Rules for Competition 2017/18 Incorporating MORNINGTON PENINSULA PENNANT Section 3

Transcription

1 Reg No. A U Rules for Competition 2017/18 Incorporating MORNINGTON PENINSULA PENNANT Section 3 For the Betterment of Bowls on the Peninsula To assist in your search An INDEX may be found on the last pages of this document

2 SECTION 1 GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR ALL COMPETITIONS DEFINITIONS (1) For the purpose of interpretation in these Rules the expressions Member, Bowler, Player or Opponent will refer to an affiliated Player of an affiliated Club. (2) Words importing one gender include the other gender. (3) Unless otherwise stated words and phrases in the Laws, Rules and Regulations will have the same meaning as in the BV Constitution. (4) References to will within these Rules mean that the action is compulsory. (5) References to can within these Rules mean that the action is optional. Rule 1 - QUALIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 1.1 Responsibility Subject to the control of the Board, the MPB Match Committee will be responsible for the satisfactory conduct of all BV State Events, will be responsible for the conduct of Pennant Competitions and will have authority to take any action deemed necessary for this purpose and can delegate its authority to other Regions and/or Divisions for BV events at these levels. Any disciplinary matters requiring investigation will be referred to the BV Disciplinary Committee. 1.2 Laws All competitions will be conducted under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Bowls Australia (BA) Domestic Regulations (DRs), BA Policies and BV Regulations and these Rules for Competition (together, hereinafter referred to as the Laws, Rules and Regulations) except when specifically stated otherwise. 1.3 Infringements The infringement of any of the Laws, Rules and Regulations can involve monetary fines (not exceeding $1,000) and/or disqualification, and/or match points penalty and/or a replay or such other penalty or sanction as the BV Disciplinary Committee, can in its complete discretion determine in respect of an affiliated Player, Team, Side, Club or match provided that in doing so the BV Disciplinary Committee, has applied natural justice to any Player, Team, Side or Club involved. BV Regions and Divisions do not have the power to suspend, fine or expel any affiliated Player. The MPB can investigate and make recommendations to BV which can impose a penalty Prior to the imposition of any such penalty or sanction the BV Disciplinary Committee, must by notice in writing (Notice) within 21 days of the matter being reported otherwise the matter will lapse, provide to an individual Player, Team, Side or Club involved (Defendant) full details of the conduct or omission by which it is alleged that there has been such infringement including details of the specific law, rule or regulation said to have been infringed. MPB Rules for Competition Page 2

3 Inform the defendant of the following: the date, time and place for hearing of the allegations by the BV Disciplinary Committee, (hearing) which date will not be earlier than 7 days or later than 28 days after the date of the notice; that the defendant can appear at the hearing and make oral or written submissions to the BV Disciplinary Committee, and can, at the defendant s expense, call such evidence as can be permitted by the BV Disciplinary Committee, that the defendant can be assisted at the hearing by a person who is not legally trained or qualified At the hearing, the BV Disciplinary Committee must: give the defendant an opportunity to be heard; give due consideration to all matters put before it; determine whether or not the defendant is guilty of the offence alleged, or any other offence, provided the defendant is given a reasonable opportunity to defend an allegation that the defendant has breached a different law, rule or regulation than the one with which the defendant was charged; determine what, if any, penalty or sanction is to be applied to the defendant If a match point penalty is imposed the game will be treated as a forfeit by the offending Club with the total match points available for the game being awarded to the opponent and 15 shots being awarded to the opponent and against the offending Club Smoking The MPB acknowledges the stipulation of member clubs that have introduced a nosmoking covenant covering all areas of their club s facilities including the clubhouse, greens and surrounds and warns players to be cognisant of this rule. Smoking (defined as having a lit cigarette, pipe, cigar, electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) including *e-cigs, *e-cigarettes and any other form of smoking device) on the green is not permitted under any circumstances by participating Players at any time whilst a game or match is in progress. If a Player is observed to be smoking on the green by the Umpire he will warn the Player and advise his Skip, the manager and/or the controlling body. If the Player is found to be smoking on a second occasion the Umpire will immediately suspend him from play for the remainder of the day. Should the penalty be applied, no replacement or substitute Player will be allowed for his Team. In a Team game, the game will be forfeited to their Opponents in accordance with law 39.1, and in a Side game the Team will play one Player short in accordance with law In a singles game the game will be forfeited to the opponent. * Information on e-cigarettes may be downloaded from the above URL (Victorian Department of Health). MPB Rules for Competition Page 3

4 1.3.6 Mobile Phones/MP3 Players/iPods/iPads/Pagers/Communication Devices and/or other similar Sound Devices. The use of Mobile Phones/MP3 Players/iPods/iPads/Pagers/Communication Devices and/or other similar Sound/Communication Devices on the green is not permitted. Should a Player have a legitimate reason (medical or emergency services personnel ONLY) to answer a mobile phone, the phone must be left in their bowls bag or with a spectator on the bank. If a Player is observed to be using a mobile phone or any sound device as described above on the green by the Umpire he will warn the Player and advise his Skip, the manager and/or the controlling body. If the Player is found to be using a mobile phone or any other sound device as described above on a second occasion the Umpire will immediately suspend him from play for the remainder of the day. Should this penalty be applied, no replacement or substitute Player will be allowed for his Team. In a Team game, the game will be forfeited to their Opponents in accordance with law 39.1, and in a Side game the Team will play one Player short in accordance with law In a singles game the game will be forfeited to the Opponent Attire It is the responsibility of the Club president to ensure that all Members of a Club Pennant Side and above Competitions or representative Team are correctly attired at all times. If a Club fails to comply with the BV Regulations for Attire for a Pennant match and a formal complaint is made by the opposing Club to the MPB Match Committee or the Region and/or Division Controlling Body for the Competition in question it will then take action under Rule relevant to the misdemeanour which can result in either a fine, loss of points or forfeiture of the Match. MPB It is the responsibility of clubs to advise the MPB of any changes made to it's registered club attire as and when it occurs Consumption of Alcohol The consumption of alcoholic beverages (defined as any beer, wine, spirit, spirit mixer or any drink containing alcohol) is not permitted at any BV controlled event (event is defined as BV State Championship Finals Week, Region Sides Championships, Champions of State Pennant but excluding BV Pennant) by participating Players whilst a game or match is in progress, if a participating Player is observed to be consuming alcohol (other than a Player in a Team in a Side game whose Team has completed its game) by the Umpire he will warn the Player and advise his Skip, the Manager and/or the Controlling Body. If the Player is found to be consuming alcohol on a second occasion the Umpire will immediately suspend him from play for the remainder of the day. Should the penalty be applied, no replacement or substitute Player will be allowed for his Team. In a Team game, the game will be forfeited to their Opponents in accordance with law 39.1, and in a Side game the Team will play one Player short in accordance with law In a singles game the game will be forfeited to the Opponent. 1.4 Appeals and Bad Behaviour Whenever under any of the Laws, Rules or Regulations any decision is made or penalty imposed, other than by an Umpire or the BV Disciplinary Committee pursuant to this Rule 1.4, any Defendant aggrieved thereby can appeal under BV Regulation 15 to the BV Disciplinary Committee by notice setting out the grounds of appeal and forwarded to the Chief Executive of BV not later than seven days after the date when such decision is made or penalty imposed. The Controlling Body can extend this time in a particular case at its complete discretion and no appeal will arise from a decision by the Controlling Body in this regard. MPB Rules for Competition Page 4

5 1.5 Penalties Every BV affiliated Member undertakes to conduct themselves in a polite and sportsman like manner when participating in any bowls event anywhere in Australia If the Umpire, on appeal by the Controlling Body, a Side Manager, a Skip or an Opponent, or by observation, in their opinion decides that a breach of any Law or Rule or any action by a Player, has been deliberately intended to provide an unfair advantage at any BV bowls event including: acts in an abusive, threatening or intimidating manner towards any person, uses obscene, offensive, abusive, threatening or intimidating language towards any person, acts in a unsportsmanlike manner, threatening any person with physical violence or assault, assaulting any person, acting in a manner likely to bring the sport of bowls into disrepute then, the end shall be immediately regarded as completed and the Opponent of the offender shall be awarded as many shots as there are bowls in use by the Opponent in singles or opposing Team in a Team game. Serious offences may also be subject to police action. Upon a second such offence by the same Player in the same game, the Umpire shall award the game to the Opponent/s and shall forward a written detailed report about the incident to the Controlling Body within seven (7) days of the incident If an infringement of a law or rule which does not have a penalty included in its statement is established after an appeal by a controlling body, Side Manager, Skip, or an Opponent, or the Umpire by observation, the Umpire shall warn the Player In a Team game a warning to one Member of a Team shall be considered as a warning to all Members of the Team, in a Side game the warning of a Member of the Side shall only apply to the Members of the Team Any of the above Umpire-imposed sanctions are final and cannot be contested, disregarded or appealed. 1.6 Protection If any matches in a Club, Bowls Division or Region Championships, any scheduled Victorian Development Squad activity or a BV event (being a Championship or Interstate Match or trial game, including Regional or Under 18 Sides trial games - one per season), a Bowls Australia Championship, World Bowls Event, or International selection, herein expressed in ascending order of grading, are scheduled to be played on the same date, no Player or official engaged in such events will be penalised in a lower graded championship by reason of absence through participation in a higher graded event. If the event cannot be rescheduled then the Player or official will decide which event, to compete in or officiate at. MPB Rules for Competition Page 5

6 Rule 2 ELIGIBILITY 2.1 Playing Status Notwithstanding any provision in these Rules relating to the eligibility to play in competitions including the eligibility of affiliated Players, no person will be eligible to play in any bowls event arranged by Bowls Australia (BA), any Bowls Australia State or Territory Controlling Body, Bowls Victoria (BV) or any Victorian Region/Division or Club affiliated with BV during any period in which the person is suspended from Membership of an affiliated Club. No suspended Player may be cleared or transferred to any other Club in Australia during the period of a suspension. 2.2 Interstate Transfers A Player will not play in any Competition other than Pennant if during the current season the Player has already played in a corresponding or similar competition in another State or Territory. The BV Championships Committee will decide in any case of doubt whether the other State Competition is corresponding or similar. 2.3 Identification and Clearances Members will be identified with a Club in accordance with Regulations 16, 17, 18 and any Member desiring to transfer from another State Authority, or Territory Association, or to transfer the Player s Membership from the Club with which the Player was a nominated Member (or identified with), or to become an identified Member of another affiliated Club within 2 years of having been identified with a Club, will obtain a clearance in accordance with Regulation 16, and no clearance is to be considered effective until notice of its approval by BV has been received by the Club to which the Member has transferred no clearance will be issued for the period 31 December through to the 31 March unless, in special circumstances, Bowls Victoria decides otherwise; in any one season a Member can only play in BV Championships as an identified Member of one Club only (Member s nominated Club) and the Member s entries will be made through that Club unless the Member obtains a clearance; a Member can play in the Club Singles, Pairs, Triples or Fours Championship of only the nominated Club. The Member will not be eligible that season to play in such championships of any other Club unless the Member obtains a clearance, but in any case the Member will be eligible to play in the championships of one Club only; if a clearance is issued in respect of any Member, that Member will thereupon no longer be eligible to play in the championships of the Club of the Member s former identification or to play on in the Division, Regional or State Championships representing their former club. MPB Rules for Competition Page 6

7 2.4 Eligibility for Masters Qualification Events other than Sets Play Provided that qualifying rounds (as a minimum) in Singles are 21 shots up in sectional play (sections of 4) and 25 shots up in knockout play, and in Team games are 15 ends in sectional play and 18 ends in knockout play, qualifying for entry in a Masters Tournament for all Players, subject to proof as required, will be: Masters Singles Tournaments - Singles Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Pairs Tournament - Singles or Pairs Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Triples Tournament - Singles, Pairs or Triples Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Fours Tournament - Singles, Pairs, Triples or Fours Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Mixed Pairs Tournament Singles, Pairs or Mixed Pairs Champion of a Controlling Body. 2.5 Sets Play Only Provided that qualifying rounds are of 2 sets of 9 ends per set with tie breakers best of 3 ends as per Law 56 of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls (Crystal Mark 3 rd Edition), qualification for entry into a Masters sets play tournament, subject to proof as required, will be: Masters Singles Sets Play Tournament Singles Sets Play Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Pairs Sets Play Tournament Singles Sets Play or Pairs Sets Play Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Triples Sets Play Tournament Singles Sets Play, Pairs Sets Play or Triples Sets Play Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Fours Sets Play Tournament Singles Sets Play, Pairs Sets Play, Triples Sets Play or Fours Sets Play Champion of a Controlling Body; Masters Mixed Pairs Sets Play Tournament Singles Sets Play, Pairs Sets Play, or Mixed Pairs Sets Play Champion of a Controlling Body. All Players with existing Masters Qualifications will retain the right to Masters Entry. Corresponding titles of another Country will also qualify. Rule 3 - COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 3.1 Availability for Play A Player, Team, or Side not available for play within 30 minutes (or sooner if the Controlling Body decides) of the appointed time for commencing any match will automatically forfeit the match. MPB Rules for Competition Page 7

8 3.2 Failure to Keep Appointment Failure of any Player, Team or Side to keep an appointment to play will be deemed to be an infringement of the Laws, Rules and Regulations and will be dealt with under Rule 1.3 unless suitable action has been taken to notify the Controlling Body with a satisfactory reason. The Player, Team or Side Manager will be responsible to advise BV and/or the respective Region/Division Championship Committee and the host Club of their withdrawal. MPB fines will be applied where, in the opinion of the MPB, appropriate suitable action has not been taken to advise of the withdrawal. 3.3 Trial Ends Trial ends as in Law 5.1 will be completed prior to the appointed time for commencing play, regardless of the period of grace. Rule 4 - SECTIONAL PLAY 4.1 Section Winner The winner of a Section, in accordance with Law 27, will be the contestant with the highest number of points at completion of sectional play. Two points will be allotted for each win, forfeit, walkover or bye and one point for each tie. If two or more contestants in a section have equal highest points the winner will be the one with the greatest margin of net shots. If one or more of these contestants have received a forfeit, walkover or bye they will be credited with a margin of 7 shots in a 15 end game, 6 shots in a 12 end game or 5 shots in a 10 end game (margins for games of other durations will be as determined by the Region/Division Championship Committee for each unplayed game. The contestants conceding the walkover or forfeit will be debited with a shots margin equal to that credited to their opponent. If points and margin of net shots are equal, the contestants with the highest proportion of total shots for divided by total shots against will be the winner, and if these proportions are equal, 3 ends knockout will be played. 4.2 Defeats A Player, Team or Side defeated in Sectional play but qualified for Post-Sectional play will not be regarded as having been defeated until subsequently defeated. Rule 5 - GENERAL PLAY 5.1 Damage to Green If on appeal by the Greens Director or appointed deputy (Rule ) of the Club on whose green the match is being played, or the Umpire by observation, is of the opinion that a Player in the course of play is causing undue damage to the green the Umpire will warn the Player s Side Manager in a Sides match or the Skip in a Teams match or the Player in a Singles match, and if the offence be repeated, the Umpire will direct that the offending Player must use a dump mat if available (a personal mat of suitable material & size at the discretion of the host Club) to be deployed in front of the offenders bowls mat to prevent further damage to the green. MPB Rules for Competition Page 8

9 Should a Player refuse this direction to use a dump mat in accordance with this rule they will be considered to be a defaulting Player in accordance with Definition C.2, and be removed from the game. In a singles game the defaulting Player will forfeit to their Opponent. In a Team game the defaulting Team will forfeit the game to their Opponent and in a Side game Law and will apply. The offending Player may also retire from the game of their own volition and an eligible substitute be made if one is available. Dump Mats may not be used on all rinks by all players in a Pennant game to negate the groundsheet provisions in Rule The use of groundsheets (Definition C.12 & law 6.1.5) for Pennant or above games will not be permitted. If the Greenkeeper, the Greens Director or their authorised deputy, believe that groundsheets are essential to the preservation of a green, unless an alternative venue is readily available, the game will be abandoned and points allocated accordingly. Rule will still apply to any individual who is dumping, in which case a dump mat for that individual will be used. 5.2 Delaying Play If the Umpire by his own observation, or on appeal by an opposing Player, or by the Side Manager or Controlling Body deems a Player to be deliberately delaying the delivery of his bowl or Skip acting or issuing instructions designed to delay play, the Umpire will warn the Player or the Skip. If in the opinion of the Umpire the Player or Skip commits the same offence a second time the end will be regarded as completed, and the Opponent of the offender will score as many shots as there are bowls in use by such Opponent. MPB Rules for Competition Page 9

10 Rule 6 - GENERAL CONDITIONS 6.1 Draw SECTION 2 BV CHAMPIONSHIPS STATE EVENTS The draw for BV Championship events will be an open draw. Seeding of entries is not permitted For State Championship events, subject to the provisions of Law 3.3 and BA DR practice is allowed at the venue on the day preceding the event, or before commencement of play on the day, subject to the greens being available for practice and approval being granted by the Club or the Venue Manager. Practice on the day of the event will be on rinks as allocated by the Venue Manager. 6.2 Sectional Play Events can be played partly in Sections and partly in knockout. 6.3 Sets Play Events can be played in a Sets Play format. 6.4 Club Identity Each pair, triple and four will consist of Members identified for competition within the same Club or Bowls Division or Region. 6.5 Pairs Match In a Pairs match each Player will play four bowls in the following order: Leads two bowls alternately, Skips two bowls alternately, then repeat this order of play If, in a Pairs match played 2 x 2, a Player delivers three bowls at one visit to the mat and the mistake is noticed before any further bowls are played then, in respect of the third bowl, the provisions of Law 29.1 will apply. If before the mistake is noticed, one or more further bowls have been played, the opposing Skip will have the option of allowing the head to remain as it is, in which case the end will be completed with the erring Player missing his next turn to play, or having the end declared dead. 6.6 Inclement Weather For BV Men s & Women s Championships conducted by MPB the game will be suspended by the Controlling Body when the temperature has reached 35 degrees Celsius and every effort must be made to complete the ends in progress prior to leaving the green for the suspension of play. The game should be completed on the same day providing time allows and the temperature falls below 35 degrees prior to recommencement, otherwise, the game will be continued at a time and place as determined by the Controlling Body with the scores as they were at the time of the stoppage For matches conducted by BV or by other Divisions/Regions the local heat policy will be applied. The game will be continued at a time and place as determined by the Controlling Body with the scores as they were at the time of the stoppage. Reference MPB Heat Policy Section 3 Clause MPB Rules for Competition Page 10

11 Rule 7 - EVENTS AND ENTRIES 7.1 Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours Championships of Victoria will be open to all affiliated Players of Bowls Victoria; will be played within Regions to produce the Region Champion for each event; will be played within Bowls Divisions to produce the Division Champion for each event; winners of respective Bowls Division Championships will play within Regions to produce the Region Champion for each event; the Region winners will play knockout rounds under an open draw to produce the State Champion for each event in a Team game substitutes are permitted under certain circumstances as described in Law 33 and Domestic Regulation Champion of Champions will be open to the winners of the affiliated Club Singles Championships played; in the current season, and with the duration of the matches not less than as specified in Rule for Champion of Champions Singles will be played; within Regions in knockout rounds to produce Region Champion of Champions; within Bowls Divisions and Regions in knockout rounds to produce Bowls Division and Region Champion of Champions The Region winners will play knockout rounds under an open draw to produce the State Champion of Champions Substitutes are not permitted under any circumstances as only the actual current Club champion(s) is eligible to compete as per Rule above. 7.3 Region Sides Championship Will be open to all BV Regions Each Region will nominate from affiliated Players identified with any Clubs allocated to it 12 Players and 1 emergency from whom three fours will be selected for each round A Manager (preferably non playing), whose name will be advised to all Players of the Side, will be appointed for each Side Play will be conducted in sections of four Regions Section winners will play knockout matches as necessary to determine the Champion Region Side All matches will be of 15 ends per rink with a time limit of 2 1/2 hours with a final of 18 ends per rink (with no time limit) or as otherwise determined by the Controlling Body. MPB Rules for Competition Page 11

12 7.4 Duration of Matches (for Masters Events see Rule 2.4) Singles Championships All events, all rounds (unless otherwise specified below) - 25 up Pairs Championships all events, rounds before Division/Region Finals Sectional play 15 ends Knockout play 18 ends Division and Regional Finals and Victorian Final 18 ends Triples Championships All events, rounds before Division/Region Finals Sectional play 15 ends. Knockout play 18 ends Division and Region Finals and Victorian Final 18 ends Fours Championships All events, rounds before Division/Region Finals Sectional play - 15 ends. Knockout play - 18 ends Division and Region Finals and Victorian Final 18 ends Champion of Champions (Singles) All rounds - 25 up Over 60s Singles Championship All rounds - 21 up Over 60s Pairs Championship. Sectional play - 12 ends. Knockout play - 15 ends. Final 15 ends Champion of State Pennant. Sectional play - 15 ends with a time limit of 2 1/2 hours. Final 18 ends U18 Singles Championship. All rounds up to final 21 up. Finals games 25 up U18 Pairs Championship. All rounds 15 ends Final 18 ends U18 Triples Championship All rounds 15 ends Final 18 ends Novice Singles Championship All events, all rounds - 21 up. MPB Rules for Competition Page 12

13 7.5 Entries for all BV events Entries for all BV events will be made: by the due date for such entries, and through the Club with which Members are identified for competition Bowls Victoria, BV Regions and BV Divisions and Clubs cannot accept late entries for any Championship Event Teams will finally be constituted as provided in Domestic Regulation and and if such a Team be of Members different from the original entry, the Division/Region will be informed in writing prior to the commencement of the event of the names of the constituted Team; Members in the original entry but not constituted in any Team will be regarded as not having entered the competition If after the closing date for entries and before the date of the first round a clearance to a Club within the same Region or Division is issued in respect of any entrant that Player will remain eligible to play in the Singles event as a Player identified with the Player s new Club; if to a Club outside such boundaries, eligibility to play in the respective Singles events will be forfeited as the Rules strictly state for Singles events no late entry will be accepted after the draw for the event has been made. For Team events the original entry will stand and another eligible Player, if necessary can take the place of the Member transferred. The Player to whom a clearance was issued is eligible to join a Team from the Member s new Club if a vacancy occurs. MPB Rules for Competition Page 13

14 Rule 8 - FORM OF COMPETITION SECTION 3 MORNINGTON PENINSULA PENNANT COMPETITION 8.1 Scope Mornington Peninsula Bowls will conduct pennant during season 2017/18. It shall be known as Mornington Peninsula Pennant and the competition will be open only to a Side or Sides from BV affiliated Clubs and other affiliated Clubs as can be decided by the BV Board. Subject to the Bowls Australia Domestic Regulation 2 relating to replacements and substitutes, each Side will comprise affiliated Members of the Club concerned. Any side containing an unaffiliated player is considered ineligible and will not receive any points for that round of pennant will lose 15 shots. The opposing side will receive the total points available for the round in the respective Division. 8.2 Format Pennant Sides will always be subject to the number of entries received and may be configured as desired by the combined MPB Match Committee as OPEN competition. In the case of Midweek Restricted matches, Men can only play in the same or a higher Midweek Division as they play in Saturday Pennant during the current season and can only play Lead or Second, only 1 man per rink, plus 1 man per side, meaning a maximum of 4 men per side. 8.3 Divisional Play Saturday Pennant - OPEN Division 1 4 teams x 4 players = 16 per side Division 2 North and South 4 teams x 4 players = 16 per side Division 3 North and South 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 4 North and South 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 5 North and South 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 6 North 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 6 South 2 teams x 4 players = 8 per side Division 7 North 2 teams x 4 players = 8 per side Division 7 South 2 teams x 4 players = 8 per side Midweek Pennant Division 1 OPEN RESTRICTED 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 2 OPEN RESTRICTED 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 3 OPEN RESTRICTED 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 4 OPEN 3 teams x 4 players = 12 per side Division 5 OPEN 2 teams x 4 players = 8 per side Division 6 OPEN 2 teams x 4 players = 8 per side MPB Rules for Competition Page 14

15 8.3.1 Scheduled Breaks The break time is estimated to be half way through the match and agreed prior to the start of the game by the Side Managers for the day. A bell will be rung to commence the break and started ends are to be completed. No new ends, including dead ends, are to be commenced after the bell is rung for the break. A 15 minute tea break will be taken for a game commencing after lunch. Suggested Afternoon tea at 2.45pm RESTART 3.00 pm. A 30 minute lunch break will be taken for a game commencing in the morning. Suggested Lunch at 11.45am RESTART 12.15pm. It is suggested no break will be taken during matches played at night. 8.4 Sectional Play Subject to inclement weather conditions, and mutual agreement by the Side Managers, the scheduled break may be waived Unless the MPB Match Committee decides otherwise, Sides in each Division will be drawn to play each other twice, one game on the home green of each Side. (Refer Rule Allocation of Rinks should a club have insufficient rinks available) With the advance permission of the MPB Match Committee, and the agreement of the opposing Club s scheduled home side, a club can play: at either the scheduled location or at an alternative location a Sectional Saturday Pennant competition game, in any division, on a Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday, from Friday evening to the following Thursday evening of that round a Sectional Midweek Pennant competition game, in any division, on any day or evening from Tuesday to the following Monday of that round A Player will not play in more than one Side in the same round of Pennant. Special Conditions for Changes to Scheduled Matches MPB ANY other change to a scheduled Saturday or Midweek match must be requested from the MPB Match Committee in writing ( ) seven days prior to the scheduled date for play, stating round, number, date for play, competing clubs, venue and starting time. Where clubs have agreed and been given approval by the MPB Match Committee to re-schedule a fixtured match to be played on a specific day, it must be played under the same rules as if it was the allocated fixture day Scoring The order of Sides in each section will be determined by the total points gained. Ten points will be awarded for each Side win, forfeit or walkover and five points for each Side tie. Two points will be awarded for each Team win or forfeit and one point for each Team tie, No points will be awarded to a Side with a scheduled BYE as published in the Draw. MPB Rules for Competition Page 15

16 If a match is abandoned during play due to inclement weather, points will be allotted as stipulated under Rule If a match cannot be completed for a reason which is not due to inclement weather, then the score will stand at the nominated completion time for matches under Rule 10.4 Duration and the game ceases forthwith If two or more Sides have the same number of points their order will be determined by net margin of shots for minus shots against each Side if net margins be equal the order will be determined by the higher proportion of total shots for divided by total shots against if there is still a tie for a position to qualify for Post-sectional play, the Sides concerned will play a deciding match Withdrawals and Walkovers In accordance with Rule 3.2, for impeding withdrawals from scheduled matches the MPB and the opposing club must immediately be notified of a withdrawal of a team or side, and a walkover will be applied. Should a club withdraw a Pennant side after the competition draw has been published, financial penalties will also apply. Further, a team withdrawing a side does not constitute a BYE be recorded for opposition sides for future scheduled matches during a pennant season and the following steps will be implemented In the event of a walkover occurring for a scheduled match, a Pennant Check form must be completed by the Side given the walkover and sent to the Pennant Recorder on the day of the match The names of the players that would have played in the Side given the walkover are to be listed so they may be registered for finals and the form struck through under the name of the Club giving the walkover with the word Walkover In addition to the points awarded under Rule 8.4.3, a Side giving a walkover will lose 15 shots and the Side receiving the walkover will gain 15 shots Should a club withdraw a pennant side after the competition draw has been published, then for each future scheduled match in the pennant season the side awarded the walkover must complete the Pennant Check form as stipulated in Rule and , and will receive the points awarded under Rule A financial penalty of $25.00 will be invoked for each of the first and second walkovers granted by clubs. For a third walkover a penalty of $50.00 will apply and subsequent walkovers will attract a penalty of $ each A club that withdraws a Pennant side after the competition draw has been published may incur a $250 fine to remove that side from the competition. MPB Rules for Competition Page 16

17 8.5 Division Winners To determine the respective Division winners the Final series will be conducted as follows: Home game advantage will be given in first week of finals to teams finishing 1 st and 3 rd in sectional play Week 1 - Qualifying Match 1 v 2 - Elimination Match 3 v 4 Week 2 - PRELIMINARY FINAL (Loser of Qualifying Match will play Winner of Elimination Match) Week 3 FINAL (Winner of Qualifying Match will play Winner of Preliminary Final) Midweek All Divisions Saturday Divisions 2-7 Sunday Division 1 Week 4 Saturday Division 2 playoff (Winner of Final North to play Winner of Final South) Midweek Division 1 playoff 8.6 Promotion and Relegation (Winner of Final Open to play Winner of Final Restricted) The method to be used in deciding if a side is eligible for promotion or relegation in pennant will be subject to the format and divisional play decided each season by the Controlling Body. Should situations arise which fall outside the rules and regulations, good judgment will apply Promotion will be determined following the final series conducted under Rule 8.5 and the order in which sides will be considered for promotion is as follows : Saturday Pennant - To Division 1 Only one club side will be accepted in Division 1. The winning club side will be promoted from the Division 2 playoff unless they already have a team in Division 1 then it would be the minor champion. Midweek Pennant - To Division 1 Only one club side will be accepted in Division 1. The winning Final club side will be promoted from the lower Division unless they already have a team in Division 1 then it would be the minor champion. To All Other Divisions The winning Final club side will be promoted from the lower division. Up to two (2) sides per club will be accepted Relegation will be determined following the season s sectional play and the order in which sides will be considered for relegation is that the bottom team will be relegated. Up to two (2) sides per club will be accepted in each Division below Division 1. When more than two (2) club sides are located in a lower division, the lowest team will be relegated. MPB Rules for Competition Page 17

18 Rule 9 SIDES 9.1 Numbers and Composition A Club can enter any number of Sides up to the maximum number which can be accommodated on the rinks available for its use and: Sides of a Club will be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 etc in descending order of ability If a Club does not have sufficient Players to form a Side it can seek approval from the MPB Match Committee to combine with another Club or Clubs to enter a side in the lowest Division available. The application must be made by the Club accepting responsibility for the Side and be accompanied by written approval of the other Club or Clubs Notwithstanding Rule 9.2, if a Club does not have sufficient Players to form a Side for the Club s lowest numbered Side, the Side can play with one or more Teams of three Members playing as Lead, Third and Skip respectively in accordance with Law Sides will be filled by available Players in descending order of ability. Subject to Rule 9.1.3, if there are insufficient Players available to fill all Sides entered by the Club in the Pennant Competition the lowest Side will be the Side which forfeits Prior to the last four rounds of Sectional play there will be no restriction on the interchange of Players between the Sides of a Club For the last four rounds of Sectional play, no Side will include more than three players who have played the majority of their games, prior to the fourth last game, in a higher numbered Side In any Post-sectional match a Side will not include any Player who, during the current season, has played less than four games for the Club in that actual competition. The Saturday Pennant Competition and the Midweek Pennant competitions are separate competitions and games played in one competition do not count towards Player eligibility in the other competitions. (Refer to Rule 8.3 Divisional Play ) In any Post-sectional match, a Side will not include any Player who, during the current season, has played more than four games in any of the higher numbered Sides unless the Player has also played in four or more games in the Side concerned and/or any lower numbered Sides If any Club is uncertain of having available sufficient Members who are eligible under Rule 9.1.8, it can apply to the MPB Match Committee for permission to play, if necessary, other nominated Members and if permission is granted such Members can play in any position other than Skip. 9.2 Replacement Players/Substitutes Prior to one (1) hour before scheduled commencement on the day of the match, a Club will not introduce a replacement Player under the provisions of Domestic Regulation 2.4 except for its lowest numbered Side After the commencement of play in a match in both Saturday Pennant & Midweek Pennant, a substitute Player can take the place of any Member of the Side in MPB Rules for Competition Page 18

19 accordance with Law 33.2 and D.R. 2.3 only if such Member becomes unable to continue to play in the match by reason of circumstances arising after the commencement of the match A constituted player for whom a substitute was obtained will, if available and physically capable and still eligible, re-join the team in the player s original position at the start of the next end and the other players must revert to their original positions Should a substitute player be available at the venue they may play out of uniform. 9.3 Incomplete Side If at the latest time for the commencement of a match a Side does not have sufficient Members to form a Side, A team with an absent player plays as though the second is the missing player; The order of play shall be maintained by the second of the complete team playing consecutive bowls; If a player has commenced the game, however is unable to continue the game and no eligible substitute or replacement is available or allowed, play will continue as if one player is absent as per Rule and If an absent player arrives late, they must take their original place in the team when they arrive and enter the game at the completion of the end in progress If an eligible substitute or replacement player becomes available and is permitted by the Controlling Body they may be introduced to the game at the completion of the end in progress Should substitutes or replacement of players under Rule 9.2 or 9.3 not be possible for any reason and a forfeit is inevitable then the MPB controlling body must immediately be advised A club forfeiting a match will be penalised with a loss of 15 shots to the opposing team, together with points as per Clause Side Manager Wherever under any of the Laws, Rules and Regulations a Side is given any right of decision or choice, it will be exercised by the Side Manager who will act on behalf of the Side. 9.5 Umpire The host club will appoint a BV accredited Umpire, or an accredited Measurer, or a responsible person who has knowledge of the Rules. The appointee will adjudicate play in accordance with all Laws, Rules and Regulations and have authority over all decisions to be made during the match, other than, and subject to the agreement of competing sides, to allow a challenge to the length of ends to be determined by the leads and skips on the rink concerned. MPB Rules for Competition Page 19

20 Rule 10 MATCHES Pre-Match Practice There will be no pre-match practice prior to any pennant matches except for scheduled Saturday matches at the home club, when all home teams must be off the green one and a half hours (1.5) prior to the scheduled commencement of a match, i.e am Timing the Greens MPB has directed all greens must be timed before the start of competitive play and recorded on the Pennant Check Form. Timing must be carried out thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled commencement time by the Senior Side Managers and the Umpire if available The pace must be recorded and immediately prominently displayed by the Manager of the home side Clubs will be advised of any updated procedures for the use of timing ramps for grass greens and the amended speed chart Timing Ramps are not permitted to be used for timing synthetic greens. These greens must be timed with a stopwatch over a distance of 27 metres. Timing ramps can be used for timing sand infill greens Draw for Rinks The draw for rinks and Opponents will be conducted prior to the commencement of trial ends by the opposing Managers who will exchange cards and shuffle them, after which the cards of one Side will be placed name face down by one of the Managers and the other Manager will then place a card face down on each and the Teams will play as thus drawn. Rink numbers will also be shuffled and placed face down on the cards. Rinks allocated for Pennant play must be consecutively numbered and where possible played on the one green (splitting up Teams that are part of a Side is not permitted on the same green - i.e. allocating rinks 1, 2, 6 & 7 for a Pennant Side). A coin toss will be used by the Managers to decide the side to commence the match (Law allows the winner of the toss to start the play or tell the opposition to start the play) Allocation of Rinks If a Club for any reason, including inclement weather, has insufficient rinks available for the number of games scheduled to be played at home on a given day, it has to either find an alternative venue that is prepared to assist by making rinks available or deciding which of the home games are not going to be played. In such a case the following will apply Available greens at home are to be allocated to the home sides in order of seniority Those sides which cannot be catered for at home can, in order of seniority, use an alternative venue It will always be the sides in the lower Divisions which may be transferred or miss out on a game In the event that a game is transferred to an alternative venue the mutual agreement of the opposing side is to be obtained as soon as possible and the MPB Match Committee advised in writing. MPB Rules for Competition Page 20

21 10.3 Time for Commencement The appointed time for commencement for all Sectional and Post Sectional pennant matches allows 30 minutes for late arrival stipulated under Clause 3.1. Refer to Clause 9.3 if at the scheduled time for commencement of any match a team has an absent player and does not have sufficient members to form a side Saturday Matches The time for commencement for Saturday matches is 12.45pm, trial ends may commence at 12.30pm Midweek Matches The time for commencement of Midweek matches is 10.15am, trial ends may commence at 10.00am Reserve or Alternate Day Matches The time for commencement of matches held on Reserve or Alternate Days will be played under the same rules and regulations as if it was the scheduled fixture Evening Matches The time for commencement of evening matches is 6.30pm and will be played under the same rules and regulations as if it was the scheduled fixture. Trial ends may commence at 6.15pm Duration Saturday pennant - Each match will consist of 25 ends per rink to be completed by 6.30pm. Midweek Pennant - Each match will consist of 21 ends per rink to be completed by 4.00pm. Should a match not be completed for a reason other than inclement weather then the score at the nominated completion time will stand (Refer to Scoring - Rule 8.4.4). Breaks will be taken as defined in divisional play for MPB Pennant Clause Inclement Weather In this Rule weather means wet weather, lightning, excessive heat, excessive wind or dust or any other similar like weather conditions that effects play Abandoned or Cancelled Matches Reserve days are available to replay matches which are cancelled by the controlling body due to forecast of inclement weather or abandoned due to heat or wash out. When less than half the division matches of pennant are completed due to heat or inclement weather these Reserve days are to be utilised. Only the first such event prior to Christmas and the first such event after Christmas/New Year will be replayed on the Reserve Day. If there are subsequent heat outs or wash out (prior to Christmas or after Christmas/New Year) these games will be assessed as a draw and the points shared HEAT MPB Pennant all Divisions Saturday and Midweek Should the forecast for a scheduled fixture be projected to be 35 degrees or over, the MPB Match Committee shall determine a game may commence at an earlier time. MPB Rules for Competition Page 21

22 Following commencement of a game the following regulations shall apply : If the actual dry bulb temperature recorded at the venue club s TMD (Temperature Measuring Device) has reached 35 degrees Celsius one (1) hour prior to commencement of the match it will be suspended until such time as the temperature falls back below 35 degrees Celsius Following commencement of a match Side Managers will make further reference to the Venue club s TMD every 30 minutes and if the temperature recorded is 35 degrees Celsius or above, all Pennant matches in progress will be suspended forthwith until such time as the temperature falls back below 35 degrees Celsius If the last end can be started before 6.30pm for a Saturday fixture of 4.00pm on a Midweek fixture then the game may be completed regardlessof the finishing time Calculating a Restart The Side Managers will consult to determine when play will restart for all ends to be completed by 6.30pm. 1. Allocate an average of ten (10) minutes to complete an end. 2. Determine the number of ends still to be played by the slowest rink. 3. Multiply the ends left by 10 minutes = the amount of time left to play. Example: Assume play is stopped at 3.00pm and 13 ends are left still to play by the slowest rink. Multiply 13 by 10 minutes per end = 130 mins = 2 hours 10 mins. To complete the game by 6.30pm RESTART must commence by 4.20 pm The Temperature Measuring Device (TMD) The home team is responsible for the maintenance and placement of the TMD. If the expected temperature for the day is 30C or more the TMD shall be positioned as detailed below at least one hour prior to schedule play Side Managers in Pennant and Venue Managers for other events are responsible for reading the TMD, If there is a dispute over the reading the umpires reading shall be taken as the measurement and considered a matter of fact and shall not be subject to any challenge. If more than one Division of Pennant is playing at the venue the Senior Side Managers shall be jointly responsible at the venue for taking a reading from the TMD. If the reading invokes the Heat Rule they shall immediately inform all other Side Managers at the venue TMD Placement Place the TMD approximately 1.2 metres above the ground/green level freely exposed to the sun and wind. Desirably it should not be shielded by, or close to trees, buildings, fences, walls, or other obstructions, nor should it be close to areas of extensive areas of concrete, asphalt, rock or other surfaces which may reflect heat. MPB Rules for Competition Page 22