BOWLS DORSET

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Issue L

Brought into force at SGM on 15 April 2024

<< CONTENTS LIST / INDEX TO BE ADDED SOON  >>

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Regulation 1

MEMBERSHIP

Full Membership

1.1 The initial Full Members of Bowls Dorset shall be the Affiliated Clubs in Membership of Dorset County Women’s Bowling Association and Dorset County Bowling Association as at 31st October 2009, namely Blandford, Branksome Park, Bridport, Broadstone Wessex, Cranborne, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Greenhill, Lyme Regis, Poole Park, Portland Borstal Officers, Portland Victoria, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sixpenny Handley, Swanage, Verwood, Wellworthy, West Moors Memorial, Weymouth & Melcombe Regis and Wimborne.

Applications for Full Membership

1.2 Any Club whose green is geographically situated within the boundaries of the County of Dorset and whose rules have been approved by Bowls Dorset may apply to become a Full Member of Bowls Dorset. Application shall be made to the Administrator.

Affiliated Club

1.3 In these Regulations, Affiliated Club shall mean a Full Member of Bowls Dorset.

Resignation of Membership

1.4 No Affiliated Club shall resign as a member of Bowls Dorset without giving the Administrator written notice of its intention to do so. No resignation shall release the Affiliated Club from any monetary or other obligation to Bowls Dorset.

Affiliated Clubs Obligations

1.5 Each Affiliated Club shall
(a) as a member of Bowls Dorset be bound by and comply with these Rules & Regulations as amended from time to time;
(b) have authority over and responsibility for the administration of the Sport of Bowls within its Club in accordance with the Laws of the Sport from time to time in force;
(c) have a Constitution / Rules for their own self-government which shall not be in contradiction with the Constitution and Regulations of Bowls Dorset. A copy of such Constitution / Rules shall be submitted to Bowls Dorset;
(d) have incorporated into its Constitution / Rules and in its Competition Rules, a statement that “a player shall not represent nor allow their name to be submitted for more than one Club in any one year (October 1st to September 30th) in the Bowls Dorset County Championships”;
(e) make any necessary changes to its Constitution / Rules as required by Bowls Dorset from time to time to recognise the function of Bowls Dorset as the unified governing body for outdoor flat green bowling in Dorset;
(f) have in place a Safeguarding Policy for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection, in compliance with Bowls England Regulations from time to time in force;
(g) have a Child and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Officer as provided in Regulation 4.4;
(h) have in place a Disciplinary Procedure, in compliance with Bowls England Regulations from time to time in force.

Affiliation Fees

1.6 An Affiliated Club shall pay a fee on joining Bowls Dorset as determined by the Executive Board.

1.7 The Annual Affiliation fee payable to Bowls Dorset by each Affiliated Club shall be based on the names of all their playing membership (not just those players who enter county/national competitions/championships) as at 31 March and shall be paid not later than 30 April. For new members joining after 31 March, the affiliation fees shall be paid within 14 days of joining. An Affiliated Club failing to pay Affiliation fees by the due date shall forfeit for itself and its members all rights and privileges of membership until all arrears have been discharged. Championship, Competition and League fees for clubs/members who forfeit rights and privileges of memberships due to non-payment of County Affiliation fees are deemed non-returnable. The County Annual Affiliation fee rate shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting.

1.8 The fees paid must reconcile with the membership list and new member names submitted in accordance with 1.11.

1.9 Additionally all Affiliated Clubs shall at the same time pay the prescribed Bowls England Annual Affiliation fee via the Association Treasurer. (All members who bowl are required to affiliate – not just players who enter county/national competitions/championships). Any Club failing to pay Affiliation fees by the due date shall forfeit for itself and its members all rights and privileges of membership until all arrears have been discharged. Championship, Competition and League fees for clubs/members who forfeit rights and privileges of memberships due to non-payment of County Affiliation fees are deemed non-returnable.

1.10 Affiliated Clubs shall also pay an Annual Affiliation fee as determined by the Annual General Meeting in respect of each of their Associate Club Members. (For these purposes an Associate Club Member is taken as a club member who does not bowl but enjoys the other facilities of the club, bar, social activities, closed season activities etc.)

Returns

1.11 The Secretary of each Affiliated Club shall forward to the Administrator a list of names only of individual club members (not just those players who enter county/national competitions/championships) as at 31 March plus the address telephone number and e-mail address of the Club Secretary, prior to 30 April in each year. Names of new members joining after 31 March shall be submitted within 14 days of joining.

1.12 The Secretary of each Affiliated Club shall prior to 1st December each year forward to the Administrator a list of Club Officers.

Alterations to Boundaries

1.13 Clubs may change their County Affiliation providing that both the gaining and the losing Counties agree. In the event of one of the Counties disagreeing the matter shall be referred to Bowls England.

Honorary Life Membership

1.14 All existing Honorary Life Members of Dorset County Women’s Bowling Association and Dorset County Bowling Association will be recognised as Honorary Life Members of Bowls Dorset.

1.15 Bowls Dorset through the Executive Board may award Honorary Life Membership to any person who has rendered exceptional services to the Sport of Bowls or Bowls Dorset.

1.16 Any nomination to confer Honorary Life Membership shall be submitted to the Administrator not later than 1st October in each year.

1.17 Any Honorary Life Membership shall be conferred at the Annual General Meeting or as may be required in advance.

Associate Membership

1.18 All existing Associate Members of Dorset County Women’s Bowling Association and Dorset County Bowling Association as at 31st October 2009 shall be recognised as Associate Members of Bowls Dorset.

1.19 Associate Membership shall be open to all Area Associations within the County of Dorset provided that the Area Association consists of a minimum of four Affiliated Clubs.

1.20 Application for Associate Membership shall be made to the Administrator and accompanied by a list of office bearers the address of the Honorary Secretary and a list of Affiliated Clubs comprising the Area Association.

1.21 An Associate Member shall be entitled to send two representatives to General Meetings and such representatives shall be entitled to speak on any matter but shall have no vote.

1.22 Associate Members shall pay an Annual Associate Membership fee as determined by the Annual General Meeting.

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Regulation 2

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Management Structure

2.1 The Management Structure shall be

Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings

2.2 Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3.

Membership and Codes

2.3 The Association Officers and Members of the Executive Board, Competition Committees and Match Committees must be full members of Affiliated Clubs and elected or appointed at the Annual General Meeting or, in the case of a vacancy, co-opted by the Executive Board.

2.4 There shall be Ladies and Men’s Codes.

Association Officers

2.5 The Association Officers shall be the Chairperson, Treasurer and Administrator.

2.6 The Treasurer and Administrator shall be ex-officio members of the respective Competition, Match and Code Committees.

Executive Board

2.7 The Executive Board shall
(a) comprise the Association Officers together with the Ladies President, the Men’s President, the Ladies Secretary, the Men’s Secretary, the Ladies Competition Secretary, the Men’s Competition Secretary, the Ladies Match Secretary and the Men’s Match Secretary.
(b) be responsible for the day to day running of Bowls Dorset, which shall include (i) receiving reports from the Treasurer, from the respective Code Secretaries, Competition Secretaries and Match Secretaries, (ii) receiving reports from the Disciplinary Committee, (iii) receiving reports from Administrative Appointees (who may also be invited to attend meetings in an advisory capacity), (iv) initiating Policies, Rules and Regulations and/or amendments thereto, (v) Life Membership, (vi) Annual Dinners, (vii) Merchandise, (viii) Bowls Dorset Handbook and (ix) Bowls Dorset Website.
(c) be chaired by the Chairperson or in his or her absence the Administrator.
(d) meet following Code Delegates Meetings in March and October, prior to the AGM and at such other times as may be required.
(e) in the absence of a Competition or Match Committee, have the power to perform the function of such committee.
(f) pending the next Annual General Meeting have the power to co-opt to fill any vacancies arising in the Bowls Dorset’s Management Structure including in the Executive Board, in Committees or posts.

2.8 The quorum for Executive Board Meetings shall be five with at least one from each Code.

2.9 Should a President, Competition Secretary or Match Secretary be unavailable for a meeting, the respective Vice President, Assistant Competition Secretary or Assistant Match Secretary may attend in their place and have full voting rights.

2.10 On matters deemed to be impending or urgent, if no quorate Executive Board meeting can be called then the Chairperson acting with at least two other members of the Executive Board or, in the absence of the Chairperson, four members of the Executive Board shall be empowered to take such action as they think fit on behalf of the Executive Board. After such action, a report detailing the reason for the action taken shall be sent to each member of the Executive Board for minuting at the next full meeting.

Competition Committees

2.11 The Competition Committee for each Code shall
(a) comprise the respective President, Vice President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Assistant Competition Secretary, Match Secretary, Area Competition and League Secretaries.
(b) be responsible for the management and administration of the respective Championships, Competition and Leagues subject to these Regulations.
(c) be chaired by the respective President, Secretary or Competition Secretary as may be agreed between them or otherwise as determined by the committee.
(d) meet as and when required.

2.12 The Competition Secretaries shall each be responsible for submitting reports to the Executive Board.

2.13 The quorum for Competition Committee meetings shall be half of those elected, appointed and co-opted.

Match Committees

2.14 The Match Committee for each Code shall
(a) comprise the respective President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Match Secretary, Assistant Match Secretary, two Code Selectors and, in matters concerning Bowls England National Inter-County Competitions, the Team Manager and U25 Team Manager, as appropriate.
(b) be responsible for the management and administration of the respective Inter-County Matches subject to these Regulations.
(c) be chaired by the respective President, Secretary or Match Secretary as may be agreed between them or otherwise as determined by the committee.
(d) be responsible for the selection of players to represent Bowls Dorset in Inter-County Matches subject to these Regulations.
(e) meet as and when required.

2.15 Bowls England National Inter-County Competitions means Johns Trophy, Middleton Cup, Walker Cup, Balcomb Trophy, Amy Rose Bowl, White Rose Trophy or their replacements.

2.16 The Match Committee for each Code may in whole or part delegate the management of and selection of players for Bowls England National Inter-County Competitions to the respective Team Manager or U25 Team Manager.

2.17 The Match Secretaries shall each be responsible for submitting reports to the Executive Board.

2.18 The quorum for Match Committee meetings shall be half of those elected, appointed and co-opted.

Code Committees

2.19 The Code Committee for each Code shall
(a) comprise the respective Competition and Match Committees meeting jointly.
(b) consider all matters that (i) are not covered by either the Competition or Matches Committees, (ii) affect both the Competition and Matches Committees or (iii) affect the respective Code generally and in each case make recommendations to the Executive Board following such considerations.
(c) be chaired by the respective President or Secretary as may be agreed between them or otherwise as determined by the committee.
(d) meet as and when required.

2.20 The Secretaries for each Code shall be responsible for submitting minutes of meetings to the Administrator and Executive Board.

2.21 The quorum for Code Committee meetings shall be half of those elected, appointed and co-opted.

Code Delegates Meetings

2.22 There shall be Code Delegates Meetings for each Code held when required in March and October of each year. Such meetings shall be organised by Secretary of each Code.

2.23 The Code Delegates Meetings shall be for the purpose of
(a) receiving reports from the respective President, Secretary, Competition Secretary and Match Secretary.
(b) receiving any reports from the Administrative Appointees.
(c) receiving any propositions for motions for the Annual General Meeting for consideration and discussion.
(d) exchanging between Affiliated Clubs, respective Code Committee and Executive Board information and ideas about the running of Bowls Dorset and making recommendations following such exchange.

2.24 The Code Delegates Meetings shall be chaired by the respective President or Secretary as may be agreed between them or otherwise determined by the meeting.

2.25 The Secretaries for each Code shall be responsible for
(a) providing the Administrator and Treasurer with a copy of the Agenda prior to each meeting.
(b) submitting minutes of meetings to the Administrator and Executive Board.

2.26 Those entitled to attend and vote at each Code Delegates Meeting shall be two delegates from each Affiliated Club, the Association Officers and the respective President, Vice President, Junior Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Assistant Competition Secretary, Match Secretary and Assistant Match Secretary. The meeting Chair shall have an extra casting vote.

Disciplinary Committee

2.27 The Disciplinary Committee shall be convened as and when required to hold an inquiry into any case of misconduct or breach or alleged misconduct or breach of Bowls Dorset Constitution and Regulations by any team, player or official participating in any Championship, Competition, League, Tour, Tournament or other bowls event or social occasion under the jurisdiction of Bowls Dorset or any Affiliated Club or County Association in conjunction with Bowls England or other matters falling with Bowls England Disciplinary Regulations from time to time in force.

2.28 The Disciplinary Committee shall follow and apply Bowls England Disciplinary Regulations from time to time in force and may impose such penalties and/or conditions as it deems appropriate within those Regulations.

2.29 The members of the Disciplinary Committee shall be appointed as and when required in accordance with Bowls England Disciplinary Regulations from time to time in force.

Elections and Administrative Appointments

2.30 The Chairperson, Treasurer, Administrator, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Ladies Junior Vice President, Secretaries, Competition Secretaries, Assistant Competition Secretaries, Match Secretaries, Assistant Match Secretaries and Selectors shall be elected annually at Annual General Meetings in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3.

2.31 The Safeguarding Officer for Child & Vulnerable Adults Protection, County Coach, County Umpire Liaison, County Tour Secretary, County Publicity Officer, County Youth Development Officer, Examiner of Accounts, Bankers, Solicitors, Bowls England Representatives, Team Managers, U25 Team Managers, Area Competition Secretaries and League Secretaries are Administrative Appointees and shall be appointed annually at Annual General Meetings in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3.

Duties

2.32 The duties of each persons elected or appointed shall commence from the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting or, in the case of co-option, shall commence on their acceptance of co-option. The duties are set out in Appendix B. The Treasurer shall additionally maintain separate accounts for each Code.

Bye-Laws

2.33 Should a matter of an urgent nature arise subsequent to the Annual General Meeting, and require a rule change, the Executive Board on its own volition or recommendation of a Committee may propose a bye-law necessary to ensure the continued proper running of Bowls Dorset, Matches, Championships, Competitions and Leagues.

2.34 The proposed bye-law shall be circulated by the Administrator to all Executive Board, Competition Committee and Match Committee members and to all Registered Clubs without delay with reasons for its need and with a request that acceptance of, or objections to, the proposed bye-law are to be notified within 30 days.

2.35 Should objections to the proposed bye-law be received by the Administrator from 3 or more Clubs, then the Executive Board shall proceed as per Regulation 3 and call a Special General Meeting.

2.36 Should no objections to the proposed bye-law be received by the Administrator within the 30 day notice period, the Administrator will confirm to all Executive Board, Competition Committee and Match Committee members and to all Registered Clubs that the bye-law had been accepted. The bye-law will remain in force until adopted at the next Annual General Meeting unless subsequently amended or removed by later bye-law.

2.37 The new bye-law will be posted on Bowls Dorset’s website with the existing Constitution and Regulations.

Alterations to the Regulations

2.38 The Executive Board may on 14 days notice amend the provisions of Appendix E (Under 16 Singles Competition Rules) and Appendix F (Under 16 Open Pairs Competition Rules) where necessary to ensure running of the competitions.

2.39 Save as provided in 2.38, no alterations of or additions to Bowl Dorset’s Regulations shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for that purpose. Notice of proposed alteration or addition shall be given in accordance with Regulation 3.

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Regulation 3

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Annual General Meetings

3.1 The Annual General Meeting shall be held on the second Thursday in November subject to power being reserved to the Executive Board to vary the date should circumstances warrant such change.

Notice and Agenda

3.2 Motions from Affiliated Clubs to be included on the Agenda shall be proposed and seconded and received by the Administrator at least 21 days before the date appointed for the meeting.

3.3 Affiliated Clubs should note the Guidance on Submission of Motions set out in Appendix A.

3.4 Notice of the Annual General Meeting together with copies of the Agenda shall be distributed by the Administrator at least 14 days prior to the date of the meeting to all Members of the Executive Board, Competition Committees and Match Committees, to Life Members, to Club Secretaries of Affiliated Clubs and to Secretaries of Area Associations that are Associate Members.

3.5 Any amendments to the Agenda or motions shall be proposed and seconded and received by the Administrator at least 7 days before the date appointed for the meeting. No amendments shall be accepted after this time. The Administration shall notify all recipients of the Notice of the Annual General Meeting of any such amendments.

3.6 No business other than that specified in the Agenda shall be transacted at the Annual General Meeting.

Meeting Chair

3.7 The Annual General Meeting shall be chaired by the Association Chairperson or in his/her absence the Administrator.

Attendance and Voting Rights

3.8 Attendance at the Annual General Meeting shall be limited to
(a) persons currently holding posts listed in 3.12 and 3.15 or nominated to be elected or appointed to such posts,
(b) one Men’s Delegate and one Ladies Delegate from each Affiliated Club,
(c) Life Members and
(d) two representatives from each Area Association that is an Associate Member.

3.9 Those entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting shall be one Men’s Delegate and one Ladies Delegate from each Affiliated Club and Life Members. The Meeting Chair shall have a casting vote as provided by 3.10.

Casting Vote

3.10 The Meeting Chair shall have a casting vote where required. (The Meeting Chair will be expected to cast a vote that in his/her opinion is in the best interest of Bowls Dorset and not necessarily his/her personal preference).

Gender Specific Motions

3.11 If in the opinion of the Meeting Chair a motion is very clearly a gender specific item, and the outcome of a vote will not affect the other gender in any way, he/she can declare it ‘Gender Specific’ and in that case the matter is dealt with/spoken about/voted on only by the gender concerned. This option will not be available to any motion the outcome of which will affect in any way Bowls Dorset’s funds. Those entitled to vote shall be one Men’s Representative from each Affiliated Club and male Life Members for Men’s Gender specific Motions or one Ladies Representative from Each Affiliated Club and female Life Members for Ladies Gender Specific motions . For Gender Specific motions, the current President or in his/her absence the Secretary of the relevant code rather than the Meeting Chair shall have the casting vote.

Elections and Administrative Appointments

3.12 The Annual General Meeting shall elect:
(a) the Association Chairperson, Treasurer and Administrator.
(b) for each Code, the President, Vice President, Junior Vice President (Ladies only), Secretary, Competition Secretary, Assistant Competition Secretary, Match Secretary, Assistant Match Secretary and two Selectors.

3.13 Ladies Selectors may only be elected to serve for up to 3 consecutive years.

3.14 The election of President, Vice President and Junior Vice President shall follow the rules set out in Appendix A.

3.15 The following Administrative Appointees may be appointed at the Annual General Meeting:
(a) on recommendation by the Executive Board: Safeguarding Officer for Child & Vulnerable Adults Protection, County Coach, County Umpire Liaison, County Tour Secretary, County Publicity Officer, County Development Officer, Examiner of Accounts, Bankers, Solicitors.
(b) for each Code and on recommendation by the Executive Board: Bowls England Representative.
(c) for each Code and on recommendation by each Code Committee: Team Manager, U25 Team Manager, Area Competition Secretaries, League Secretaries.

3.16 Team Managers and U25 Team Managers shall be expected to be re-appointed for a period up to 3 years.

Special General Meetings

3.17 A Special General Meeting may be convened on the instruction of the Executive Board or a Code Delegates Meeting or a requisition to that effect signed by the Presidents or Secretaries of not less than three Affiliated Clubs clearly stating in writing directly to the Administrator the matter at issue. No other business shall be conducted at the meeting.

3.18 Regulations 3.4 to 3.11 inclusive shall apply where references to Annual General Meeting shall be taken as references to Special General Meeting.

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Regulation 4

CONDUCT, DISCIPLINARY AND SAFEGUARDING

Code of Conduct

4.1 A bowler shall at all times conduct himself/herself in a manner that reflects favourably upon fellow bowlers, County and National authorities and Bowls Dorset both on and off the bowling green and further shall:
(a) give priority to any Squad get-together practice match or event appertaining to his/her selection,
(b) observe at all times the relevant Rules and Regulations of Bowls Dorset,
(c) accept control by the appropriate Team Manager in all matters as follows: dress – both on and off the green, squad get-together and practice, reporting at prescribed times punctually, adhering to any curfew which may be imposed by the Team Manager
(d) inform the Team Manager of any personal circumstances which may affect his/her performance in the team,
(e) adhere to the currently applicable Drug Testing Policy of Bowls England,
(f) not render himself / herself unfit through alcohol or drugs either on or away from the green,
(g) show respect to colleagues, opponents and officials and not to subject them to any physical or verbal abuse at any time.

4.2 All bowlers, Clubs and Bowls Dorset post holders shall not act in any manner that may be judged to be misconduct under the provisions of Bowls England’s Regulation 9A (or its replacement) from time to time in force.

Disciplinary Procedure

4.3 Any breach of the Code of Conduct above may render the bowler, club or post holder liable to disciplinary procedure, which shall be dealt with by Bowls Dorset in accordance with the provisions of Bowls England’s Regulation 9A (or its replacement) from time to time in force. A link to such Regulation shall be placed on Bowls Dorset website and a copy may also be obtained on application to the Administrator.

Safeguarding

4.4 All elected, appointed and co-opted Bowls Dorset role holders, Bowls Dorset Life Members, Affiliated Clubs, members of Affiliated Clubs, Associate Members shall be expected to observe Bowls England’s Safeguarding Policy for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection from time to time in force. A link to such Policy shall be placed on Bowls Dorset website and a copy may also be obtained on application to the Administrator.

4.5 Bowls Dorset and each Affiliated Club shall ensure they have an appointed Safeguarding Officer for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection who has had appropriate training in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy referred to above and who has been cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service or its replacement. 

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Regulation 5

SELECTION AND HONOURS

Selection – Ladies Code

5.1 All players for whom an affiliation fee has been paid shall be eligible for selection for all County matches.

County Badge and Strips – Ladies Code

5.2 A player shall be awarded the County Badge after having:
(a) played in the final stages of the National Championships.
(b) played one Full County Match after confirmation of being badged as an International from another County or Bowls England.
(c) played two Full County Matches after confirmation of being badged from another County.
(d) played five Full County Matches.
(e) carried out special service to Bowls Dorset and approved by the Executive Board.

5.3 Only two Full County matches per annum are to count in 5.2.

5.4 Full County Matches are the South West Counties League (SWCL), Johns Trophy, Walker Cup and Amy Rose Bowl.

5.5 A player shall qualify for the award of the Johns Trophy Strip by playing in a total of 6 rounds of the Johns Trophy over a three year period. Only two full Johns Trophy matches per annum are to count.

5.6 A player shall qualify for the award of the Double Rink Strip by playing in a total 3 rounds of the Walker Cup in any two seasons.

Selection – Men’s Code

5.7 All players for whom an affiliation fee has been paid shall be eligible for selection for all County matches.

County Badge and Flashes – Men’s Code

5.8 A player shall awarded of the County Badge after having:
(a) played in the final stages of the National Championships.
(b) played two Full County Matches after confirmation of being badged from another County.
(c) played five Full County Matches.
(d) carried out special service to Bowls Dorset and approved by the Executive Board.

5.9 Full County Matches are Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy, White Rose Trophy, County Friendlies played against other Counties affiliated to Bowls England.

5.10 A player shall qualify for the award of the Middleton Cup Flash by playing or attending as a nominated reserve on 5 occasions.

5.11 A player shall qualify for the award of the Double Rink Flash by playing in a total 3 rounds of the Balcomb Trophy in any one season.

Honours Records – Ladies and Men’s Codes

5.12 A record of those awarded a County Badge, Johns Trophy Strip or Walker Cup Strip shall be maintained by the Ladies Match Secretary to whom the Ladies Team Manager and U25 Manager shall provide all necessary details.

5.13 A record of those awarded a County Badge, Middleton Cup Flash or Balcomb Trophy Flash shall be maintained by the Men’s Match Secretary to whom the Men’s Team Manager and U25 Manager shall provide all necessary details.

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Regulation 6

DRESS CODE

General

6.1 All references to
(a) ‘white’ shirts shall mean predominately white.
(b) ‘shirts’ shall mean shirts having a collar.
(c) ‘below the waist’ for Ladies shall mean skirt, culottes, trousers, cropped trousers or, if manufactured for the sport of bowls, shorts.
(d) ‘below the waist’ for Men shall mean trousers or, if manufactured for the sport of bowls, shorts.
(e) ‘Club Registered’ shall mean a design and colour for shirts, for below the waist and/or for headgear that has been approved and registered with Bowls England or Bowls Dorset.
(f) ‘County Registered’ shall mean a design and colour for shirts, for below the waist and/or for headgear that has been approved and registered with Bowls England

6.2 When Bowls Dorset, white or Club Registered shirts are worn, all members of the side/team must wear the same.

6.3 All members of the side/team must wear the same colour below the waist.

6.4 Shell suits, jeans and shorts other than those manufactured for the sport of bowls are not acceptable.

6.5 Headwear, if worn, should be predominantly white with any logo discreet, Club Registered or County Registered as appropriate.

6.6 Socks, if visible, should be white.

6.7 If white below the waist, belts if worn should also be white.

6.8 Braces if worn should not be visible.

6.9 When playing, flat soled shoes shall be worn and may be of any colour. Sandals shall not be permitted in events under the jurisdiction of Bowls Dorset except in medical circumstances where a doctor’s note has been provided.

6.10 Failure to comply with the dress code may result in disqualification from the Championship or Competition or in deduction of League points.

6.11 The Executive Board shall have the power to temporarily relax the dress code in circumstances it deems to be appropriate.

Ladies Code

6.12 When on duty, the President, Vice President, Junior Vice President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Match Secretary and all assistant Secretaries are to wear Green Blazers with County shirts.

6.13 When travelling and playing for Bowls Dorset in the Johns Trophy, Walker Cup, South West Counties League and County Friendly Matches then, at the direction of the Match Committee or Team Manager for whole team:
(a) Travel in Bowls Dorset shirts and, as directed, grey or County Registered below the waist together with Green Blazers, Bowls Dorset jackets or green waterproof jackets.
(b) Play in Bowls Dorset shirts and, as directed, white or County Registered below the waist together with Bowls Dorset jackets, green waterproof jackets or gold fleeces as required.

6.14 When playing in County Championships (leading to the National Finals) other than the two bowls singles and (if run) in the Bowls Dorset Champion of Champions Competition:
(a) Before the quarter-finals – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.
(b) Quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.15 When playing in all stages of the two bowls singles County Championships (leading to the National Finals) – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.16 When representing Bowls Dorset at Bowls England’s National Finals, Play in Bowls Dorset shirts and, white or County Registered below the waist together with Bowls Dorset jackets, green waterproof jackets or gold fleeces as required.

6.17 When playing in the Mixed County Fours:
(a) Before the final – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.
(b) Final – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.18 When playing in all stages of the June Culpin Trophy, Lust Trophy, Benevolent Triples Competition, Cobern Trophy, – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.19 When playing in the Edna Paisley League and County Dorset Women’s Bowling League (DWBL) – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.20 When attending Ladies President’s Day:
(a) The President, Vice President, Junior Vice President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Match Secretary and all assistant Secretaries are to wear Green Blazers with County shirts. Past Presidents shall conform to the same dress requirement but those pre 2010 (i) may wear their gold shirts if they do not have a Bowls Dorset shirt and (ii) are not required to change their blazer badge to a Bowls Dorset badge unless they wish to do so.
(b) Clubs, Players and Guests are to conform with the dress code set out in the Ladies President’s invitation.

6.21 When attending a Presentation or Annual Luncheon – smart casual.

6.22 Ladies Past Presidents are allowed to wear Green Blazers at all times bearing either a Bowls Dorset or Dorset County Women’s Bowling Association badge.

Men’s Code

6.23 When on duty, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Match Secretary and all assistant Secretaries are to wear Navy Blazers with either Bowls Dorset shirts or tailored white shirts with Bowls Dorset ties.

6.24 When travelling and playing for Bowls Dorset in the Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy and County Friendly Matches then, at the direction of the Match Committee or Team Manager for whole team:
(a) For Middleton Cup and Balcomb Trophy – travel in smart casual.
(b) For County Friendly Matches – travel in, as directed, grey or County Registered below the waist and either Bowls Dorset shirts or tailored white shirts and Bowls Dorset ties together with Bowls Dorset jackets or Navy Blazers.
(c) Play in Bowls Dorset shirts and, as directed, white or County Registered below the waist together with Bowls Dorset jackets or white jackets, jumpers or fleeces as required.

6.25 When playing in County Championships (leading to the National Finals) and County Competitions other than the County Cup and Mixed County Fours:
(a) Before the quarter-finals – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.
(b) Quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.26 When representing Bowls Dorset at Bowls England’s National Finals, Play in Bowls Dorset shirts and, white or County Registered below the waist together with Bowls Dorset jackets or white jackets, jumpers or fleeces as required.

6.27 When playing in the County Cup and Mixed County Fours:
(a) Before the final – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.
(b) Final – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.28 When playing in the County League – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.

6.29 When playing in the Percy Baker League:
(a) League and play-offs prior to the Final – white or Club Registered shirts and grey or Club Registered below the waist.
(b) Final – white or Club Registered shirts and white or Club Registered below the waist.

6.30 When attending a Presentation or Annual Luncheon – smart casual.

Ladies and Men’s Code – Under 25 Inter-County

6.31 When travelling and playing for Bowls Dorset in the Amy Rose Bowl and White Rose Trophy then, at the direction of the respective Match Committee or Under 25 Manager for whole team:
(a) Travel as directed in (i) Bowls Dorset shirts and grey below the waist, (ii) Bowls Dorset U25 shirts and grey below the waist or (iii) smart casual.
(b) Play as directed in (i) Bowls Dorset shirts and white below the waist or (ii) Bowls Dorset U25 shirts and green below the waist.
When travelling and playing, Bowls Dorset jackets or Dorset Youth Bowls Academy jackets may also be worn.

Ladies and Men’s Code – Under 16

6.32 Provided a Club’s Under 16 kit has been registered and approved by Bowls England and Bowls Dorset then bowlers who have not reached 16 years of aged on 1st April in the year of the Championships or Competitions are permitted to wear such kit in all stages played within Dorset.

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Regulation 7

CHAMPIONSHIP AND COMPETITION RULES

IT IS THE COMPETITORS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEY KNOW THESE RULES

General

7.1 All Championships and Competitions shall be played under the provisions of this Regulation. Championships lead to Bowls England National Finals and are identified in and further subject to the provisions of Regulation 8. Competitions are internal Bowls Dorset competitions, identified in and further subject to the provisions of Regulation 9.

7.2 All Championships and Competitions shall be played under the current Laws of the Sport.

7.3 Championships are also subject to the Bowls England Regulation 50 (or its replacement) from time to time in force. Where provisions in Bowls England’s Regulation differ from this Regulation or Regulation 8, such provisions shall override.

7.4 Players and Officials selected for International or Junior International duties must be allowed to play all stages of all Championships.

7.5 Games may be played on a bowling surface other than grass but the challenger(s) shall inform their opponent(s) of this prior to the day of play. All games must be played outdoors.

7.6 Finals shall be played as part of Bowls Dorset Finals Weekend(s) unless otherwise directed by the Executive Board.

Control

7.7 All Championships and Competitions shall be controlled by the respective Code Competition Committee, who may delegate all or part of such control to the respective Code Competition Secretary, Assistance Competition Secretary or Area Competition Secretaries. In matters of dispute, decisions of the respective Code Committee shall be final and binding. Each Code Competition Committee shall have an Emergency Sub-Committee, comprising any three of its members, for occasions where urgent decisions are required whose decisions shall also be final and binding.

Entries

7.8 Entries shall be made on the appropriate Entry Forms by the date(s) set by the Executive Board.

7.9 Entry Forms will be made available to all Affiliated Club Secretaries. Each club shall summarise the returns and collect all fees due and send monies and returns to their respective Code Competition Secretary. Closing dates will be clearly noted on each entry form. Each competitor must have a County Draws Handbook.

7.10 Entries shall only be made on behalf of members of the Affiliated Club.

7.11 No-one shall enter any Championship or Competition under an assumed name nor shall they represent or allow their name to be submitted by more than one club in any one year – between 1 October and 30 September.

7.12 A player who fails to comply with a Championship or Competition entry requirement and a team or side including such a player shall be disqualified.

7.13 Should an Affiliated Club close after the entry date, the members may be permitted for one season only to compete under the name of that club irrespective of which club they have joined.

The Draw

7.14 The draw and completion dates for all Championships and Competitions will be made by each Code Competitions Committee and will be published on the Bowls Dorset website and in the County Draws Handbook.

Match Arrangements

7.15 On rounds with fixed dates, the dates published should be adhered to but there is no objection to any or all rounds being played prior to the published fixed date always providing this is mutually agreed between the opponents.

7.16 On rounds with play-by dates:
(a) If there is no previous round, the Challenger shall offer 3 dates to the Opponent one of which shall be a Saturday or Sunday no later than 21 days in advance of the play-by date for the first match. The time for commencing a game shall be by mutual consent. The Opponent must reply no later than 19 days before such play-by date accepting one of the offered dates. Dates offered for June Culpin or Ladies National Top Club must not include dates of County Fixtures, Championships or Competitions. If a challenge has not been received 21 days in advance, the Opponent shall endeavour to contact the Challenger before submitting a claim for a ‘walkover’.
(b) If there is a previous round, the Challenger shall offer 3 dates to the Opponent one of which shall be a Saturday or Sunday within 48 hours of the closing date of the previous round. The time for commencing a game shall be by mutual consent. The Opponent must reply within 48 hours of receipt of the challenge accepting one of the offered dates. Dates offered for June Culpin or Ladies National Top Club must not include dates of County Fixtures, Championships or Competitions. If a challenge has not been received within the specified period (48 hours of the closing date of the previous round ) the Opponent shall endeavour to contact the Challenger before submitting a claim for a ‘walkover’.

7.17 The Challenger is responsible for:
(a) ensuring sufficient best rinks are booked for the tie to constitute a draw for deciding the rink to be used for the tie. Whenever possible the visitor shall draw for rink of play.
(b) in singles, ensuring a competent marker is provided. If no marker is supplied the opponent may claim a ‘walkover’.
(c) paying all Green Fees that may be due. Prior to the Final, these fees shall be shared with the Opponent. However, no such fees shall be charged unless previously agreed by Bowls Dorset.
(d) providing refreshments for June Culpin and Ladies Top Club.

7.18 If rink space is not available then the tie shall be reversed and played on the Opponent’s green.

7.19 National/County competitions shall take priority over all Club domestic games.

7.20 If the draw sheet indicates that a match is to be played on a Neutral Green, the respective Code Competition Secretary or his/her delegate shall decide upon the venue to be used.

Extensions

7.21 No extension of the closing date for any round or stage will be granted, except where such extension is necessary to allow players and officials selected for International or Junior International duties to play in Championships.

Late Arrival

7.22 If a player, team or side fails to appear and be ready for play within 30 minutes after the agreed time for the tie the opponent may claim a ‘walkover’.

Inclement Weather

7.23 Inclement weather shall mean the existence of rain or abnormal climatic conditions (whether they be those of hail, snow, cold, high wind, extreme high temperature or any combination thereof) by virtue of which it is either not reasonable or possible to play. Unusual situations not covered by these can arise and if so players, markers, umpires and officials shall use their common sense and a spirit of fair play to decide on the appropriate course of action.

7.24 In the event of a match not being completed in the preliminary rounds (before the quarter finals semi-finals or finals) due to inclement weather and on the authority of the Greenkeeper or other competent person:
(a) The aggregate score in uncompleted matches in which both sides (which includes players in singles) have played 15 or more ends will stand as the result. If the score is a tie then the winner will be the side who has won the most ends. If there is still a tie then the match will be decided by the toss of a coin.
(b) In matches not started and matches in which less than 15 ends have been played, an extension of time will be given. Any such match MUST be completed prior to the date of the following round and should if possible be on the same green commencing at the point of cessation with trial ends. The appropriate Competition Secretary, Assistant Competition Secretary or Area Competition Secretary , MUST be notified of the date on which the match is to be played. Should the game NOT be played by this time then the match WILL be decided by the toss of a coin or by mutual agreement.

Results

7.25 On the day of the match, the winner shall notify the appropriate Competition Secretary, Assistant Competition Secretary or Area Competition Secretary of the result by the time and using the method directed on the draw sheet. Failure to do so may result in exclusion. Scorecards should be signed and emailed or posted or retained as directed. Results will be placed on the Bowls Dorset website. Where results are received late, the secretaries will advise the ‘away’ competitors (non challengers) of the venue and their next opponent at the earliest possible time.

Substitutes

7.26 ALL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS – The substitutes must be marked on the scorecard.

7.27 LADIES CHAMPIONSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS – Substitutes used in any discipline MUST be advised to and be accepted by the Ladies Competition Committee BEFORE the match is played.

7.28 SINGLES – No substitutes are allowed.

7.29 CHAMPIONSHIP PAIRS, TRIPLES AND FOURS – Substitution is governed by Bowls England Regulation 50.4. Where Bowls England amends or replaces Regulation 50.4, such amendment or replacement shall apply. The Regulation currently which provides:
(a) In Pairs, Triples and Fours, the players taking part in the first game shall constitute the team and shall normally play together throughout the Championship.
(b) One additional, and the same player, may be used as a substitute at any time provided they have not already played in the same Championship. They may play in any position.
(c) The named entrant conceding a walkover before their first game in any Championship cannot act as a substitute in the same Championship, as this is considered a game played and lost.
(d) The named entrant of a team cannot be a member or substitute of any other team in the same Championship.
(e) If a substitute is required during a game then the rules in the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls apply.

7.30 COUNTY MIXED FOURS – The four players taking part in the first game shall constitute the original team and should normally play together throughout the competition. One additional male player and the same player and/or one additional female player and the same player may be used as substitutes at any time provided they have not already played in or entered in the competition. However at least one of the original men and one of the original women must play in every round. Substitutes may play in ANY position.

7.31 OTHER COMPETITIONS – If a substitute is required during a game then the rules in the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls apply.

Incapacity during a game

7.32 In the event of a player becoming incapacitated during a game, the substitute may play in any position other than Skip.

Stamping of Bowls

7.33 In the early stages when no Umpire is present the onus of checking the date stamp on bowls rests with the opposing player or players concerned.

7.34 The current Laws of the Sport of Bowls and regulations currently laid down by Bowls England shall determine the date stamp required.

7.35 Should a player wish to challenge the suitability of their opponents bowls, the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls and regulations currently laid down by Bowls England shall apply.

Code of Conduct

7.36 Competitors and players shall at all times observe the observe the provisions of Regulation 4. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Dress

7.37 Please refer to Regulation 6. In the event of a competitor failing to observe this Regulation and a complaint is submitted to the respective Code Competition Secretary, the offender may be disqualified from the Championship or Competition.

Mobile Telephones

7.38 No competitor or player in any competition shall be permitted to use a mobile telephone either on or within the vicinity of the bowling green, except in an emergency situation.

Smoking

7.39 Smoking on the green (including electronic cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to this will result in disqualification.

Playing for another or Moving Club

7.40 If a competitor or player enters or plays in a Championship or Competition as a Member of one Affiliated Club, he/she cannot play in Bowls Dorset Inter-Club Competitions for another Affiliated Club in the same season.

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Regulation 8

CHAMPIONSHIPS

8.1 For each discipline listed in this Regulation, one Championship may be run for Ladies and one Championship may be run for Men.

8.2 The Championships are subject to the provisions of Regulation 7.

8.3 Subject to the provision of Bowls England Regulation 50 (or its replacement) from time to time in force, the format for each Championship is as set forth in this Regulation.

8.4 Prior to each game commencing, two trial ends may be played.

8.5 Singles: Each game shall consist of 21 shots – four bowls each player.

8.6 Pairs (Two players from the same Club): Each game shall consist of 18 ends – four bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

8.7 Triples (Three players from the same Club): Each game shall consist of 18 ends – three bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

8.8 Fours (Four players from the same Club): Each game shall consist of 18 ends – two bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

8.9 Two Bowl Singles: Each game shall consist of 21 ends – two bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

8.10 Junior Singles: Each game shall consist of 21 shots four bowls each player. The Championships shall be open to all members of Affiliated Clubs who have not attained their 25th birthday on the 1st April in the year of the Championship.

8.11 Junior Pairs (Two players from the same County): Each game shall consist of 18 ends – four bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached. The Championship shall be open to all members of Affiliated Clubs who have not attained their 25th birthday on the 1st April in the year of the Championship. The two players may belong to different Affiliated Clubs.

8.12 Senior Fours (Four players from the same Club): Each game shall consist of 18 ends – two bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached. The Championship shall be open to all Members of Affiliated Clubs who have attained their 55th birthday by the 1st April in the year of the Championship.

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Regulation 9

COMPETITIONS

9.1 Each of the Competitions listed in this Regulation may be run.

9.2 The Competitions are subject to the provisions of Regulation 7.

9.3 The entry restriction (if any), format and other requirements for each Competition are as set forth in this Regulation.

9.4 Unless otherwise provided, prior to each game commencing two trial ends may be played.

Ladies Competitions

9.5 June Culpin Memorial Trophy (Ladies)
(a) Entries of one team per Affiliated Club. ANY Club member is eligible to play.
(b) The team will consist of 8 players in two rinks of four.
(c) Games to be played on the Challenger’s green up until the Semi-Final.
(d) The game will consist of 18 ends 2 bowls.
(e) The winners to be decided on total shots over the two rinks.
(f) Before the draw for rinks is made, in the presence of an umpire or competent person, a rink number shall be nominated to play an extra end or ends in the case of the scores being equal. At the same time the Captains shall toss for the mat. Unless the result is already apparent, the extra end or ends to reach a decision shall be played immediately after the 18th end.
(g) The home side to provide refreshments at the end of the game.

9.6 The Cobern Trophy (Ladies – Singles)
(a) Open to Affiliated Club Lady Officers (maximum of three per Club) holding office at the date of entry.
(b) Each game shall consist of 15 ends – 4 bowls each player (21 ends in Final). In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

9.7 Champion of Champions (Ladies – Singles)
(a) Open to the Affiliated Club 4 Bowl Singles Champions from the previous season plus the holder of the title in defence of their trophy (always providing they are still an active playing member of that Affiliated Club).
(b) Each game shall be played to 21 shots – 4 bowls each player.
(c) In place of running this competition, the Area Winner and Runner-up of Bowls England’s National Champion of Champions Competition may be awarded the titles of County Champion of Champions Winner and Runner-up.

9.8 Lust Competition (Ladies – Singles)
(a) This competition was instigated by Mrs Sue Maggs who donated the trophy for same.
(b) Open to players from Affiliated Clubs who have not won a singles competition.
(c) Each game shall be played to 21 shots – 4 bowls each player. The competition is played on a fixed date up until the semi-final.

9.9 Benevolent Triples Knock-Out (Ladies)
(a) Entries of any number of teams per Affiliated Club. Teams may comprise of players from different Affiliated Clubs.
(b) Each side shall consist of 3 players each playing 2 bowls. The game shall consist of 15 ends. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

9.10 Under 16 Singles (Ladies)
(a) Open to players from Affiliated Clubs who have not reached their 16th birthday on 1st May in the year of the Competition.
(b) Play will be sets play – 4 bowls each player.
(c) The Competition will normally be round-robin followed by Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Final. Full Rules are set out in Appendix E.

9.11 Two Bowl Singles (Ladies)
(a) In the event that Bowls England ceases to run a National Two Bowl Singles Championship, open to players from Affiliated Clubs.
(b) Each game shall consist of 21 ends – 2 bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

Men’s Competitions

9.12 County Cup (Men)
(a) Entries of one team per Affiliated Club.
(b) Each side will consist of 16 players in four rinks of four.
(c) Up to and including the semi-finals two rinks playing at home and two rinks playing away.
(d) The game will consist of 18 ends – 2 bowls each player and all matches to commence by 1800 hrs.
(e) Prior to the final, in the event of the scores being equal one four declared by the challenger before the draw for rinks takes place shall play an extra end or ends until a decision is reached. In the final, in the event of the scores being equal all four rinks shall play an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

9.13 Secretaries Cup (Men – Singles)
(a) Open to Affiliated Club Secretaries, County Secretary, County Match Secretary, County Assistant Match Secretary, County Tour Secretary, Dorset County Patrons Secretary, Associate Member Secretaries, County Competition Secretary, County Assistant Competition Secretary, County League Secretaries and County Area Competition Secretaries holding office at the date of entry.
(b) Each game shall be played to 21 shots – 4 bowls each player.

9.14 Champion of Champions (Men – Singles)
(a) Open to the Affiliated Club 4 Bowl Singles Champions from the previous season plus the holder of the title in defence of their trophy (always providing they are still an active playing member of that Affiliated Club).
(b) Each game shall be played to 21 shots – 4 bowls each player.
(c) In place of running this competition, the Area Winner and Runner-up of Bowls England’s National Champion of Champions Competition may be awarded the titles of County Champion of Champions Winner and Runner-up.

9.15 Under 16 Singles (Men)
(a) Open to players from Affiliated Clubs who have not reached their 16th birthday on 1st May in the year of the competition.
(b) Play will be sets play – 4 bowls each player.
(c) The Competition will normally be round-robin followed by Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Final. Full Rules are set out in Appendix E.

9.16 Two Bowl Singles (Men)
(a) In the event that Bowls England ceases to run a National Two Bowl Singles Championship, open to players from Affiliated Clubs.
(b) Each game shall consist of 21 ends – 2 bowls each player. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

Mixed and Open Competitions

9.17 Mixed County Fours
(a) Open to players from the same Affiliated Club.
(b) Each four will consist of 2 men and 2 women from the same club. Each game will consist of 21 ends – 2 bowls each player.
(c) In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, an extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.
(d) The Semi-Final to be played on a neutral green determined by the Ladies Competition Secretary. The Challenger shall make all necessary arrangements.

9.18 Under 16 Open Pairs
(a) This competition was commenced in 2023 in memory of Joy Steele and Cathy Hunter and their work with junior players within the County. The Joy Steele Cup will be awarded to the winners and the Cathy Hunter Cup will be awarded to the runners-up.
(b) Open to players from Affiliated Clubs who have not reached their 16th birthday on 1st May in the year of the competition.
(c) Each pair will consist of 2 female or 2 male or 1 female and 1 male player – 2 bowls each player. Players may be from different Affiliated Clubs.
(d) Full Rules are set out in Appendix F.

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Regulation 10

COUNTY LEAGUE

General

10.1 The League is open to any number of Men’s teams from Affiliated Clubs.

10.2 The League shall be played under the current Laws of the Sport.

10.3 Entry shall be made on the appropriate form by the date set by the Executive Board.

10.4 There shall be a Championship Division comprising no more than 8 teams. The Championship Division shall not be geographically divided. There shall be lower Divisions in 2 Areas.

10.5 There may be more than one team from an Affiliated Club in any division. New teams entered shall be placed in the lowest Area division.

10.6 The Areas and composition of all divisions shall be the responsibility of the Men’s Competition Committee. Where necessary to preserve an effective league and league structure, the Men’s Competition Committee shall have the general power to adjust Areas, divisions and composition from season to season.

10.7 Each division shall be administered by a League Secretary who may be the Men’s Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary.

10.8 By 15 April annually, each Affiliated Club shall register by email with the appropriate League Secretary a list of its playing members (including first names) eligible to compete in the League. Names of further eligible members joining at a later date shall also be registered prior to their playing. In both cases, where a playing member has entered or played in any Championships or Competitions listed in Regulations 8 and 9, such member may only be registered by the Affiliated Club from which such Championships or Competitions are to be or have been played, the only exception is if such Affiliated Club has not entered any Bowls Dorset Men’s Leagues. Unregistered players shall not be permitted to play. Once registered players shall not play for another Affiliated Club in any Bowls Dorset League during the season. 10.30 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions. Provided a registered player has not played in any Bowls Dorset League during the season, such player may be de-registered on application to the appropriate League Secretary.

10.9 All disputed points between teams or Affiliated Clubs or other questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the appropriate League Secretary who may if necessary refer the matter to the Men’s Competitions Committee, whose decision shall be final.

Teams

10.10 Each team shall consist of twelve players in three rinks, 2 bowls each player.

10.11 No player shall play for more than one Affiliated Club in any year, see 10.8. Affiliated Clubs with multiple teams may use their players in any team, except that
(a) a player must not play for a lower division team once he has played for higher division teams for half their total number of games plus one game (where half the total number results in a fraction, such number shall be rounded up to a whole number) and
(b) a player must not play for more than one team in the same division.
10.30 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions.

10.12 Dress for matches is defined in Regulation 6.

Matches

10.13 Subject to Appendix D, teams shall play others teams in the division twice, once home and once away. Should there be 2 teams from the same Affiliated Club in any division, such teams shall play each other in the first game of the season and in the first game in the second half of the season. Where a division comprises less than 8 teams, the number of times teams play each other may be increased by the Men’s Competition Committee.

10.14 Matches shall be played on Monday evenings at 6.00pm unless mutually agreed by the clubs involved or the County needs to use additional nights. Any agreement to vary the date a match is scheduled to be played is subject to 10.25 and 10.26.

10.15 Refreshments may be provided but play should be continuous unless otherwise agreed.

10.16 Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two trial ends. There shall be a toss for the choice to keep or give the mat and jack away on the first end.

10.17 Where a match is due to be played when inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) or poor light may prevent its completion then prior to the start of the match one of the following may be agreed:
(a) The match shall comprise 15 ends with two trial ends.
(b) The match shall comprise 15 ends with no trial ends and one shot only to count on the first two ends.
In the absence of any agreement, the match shall be as defined in Regulation 10.16

10.18 Matches shall be played without Threes at the head but Threes and Skips may visit the head once each end if circumstances warrant this. Remaining at the head counts as one visit.

Match Result

10.19 Each winning team shall be awarded 4 points. 2 points shall be awarded to each team in a tied game. In addition each winning rink shall be awarded 2 points, each tied rink 1 point and each losing rink 0 points.

10.20 Each team Captain must complete and sign the result card. It is the responsibility of the Home Captain to e-mail or message an image of the result card to the appropriate League Secretary no later than 6pm on the day following the match being played. The signed result card should be retained by the Home Club in case of dispute.

Season Result

10.21 The team scoring the highest number of points during the season shall be declared the winner of that division. Shot difference shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points. Shots for shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points and level on shot difference.

10.22 The team winning the Championship Division shall be awarded the Dorset League Cup. The team finishing second in the Championship Division shall be awarded the Runners-up Cup. The 2 bottom teams shall be relegated to their respective Area Division One.

10.23 The team winning each Area Division One shall be promoted to the Championship Division. The team winning each Area’s second and lower divisions shall be promoted to the division above. Except for each Area’s lowest division, the bottom team in each Area Division shall be relegated to the division below. Where 2 teams are relegated from the Championship to the same Area Division One, relegation to that Area’s second and lower divisions may include the second bottom teams.

10.24 If a team winning an Area Division refuses to be promoted, the team finishing next in the Area Division may be promoted in its place. If entered in the following season, the winning team refusing promotion shall be placed in the Area’s lowest division.

Match Rearrangement

10.25 A match may be rearranged by mutual agreement provided that advance notice and an acceptable reason for the change is given to the appropriate League Secretary and approval is obtained.

10.26 Rearranged dates must (a) be agreed and notified to the appropriate League Secretary within 5 days of the original scheduled date and (b) be within 3 weeks of the original scheduled date or before the last scheduled date for all matches in the division, whichever is earlier. If a match on a rearranged date is rained off then discretion rests with the appropriate League Secretary.

10.27 Where a match is abandoned due to inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) then:
(a) If a minimum of 15 ends per rink have been completed, the match shall be deemed to have been played and the score shall stand.
(b) If less than 15 ends per rink have been completed, the match shall be resumed on a date agreed in accordance with 10.25 and 10.26, with the scores and where possible the players as they were when the game was originally stopped. The resumed match shall start with two trial ends prior to playing the remaining match ends.
(c) An end commenced but shots not agreed when the match is abandoned shall be declared a ‘dead end’.

10.28 Players for any rearranged or resumed match should be the original teams where possible but if unavailable then substitutes will be allowed providing they did not play on the original date for another team. 10.30 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.

10.29 Matches shall not be conceded. Sharing of points for matches not played shall not be permitted. Where a match will not affect a division’s winner, runner-up or team(s) to be relegated then Affiliated Clubs may agree not to play a match provided the consent of the appropriate League Secretary is first obtained. In such event, 0 points and 0 shots shall be awarded to both teams.

Defaults and Penalties

10.30 For each player used in a match in breach of the restrictions in 10.8, 10.11 and 10.28, there shall be a penalty deduction of 6 points and the rink score shall be recorded as 16-0 against the offending team.

10.31 A team arriving with only one or two rinks shall concede the 4 match points and play for rink points only. For each rink not played 2 points and 16 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. This shall only be allowable on two occasions in a season. On the third and subsequent occasions, the team shall be treated as having not arrived for the match and 10.34 shall apply.

10.32 Teams arriving short of players must play as many rinks of 4 players as possible. Accordingly if a team arrives with:
(a) 11 players then two rinks of 4 and one rink of 3 players shall play and 10.33 shall apply;
(b) 8, 9 or 10 players then two rinks of 4 players shall play and 10.31 shall apply;
(c) 7 players then one rink of 4 and one rink of 3 players shall play and 10.31 and 10.33 shall apply;
(d) 4, 5 or 6 players then one rink of 4 shall play and 10.31 shall apply;
(e) 3 players then one rink of 3 players shall play and 10.31 and 10.33 shall apply.

10.33 A rink consisting of 3 players shall play with Lead and Two using 3 bowls each and Skip using 2 bowls. One quarter of the rink score shall be deducted and fractions shall be taken into account.

10.34 A team not arriving for an original or rearranged match shall forfeit the match to their opponents who shall receive 10 points and 20 shots. The offending team shall suffer a penalty deduction of 10 points and 20 shots from their total already gained.

10.35 If a player has to leave the green during the course of play and cannot return due to illness or some other reasonable cause and there is no substitute available, 10.33 shall apply from the end the player had to leave the green.

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Regulation 11

DORSET WOMEN’S BOWLING LEAGUE

General

11.1 The League is open to any number of Ladies teams from Affiliated Clubs.

11.2 The League shall be played under the current Laws of the Sport.

11.3 Entry shall be made on the appropriate form by the date set by the Executive Board.

11.4 The League shall not be geographically divided but may have more than one division between which there shall be promotion and relegation. The League shall be a 3 rink league or a 2 rink league as determined by the Ladies Competition Committee from season to season.

11.5 There may be more than one team from an Affiliated Club in any division. New teams entered shall be placed in the lowest division.

11.6 The composition of all divisions shall be the responsibility of the Ladies Competition Committee. Where necessary to preserve an effective league and league structure, the Ladies Competition Committee shall have the general power to adjust divisions and composition from season to season.

11.7 Each division shall be administered by a League Secretary, who may be the Ladies Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary.

11.8 By 15 April annually, each Affiliated Club shall register by email with the appropriate League Secretary a list of its playing members (including first names) eligible to compete in the League. Names of further eligible members joining at a later date shall also be registered prior to their playing. In both cases, where a playing member has entered or played in any Championships or Competitions listed in Regulations 8 and 9, such member may only be registered by the Affiliated Club from which such Championships or Competitions are to be or have been played, the only exception is if such Affiliated Club has not entered any Bowls Dorset Ladies Leagues. Unregistered players shall not be permitted to play. Once registered players shall not play for another Affiliated Club in any Bowls Dorset League during the season. 11.30 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions. Provided a registered player has not played in any Bowls Dorset League during the season, such player may be de-registered on application to the appropriate League Secretary.

11.9 All disputed points between teams or Affiliated Clubs or other questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the appropriate League Secretary who may if necessary refer the matter to the Ladies Competitions Committee, whose decision shall be final.

11.10 To avoid risk of penalty for incomplete teams under 11.31 and 11.32, players shall be encouraged to travel with at least 3 bowls.

Teams

11.11 In the case of a 3 rink league, each team shall consist of twelve players in three rinks, 2 bowls each player. In the case of a 2 rink league, each team shall consist eight players in two rinks, 2 bowls each player.

11.12 No player shall play for more than one Affiliated Club in any year, see 11.8. Should an Affiliated Club have with multiple teams in the League then
(a) For the first four matches of the season, a player may play in any of its teams provided that the matches are not originally scheduled to play on the same day.
(b) Once the first four matches of the season have been played, the Affiliated Club shall notify the appropriate League Secretary of the names of all players in each of its teams.
(c) Players notified as being in a higher division team may not play for a lower division team. 11.30 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.
(d) Players notified as being in a lower division team may play for a higher division team twice. Thereafter such players may not play for the lower division team. 11.30 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.
(e) Players may not play for more than one team in the same division.
11.30 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.

11.13 Dress for matches is defined in Regulation 6.

Matches

11.14 Teams shall play other teams in the division twice, once home and once away. Should there be 2 teams from the same Affiliated Club in any division, such teams shall play each other in the first game of the season and in the first game in the second half of the season. Where a division comprises less than 8 teams, the number of times teams play each other may be increased by the Ladies Competition Committee.

11.15 Matches shall be played on Tuesday afternoons at 2.00pm unless mutually agreed by the clubs involved. Any agreement to vary the date a match is scheduled to be played is subject to 11.25 and 11.26.

11.16 Refreshments may be provided but play should be continuous unless otherwise agreed. Post match light refreshments to be provided.

11.17 Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two trial ends. There shall be a toss for the choice to keep or give the mat and jack away on the first end.

11.18 Where a match is due to be played when inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) or poor light may prevent its completion then prior to the start of the match one of the following may be agreed:
(a) The match shall comprise 12 ends with two trial ends.
(b) The match shall comprise 12 ends with no trial ends and one shot only to count on the first two ends.
In the absence of any agreement, the match shall be as defined in Regulation 11.17.

Match Result

11.19 Each winning team shall be awarded 4 points. 2 points shall be awarded to each team in a tied game. In addition each winning rink shall be awarded 2 points, each tied rink 1 point and each losing rink 0 points.

11.20 Each team Captain must complete and sign the result card. It is the responsibility of the Home Captain to e-mail or message an image of the result card to the appropriate League Secretary no later than 8pm on the day of the match being played. The signed result card should be retained by the Home Club in case of dispute.

Season Result

11.21 The team scoring the highest number of points during the season shall be declared the winner of that division. Shot difference shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points. Shots for shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points and level on shot difference.

11.22 The team winning each division shall be the Division Champions.

11.23 Subject to 11.6, the team winning a lower division shall be promoted to the division above. Except for the lowest division, the bottom team in each division shall be relegated to the division below.

11.24 If a team winning a lower division refuses to be promoted, the team finishing next in that division may be promoted in its place. If entered in the following season, the winning team refusing promotion shall be placed in the lowest division.

Match Rearrangement

11.25 A match may be rearranged by mutual agreement provided that advance notice and an acceptable reason for the change is given to the appropriate League Secretary and approval is obtained.

11.26 Rearranged dates must (a) be agreed and notified to the appropriate League Secretary within 5 days of the original scheduled date and (b) be within 3 weeks of the original scheduled date or before the last scheduled date for all matches in the division, whichever is earlier. If a match on a rearranged date is rained off then discretion rests with the appropriate League Secretary.

11.27 Where a match is abandoned due to inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) then:
(a) If a minimum of 12 ends per rink have been completed, the match shall be deemed to have been played and the score shall stand.
(b) If less than 12 ends per rink have been completed, the match shall be resumed on a date agreed in accordance with 11.25 and 11.26, with the scores and where possible the players as they were when the game was originally stopped. The resumed match shall start with two trial ends prior to playing the remaining match ends.
(c) An end commenced but shots not agreed when the match is abandoned shall be declared a ‘dead end’.

11.28 Players for any rearranged or resumed match should be the original teams where possible but if unavailable then substitutes will be allowed providing they did not play on the original date for another team. 11.30 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.

11.29 Matches shall not be conceded. Sharing of points for matches not played shall not be permitted. Where a match will not affect a division’s winner, runner-up or team(s) to be relegated then Affiliated Clubs may agree not to play a match provided the consent of the appropriate League Secretary is first obtained. In such event, 0 points and 0 shots shall be awarded to both teams.

Defaults and Penalties

11.30 For each player used in a match in breach of the restrictions in 11.8, 11.12 and 11.28, there shall be a penalty deduction of 6 points and the rink score shall be recorded as 12-0 against the offending team.

11.31 In the case of a 3 rink league, a team arriving with only one or two rinks shall concede the 4 match points and play for rink points only. In the case of a 2 rink league, a team arriving with only one rink shall concede the 4 match points and play for rink points only. In either case, for each rink not played 2 points and 12 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. This shall only be allowable on two occasions in a season. On the third and subsequent occasions, the team shall be treated as having not arrived for the match and 11.34 shall apply.

11.32 Teams arriving short of players must play as many rinks of 4 players as possible. Accordingly in a 3 rink league, if a team arrives with:
(a) 11 players then two rinks of 4 and one rink of 3 players shall play and 11.33 shall apply;
(b) 8, 9 or 10 players then two rinks of 4 players shall play and 11.31 shall apply;
(c) 7 players then one rink of 4 and one rink of 3 players shall play and 11.31 and 11.33 shall apply;
(d) 4, 5 or 6 players then one rink of 4 shall play and 11.31 shall apply;
(e) 3 players then one rink of 3 players shall play and 11.31 and 11.33 shall apply.
Or in a 2 rink league, if a team arrives with:
(f) 7 players then one rink of 4 and one rink of 3 players shall play and 11.31 and 11.33 shall apply;
(g) 4, 5 or 6 players then one rink of 4 shall play and 11.31 shall apply;
(h) 3 players then one rink of 3 players shall play and 11.31 and 11.33 shall apply.

11.33 A rink consisting of 3 players shall play with Lead and Two using 3 bowls each and Skip using 2 bowls. One quarter of the rink score shall be deducted and fractions shall be taken into account.

11.34 A team not arriving for an original or rearranged match shall forfeit the match to their opponents who shall receive 10 points and 10 shots in the case of a 3 rink league or 8 points and 8 shots in the case of a 2 rink league. The offending team shall suffer a penalty deduction from their total already gained of 10 points and 10 shots in the case of a 3 rink league or 8 points and 8 shots in the case of a 2 rink league.

11.35 If a player has to leave the green during the course of play and cannot return due to illness or some other reasonable cause and there is no substitute available, 11.33 shall apply from the end the player had to leave the green.

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Regulation 12

PERCY BAKER TRIPLES LEAGUE

General

12.1 The League is open to any number of Men’s teams from Affiliated Clubs. Every player must be aged 60 years and over on 1 May in the current year. 12.32 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.

12.2 The League shall be played under the current Laws of the Sport.

12.3 Entry shall be made on the appropriate form by the date set by the Executive Board. The preferred day and time of play for home games shall be indicated on the form.

12.4 The League shall be played on an East Area / West Area basis and in divisions within each Area. Each division shall have a maximum of six teams and if necessary other divisions shall be formed. The winners of each division shall play in Play-offs to produce Area winners and the winners of each Area to play in the Final.

12.5 The Areas and composition of all divisions shall be the responsibility of the Men’s Competition Committee. Where necessary to preserve an effective league and league structure, the Men’s Competition Committee shall have the general power to adjust Areas, divisions and composition from season to season.

12.6 Each division shall be administered by a League Secretary, who may be the Men’s Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary.

12.7 There may be more than one team from an Affiliated Club in any division.

12.8 By 1 February each Affiliated Club for each of its teams shall agree its home days and times of play with opponents in accordance with 12.15 and shall notify the appropriate League Secretary of such days and times.

12.9 By 15 April annually, each Affiliated Club shall register by email with the appropriate League Secretary a list of its playing members (including first names) eligible to compete in the League. Names of further eligible members joining at a later date shall also be registered prior to their playing. In both cases, where a playing member has entered or played in any Championships or Competitions listed in Regulations 8 and 9, such member may only be registered by the Affiliated Club from which such Championships or Competitions are to be or have been played, the only exception is if such Affiliated Club has not entered any Bowls Dorset Men’s Leagues. Unregistered players shall not be permitted to play. Once registered players shall not play for another Affiliated Club in any Bowls Dorset League during the season. 12.32 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions. Provided a registered player has not played in any Bowls Dorset League during the season, such player may be de-registered on application to the appropriate League Secretary.

12.10 All disputed points between teams or Affiliated Clubs or other questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the appropriate League Secretary who may if necessary refer the matter to the Men’s Competitions Committee, whose decision shall be final.

Teams

12.11 Each team shall consist of six players in two rinks, 3 bowls each player.

12.12 No player shall
(a) play for more than one Affiliated Club in any year, see 12.9.
(b) play for more than one team for an Affiliated Club.
(c) play in the Play-offs and Final unless he has played in at least 2 Division matches.
12.32 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions.

12.13 Dress for matches is defined in Regulation 10.

Division Matches

12.14 Teams shall play others teams in the division twice, once home and once away.

12.15 Matches shall be played on Monday to Friday within the dates on the Match Schedule with a start time no later than 11.00 am and notified under 12.8. Any subsequent agreement to vary the date is subject to 12.27 and 12.28.

12.16 Complimentary tea or coffee shall be made available to the visiting team on arrival or after the game.

12.17 Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends. There shall be a toss for the choice to keep or give the mat and jack away on the first end.

12.18 Where a match is due to be played when inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) or poor light may prevent its completion then prior to the start of the match one of the following may be agreed:
(a) The match shall comprise 12 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends.
(b) The match shall comprise 12 ends with no trial ends and one shot only to count on the first two ends.
In the absence of any agreement, the match shall be as defined in Regulation 12.17.

Division Match Result

12.19 Each winning team shall be awarded 2 points. 1 points shall be awarded to each team in a tied game. In addition each winning triple shall be awarded 2 points, each tied triple 1 point and each losing triple 0 points.

12.20 Each team Captain must complete and sign the result card. It is the responsibility of the Home Captain to e-mail or message an image of the result card to the appropriate League Secretary no later than 6pm on the day following the match being played. The signed result card should be retained by the Home Club in case of dispute.

Play-off Matches

12.21 The team scoring the highest number of points in each division during the season shall be declared the winner of that division. Shot difference shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points. Shots for shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points and level on shot difference. The winners of each division shall play in the Play-offs to produce Area winners and the winners of each Area shall play in the Final.

12.22 The venue for all Play-off matches excluding the Final shall be neutral greens decided by the appropriate League Secretary. If possible the Quarter Finals in each Area shall be played on the same green at the same time. The Final shall be played during County Finals Weekend.

12.23 Where possible, the Play-off matches shall start the week after the Division Matches end.

12.24 Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends.

12.25 Rinks shall be drawn and there shall then be a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession. Prior to the Final this shall followed by a further toss a coin to nominate which triple shall play the extra end(s) if required. The winner shall nominate the name of the skip to play the extra end prior to the match commencing. At the Final both triples shall play the extra end(s). If an extra end is required prior to or at the Final, there shall be a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession.

12.26 The team winning the Final shall be awarded the Percy Baker Trophy. The runner-up in the Final shall be awarded the Percy Baker Runner-up Trophy.

Match Rearrangement

12.27 A match may be rearranged by mutual agreement provided that advance notice and an acceptable reason for the change is given to the appropriate League Secretary and approval is obtained.

12.28 Rearranged dates must (a) be agreed and notified to the appropriate League Secretary within 5 days of the original scheduled date and (b) be within 3 weeks of the original scheduled date or before the last scheduled date for all matches in the division, whichever is earlier. If a match on a rearranged date is rained off then discretion rests with the appropriate League Secretary.

12.29 Where a match is abandoned due to inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) then:
(a) If a minimum of 12 ends per triple have been completed, the match shall be deemed to have been played and the score shall stand.
(b) If less than 12 ends per triple have been completed, the match shall be resumed on a date agreed in accordance with 12.27 and 12.28 above, with the scores and where possible the players as they were when the game was originally stopped. The resumed match shall start with two trial ends prior to playing the remaining match ends.
(c) An end commenced but shots not agreed when the match is abandoned shall be declared a ‘dead end’.

12.30 Players for any rearranged or resumed match should be the original teams where possible but if unavailable then substitutes shall be allowed.

12.31 Matches shall not be conceded. Sharing of points for matches not played shall not be permitted. Where a match will not affect a division’s winner or runner-up then Affiliated Clubs may agree not to play a match provided the consent of the appropriate League Secretary is first obtained. In such event, 0 points and 0 shots shall be awarded to both teams.

Defaults and Penalties

12.32 For each player used in a Division Match in breach of the restrictions in 12.1, 12.9 and 12.12, there shall be a penalty deduction of 3 points and 9 shots from their total already gained and in addition all rink and match points shall be awarded to the opponent team. Should such breach occur in a Play-off Match, the team shall be disqualified and the match awarded to the opponent.

12.33 A team arriving with only one triple shall concede the 2 match points and play for rink points only. For the triple not played 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. This shall only be allowable on one occasion in a season. On the second and subsequent occasions, 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition and a further 2 points and 9 shots shall be deducted from the offending team.

12.34 A team not arriving for an original or rearranged match shall forfeit the match to their opponents who shall receive 6 points and 18 shots. The offending team shall suffer a penalty deduction of 6 points and 18 shots from their total already gained.

12.35 If a player has to leave the green during the course of play and cannot return due to illness or some other reasonable cause and there is no substitute available, then for that triple 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. The remaining triple shall play for its rink points and the match points.

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Regulation 13

EDNA PAISLEY TRIPLES LEAGUE

General

13.1 The League is open to any number of Ladies teams from Affiliated Clubs. Every player must be aged 60 years and over on 1 May in the current year. 13.31 shall apply to any breach of this restriction.

13.2 The League shall be played under the current Laws of the Sport.

13.3 Entry shall be made on the appropriate form by the date set by the Executive Board. The preferred day and time of play for home games shall be indicated on the form.

13.4 The League shall be played in divisions which may be placed or drawn into Areas by the Ladies Competition Committee in accordance with 13.5. Each division shall have a maximum of nine teams and if necessary other divisions shall be formed. The winners of each division shall play-off to produce Area winners and the winners of each Area to play in the County Final.

13.5 The Areas and composition of all divisions shall be the responsibility of the Ladies Competition Committee. Where necessary to preserve an effective league and league structure, the Ladies Competition Committee shall have the general power to adjust Areas, divisions and composition from season to season.

13.6 Each division shall be administered by a League Secretary, who may be the Ladies Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary.

13.7 There may be more than one team from an Affiliated Club in any division.

13.8 By 1 February each Affiliated Club for each of its teams shall agree its home days and times of play with opponents in accordance with 13.15 and shall notify the appropriate League Secretary of such days and times.

13.9 By 15 April annually, each Affiliated Club shall register by email with the appropriate League Secretary a list of its playing members (including first names) eligible to compete in the League. Names of further eligible members joining at a later date shall also be registered prior to their playing. In both cases, where a playing member has entered or played in any Championships or Competitions listed in Regulations 8 and 9, such member may only be registered by the Affiliated Club from which such Championships or Competitions are to be or have been played, the only exception is if such Affiliated Club has not entered any Bowls Dorset Ladies Leagues. Unregistered players shall not be permitted to play. Once registered players shall not play for another Affiliated Club in any Bowls Dorset League during the season. 13.31 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions. Provided a registered player has not played in any Bowls Dorset League during the season, such player may be de-registered on application to the appropriate League Secretary.

13.10 All disputed points between teams or Affiliated Clubs or other questions not covered by these rules shall be referred to the appropriate League Secretary who may if necessary refer the matter to the Ladies Competitions Committee, whose decision shall be final.

Teams

13.11 Each team shall consist of six players in two rinks, 3 bowls each player.

13.12 No player shall
(a) play for more than one Affiliated Club in any year, see 13.9;
(b) play for more than one team for an Affiliated Club;
(c) have played in Walker Cup, Johns Trophy or International matches in the immediately preceding season;
(d) play in the Play-offs or Final unless she has played in at least 2 Division matches.
13.31 shall apply to any breach of these restrictions.

13.13 Dress for matches is defined in Regulation 6.

Division Matches

13.14 Teams shall play other teams in the division twice, once home and once away.

13.15 Matches shall be played on Monday to Friday within the dates on the Match Schedule with a start time no later than 11.00 am unless arranged with the appropriate League Secretary and notified under 13.8. Any subsequent agreement to vary the date is subject to 13.26 and 13.27.

13.16 Complimentary tea/coffee/refreshments shall be made available to the visiting team.

13.17 Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends. There shall be a toss for the choice to keep or give the mat and jack away on the first end.

13.18 Where a match is due to be played when inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) or poor light may prevent its completion then prior to the start of the match one of the following may be agreed:
(a) The match shall comprise 12 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends.
(b) The match shall comprise 12 ends with no trial ends and one shot only to count on the first two ends.
In the absence of any agreement, the match shall be as defined in Regulation 13.17.

Division Match Result

13.19 Each winning team shall be awarded 2 points. 1 points shall be awarded to each team in a tied game. In addition each winning triple shall be awarded 2 points, each tied triple 1 point and each losing triple 0 points.

13.20 Each team Captain must complete and sign the result card. It is the responsibility of the Home Captain to e-mail or message an image of the result card to the appropriate League Secretary no later than 8pm on the day of the match being played. The signed result card should be retained by the Home Club in case of dispute.

Play-offs and Final

13.21 The team scoring the highest number of points in each division during the season shall be declared the winner of that division. Shot difference shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points. Shots for shall decide positions if two or more teams are level on points and level on shot difference.

13.22 If an Area has only one division, the Division winner shall be the Area winner.

13.23 If an Area has more than one division there shall be Play-offs to determine the Area winner. Should Play-offs be required:
(a) Players’ names must be submitted for approval by the appropriate League Secretary prior to the matches being played.
(b) The venue for play-off matches shall be neutral greens decided by the appropriate League Secretary.
(c) Where possible, the play-off matches shall start the week after the Division Matches end.
(d) Matches shall comprise 18 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends.
(e) The winner shall nominate the rink number on which any extra end(s) is to be played prior to the rinks draw. Rinks shall then be drawn and there shall be a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession. There shall be further a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession on the extra end. The extra end shall be played immediately after the 18th end unless the result of the game is already apparent.

13.24 The Area Winners shall play in the Final, which shall be played during County Finals Weekend. For the Final:
(a) Players’ names must be submitted for approval by the Ladies Competition Secretary prior to the match being played.
(b) The match shall comprise 18 ends with two 2 bowl trial ends.
(c) The winner shall nominate the rink number on which any extra end(s) is to be played prior to the rinks draw. Rinks shall then be drawn and there shall be a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession. There shall be further a toss of a coin for choice of jack possession on the extra end. The extra end shall be played immediately after the 18th end unless the result of the game is already apparent.

13.25 The team winning the Final shall be awarded the Edna Paisley Cup. The runner-up in the Final shall be awarded the Edna Paisley Runner-up Cup.

Match Rearrangement

13.26 A match may be rearranged by mutual agreement provided that advance notice and an acceptable reason for the change is given to the appropriate League Secretary and approval is obtained.

13.27 Rearranged dates must (a) be agreed and notified to the appropriate League Secretary within 5 days of the original scheduled date and (b) be within 3 weeks of the original scheduled date or before the last scheduled date for all matches in the division, whichever is earlier. If a match on a rearranged date is rained off then discretion rests with the appropriate League Secretary.

13.28 Where a match is abandoned due to inclement weather (as defined in Regulation 7.23) then:
(a) If a minimum of 12 ends per triple have been completed, the match shall be deemed to have been played and the score shall stand.
(b) If less than 12 ends per triple have been completed, the match shall be resumed on a date agreed in accordance with 13.26 and 13.27 above, with the scores and where possible the players as they were when the game was originally stopped. The resumed match shall start with two trial ends prior to playing the remaining match ends.
(c) An end commenced but shots not agreed when the match is abandoned shall be declared a ‘dead end’.

13.29 Players for any rearranged or resumed match should be the original teams where possible but if unavailable then substitutes shall be allowed.

13.30 Matches shall not be conceded. Sharing of points for matches not played shall not be permitted. Where a match will not affect a division’s winner or runner-up then Affiliated Clubs may agree not to play a match provided the consent of the appropriate League Secretary is first obtained. In such event, 0 points and 0 shots shall be awarded to both teams.

Defaults and Penalties

13.31 For each player used in a Division Match in breach of the restrictions in 13.1, 13.9 and 13.12, there shall be a penalty deduction of 3 points and 9 shots from their total already gained and in addition all rink and match points shall be awarded to the opponent team. Should such breach occur in the Play-offs or the Final, the team shall be disqualified and the match awarded to the opponent.

13.32 A team arriving with only one triple shall concede the 2 match points and play for rink points only. For the triple not played 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. This shall only be allowable on one occasion in a season. On the second and subsequent occasions, 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition and a further 2 points and 9 shots shall be deducted from the offending team.

13.33 A team not arriving for an original or rearranged match shall forfeit the match to their opponents who shall receive 6 points and 18 shots. The offending team shall suffer a penalty deduction of 6 points and 18 shots from their total already gained.

13.34 If a player has to leave the green during the course of play and cannot return due to illness or some other reasonable cause and there is no substitute available, then for that triple 2 points and 9 shots shall be awarded to the opposition. The remaining triple shall play for its rink points and the match points.

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Appendix A

GUIDANCE AND RULES FOR
ELECTIONS, MOTIONS AND PROPOSALS

Rules for Election of Presidents, Vice Presidents and Junior Vice Presidents

A.1 President and Vice President for each Code and Junior Vice President for the Ladies Code shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

A.2 Normally any Junior Vice President will become the Vice President and the Vice President will become the President the following year.

A.3 Nominations for Ladies Junior Vice President shall rotate annually among the areas: East then West.

A.4 Nominations for Men’s Vice President and Ladies Junior Vice President shall be made in writing and signed by the Secretary of the Nominees Affiliated Club and submitted to the Administrator before 30th September in each year. Nominations shall be limited to one men’s candidate and one ladies candidate per Affiliated Club.

A.5 If the Men’s Vice President is not standing for election as Men’s President, nominations for Men’s President shall also be made in accordance with A.4.

A.6 If the Ladies Vice President is not standing for election as Ladies President, normally the Ladies Junior Vice President will become Ladies President the following year.

A.7 If the Ladies Junior Vice President is not standing for election as Ladies Vice President, nominations for Ladies Vice President shall also be made in accordance with A.3 and A.4.

A.8 If no valid nominations are received for these positions in accordance with these Rules, the nomination for such position shall be sought on a County wide basis and that the rotation return as designated thereafter.

A.9 If an election is necessary for these positions, a ballot shall be taken amongst those present at the Annual General Meeting and entitled to vote.

A.10 Where there is an equality of votes between the candidates then a second vote will be taken. If the event of equality of second votes, the Meeting Chair shall have a casting vote.

Guidance on Submission of Motions and Proposals

A.11 Any Affiliated Club may submit a motion or proposal to Bowls Dorset in writing to the Administrator but it must be supported by a second Club. These should be submitted prior to the October Code Delegates Meetings to enable discussion at such meetings. The motions or proposals may then be considered at Club level in order that their Delegate(s) may be instructed on how to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

Rules for Motions at Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings

A.12 All motions shall be proposed by the Proposer in front of the meeting and then seconded by another Affiliated Club's Delegate before any discussion can take place on the item.

A.13 The Proposer shall then explain the motion to seek support for it. The Seconder has the right to speak immediately or wait until the end of the debate.

A.14 The Meeting Chair shall then call for speakers alternately for and against the motion. At the end of the debate the Proposer (or seconder) can sum up in reply.

A.15 A vote shall then be taken. The Administrator should record the motion, who proposed it, who seconded it, whether or not it was carried and the votes for/against and abstentions.

A.16 If the motion is passed, it will be become a resolution. The minutes of the meeting will reflect that ‘such and such’ was ‘resolved’.

A.17 Motions by the Executive Board shall not require proposing or seconding by Affiliated Clubs.

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Appendix B

DUTIES

As needs evolve, the Duties set out in this Appendix may change. Post holders may from time to time be asked to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities as directed by Bowls Dorset Executive Board.

B.1 Chairperson

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: To give cohesion to the activities of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Preside over the Bowls Dorset Executive Board.

(b) Preside over the Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Work closely with the Bowls Dorset Administrator and with other Officers of Bowls Dorset to ensure the smooth coordination of Bowls Dorset activities.

B.2 Administrator

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Committee

Aim: To provide administrative support within Bowls Dorset with a view to giving cohesion to the activities of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Convene, prepare, attend all Meetings and keep recorded Minutes of all business transacted Bowls Dorset Executive Board

(b) Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Prepare and submit to Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting a report of the activities of Bowls Dorset during the preceding year.

(d) Attend other Bowls Dorset Committee and Delegates Meetings ex officio as required.

(e) Conduct the correspondence of Bowls Dorset.

(f) Maintain a register of all Affiliated Clubs.

(g) Maintain an inventory of all Bowls Dorset property, and liaise with the Treasurer for the maintenance of Bowls Dorset Merchandise.

(h) Maintain stocks of County Shirts, Ties, Stickers, Cloth and Lapel Badges and Scorecards and other items for Bowls Dorset general use.

(i) Represent Bowls Dorset at meetings of the South Western Counties Bowling Association with representatives from the Ladies Code.

(j) Receive and process annual returns from each Affiliated Club in relation to the Club’s Officers, Membership and Delegates.

(k) Before the end of April each year receive and process returns from each Affiliated Club showing names of Playing Members only as at 31st March. Submit to Bowls Dorset Treasurer in order that Affiliation Fee Invoices be prepared.

(l) Before the 20th December of each year receive and process returns from each Affiliated Club showing details of Club Officers in order that Bowls England Year Book details are corrected.

(m) Prepare statistical returns for Bowls England and submit information required for the Bowls England Handbook.

(n) Collate and prepare all materials and information necessary for the production of the Bowls Dorset Handbook, edit and oversee publication.

(o) Collate and prepare all information necessary for the maintenance of the Bowls Dorset Website. Liaise with Webmaster

(p) Disseminate all information received from Bowls England to relevant County Secretary and to Affiliated Clubs, as necessary

(q) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.3 Treasurer

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: To provide financial expertise and support within Bowls Dorset with a view to enhancing the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Submit fully Examined copies of the Statement to the Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting for approval.

(d) Attend other Bowls Dorset Committee and Delegates Meetings ex officio as required.

(e) Receive and be held responsible for all monies belonging to Bowls Dorset from the following sources: Club Affiliation fees, Men’s Code Match and Competition fees, Ladies Code Match and Competition fees, Year Book advertising revenue, Other sundry revenue from both Codes

(f) Delegate to responsible officials of both Codes the right to incur and pay such liabilities necessary to operate the activities of each Code, and as approved by the Executive Board under general or specific authorisation.

(g) Ensure that all monies of Bowls Dorset are kept in a Bank or Building Society as approved by the Executive Board.

(h) Maintain an Income and Expenditure account, and prepare an Annual Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet immediately after the end of the financial year.

(i) Ensure adequate Insurance cover including Officer Indemnity

(j) Keep the Executive Board informed of the financial state of Bowls Dorset.

(k) Liaise with the Administrator for the maintenance of Bowls Dorset Merchandise.

(l) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

In the following Duties:

• The respective Code shall mean the Ladies Code or Men’s Code as appropriate.
• For the Ladies Code, Inter-County Competition Matches shall mean Johns Trophy, Walker Cup, Amy Rose Bowl or their replacements and South West Counties League.
• For the Men’s Code, Inter-County Competition Matches shall mean Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy, White Rose Trophy or their replacements.

B.4 Ladies and Men’s Presidents

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Attend and where required preside over meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee, Match Committee and Code Committee.

(d) Attend and where required preside over the respective Code Delegates Meeting.

(e) Attend as respective Code Principal Officer all Inter-County Competition Matches.

(f) Attend as respective Code Principal Officer as many County Friendly Matches as circumstances permit.

(g) Attend as respective Code Principal Officer the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of County Championships and Competitions

(h) Act as host at Bowls Dorset home venues for Inter-County Competition Matches and County Friendly Matches, welcoming visiting teams and supporters, express the appreciation of Bowls Dorset to all clubs placing their facilities at the disposal of the county.

(i) At Inter-County Competition Matches and County Friendly Matches at away venues, respond to the welcome of the hosts and express the appreciation of Bowls Dorset to the Club on whose green the match is played.

(j) If unable to attend any of the Inter-County Competition Matches and County Friendly Matches, arrange for a suitable deputy to attend in the President's place.

(k) Support County Finalists at the National Championships.

(l) Support the Team Manager and U25 Manager for Inter-County Competition Matches.

(m) Lead any respective Code County Tours that may be arranged.

(n) Preside over any respective Code Annual Lunch and Presentation.

(o) Promote Bowls Dorset by accepting as many lunch, dinner and speaking engagements as reasonably possible.

(p) Work closely with the respective Code Vice President and (Ladies only) Junior Vice President and all other elected and appointed officials of both Codes of Bowls Dorset to ensure the smooth co-ordination and running of Bowls Dorset.

(q) Undertake any other function or activity commensurate with the post of President of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset.

(r) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.5 Ladies and Men’s Vice Presidents

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Support the respective Code President in all duties.

(b) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee, Match Committee and Code Committee.

(c) Attend the respective Code Delegates Meeting.

(d) Work closely with the respective Code President and (Ladies only) Junior Vice President and all other elected and appointed officials of both Codes of Bowls Dorset to ensure the smooth co-ordination and running of Bowls Dorset.

(e) (Ladies Vice President only) Be responsible for the County Flag for matches and take to venues as necessary.

(f) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.6 Ladies Junior Vice President

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Support the Ladies President and Vice President in all duties including attending all matches.

(b) Attend the Ladies Code Committee meetings and Ladies Delegates Meeting.

(c) Work closely with the Ladies President and Vice President and all other elected and appointed officials of both Codes of Bowls Dorset to ensure the smooth co-ordination and running of Bowls Dorset.

(d) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.7 Ladies and Men’s Secretaries

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Prepare and submit to Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting a report on the activities of the respective Code during the preceding year.

(d) Convene and prepare meetings as required of the respective Code’s Competition Committee, Match Committee, Code Committee and Delegates Meetings and keep recorded Minutes of all business transacted.

(e) Attend and where required preside over meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee, Match Committee and Code Committee.

(f) Attend and where required preside over the respective Code’s Delegates Meeting.

(g) Conduct the correspondence of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset.

(h) Maintain a register of all respective Code Affiliated Clubs.

(i) (Ladies Secretary only) Represent Bowls Dorset at meetings of the South Western Counties Bowling Association with representatives from the Ladies Code

(j) Assist the respective Code President (if requested) in all matters relating to the preparation and organisation of President’s Day.

(k) Prepare and organise all aspects of the respective Code Annual Luncheon and Presentation, in conjunction with the respective Code Competition Secretary.

(l) If required to organise fund raising (including Coffee mornings and/or raffles), maintain records of such activities and submit a Cash Analysis Sheet to the Bowls Dorset Treasurer showing details of payments received and cash banked.

(m) Assist in compilation of Annual Handbook.

(n) Disseminate all information received from Bowls Dorset Administrator to relevant County Officer.

(o) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.8 Ladies and Men’s Match Secretaries

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Prepare and submit to Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting a report on the activities of the respective Code Matches and details of those receiving badges during the preceding year.

(d) Attend and where required preside over meetings of the respective Code’s Match Committee.

(e) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee and Code Committee

(f) Attend the respective Code’s Delegates Meeting.

(g) Arrange and confirm the full programme of respective Code Inter-County Competition Matches and County Friendly Matches.

(h) Liaise with the respective Code Team Manager and/or U25 Manager and arrange with Affiliated Clubs who act as Hosts all the aspects of the matches.

(i) Contact all Affiliated Clubs with a view to collating invitations received and to assist the Match Committee to complete the programme.

(j) During the playing season, receive from Affiliated Clubs their player nomination forms and make the administrative preparation for each match, including arrangements for the presentation of appropriate badges to qualifying players.

(k) Collate, prepare and provide to the Webmaster all information necessary for the maintenance of the Bowls Dorset Website.

(l) For all matches arrange for a senior representative of Bowls Dorset to attend and ensure facilities exist for supporters and arrange meals if required.

(m) After each match, check and record receipts from match fees, sales of merchandise, and record outgoings for green fees, meals and gratuities. Submit a Cash Analysis Sheet to the Bowls Dorset Treasurer.

(n) Maintain a record of all match details including scores, qualified players and badge presentations.

(o) (Ladies Match Secretary only) Represent Bowls Dorset at meetings of the South Western Counties Bowling Association with representatives from the Ladies Code.

(p) (Men’s Match Secretary only) Be responsible for the County Flag for matches and take to venues as necessary.

(q) Work closely with Assistant Match Secretary and delegate duties as necessary.

(r) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.9 Ladies and Men’s Competition Secretaries

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend all meetings of the Executive Board.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Prepare and submit to the Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting a report on the respective Code Championships, Competitions and Leagues during the preceding year.

(d) Attend and where required preside over meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee.

(e) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Match Committee and Code Committee

(f) Attend the respective Code’s Delegates Meeting.

(g) Issue to all Affiliated Clubs at such date as may be determined by the Executive Board, Entry Forms for all respective Code Championships, Competitions and Leagues.

(h) Receive and process all Entries for respective Code Championships and Competitions and prepare the draws for the same ready for such date as may be determined by the Executive Board.

(i) Ensure monies are received with each Entry Form to cover Entries and Year Book payments. Submit a Cash Analysis Sheet to the Bowls Dorset Treasurer showing details of payments received and cash banked.

(j) If there is no League Secretary, prepare and present the respective Code League Fixture lists.

(k) Submit an Analysis Sheet to the Bowls Dorset Treasurer showing details of Club League entries, in order that Invoices may be prepared.

(l) Throughout the season collate and compute the Championships and Competitions results and, if there is no League Secretary, Leagues results and update Webmaster.

(m) Arrange Venues and Umpires for all Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals.

(n) Be responsible for the County Flag for Championships and Competitions and take to venues as necessary.

(o) Ensure that proper returns are completed for Bowls England in line with their programme for the National Championships at Leamington Spa.

(p) Prepare and organise all aspects of any respective Code Annual Luncheon and Presentation in conjunction with the respective Code’s Secretary and arrange for purchase of any prizes.

(q) Maintain all trophies and oversee engraving.

(r) Maintain records of winners and runners up of Championships, Competitions and Leagues.

(s) Work closely with Assistant Competition Secretary and delegate duties as necessary.

(t) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.10 Ladies and Men’s Assistant Match Secretaries

Reports to: respective Code’s Match Committee

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Liaise closely with the Match Secretary and carry out duties as and when required.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Match Committee and Code Committee.

(d) Attend the respective Code’s Delegates Meeting.

(e) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.11 Ladies and Men’s Assistant Competition Secretaries

Reports to: respective Code’s Competition Committee

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Liaise closely with the Competition Secretary and carry out duties as and when required.

(b) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting.

(c) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee and Code Committee.

(d) Attend the respective Code’s Delegates Meeting.

(e) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.12 Area Competition Secretaries

Reports to: respective Code’s Competition Committee

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee and Code Committee.

(b) Throughout the season collate and compute the Championships and Competitions results providing the same to the respective Code’s Competition Secretary and Webmaster.

(c) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.13 League Secretaries

Reports to: respective Code’s Competition Committee

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Attend meetings of the respective Code’s Competition Committee and Code Committee.

(b) Compile or assist in compilation of league schedule(s).

(c) Collect and collate league match results.

(d) Provide league match results for inclusion on Bowls Dorset website.

(e) Check players are affiliated to Bowls Dorset and inform Administrator of any that are not.

(f) Check for compliance with league rules and regulations and apply penalties set forth therein for any breach.

(g) Where required facilitate re-arrangement of league matches within league rules and regulations.

(h) Where possible resolve disputes between Clubs relating to league or otherwise refer disputes to Competition Committee.

(i) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.14 Team Managers and Under 25 Team Managers

Reports to: Code Match Committees

Aim: successful participation on Bowls England’s Johns Trophy, Walker Cup, Amy Rose Bowl, Middleton Cup, White Rose Trophy as appropriate.

Role description:

(a) Devising and implement policies of approach to improve team performance.

(b) In conjunction with the Code Match Committee, select and prepare players.

(c) On days of play, manage team.

(d) Maintain player selection and appearance record.

(e) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.15 County Youth Development Officer

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to give cohesion to the activities of the respective Code of Bowls Dorset and to maintain or enhance the good name of Bowls Dorset within bowling circles.

Role description: to manage junior club development throughout Dorset.

Skills/qualities required:

(a) Experience of working with young people.

(b) Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

(c) Good communication skills.

(d) Effective people management skills.

(e) Good administration skills.

The key duties of the post are:

(a) Responsible for co-ordination, implementation and promotion of the Junior Development programme throughout the county.

(b) Manage junior coaches, team managers and other volunteers as necessary.

(c) Ensure that appropriate policies and guidelines are in place for junior members and those people working with juniors.

(d) Represent the interest of junior members at meetings of Bowls Dorset Executive Board.(In advisory capacity when invited)

(e) Manage and deal with problems and issues arising from the junior section.

(f) Work with other agencies such as local schools and local sports authority development units to improve/sustain club membership.

(g) Develop county development initiatives.

(h) Support club development initiatives.

(i) Review the activities of the junior development programme through feedback and evaluation on an annual basis.

(j) Support Bowls England/Coach Bowls development initiatives within Dorset.

(k) Attend Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting.

(l) Prepare and submit to Bowls Dorset Annual General Meeting a report on junior club development during the preceding year.

(m) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.16 County Coach

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to ensure sufficient coaches are available to develop players’ bowls skills

Role description:

(a) Maintain a list of qualified coaches.

(b) Assist Affiliated Clubs in having coaches available for their members.

(c) Be the principle point of contact for players and Affiliated Clubs seeking coaching sessions not otherwise available the Club’s own coaches.

(d) Liaise with Coach Bowls to arrange suitable training, examination and assessment for coaches.

B.17 Safeguarding Officer

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to provide a safe environment for all young players and adults at risk participating the sport.

Role description:

(a) Assist Bowls Dorset and its Affiliated Clubs in adopting and promoting the National Governing Body (NGB) policies and procedures.

(b) Assist Bowls Dorset and its Affiliated Clubs in identifying areas for development to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all young players and adults at risk.

(c) Assist Bowls Dorset in ensuring safeguarding training is available with the support of the NGB.

(d) Be available to attend Bowls Dorset Executive Board and County Committees when protection issues arise

(e) Act as the first point of contact to staff, volunteers, members, children and parents when involved at County level in any issue concerning the safeguarding of participants, poor practice and potential or alleged abuse within or outside the sport.

(f) Ensure that all incidents and concerns are dealt with in accordance with the NGB Guidelines, including reporting all safeguarding concerns to the NGB Lead Safeguarding Officer for advice. (These include all historic allegations and concerns relating to the current welfare/safeguarding of either adults or children in bowls, whether the issue is inside or outside of the sport.)

(g) Maintain confidentiality.

(h) Maintain contact details for the Bowls England Safeguarding Lead, Child Social Care (CSC) (previously Social Services), Adult Social Care (ASC) and the Police. Have these available for Affiliated Clubs if required and be available as a liaison point of contact for Club Safeguarding Officers.

B.18 County Umpire Liaison

Liaises with: Code Match and Competition Committees

Aim: to manage appointment of Umpires and Markers

Role description:

(a) Maintain a list of qualified umpires and markers.

(b) Work with Code Match and Competition Committees regarding umpire and/or marker appointments, as requested.

(c) Keep a record of allocated duties.

(d) Encourage the recruitment of new umpires.

(e) Ensure that umpires and markers receive suitable appointments pertinent to their development.

(f) Liaise with English Bowls Umpires Association to arrange suitable training, examination and assessment for umpires and markers.

B.19 County Tour Secretary

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aim: to provide annual bowls tour or tours.

Role description:

(a) Work with Code Presidents to determine the demand for a tour or tours.

(b) Devise suitable a schedule or schedules to satisfy such demand.

(c) Arrange, promote and manage a tour or tours.

(d) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

B.20 County Publicity Officer

Reports to: Bowls Dorset Executive Board

Aims: (a) to promote Bowls Dorset to bowlers and non-bowlers both within Dorset and elsewhere and (b) to seek sponsorship to support Bowls Dorset activities.

Role description:

(a) Devise and, where agreed, implement PR and promotional campaigns to increase awareness and participation in bowls.

(b) Publicise Bowls Dorset and where appropriate Bowls England activities and events.

(c) Assist Affiliated Clubs to promote their events and activities.

(d) Seek suitable sponsorship to support Bowls Dorset activities.

(e) On retirement from Office, surrender books, papers, software and Bowls Dorset property held to the successor.

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Appendix C

PRIVACY NOTICE

In this notice BD means Bowls Dorset and BE means Bowls England

Summary of how we, BD (also referred to as “we” or “us”) use your data

C.1 BD uses your personal data to record your membership of a Club affiliated to BD, your involvement with our teams, your participation in our and/or BE Championships, Competitions and Leagues and any involvement you may have as an elected or appointed BD role holder. The data is also used to keep in contact with you for these purposes.

C.2 Some data is shared with BE, who use your data to regulate, develop and manage the game.

C.3 Where we or BE rely on your consent, such as any consent we seek to use your email, you can withdraw this consent at any time.

C.4 Amongst the data we collect from you may be medical (including injury) information. We will hold this where you (or your parent/guardian) have given consent, so that we can ensure we are aware of your condition and can ensure that you are supported appropriately.

C.5 Where you work in a particular role within the game, you may be required to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service check or have other qualifications. These may be included in the data we collect from you.

What does this policy cover?

C.6 This policy describes how BD will make use of the data we handle in relation to members of Clubs affiliated to BD and in relation to BD role holders.

C.7 It also describes your data protection rights, including a right to object to some of the processing which we carry out. More information about your rights, and how to exercise them, is set out in the “What rights do I have?” section.

What information do we collect?

C.8 We collect and process personal data from you or your parent/guardian when we are advised you have become a member of a Club affiliated to BD and when you renewal such membership. We also collect and process personal data when you become involved with our teams, participate in our and/or BE Championships, Competitions and Leagues and/or become involved as an elected or appointed Club or BD role holder. This data may include:
• your name,
• your gender,
• your date of birth,
• your home address, email address and phone number(s),
• your membership of a Club affiliated to BD and any key role you may hold there such as President, Treasurer, Captain, Secretary, League Contact, Safeguarding Officer, etc
• your bank account details, where you provide these to receive payments from BD,
• consents you have given us to contact you and/or to include your home address, email address and/or phone number on our website or in our annual handbook and/or to provide your home address, email address and/or phone number to Clubs affiliated to BD,
• your medical conditions or disability, where you provide this to us with your consent (or the consent of your parent/guardian) to ensure we are aware of any support we may need to provide to you.

C.9 Some information will be generated as part of your involvement with us, in particular:
• data about your performance in our teams and in our Championships, Competitions and Leagues,
• involvement in particular matches in match reports,
• details of any disciplinary issues or incidents you may be involved in on and off the green, such as within health and safety records.

What information do we receive from third parties?

C.10 Sometimes, we receive information about you from third parties, including from BE and from Clubs affiliated to BD. If you are a child, we may be given information about you by your parents/guardians.

C.11 We may receive information relating to your connections with other clubs or bodies or disciplinary history from BE. Additionally, for certain role holders or those working with children or vulnerable adults, we may receive information from the Disclosure and Barring Service and BE on the status of any DBS check you have been required to take.

How do we use this information, and what is the legal basis for this use?

C.12 We process this personal data to fulfil a contract, or take steps linked to a contract: this is relevant where you make a payment for your membership and any merchandise, or enter a competition. This includes:
• taking payments;
• communicating with you;
• providing and arranging the delivery or other provision of products, prizes or services.

C.13 As required by us to conduct our business and pursue our legitimate interests, in particular:
• communicating with you or about you where necessary to administer Bowls in Dorset, including responding to any questions you send to us;
• administering and ensuring the eligibility of players, umpires and others involved in English Bowls – this may involve the receipt of limited amounts of sensitive data in relation to disabled players, where they are registered for a disabled league or team, or in relation to anti-doping matters;
• managing and administering your membership and your involvement with championships, competitions, leagues, teams and clubs, and to keep in contact with you for these purposes;
• communicating with you to offer you entry to BD and/or BE Championships and Competitions;
• maintaining records of the game as played in Dorset, in particular
   ◦ maintain records of our performances and history, including match reports, score lines and team sheets, and
   ◦ maintaining details of discipline and misconduct;
• maintaining statistics and conducting analysis on the make-up of bowls’ participants;
• ensuring compliance with the current BD and/or BE Rules and Regulations including those on the affiliation of clubs, umpires associations, county bodies and other bodies, and on registration of players;
• communicating with you to ask for your opinion on BD and/or BE initiatives;
• using data of some individuals to invite them to take part in market research.

C.14 Where you give us consent:
• we may send you direct marketing or promotional material by email;
• we may handle medical or disability information you or your parent provides to us, to ensure we support you appropriately;
 on other occasions where we ask you for consent, we will use the data for the purpose which we explain at that time.

C.15 For purposes which are required by law:
• we may maintain records such as health and safety records and accounting records in order to meet specific legal requirements;
• we may ensure, where you will work with children and where this is required, that you have undergone an appropriate DBS check – this is also carried out with your consent;
• we may check your right to work where you hold a role at BD requiring us to do so;
• we may process information to meet our statutory duties;
• we may respond to requests by government or law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation.

Withdrawing consent or otherwise objecting to direct marketing

C.16 Wherever we rely on your consent, you will always be able to withdraw that consent, although we may have other legal grounds for processing your data for other purposes, such as those set out above. In some cases, we are able to send you direct marketing without your consent, where we rely on our legitimate interests. You have an absolute right to opt-out of direct marketing, or profiling we carry out for direct marketing, at any time. You can do this by following the instructions in the communication where this is an electronic message, or by contacting us using the details set out below in the “How do I get in touch with you or Bowls England?” section.

Who will we share this data with, where and when?

C.17 We may share data with BE. In addition to this we may share some limited information may be shared with other stakeholders in bowls, such as other clubs, County Bodies, umpire associations, coaching associations, league organisers, so that they can maintain appropriate records and assist us in organising matches and administering the game. Personal data may be shared with government authorities and/or law enforcement officials if required for the purposes above, if mandated by law or if required for the legal protection of our or BE’s legitimate interests in compliance with applicable laws.

What rights do I have?

C.18 You have the right to ask us for a copy of your personal data; to correct, delete or restrict (stop any active) processing of your personal data.

C.19 In addition, you can object to the processing of your personal data in some circumstances (in particular, where we don’t have to process the data to meet a contractual or other legal requirement, or where we are using the data for direct marketing).

C.20 These rights may be limited, for example if fulfilling your request would reveal personal data about another person, or if you ask us to delete information which we are required by law to keep or have compelling legitimate interests in keeping.

C.21 You may have the same rights for data held by BE for its own purposes.

C.22 To exercise any of these rights, you can get in touch with us or, as appropriate, BE using the details set out below. If you have unresolved concerns, you have the right to complain to the applicable data protection authority where you live, work or where you believe a breach may have occurred. This is the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK.

C.23 Much of the information listed above must be provided on a mandatory basis so that we can make the appropriate legal checks and register you as required by BD and/or BE Rules and Regulations. Some information is optional, particularly information such as your medical information. If this is not provided, we may not be able to provide you with appropriate assistance, services or support.

How do I get in touch with you or BE?

C.24 We hope that we can satisfy queries you may have about the way we process your data.

C.25 If you have any concerns about how we process your data, you can get in touch with our Administrator whose email address can be found on our website at www.bowlsdorset.org.uk

C.26 If you have any concerns about how BE process your data, you can get in touch at enquiries@bowlsengland.com.

How long will you retain my data?

C.27 We process the majority of your data for as long as you are a member of a Club affiliated to BD and thereafter for only as long as it is reasonably necessary for BD to conduct its business and pursue its legitimate interests.

C.28 Where we process personal data for marketing purposes or with your consent, we process the data for as long as you are a member of a Club affiliated to BD (and thereafter for only as long as it is reasonably necessary for BD to conduct its business and pursue its legitimate interests) unless you ask us to stop, when we will only process the data for a short period after this (to allow us to implement your requests). We also keep a record of the fact that you have asked us not to send you direct marketing or to process your data indefinitely so that we can respect your request in future.

C.29 Where we process personal data in connection with performing a contract or with a Championship Competition or League, we keep the data for 6 years from your last interaction with us unless
• it is contained in Handbooks or other publications produced by us,
• it is records of your involvement in our teams and in our Championships, Competitions and Leagues
where it will be kept indefinitely.

C.30 We will retain information held to maintain statutory records in line with appropriate statutory requirements or guidance.

C.31 BE will maintain records of DBS checks and the resulting outcomes and other disciplinary matters for such period as is set out in BE’s Data Retention Schedule.

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Appendix D

PROVISION TO ENABLE WELLWORTHY BC
TO PARTICIPATE IN
BOWLS DORSET COUNTY LEAGUE

Wellworthy BC teams will play home fixtures on two legal rinks at their home venue, and one rink away at the Opponent’s venue. At such fixtures:

(i) Wellworthy BC will be classed as the home team on all three rinks.

(ii) The Opponent should supply one rink at its venue. If one rink cannot be supplied, then prior to the date of the fixture the Opponent must inform Wellworthy BC and the appropriate League Secretary and the match will be postponed. A new date must be found. Wellworthy BC, as the home team must rearrange a date to suit both teams. Current County Regulations apply, in particular 10.25 and 10.26.

(iii) If Wellworthy BC or the Opponent can only supply enough players to fill two rinks, then those two rinks must be played at Wellworthy BC’s home venue. Current County Regulations apply, in particular 10.31 and 10.32.

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Appendix E

UNDER 16 SINGLES

General

E.1 Entrants must be under 16 on 1st April in the year of the competition.

E.2 Qualifying Rounds will normally be played on one day with the Final played during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

E.3 The competitions are 4 bowls singles sets play as detailed in these rules.

Qualifying Rounds

E.4 Competitors will be drawn into Groups with the number of groups depending upon the number of entries.

E.5 In each Group, play will be a round robin with each competitor playing the others in the Group.

E.6 Each game will be 2 sets of 5 ends. If both competitors win a set or both sets are drawn, a further 1 end tie break will be played.

E.7 Prior to each game there will be a toss of a coin. The winner of the toss chooses for the first set whether to keep the mat and deliver the first jack or give it to their opponent. The loser of the toss chooses at the start of the second set whether to keep the mat and deliver the first jack or give it to their opponent. If a further 1 end tie break is required, there will be a toss of a coin and the winner of the toss chooses whether to keep the mat and deliver the jack or give it to their opponent.

E.8 In each game, 2 trial ends with 2 bowls for each competitor are allowed.

E.9 Visiting the head is allowed once per end.

E.10 Any measuring will be done or supervised by the marker.

E.11 There shall be no dead or killed ends. The jack shall be re-spotted 2 metres from the front ditch on the centre line. If the spot is completely covered, the jack must be placed as close as possible to the covered spot, between and in line with that spot and the corresponding spot at the opposite end of the rink, without touching the bowl.

E.12 All 5 ends in a set must be completed, as sets and shots will count if there is a tie for Group winner.

E.13 The winner of a game is the competitor who (i) wins 2 sets, (ii) wins 1 set and ties 1 set, (iii) wins 1 set and loses 1 set but wins the tie break or (iv) ties 2 sets but wins the tie break.

E.14 The winner of the Group is the competitor who wins the most games. In the event of competitors with equal number of game wins, the winner of the Group shall be decided by the number of sets won (excluding tie breaks), then the total shot difference (excluding tie breaks), then the total number of ends won (excluding tie breaks), then the total shots for (excluding tie breaks) or if still equal, the playing of a further one end tie break game with 4 bowls each.

E.15 If there are two Groups, the winner of each Group shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

E.16 If there are three Groups, the winner of each Group together with the best overall runner-up shall be drawn to play in the semi-finals. The winner of each semi-final shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend. The best overall runner-up shall be determined using averaged over games played the total shot difference (excluding tie breaks), then the total number of ends won (excluding tie breaks), then the total shots for (excluding tie breaks) or if still equal, the playing of a further one end tie break game with 4 bowls each.

E.17 If there are four Groups, the winner of each Group shall be drawn to play in the semi-finals. The winner of each semi-final shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

E.18 The semi-finals shall be played using the same format as Group games other than where a set cannot be won, the remaining ends should not be played.

Final

E.19 The Final shall follow the same format as the Qualifying Rounds with the following changes:
(a) Each set shall be 9 ends but this may be adjusted beforehand in appropriate circumstances.
(b) In the trial ends 4 bowls may be used by each finalist.
(c) If a tie break is required, it shall comprise 3 extra ends with ends won rather than shots counting.
(d) The head may be visited after delivery of the players third and fourth bowls and before then with the permission of the marker.

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Appendix F

UNDER 16 OPEN PAIRS

General

F.1 Entrants must be under 16 on 1st April in the year of the competition.

F.2 Qualifying Rounds will normally be played on one day with the Final played during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

F.3 Entrants shall enter as pairs and each pair may be two female, two male or one female and one male. Players shall play with 4 bowls each.

Qualifying Rounds

F.4 Pairs will be drawn into Groups with the number of groups depending upon the number of entries.

F.5 In each Group, play will be a round robin with each pair playing the others in the Group.

F.6 The number of ends for games in the qualifying rounds shall be determined depending upon the number of entries.

F.7 Prior to each game there will be a toss of a coin. The winner of the toss chooses whether to keep the mat and deliver the first jack or give it to their opponent.

F.8 In each game, 2 trial ends with 2 bowls for each player are allowed.

F.9 The head may only be visited by skips and only once per end.

F.10 Any measuring may be done or supervised by the umpire.

F.11 Dead ends shall be replayed.

F.12 All ends in a game must be completed, as shots and ends won may count if there is a tie for Group winner.

F.13 In each game, the winning pair shall receive 2 points. For games drawn, each pair shall receive 1 point.

F.14 The winner of the Group is the pair with the most points. In the event of pairs with equal number of points, the winner of the Group shall be decided by the total shot difference, then the total number of ends won, then the total shots for or if still equal, the playing of a further one end tie break game with 4 bowls each player (with no trials).

F.15 If there are two Groups, the winner of each Group shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

F.16 If there are three Groups, the winner of each Group together with the best overall runner-up shall be drawn to play in the semi-finals. The winner of each semi-final shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend. The best overall runner-up shall be determined using averaged over games played the total shot difference, then the total number of ends won, then the total shots for or if still equal, the playing of a further one end tie break game with 4 bowls each (with no trials).

F.17 If there are four Groups, the winner of each Group shall be drawn to play in the semi-finals. The winner of each semi-final shall play in the Final during Bowls Dorset’s County Competitions Finals Weekend.

F.18 Semi-finals shall be played using the same format as Group games other than where a game cannot be won, the remaining ends shall not be played.

Final

F.19 The Final shall follow the same format as the Qualifying Rounds with the following changes:
(a) The game shall be 15 ends but this may be adjusted beforehand in appropriate circumstances.
(b) In the trial ends 4 bowls may be used by each player.
(c) If the scores are equal when all ends have been played, an extra end must be played to determine the result.

F.20 The head may only be visited by skips and only after delivery of their second, third and fourth bowls.

END