Club Competitions Rules
In the event of any dispute, the Competition Secretary’s decision is final.
Entry and Payment
To enter one or more competitions, complete an entry form, pay the appropriate fee and pass the form to the Treasurer before the published date (usually in April). The Treasurer will check that the fee has been paid and pass the form to the Competitions Secretary.
Eligibility
The Club Competitions are open to all SVBC Junior and Full Members, subject to the following restrictions: -
| Competition | Restriction |
|---|---|
All |
All entrants must be available for Finals Days which are usually in September. See Fixture List or Club Competitions Entry Form for exact dates. |
Men’s & Women's Singles |
Where an individual is a member of 2 clubs, they will only be permitted to enter the Men’s or Women's Singles if they have also entered their County Competitions (if applicable) from SVBC. |
Senior Citizens |
Only open to members over 65 on 1 April in the year of the competition. |
Novices |
Only open to members who have never won a singles competition of any club of which they have been a member. |
Plate |
Only 1st round losers in the Handicap will be entered into the Plate (automatic entry). |
The Draw
The draw shall be undertaken by the Competition Secretary after the closing date for entries.
Player handicaps shall be determined by the Competition Secretary, in the range 0 to 8, with the best players having the lowest handicaps.
The draw for each competition, including player handicaps and dates by which each round shall be played, shall be placed on the noticeboard in the clubhouse and/or displayed on the website.
Organising Matches
It is the responsibility of the first named player(s) to promptly make contact with the opponent(s) to mutually arrange a date & time for matches to be played and, in singles, to secure the services of a Marker who must be a member of SVBC. Any difficulties to be notified to the Competition Secretary.
When the playing date has been agreed on, the date and time must be entered in the Green Booking Diary, which is kept in the Key and Equipment Store Room, or electronically, where such a system is in place.
All matches must be played within the time limits set by the Competition Secretary. However, in certain circumstances and with the consent of both parties and the Competition Secretary, the match may be played after the closing date for that round of that competition, providing a definite date and time has been agreed and entered in the Green Booking Diary, or electronically, where such a system is in place.
If this procedure is not adhered to, the Competition Secretary shall scratch from that competition the competitor who is at fault and inform both competitors of the fact. If neither of the competitors is deemed to be mainly responsible for the non-completion of the match, then the Competition Secretary shall arrange a meeting to decide the outcome of the match and invite both competitors. Should either or neither competitor be present then an independent member, preferably a member of the Management Committee, should be present. The result of that meeting should be communicated to both competitors immediately.
Marker
The role of the Marker is to assist the players in a singles match to enable them to focus on the match itself. The responsibilities of the Marker in SVBC Club Singles Competitions are as follows: -
- Equip themselves with chalk, a measure, a pen and a scorecard.
- If there are spectators, consider using a scoreboard and keep it up-to-date.
- Ensure that the players abide by the laws of the game & the rules of the particular Club Competition match being played.
- At each end, centre the jack and ensure the correct length.
- Mark all touchers (except in 91-Up games).
- When informed by the players after each end, record the score on the scorecard and regularly keep the players informed of the overall score.
- Concisely answer any questions asked by the player holding the rink as to the state of the head. Do not offer additional information or help.
- If requested by the players, measure all doubtful shots but do not move a bowl out of the head.
- At the end of the game, check the scorecard is correct, obtain the signatures of both players on it and sign it.
Playing
Rinks cannot be booked by number; they must be drawn as follows. At the beginning of each match, all rink balls apart from the nominated practice rink ball and any balls for rinks already in use, should be placed in the bag provided. When both contestants for a match have arrived, one ball should be drawn from the bag to determine which rink is to be used. The drawn ball should be the placed on the rack provided.
The direction of bowling shall be made by the Green Keeper and will be shown on the noticeboard and green markers. The semi-finals and finals shall be played on a ‘starred’ rink, currently (2021) rinks 1 to 6 from the clubhouse and rinks 3 to 6 across.
Whilst it is not necessary to wear a bowls shirt while playing a Club Competition (other than for a final), if one is worn, then it must be a SVBC shirt. It is not permissible to wear a bowls shirt from any other club or association.
Normal bowls rules and etiquette apply unless altered by the table below. The format of each competition is as follows: -
| Competition | Format |
|---|---|
Men’s & Women's Singles |
4 bowls each, winner is first to 21 shots, i.e. 21 scoring woods. |
91-Up |
Singles, 4 bowls each, winner is first to, or past, 91 points. Points awarded as follows for each end: - Closest to jack 4 pts, next closest 3 pts, next 2 pts, next 1pt. No chalking. Woods in the ditch are dead. A jack in the ditch is re-spotted 2m from its position in the ditch. In the event of a draw at 90-90, the wood closest to the jack on the final end wins the match. |
Senior Citizens |
Singles, 4 bowls each, 15 ends; fewer if trailing player cannot win. In the event of a draw, an extra end is played. |
Novices |
Singles, 4 bowls each, winner is first to 21 shots. |
Handicap |
Singles, 4 bowls each, winner is first to 21 shots. Start on the handicap scores. |
2-Wood |
Singles, 2 bowls each, winner is best of three 7-shot sets. Each player starts one of first two sets; coin toss for third set. |
2-Wood Pairs |
Mixed, men’s or women's pairs, 2 bowls each player, 21 ends; fewer if trailing pair cannot win. In the event of a draw, an extra end is played. |
Drawn Pairs |
Mixed, men’s or women's pairs, 3 bowls each player, 18 ends; fewer if trailing pair cannot win. In the event of a draw, an extra end is played. |
Plate |
Singles, 4 bowls each, winner is first to 21 shots. Start on the handicap scores. |
Recording Results
The winning person or pair shall enter the result of the match on the Club Competitions sheets in the Clubhouse and also pass to the Competitions Secretary, who will ensure these appear on the website. Results shall include match scores to aid future handicapping for the Handicap and Plate competitions.
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If any member believes these rules are wrong in any way, please contact a member of the Management Committee.