By-laws: Lawn Bowls -

GENERAL

B1. Governance

(1) Matters not specifically set out in the conditions of play are to be dealt with in accordance with the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls (including domestic regulations for Australia) (the ‘BA Laws’).

(2) In the event of any conflict between these conditions of play and the BA Laws, the BA Laws will prevail.

(3) If a circumstance is not covered by these conditions of play, the controlling body will make a ruling in keeping with the spirit/intent of the competition.

(4) The Club’s Code of Conduct applies to all club championships and club events.

B2. Controlling bodies

(1) All Sorell Bowls and Community Club (SBCC) championships will be arranged and supervised by the controlling body, as follows:

Men’s Match Committee for men’s championship matches
Ladies Match Committee for:
- Ladies championship matches
- Consistency matches
Club Match Committee for:
- Mixed championship matches
- Patron’s Plate
- Sponsor’s Day
- Inter-club events
Winter Social Bowls Committee for winter social bowls
Event Manager for inter-club events such as Farmers Day
Bowls Tasmania South (BTS) for pennant competition

(2) The controlling body for club championship events should endeavour, where possible, to conduct the events in accordance with the conditions of play specified in these by-laws.

(3) The controlling body for non-championship events may vary the format of a game or event as circumstances dictate. In such cases, specific rules will be shown on the entry form and on the draw sheet.

B3. Health and safety

(1) The BA Extreme Weather Policy must be strictly adhered to for the safety of all players and spectators.

(2) Mobile phones are not permitted on the greens or on the immediate surrounds during play. If a member must have their mobile phone on during play (for example, because they are on call), they must advise the opposing skip (or opponent in singles) and they must keep it in their pocket on ‘silent/vibrate’ mode.

(3) The Club’s Smoking Policy applies to all championship and pennant matches.

B4. The draw

(1) The controlling body will conduct the draw for each competition as soon as possible after entries close.

(2) The term skip, as used in the By-Laws for club championship events, refers to the player named on the draw sheet.

(3) The following caveats apply to all club championships:

There must be a minimum of three entries in order to run a viable contest.
If three entries are received, the competition will be conducted as a round-robin event to ensure all teams play at least two games.
If more than three entries are received, the competition will be conducted as a knock-out event.

B5. Markers, Measurers and Umpires

(1) All accredited markers, measurers and/or umpires are trusted to perform their duties as officials in a fair and impartial manner, and enforce the rules of play as necessary.

(2) An accredited marker, measurer or umpire should be chosen to officiate at any championship match if possible.

(3) An accredited marker, measurer or umpire must be chosen ahead of an unqualified member whenever possible. If an unqualified member is chosen, both skips (or both players in singles) must agree on the choice.

(4) The controlling body will appoint the official for finals and the choice is not negotiable.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

B6. Player grading

(1) The controlling body will grade player’s as either ‘A’ grade or ‘B’ grade based on the pennant division they play in during the current pennant season. If a player has not played pennant in the current pennant season they can be graded on the past season.

(2) A new bowler will automatically be deemed to be a ‘B’ grade player until/unless they are selected in an ‘A’ grade division.

(3) The controlling body will grade the player based on the following:

If winning the club championship event will allow the player to play-off against other BTS clubs at the Association level (or higher), their eligibility must be determined in accordance with BTS conditions of play. This is to be enforced regardless of whether the player intends to contest at the higher level or not.
If winning the club championship event is the pinnacle that can be achieved in that event, player grading will be determined by the member’s status at the time of entering the draw for a club championship.

(4) If a player has played in more than one pennant division the player’s grade will be based on the division they have played 50% or more of their pennant games in at the time they entered the draw.

B7. Eligibility

(1) The eligible to play in club championships, pennant competition or any other bowls events is to be in accordance with the clause 4.6 of the constitution.

(2) Eligibility for any Club championship event will be based on the member’s class of membership and grade at the time of the draw. Changes in grade that occur after the time of entering the draw will have no bearing on that competition.

(3) Club championships will be divided into two divisions:

Open (any eligible player may enter)
Restricted (only ‘B’ grade players may enter)

(4) Members may only play in one division per competition – not both. For example:

A ‘B’ grade player who enters the Open singles championships cannot also enter the ‘B’ grade singles championships.
However, a ‘B’ grade player may enter the Open singles championships but then enter the ‘B’ grade pairs championship as these are different competitions.

B8. Scheduling

(1) In the first round of a competition, the skip or singles player who is named first on the draw sheet is responsible for contacting their opponent to arrange a date and time for the match.

(2) For subsequent rounds, the skip or singles player who is named second on the draw sheet is responsible for contacting their opponent to arrange a date and time for the match.

(3) If skips or singles players cannot agree on a date and time, the matter is to be referred to the controlling body. The controlling body will set a fair and reasonable time for the match to occur.

(4) The date and time of a match should be entered on the draw sheet between the two players/teams so that everyone is aware of the date/time set for the match.

(5) Matches must be played within the time period specified by the controlling body on the draw sheet.

(6) The winning player or skip is responsible for entering their name into the appropriate slot on the draw sheet for the next round of the competition.

B9. Postponements

(1) In the event of a match being postponed as the result of inclement weather or poor light, or the green being unfit for play, the match will be played or continued at a time decided by the skips or players, or by the controlling body, and on the same rink if possible.

(2) In such cases, the incomplete match will be resumed with the scores as at the adjournment, in accordance with the BA Laws.

(3) A game can only be stopped in these circumstances by either the controlling body or by agreement between both the parties concerned in cases where a representative of the controlling body is not present. The controlling body must be notified of any such occurrences.

B10. Substitutions and Replacements

(1) Substitute or replacement players may not be used in singles competitions.

(2) To be eligible to be chosen as a substitute or replacement player, the candidate must be a player who:

was eligible to be included in the original draw at the time that entries closed
has not already played in the competition they are entering.

(3) An eligible player that is nominated to replace a named player in the first round of the competition will be deemed to be forming a new team with the remaining player(s). The player that was replaced will be eligible to play as a substitute in later games if required.

B11. Forfeits

(1) Naturally, replacements or substitutions will not be allowed in singles games. If a player in a singles game cannot play, they must forfeit.

(2) If a player or team fails to keep an agreed appointment to play they will be deemed to have forfeited the game unless:

they have notified their opponent and the controlling body at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled commencement time for the match, and
the reason for failing to attend is acceptable to the controlling body.

(3) If a player or team cannot play their game within the time constraints laid down on the entry sheet, the player or skip must forfeit their match.

(4) If unexpected family circumstances occur, they may seek an extension if:

their opponent and the controlling body are advised, and
the match can be rescheduled within one week of the closing date for that round of the competition.

(5) If a team plays an ineligible player the controlling body must be notified of this infraction within 48 hours. The match will be forfeit to the other team.

B12. Penalties

(1) The Club Match Committee, upon receiving a recommendation from the controlling body, may impose penalties for infringing conditions of play for club championships that include:

loss of any number of shots/ends
replaying the game
loss of the game (disqualification)
exclusion from other competition(s) being held in the current playing year

(2) Teams, skips or players must not agree among themselves to alter the conditions of play set down by the controlling body. Should it come to light that players or teams have done so, both players/teams will be disqualified from the competition.

B13. Complaints and appeals

(1) A formal complaint must be made to the controlling body (or event manager if appropriate). If such a complaint is received, it must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

(2) The controlling body is required to interview all parties in order to:

Fully understand the circumstances that led to the complaint
Ascertain what resolution is being sought by the person making the complaint.

(3) The controlling body is to ensure they can make or reach a decision that is independent from bias and fair to all players. If they feel they cannot do this, the controlling body may appoint an independent arbiter that they feel can deal with the matter in a fair and impartial manner.

(4) The decision of the controlling body, or independent arbiter, is final.

B14. Start of play

(1) The direction of play will be determined as follows:

Men’s championship matches will be played in the same direction as pennant play on Saturdays.
Women’s championship matches will be played in the same direction as pennant play on Thursdays.
The skips (or the marker in singles) will toss a coin to determine the direction of play for mixed championship matches or if both men’s and women’s matches are scheduled for the same time.

(2) The skips (or the marker in singles) will toss a coin and the winner of the toss will decide which rink will be used. The loser of the toss will decide which team or player puts down the first bowl to start the match.

(3) Players or skips may decide to have one or two trial ends if they wish or they may decide to have none. If they cannot agree, then two trial ends will be played.

inserted August 2023

(4) No Practice ends will be allowed within 30 minutes prior to the agreed starting time of a game. A game will not commence on the same rink that the practice ends were played.

B15. Finals

(1) The final match of a championship should be scheduled, wherever possible, to allow other club members to watch the match. A notice should be placed on the noticeboard to promote the match.

(2) All finals will be played in club uniform and the President should be invited to attend.

(3) Teams (or singles players) must make the controlling body aware of the planned time of the final so that the controlling body can appoint an accredited umpire.

B16. Format – Singles

(1) To be eligible to play in club championship singles competition, the player must be an affiliated member of the Club.

(2) Each player will play four bowls alternately.

(3) The game will be won by the player who is first to reach or exceed 25 shots.

(4) In the first round, the player named first on the draw sheet must arrange for a marker to assist them during the game.

(5) In subsequent rounds, the player named second on the draw sheet must arrange for a marker to assist them during the game.

B17. Format – Pairs

(1) There are three possible formats for pairs events (2-2-2-2 or 2-4-2 or 3-3) but for club championships the 3-3 format will be used. This will ensure the competition is played under the same conditions each year.

(2) In the ‘three-bowl’ or 3-3 format, each player will play three bowls in the following order:

Leads – three bowls alternately, then cross over
Skips – three bowls alternately

(3) Each game will consist of 18 ends.

(4) The game will be won by the team with the most shots after completion of the 18th end.

(5) If a match ends in a tie, an additional end will be played to determine the winner.

B18. Format – Triples

(1) Each player will play two bowls in the following order:

Leads – two bowls alternately
Twos – two bowls alternately
Skips – two bowls alternately

(2) Each game will consist of 18 ends.

(3) The game will be won by the team with the most shots after the completion of the 18th end.

(4) If a match ends in a tie, an additional end will be played to determine the winner.

B19. Format – Fours

(1) Each player will play two bowls in the following order:

Leads – two bowls alternately
Twos – two bowls alternately
Threes – two bowls alternately
Skips – two bowls alternately

(2) Each game will consist of 18 ends.

(3) The game will be won by the team with the most shots after the completion of the 18th end.

(4) If a match ends in a tie, an additional end will be played to determine the winner.

OTHER CLUB GAMES

B20. Patron’s Plate

(1) The Patron’s Plate is a handicapped and non-gender event that is open to all playing members of the club.

(2) Eligibility is based on being fully financial at the time of the draw – or in the previous financial year if the draw is conducted before subscriptions are due.

(3) Eligibility does not rely on a number of pennant games played.

(4) Before posting the entry form, the controlling body will set the date by which each round must be played and the closing date for entries. This information will be included on the entry form.

(5) The controlling body will meet, after entries have closed, to determine entrant handicaps based on the handicapping formula. The controlling body will then conduct the draw, and include each player’s handicap next to their name.

(6) In most cases, players can “zero out” their handicaps as shown in the following examples:

Example	Jack’s handicap	Kitty’s handicap	Jack starts on	Kitty starts on
A	–4	–2	–2	0
B	–4	+4	–4	+4
C	+4	+2	+2	0
D	+2	+2	0	0

Note: In example B only, where one player has a negative handicap and the other has a positive handicap, no change is made to their starting point.

(7) The game will be won by the first player to reach or exceed 25 shots.

(8) The winning player is responsible for entering their name into the appropriate slot on the draw sheet for the next round of the competition.

B21. Consistency challenge

(1) This competition is a singles game that is designed as a test of draw-bowling.

(2) After the jack is rolled by the player with the mat, the marker places the jack on the centre line on top of a five-cent piece (or a similar small, flat object).

(3) If the jack is moved off the coin during play the jack is re-placed on the coin by the marker. In effect, this means that moving the jack away from the bowls holding shot is not rewarded.

(4) If the bowl being bowled goes out-of-bounds (either to the side or into the ditch), even if it’s a toucher, it is counted as dead. It is to be ‘chalked’ by the marker so that it can be identified as such for scoring purposes (see below) and removed from the rink and placed on the bank.

(5) If bowls, other than the bowl being played, are knocked out-of-bounds (either to the side or into the ditch), they are not penalised in the point scoring (see below).

(6) At the end of each end, bowls are awarded points as follows:

Shot bowl – four points
Second shot – three points
Third shot – two points
Fourth shot – one point
Dead bowls (knocked out-of-bounds) – zero points
Dead bowls (bowled out-of-bounds) – minus five points

(7) The first player to reach or exceed 100 points wins the game.

(8) Start of play will be determined in accordance with paragraph B14. Thereafter, the player holding shot bowl (regardless of the score on the end) will have the mat for the next end.

B22. Sponsor’s Day

(1) Sponsor’s Day is a club-only event, open to all members of the club regardless of membership class.

(2) The controlling body will appoint two members to run the event, and invite our sponsors to attend. Sponsors may also choose to play if they wish.

(3) The event will normally be conducted as a random-draw fixture with team make-up being decided on the day by the number of entrants.

(4) The controlling body may vary the format if desired and may allocate rinks to sponsors who are playing before the random draw in order to spread our sponsors throughout the rinks.

(5) The event manager will conduct of the draw, collect the scorecards at the close of play, and notify the players of the results.

B23. Winter Social Bowls

(1) A Winter Social Bowls competition may be run between April and September.

(2) Winter Social Bowls is open to all members of the club (regardless of membership class), visitors and guests.

(3) The competition will normally be conducted as a random-draw fixture with team make-up being decided on the day by the number of entrants.

(4) The controlling body may vary the format if necessary.

(5) The controlling body will conduct the draw, collect the scorecards at the close of play, and notify the players of the results.

B24. Scroungers

(1) This game is played with 12 bowls per rink – either by four players with three bowls each or three players with four bowls each.

(2) Players play as individuals but only one card is kept per rink.

(3) The player listed first on the card scores the game.

(4) On the first end, the player listed first on the card rolls the jack. After the first end, the player that won the end – see rule (10) – rolls the jack.

(5) Players play in the order shown on the card.

(6) If the jack is rolled either too short, out-of-bounds or into the ditch, the player rolling the jack incurs minus three points.

(7) If the jack is incorrectly rolled per rule (6), the same player is to re-roll it.

(8) If the jack is put into the ditch during play, the player putting the jack into the ditch loses one point. Their bowl may still be counted during scoring– see rule (10).

(9) The jack is not centred – after it is rolled bowlers play to it wherever it ends up.

(10) At the end of each end, bowlers are awarded points as follows:

Shot bowl – three points
Second shot – two points
Third shot – one point

(11) There is no skip – all players play from the same end.

B25. Handicapping formula

(1) This handicapping system will be used for all competitions that allow handicapping.

(2) Pennant players will be handicapped based on their rank from the previous playing season. For example, the handicaps for the 2019 Patron’s Plate will be worked out based on the 2018-19 pennant season.

(3) Pennant players who have played pennant in two pennants will be handicapped based on the Saturday pennant.

(4) Pennant players who have played in two division in the one pennant, will be handicapped on the division they played 50% or more games in

(5) Players who played pennant for another club can be handicapped based on the competition/division they played in at the other club.

(6) Bowlers with experience who cannot be graded by virtue of playing pennant will be graded as a Saturday Division 2, 3, or 4 player, at the discretion of the Match Committee. This includes Midweek-only players.

(7) New bowlers without previous bowling experience will be deeded to be Saturday Division 6.

(8) The following table will be used to determine the initial point score for each player in the draw:

Division	Handicap
Saturday Premier	-8
Saturday Division 1	-6
Saturday Division 2	-4
Saturday Division 3 / Thursday Division 1	-2
Saturday Division 4 / Thursday Division 2	0
Saturday Division 5 / Thursday Division 3	+2
Saturday Division 6 / Thursday Division 4	+4
Saturday Division 7	+6

(9) The maximum handicap will be -8 and the minimum handicap will be +6.

(10) Handicaps may be “zeroed” as shown in By-Law B20(6).

PENNANT

B26. Selection of players

(1) The selection of players will be in accordance with the Club’s Selection Policy.

(2) All players in all divisions will be selected based on their ability.

(3) Given the nature of the three pennant competitions, however, it may be necessary to assess a player’s ability differently depending on which competition they are playing in or the nature of the surface the next game will be played on.

(4) Unless exceptional circumstances arise, if Sorell has to play one short on a given day, the vacancy will be carried by the lowest Division.

B27. Eligibility of players

(1) Each financial affiliated member is entitled to play at least one pennant game per week during the pennant season.

(2) If the member is regularly unable to play on a given day (for example, work commitments) they must be selected on another day unless they advise that they are unavailable or do not wish to play on that day.

(3) If the member is unavailable to play on an ad hoc basis (for example, away on holidays) there is no entitlement to be selected on another day in the same week, however, every effort should be made to accommodate them.

B28. Unavailability of players

(1) If a player informs the selection committee of an ongoing restriction to their availability (for example, they will only play at home) they must accept that they may not be selected at all for certain rounds.

(2) If a player informs the selection committee of a once-off restriction to their availability (for example, they have a commitment immediately following the game) selectors will attempt to accommodate this but again, they may not be selected at all for that round.

B29. Selection disputes

(1) If a member has a genuine concern about selection, they are to discuss their concern with the chairperson of the appropriate Selection Committee.

(2) The chairperson is to ensure they can make or reach a decision that is independent from bias and fair to all players.

(3) If they feel they cannot do this, they may appoint an independent arbiter or refer the matter to the Board of Management for resolution.

(4) If a complaint is received, it must be dealt with as quickly as possible. The chairperson (or independent arbiter) is to interview all parties in order to:

Fully understand the circumstances that led to the complaint
Ascertain what resolution is being sought by the person making the complaint.

(5) The decision of the chairperson, independent arbiter or board is final.

B30. Roles/Responsibilities

(1) The Chair of the Selection Committee is to

enforce the Selection Policy of the club within their Committee
ensure selection is fair and equitable across all divisions within their control
cast the deciding vote when needed to settle a selection disagreement.

(2) Selectors are to

meet to determine the best players for each division at least three days before the pennant they are selecting for.
ensure teams are posted on the noticeboard and the website after deliberations have finished.

(3) Duty Rink. When playing at home, one rink in each division will be nominated to:

Put up and take down the flags
Put out and take in the mats and jacks
Put out and take in the corner flags
Wash the dishes at the end of the game

(4) Side Captains (also known as the Match Manager) will:

Read, understand and follow the BTS Guidelines for Side Captains
Read and understand the BTS Conditions of Play
Liaise with the side captain of the opposition team to manage
- Cards
- Reporting of results
- Decisions affecting all rinks
Time the green (if called upon to do so)

(5) Skips will

control their rink
liaise with the opposition skip on decisions affecting their rink
liaise with the side captain or umpire on decisions about the game or rules respectively

(6) Thirds will

liaise with their skip about matters pertinent to the rink
call the umpire when in dispute with the opposition three over rules
kick bowls after the head has been declared

(7) Seconds will

keep the score for their rink
only kick bowls after the score has been recorded
change the scoreboard if their team lost the end

(8) Leads will

place the mat (if their team won the end) as quickly as possible
kick bowls after the head has been declared
ensure afternoon tea is ready (if playing at home) once the bell rings and they’ve bowled their two bowls.

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By-laws: Lawn Bowls

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