Rules and Constitution
Emsworth Bowling Club
Rules and Constitution
Last amended November 2025
1. TITLE.
The Club shall be called...THE EMSWORTH BOWLING CLUB.
The green is situated at: Diamond Jubilee Recreation Ground, Horndean Road, Emsworth. The Club will conform to the rules and policies of Bowls England and Bowls Hampshire.
2. AFFILIATION.
The Club shall be affiliated to Bowls England, Bowls Hampshire, Portsmouth and District Bowling Association, The Portsmouth and District Womens Bowling Association.
3. OBJECTIVES.
3.1 To promote, foster, play and safeguard the game of Bowls.
3.2 To adopt and enforce the Laws of the game as laid down by Bowls England, Bowls Hampshire and Portsmouth and District Bowling Association (Mens and Womens)
3.3 To conduct Annual Championships and Competitions.
3.4 To promote matches in support of charities.
3.5 To encourage the entry of Playing Members to any of the National and County and Portsmouth and District Competitions for Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours, or to any other recognized National Competition.
4. MEMBERSHIP.
Membership of the Club shall be open to any person, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or ability, who completes a membership application form and pays the relevant subscription/joining fee as determined by the Club.
Should the individual be a male or female transgender person the Club shall adopt the Bowls England Policy/Guidance extant at the date of their application.
4.1 Playing Membership
Offers the opportunity during the playing season to:-
Use the greens at any time they are available
Take part in internal Club competitions and Club organized events
Take part in Leagues competitions and friendly matches against other clubs
Contribute where possible to the running of the Club
Attend Club meetings
4.2 Junior Playing Membership up to the age of 18 yrs to be encouraged with reduced Membership fees to be decided annually by the Management Committee.
4.3 Playing membership limited to 135 or as agreed at a subsequent AGM.
4.4 All applications for Playing membership to be in writing on the official form.
4.5 A new Playing member joining the club on or after Open Day shall pay a reduced subscription of 50% of the current annual subscription.
4.6 All applications for playing and social membership must be on the approved form. The Management Committee has the right to refuse any application or terminate any new membership within the first three months returning any subscription paid.
Social Membership
4.7 Non-playing Social membership will be open to Ladies and Gentlemen of over 16 years, subject to the payment of an annual subscription, payable not later than the date agreed and approved by the membership at an AGM.
It offers the opportunity to watch any bowling match, full use of the Clubhouse facilities and to attend Social functions throughout the year. It requires no commitment to undertake a share of the everyday duties.
This membership offers no voting rights or opportunity for election as part of the Management or General Committee.
5. ADMINISTRATION.
5.1 The affairs and finances of the Emsworth Bowling Club will be conducted by a Management Committee.
5.2 The Management Committee will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Captain, Membership Secretary and 2 elected members.
5.3 Members of the Management Committee will be supported by the Club Officers as follows:
Club Officer Reporting To.
Ladies Captain Club Captain
Gentlemen’s Captain Club Captain
Ladies Vice Captain Ladies Captain
Gentlemen’s Vice Captain Gentlemen’s Captain
Match Secretary Club Captain
Competition Secretary Club Captain
Green Ranger Club Captain
Ladies Secretary Ladies President
Gentlemen’s Secretary Gentlemen’s President
Catering Manager Club Treasurer
Premises Manager Club President
Membership Secretary Secretary or Treasurer
Safeguarding Officer Membership Secretary
Social Secretary Club President
5.4 Members of the Management Committee, together with the Club Officers shall form the General Committee.
5.5 The Management Committee and Club Officers will be elected at Annual General Meetings.
5..6 Annual General Meetings of the Ladies and Gentlemen’s Sections will be held separately prior to the Club Annual General Meeting. Both Sections will elect a President, Secretary, Captain and Vice- Captain.
5..7 The President and Vice President will be elected on an annual basis, holding office for one year in line with all other positions. Any member can stand for these positions. Should there be more than one member seeking election then a vote will take place at the AGM. Both President and Vice President may seek re-election of these positions on an annual basis, if they wish to do so.
5.8.1 The Management Committee will meet periodically throughout the year as deemed necessary by the President or Club Secretary. Such meetings shall take place on no fewer than four occasions during the year.
5.8.2 The General Committee shall meet on no fewer than two occasions during the year. The two meetings will take place oncebefore and once on completion of the playing season.
The purpose of these meetings is to receive reports and proposals from the individual officers and to discuss any concerns that may be raised.
5.9 The Management and General Committees will have the right to co-opt members as necessary and have the right to appoint Sub Committees, membership of which should include at least one member of the appointing Committee. Co-opted members will not have voting rights.
5.10 No member of the General Committee shall hold Office in any other outdoor bowling Club.
5.11 Two Auditors who may or may not be members of the Club will be appointed at the Club Annual General Meeting.
5.12 The President will take the Chair for the Club Annual General Meeting, Club Extraordinary General Meetings and meetings of both the Management Committee and General Committee. In the case of the President's unavailability the chair will be taken by the Vice President if any. Otherwise the management committee, or failing that, the members present on the day will appoint a chair for the meeting.
A Quorum of four is required to make decisions. The Club President to have a casting vote and the Chairperson when officiating will have no voting rights.
5.13 A suggestion book shall be made available to full Club members in the Clubhouse during the bowling season. The Club Secretary shall ensure recorded comments are considered by the General Committee and a written response entered in the book
5.14 A copy of all Committee meeting minutes are to be available in the Clubhouse.
Life Vice Presidency, which offers free membership, may be conferred on a member who has rendered outstanding service to the Club, even though he or she may no longer be an active member. Nominations must be proposed and seconded 28 days prior to the Club Annual General Meeting.
5.16. Trustees. The Club shall appoint not less than 2 and not more than 4 Trustees who shall not be members of the Management Committee, and who shall continue in office as long as they wish to do so and are able to do so. The Club shall indemnify the Trustees against financial liability provided only that they carry out their duties in a diligent and proper manner.
Where the Management Committee identifies an issue which, in their judgement, is capable of causing damage to the reputation of the club or the well-being of the members, the Trustees must be informed of the issue as soon as is reasonably practicable.
In the event of the death of a Trustee (s) or Trustee (s) wishing to resign, the Management Committee are empowered to propose successor(s) to be voted on at a General meeting.
6 GENERAL MEETINGS
6.1 Club Meetings are as follows.
(i) The Annual General Meeting
(ii) Special General Meetings
(iii) Ladies Section General Meeting.
(iv) Gentlemen’s Section General Meeting.
(v) Ladies Pre-Season Meeting
(vi) Gentlemen’s Pre-Season Meeting
6.2 General Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the Club’s Standing Orders ( See Appendix ‘A’)
6.3 The Annual General Meeting.
6.3.1 The Club A.G.M. Will be held during the month of November. The date to be decided by the Management Committee.
6.3.2 A notice of A.G.M. together with Agenda, Minutes of the previous meeting Balance sheet and notice of Resolutions for consideration, will be circulated by the Club Secretary to all fully paid up Playing Members giving a minimum of 14 days-notice.
Social members will be given notice of AGM and Agenda. A copy of the AGM booklet will be available in the clubhouse 14 days prior to the AGM.
6.3.3 The Club quorum to be 1/3rd Playing membership.
6.3.4 Club Playing members wishing to nominate a fellow member as a candidate for any position on the Management Committee, or as a Club Officer, may do so in writing to the Club Secretary 21 days prior to the A.G.M., using the Nomination form provided by the Club.
6.3.5 A nominations board will be posted in the Clubhouse for at least 21 days prior to the end of the playing season. A proposer and seconder is required, and the permission of the Nominee.
6.3.6 If there is more than one nomination for a position, a ballot will be held at the A.G.M. on official ballot papers, to be counted by two scrutineers recruited from the floor. Each full Playing member will be entitled to one vote in respect of each position to be filled.
6.4 Special General Meetings.
6.4.1 A Special General Meeting may be called at the discretion of the Management Committee having given the membership fourteen days-notice of such meeting and its specific objective. No other business may be raised or discussed other than that on the agenda.
6.4.2 The Club quorum to be 1/3rd Playing membership.
6.4.3 A Special Meeting may be called by Playing members in writing to the Secretary, bearing at least 20 signatures of bonafidePlaying Members of the Club, and stating the objectives of the meeting. Fourteen days-notice will be given to the members together with an agenda reflecting the stated objectives of said meeting. Business will be confined to the agenda.
6.5 Ladies Section General Meeting
6.5.1 A ladies Section meeting will be held prior to the Club Annual General Meeting and conducted in accordance with the Club’s standing orders (see Appendix ‘A’)
6.5.2 A notice of the meeting, together with Agenda, minutes of the previous meeting, and notice of resolutions for consideration will be circulated by the Ladies Section Secretary to all fully paid up Lady Playing members giving a minimum of fourteen days-notice.
6.5.3 The Ladies Section quorum to be 1/3rd Playing membership
6.5.4 The objectives of the meeting are.
(i) To receive reports from retiring Officers.
(ii) To elect a Ladies Captain, Ladies Vice Captain andLadies Secretary.
(iii) Any other business.
6.6 Gentlemen’s Section General Meeting
6.6.1 A gentlemen’s Section Meeting will be held prior to the Club Annual General Meeting and conducted in accordance with the Club’s standing orders (see Appendix ‘A’)
6.6.2 A notice of the meeting, together with agenda, minutes of the previous meeting, and notice of resolutions for consideration, will be circulated by the Gentlemen’s Secretary to all fully paid up gentlemen Playing members giving a minimum of 14 days-notice.
6.6.3 The Gentlemen’s Section quorum to be 1/3rd Playingmembership.
6.6.4 The objectives of the meeting are.
(i) To receive reports from retiring Officers
(ii) To elect a Gentlemen’s Captain, Gentlemen’s Vice Captain and Gentlemen’s Secretary.
(iii) Any other business.
6.7 Ladies Section pre - season Meeting.
The Agenda must include the following items
(i) To advise members of forthcoming season match commitments.
(ii) To discuss and agree selection policy for the coming season.
6.8 Gentlemen’s Section pre - season Meeting.
The Agenda must include the following items
(i) To advise members of forthcoming season match commitments.
(ii) To discuss and agree selection policy for the coming season.
7. SUBSCRIPTIONS
7.1 Members annual renewal subscriptions will be reviewed and determined by the Playing members at the AGM.
7.2 The Management Committee is empowered to refuse renewal of membership to any member persistently in breach of Club rules or considered to oppose the interests of the Club. Offending members shall be liable to expulsion at any time at the discretion of the Management Committee.
8. DRESS.
8.1 Dress shall be in accordance with Standard Regulations of the Affiliated Associations and as specified in the Clubhouse rules.
9. ALTERATION TO THE CONSTITUTION AND CLUB RULES.
9.1 New rules, amendments or revocation of existing rules, may only be admitted at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.
9.2 The notice convening the General meeting will clearly define proposals in respect of rules. All proposals in respect of rules to be in writing to the Club Secretary at least 21 days prior to the General meeting. Such proposals, put to the Playing membership at a General meeting, to carry a simple majority of those present. In the event of a tie, the chair has a casting or deciding vote.
10. DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS.
10.1 Club President.
10.1.1 He / She will have a casting vote at all General and Management Committee Meetings and will also act as chairperson if required.
10.1.2 He / She will be expected to attend all Club Single Day Competitions, Finals Days and certain prestigious matches as nominated and agreed by the Management Committee.
10.2 Club Vice President.
The Club Vice President will deputise for and assist the Club President.
10.3. Club Secretary.
10.3.1 Shall convene, attend and take minutes at all General Meetings of the Club and all meetings of the Management Committee
10.3.2 Shall conduct the correspondence of the Club.
10.3.3 Shall coordinate, edit and get published inputs for the Club Annual Newsletter.
10.3.4 Shall compile, edit and get published the Club Year book to be available to all members at the Club pre - season meeting.
10.3.5 Shall liaise with Havant Borough Council on all Club matters.
10.3.6 On his/her retirement from Office, the Club Secretary shall hand over to his/her successor all books and papers appertaining to the Office.
10.4 Club Treasurer.
10.4.1 The Treasurer will be responsible for maintaining the bank account, operating an approved system of book keeping, accounting for the Clubs income and expenditure and preparing, for prior circulation to all Members and presentation at the Annual General Meeting, a duly audited annual financial report.
10.4.2 Shall receive all monies payable to the Club and shall issue a receipt in the following circumstances: a) when an individual member has been responsible for collecting monies from other members totalling more than £50 and b) when requested to do so.
10.4.3 Has the authority to issue cheques up to an amount as agreed by Members at the Annual General Meeting. Cheques for amounts above this agreed level to be countersigned by one other member of the Management Committee.
10.4.4 Shall be responsible for running the Lottery Bonus Ball Competition.
10.4.5 Shall ensure visitors green fees are displayed on the Club house notice board.
10.4.6 Shall be responsible for the operation of an income and expenditure system for all Club house catering.
10.4.7 Shall be responsible for the collection of all membership and locker fees.
10.6 Club Captain
10.6.1 The Club Captain shall be in complete charge of Members conduct on the green and will act as arbiter in the case of any dispute brought to his/her notice subject to a Member’s right of appeal to the Management Committee.
10.6.2 Shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct standard of dress required in Appendix ‘B’ of the rules is maintained..
10.6.3 Shall chair the selection committee for the Club Reflex league team squad and ensure timely publication of all such fixtures and selections on the Club notice boards.
10.6.4 Shall oversee the duties of the following Club Officers. Ladies Captain, Gentlemen’s Captain, Match Secretary, Competition Secretary, and Green Ranger.
10.6.5 Will be expected to attend all Club single day competitions, Finals days and certain prestigious matches and occasions as nominated by the Management Committee.
10.7 Match Secretary.
10.7.1 The Match Secretary is responsible to the Club Captain for coordinating the Club bowling programme, upkeep of the Club diary, arranging all friendly matches (home and away), and selecting teams for all the friendly matches and ensuring timely publication of all such fixtures and selections on the club notice boards.
10.7.2 Shall provide the Club Secretary with a complete list of matches to enable production of a fixtures list for circulation to members at the pre season meeting and inclusion in the Club Year book.
10.7.3 Shall select teams for all friendly matches and ensure timely publication of all such fixtures and selections on the Club notice boards.
10.8 Competition Secretary.
10.8.1 The Competition Secretary will organize, supervise and be responsible to the Club Captain for running the approved Club competitions in accordance with the Club competition rules.
10.8.2 Shall provide the Club Secretary with a complete list of Club Competitions for insertion in the Club fixture list for circulation to Members at the pre - season meeting and inclusion in the Club Year book.
10.8.3. Will collect entrance fees, and keep an account of all monies received which shall be paid to the Treasurer.
10.8.4 Will ensure the honours boards are kept up to date and that all costs incurred in carrying out these duties are met from competition entry fees.
10.8.5 Shall keep account of all monies paid (supported by receipts) on submission to the Treasurer.
10.10 Green Ranger.
10.10.1 The Green Ranger shall be responsible to the Club Captain for all matters appertaining to the green.
10.10.2 Decide on bad weather closing/opening of the green and the necessity to use mats.
10.10.3 Define the policy and regulate, in conjunction with the Contractor the watering system.
10.10.4 Decide the green stringing policy and ensure clear daily instructions are provided in the Club Stewards Log book.
10.10.5 Maintain regular liaison with the Green Keeping Company as appointed by the Management Committee
10.11 Female President or Vice President (when elected).
10.11.1 Be responsible for the activities of the Ladies Section and chair all Ladies Section meetings.
10.11.2 Shall represent the Ladies of the Club at all outside Club functions.
10.12 Ladies Secretary.
10.12.1 The Ladies Secretary will be responsible to the Ladies President for
10.12.2 The collection of all entry fees for Ladies County and P&D competitions.
10.12.3 Advising the Club Treasurer of all Ladies affiliation fees.
10.12.4 Dealing with all correspondence from the County and P&D Ladies Section Secretaries.
10.12.5 Representing the Ladies Section at all County and P&D Committee meetings.
10.12.6 Ensuring that all monies collected by Ladies for various fund raising activities are passed to the Club Treasurer
10.12.7 Preparation and submission of an Annual report for the Ladies Section meeting.
10.13 Ladies Captain.
10.13.1 Shall be responsible for the selection of all ladies teams.
10.13.2 Shall form part of the selection Committee for all mixed matches.
10.14 Ladies Vice Captain.
10.14.1 Shall assist the Ladies Captain in the selection of teams for all ladies matches.
10.14.2 Shall deputise for the Ladies Captain as required.
10.15 Male President or Vice President (when elected).
10.15.1 Shall be responsible for the activities of the Gentlemen’s Section and chair all Gentlemen’s Section meetings.
10.15.2 Shall represent the Gentlemen of the Club at all outside Club functions.
10.17 Gentlemens Captain.
10.17.1 Shall be responsible for the selection of all gentlemen’s teams.
10.17.2 Shall form part of the selection Committee for all mixed matches.
10.18 Gentlemens Vice Captain.
10.18.1 Shall assist the Gentlemen’s Captain in the selection of teams for all gentlemens matches.
10.18.2 Shall deputise for the Gentlemens Captain as required
10.16 Gentlemen’s Secretary.
10.16.1 The Gentlemens Secretary will be responsible to the Gentlemen’s President for:
10.16.2 The collection of all entry fees for all County and P&D Competitions.
10.16.3 Advising the Club Treasurer of all Gentlemens affilliationfees.
10.16.4 Dealing with all corresepondence from the County and P&D Gentlemens Secretaries.
10.16.5 Representing the Gentlemen at all County and P&DCommittee meetings.
10.16.6 Ensuring that all monies collected by Gentlemen for various fund raising activities are passed to the Club Treasurer
10.16.7 Preparing and submitting an annual report at the Gentlemen’s Section meeting.
10.19 Catering Manager
10.19.1 Shall arrange supplies of refreshments, toiletries, cleaning products and laundry services
10.19.2 Shall make charges to members for the provision of refreshments
10.19.3 Shall arrange teams of helpers to provide refreshments during the bowling season for inter club matches and other bowling events, excluding social functions.
10.19.4 Shall maintain a cash float in respect of the above activities and account to the Treasurer for all expenditure, at intervals to be agreed between them.
10.20 Safeguarding Officer
10.20.1 Advise on child protection issues and attend Club General Meetings and Management Meetings as required.
10.20.2 Assist the Club in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for young players, including the adoption of national governing body 'Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Procedures and Codes of Practice.
10.20.3 Be the first point of contact for Club Members, volunteers, children and parents, regarding any issue concerning safeguarding children, poor practice, potential or alleged abuse
10.21 Membership Secretary.
10.21.1 Shall be responsible for maintaining an up to date register of club members and informing members of the General Committee of all changes.
10.21.2 Shall receive and review all applications for membership and distribute a “welcome pack” to all new members upon payment of their subscription.
10.21.3 Shall be responsible for the advertising and organisation of the Club Open Day.
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10.22 Premises Manager
10.22.1 The role of the Premises Manager is to monitor the Club's leased real estate including security, fences and gates (but specifically excluding the Green, Ditches, Irrigation System and associated turf maintenance equipment) and to arrange for any repairs. This will include the contract servicing of fire precautions.
10.22.2 They will be the initial point of contact for reporting any faults or maintenance issues and will liaise with the Management Committee in dealing with such matters.
10.22.3 Where appropriate they will liaise with the Green Ranger and Catering Manager on any shared issues or concerns
10.22.4 For the avoidance of doubt the Premises Manager is not required or indeed expected to undertake any maintenance work themselves and, in all cases will source and instruct qualified persons to carry out repairs, installations etc..
10.23 Social Secretary
10.23.1 Responsible for co-ordinating, keeping a calendar of and publicising non-bowling linked social activities throughout the year.
10.23.2 Ensuring that premises bookings and proceeds if any are recorded.
10.23.3 For the avoidance of doubt this is a co-ordination role and the holder is not required or expected to mount or organise any activities beyond that which they would wish to take on themselves.
10.24 Elected Members.
10.24.1 Two elected members shall form part of the Management Committee and shall assist in the administration of the Club as directed by the President.
10.24.2 One of the elected members shall represent the Club on the Havant Borough Sports Council.
11. SELECTION COMMITTEES.
11.1 Ladies Teams.
The Selection Committee shall comprise of the Ladies Captain and Vice Captain who shall be responsible to the Club Captain for selecting and revising teams squads for all ladies matches.
11.2 Gentlemens Teams
The Selection Committee shall comprise of the Gentlemen’sCaptain and Vice Captain who shall be responsible to the Club Captain for selecting and revising team squads for all gentlemen’smatches.
11.3 Mixed Teams.
The Selection Committee shall comprise of the Club Captain, Ladies and Gentlemen’s Captains who shall be responsible for selecting and revising team squads for all mixed matches excluding friendlies.
11.4 Selection Committees shall have the right to co-opt any member of the Club to act in an advisory capacity.
11.5 Selection Committees shall meet as appropriate to ensure timely publication on the Club notice boards of teams selected.
12. DISSOLUTION.
12.1 The Club may be dissolved by resolution passed at a special or Annual General Meeting subject to:
12.2 The Secretary having advised each member in writing of the said meeting and given fourteen days-notice.
12.3 The resolution to be carried with a minimum vote of 75% ofPlaying Members present.
12.4 Havant Borough Council to be notified immediately such resolution has been passed.
12.5 After discharging all debts and liabilities of the Club, the remaining assets shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members of the club, but shall be given or transferred to some other voluntary organisation having similar objectives.
Appendix ‘A’
Standing Orders for General Meetings.
1. The Meeting will be conducted according to the Agenda circulated, or in the case of a Special General Meeting, confined to the business for which it was called.
2. Proposition. No proposition will be discussed unless it has been seconded. Any number of amendments may be put to a proposition but only one amendment to be considered by the Meeting at one time.
3. An amendment, if carried, supersedes the proposition.
4. The Mover/Proposer of a proposition shall be allowed 5 minutes to speak on same. Other Speakers will also be allowed 2 minutes with their observations. Speakers may only speak once on a proposition or amendment, with the exception of the Mover/Proposer who enjoys the right of reply.
5. No member will interrupt another member speaking, except on a point of order, and then only through the chair.
6. No proposition once carried may be further discussed, amended and/or altered at the same meeting.
7. A proposition heard at a meeting and defeated may not be resubmitted for six months.
8. Voting may be made by a show of hands or by ballot.
9. The Chairperson shall take no part in the discussions, except where he/she vacates the Chair.(as is their right as a member) when he/she may then voice their personal opinion.
10. The President to have the casting vote.
Appendix ‘B’
Club House Rules
1. Dress.
The Club shirt only requires to be worn in League matches, Reflex and Friendlies, not for club competitions or the Monday Drive.
For Club competitions and the Monday Drive to be grey below the waist and white above, except when full whites is specified. This applies to members and guests. Footwear to be brown, white or grey.
Ladies will wear plain white blouses with either long/short sleeves.
For County, all P&D matches and friendly matches Home and Away, the dress code specified for the day shall be observed.
1B. Men are permitted to wear tailored shorts and sports socks and women are permitted to wear styled three-quarter length trousers in Drives and internal Club Competitions only.
The colours are limited to grey and white.
1C Ladies and men are to be allowed to wear any suitable clothing (not club clothing) for casual roll-ups and non-competitive practice sessions. This is to include the ladies, gents and mixed roll-ups, but not the Drive as this forms part of a club competition.
2 Footwear..
Only regulation flat bowling shoes may be worn on the green.
3. Smoking, Vaping or the use of e-cigarettes of any kind are not permitted anywhere on the club premises. Any reference within this Constitution referring to a 'designated area for smoking within the club premises' is hereby revoked.
4. Visitors.
Visitors, as guests of Members may play a maximum of three times as a guest and shall pay any charge or charges as may be set by the Management Committee and displayed on the Club house notice boards. The use of greens by Visitors must not be to the detriment of Club members. The number of Visitors at any one time may be restricted by the Management Committee if circumstances deem it necessary.
There shall be an additional charge of up to 10% for non- members at club functions.
5. Attendance Book.
All Members and guests, must enter their name in the Attendance book held in the Clubhouse.
6. Booking Rinks.
Regular internal Club playing events will be entered in the diary at the commencement of the season. These will include Monday afternoon Drive, Tuesday Men’s Morning, Wednesday Club Roll-up (3 rinks) Friday Ladies Afternoon.
Rinks may be booked in advance for competitions, County, P&D Club competitions and organised Club friendlies only. Bookings to be noted by rink No. in the desk diary.
Rinks are not available for competitions or games of other Clubs, except with the permission of the Secretary.
Individual rinks for roll ups cannot be booked.
Rinks that have been booked become available for the use of others, if not in use within 15 minutes of the booked time.
Competitions and matches will take priority over casual games, County and P&D matches will take precedence over Club competitions, but not inter-Club matches.
7. Green Equipment.
In every instance it is the responsibility of Playing Members to ensure that all jacks, mats, scoreboards and other Club equipment having been used shall, without fail, be returned to the Club Store room.
7.1 Club Bowls. The use by members of club bowls is limited to the first three months of Club membership.
8. Friendlies- Club Organised.
A Playing Member may add their name to the appropriate match list on the notice board to indicate availability to play.
The selected team list together with reserves will appear on the notice board to indicate teams selected 7 days prior to play.
Those selected must confirm their ability to be present with a tick beside their name on the selected team list, and if they are unable to attend, must advise the Organising Member, whose name will be displayed on the list.
Reserves should be prepared to attend as necessary.
A charge will be made to each Member for all Home matches to cover the cost of serving refreshments or tea.
9 Clubhouse Cleaning.
9.1 Club house cleaning shall be undertaken by a Contractor.
9.2 Estimates shall be obtained by the Club Secretary for a regular cleaning service throughout the playing season to a specification compiled and agreed by the Management Committee.
9.3 The closing date for bids shall be such to ensure that the Contract is placed by the start of the playing season
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10.0 Clubhouse Catering.
10.1 All Club catering arrangements are under the control of the Catering Manager, supported by catering teams of Club members. The Catering Manager shall be responsible for displaying such teams for Special Events throughout the playing season in the Club Year Book.
10.2 All food and drink is supplied by the Catering Manager, who shall define the type of meal provided for each event, and recover the costs from each participating Member accordingly
10.3 Monies for tea and biscuits provided for all home matches, shall be collected by each team Captain and passed to the Assistant Treasurer.
10.4 Monies for refreshments provided for all other Club events shall be paid to the catering volunteers of the day, and passed to the Assistant Treasurer.
10.5 The charge for meals provided for Friendly fixtures shall reflect as closely as is reasonable the cost of the meal provided. It shall not be the intention of the club to produce a profit from the meals.
11.0 Club house Winter use.
11.1 The Clubhouse can be booked, irregularly or regularly, for specific social events during the close season. The onus is upon the Management Committee to foster interest in the winter usage of the Clubhouse and constructive ideas from the membership will be welcomed.
12.0 Stewardship
12.1 Stewardship of the Club shall be undertaken by all male full members on an alphabetical roster throughout the playing season, if deemed necessary by the Management Committee. These duties are as follows.
(i) Open and close the Club daily throughout the playing season.
(ii) Set up rinks in accordance with the stringing plan instructions given by Green Ranger, and comply with any other particular instructions listed in The Stewards Log book.
(iii) Collect green fees and attend to Public rink bookings
(iv) Ensure that all equipment is returned to the appropriate store, all power and water supplies not in use are turned off and the Clubhouse and gates are properly secured at the end of each day.
(v) Dispose of all waste.
(vi) Place 'Out of Use Today' notices on rinks as required, consulting with Green Ranger as necessary.
(vii) Report to Green Ranger and the Club Secretary immediately, any defects found within the Clubhouse or Green and environs.
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13.0 Responsibilities of Members.
13.1 Each Member shall
(a) Endeavour to safeguard the Emsworth Bowling Club.
(b) Support the Management Committee.
(c)Encourage new Membership .
(d) Promote the Club whenever possible.
(e) Share responsibility for the daily functioning of the Club and ensure all equipment is returned to the store on completion of use.
Appendix C Competitions
Section 1 Club Singles and Pairs Competitions
Normally the club will mount the following competitions according tothe formats laid down. However the Competition Secretary, in consultation with the management committee, can set a minimum entry for any of the competitions.
Singles
1. Ladies 4 wood singles Winner first to 21 shots (The Josephine Durant Bowl)
2. Men's 4 wood singles Winner first to 21 shots (The Jack Brown Cup)
3. Ladies 2 wood singles Winner over 21 ends (The Glenys Bowl)
4. Men's two wood singles Winner over 21 ends (Two Wood Shield)
5. Mixed handicap 4 wood singles Winner first to 21 shots (Silver Bowling Wood)
Pairs Winner over 21 ends
6. Ladies Pairs (The Lloyd Shield)
7. Men's pairs (The Mike Cotton Cup)
8. Mixed pairs (Pairs to be one Lady and one Man by draw) (The Thistle Cup)
Pairs Winner over 16 ends
9. Mixed Australian pairs (Draw ignoring Gender) (The Dennis Evans Memorial Tray)
CLUB SINGLES & PAIRS COMPETITION
All club playing members may participate in one or more competitions by placing their name on the entry forms posted on the notice board and paying the appropriate fees if any. Entries are individual and the sides for Pairs matches will be decided by draw. In the case of an odd number of entries in a pairs competition the last player to sign up will not go into the draw.
Entrants must guarantee to be available for the published Finals Weekend. In the event of postponement of all or part of the Finals Weekend every effort will be made to accommodate limited availability of finalists in any rearrangements.
Organisation
1. Appendix A of the Law of the Sport of Bowls shall cover all internal competition games played at Emsworth Bowling Club. Playing order will be decided by draw carried out by the Competition Secretary and witnessed by at least two of the following: Captains, Vice Captains or Match Secretaries.
2. The Competition Secretary shall be responsible for all matters concerning club competitions. They will
● Post entry sheets in the clubhouse in April
● Arrange any draws by May 1st
● Post the draw on the notice boards in the first week of May.
● Set the play by deadlines for each competition round and print them on the draw sheets
3. Competitors must play their game within the time defined by the competition draw-sheet.
3.1 Unless otherwise agreed by the players concerned the first named person(s) on the draw, defined as the challenger, is responsible for arranging the game with their opponents and also arranging for a Marker to officiate at singles games.
3.2 If any player refuses for any reason to agree to any offered playing date under 3.1 above without providing alternatives up to and including the play by date they, and their partner if any, will forfeit the game.
3.3 Games can be played at any time before the play by date for that match. (For example in a Competition where the rounds start at the quarter final stage and the play by date for that round is 12th July any quarter final match can be played at any time between May 1st and July 12th.)
3.4 If, due to some unforeseen difficulty, a game cannot be played by the published play by date the players must inform the Competition Secretary at least seven days before the play by date. Provided the Competition secretary is informed, and unless they are notified otherwise, players can assume they have 'deemed permission' for the game to be played within seven days after and including the play by date. No further extensions will be granted. If players are unable to meet the timescale set under this rule they shall withdraw from that competition immediately.
3.5 With the exception of Finals, or any semi-finals listed by date in the yearbook, if competitors become aware later than the seven day notice specified in 3.4 above that they cannot play in any competition round by the play by date they must inform the competition secretary immediately explaining the precise circumstances. Any extension granted under this clause is at the discretion of the competition secretary whose decision is final.
3.6 In Pairs games no substitutes are permitted under any circumstances and rule 3.5 above will apply in all cases.
4. Handicapping.
4.1 Handicaps will be based solely on performance in Club Singles Competitions in the preceding two seasons. They are calculated on the following scale for each competition:
Last Season - Winner 3 points Runner Up 2 Points Losing Semi-Finalist 1 Point
Previous Season - Winner 2 points Runner up 1 point
The maximum possible handicap for any single player is 15
4.2 In handicap matches the handicaps shall be the aggregate of the two players. For example, if Player X has a handicap of 5 and Player Y a handicap of 3 the game will start with Player X -2 and Player Y on 0. Match handicaps can only be minus figures or zero.
5. On no account should competition matches be scheduled for
Monday 14.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 10.00 -12.00
6. Scorecards should be kept by the Marker or one Skip and when completed signed by both sides and placed in the competition rack next to the pavilion door.
Conditions of Play - Club Single and Pairs Competitions
7.1 There are no restrictions on the age of bowls that can be used.
7.2 Play will be under the supervision of the 'Controlling Body' which will consist of the Competition Secretary, in association with the Club Captain and the Umpire if appointed. Competitors and Markers shall wear greys for preliminary rounds and whites for finals.
7.3 Any disputes concerning the Conditions of Play. shall be referred to the Controlling Body. In the case of :
● Preliminary Rounds within 24 hours of the game being played or
● Finals within 10 minutes of the completion of the game.
7.4 On Finals Days rinks will be allocated by a draw
7.5 Two trial ends are available up to the number of woods allowed in the competition.
7.6 In the case of a tied match an additional end will be played with possession of the mat decided by tossing a coin.
7.7 In preliminary rounds the Competitors will decide fitness for play. On any Finals Day the Controlling Body together with the Green Ranger will be the sole judges of the fitness of the Green or any rink thereon for play. Game stoppages, for any reason, will be the decision of this body.
7.8 Visiting the head is permitted but competitors should use visits to the head sparingly and only after informing their opponent.
As a guide players can visit the head in:
Singles 2 Woods - after delivery for first wood
Singles 4 Woods - after delivery of 3rd and 4th woods
Pairs Lead - after delivery of 3rd and 4th woods
Pairs Skip - after delivery of 2nd 3rd and 4th woods
7.9 The Umpire, when appointed, or a member of the Controlling Body, shall warn competitors, particularly in Pairs matches when they consider there are excessive visits to the head prior to the last few ends.
Section 2 Other Competitions
The Paul Kemp Friendship Day
Open to all comers a pairs based round robin competition with a pairs semi -final the winning pair playing each other in the final
The John Durant Trophy
Open to ladies who have not been in a final in the current season run as a four wood singles round robin with semi- finals and final between the leaders in the round robin groups. In the case of abandonment due to weather the competition can be rescheduled at the discretion of the management committee
The September Vase
Open to men who have not been in a final in the current season run as a four wood singles round robin with semi- finals and final between the leaders in the round robin groups. In the case of abandonment due to weather the competition can be rescheduled at the discretion of the management committee
The Monday Drive
An all comers competition based on the scores in the Monday Drive open to all to have played a minimum of SIX drives. The winner is the entrant with the highest aggregate of their best six scores.
The Weekend Triples
An all comers squad based league played at weekends over 12, 16 or 18 ends scoring and two trial ends.
Competitors shall enter individually and squads will be determined by the Competition Secretary having regard to ability. Each squad selects a team leader who is responsible for rotating team members to play in each game. Every squad member must play at least once. Two points shall be awarded for a win and one for a draw. The team with the highest points wins the competition. In the case of a tie the winner will be decided on the aggregate number of shots scored over the competition or by a playoff. Substitutes may be used provided that they are not a member of another team and are not permitted to play as skip. Games postponed due to bad weather shall be rearranged by mutual agreement as soon as possible.
Insofar as they apply the playing conditions are as specified in section 7 above.