How many players can a team have, and what if we are short?

Numbers (Stage 2 Match Day Rules 2.1): standard 9 players, minimum 7, maximum 11. With more than 9 present, the extras rotate on and off the field each over. All players on the team list who are present and not sick or injured must take part.

Forfeit: a team below 7 players up to 30 minutes after the fixtured start forfeits, and the result is entered as a forfeit on PlayHQ. In Year 6 boys (a non-competitive grade) both teams may agree to play anyway and the scores may be entered on PlayHQ. In competitive grades (Year 7 boys, Year 8-9 girls) they may agree to play, but the scores may not be entered.

Loan fielders (2.2): a short team may ask the opposition for fielders to even up the numbers only. They field only (they do not bat or bowl), and the lender supplies just enough to match the numbers, not to reach 9. For example, 8 v 7 means 1 loan fielder, and 11 v 7 means 2. Loan fielders are not available in finals.

Fill-in players: a player must be registered with the club and association, or registered as a fill-in player, before they play. No one may be a fill-in more than once a season.

Dispensations: clubs may approve a player to play one age group up. Other requests go to the MJCC, at least 48 hours before the match unless a team needs a player to avoid a forfeit.