G03 Rules

STANDING ORDERS

1. TIME AND PLACE

General meetings and meetings of the Council shall be held at such times and dates as directed by the rules. Sub-Committee meetings to be held as determined by the Council or sub-committees concerned.

2. CHAIR

The President shall formally open the business of General Meetings after which the Chairman will take the chair. The Chairman will take the chair at all other Meetings. If the Chairman is absent, the Meeting shall elect a Chairman.

3. AGENDA

An agenda of the business of the meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary. This agenda shall be adhered to until its completion, unless a proposition to suspend standing orders is made and carried.

4. ORDER OF AGENDA

The agenda shall for all meetings provide (1) minutes of last meeting: (2) matters arising out of same: (3) correspondence: (4) financial statement etc.

5. NOTICES OF MOTION

Notices of Motion, in writing, by Clubs for consideration at the Annual General Meeting must be received by not later than September 30th. These will be circulated to all Clubs. Amendments to these Notices of Motion may be submitted by Clubs not later than October 31st. Other motions and amendments thereto at the discretion of the Chairman.

6. TIME LIMIT

Each speaker shall arise to address the chair and be limited in peaking to three minutes at Council meetings and five minutes at general meetings on each subject. A member shall not speak twice on any resolution submitted except the mover of the resolution under discussion, and shall not be allowed to introduce fresh matter, Asking or answering a question by permission of the chair shall not be considered as a speech.

7. NEXT ITEM

In the event of a proposition "to proceed to next business" being moved and carried; it shall, after the proposer of an original proposition has been heard, be put to the vote. If agreed to, all other propositions on the subject shall be considered as disposed of. Once a subject has been discussed and voted on, it shall not again be introduced during the meeting.

8. MUST BE SECONDED

No proposal or amendment shall be discussed unless it is seconded. No second amendment or rider shall be voted on until the first amendment is disposed of.

9. VOTING

Every question shall be determined by a show of hands unless any member calls for a card vote, which must be made before the result of a vote by show of hands is declared.

10. TIE IN VOTING

In the event of a tie in voting, the Chairman shall declare the motion not carried.

11. TELLERS

In the event of the Chairman's count of any vote being challenged the Chairman will appoint tellers as may be necessary.

12. POINT OF ORDER

In the event of a point of order being raised, then the speaker shall resume their seat until the Chairman has given his decision.

13. CHAIRMAN'S POWERS

The ruling of the chair shall be strictly obeyed, when the Chairman rises, any member then speaking shall resume their seat, but shall be allowed to continue after the Chairman has resumed sitting.

In the event of anything transpiring not provided for in these Standing Orders, the Chairman of the meeting shall use discretion as to the best course to adopt in the interest of the League.

CONSTITUTION AND RULES

Rules marked with an * have an alternate version applicable to the Afternoon Section only.

1: TITLE

This combination of Clubs shall be called the ‘Birkenhead & Wirral Crown Green Bowling League’.

2: OBJECTS

The objects of the league shall be:-

(a) To further the interests of bowling generally.

(b) To obtain uniformity in the game, as defined by the laws of the BCGBA under which rules all competitions shall be played.

(d)* To promote an Afternoon Section for male players aged 55 years and over.

3: AFFILIATION

(a) The League shall be open to all bona fide Bowling Clubs directly affiliated to the Wirral & District Crown Green Bowling Association and to the Merseyside County Crown Green Bowling Association.

(b) Applications for membership shall be made in writing to the Secretary to be received by January 31st of each year. Such application shall give the name of the Club, the names of its officers and the situation of the green.

(c) Clubs intending to resign their membership must notify the League Secretary not later than January 14th of each year. Failure to comply with this rule renders the Club(s) concerned liable for all fees in respect of the forthcoming season.

(d) Any change of Club Secretary to be communicated to the League Secretary immediately the change is decided upon. Only Club Secretaries, or their appointed deputy in the Club Secretary’s absence, should contact the League Secretary.

(e) The Code of Rules laid down by the League shall be binding on all constituent Clubs.

4: MANAGEMENT

(a) The Officers of the League shall be a President, a Chairman and a Financial Secretary. The Chairman and Financial Secretary shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

(b)* A Management Committee comprising the Officers of the League and eight members elected at the Annual General Meeting shall act for the League on all matters of Government according to the rules of the League. Quorum = Five.

(c) Any member of the Management Committee failing to attend three consecutive meetings without submitting an explanation acceptable to the Management Committee shall be declared no longer a member and the Committee may proceed to elect a successor.

(d) The Management Committee shall also be empowered to fill any vacancy which might arise during the course of the year.

(e) The Management Committee shall select from its members such sub-committees as they may deem desirable and necessary, whose duties shall be defined by the Management Committee at time of election of such sub-committees.

(f) No member(s) of the Management Committee to be allowed in the Committee Room if the Club of which they are a member(s) is concerned in a protest, unless called upon to give evidence.

(g) The Secretary shall keep minutes of the business conducted at all meetings.

5: GENERAL MEETINGS

(a)* The Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of December of each year for the election of officers etc at which each Club shall be entitled to be represented by two of its players, with voting powers.

(b) In the event of the elected representative being unable to attend, a deputy must be present. Any Club failing to be represented at any meeting shall be fined £5.

(c) Any registered player of the League may attend the Annual General Meeting in addition to the appointed delegates but shall not be entitled to speak or vote on any matter.

(d) Any Club may send a requisition in writing to the League Secretary to call a meeting of the Management Committee. Such requisition shall state the nature of the business to be brought forward and this shall be placed before the Committee, who, if they deem it of sufficient importance, shall instruct the Secretary to call a Special General Meeting of the Clubs. The notice shall state the nature of the business, and no other business shall be transacted at that meeting.

(e) No alteration or addition to the Constitution and Rules of the League shall be made except at the General Meeting in December, notice of which must be given to the Secretary in accordance with Standing Order No.5, or at a Special General Meeting as defined by Rule 5d.

(f) Clubs shall receive seven days' notice of all Annual or Special General Meetings.

6: FINANCE

(a)* The annual subscription for each team entered into the League shall be £65.00, payable by instalments of £20.00 and £45.00, on receipt of an official invoice issued by the Financial Secretary at least fourteen days before the due date. Clubs outstanding in their payment by the due date will incur a fine of £5.00 plus £1.00 per week (or part) until settlement.

(b) The financial year shall end on the September 30th of each year and all payments due to the League shall be settled by that date. Clubs not complying will be fined £5.00, with a further £1.00 for each week (or part) that such payment remains unpaid.

(c) The funds of the League shall be lodged in a local bank in the name of the League. All cheques shall bear the signature of two Officers of the League.

COMPETITION

7: GOVERNANCE

The Competition shall be governed by the Management Committee as defined by Constitution Rule 4b. The Management Committee are the sole interpreters of these rules and from their decision there shall be no appeal.

8: PLAYER REGISTRATION

(a) Each Club intending to compete shall forward to the League Secretary the names of its players, alphabetically arranged and including BCGBA registration number, which must reach him on or before March 1st.

(b) Such players must also be individually affiliated to the Wirral & District Crown Green Bowling Association. These must be accompanied by a list of all players who have resigned (in accordance with rule 8c) since the previous season or who are no longer members of the said club.

(c) A player, having played for a Club during any season and who wishes to cancel their registration or transfer to another club, may do so provided they notify their Club, in writing, on or before December 31st of each year, and that same is accepted by the said Club.

(d) That each player be registered for one Club only during a season, and that only by the consent of the Management Committee shall they be allowed to change their Club during that season.

(e)No registration can be accepted after July 1st unless with the consent of the Management Committee.

(f) No Club will be allowed to play an unregistered player under a penalty of £3.00 for each offence and a reduction of all shots such a player shall have made, the opponent to be credited with 21 shots.

(g) The Management Committee is empowered to refuse or cancel the Registration of any Club or individual player whose behaviour, in its opinion, has brought the League or bowling into disrepute.

(h) A League handbook will be produced each year, each registered player to receive a copy.

9: FIXTURES

(a) All matches to be completed as published in the fixture list, or as agreed by the Management Committee.

(b) No match which appears in the League fixtures shall be re-arranged except in accordance with this rule without the permission of the Management Committee. Breaches of this rule will be dealt with by the Committee, who shall have the power to penalise the offending team (or teams) by fine or deduction of points.

(c)* Starting times for all matches shall be not later than – Weeknights 6.15pm (April, August & September), 6.30pm (May to July), Saturday 6.30pm.

(d) Fifteen minutes after all starting times, the minimum number of jacks on the green shall be four. Any team not having sufficient players to occupy the green by the required number shall, on the claim of the opposing Captain, forfeit 21 points for each player absent. Any player not available when called on the green will be substituted and thereafter will not be allowed to participate in the match.

(e) The Management Committee shall have the power to penalise any team not turning up to play a match by fifteen minutes after the official starting time. Fines for absentees, £1.00 per player.

(f) At the completion of the scheduled fixture programme, any outstanding match or matches must be played on the immediately following Mondays/Fridays.

(g) In the event of a tie on points on completion of fixtures between teams interested in Championship, Runners-up or Relegation, deciding match or matches will be played on a neutral green. Any deciding match or matches must be played on Mondays/Fridays immediately following confirmation of a tie on points.

(g) A memento shall be awarded to the player in each Division having the highest average score in 6 home and 6 away games in which he plays. In the event of more than one player qualifying, the prize to be divided at the discretion of the Management Committee. Each Club to send the name and record of the player with the best average to the League Secretary immediately upon completion of the fixtures, but not later than 30th September. Claims after this date will not be considered.

10: MATCHES

(a)* That the competing teams shall consist of twelve players a side.

(b) Matches shall consist of home and away games. 21up, singles only.

(c)* Two points to be awarded for a win and one for a tie. One point extra will be given to the club with the highest aggregate score on the two matches played home and away. In the event of a tie on the aggregate score of the two matches the extra point will be divided.

(d) The winning team shall forward the result within two days, duly signed by both captains to the League Secretary. A fine of £1.00 will be imposed for each failure to carry out this rule.

(e)* The League shall consist of four or more divisions. The two top teams in Divisions 2, 3 and 4 shall be promoted. The two bottom teams in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 will be liable for demotion.

(f) The visiting player shall have first throw of the jack. No visiting player shall be permitted to play on the green on the day of the match, prior to the match. No player can play twice in the same match.

(g) All players shall be drawn for, and in the event of full teams not being available at starting time a sufficient number must be drawn to ensure a prompt start at the times laid down by Fixtures Rule 9c.

(h) Each player shall select a marker, and it shall be the duty of the home player's marker to seek out and check their cards every three ends with the visiting player's marker. No game shall commence until this has been done.

(i) In the event of matches being abandoned through bad weather the Clubs to agree within seven days to play the match on another date.

(j) The Secretary of the Home Team is held responsible for notifying the League Secretary immediately either of the new date or that agreement has not been reached. Games finished to stand and unfinished games to be resumed, where left off, by the same players.

11: STARRED PLAYERS

(a)* Clubs with ‘B’ Teams shall star at least ten first team players who shall not be eligible to play in any ‘B’ and ‘C’ team match. Clubs with ‘C’ Teams shall star an additional twelve players who shall not eligible to play in any ‘C’ team match.

(b) These names to be forwarded to the League Secretary on or before March 1st of each year.

12: CUP COMPETITION

(a)* All League Competition rules, where applicable, shall apply.

(b) All teams will be included in these competitions as in the previous year unless the League Secretary is informed otherwise.

(c)* All preliminary and first round losers in the Cec Hannay Rose Bowl are eligible to compete for the Cartwright Cup.

(d) No player to play in both Cec Hannay Rose Bowl and Cartwright Cup on the same day. No player to play for more than one team in the same round.

(e) Games to be played on neutral greens and on handicap set by the Management Committee whose decision is final.

(f) When their green is selected for a tie, clubs shall provide standard jacks, measuring tapes and all facilities for the playing of the game. Failure to comply will result in a £10.00 fine.

(g) In the event of a tie between two competing teams, the match shall be replayed in its entirety, by arrangement, on the same green if available.

(h) Clubs entering more than one team shall star two additional players for each extra team. No starred player to play in a team of lower grading.

(i) That the competing teams shall have equal number of leads with the jack. The two captains to toss at the commencement. Odd numbers in one team, even numbers in other team.

(j) Both of the Competition Finalists shall submit their teams, in order of play, to the League Secretary. The game shall start not later than 6.30pm. In special circumstances, Management Committee approval may be given to amend starting times.

(k) The Dress Code will be adhered to for all finals.

· Trousers shall be full length, single coloured (no track suits, shell suits, denims or combat trousers).

· Shirts shall be collared and sleeved, long or short.

· No inappropriate use of weather protection clothing.

· Hard or block heeled footwear must not be worn.

13: TROPHIES

(a) The trophies shall be the property of the Birkenhead & Wirral Crown Green Bowling League, and shall be held by the winners for twelve months.

(b) The holders shall give an assurance to the League that they will refund them if lost or stolen from their custody.

(d) Winning teams and runners-up shall be presented with mementos or cheques to be sent to the Secretaries of the Clubs concerned.

AFTERNOON SECTION

All of the above rules, where applicable, will apply with the following exceptions.

2: OBJECTS

(d) The Afternoon Section shall be strictly for Men of 55 years and over, on April 1st of each year.

4: MANAGEMENT

(b) The Afternoon Section shall be administered by a Management Committee consisting of the League President, plus a Chairman, Financial Secretary and at least four additional members elected from the General Meeting of the Afternoon Section. The Committee shall have power to deal with all matters of administration according to the Rules. The Committee shall be empowered to fill any vacancy, which might arise during the course of the year.

5: GENERAL MEETINGS

a) The Annual General Meeting shall be held on the third Tuesday in the month of November of each year at which each Club shall be entitled to be represented by two of its members with voting powers.

6: FINANCE

(a) The annual subscription for each team entered into the League shall be £37.50, payable by instalments of £20.00 and £17.50 on receipt of an official invoice issued by the Financial Secretary at least fourteen days before the due date. Clubs outstanding in their payment by the due date will incur a fine of £5.00 plus £1.00 per week (or part) until settlement.

9: FIXTURES

(c) Starting times for all Afternoon Section matches shall be 1.30pm. In the event of any team not turning up to play a match as scheduled, the Committee shall have power to penalise the offending team at its discretion.

10: MATCHES

(a) Competing teams shall consist of ten players a side.

(c) Teams will be awarded one point for each winning jack (i.e. six wins earns six points). In the event of final league positions being tied, the Championship, Runners-up or relegation will be determined by play of matches on neutral greens. In the event of their being a tie on winning jacks, then the points difference will be used to determine the result. Two points to be awarded for a win and one point for a tie. One extra point will be given to the Club with the highest aggregate score. The extra point will be divided in the event of a tie on aggregate.

(e) At the end of each season the top two teams in Divisions 2 to 5 shall be promoted. The bottom two teams in Divisions 1 to 4 will be liable for demotion.

11: STARRED PLAYERS

(a) Clubs with 'B' Teams shall star at least eight players. Clubs with 'C' Teams shall star an additional eight players. Starred players shall not be eligible to play for a subordinate team.

12: CUP COMPETITION

(d) No player to play in both the Afternoon Shield and Centenary Cup on the same day. No player to play for more than one team in the same round.

BIRKENHEAD & WIRRAL

CROWN GREEN BOWLING LEAGUE