THE Mewies Solicitors Craven League are seeking to clamp down on conceded matches.

A proposed rule change for next month's league meeting states that a club will be removed from the league if they fail to fulfil six or more matches in any season.

If the rule goes through, the results of their matches played before their expulsion will therefore be null and void and all league points will be removed.

Bingley Congs, meanwhile, have again proposed that clubs be deducted one league point for each forfeit.

However, in a bid to help short-handed clubs, the league want to make it possible for under-17 players (as long as they are not regular first-teamers) to be loaned out to another club without being transferred, although the 'parent club' would have first option on that player.

Adult players can also be transferred on a loan basis, as long as they have not made four appearances at a level of more than two divisions above the borrowing team and as long as the league secretary agrees.

Any permanent transfer that season to the short-handed club cannot take place without the permission of the loaning club and the approval of the league secretary.

However, loan players may be registered with two or more clubs as long as permission is given in writing by the club who hold the player's registration. Junior players will require parental permission.

The league are also open to league matches starting 30 minutes earlier at 1.30pm, cup matches beginning an hour earlier at 1pm, league and cup matches being reduced to 40 overs per side with no bowler being allowed to bowl more than 12 overs, or if the total remains at 45 overs per side, no bowler being able to bowl more than 15 overs.

Oakworth want the 12-over per bowler maximum to apply for league matches but only in Divisions Three, Four and Five.

The league also state that the interval could be extended from 20 minutes to 30 minutes to allow scorers (and those on ground duty) time to eat their teas.

Umpires' fees could go up from a total of £55 to £60 if there are two panel umpires but would stay at £55 if there is only one, while clubs who fail to provide an umpire on more than four occasions per season could be answerable to the league's executive committee.

Instead of the draws for the Wynn and Cowling cups being made in their entirety at the January meeting, the league are proposing that they are drawn round by round as it could be a disincentive to enter if clubs can see who they might play in subsequent rounds.

The league want to do away with clubs having home advantage in cup finals.

It is proposed that four grounds will be chosen by the executive committee to host the two cup finals and the Manorlands Plate, with clubs being advised in June or July who will host each match.

If they do not host one of the three matches that season, they are guaranteed to host one the following summer.

Bingley Congs want the two-thirds majority for a rule change to be amended to a simple majority, and that clubs proposing rule changes can request anonymity if they wish.