Match and Green

Rules, Procedures & Etiquette dress

The laws of the game lay down strict rules for dress in competition play which must be observed by all members. As an affiliate club of the Wellington Centre, we must adhere to all the rules & procedures of the Centre, including those relating to dress.

Club colours must be worn at all events except as noted in the Club Programme

Some initial latitude is extended to `first year players` provided correct footwear is worn.

Etiquette: It is an integral part of the game to observe and practise correct etiquette towards those with whom you are playing, whether fellow team members or opponents.

The laws of bowls are quite specific on such matters as unseemly and derogatory comments and deportment on the Green. The maxim is to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. 

General Conditions of Play

Laws of the Sport of Bowls & Domestic Regulations to apply

Players must conform to the General Conditions of Play as detailed within this section and any further conditions set out in the programme / entry sheet for specific events.

In the event that a player wins the same Championship at more than one Club in the same Centre, then the player shall represent the Club where he / she won first in the Club Championship.

Before members enter their names to play in competitions, they should ensure their availability on the dates the games are scheduled (including postponement days) and should bear in mind playing dates may be amended or altered by the Match Convenor / Committee

Playing Priorities:

Centre Events take precedent over all Club events.

Club Championships take precedent over any event held by another Club 

All members should note that that if a team member elects to play in an outside game when Club Championship games are scheduled (including postponement days) no substitute or replacement will be approved.

Members should therefore not enter any Club competition if they are not going to be available on the dates scheduled.

Subject to the Match Committee’s consent, in certain circumstances rounds of any competition may be played on days other than those set down in the programme. In all cases agreements must be reached with the opposing team who has the right to require the round to be played on the date posted on the draw sheet. In general, the Match Committee consent will not be withheld if the game is played before the date set out on the draw sheet and is in the correct sequence as shown on the draw sheet.

If a player or team is not present within 10 minutes of the time arranged, for the commencement of the game, the offender may lose the game by default.

For any game (arranged in own time) the top-listed person is responsible for contacting his / her opponent to arrange a suitable time for play and a marker.

Tournament Manager: For each day of Club Championships, a Club member will be appointed by the Match Convenor to act as `Tournament Manager`

The appointed Tournament Manager will be responsible for the running of that particular day and will make such decisions as altered teams, start times for later games, potential weather delays, etc. When a Tournament Manager is not specified, the Match Convenor will be the delegated authority. When a Tournament Manager is not specified, the Match Convenor will be the designated authority.

Variation of the Programme: The Tournament Manager shall have the right to alter or amend the programme as may be deemed necessary.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

Composition of teams:  All team members must be full financial playing members of the Whitby Bowling Club 

Format

Singles – 4 Bowls – 21 shots

Pairs – 3 bowls – 18 ends

Triples – 2 bowls – 18 ends

Fours – 2 bowls – 18 ends

General:

Depending on the number of entries, it will generally be expected that Pairs, Triples & Fours will play 3 games per day. Singles may play up to 4 games.

The format and draw for each Championship event will be determined by the Match Convenor. It is proposed that all Club Championship events will be completed within 2 days. This may include qualifying on Day 1, with finals being played on Day 2.

A default will be awarded against any player or team not present on the rink of play 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.

The `start time` for the `first game` is the time stated on the match draw.

For subsequent matches it will be at a time stated by the `tournament manager` of the day

Entries: An Official entry form will be posted in the Clubrooms, no later than 3 weeks (unless otherwise arranged) before the scheduled starting date of the Competition

The `close off` for entries will be at 5.0 pm, 3 days prior to the scheduled 1st day of play

Late entries will be accepted on the basis that they will be included in the tournament only if there are vacancies.

The Club reserves the right to ask for extra entries to avoid byes.

Teams listed in the Draw: Should there be a `variation` to the Team listed in the Draw, then the Tournament Manger must be advised no later than 30 minutes prior to play commencing

Teams listed on Team Score Card for the First Game: At the commencement of the Tournament, the actual members playing the first game (and noted on the team score card) will be deemed to be the Tournament team unless `exceptional circumstances` have arisen that preclude a particular player from initially being available

An `exceptional circumstance` will be deemed to be a serious matter such as a death of a family member or a recent serious injury which precludes a player being available on that particular day.

A member away on holiday will not be deemed an `exceptional circumstance`

Substitute and Acquired Team Members: players who have already competed in the Tournament are not eligible to be used as substitutes or acquired team members unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Application for substitute or acquired team members must be given to the Tournament Manager no less than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of that game

The Tournament Manger will determine as to whether or not to approve the substitute or acquired team member.

Trial Ends: Before the start of the first game of the day, or before continuing an unfinished game on another day, or before a Club Championship final, one trial end should be played in each direction.

Footwear & Clothing: Approved bowling footwear must be worn.

Club uniform must be worn for all Club Championship games.

Exception: A `new Club member` will be given some leeway in obtaining the full club uniform. In the meantime they must wear white or neutral colours.

Cancellation of Play: If a day’s play is to be cancelled before the scheduled start time, the match Convenor/ Tournament Manager, as the case may be, will attempt to contact the various skips. It will then be up to the Skip to contact the team members.

Champion of Champion Events: Members entering Club Championship events must be aware that if they win the event, they SHOULD BE AVAILABLE for the equivalent Centre, Champion of Champion event

MISCELLANEOUS MATCHES

(Brief description)

All `Miscellaneous events` will have a `Tournament Manager, who will be responsible for the conditions of play, draw and any matters relating to the event

Dress code is Club Uniform unless otherwise specified

Where appropriate in the events listed below, the team that plays the `last game` of the Tournament, will be deemed to be the Tournament team

Thursday Galas: These are run every 2nd Thursday throughout the season – Any Combo, 3 bowls

Miscellaneous Galas: normally `sponsored galas` - any Combo Triples -3 bowls - Mufti

Brown Cup: Any Combo Pairs – 3 bowls - played over 2 sets of 6 ends - Mufti

ZIP Cup: Any Combo Triples – 3 bowls – played over 10 ends - Mufti

Holman Trophy: played between the Junior Men & Ladies – format of the games will be dependent on the number of entries. Mufti

Over 60’s Drawn Pairs (Men’s & Ladies) – all entrants to be Over 60 at the first scheduled playing day

Once entries have closed a `blind draw` will be made in regard to the formation of each team - the Men & Ladies each play a separate competition  

Games will be over 12 ends – 3 bowls - Mufti

Handicap Singles: Ladies and Mens Combined. Once entries have closed, each club member in the draw will have a handicap allocated to them by the Match Committee

This handicap will range between 0 and 12 and will be based on the Club member’s ability in relation to other bowlers.

Each game will be played with 4 bowls each, over 21 ends – Mufti

Whitby Singles Classis 6 x 9: this event is restricted to 24 Whitby players – 4 bowls – 6 ends each game - it is run in sections - `one power play` end is available to each player during each game. Mufti

Have A Go, Community 3/5 (scheduled for Tuesday nights), Club Drawn 2/4/2, Club Days, and Shanghai Drawn 6’s (Limited Playing members can enter these events)

These days will generally be organised by Club Members and decisions will be made on the day in regard to the composition of teams / format, etc. Mufti

In all cases the assistance of club members is much appreciated.

PLAYING ENVIRONMENT

Maintenance: During the week, the Green will generally be ready for play by 10 am

Should a member wish to play earlier than this, then please contact Rodney Foote to ensure the Green is available.

On the weekend, when early starts are required, the green will be ready for play by 8.45 am

Sprays: There are occasions when the Green may require application of critical sprays which can cause some disruption to the scheduled playing calendar and access to the Green. The Green Keeper will endeavour to minimise any inconvenience, however, as it is not possible to pre-schedule critical spraying requirements, some disruption is possible.

Notice of Disruption:  On those occasions when the Green will be closed for longer periods, this will be noted on the `blackboard` in the window of the Match Room.

Care of Green: Considerable costs in money & working hours are incurred through maintenance & improvement of our Green. Members will be aware of the hours of effort put in by our Green Keeper and it is expected that every member will back up the efforts of the Green Staff by preventing unnecessary damage. 

Please play your part by:

Avoiding feet scuffing

Not dumping bowls on delivery (scuff marks in front of the mat will indicate this is happening)

Placing & using scrims correctly when conditions deem them necessary – take care with the pins

Observing the `no driving` embargo when conditions deem it necessary.

Dropping bowls instead of placing them and jacks either at the start of play or when preparing for the next end.

Appreciating that there will be times when the Green will come under pressure from `heat stress`. Continuing to play on when the Green is under pressure, can cause significant on-going damage to the Green. Please take immediate action. If in doubt please contact the Green Keeper or discuss your options with experienced Club members.

Green Set-up & Clearing: Due to our small numbers, we are asking all playing members to assist in the Green set-up at the beginning of the day. Check the board for directions of play and the coloured markers to be used, and put out all the equipment required for the day’s play. This includes the Club flag.

Similarly, at the end of play, please assist in bringing in all equipment.

Any club playing member is able to come down for a `Club Day` - please ensure the Green is open and then set up the rink under the directions of the blackboard.

The assistance & co-operation of all members is required