Laws of cricket printed locally

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord's has given Cricket Australia permission to print its official Laws of Cricket (2000 Code - 2nd Edition - 2003) locally in Australia in a deal which will enable a far wider distribution than in previous years.

It also means the resource has been produced in a more cost-efficient way by engaging local printers rather than having to import copies from the United Kingdom.

Cricket Australia has printed 20,000 copies of the Laws of Cricket to be distributed as part of its National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme, through normal orders by states and territories, and also as part of the spirit of cricket initiative which sees the bulk of copies provided for the first time to coaches, umpires and captains.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it was important for everyone in Australian cricket to be familiar with the laws of the game, and with the responsibilities that these placed on participants.

"Umpires, captains and players have specific responsibilities which are spelled out in the laws, particularly for setting the tone for conduct of games," he said.

"The Laws of Cricket are the foundation on which the game has been built and we are grateful to the MCC for helping us to increase local circulation of this valuable resource."

Local printing has allowed Cricket Australia to print a spirit of cricket message from Mr Sutherland on the inside cover of the booklets, reminding coaches, umpires, captains and players that while the laws of cricket are important, the way the game is played is just as significant.

The MCC owns the global copyright to the Laws of Cricket and they are available from the MCC's website, www.lords.org/cricket/laws.asp.