run out, the batter must be attempting a run (or have started to and changed their mind); simply being out of the crease, or being stumped, is not a dismissal on a free hit.
If a batter hits a free-hit delivery that is a no-ball, they score 1 run plus any runs from the shot, and the next ball is still a free hit. If the batter leaves or misses a delivery that is called a no-ball, they score 1 run for the no-ball and the next ball is a free hit.
If a batter hits a delivery that would have been a wide, it becomes a normal delivery: they score only the runs made from the shot and can be out in all the normal ways. If the batter leaves or misses a wide, they score 1 run for the wide plus any runs they take, and they could score more from the next ball, which is still a free hit.
If a wide or a no-ball is bowled on the 8th ball of an over, 2 runs are scored (entered manually), as no free hit can be given (the maximum number of deliveries in an over is 8).
Last Batter Standing
A single remaining not-out batter keeps batting, changing ends as needed to take the strike. Only the not-out batter can face the bowling. The last batter out stays at the crease as a non-striker. Either batter may be run out to end the innings.
Dismissals
Players can be out bowled, caught, stumped, hit wicket or run out, and can be given out LBW if the following applies.
LBW to Be Applied in These Grades
LBW in Morning Year 7 & 8 and Year 7 Premier (afternoon) cricket.
LBWs may only be given when the bowling team appeals, and only if all of these apply:
- the ball is pitched in line with the stumps
- the ball hits the batter on the pads in front of the stumps, before hitting the bat
- the ball was definitely going to hit the stumps
- the batter has gone onto the back foot and stayed on the back foot.
This means the batter cannot be given out if the ball is pitched outside the line of the stumps (leg or off side), or if they have played forward – even if they are hit on the back pad or foot. Although an LBW can be given under these rules, the intention is that it is only awarded when there is no doubt whatsoever in the umpire’s mind that the above conditions applied.
Any doubt – not out.
Fielding
Catches and Stumpings
Catches should be recorded against the player who took the catch, in a column of the new scoresheets or on PlayHQ.
Run-Outs
To capture everyone involved in run-outs, those involved should be noted on the scoresheet or in PlayHQ.
Byes and Overthrows
Byes and overthrows are unlimited in Year 7 & 8 cricket.
Fielding Restrictions (Players on the Boundary)
A maximum of 4 players can be on the boundary, which means the other 3 fielders must be closer to the batter than the boundary.
Bowling
- A minimum of 8 players must have bowled 3 overs each before any player can bowl a fourth over, provided the ninth player is the designated specialist wicketkeeper for that match. No bowler may bowl more than 4 overs in total in a 27- or 30-over game unless both teams agree. Maximum 5 overs per bowler. Coaches are to make sure all team members bowl the same number of overs during the season, allowing for availability.
- No bowler may bowl a 4th over until all others have bowled 3.
- If wicketkeeping is shared, each of the keepers should bowl 2 overs when not keeping.
- 5 overs are bowled from the same end to speed up the innings. No bowler can bowl successive overs.
Over Length Morning Grades
- Overs are a maximum of 6 balls, except the last over, which must be 6 legitimate deliveries.
- In morning grades, PlayHQ should allow unlimited balls until 6 legitimate balls are bowled in the final over.
- Bowlers in these grades should have a maximum run-up of 15 m. This should be marked with a cone if necessary.
No-Balls and Wides
A Wide Ball Will Be Called If
A wide will be called if:
- the ball passes the batter so wide that they have no reasonable opportunity to make contact with it (full wides on the off side, and halfway to that on the leg side, should be the guide)
- the ball passes halfway towards the leg side and is not hit by the batter.
Coaches and umpires should meet before the game to agree on a standard to apply in the game.
A ball is not a wide if it is hit by, or hits, the batter. When “wide” is called, the ball stays live (batters can run).
The batting side is awarded 1 run for each wide or no-ball, plus any additional runs scored. However, in the last over, 6 legitimate deliveries must be bowled.
No extra balls are bowled for wides or no-balls in Year 7 & 8 Morning grades. Up to 8 balls can be bowled in each over only in Year 7 & 8 Premier afternoon cricket, except in the last over, which should be 6 legitimate balls in both morning and afternoon grades.
A No-Ball Will Be Called If
A no-ball will be called if:
- the ball does not land on the pitch, or bounces two or more times, or rolls, before reaching the batter’s popping crease (bowlers can bowl from a shorter distance if needed)
- the delivery would have passed above the waist on the full, at a normal batting stance
- the delivery would have passed above the shoulder after bouncing, at a normal batting stance
- any fielder (other than the bowler) encroaches into the fielding exclusion zone before the ball is hit.
Bowling, Not Throwing
Bowlers must be coached to bowl with a straight arm and avoid throwing the ball. Those who find this difficult should bowl from a standing, side-on position, starting with a straight arm against their back leg, and aim to release the ball at the 12 o’clock position. There is no penalty for a thrown delivery in this grade.
We don’t want a bowler to gain an unfair advantage by using an obviously incorrect action. So if a wicket is taken, or a batter seems to be intimidated, the umpire should act; for example, a batter should not be given out off an obvious throw.
Ideally, a word with the opposition coach or umpire will be enough for them to speak to the bowler as soon as the action is noticed.
We don’t want to discourage bowlers from practising in a match, but we also need to protect batters.
In the extreme, a no-ball can be called if an obvious throw results in a wicket being taken.
Scoring
Scoring should be done by a parent or supporter from each team. The grades are non-competitive, so scoring is used only for grading and making sure competition is appropriate. Take care when announcing who has won or has more runs.
Score sheets are available from the CJCA website: https://www.cjca.org.nz/about-us/resources-2/grade-rules-2/
- Each team’s score starts at zero.
- 5 runs are added to the bowling side for each dismissal obtained.
Scoring on PlayHQ
Ideally, scoring for Year 7 & 8 games should be done on PlayHQ. Club or school convenors can give access to the PlayHQ e-scoring system.
For full information on PlayHQ, see the PlayHQ information page (New Zealand Cricket).
Appendix 1 – Pitch Map
Key: the dotted area is the fielder exclusion zone, reaching 10 m from the batter in front of and to each side of the wicket. The stars show that slips and gullies are permitted backward of the wicket.
Appendix 2 – Scoresheets
Key: each batter’s row starts with 6 shaded Grace Period boxes (their first 6 balls), then the runs grid. Wickets taken in the grace period are totalled as bonus wickets and added to the bowling team’s extras at 5 runs per wicket. The extras symbols are a cross for wides, an upward triangle for byes, a downward triangle for leg byes and a circle for no-balls. The 1–210 tally tracks the team total, and the left-hand column records the score at the end of each of the 27 overs.
Changes from the original
This copy is tidied for reading. No numbers, limits or rule meanings were changed. To see the CJCA text exactly as published, switch Wording to As published in Settings.
Reorganised
- The wide bullets and sentences are regrouped: the two wide conditions (passing too wide; passing halfway towards the leg side and not hit) form one list, followed by the plain sentences on agreeing a standard, when a ball is not a wide, runs for extras and the last over.
- The last no-ball bullet held two conditions (“…after it bounces at normal batting stance. If players (not the bowler) encroach…”); they are now two bullets.
- The Length / Timings of Innings times are split into two bullets, one per innings.
- In Dismissals, the words “LBW in Morning Year 7 & 8 & Year 7 Premier (Afternoon) Cricket” ran on after the sentence; they now open the LBW section as a bold line.
Added
- The scoresheet is the CJCA’s standalone scoresheet PDF (June 2026): the same sheet as the one in the rules PDF, but sharper.
- A text key under the pitch map and under the scoresheet.
- An editor’s note under Free Hits After No-Balls (the 7th- and 8th-ball wording vs 6-ball morning overs) and under Bowling (4-over and 5-over limits).
- An editor’s note under Scoring: “5 runs … for each dismissal obtained” vs the grace-period-only bonus in the Grace Period section and on the scoresheet.
Removed
- The repeated “ANY doubt – not out.” (it appeared at the end of LBW condition 4 and again on its own line).
Wording smoothed (meaning unchanged)
- Format: “talented Year 6 players can also be included into Year 7” → “…included in Year 7”; “It is split into various sections, the number of which will be determined by the number of teams entering this grade” → “It is split into sections; the number of sections depends on the number of teams entering this grade”; “The grades provides an introduction to more specific cricket skills associated with batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping techniques” → “These grades introduce more specific batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping skills”; “as stipulated in the batting section and bowlers should share the overs” → “(see the Batting section). Bowlers should share the overs.”
- Match Setup: “a 10-metre fielding exclusion zone exists, this excludes the wicket keeper” → “there is a 10 m fielding exclusion zone; it does not apply to the wicketkeeper”.
- Grading: “no points are awarded, or ladder given but we do still want results entered onto the PlayHQ website” → “no points are awarded and no ladder is kept, but we still want results entered on the PlayHQ website”; “vai” → “through”; “can be sued to make” → “can be used to make”.
- Time: “start at either 9.00am on a Saturday morning or if there is a Friday round, then it will be a 4.30pm start” → “start at 9.00 am on Saturday morning, or at 4.30 pm if there is a Friday round”; “if a Friday or other evening round be utilised” → “…is used”; “Premier Year 7 and 8 starts at 12.30pm” → “Premier Year 7 and 8 games start at 12.30 pm”.
- Match Length: “Morning All games are one innings each of a maximum of 27 (six ball) overs and should be decided who starts with a coin toss, or similar” → “In morning grades, all games are one innings each of a maximum of 27 (six-ball) overs; decide who starts with a coin toss or similar”; “should only change bowling ends after each 5 over block” → “should change bowling ends only after each block of 5 overs”.
- Timings: “1st inning finish by 10.30am” → “1st innings finished by 10.30 am”.
- Grace Period: “within the first 6 balls morning grades (3 balls in Premier grade) they face in their innings, will not be fully out instead - they shall remain ‘IN’” → “within the first 6 balls they face in their innings in morning grades (3 balls in the Premier grade) are not fully out. Instead, they remain in”; “Players dismissed with the ‘Grace Period’” → “Batters dismissed during their grace period”.
- Retirements: “Taking into account the above rule Players bat until…” → “Subject to the grace-period rule above, batters bat until…”.
- Free hits: “2 runs will be scored (manually entered) as no ‘Free Hit’ can be given as the maximum deliveries in an over are 8” → “2 runs are scored (entered manually), as no free hit can be given (the maximum number of deliveries in an over is 8)”.
- Dismissals and LBW: “and given out LBW if the following applies” → “and can be given out LBW if the following applies”; the four LBW conditions joined by “AND” → “only if all of these apply”, with “the ball” repeated in each condition; “the intention for it only to be awarded when…” → “the intention is that it is only awarded when…”.
- Run Outs: “In order to capture those involved in Run Outs – those involved should be noted…” → “To capture everyone involved in run-outs, those involved should be noted…”.
- Fielding restrictions: “the 3 remaining Fielders” → “the other 3 fielders”.
- Bowling: “unless agreed to by both teams” → “unless both teams agree”; “Max 5 overs” → “Maximum 5 overs”; “on an equivalent availability basis” → “allowing for availability”; “Should wicket keeping be shared each of the players should bowl 2 overs when not wicket keeping” → “If wicketkeeping is shared, each of the keepers should bowl 2 overs when not keeping”; “5 overs bowled at the same end” → “5 overs are bowled from the same end”.
- Over length: “Overs to be a maximum of 6 balls” → “Overs are a maximum of 6 balls”; “a maximum of a 15-metre run up. This should be indicated by a cone” → “a maximum run-up of 15 m. This should be marked with a cone”.
- Wides: “Any ball that passes a batsman so wide that they are prevented from a reasonable opportunity to make contact with the ball is to be called a wide” → “the ball passes the batter so wide that they have no reasonable opportunity to make contact with it”; “agree on a stand to be applied” → “agree on a standard to apply”; “Upon the call of ‘wide’ the ball shall remain live (i.e. batsmen can run)” → “When ‘wide’ is called, the ball stays live (batters can run)”.
- No-balls: “The ball does not land on pitch” → “the ball does not land on the pitch”; “passed over the waist / shoulder” → “passed above the waist / shoulder”; “If players (not the bowler) encroach” → “any fielder (other than the bowler) encroaches”.
- Bowling, Not Throwing: “achieve ‘an unfair advantage’” → “gain an unfair advantage”; “i.e. a batter should not be given out from an obvious thrown ball” → “for example, a batter should not be given out off an obvious throw”; “sufficient for them to have a word with the bowler” → “enough for them to speak to the bowler”.
- Scoring: “the grades are non-competitive, so scoring is only used for grading and ensuring appropriate competition. Therefore, care should be taken about announcing who has won or has more runs etc” → “The grades are non-competitive, so scoring is used only for grading and making sure competition is appropriate. Take care when announcing who has won or has more runs.”
- Scoring on PlayHQ: “access to the PlayHQ E-scoring system can be gained from Club or School Convenors” → “Club or school convenors can give access to the PlayHQ e-scoring system”.
Spelling, terms and style
- “warn” → “worn” (now “Batters should wear…”); “wicket keeper” and “Wicket keepers” → “wicketkeeper(s)”; “4 and 6’s” → “4s and 6s”; “it important” → “it’s important”; “practicing” → “practising”; “inline with” → “in line with”.
- “No Ball” / “no ball” → “no-ball”; “Run Outs” → “run-outs”; “Free Hit” → “free hit”; “batsman” / “batsmen” → “batter(s)”; “NONSTRIKER” → “non-striker”; “less than 9 players” → “fewer than 9 players”; “least number of balls faced” → “fewest balls faced”; “offside” / “legside” → “off side” / “leg side”.
Capitals and emphasis
- Words in capitals (for example “WHEN DISMISSED WITHIN THE GRACE PERIOD…”, “IMMEDIATELY”, “NOT INCLUDING”, “NOT”, “ALL”, “ALWAYS”, “MUST”, “TWO”, “SEVENTH”, “ONLY IN YEAR 7 and 8 PREMIER AFTERNOON CRICKET”) changed to sentence case, with bold for emphasis. The underlining on “up to 8 balls can be bowled in each over” and on the Premier clause is dropped; the Premier clause stays bold.
Punctuation, units and spacing
- Appendix headings numbered: “Appendix One” → “Appendix 1”, “Appendix Two” → “Appendix 2”.
- Units written as 18 m, 40 m, 10 m, 15 m and 142 g; times as 9.00 am, 9.45 am, 10.30 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am, 12.15 pm, 4.30 pm and 12.30 pm; “2nd” → “2nd”; “six ball” → “six-ball”; “27 or 30-over” → “27- or 30-over”.
- Headings in title case without trailing colons (“Pitch Length:” → “Pitch Length”, “Grading:” → “Grading”, “Team Size:” → “Team Size”, “Equipment:” → “Equipment”); “Length / Timings of Innings” → “Length and Timings of Innings”; “Byes / Overthrows” → “Byes and Overthrows”; “No balls and Wides” → “No-Balls and Wides”; “Bowling not Throwing” → “Bowling, Not Throwing”; “Fielding restrictions (players on Boundary)” → “Fielding Restrictions (Players on the Boundary)”.
- “CLICK HERE” links and the bare PlayHQ address now name the page they open.
- Missing full stops added at the ends of sentences and list items.
Grade rules · 2026/27
Year 7 & 8 Morning Hardball – Grade Rules (2026/27)
Source: Year-7-8-Morning-Hardball-Grade-as-at-26th-August-2026.pdf, pages 3–10 (table of contents onward; the pitch map and scoresheets are included as images).
Rules: Christchurch Junior Cricket Association (CJCA). Reformatted as coaching notes; see the source PDF for the official wording.
Original table of contents
- Year 7 & 8 Hardball
- CONTACTS
- CJCA AIMS
- GENERAL CJCA PLAYING CONDITIONS
- Health and Safety
- Table of Contents
- Year 7 & 8 Hardball Format
- Location
- Pitch Length:
- Boundaries
- Match Setup
- Grading:
- Eligibility
- Time
- Draw
- Team Size:
- POD system (directive)
- Equipment:
- Match Length
- Length / Timings of Innings
- Batting
- Grace Period
- Free Hits after No Balls
- Last Batter Standing
- Dismissals
- LBW to be applied in these grades
- LBW in Year 8 Premier (Afternoon) Cricket Error! Bookmark not defined.
- Fielding
- Catches and Stumpings
- Run Outs
- Byes / Overthrows
- Fielding restrictions (players on Boundary)
- Bowling
- Over Length Morning Grades
- Over Length Afternoon Grades ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
- No balls and Wides
- A “Wide” Ball will be called if
- A “No Ball” will be called if ...
- Bowling not Throwing
- Scoring
- Scoring on PlayHQ
- Appendix One – Pitch Map
- Appendix Two – Scoresheets
Year 7 & 8 Hardball Format
This grade is for players primarily in Year 7 & 8 but talented Year 6 players can also be included into Year 7. It is split into various sections, the number of which will be determined by the number of teams entering this grade.
The top grades are called Year 7 & 8 Premier and they have their own game variations. The grades provides an introduction to more specific cricket skills associated with batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping techniques and games can be longer (8 ball maximum per over) due to the Premier games starting in the afternoon.
Coaches are to ensure that by the end of each half season all players have had an equal opportunity to display their skills. Rotation of the batting order is required and the CJCA recommends the POD system being used as stipulated in the batting section and bowlers should share the overs.
Location
Year 7 & 8 cricket is played at various schools and council grounds, mainly on artificial wickets.
Pitch Length:
Year 7 & 8: 18 metres (yellow lines on artificial wickets)
Boundaries
We want players to get 4 and 6’s so it important that boundaries are achievable for players, should ground conditions i.e. grass length prevent balls travelling at a reasonable pace then managers/coaches should consult and agree to shortened boundary sizes. The boundary should be marked with cones, or a stream, path, another match, anything that is dangerous or stops the forward momentum of the ball that may be closer than these guidelines. If this occurs a four or six is signalled.
Year 7 & 8: 40 metres or natural boundaries
Match Setup
For all grades, a 10-metre fielding exclusion zone exists, this excludes the wicket keeper.
Slips and Gullies on the offside may be closer than 10 metres.
Grading:
Within these divisions, especially after Christmas there may be an opportunity to split again based on the results of teams so “like vs like” matches can be played, and mismatches minimised.
As these are non-competitive grades, no points are awarded, or ladder given but we do still want results entered onto the PlayHQ website. These provide useful information for grading and moving teams around. Each team should enter results either as team or vai their Club/School Convenor so that PlayHQ is accurate and can be sued to make any grade/section adjustments.
Eligibility
Players are encouraged to play in the year group they are currently in at school. Should players wish to play down due to being new to the game or other circumstances, Clubs should apply prior to the start of the season detailing the name of the players which team they wish to play for a brief explanation of why a dispensation is required for the player to play DOWN a grade.
Players may play UP a grade, but parents/caregivers must be aware of the risks involved in playing ahead of their current school year.
We recommend no more than one grade higher.
Time
These grades start at either 9.00am on a Saturday morning or if there is a Friday round, then it will be a 4.30pm start. Year 7 and 8 games will be adjusted to a 20/20 format if a Friday or other evening round be utilised.
Premier Year 7 and 8 starts at 12.30pm on Saturdays
Draw
Draws will be confirmed until Christmas following grading. If there are changes to draws after they are published Junior Club Convenors will be informed.
Team Size:
Year 7 & 8: 9 a side
Teams with less than 9 players should first enquire if the opposition has additional players to balance the teams. Should teams have less than 9 players bowling limits can be extended to 4 overs each.
If a team has less than 9 players, one or more player(s) who have already been dismissed may bat a second time to make up the 9 batters. The additional batter(s) are selected by the least number of balls faced. Any batter who is retired returns to bat before the additional batters. The runs scored by the additional batters count towards the final team score.
By mutual agreement, a side with less than 9 players may utilise players from the opposition team to help field. Teams are encouraged to make this offer.
If a team has more than 9 players, only 9 may field at any one time. All players can participate by bowling and batting but the team score concludes when the 9th wicket is taken, if playing a team with 9 (see next bullet).
If both teams have additional players, e.g. each has 10 players, by mutual agreement all players can bat but only 9 players may field at a given time. All players can participate by bowling. The innings then stops when the 9th wicket is taken, provided both teams are playing with the same number.
Where teams have more than 9 players the restriction on fielding numbers is to ensure the batters have a reasonable opportunity to score runs.
Coaches should look to ensure all players have an equal opportunity to bat twice or bowl additional overs throughout the season if necessary. Where possible opposition players should be asked to field to ensure there are 9 players in the fielding team.
POD system (directive)
Clubs & Schools have been issued with a Directive (August 2026) that states teams in all non-pairs grades should operate a “POD system” to ensure players have a fair opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to each game in a range of cricket disciplines.
MORE DETAIL – CLICK HERE
Equipment:
Year 7 & 8 Hardball: Kookaburra 142g Leather ball
Full Protective equipment should be warn by batter including a Helmet inline with the New Zealand Cricket Helmet Policy CLICK HERE
Wicket keepers should ALWAYS wear Helmets
Match Length
Morning All games are one innings each of a maximum of 27 (six ball) overs and should be decided who starts with a coin toss, or similar.
All grades should only change bowling ends after each 5 over block.
Length / Timings of Innings
Year 7 & 8 (Morning): 27 overs per side (6 ball maximum)
Match start 9am, Drinks break after 14 overs target time 9.45am, 1st inning finish by 10.30am
2nd innings – Start by 10.45am, Drinks break after 14 overs target time 11.30am, Match completed by 12.15pm
Batting
Grace Period
Batters who are dismissed within the first 6 balls morning grades (3 balls in Premier grade) they face in their innings, will not be fully out instead - they shall remain “IN” and the bowling side shall receive a bonus 5 runs to be added to their batting score. Players dismissed with the “Grace Period” may not return as a retired batter if they reach the retirement limit.
WHEN DISMISSED WITHIN THE GRACE PERIOD THE BATTER SHOULD CHANGE ENDS WITH THE NONSTRIKER
Retirements
Taking into account the above rule Players bat until they are 'Out' or until they have faced 25 balls (NOT INCLUDING wides and no balls) when they must retire IMMEDIATELY. Retired not out batsman can return to bat, in the order that they retired and once all other batters have been 'Out' or retired.
Coaches are NOT allowed to retire batters earlier than these delivery limits unless they are playing with more than 9 players and spreading the innings equally.
Free Hits after No Balls
If a NO BALL is bowled in the first to SEVENTH ball of an over, the next ball is a 'Free Hit'.
In the case of a ‘Free Hit’, the fielding team must stay in the positions they were in at the moment the delivery was made. Minor changes to the field placements may be made when Left/Right handed batters have changed ends.
The only way a batter can be out from a 'Free Hit' is Run Out. To be run out you must be attempting a run, or started to and changed your mind, simply being out of your crease and being 'stumped' does not apply as a dismissal on a free hit.
If a batter hits a Free Hit delivery that is a no ball, they score 1 run plus whatever runs are scored from the shot. The next ball remains a FREE HIT BALL. If the batter decides to leave or misses a delivery that is deemed a no ball, they score 1 run for the no ball and the next ball is a 'Free Hit'.
If a batter hits a delivery that would have been a wide then it becomes a 'normal' delivery and they only score runs made from that shot and may be out in all the normal ways. If the batter decides to leave or misses a wide delivery, they score 1 run for the wide plus any they may run and they could score more from the next ball which remains a free hit.
Where a wide or a no ball is bowled on the 8th ball of an over, 2 runs will be scored (manually entered) as no 'Free Hit' can be given as the maximum deliveries in an over are 8.
Last Batter Standing
A single remaining NOT OUT batter should continue batting, changing ends as necessary to receive strike. Only the not out batter can face the bowling. The last batter out remains at the crease to play like a non-striker. Either batter may be run out to end the innings
Dismissals
Players can be bowled, caught, stumped, hit wicket and run out and given out LBW if the following applies LBW in Morning Year 7 & 8 & Year 7 Premier (Afternoon) Cricket
LBW to be applied in these grades
LBWs may only be given when the bowling team appeals and if the ball;
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is pitched in line with the stumps AND
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hits the batter on the pads in front of the stumps, before hitting the bat AND
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the ball was definitely going to hit the stumps AND
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the player has gone onto the back foot and stayed on the back foot. This means the player cannot be given out if the ball is pitched outside the line of the stumps (leg or off side) OR has played forward - even if the player is hit on the back pad or foot. Whilst an LBW can be given under these rules, the intention for it only to be awarded when there was no doubt whatsoever in the umpire’s mind that the above conditions applied. ANY doubt – not out.
ANY doubt – not out.
Fielding
Catches and Stumpings
Catches should be recorded against the player who took the catch in a column of the new scoresheets or on PlayHQ.
Run Outs
In order to capture those involved in Run Outs – those involved should be noted on the Scoresheet or in PlayHQ
Byes / Overthrows
Byes and overthrows are unlimited in Year 7 & 8 cricket
Fielding restrictions (players on Boundary)
A maximum of 4 players can be on the boundary which means that the 3 remaining Fielders must be closer to the Batter than the Boundary
Bowling
- A minimum of 8 players must have bowled 3 overs each before any player can bowl a fourth over, provided the ninth player is the designated specialist wicketkeeper for that match. No bowler may bowl more than 4 overs total in a 27 or 30-over game unless agreed to by both teams. Max 5 overs per bowler. Coaches are to ensure that all team members bowl the same number of overs during the season - on an equivalent availability basis.
- No bowler may bowl a 4th over until ALL others have bowled 3
- Should wicket keeping be shared each of the players should bowl 2 overs when not wicket keeping.
- 5 overs bowled at the same end to speed up the innings. No bowler can bowl successive overs.
Over Length Morning Grades
- Overs to be a maximum of 6 balls except the last over which must be 6 legitimate deliveries.
- In Morning grades PlayHQ should allow unlimited balls until 6 legitimate balls are bowled in the final over
- Bowlers in these grades should have a maximum of a 15-metre run up. This should be indicated by a cone if necessary
No balls and Wides
A “Wide” Ball will be called if
Any ball that passes a batsman so wide that they are prevented from a reasonable opportunity to make contact with the ball is to be called a wide.
Full wides on the offside and halfway to that on the legside should be the guide.
Coaches/Umpires should meet before the game to agree on a stand to be applied in the game.
If the ball is struck by or hits the batter then it is not a wide. The batting side is awarded 1 run for each wide or no ball, plus any additional runs scored. However, in the last over, 6 legitimate deliveries must be bowled. Upon the call of “wide” the ball shall remain live (i.e. batsmen can run). No extra balls are bowled for wides or no balls in Year 7 & 8 Morning grades – up to 8 balls can be bowled in each over ONLY IN YEAR 7 and 8 PREMIER AFTERNOON CRICKET, except in the last over which should be 6 legitimate balls in both morning and afternoon grades
- Any ball passing halfway towards the legside and is not hit by the batter should also be called wide.
A “No Ball” will be called if ...
- The ball does not land on pitch or the ball bounces TWO or more times or rolls on the pitch before reaching the batters popping crease. (Bowlers can bowl from a shorter distance if needed)
- The delivery would have passed over the waist on the full at normal batting stance.
- If the delivery would have passed over the shoulder after it bounces at normal batting stance. If players (not the bowler) encroach into the fielding exclusion zone before the ball is hit.
Bowling not Throwing
Bowlers MUST be coached to bowl with a straight arm and avoid ‘throwing’ the ball. Those that find this difficult should bowl from a standing, side on position, starting with a straight arm against their back leg and aim to release the ball at the 12 o’clock position. There is no penalty for a thrown delivery at this grade.
We do not want a bowler to achieve ‘an unfair advantage’ by using an obviously incorrect action, so if a wicket is gained or it is felt that a batter is being intimidated then the umpire should take action. i.e. a batter should not be given out from an obvious thrown ball.
Ideally a word with the opposition coach/umpire will be sufficient for them to have a word with the bowler as soon as the action is noticed.
We do not want to discourage bowlers from practicing in a match but also need to protect batters.
In the extreme, a no ball can be called, if an obvious thrown delivery results in a wicket being taken.
Scoring
Scoring should be done by a parent/supporter from each team, the grades are non-competitive, so scoring is only used for grading and ensuring appropriate competition. Therefore, care should be taken about announcing who has won or has more runs etc
Score sheets are available from the CJCA website
https://www.cjca.org.nz/about-us/resources-2/grade-rules-2/
- Each team’s score starts at Zero.
- 5 runs are added to the bowling side for each dismissal obtained.
Scoring on PlayHQ
Ideally Scoring for Year 7 & 8 games should be done on PlayHQ – access to the PlayHQ E-scoring system can be gained from Club or School Convenors.
For full information on PlayHQ please follow this link