Warrington Catholic Bowling League 2022
Chairman/Treasurer: N Horan [ 01925 655423 ]
Secretary/Website: S Peters [ 07834 817746 ]
Fixtures: K Lee [ 07875 723655 ]
WARRINGTON CATHOLIC BOWLING LEAGUE ASSOCIATION ( 18.1.2022 )
1 RULES AND CONSTITUTION
1.1 The association of Catholic Clubs and Parishes was originally founded in 1959 (herein after referred
to as “The Association”) and shall be called “The Warrington Catholic Bowling League Association.
The association is affiliated to the Lancashire County Bowling Association.
1.2 The object of the association is to organise and promote competitive crown green bowling for clubs
and parishes, and arrange League matches and other competitions connected with the association
in accordance with a view to the interest and fellowship of the game, and where possible to donate
to charitable organisations.
1.3 The Headquarters shall be determined from time to time by the Management Committee.
2 MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Membership shall be open to Catholic Clubs or Parishes within the Warrington area as the
management committee may approve.
2.2 Registration of members shall be completed annually after the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
2.3 New clubs (i.e. those not in the previous season) seeking membership shall complete an application
form and forward same to the League Secretary to arrive no later than the 31st December.
2.4 Existing clubs seeking re-affiliation should complete a re-affiliation form, and forward same to reach
the League Secretary no later than the 31st December.
3 ADMINISTRATION
3.1 The Management Committee (i.e. the officers of the league appointed at the AGM) who attend the
AGM shall be: -
a. President
b. Chairman
c. Vice Chairman
d. Secretary
e. Treasurer
f. Fixture and Competition Secretary
g. IT Man.
3.2 The league shall be governed by the Management Committee.
3.3 The Management Committee have the power to temporarily elect/co-opt delegates to fill committee
vacancies, to form sub-committees, and shall be responsible for the interpretation of all the league
rules.
3.4 A quorum shall be a minimum of 10 members, which will include a minimum of 3 officials and 7
delegates.
3.5 The league shall be controlled by the above committee who will be responsible for the major
business of the league and shall act the ultimate authority. However, in cases of appeal against a
ruling of the Management Committee an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called to
reconsider the ruling and the quorum rule (3.4) shall apply to such EGM.
3.6 The Management Committee have the authority to award life membership to members of the league
in recognition of meritorious work.
1 RULES AND CONSTITUTION
1.1 The association of Catholic Clubs and Parishes was originally founded in 1959 (herein after referred
to as “The Association”) and shall be called “The Warrington Catholic Bowling League Association.
The association is affiliated to the Lancashire County Bowling Association.
1.2 The object of the association is to organise and promote competitive crown green bowling for clubs
and parishes, and arrange League matches and other competitions connected with the association
in accordance with a view to the interest and fellowship of the game, and where possible to donate
to charitable organisations.
1.3 The Headquarters shall be determined from time to time by the Management Committee.
2 MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Membership shall be open to Catholic Clubs or Parishes within the Warrington area as the
management committee may approve.
2.2 Registration of members shall be completed annually after the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
2.3 New clubs (i.e. those not in the previous season) seeking membership shall complete an application
form and forward same to the League Secretary to arrive no later than the 31st December.
2.4 Existing clubs seeking re-affiliation should complete a re-affiliation form, and forward same to reach
the League Secretary no later than the 31st December.
3 ADMINISTRATION
3.1 The Management Committee (i.e. the officers of the league appointed at the AGM) who attend the
AGM shall be: -
a. President
b. Chairman
c. Vice Chairman
d. Secretary
e. Treasurer
f. Fixture and Competition Secretary
g. IT Man.
3.2 The league shall be governed by the Management Committee.
3.3 The Management Committee have the power to temporarily elect/co-opt delegates to fill committee
vacancies, to form sub-committees, and shall be responsible for the interpretation of all the league
rules.
3.4 A quorum shall be a minimum of 10 members, which will include a minimum of 3 officials and 7
delegates.
3.5 The league shall be controlled by the above committee who will be responsible for the major
business of the league and shall act the ultimate authority. However, in cases of appeal against a
ruling of the Management Committee an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called to
reconsider the ruling and the quorum rule (3.4) shall apply to such EGM.
3.6 The Management Committee have the authority to award life membership to members of the league
in recognition of meritorious work.
4 FINANCES
4.1 All fees shall be set at the AGM.
4.2 Annual registration fees are payable on or before the 31 st May.
4.3 All money shall be placed in a suitable bank account, and for withdrawal purposes the Treasurer
and/or Secretary are authorised to sign.
4.4 Any club delegate or member of committee shall have access to the books/statement of accounts in
the Custody of the Treasurer.
4.5 The Treasurer shall present to the AGM a Statement of Accounts for year ending 31st December
4.6 No player shall be permitted to take part in any promotions if he has failed to pay subscriptions for
the previous Season to any club, league, association or body of which he is/was a member.
4.1 All fees shall be set at the AGM.
4.2 Annual registration fees are payable on or before the 31 st May.
4.3 All money shall be placed in a suitable bank account, and for withdrawal purposes the Treasurer
and/or Secretary are authorised to sign.
4.4 Any club delegate or member of committee shall have access to the books/statement of accounts in
the Custody of the Treasurer.
4.5 The Treasurer shall present to the AGM a Statement of Accounts for year ending 31st December
4.6 No player shall be permitted to take part in any promotions if he has failed to pay subscriptions for
the previous Season to any club, league, association or body of which he is/was a member.
4.7 All prize winnings and honorariums shall be paid and shown in the account’s year ending 31st December.
5.1 The AGM, Rules Revision Meeting (RRM), and Finance Meeting (FM) shall be held in January of
each year, with all clubs being given at least 21 days’ notice of the time and venue. The business of
the AGM shall include the following: -
a. To read and consider the minutes of the previous AGM and EGM(s) held since that date, and
take any matters arsing therefrom.
b. To receive and consider the reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, and fixture/competition
Secretary.
c. Election of Officers for the ensuing season.
d. Rules amendments and/or rules revision.
e. Any other relevant business.
5.1 The AGM, Rules Revision Meeting (RRM), and Finance Meeting (FM) shall be held in January of
each year, with all clubs being given at least 21 days’ notice of the time and venue. The business of
the AGM shall include the following: -
a. To read and consider the minutes of the previous AGM and EGM(s) held since that date, and
take any matters arsing therefrom.
b. To receive and consider the reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, and fixture/competition
Secretary.
c. Election of Officers for the ensuing season.
d. Rules amendments and/or rules revision.
e. Any other relevant business.
5.2 Voting at any AGM, EGM shall be by a show of hands and be allowed at a rate of 1 vote per registered team from delegates in attendance and the chairman shall not have a casting vote.
5.3 Clubs not represented at any AGM, EGM or RRM shall be fined £5, and none representation at a
Council Meeting a fine of £1 shall be imposed.
5.4 An EGM may be called on receipt of requisition in writing signed by at least 6 club members, or on
instruction of the Management Committee. The Secretary shall give at least 7 days’ notice to all
clubs. Only the business stated in that notification can be discussed.
5.5 No new rule or amendment can be made except at a General Meeting called for this purpose.
Clubs wishing to put forward any new rule or amendments of present rule(s) shall give full details in
writing on or before the 31 st October to the League Secretary. The League Secretary will notify all
clubs of proposals/amendments which will be considered at the RRM.
5.6 Any club wishing to make a protest must present this in writing to the Secretary within 5 days of the
incident to which it relates. The Secretary shall forward a copy of such protest to the 3 rd party, and
all persons connected. All persons connected to the incident shall be entitled to attend the
Management Meeting at which the matter shall be resolved. A fine may be levied should the protest
be deemed frivolous or without proper grounds.
5.3 Clubs not represented at any AGM, EGM or RRM shall be fined £5, and none representation at a
Council Meeting a fine of £1 shall be imposed.
5.4 An EGM may be called on receipt of requisition in writing signed by at least 6 club members, or on
instruction of the Management Committee. The Secretary shall give at least 7 days’ notice to all
clubs. Only the business stated in that notification can be discussed.
5.5 No new rule or amendment can be made except at a General Meeting called for this purpose.
Clubs wishing to put forward any new rule or amendments of present rule(s) shall give full details in
writing on or before the 31 st October to the League Secretary. The League Secretary will notify all
clubs of proposals/amendments which will be considered at the RRM.
5.6 Any club wishing to make a protest must present this in writing to the Secretary within 5 days of the
incident to which it relates. The Secretary shall forward a copy of such protest to the 3 rd party, and
all persons connected. All persons connected to the incident shall be entitled to attend the
Management Meeting at which the matter shall be resolved. A fine may be levied should the protest
be deemed frivolous or without proper grounds.
6 RULES GOVERNING LEAGUE MATCHES
6.1 Each team will consist of 12 registered players.
6.2 The Captain of each team must name their first 4 players to commence the match. After
commencement of the game Captains must immediately nominate their final 8 players, and 4 blocks
maintained always.
6.3 A member of the original team cannot return once his name has been erased from the team sheet.
6.4 Score cards must be agreed on every 4 ends, and it is the responsibility of the away marker to see
that this is carried out. In case of irresolvable score card disputes the home, card will be deemed to
be correct.
6.5 Match start times should be as follows: -
a. April and August at 1845 hours.
b. May to July at 1900 hours
c. Teams that have flood lights, matches to commence at 1900 hours.
6.6 Practices: Home team to clear the green 20 minutes before start of play, away team to practice for
10 minutes with the green being cleared 10 minutes prior to the start of the match.
6.7 Club blocks to be used if available, although individual blocks may also be used. The Catholic
Bowls League will not be responsible for damage to or loss of blocks. A player shall not bowl the
jack without telling and showing the opponent the bias (i.e. ‘thumb’ or ‘finger’) before the delivery.
6.8 All games to be 15 up off level. Team handicaps to be added to the total score at the end of the
match and to provide the final results.
6.9 Absentees from any game shall not have any score recorded, the opponent being awarded the
game 15 – 0.
6.10 The home team shall be responsible for the completed match sheet. Both team captains to sign as
a true record before sending it to the League Secretary. The home team are also responsible for
completing the Warrington Catholic Bowls website (result and individual scores) as soon as possible
after the match.
6.11 Teams having to cancel matches through green unavailability must inform the League Secretary 2
weeks prior to the match being played.
6.12 Matches to be played as drawn on team sheets unless agreed changes by mutual consent between
Team Captains.
6.13 All match result sheets should be provided prior to the season commencing.
6.14 If the top teams have equal points at the end of the season their league positions will be decided by
the biggest difference of aggregate scores i.e. + for – against. In the event of the top teams also
having equal aggregate, there shall be play off.
6.15 Late registrations may be allowed thoughout.the season. However, any player submitted for late
registrations later than 4 weeks after the first league match cannot play in any K.O. cup matches
( i.e. Challenge Cup and J.G. Bate Trophy ).The management committee may reconsider a teams
handicap if they believe there is an unfair advantage through late registration.
6.16 Two points to be allocated to match winners and 1 point to each team in the event of a draw. Team
handicaps will be allocated by the Management Committee about 3 weeks after players registration
meeting. The Management Committee may reconsider a team’s handicap if they believe there is an
unfair advantage through late registration.
6.17 Matches postponed or uncompleted through inclement weather (or other exceptional circumstances)
must be re-arranged to be played within 14 days of the original fixture. A further 7 days is allowed
should the re-arranged date be called of due to similar circumstances. If the postponed or
uncompleted match is the last league match of the season, the Honorary Secretary shall be
informed as soon as possible, and the Management Committee shall arrange the replay. If the
original team players are not available for a re-arranged match, reserves shall be allowed, and any
uncompleted game will continue from a point on the green as near as possible to where the last end
was completed, from the score at the time of postponement. Completed game scores will stand.
6.18 Only one team relegated, and 1 team promoted at the end of each season, unless in exceptional
circumstances where relegation, promotion and league formation shall be the discretion of the
league Management Committee.
6.19 Any bona-fide male member of an affiliated club (minimum aged 12 years, before the 1 st October
prior to season starting) shall be eligible to register as a League Player.
6.1 Each team will consist of 12 registered players.
6.2 The Captain of each team must name their first 4 players to commence the match. After
commencement of the game Captains must immediately nominate their final 8 players, and 4 blocks
maintained always.
6.3 A member of the original team cannot return once his name has been erased from the team sheet.
6.4 Score cards must be agreed on every 4 ends, and it is the responsibility of the away marker to see
that this is carried out. In case of irresolvable score card disputes the home, card will be deemed to
be correct.
6.5 Match start times should be as follows: -
a. April and August at 1845 hours.
b. May to July at 1900 hours
c. Teams that have flood lights, matches to commence at 1900 hours.
6.6 Practices: Home team to clear the green 20 minutes before start of play, away team to practice for
10 minutes with the green being cleared 10 minutes prior to the start of the match.
6.7 Club blocks to be used if available, although individual blocks may also be used. The Catholic
Bowls League will not be responsible for damage to or loss of blocks. A player shall not bowl the
jack without telling and showing the opponent the bias (i.e. ‘thumb’ or ‘finger’) before the delivery.
6.8 All games to be 15 up off level. Team handicaps to be added to the total score at the end of the
match and to provide the final results.
6.9 Absentees from any game shall not have any score recorded, the opponent being awarded the
game 15 – 0.
6.10 The home team shall be responsible for the completed match sheet. Both team captains to sign as
a true record before sending it to the League Secretary. The home team are also responsible for
completing the Warrington Catholic Bowls website (result and individual scores) as soon as possible
after the match.
6.11 Teams having to cancel matches through green unavailability must inform the League Secretary 2
weeks prior to the match being played.
6.12 Matches to be played as drawn on team sheets unless agreed changes by mutual consent between
Team Captains.
6.13 All match result sheets should be provided prior to the season commencing.
6.14 If the top teams have equal points at the end of the season their league positions will be decided by
the biggest difference of aggregate scores i.e. + for – against. In the event of the top teams also
having equal aggregate, there shall be play off.
6.15 Late registrations may be allowed thoughout.the season. However, any player submitted for late
registrations later than 4 weeks after the first league match cannot play in any K.O. cup matches
( i.e. Challenge Cup and J.G. Bate Trophy ).The management committee may reconsider a teams
handicap if they believe there is an unfair advantage through late registration.
6.16 Two points to be allocated to match winners and 1 point to each team in the event of a draw. Team
handicaps will be allocated by the Management Committee about 3 weeks after players registration
meeting. The Management Committee may reconsider a team’s handicap if they believe there is an
unfair advantage through late registration.
6.17 Matches postponed or uncompleted through inclement weather (or other exceptional circumstances)
must be re-arranged to be played within 14 days of the original fixture. A further 7 days is allowed
should the re-arranged date be called of due to similar circumstances. If the postponed or
uncompleted match is the last league match of the season, the Honorary Secretary shall be
informed as soon as possible, and the Management Committee shall arrange the replay. If the
original team players are not available for a re-arranged match, reserves shall be allowed, and any
uncompleted game will continue from a point on the green as near as possible to where the last end
was completed, from the score at the time of postponement. Completed game scores will stand.
6.18 Only one team relegated, and 1 team promoted at the end of each season, unless in exceptional
circumstances where relegation, promotion and league formation shall be the discretion of the
league Management Committee.
6.19 Any bona-fide male member of an affiliated club (minimum aged 12 years, before the 1 st October
prior to season starting) shall be eligible to register as a League Player.
7 K.O. Cup (‘Challenge’ and ‘J.G. Bate’ Trophies)
7.1 Draw shall be made at the appropriate Secretaries meeting and all Clubs duly notified.
7.2 Each team will consist of twelve registered players and all games to be played on neutral greens.
7.3 Each competitor shall start from scratch and play 15 up.
7.4 Team handicaps to be set by the Management Committee prior to season commencing. When a ‘B’
Section team is drawn against an ‘A’ Section team, 18 points shall be added to the ‘B’ Section team
cup handicap.
7.5 Practice prior to the game commencing 7+7 of 20 minutes duration.
7.6 Matches may be brought forward at any time during the season by mutual consent, where teams
cannot agree on an earlier date then the original date of the draw applies.
7.7 Matches postponed or uncompleted games through inclement weather, must be re-arranged on the
earliest possible convenient date prior to the next round.
7.8 In the final tie of the competition, Captains shall nominate all 12 players (in playing order) and
reserves to the League Secretary at least 14 days prior to the date of the Final, to allow
programmes to be printed.
7.9 Games shall be played in the order as drawn on team sheets unless changes are agreed by mutual
consent between team Captains up to the eighth block.
7.10 If a cup tie is drawn, 4 players off each team shall playoff to produce a result. These players can
only be selected from players who have already played, and these four games will be played with
1/3rd of the appropriate team handicap added to the total score. In the event of another tie the
same procedure to be adopted from the remaining players until a result is achieved. This procedure
shall take place immediately after the original game.However, if it is impossible to complete the tie
there and then ( weather conditions, lack if floodlights etc.) the replay shall be re-arranged at the
same venue though liaison with the League Secrcetary A.S..A.P.and must be completed at least 3
weeks prior to the next cup tie. If the original venue is unavailable the re-arranged game shall be
at a venue used by Warrington Catholic Bowling League.
8 Individual Merit
8.1 Competition open to all registered members of the Warrington Catholic League.
8.2 Draw to be made at appropriate Secretaries meeting, and all entrants duly notified.
8.3 All entries must be submitted with the correct entrance fee on entry forms and provided by the date
set at the Secretaries meeting.
8.4 No practice to be allowed on the green selected for such games during the day of play.
8.5 Any player not reporting to the referee in charge of the games within 15 minutes after the advertised
time of starting the competition will be scratched irrespective of weather conditions.
8.6 Protests, final decisions on objectives will be resolved by a full Secretaries meeting.
8.7 Matches to be played on the date drawn.
8.8 All games to be 21 up off level.
9 Pairs Competition
9.1 Competition open to all registered members of the Warrington Catholic League.
9.2 Draw to be made at the appropriate Secretaries meeting, and all entrants duly notified.
9.3 All entries must be submitted with the correct entrance fee on entry forms and provided by the date
set by the Secretaries meeting.
9.4 Three players names must be submitted, any two of whom play and no alterations to any team will
be permitted after the closing date for entries to the competition.
9.5 No practice to be allowed on the green selected for such games during the day of play.
9.6 Any team not reporting to the referee in charge of the games within 15 minutes after the advertised
time of starting the competition will be scratched irrespective of weather conditions.
9.7 Protests, final decisions on objections will be resolved by a full Secretaries meeting.
9.8 Matches to be played on the date drawn.
9.9 All games to be 21 up off level.
9.10 Players must be from the same team.
7.1 Draw shall be made at the appropriate Secretaries meeting and all Clubs duly notified.
7.2 Each team will consist of twelve registered players and all games to be played on neutral greens.
7.3 Each competitor shall start from scratch and play 15 up.
7.4 Team handicaps to be set by the Management Committee prior to season commencing. When a ‘B’
Section team is drawn against an ‘A’ Section team, 18 points shall be added to the ‘B’ Section team
cup handicap.
7.5 Practice prior to the game commencing 7+7 of 20 minutes duration.
7.6 Matches may be brought forward at any time during the season by mutual consent, where teams
cannot agree on an earlier date then the original date of the draw applies.
7.7 Matches postponed or uncompleted games through inclement weather, must be re-arranged on the
earliest possible convenient date prior to the next round.
7.8 In the final tie of the competition, Captains shall nominate all 12 players (in playing order) and
reserves to the League Secretary at least 14 days prior to the date of the Final, to allow
programmes to be printed.
7.9 Games shall be played in the order as drawn on team sheets unless changes are agreed by mutual
consent between team Captains up to the eighth block.
7.10 If a cup tie is drawn, 4 players off each team shall playoff to produce a result. These players can
only be selected from players who have already played, and these four games will be played with
1/3rd of the appropriate team handicap added to the total score. In the event of another tie the
same procedure to be adopted from the remaining players until a result is achieved. This procedure
shall take place immediately after the original game.However, if it is impossible to complete the tie
there and then ( weather conditions, lack if floodlights etc.) the replay shall be re-arranged at the
same venue though liaison with the League Secrcetary A.S..A.P.and must be completed at least 3
weeks prior to the next cup tie. If the original venue is unavailable the re-arranged game shall be
at a venue used by Warrington Catholic Bowling League.
8 Individual Merit
8.1 Competition open to all registered members of the Warrington Catholic League.
8.2 Draw to be made at appropriate Secretaries meeting, and all entrants duly notified.
8.3 All entries must be submitted with the correct entrance fee on entry forms and provided by the date
set at the Secretaries meeting.
8.4 No practice to be allowed on the green selected for such games during the day of play.
8.5 Any player not reporting to the referee in charge of the games within 15 minutes after the advertised
time of starting the competition will be scratched irrespective of weather conditions.
8.6 Protests, final decisions on objectives will be resolved by a full Secretaries meeting.
8.7 Matches to be played on the date drawn.
8.8 All games to be 21 up off level.
9 Pairs Competition
9.1 Competition open to all registered members of the Warrington Catholic League.
9.2 Draw to be made at the appropriate Secretaries meeting, and all entrants duly notified.
9.3 All entries must be submitted with the correct entrance fee on entry forms and provided by the date
set by the Secretaries meeting.
9.4 Three players names must be submitted, any two of whom play and no alterations to any team will
be permitted after the closing date for entries to the competition.
9.5 No practice to be allowed on the green selected for such games during the day of play.
9.6 Any team not reporting to the referee in charge of the games within 15 minutes after the advertised
time of starting the competition will be scratched irrespective of weather conditions.
9.7 Protests, final decisions on objections will be resolved by a full Secretaries meeting.
9.8 Matches to be played on the date drawn.
9.9 All games to be 21 up off level.
9.10 Players must be from the same team.
10 Player of the Year
10.1 The honour of Player of the Year will be awarded to the player who achieves most League wins
throughout the season, in the event of two or more players achieving the same number of wins, a
playoff will be arranged.
10.2 Secretaries must forward in writing any member that might have achieved this performance (League
matches only).
10.3 If there are two sections, one player from each section with the most wins, will playoff together, for
the Player of the Year.
11 Presentation Evening
11.1 At the end of each season the League Management Committee shall arrange a prize presentation
evening, usually in November.
11.2 Each Club shall be responsible for the purchase of two tickets for the presentation evening.
11.3 Clubs that do not attend the presentation evening, and do not inform the Secretary ahead of the
presentation evening, prize monies will be given to Charity.
12 Competition Finals
12.1 All competition finals will be played with Standard jacks.
13 Amendments to Rules Record
April 1993 – Re- written
February 1994 – Modified structure o the League
February 2005 – Modified
July 2018 – Rules revision and amendments
10.1 The honour of Player of the Year will be awarded to the player who achieves most League wins
throughout the season, in the event of two or more players achieving the same number of wins, a
playoff will be arranged.
10.2 Secretaries must forward in writing any member that might have achieved this performance (League
matches only).
10.3 If there are two sections, one player from each section with the most wins, will playoff together, for
the Player of the Year.
11 Presentation Evening
11.1 At the end of each season the League Management Committee shall arrange a prize presentation
evening, usually in November.
11.2 Each Club shall be responsible for the purchase of two tickets for the presentation evening.
11.3 Clubs that do not attend the presentation evening, and do not inform the Secretary ahead of the
presentation evening, prize monies will be given to Charity.
12 Competition Finals
12.1 All competition finals will be played with Standard jacks.
13 Amendments to Rules Record
April 1993 – Re- written
February 1994 – Modified structure o the League
February 2005 – Modified
July 2018 – Rules revision and amendments
January 2022 - Rules revision and amendments