Many clubs have asked about using lights to turn games into Day/Night fixtures.
While this idea is supported in general the association wants to proceed cautiously.
In line with QSDCA Regs 6.4-6.5.1 (see below) the Management Committee has issued the following directive to all QSDCA Clubs and Teams regards the use of artificial lighting at QSDCA matches.
The use of Artificial Lighting for non-approved day/night and night matches is not permitted where the lighting is under the direct control of the Club, except with the prior permission of the QSDCA Management Committee.
This directive is issued for the following reasons:
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The artificial lighting must meet the required standard lux levels for safe and fair cricket. To do otherwise exposes players to unnecessary risk, especially in the case of an injury occurring where insurance may provide effective cover.
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Many grounds will have neutral teams playing on them who will not have access to the switchbox for the lights at the ground. Prior approval from the Club will not have been provided for the use of those lights.
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Regulatory and Council conditions on when lights can be used at a ground as a condition of lease will not be known. Potentially this exposes the leaseholder to a contravention of their lease conditions.
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Additional payment to cover the use of the lighting (power use and maintenance) will not have been established with the leaseholder/owner of the ground.
- We can’t let red balls be changed for other colour balls during a match.
In other words, if it gets dark in the late afternoon please don’t ask about switching on the lights (even if they are available.)
We don’t know if the lights are good enough for cricket, we don’t know what the neighbours will say, we don’t know who’s paying the bill.
If artificial lighting is to be used in any match teams will be made aware of this well before play begins.
QSDCA Management Committee 15-Sep-2025
Here is an excerpt from QSDCA Playing Regulations.
6.4 No alteration to grades, matches, hours of play, rounds or grounds will be made except by the Management Committee.
6.5 Should any match or any part of a match be played on any ground or at any time not as determined by the Management Committee, the teams may not be awarded any points for that match.
6.5.1 In case of any such incident there will be an investigation by and responsibility will be be determined by the Management Committee.