Shepway League Rules

Posted by Jacqui on May 27, 2025

SHEPWAY LEAGUE RULES 1. The inter-club competition shall be known as the Shepway League and will be open to all affiliated clubs 2. The Shepway League is open to all bona fide members of each affiliated club. No player shall play for more than one club in any one season. 3. All games shall be played in accordance with the Bowls England Laws of the Game and rules adopted by the Executive Council. 4. The dress code of the Bowls England applies. 5. All league matches will be arranged by the League Secretary before the start of the season and a Fixture List published. Each match shall consist of 4 triples (Men) or 2 Triples (Ladies), playing 18 ends, and played at one venue. Play will commence no later than 6.00 pm. A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for late comers as per Bowls England Rules There will be no trial ends. The last two matches of the season, will be played over 15 ends. 6. Once the captains have completed and exchanged cards, no changes shall be made, with the exception of the inclusion of a substitute for a player failing to turn up or falling ill. 7. Each winning triple shall be awarded 2 points, and the club with the highest shots total shall be awarded 2 points. A total of 10 points (Men), 6 points (Ladies) are available per match. Where a rink’s shot scores are equal the 2 points are shared. and where overall shots score are equal the points will be shared. 8. Matches must be played on the day stated in the Fixture List, with the following exceptions :- a) With mutual agreement of both clubs, in exceptional circumstances, a fixture may be rearranged as soon as possible and played no later than the 2nd week in August. (Exceptional circumstances bereavement, weather, illness, major road disruption.) b) If one of the venues of a league match is unplayable, this match may be played at the opponent’s venue, game to be played as soon as possible. c) When it is impossible for a fixture to be agreed as per 8a) the Sub committee (new consisting of 4**) will specify the date to be played. d) Any league match that is affected by a National or County Matches must still be played unless agreement under a) is reached, Clubs can play with reduced rinks but will give rink points as per Rule 10. e) Games may be played prior to fixture date if agreed by both Clubs. It is hoped that good sense and sportsmanship will prevail when Captains discuss the rearrangement of fixtures. 9. During July each year, the Cox Cup matches are played on a Monday. Therefore, all Men’s Shepway League matches during July, will take place on a Tuesday. Clubs not in the Cox Cup can still play on a Monday by mutual agreement. Clubs can play with reduced rinks but will give rink points as per Rule 10. Games may be played prior to fixture date if agreed by both Clubs. 10. A club failing to meet the 4 triples (Men), 2 triples (Ladies) commitment at the time of play, will forfeit 2 points and 10 shots for each incomplete triple. 11. A club receiving a walkover as a result of a default shall be awarded 8 points and 40 shots (Men) 4 points and 20 shots (Ladies). (No overall win points awarded) 12. When, by agreement of both captains, a leg of a match is abandoned on account of darkness, weather conditions or other valid reason, the result will stand if a minimum of 12 ends are completed. Any end started but not completed shall be declared null and void. Unless the number of ends are agreed before the start of the game, if less than 12 ends have been completed, that portion of the match shall be replayed on a date mutually agreed by the club Captains, but if agreement is not possible, a date will be nominated by the Sub Committee. The restriction detailed in Clause 8(b) will apply 13. The club with the highest points total at the completion of the League program shall be the League Champions. In the event of a tie, the club with the highest shots difference shall be the winner. Should there still be equality, the club with the highest shots total shall be the winner. In the event of all such measures still being equal, the results of the head-to-head matches shall be examined and the winner will be the club with the better head-to-head record. Should there still be equality, a play-off will be arranged at a neutral venue on a date agreed by both clubs 14. On completion of each match, the team captains are responsible for checking the scorecards for each rink. Results should be emailed to [email protected] only, by the captain or a member from the home venue within 24 hours of the match. Each club is responsible for retaining their own scorecards and making them available for inspection if any clarification is required, or a photograph can be attached to the results email. Any anomalies found on the Website should be reported to the relevant League Secretary as soon as possible. 15. In the event of any dispute arising in interpretation of these rules, the decision of the Sub Committee shall be final and binding. 16. The League Champions Trophies shall be awarded at the Association’s AGM. The holders shall retain possession for one year and shall be responsible for its safe return when and where the Executive Committee decides. 17. The Chairperson will host the Shepway Select Match at a club of their choosing the following year. This will be a mixed triples game of the Shepway Men and Ladies League winners v 6 mixed triples made up from the other clubs. This game will be played over 18 ends and is intended as a fun game. 18. The Men’s League Champions shall also represent the Shepway & District Bowls Association in the East Kent Leagues Trophy Competition the following year. 19. No mobile phones or electronic devices are allowed on the green during play. Smoking on the green is prohibited during all matches played under the jurisdiction of Bowls England. Failure to adhere to this will result in disqualification. This prohibition includes all electronic cigarettes. Please abide by all club’s non-smoking rules. **A Sub committee of 4 to be formed consisting of both League Secretaries as well as a female & male delagate from different clubs to the League Secretaries to resolve any issues that cannot be easily resolved by the League Secretaries. (To be elected at AGM) 17th September 2024