Wolverhampton Senior Bowls League 2022

CONSTITUTION -UPDATED MARCH 2022

1. The league shall be known as the Wolverhampton Senior Bowls League and all bona fide groups (generally in the Wolverhampton area) who are able to field a team of 6 players.

   Teams will consist of registered players (ladies or gentlemen) who are 58 years or older on the 1st of January of the current season.

2. The Management Committee of the League shall consist of a President, Vice President, League Secretary, Treasurer and Fixture Secretary.

   An Executive Committee shall be elected consisting of five officers, plus a minimum of four others who will be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

3. The League fees will be set at the A.G.M (£40 per team for new teams 2022 and no fee for currently registered teams)

4. Any Club wishing to resign from the League shall give notice in writing to the League Secretary before January 1st in any year. Failure to do so will render the club responsible for the League fees for the forthcoming season.

5. A financial statement shall be presented by the Treasurer at the A.G.M. each year.

6. Rules may be altered or amended at the A.G.M. Notice of proposed changes must be notified to the League Secretary, in writing fourteen (14) days before the meeting to be considered.

7. Violation of any rules shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee. All games to be governed by the British Crown Green Bowling Association laws on bowling (BCGBA). All League members must have a BCGBA number. Scoring System (League matches) – 8 points available for each match i.e.,1 point for each game won plus 2 points for the winning aggregate, 1 point each in the event of a tie. (See Competition Rules for K.O. Cup matches)

8. Any team postponing a match must give a full 48 hours’ notice and postponed matches must be played within fifteen (15) days, otherwise the team defaulting forfeits the match with a score 8 points to 0 and an aggregate score of 126-Nil.

9. All Clubs shall submit at the Meeting prior to the start of the season - a photocopy of their BCGBA Form CR1/CR2 ‘REGISTERED MEMBERS’ or updated County Registration Form for both male and female players (or Supplementary Registration form where players registration fee is paid by another club) indicating their players who are 58 years or over. Members joining after this time to be affiliated for two days before being allowed to play.

10. A club not playing the full number of players shall forfeit 21 points for each absentee (i.e., 21-Nil defeat).

11. Transfer of a player from club to club, or team to team, can only take place if the player has played no more than two games for the first club, or another team within the club. The Fixture Secretary must be informed before the player plays for the new club or the new team within the club.

    11a Where clubs have more than one team in the league, a registered player is permitted to play for another team within their club a maximum of 3 times during the season. This includes club teams in the same division.

    3 times is the maximum per club not per team.

    A player cannot play for another team if he/she has already played on the same day.

    A player cannot play in a rescheduled match where he/she has played for another team on the original date.

12. Starting time for matches shall be 2.00 pm – with agreed exceptions, which includes teams granted permission to start at 11.00 am or 1.30 pm.

13. Promotion and Relegation – two top teams promoted, and two bottom teams relegated in each Division, proviso  that the divisional structure remains from the previous season

14.  No practice on the green is allowed once the match has begun. 

15. Inclement weather conditions. A decision to play or continue to play is at the discretion and agreement of the two captains. A 2pm match cannot be called off before 11.00 am on the day of the match. The 15-day rule in this instance is waived, but the match is to be completed or played, as soon as possible.

16. Prize money not collected during the Presentation Day will be forfeited and returned to League Funds.

17. It is the responsibility of all teams to send a representative to the stated delegate meetings. If a team fails to attend meetings, they shall be fined £10.00 for each meeting that they don’t attend.

18. Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under theBCGBA jurisdiction. This applies to all League competitions, i.e., League and Cup matches, Individual Merit and  Doubles Competitions

19. Refreshments: The League welcomes teams to provide light refreshment at games, but this is optional, and teams can opt out. Out of courtesy, any team opting out, should inform the opposition a minimum of 2 days before the said game. Toilet facilities must be provided.

20. Live mobile devices: Mobile phones, smart watches, pagers must not be taken on the green, or the game may be forfeited (BCGBA Rules of the Game - rule 10).

21. Smoking on the Green: Smoking, Vaping and the use of any electronic cigarette is not allowed on the green during the game (BCGBA. Rules of the Game rule 10.2).

22. Disciplinary: Each club will be furnished with a copy of the Rules and Byelaws of the League and be bound thereby.

b) Any cases of infringements by clubs or individuals will be dealt with by the League Secretary. The Secretary must write to any club or individual informing them of the infringement and the penalty.

c) Any club or individuals may appeal against a decision made by the Secretary.
d) Any appeal must be put in writing to the League Secretary within fourteen (14) days of receiving the initial penalty.
e) A panel of at least three (3) members of the Management Committee (excluding the Secretary) will hear the appeal to decide the outcome.
f) Any Club and Individual not agreeing with the decision of the Management Committee will still have a further right of appeal to the SCBA and BCGBA.
g) Any question arising and not provided for in these Rules & Byelaws shall be brought to the attention of the Management Committee who shall then decide the point in question.
h) Visiting teams must abide by the home club rules regarding entrance to club, dress, smoking etc.

23. Safeguarding: In compliance with BCGBA / SCBA rules, all clubs shall appoint a Safeguarding Officer,

24. Data Protection: In accordance with GDPR regulations, we need to advise that data held will only be used for communication of information relating to the league and BCGBA business and information.

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING COMPETITIONS

1. Team Knockout Competition

1. The first team drawn will be the home team, except on neutral greens

2. Semi Final and games will be played on neutral greens, in these games Committee Members will officiate. On neutral greens, first use of the jack will be decided by the toss of a coin. The winner of the toss has the choice of odd or even cards having the jack. Each team will have the jack three times.

3. All cup matches will be played on or before the date designated unless inclement weather renders the green unplayable, then depending on the severity of the situation other arrangements will be made.

4. K.O. Cup matches to be decided on Aggregate (not on games). Should the scores be level at the end of the match, the captains of the opposing sides will nominate a representative to play a ‘mini game’. The winner being the first player to seven (7) shots. (The match will not be decided on count back of games)

5. In each of the K.O. Cup competitions a handicap system will operate. If a team is drawn against a team from a lower Division (i.e., Division 1 v Division 2) the team from the lower division will receive 2 shots per person on the card if drawn at home and 3 shots on the card if drawn away. This Handicap does not apply to games played on Neutral Greens i.e., Semi Finals and Finals or in a mini game (ref 1.d above).

6. All registered players in a team squad are eligible to play in individual rounds of The Team Knockout Competitions. However, players must have played at least 25% of League Matches in their squad prior to the semi-final and final stages of The Team Knockout Competitions.

7. All Individual Games are 21 up.

2. Individual Merit Competition

1. Entrance Fee £2.00 per player

2. Scratch Time 12.45pm for 1.00 pm start

3. Qualifying Games are 21 up. Semi-Final and Final 21 up.

4. Home green players give two points for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 23, and 3 for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 24.

5. Players must be registered with the League and have played at least 1 match prior to the entry date stated in the League Handbook i.e., 5th May 2022.

6. Prize money will be paid out proportionately to the winner, runner up and two semi-finalists less the cost of engraving to the 2 cups to the nearest £5.00.

3. Doubles Competition

1. Both players entering as a doubles partnership must be registered with the same club as members of the W’ton Senior Bowls League, but not necessarily, from the same team within the club where the club fields more than one team.

2. Entrance fee £2.50 per player (£5.00 per pair)

3. Scratch out 12.45 pm for 1.00 pm start

4. Qualifying Games are 21 up. Semi-Final and Final 21 up.

5. Home green players give two points for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 23, and 3 for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 24

6. Players must have played at least 2 matches prior to the entry date i.e., 30th June 2022 as stated in the League Handbook.

7. One substitute per pair is allowed at the Qualifying Stage providing the substitute is from the same club (See Rule a).

8. Prize money will be paid out proportionately to the winning pair, runner up pair and two semi-finalist pairs, less the cost of engraving to the 4 cups to the nearest £5.00.

4. For Qualifying Competition matches, the minimum requirements to be provided at greens are equipment and toilet facilities.

5. Suitable dress is recommended. Formal Dress code will apply to All League Finals with BCGBA. Bye Law 15 / 19: - Players Dress (see summary following)

6. Live mobile devices (e.g. Mobile phones, smart watches, pagers etc.) must not be taken on the green, or the game may be forfeited (BCGBA Rules of the Game - rule 10).

7. Smoking, Vaping and the use of any electronic cigarette is not allowed on the green during the game (BCGBA. Rules of the Game rule 10.2).

8. The League to implement a rota system so that all Clubs will furnish their green(s) for use in either an Individual Merit or Doubles Competition as detailed in the current handbook.

9. The Management Committee shall appoint an official to review all greens to ensure that they are a suitable condition to hold the various competitions.

10. Dress Code: For all finals i.e., Team Knockout Cup Finals, Individual Merit Final Day and Doubles Final Day, the following requirements in line must be adhered to.

Male

1. a)  Trousers: These shall be full length, single-coloured trousers in grey or black. Studs, rivets, zipped pockets are not allowed, nor are external pockets on legs. Nothing in the rule shall prevent exceptions being made for individuals with a relevant disability. Shorts Players may wear shorts, black in Colour, as approved by BCGBA and supplied by the BCGBA approved supplier,

2. b)  Shirts: Collared shirts with sleeves to be worn, can be single or dual coloured and may be embellished with any or all of the player’s name, club insignia, manufacturer’s insignia and BCGBA Insignia.

3. c)  Wet Gear: - Where necessary and in accordance with the pertaining weather conditions, sweaters which conform the above and or wet gear may be worn, but correct dress must be worn under wet gear.

4. d)  Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the Association’s jurisdiction.

Women

1. Trousers etc.: - Trousers, tailored shorts, tailored cropped trousers or skirts

   shall be a least knee length and single coloured grey or black.

2. Shirts: - shall be single or dual coloured with sleeves and collar and may be embellished with any or all the player’s name, club insignia, manufacturer’s insignia and BCGBA Insignia.

3. Wet Gear: - Where necessary and in accordance with the pertaining weather conditions, sweaters/cardigans which conform the above and or wet gear may be worn, but correct dress must be worn under wet gear.

4. Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the Association’s jurisdiction.

General

Any Player failing to conform to these standards will be prevented from playing (or continuing) and may be liable to forfeit any entry fee for, or prize money earned in the competition.

In the case of a team contest any offending player must be substituted prior the commencement of the game. However, if the players game has commenced, the player shall score nil and the opponent shall receive the maximum score.

Entries into senior county/national competitions must be over 60.

UPDATED MARCH 2022

CONSTITUTION

1. The league shall be known as the Wolverhampton Senior Bowls League and all bona fide groups (generally in the Wolverhampton area) who are able to field a team of 6 players.

   Teams will consist of registered players (ladies or gentlemen) who are 58 years or older on the 1st of January of the current season.

2. The Management Committee of the League shall consist of a President, Vice President, League Secretary, Treasurer and Fixture Secretary.

   An Executive Committee shall be elected consisting of five officers, plus a minimum of four others who will be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

3. The League fees will be set at the A.G.M (£40 per team for new teams 2022 and no fee for currently registered teams)

4. Any Club wishing to resign from the League shall give notice in writing to the League Secretary before January 1st in any year. Failure to do so will render the club responsible for the League fees for the forthcoming season.

5. A financial statement shall be presented by the Treasurer at the A.G.M. each year.

6. Rules may be altered or amended at the A.G.M. Notice of proposed changes must be notified to the League Secretary, in writing fourteen (14) days before the meeting to be considered.

7. Violation of any rules shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee. All games to be governed by the British Crown Green Bowling Association laws on bowling (BCGBA). All League members must have a BCGBA number. Scoring System (League matches) – 8 points available for each match i.e.,1 point for each game won plus 2 points for the winning aggregate, 1 point each in the event of a tie. (See Competition Rules for K.O. Cup matches)

8. Any team postponing a match must give a full 48 hours’ notice and postponed matches must be played within fifteen (15) days, otherwise the team defaulting forfeits the match with a score 8 points to 0 and an aggregate score of 126-Nil.

9. All Clubs shall submit at the Meeting prior to the start of the season - a photocopy of their BCGBA Form CR1/CR2 ‘REGISTERED MEMBERS’ or updated County Registration Form for both male and female players (or Supplementary Registration form where players registration fee is paid by another club)

indicating their players who are 58 years or over. Members joining after this time to be affiliated for two days before being allowed to play.

10. A club not playing the full number of players shall forfeit 21 points for each absentee (i.e., 21-Nil defeat).

11. Transfer of a player from club to club, or team to team, can only take place if the player has played no more than two games for the first club, or another team within the club. The Fixture Secretary must be informed before the player plays for the new club or the new team within the club.

    11a Where clubs have more than one team in the league, a registered player is permitted to play for another team within their club a maximum of 3 times during the season. This includes club teams in the same division.

    3 times is the maximum per club not per team.

    A player cannot play for another team if he/she has already played on the same day.

    A player cannot play in a rescheduled match where he/she has played for another team on the original date.

12. Starting time for matches shall be 2.00 pm – with agreed exceptions, which includes teams granted permission to start at 11.00 am or 1.30 pm.

13. Promotion and Relegation – two top teams promoted, and two bottom teams relegated in each Division, proviso that the divisional structure remains from the previous season.

14. No practice on the green is allowed once the match has begun.

15. Inclement weather conditions. A decision to play or continue to play is at the discretion and agreement of the two captains. A 2pm match cannot be called off before 11.00 am on the day of the match. The 15-day rule in this instance is waived, but the match is to be completed or played, as soon as possible.

16. Prize money not collected during the Presentation Day will be forfeited and returned to League Funds.

17. It is the responsibility of all teams to send a representative to the stated delegate meetings. If a team fails to attend meetings, they shall be fined £10.00 for each meeting that they don’t attend.

18.Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the

BCGBA jurisdiction. This applies to all League competitions, i.e., League and Cup matches, Individual Merit and Doubles Competitions

19. Refreshments: The League welcomes teams to provide light refreshment at games, but this is optional, and teams can opt out. Out of courtesy, any team opting out, should inform the opposition a minimum of 2 days before the said game. Toilet facilities must be provided.

20. Live mobile devices: Mobile phones, smart watches, pagers must not be taken on the green, or the game may be forfeited (BCGBA Rules of the Game - rule 10).

21. Smoking on the Green: Smoking, Vaping and the use of any electronic cigarette is not allowed on the green during the game (BCGBA. Rules of the Game rule 10.2).

22. Disciplinary: Each club will be furnished with a copy of the Rules and Byelaws of the League and be bound thereby.
b) Any cases of infringements by clubs or individuals will be dealt with by the League Secretary. The Secretary must write to any club or individual informing them of the infringement and the penalty.

c) Any club or individuals may appeal against a decision made by the Secretary.
d) Any appeal must be put in writing to the League Secretary within fourteen (14) days of receiving the initial penalty.
e) A panel of at least three (3) members of the Management Committee (excluding the Secretary) will hear the appeal to decide the outcome.
f) Any Club and Individual not agreeing with the decision of the Management Committee will still have a further right of appeal to the SCBA and BCGBA.
g) Any question arising and not provided for in these Rules & Byelaws shall be brought to the attention of the Management Committee who shall then decide the point in question.
h) Visiting teams must abide by the home club rules regarding entrance to club, dress, smoking etc.

23. Safeguarding: In compliance with BCGBA / SCBA rules, all clubs shall appoint a Safeguarding Officer,

24. Data Protection: In accordance with GDPR regulations, we need to advise that data held will only be used for communication of information relating to the league and BCGBA business and information.

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING COMPETITIONS

1. Team Knockout Competition

1. The first team drawn will be the home team, except on neutral greens

2. Semi Final and games will be played on neutral greens, in these games Committee Members will officiate. On neutral greens, first use of the jack will be decided by the toss of a coin. The winner of the toss has the choice of odd or even cards having the jack. Each team will have the jack three times.

3. All cup matches will be played on or before the date designated unless inclement weather renders the green unplayable, then depending on the severity of the situation other arrangements will be made.

4. K.O. Cup matches to be decided on Aggregate (not on games). Should the scores be level at the end of the match, the captains of the opposing sides will nominate a representative to play a ‘mini game’. The winner being the first player to seven (7) shots. (The match will not be decided on count back of games)

5. In each of the K.O. Cup competitions a handicap system will operate. If a team is drawn against a team from a lower Division (i.e., Division 1 v Division 2) the team from the lower division will receive 2 shots per person on the card if drawn at home and 3 shots on the card if drawn away. This Handicap does not apply to games played on Neutral Greens i.e., Semi Finals and Finals or in a mini game (ref 1.d above).

6. All registered players in a team squad are eligible to play in individual rounds of The Team Knockout Competitions. However, players must have played at least 25% of League Matches in their squad prior to the semi-final and final stages of The Team Knockout Competitions.

7. All Individual Games are 21 up.

2. Individual Merit Competition

1. Entrance Fee £2.00 per player

2. Scratch Time 12.45pm for 1.00 pm start

3. Qualifying Games are 21 up. Semi-Final and Final 21 up.

4. Home green players give two points for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 23, and 3 for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 24.

5. Players must be registered with the League and have played at least 1 match prior to the entry date stated in the League Handbook i.e., 5th May 2022.

6. Prize money will be paid out proportionately to the winner, runner up and two semi-finalists less the cost of engraving to the 2 cups to the nearest £5.00.

3. Doubles Competition

1. Both players entering as a doubles partnership must be registered with the same club as members of the W’ton Senior Bowls League, but not necessarily, from the same team within the club where the club fields more than one team.

2. Entrance fee £2.50 per player (£5.00 per pair)

3. Scratch out 12.45 pm for 1.00 pm start

4. Qualifying Games are 21 up. Semi-Final and Final 21 up.

5. Home green players give two points for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 23, and 3 for a match up to 21 i.e., play to 24

6. Players must have played at least 2 matches prior to the entry date i.e., 30th June 2022 as stated in the League Handbook.

7. One substitute per pair is allowed at the Qualifying Stage providing the substitute is from the same club (See Rule a).

8. Prize money will be paid out proportionately to the winning pair, runner up pair and two semi-finalist pairs, less the cost of engraving to the 4 cups to the nearest £5.00.

4. For Qualifying Competition matches, the minimum requirements to be provided at greens are equipment and toilet facilities.

5. Suitable dress is recommended. Formal Dress code will apply to All League Finals with BCGBA. Bye Law 15 / 19: - Players Dress (see summary following)

6. Live mobile devices (e.g. Mobile phones, smart watches, pagers etc.) must not be taken on the green, or the game may be forfeited (BCGBA Rules of the Game - rule 10).

7. Smoking, Vaping and the use of any electronic cigarette is not allowed on the green during the game (BCGBA. Rules of the Game rule 10.2).

8. The League to implement a rota system so that all Clubs will furnish their green(s) for use in either an Individual Merit or Doubles Competition as detailed in the current handbook.

9. The Management Committee shall appoint an official to review all greens to ensure that they are a suitable condition to hold the various competitions.

10. Dress Code: For all finals i.e., Team Knockout Cup Finals, Individual Merit Final Day and Doubles Final Day, the following requirements in line must be adhered to.

Male

1. a)  Trousers: These shall be full length, single-coloured trousers in grey or black. Studs, rivets, zipped pockets are not allowed, nor are external pockets on legs. Nothing in the rule shall prevent exceptions being made for individuals with a relevant disability. Shorts Players may wear shorts, black in Colour, as approved by BCGBA and supplied by the BCGBA approved supplier,

2. b)  Shirts: Collared shirts with sleeves to be worn, can be single or dual coloured and may be embellished with any or all of the player’s name, club insignia, manufacturer’s insignia and BCGBA Insignia.

3. c)  Wet Gear: - Where necessary and in accordance with the pertaining weather conditions, sweaters which conform the above and or wet gear may be worn, but correct dress must be worn under wet gear.

4. d)  Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the Association’s jurisdiction.

Women

1. Trousers etc.: - Trousers, tailored shorts, tailored cropped trousers or skirts

   shall be a least knee length and single coloured grey or black.

2. Shirts: - shall be single or dual coloured with sleeves and collar and may be embellished with any or all the player’s name, club insignia, manufacturer’s insignia and BCGBA Insignia.

3. Wet Gear: - Where necessary and in accordance with the pertaining weather conditions, sweaters/cardigans which conform the above and or wet gear may be worn, but correct dress must be worn under wet gear.

4. Footwear: - Hard or block-heeled footwear, sandals or other open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the Association’s jurisdiction.

General

Any Player failing to conform to these standards will be prevented from playing (or continuing) and may be liable to forfeit any entry fee for, or prize money earned in the competition.

In the case of a team contest any offending player must be substituted prior the commencement of the game. However, if the players game has commenced, the player shall score nil and the opponent shall receive the maximum score.

Entries into senior county/national competitions must be over 60.

UPDATED MARCH 2022