(a) For a win, 16 points, plus any points scored in the first innings.

(b) In a tie, each side to score eight points, plus any points scored in the first innings.

(c) In a drawn match, each side to score three points, plus any points scored in the first innings (see also paragraph (f) below).

(d) If the scores are equal in a drawn match, the side batting in the fourth innings to score eight points plus any points scored in the first innings, and the opposing side to score three points plus any points scored in the first innings.

(e) First Innings Points (awarded only for performances in the first 120 overs of each first innings and retained whatever the result of the match).

(i) A maximum of four batting points to be available as under:-

200 to 249 runs - 1 point

250 to 299 runs - 2 points

300 to 349 runs - 3 points

350 runs or over - 4 points

(ii) A maximum of four bowling points to be available as under:-

3 to 4 wickets taken - l point

5 to 6 wickets taken - 2 points

7 to 8 wickets taken - 3 points

9 to 10 wickets taken - 4 points

(f) If play starts when less than eight hours playing time remains (in which event a one innings match shall be played as provided for in First Class Playing Condition 20), no first innings points shall be scored. The side winning on the one innings to score 12 points. In a tie, each side to score six points. In a drawn match, each side to score three points. If the scores are equal in a drawn match, the side batting in the second innings to score six points and the opposing side to score three points.

(g) If a match is abandoned without a ball being bowled, each side to score three points.

(h) A County which is adjudged to have prepared a pitch which is unsuitable for four day First-Class Cricket’ shall be liable to have 25 points deducted from its aggregate of points under the procedure agreed by the Board in December 1988 and revised in December 1993. In addition, a penalty of 10 or 15 points may in certain circumstances be imposed on a County in respect of a ‘Poor’ pitch under the procedure agreed by the Board in March 1995. There shall be no right of appeal against any points penalty provided for in this Clause.

(i) The side which has the highest aggregate of points gained at the end of the season shall be the Champion County. Should any sides in the Championship table be equal on points, the side with most wins will have priority.

2 OVER RATE FINES

The minimum over rate to be achieved by Counties before a financial penalty is imposed, will be 16 overs per hour. Fines will be graded on the following basis over the whole season (17 matches) as follows:-

Under 16.00 overs per hour £4,000

Under 15.50 overs per hour £6000

Under 15.00 overs per hour £8,000

Under 14.50 overs per hour £10,000

Under 14.00 overs per hour £12,000

(Additional £2,000 penalty for each 0.5 o.p.h. below these rates)

When calculating the over rate, no allowances will be made for wickets taken or drinks intervals. However, any suspension of play for an injury to a player or for any other reason beyond the control of the players shall be a deductible allowance.

Balls bowled and wickets taken in the last hour of the match shall be included for calculation purposes in the figures for the second innings (or first innings if applicable).

In calculating the overall over rate for the season, no single innings will be assessed at more than 24 overs per hour.

Any fines shall be divided equally between the County Club and the players. The contribution to be made by each individual player to any fines shall be decided by the County concerned.

3 PRIZE MONEY

Winner of the Championship £70.000

Runner-up £32,000

Third £16,000

Fourth £11,000

Fifth £10,000

Sixth £9,000

Seventh £8,000

Eighth £7,000

Ninth £6,000

Winner of each match £1,000