36 clubs are divided into three divisions. The league is run by the management committee and other than the general rules of cricket, rule amendments are suggested and voted upon by all the member clubs. Two clubs are relegated from divisions 1 and 2 each year, with two clubs being promoted from the division below. The two clubs finishing, bottom and second to bottom respectively, of the third division must state its case for re-election each year. The 36 clubs are spread over a relatively wide geographical area in North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. The location of the clubs broadly follows the valleys and landscapes of the River Aire and the River Wharfe. The league is known for being well organised as competently run by the management committee and the standard of cricket is considered to be one of the best of the 'second tier' of Yorkshire league cricket, with the Bradford Cricket League, the Yorkshire ECB County Premier League and the South Yorkshire Cricket league occupying the first tier. The 'A&WSCL' is remarkable for its diversity. There are small village style teams as well as established multi-sport clubs within the competition, often competing on similar terms. In recent years the league has progressed in terms of quality and preparation, some argue as a result of the rise of Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club as one of the regular title contenders. The diversity extends to the physical grounds themselves, some being rural and picturesque whilst other are more charming inner city facilities.
Players
A number have clubs have been the home to test or international cricketers at a time during their career, with many more having housed players that have represented counties at junior or second XI level. Due to their overlapping geography, players frequently transfer between the A&WSCL clubs and the clubs in the Bradford Cricket League.
League fixtures take place between late April and early September each year. Each side plays every other team in that division home and away. Each fixture comprises a 50 over game with no fielding restrictions. Third team matches play on Sunday and are played over forty overs. Points are allotted as follows Ten points for a win. Batting points are awarded - 125 runs = 1 point 150 = 2 175 = 3 200 = 4 225 = 5. A maximum of five battings are available. Bowling points are awarded also - one points for every two wickets taken. Matches not completed because of weather give each side 3 points plus any bonus points achieved. A tie is five points plus any bonus points achieved. If during the course of a season sides are tied on points in the league competition the side with the most outright wins is the winner.
