THE WESSEX MIXED FRIENDLY LEAGUE

 RULES as at 24.11.2023

1. All games shall be played to the current rules/guidance of the Government & Bowls England.

2. All rinks to count for match score, (four rinks)

3. Matches will be played over 21 ends with 2 trial ends.

4. 1 shot on the first two ends may only be permitted under extreme circumstances e.g. poor weather conditions.

5 . Points will be awarded as follows: - winning rink 2. Drawn rink 1 each. Overall win 4.  Making 12 in total.

6. Teams shall consist of 4 rinks of 4 players each. Each rink shall have at least, 1 male & 1 female player.  Any rink that turns up to play on the day without meeting the requirements of mixed play will forfeit any points gained on that rink. If a team can only provide three rinks the game can be played with their opponents receiving the two points for the unplayed rink.

7 . If any rink is short of a player, the rink with 3 players will deduct 25% from their score, if through injury or sickness a player can’t continue and no sub is available deduct 25% from the ends played with three! The sub should take the place of the sick/injured player

8 . Player arriving late. If a player arrives before the start of the 3rd end he/she shall be allowed to join but his/her team shall be deducted 1 shot for each end already played.

9 . If a game has to be cancelled For Any Reason it should be rescheduled, hopefully within a month, please don’t leave till late in the season.

10. If it is found impossible to reschedule it then each team shall receive 4 points.

11.  If a team concedes a match then their opponents will receive 8 points. No games can be conceded before the end of July and only two games can be conceded in the season (not against the same side) 

12.  If a team withdraws or are removed from the league during the season then any points won from them by other teams will be cancelled.

13.  If a match has to be abandoned through bad weather, poor light or any other reason, providing 11 ends have been played completed on each rink, then the scores will stand and a result declared. If 11 ends have not been completed then the match should be rescheduled.

14. Result cards to be completed by the home team, signed by both captains of the day and retained by the home team as evidence of the result. The result of the game should be Emailed to the League secretary ASAP

15. DRESS CODE whites for day matches, grey for evening matches. No sandals to be worn for any matches or competitions organised by W.M.T. League. Coloured kit may be worn only by clubs that have a registered official club strip. It is not acceptable for individuals to wear coloured kits.

16. It is not allowed for bowlers to play in the W.M.F. league (Fours)for more than one club in any one season.

17. Any dispute to the above rules should be made to the committee as soon as possible after the match. The decision of the committee on any dispute will be final.

18. The knock out cup games are played with two rinks playing @ home & two rinks playing away. The home team is the first team drawn to play in each section. In the event of a draw after 21 ends, then an extra end will need to be played.  The extra end will be played @ the home teams venue, & the rink that is to play the extra end is the first rink to finish the 21 ends @ the home venue.

19.If more than one  club have the same number of points at the end of the season – the teams add up their home and away matches played against each other and the highest score wins the league.