Rules and Bye-laws

1 – TITLE

The Association shall be known as the ‘Staffordshire County Bowling Association’ (hereafter ‘the Association’ or ‘SCBA’) and be open to all bone-fide crown green bowling organisations.
The Association will be affiliated to the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) and be subject to their rules and decisions.
These byelaws and those of the BCGBA shall be read and construed together. If there is any conflict then the rules of the BCGBA shall prevail.
The area of jurisdiction shall be the county of Staffordshire – as defined by the rules of the BCGBA.
The SCBA shall be the sole interpreter of these byelaws and there shall be right to appeal only to the BCGBA (see rule 8).
The income and assets may only be used for the furtherance of the objectives of the Association (see rule 2).
No part of the Associations income or property may be transferred to any member of the SCBA.
The Management Committee may, on the grounds of expediency or otherwise, decide by a majority decision to dissolve the Association.
If this is decided, then the Management Committee shall have the authority to dispose of the assets of the Association after all liabilities and debts have been settled.

2 – PURPOSE

The objectives and purpose of the Association are:

To act as the controlling and governing body for the game of Crown Green Bowling within the designated area.
To promote and develop the formation of clubs and leagues and to advance the game in every possible way.
A Development Fund will be used to assist this objective (see rule 9)
To organise measures that will extend access and widen participation in the game.
To record the history and heritage of the game and of the
Association.
To organise fund raising activities to assist in sustaining the Association.
To select and manage competitive teams to represent the Association at the highest level.
To organise individual and team competitions between members to encourage the highest standards of skill and etiquette (see App 1)

3 – CONSTITUTION

The Association structure will comprise of a President, Deputy President, Secretary and Treasurer plus one representative from each competing club and one representative from each affiliated League.
The Association will be governed by an executive consisting of the President, Deputy President, Secretary and Treasurer. The President, Deputy President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar shall be elected at an AGM/ Rules Revision meeting for a minimum 2 year term and be required to confirm their willingness to continue in office at subsequent biannual AGM/ Rules revision meetings.
The Deputy President will be expected to succeed the President.
This executive will form a Management Committee which will comprise:
- Chairman Competitions Committee
- Chairman Challenge & Consolation Cup
- Chairman Senior County Selection Committee
- Chair of Ladies County Selection Committee
- Chairman Junior County Selection Committee
- Chairman Veterans County Selection Committee
- Publicity Officer
- Child Protection Officer
- Development Officer
- Coaching Officer (Head Coach)
The following shall also be eligible to sit on the Management Committee:
- Past Presidents & Association Life Members. They shall be ex-officio members of the governing body and committees providing that they have attended at least 50% of the previous years’ meetings.
- Representative of each affiliated League.
Provided that they have attended at minimum of 50% of the previous years’ meetings, then these representatives shall be able to vote at such meetings.
Names of the league representatives shall be submitted to the Secretary at the AGM.
The Management Committee may co-opt other additional members as necessary at any time during the season.
The Management Committee will deal with protests and resolve disputes as appropriate (see rule 8).

4 – MEMBERSHIP

Any organisation wishing to join the Association must apply in writing not less than one month before an AGM/ Rules Revision Meeting.
Membership will be subject to nomination and acceptance at the Rules Revision Meeting and the payment of a joining fee (see 10.1.1).
Any Club wishing to resign from the Association must do so in writing not less than one month before an AGM/ Rules Revision Meeting.
Failure to do so will result in the Club being liable for full payment of fees for the coming season.
Membership of affiliated clubs will be subject to payment of an annual fee (see 10.1.2 & 10.1.3) plus one SCBA handbook and one BCGBA handbook.
Any books not collected will still be charged. It is the responsibility of clubs to collect their allocation/orders for County/BCGBA handbooks from the notified places and dates of collection.
Membership of affiliated Leagues will be subject to payment of an annual fee (see 10.1.4).
All clubs playing in leagues affiliated to SCBA must have primary or secondary affiliation to the BCGBA as follows:
Primary affiliation is where clubs pay the BCGBA fees to SCBA.
Secondary affiliation is where clubs pay the BCGBA fee to another County Association.
Clubs with primary affiliation shall register their players and pay an annual BCGBA fee (see 10.1.5) plus an additional fee (see 10.1.6) to be paid in to the SCBA Development Fund (see rule 9).
Players who are members of more than one club need to register only once.
Clubs with secondary affiliation will be required to pay an annual fee (see 10.1.3) but not to the additional Development Fund.
However, such clubs shall not receive any benefits from the Development Fund.
All member clubs and leagues are expected to be prompt and courteous with Association officials.
Member clubs will be held liable for good order and behaviour of their officials, players and spectators.
Any formal report of misconduct will be dealt with by the Management Committee (see rule 8).
No member of any club shall be permitted to transfer his membership to any other affiliated club until he has fulfilled his obligation to his old club.

5 – MEETINGS

A combined Annual General & Rules Revision Meeting (AGM) will be held before the end of February each year.
The AGM/ Rules Revision Meeting will elect officers of the Management Committee (see 3.2 & 3.3) and conduct business for the ensuing season.
Attendance at the AGM is mandatory for clubs and leagues with primary affiliation. Apologies will not be accepted.
Non-attendance will result in a fine being imposed (see 10.2.5).
The voting at General Meetings shall be as follows:
Each club and league represented will be allowed one vote.
Any resolution proposed, seconded and accepted by the Chairman shall be carried by a simple majority of those present and voting.
However, any alteration to the byelaws must be carried by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
The membership may request that a Special General Meeting be convened.
Such a request must be made in writing by not less than seven affiliated organisations.
The subject of the request must concern a matter of special urgency connected with the business or administration of the Association.
The Management Committee will consider a request for a Special General Meeting. If accepted the Secretary shall be instructed to convene a Special General Meeting of all members.
The notification of such a meeting shall be issued within 14 days of the date of the initial request.
The notification shall state in clear terms the nature and objective of the meeting.
Rules for normal General Meetings shall apply.

6 – RULES

Each member club or league shall be furnished with a copy of these byelaws and be bound thereby.
Any infringement shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who shall have the power to impose fines, suspend or expel (see rule 8).
Appeal may be made to BCGBA (see 8.5).
Any primary affiliated club or league may propose any alteration to SCBA byelaws.
Such proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least 28 days before the Rules Revision Meeting.
The proposed rule alteration will be sent to each affiliated club or league at least 14 days before the Rules revision Meeting. Any amendment to the proposal must be submitted to the Secretary at least 48 hours before the HYM.
All delegates will be advised of any such amendments at the HYM.
The amendment will be dealt with before the proposed rule alteration.

7 – REGISTER OF PLAYERS

All clubs playing in an affiliated league must supply the Treasurer with two copies of a list of registered players. One copy will be signed and returned.
All players must be registered with the BCGBA and be in possession of a BCGBA registration card and number. This list must be provided annually together with the appropriate SCBA registration fee (see 10.1.2 & 3) and received by the Treasurer before 31 March.
If the club intends to enter more than one team in the Association Challenge Cup competition, then this list must indicate which team the player is registered for.
Any members joining a club after the list is returned shall not eligible to play in Association competitions until 7 days after registration has been received by the Treasurer.
A database will be set up listing all registered players.
Each player will be registered by the club for which he principally intends to play for. A record will also be made of any other clubs with whom he may also play during that season.
The SCBA registration fee will only be required to be paid by the players’ principal club.
The use of a non-registered player in any Association league or competition is prohibited and such use will be subject to a fine (see 10.2.1) and a recommendation to negate the score in any games played.

8 – RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

The Management Committee shall have the authority to deal with any dispute within the membership of the Association.
Decisions of the SCBA Management Committee shall be subject only to the over-riding authority of the BCGBA.
1. In the event of any disciplinary, dispute or appeals situations arising, the accepted BCGBA Guidelines for Disciplinary/Appeals Procedure shall be adopted.
Note: These guidelines can be found in the BCGBA Handbook.
2. The SCBA Management Committee strongly advise that when such situations arise at club or league level, then these guidelines are used in all cases.This will ensure that any subsequent appeals to higher authority are properly dealt with.
3.In the case of SCBA involvement, a panel of not less than three (3) or not more than five (5) members of the Management Committee will be arranged by the Secretary. Members of the panel shall have had no connection with the dispute, the individuals, clubs or leagues concerned.
The panel decision will be decided by a majority vote and shall be binding on all parties involved (subject to a final appeal to BCGBA).
If appropriate, any infringement of these rules by a member club or league may be dealt with at a Special General Meeting.
Such a request must be made in writing by not less than seven affiliated organisations (see 5.5 & 5.6).
Appeals against decisions to a higher authority must be lodged in writing with the Secretary and must be accompanied with a fee (see 10.1.7).
This fee will be returned should the appeal be upheld.
Application for the reinstatement of a player, club or league shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary by 31 March latest.

9 – DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Development Fund will be used for the benefit of any club or player whose primary affiliation is with SCBA. The fund will be used to develop all aspects of the game within the SCBA designated area. The fund will be used to provide for the cost of courses provided by the Association (see App 2). Funding may be available to support training courses for Child Protection/Welfare awareness, providing refreshments for greenkeeper courses, providing expenses to allow access to expert advice to resolve green related problems, maintain development programmes and provide training as to the laws of the game.
Coaching and instruction for beginners and improvers will be made available at various clubs with suitable facilities. Instruction will be provided by qualified coaches certified by SCBA.
Courses will be provided to enable players to become certified instructors and coaches.
Referees course will be provided to encourage individuals to officiate at Association competitions.
Any individual, club, organisation or league seeking assistance must in the first instance apply to the Management Committee before any expenditure is incurred.

10 – FEES & FINES

TO BE REVISED

11 COMPETITIONS

Authority

1. All games and competitions must be played in accordance with the BCGBA laws of the game. Failure to comply will result in the suspension from the Association both of the clubs concerned and of the players taking part.
2. The SCBA Management Committee are the sole interpreters of these rules and their decision is final. This authority will be devolved to the relevant competitions.
Schedule

1. All competitions will be played on dates specified in the SCBA calendar and issued at the AGM/ RRM.
Please note:
The Competitions Committee will endeavour to keep all competitions to the advertised schedule. However, occasionally due to circumstances beyond their control, dates or start times may need to be changed. As much notice as possible will be given.
2. Entry forms will be issued by the Competitions Committee to all affiliated clubs and leagues. Completed entry forms and entry fees must be received no later than 1pm on the date stated.
3. Entries shall be accepted via the official entry form with entrance fees or by email with entrance fees received before the published closing date.
Entry Fees & Prize Money

1. Entry fees for Association competitions will be set annually by the Management Committee and issued at the AGM/ RRM (see 10.3).
2. All proceeds (entrance fees, programmes, collections & donations) obtained at a SCBA competition shall be the property of the SCBA. Such proceeds should be remitted to the Treasurer. The disposal of such proceeds will be decided by the Management Committee.
3. Prize money will be determined taking account of sponsorship, entrance fee income and where appropriate, donations to be made to charity.
4. Prize money shall be paid out at all competition finals wherever possible.
Draw

1. The draw for all competitions will be made by random number selection. Green selection for all competitions will be at the discretion of the relevant competitions subcommittee.
2. For the convenience of competitions, entries may be grouped in to districts at the discretion of the Competitions Committee.
3. The draw for all rounds of the Challenge Cup and Consolation Cup will be made by the Challenge Cup Committee. A new draw will be made for each round.
4. Once greens are allocated and the draw made no transfer will be allowed, unless the Chairman of the Competition Committee is notified that a player is drawn on a green of which he/she is a member.
Availability

1.First consideration must be given by all affiliated clubs to the Association requirements both to the use of green and to the services of players. The Association shall have first claim on the use of any green providing at least 7 days notice has been given to the secretary of the club concerned.
Postponement of matches

1. In the event of inclement weather, no match or competition shall be called off until at least one hour after the stated start time. The date of the rearranged fixture will be determined by the Competitions Committee. Rearranged games will take precedence over any other fixture with the exception of BCGBA.
2. Matches which have to be postponed must be completed within 14 days of the postponement and at least two clear days before the date agreed for the next round draw.
3. For matches in progress, then the games completed and the points scored of games in progress will count.
Custody of trophies

1. The winners of trophies must provide adequate security to their safe custody during the period they are in their possession.
2. In the case of valuable heritage trophies, the Management Committee may retain possession immediately after the presentation. In such cases an alternative trophy may be presented to the winners.
3. Winning teams or individuals must return the trophy to a member of the Management Committee at least 14 days before the date of the AGM. Failure to do so will result in the imposition of a fine (see 10.2.2)
Open Competitions

1. All games and competitions must be played in accordance with the BCGBA laws of the game. No affiliated player, club or league shall arrange matches with any club or league not affiliated to the BCGBA.
2. No individual club shall promote or take part in any open competition involving non-affiliated players without the consent and approval of SCBA. Application must be made in writing to the Secretary at least 28 days before the event. Approval will require the issue of an Open Certificate from the Chief Executive of BGCBA, for which a fee is charged.
3. Charity competitions within the SCBA area which may be open to affiliated and non-affiliated players shall pay a fee to the BCGBA (see 10.1.8). A final statement of accounts must be provided to the Association on completion of the event.

12 – RULES FOR ALL COMPETITIONS

Entry to Staffordshire CBA organised competitions will be limited to primary affiliated bowlers of a club, and in the case of the Irene & Vic Dams Trophy, a representative from a league, with primary affiliation to the Staffordshire CBA. These competitions are; Veterans Merit, SCBA Senior Merit, Junior Merit (Boys and Girls), FW Collins Cup, Jessie Gough County Pairs, Mixed pairs, Ladies Merit and Ladies County Pairs.
All games shall be played on neutral greens unless specifically stated.
No green can be considered neutral if any player contesting the match is a member.
Any player infringing neutrality will forfeit his game 0-21.
Please note:
When allocating greens, every care will be taken to ensure neutrality.
However, the final responsibility will be on the player and his club.
The Competitions Secretary must be informed if the green selected is not neutral.
Failure to do so will result in the elimination of players or teams as appropriate.
The club whose green is used shall provide not less than four approved standard jacks and a set of adequate measures.
No team or individual shall play two matches in the same competition in any one season on the same green.
The greens selected shall be available for use at any time during the progress of the competition.
All games will be 21 up unless specifically stated.
The competition to be played in sets of three or four ends according to the size of the green.
In all competitions, first cast of the jack will be determined by the toss of a coin.
Absent players & substitutes
A player shall be deemed to be absent when 10 minutes has elapsed after their game has been called.
A substitution can be made up within this time.
The substitute must play the same opponent as the player he is replacing.
The absent player will take no further part in the match.
No practice is allowed prior to the start of any competition by any team or player.
If a competitor has a walkover during any competition, they will not be allowed to practice the green prior to their next game. However, they will receive first cast of the jack unless their opponent has also received a walkover. In this case first cast of the jack will be determined by the toss of a coin.
Qualifiers for the final of a SCBA competition who fail to turn up without good reason shall be denied entry for that competition for the following season.
Formal dress code will apply for all finals of Association competitions, in line with BCGBA rules.

APPENDIX 1: SCBA COMPETITIONS

1 – CHALLENGE & CONSOLATION CUPS

CHALLENGE CUP
1. To be held annually between clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA.
Such clubs may enter one or more teams.
No player may represent more than one team.
Any club using an ineligible player will result in the game awarded to his opponent 21-0.
2. Entry to both competitions is via the official entry form to be returned to the Treasurer no later than the 31st January
3. Teams defeated in either the Preliminary or First Rounds of the Challenge Cup will automatically qualify for the Consolation Cup providing that:
They wish to enter (if not, the Competitions Committee must be informed prior to the first round draw.
They conform to the entry requirements (see below).
4. Any team defaulting in the Challenge Cup preliminary or first round matches will forfeit their place in the Consolation Cup. Any team defaulting matches in either competition will result in the imposition of a fine (see 10.2.3)
CONSOLATION CUP
1. To be held annually between clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA with the following exceptions:
Teams and players from the following leagues:
1. Wolverhampton & South Staffs (Dudley Building Society) League Premier Division
2. Summit Garage League Premiership
Note: A player is deemed ineligible if he has played 4 or more games in these leagues.
2. Clubs may directly enter the Consolation Cup without prior entry to the Challenge Cup. Clubs may enter one or more teams provided that they meet the above conditions.
No player may represent more than one team.
Any club using an ineligible player will result in the game awarded to his opponent 21-0.
RULES FOR BOTH COMPETITIONS
1. Matches will be played on dates to be included in the Association calendar.There will be no concessions.
2. In the event of inclement weather, no match or competition shall be called off until at least one hour after the stated start time.
The date of the rearranged fixture will be determined by the Competitions Committee. Rearranged games will take precedence over any other fixture with the exception of BCGBA.
3. Each team in the competition will consist of 12 players.
All games will be 21 up throughout.
All games will be played on neutral greens.
First cast of the jack to be determined by a toss of a coin.
4. Any team not fielding a full compliment of players shall forfeit each game 0-21
5. The order of play will be done by both teams numbering scorecards, matching the numbers and games played in order.
6. The winner will be the team with the highest aggregate score.
7. Tiebreaker:
In the event of tie in any round the following shall apply in order:
1. The team with the highest number of winners. If still tied, then:
2. The team with the best individual winner. If still tied, then:
3 The team with the next best individual winner. And so on.
8. At the semi-final and final stages of both competitions, all players selected must have played in at least six competitive matches for that club in a league, or combination of leagues, directly affiliated to the SCBA. Any player contravening this rule will result in the game awarded to his opponent 21-0.
9. Referees & scorecards:
1. In all rounds up to the final, the captains of the teams shall act as referees. The captain or secretary of the winning team shall forward the result to the Competitions Committee.
2. For the final, the Association will appoint neutral referees. The referee will forward the scorecard which must be signed by the captains of both teams.
3. Failure to forward the scorecard to the Secretary within two days of the completed match will result in the imposition of a fine (see 10.2.4)
4. Should the weather become unfavourable during the progress of the competition, the referees shall have the authority to suspend play or to postpone the match (see 3.3 above).
10. For a final of a competition, each team concerned must submit a list of participating players to the Management Committee prior to the match.
11. The entry fee to be decided annually and confirmed at the AGM.
One fee will include for either or both competitions (see 10.3.1).
12. The following prizes shall be awarded:
Challenge Cup:
The winners shall be awarded the Association Challenge Cup
The losing finalists shall be awarded the AH Paulson Cup
Prizes will be awarded to the losing semi-finalists
Consolation Cup:
The winners will be awarded the Association Consolation Cup
The losing finalists and the losing semi-finalists will be awarded prizes.
Man of the Match award:
A prize shall be awarded in the final of both competitions to the player selected as Man of the Match. Match officials at the finals will make the selection.

2 – SENIOR INDIVIDUAL MERIT COMPETITION

To be held annually between players (males only) of clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA.
This is a qualifying competition for the BCGBA IMC competition and will be subject to the over-riding rules of that competition.
Entries will be allocated to a green together with start time and scratch-off time.
A full draw will be made from those who have reported present by scratch-off time.
No substitutes will be allowed after the green(s) allocation has been made.
Games will be played on Sundays on dates to be included in the Association calendar.
All players will play on neutral greens.
All games will be 21 up throughout.
The number of greens to be used will depend on the number of entries.
32 players shall qualify for the final. In the event of a low entry, the Management Committee reserve the right to reduce the finals day field to 16 players.
The following prizes shall be awarded:
The winner of the final shall be awarded the Charles Mander Trophy.
The losing finalist will be awarded the Plant Cup.
Other prizes may be awarded by the Management Committee.

3 – JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL MERIT COMPETITION

To be held annually between players of clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA who are aged below 18 on 1 January.
Entries will be allocated to a green together with start time and scratch-off time.
A full draw will be made from those who have reported present by scratch-off time.
No substitutes will be allowed after the draw has been made.
Games will be played on Sundays on dates to be included in the Association calendar.
All players will play on neutral greens.
All games up to the semi-final will be 15 up.
The games in the semi-final and final will be 21 up.
The number of greens to be used will depend on the number of entries.
The following prizes shall be awarded:
The winner of the final shall be awarded the James Beattie trophy.
The losing finalist will be awarded the WJ Lockley memorial trophy.
Other prizes may be awarded by the Management Committee.

4 – VETERANS INDIVIDUAL MERIT COMPETITION

To be held annually between players of clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA who are aged over 60 on 1 January.
This is a qualifying competition for the BCGBA Veterans IMC competition and will be subject to the over-riding rules of that competition.
Entries will not be accepted from a player who has represented a county or played in a merit competition other than the SCBA.
Entries will be allocated to a green together with start time and scratch-off time.
A full draw will be made from those who have reported present by scratch-off time.
No substitutes will be allowed after the draw has been made.
Games will be played on dates to be included in the Association calendar.
All players will play on neutral greens.
All games will be 21 up off 5 throughout.
The number of greens to be used will depend on the number of entries.
The following prizes shall be awarded:
The winner of the final shall be awarded the Ron Garner trophy.
The losing finalist will be awarded the Charlie Booker trophy.

5 – MIXED PAIRS COMPETITION FOR THE IRENE & VIC DAMS MEMORIAL TROPHY

To be played in accordance with the rules of the BCGBA Centenary Mixed Pairs for which this shall also be the qualifying competition. The date of the competition to be published in the Association Calendar.

6 – FW COLLINS CHARITY CUP COMPETITION

To be held annually between players (male and female) of clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA. . In the event of insufficient entries being received the management committee may cancel the qualification rounds and the finals will be played as scheduled in the county calendar.
Players wishing to enter will be provided with a choice of two qualifying dates.These dates and that of the final are to be included in the Association calendar.
Entries will be allocated to a green together with start time and scratch-off time.
A full draw will be made from those who have reported present by scratch-off time.
The number of greens to be used for the qualifying stages will depend on the number of entries.
All players will play on neutral greens.
All games will be 21 up throughout the competition.
16 players shall qualify for the final.
Due to historical connections with Bilston Town BC, where circumstances allow, the finals of the competition will be held there.
Any player competing in the final on a green where they are a member shall give his opponent a start as follows:
Round 1: 3
Round 2: 2
Semi-final: 1
Final: 0
The following prizes shall be awarded:
The winner of the final shall be awarded the FW Collins cup
The surplus income from this competition will be donated to a charity as decided by the Management Committee.

7 – JESSE GOUGH COUNTY DOUBLES TROPHY

A doubles competition to be held annually between players (male and female) of clubs with primary affiliation to SCBA. In the event of insufficient entries being received the management committee may cancel the qualification rounds and the finals will be played as scheduled in the county calendar.
Players wishing to enter will be provided with a choice of two qualifying dates.
These dates and that of the final are to be included in the Association calendar.
Entries will be allocated to a green together with start time and scratch-off time.
A full draw will be made from those who have reported present by scratch-off time.
The number of greens to be used for the qualifying stages will depend on the number of entries.
Games will be 15 up prior to the semi-finals.
The semi-finals and final shall be 21 up.
16 teams shall qualify for the final.
Any players competing in the final on a green where they are a member shall give their opponents 3 start throughout the competition.
The following prizes shall be awarded:
The winners of the final shall be awarded Jesse Gough trophy.
The surplus income from this competition will be donated to the Association Benevolent Fund.