A MOVE to allow loan players in the JCT600 Bradford League was passed narrowly during the league's annual meeting at Pudsey Congs.

A simple majority was needed for it go through – and 15 voted in favour as opposed to 14 against.

The new rule now reads: "To assist clubs in fielding a full side of 11 players, clubs who wish to do so will be allowed to register a maximum of six players, non-overseas, aged 17 or under, prior to the scheduled start of the season who are prepared to play in an 'emergency' for another club's second team without transfer regulations being applied.

"Such registrations will be indicated on a club's list of registered players as 'loan players'.

"Those players taking part MUST give their consent and be registered as a 'loan player' by their clubs no later than the Thursday deadline before the start of the season.

"No additions can be made to this category of player after the above deadline.

"In the event of 'loan players' being utilised, both clubs involved should notify the details of the player(s) to the registration facilitator by noon on the day of the match."

Two other proposals by the management board were voted in 24-6.

The non-offending side for late starts will now be given the choice of whether to bat or bowl rather than a toss being made.

And not more than one player who has played in more first-team matches (league and cup) than second-team games will be allowed to take part in the final six second-team games of the season at any one time.

Also passed was Hanging Heaton's proposal that a set amount be paid for teas by the visiting team before the start of the match (something in the region of £35 to £40).

But their proposal that no overs be lost should rain intervene once a match has commenced, leaving the umpires as sole arbiters, was defeated 17-11.