MASTER BOWLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (MBANL)

MASTER BOWLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (MBANL) CONSTITUTION AND TOURNAMENT MANUAL (AMENDED September 2016) 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 AIM... 3 2.0 AFFILIATION... 3 3.0 OBJECTIVES... 3 4.0 CODE OF ETHICS... 3 5.0 DUTIES OF THE MASTER BOWLER... 4 6.0 MEMBERSHIP... 4 7.0 MBANL EXECUTIVE... 5 7.1 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS... 5 7.2 MEETINGS... 5 7.3 EXPENSES... 6 8.0 REGISTRATION... 6 9.0 CALENDAR OF EVENTS... 6 10.0 UNIFORMS... 6 11.0 FUNDRAISING... 7 12.0 QUALIFICATION PROCESS... 7 12.1 TOURNAMENT DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS... 8 12.2 TEACHING DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS... 9 12.3 SENIOR DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS... 10 13.0 CALCULATION OF AVERAGES FOR TEACHING/SENIOR DIVISIONS... 11 13.1 ZONE AVERAGE CALCULATION... 11 13.1.1 BOWLER WHO BOWLED THE MASTERS LAST YEAR... 11 13.1.2 FORMER MASTERS BOWLER WHO BOWLED LEAGUE LAST YEAR... 11 13.1.3 FORMER MASTERS BOWLER WHO DID NOT BOWL LEAGUE LAST YEAR... 11 13.1.4 NEW MASTERS BOWLER WHO BOWLED LEAGUE LAST YEAR... 12 13.1.5 NEW MASTERS BOWLER WHO DID NOT BOWL LEAGUE LAST YEAR... 12 13.2 PROVINCIAL AVERAGE CALCULATION... 12 13.3 NATIONAL AVERAGE CALCULATION... 12 14.0 ASSIGNMENT/SELECTION OF COACHES FOR ALL DIVISIONS... 12 15.0 AMENDMENTS, REVISIONS, AND ADDITIONS... 13 2

1.0 AIM The AIM of the Master Bowlers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MBANL) is to gather together the finest bowlers in Newfoundland and Labrador to set the standards of sportsmanship, ethics, and conduct that bring prestige to the sport of bowling. 2.0 AFFILIATION The MBANL is affiliated with the Master Bowlers Association of Canada (MBAC), the Bowling Proprietors Association of Canada (BPAC), the Bowling Proprietors Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (BPANL), the Canadian 5 Pin Bowlers Association (C5PBA), and the Newfoundland and Labrador 5 Pin Bowlers Association (NL5PBA). 3.0 OBJECTIVES (a) The Master Bowler shall: Exemplify the high regard that all dedicated bowlers have for the sport of 5 pin bowling. Represent themselves and their peers in tournaments and championships. Encourage the conducting of clinics for new bowlers. Conduct themselves befitting of a Master Bowler in all phases of bowling. (b) The Executive shall at all times govern and regulate the conduct of the members of the MBANL. The MBANL shall arrange and conduct events and tournaments for its members. (c) Provide training seminars for the sport of bowling. 4.0 CODE OF ETHICS (a) To conduct oneself at all times in a manner befitting a Master Bowler. (b) To diligently and actively support the MBANL, its rules and its by-laws. (c) To avoid bringing discredit to the sport of bowling. (d) MBANL members agree: To always conduct himself/herself in a manner befitting a Master Bowler, whether in an MBANL tournament or other tournaments, competitions or regular league play. To promote the aims and objectives of the MBANL by good example. To observe and comply with all MBANL rules and regulations. That failure to observe and comply with any MBANL rules and regulations may result in sanction, suspension, or expulsion from the MBANL. 3

5.0 DUTIES OF THE MASTER BOWLER Each Master recognizes that survival of the organization is a result of our individual and collective involvement with the game s promotion and with our association s fundraising program. Each Master is encouraged to provide some service for the good of bowling, other than personal accomplishment. 6.0 MEMBERSHIP (a) Membership fees are to be set at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in consultation with the Executive. (b) It is the responsibility of each Master bowler to make the annual membership deadline. The deadline for annual membership will be communicated by the Executive after the AGM. (c) MBANL memberships must be renewed yearly. (d) Once an individual has paid their membership fees, they may participate in the MBANL as a bowler or coach for that bowling season. In addition, they will also have full voting privileges at all MBANL general meetings during that bowling season, as well as at the AGM at the start of the next bowling season. Members must be in attendance to vote. (e) In order to maintain the membership privileges outlined above, the individual must be a member in good standing. The term member in good standing includes any person who has remained current with all MBANL fees and payments and who has fulfilled the requirements for membership in the MBANL, and who has neither voluntarily withdrawn from membership nor has been expelled or suspended from membership in the MBANL. (f) The MBANL may allow provisional members If the general registration date has passed and a division does not have the minimum required members to attend nationals. In such a case, the MBANL will set a provisional member registration date. If a division does not have the minimum required members after the provisional registration date is passed, the MBANL reserves the right to complete the field. If not enough members are willing to register within a division after both avenues have been attempted, the MBANL reserves the right to cancel that division (g) Provisional members will have all the rights and responsibilities of general membership except: i. A provisional bowler can only advance in a division when all members in good standing have already advanced. ii. The ranking of qualifying bowlers, respective of their registered division, is determined first by members in good standing and then by provisional members iii. A provisional bowler can only be considered for singles in a division if no members in good standing advance as singles 4

7.0 MBANL EXECUTIVE (a) The Executive members of the MBANL shall be elected by a general election held at the AGM. (b) The Executive shall consist of the following positions: President two year term (elected) Vice President one year term (elected) Treasurer one year term (elected) Secretary one year term (elected) Eastern Delegate one year term (elected) Western Delegate one year term (elected) (c) Delegates to the National Annual and Semi-Annual Meeting will be the President (at a minimum) and one other member at the discretion of the MBANL Executive (if resources permit). (d) All Executive members will have full voting privileges at MBANL Executive Meetings. All votes must be carried by a majority of the Executive members in attendance at an Executive meeting in order to be passed. In the event of a tie, the President shall vote again to break the tie. 7.1 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS (a) A non-executive member will be asked to conduct the nominations and elections at the AGM. Preferably, the individual conducting the nominations and elections will not have voting privileges. (b) Nominations are accepted for the positions vacated or to be vacated and the nominees shall be given the opportunity to accept or decline the nominations. (c) The nominations are then voted upon. In order to vote, an individual must have paid MBANL membership dues for the preceding season, and must be a member in good standing at the time of the AGM. (d) The individual receiving the most votes for each position shall be declared elected. (e) In the event of a tie in voting, a re-vote will be held until a winner is declared. 7.2 MEETINGS (a) The AGM shall be held each fall prior to the start of that season s qualification process. (b) The Executive shall meet throughout the year as required. 5

(c) The Executive shall meet with the MBANL membership throughout the year as required. 7.3 EXPENSES Reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive members of the MBANL while performing duties on behalf of the MBANL shall be reimbursed at the rate determined by the Executive. 8.0 REGISTRATION (a) Registration fees are to be set at the AGM in consultation with the Executive. (b) It is the responsibility of each Master bowler to make the annual registration deadline. The deadline for annual registration will be communicated by the Executive after the AGM. Each bowler must pay their registration and membership fees in full and fully complete and sign the MBANL registration form prior to the first ball of the first set. (c) MBANL registration fees must be paid yearly. (d) If a bowler registers for more than one division, each 6-game qualifying set that they bowl will count for all divisions that they have registered for. (e) If a bowler registers for more than one division, they must declare their order of preference (should they qualify for more than one team) prior to the start of the Provincial weekend (deadline date and time will be communicated to all bowlers by the Executive). 9.0 CALENDAR OF EVENTS A yearly calendar of events shall be produced by the Executive and distributed to all MBANL members. The calendar shall include relevant information, such as dates for qualifying sets, National tournaments, and meetings. 10.0 UNIFORMS (a) The official uniform of the MBANL is the MBANL red golf shirt along with black dress pants, Capri pants, walking shorts, or skirts. Dress pants, Capri pants, shorts, and skirts may be cotton, but must not be faded or torn. If a bowler does not have an official MBANL golf shirt, they must wear another red golf shirt in instances where the uniform is mandatory. (b) Bowlers are required to wear the official uniform to all MBANL sets and tournaments to show support to our sponsor and our association. Please note: 6

If a bowler does not have an official MBANL uniform, they will be permitted to wear a golf shirt with black dress pants, capri pants, walking shorts, or skirts. (e) Crests or pins displayed on the Master Bowler s shirt must be approved by the Executive. (f) For the singles and teams going to the National Championships, each team will have the choice of wearing black dress pants, Capri pants, walking shorts, or skirts. Please note all teams members must be dressed the same. (g) Uniforms and clothing must be clean and in acceptable condition at all times. 11.0 FUNDRAISING (a) Fundraising amounts and formats are to be discussed at the AGM in consultation with the Executive. The amounts and formats will be finalized by the Executive once membership numbers are finalized, and will be communicated to all bowlers. (b) It is the responsibility of each Master bowler to submit all fundraising monies due before provincial weekend, in full, prior to the start of bowling on Provincial weekend. Any bowlers owing money after the start of bowling, will be disqualified (deadline date and time will be communicated to all bowlers by the Executive). (c) It is the responsibility of each Master bowler travelling to Nationals, to submit all fundraising monies, in full, one week prior to leaving for Nationals. Any bowlers owing money after the deadline will be disqualified and may be replaced with another bowler (deadline date and time will be communicated to all bowlers by the Executive). (d) MBANL members who are not bowling, but are interested in coaching, are encouraged to participate in fundraising activities, as fundraising involvement is one of the selection criteria (additional detail in Section 14.0). 12.0 QUALIFICATION PROCESS (a) All MBANL qualifying sets must be held in Bowling Proprietors Association of Canada (BPAC) affiliated bowling centers. (b) The dates and sites for all qualifying sets shall be determined by the Executive. Bowlers outside the St. John s-metro region must consult the Executive to determine dates, sites, and times for all regular sets. In addition, they must travel to the site of the two sets on the Provincial weekend. Where numbers warrant, regular sets and/or provincial sets may be held in Central or Western Newfoundland. 7

Reasonable expenses incurred by bowlers while traveling to qualifying sets shall be reimbursed at the rate determined by the Executive. (c) Start times for qualifying sets shall be determined by the Executive. Qualifying sets will start on time and late arrivals shall be penalized by the loss of the frame(s) already bowled up to the time they are ready to bowl. (d) A lane draw will be held prior to the start of each qualifying set. During the set, the bowlers position in the lane line-up shall be rotated for each game. (e) Bowlers are expected to make every effort to attend the qualifying sets at the times and dates set forth by the Executive. In the event that a Bowler cannot make a qualifying set, the Executive will review the situation to determine if a make-up set is warranted. If a make-up set is arranged, it will be held at the same center that the missed set was held at. Normal tournament conditions should be replicated as closely as possible for make-up sets (i.e. proper pacing, three bowlers per side, lane rotation, etc.). Bowlers are permitted to bowl a maximum of two make-up sets for regular sets. The two provincial sets are mandatory. Exceptions to this rule will only be considered in the event of a death in the family, a severe personal or family medical emergency, or work related travel outside of the location of the provincials. Such situations will be addressed by the Executive in consultation with the division(s) involved. In the event that a vote is required to resolve the issue, the vote shall be anonymous. (f) Lineage for each qualifying set will be set by the Executive in consultation with the management of the bowling center being used. (g) Bowlers must bowl all games of all qualifying sets for their division(s). (h) Conduct not befitting a MBANL bowler (i.e. abuse of alcoholic beverages or drugs, swearing, kicking ball racks, hitting walls, lofting the ball down the lanes intentionally) will not be tolerated. (i) Canadian Five Pin Bowlers Association (C5PBA) rules and regulations will be in effect during qualifying sets, unless otherwise noted in this document. 12.1 TOURNAMENT DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS (a) Six 6-game qualifying sets (36 games in total) are to be bowled using a total pinfall format. Four Zone sets will be held during the regular bowling season, while two Provincial sets will be held during the Provincial weekend. (b) Using the total of all 36 games bowled, the top man and woman will qualify as the tournament singles representative for the National Championships. The next five men and women will qualify on the tournament teams for the National Championships. In summary, for both the men and women, qualifier #1 is the singles representative, and qualifiers #2-6 are the team members. 8

(c) In the event of a tie for position one or six, there will be a one-game roll-off to determine who the singles or team representative will be. (d) The singles representative cannot forfeit their singles position for a position on the team. If a singles representative declines the singles position, they will be disqualified and the next qualifying positions will move up accordingly. (e) If a singles or team representative is unable to attend the National Championships, the position will be filled with the person who holds the next highest pinfall. If the position cannot be filled from the remaining members of the Tournament Division, the position will be forfeited. (f) Every singles representative in the Tournament Division Stepladder at the National Championships must bowl all ten frames of each game. If a singles representative does not bowl each complete game in the Stepladder, they will be suspended for one year by the MBAC and the MBANL. 12.2 TEACHING DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS (a) All Teaching Division bowlers must bowl in a league during the current season. Bowlers must consult section 13.0 to determine which average calculation guidelines apply to them; it is the responsibility of each bowler to adhere to the guidelines that apply to them. (b) Six 6-game qualifying sets (36 games in total) are to be bowled using a pins over average format. Four of the Zone sets will be held during the regular bowling season, while two of the Provincial sets will be held during the Provincial weekend. (c) Counting the best three 6-game Zone sets (18 games in total) and the two 6-game Provincial sets (12 games in total), the top man and woman will qualify as the teaching singles representative for the National Championships. These individuals, plus the next four men and women will qualify on the teaching teams for the National Championships. In summary, for both the men and women, qualifier #1 is the singles representative, and qualifiers #1-5 are the team members. (d) In the event of a tie for position one or five, there will be a one-game roll-off to determine who the singles or team representative will be. (e) If a singles or team representative is unable to attend the National Championships, the position will be filled with the person who holds the next highest pins over average for their best three 6-game Zone sets (18 games in total) and two 6-game Provincial sets (12 games in total). If the position cannot be filled from the remaining members of the Teaching Division, the position will be forfeited. 9

12.3 SENIOR DIVISION SINGLES AND TEAMS (a) Individuals bowling in the senior division must be age 50 or older. (b) All Senior Division bowlers must bowl in a league during the current season. Bowlers must consult section 13.0 to determine which average calculation guidelines apply to them; it is the responsibility of each bowler to adhere to the guidelines that apply to them. (c) Six 6-game qualifying sets (36 games in total) are to be bowled using a pins over average format. Four of the Zone sets will be held during the regular bowling season, while two of the Provincial sets will be held during the Provincial weekend. (d) Counting the best three 6-game Zone sets (18 games in total) and the two 6-game Provincial sets (12 games in total), the top man or woman will qualify as the senior singles representative for the National Championships. This individual, plus the next four bowlers will qualify on the senior team for the National Championships. Please note the senior team is a mixed team and must include at least one male and one female bowler. Therefore, as an example, if the top five qualifiers are all male, the fifth place qualifier will be replaced by the highest female qualifier. In summary, qualifier #1 is the singles representative, and qualifiers #1-5 (with each gender represented) are the team members. (e) In the event of a tie for position one or five, there will be a one-game roll-off to determine who the singles or team representative will be. (f) If a team representative is unable to attend the National Championships, the position will be filled with the person who holds the next highest pins over average for their best three 6-game Zone sets (18 games in total) and two 6-game Provincial sets (12 games in total). If the position cannot be filled from the remaining members of the Seniors Division, the position will be forfeited. 10

13.0 CALCULATION OF AVERAGES FOR TEACHING/SENIOR DIVISIONS Defn Season: A season is defined as the calendar year (365 days) from July 3 of one calendar year to July 2 of the following year. Summer Leagues ending after July 3 are considered part of the current season. Defn Current Season: The year from the preceding Masters nationals to the upcoming Master s nationals. Defn Preceding Season: The season (as defined above) prior to the current season. Defn Zone Average: The average on which an individual will bowl the four zone sets. Defn Provincial Average: The average on which an individual will bowl the two provincial sets. Defn National Average: The average on which an individual will bowl the national championships. 13.1 ZONE AVERAGE CALCULATION 13.1.1 BOWLER WHO BOWLED THE MASTERS LAST YEAR The Zone Average will be calculated by adding the total pinfall from all leagues during the preceding season plus the total pinfall from Masters qualifying during the preceding season and dividing it by the total league games plus total Masters games bowled during the preceding season. 13.1.2 FORMER MASTERS BOWLER WHO BOWLED LEAGUE LAST YEAR The Zone Average will be calculated by adding the total pinfall from all leagues during the preceding season plus the total pinfall from a bowlers most recent Masters qualifying within the last two years and dividing it by the total league games bowled during the preceding season plus total Masters games bowled within the last two years. 13.1.3 FORMER MASTERS BOWLER WHO DID NOT BOWL LEAGUE LAST YEAR The Zone Average will be calculated by taking the total pinfall from the most recent Masters qualifying and dividing it by the total number of games bowled during the qualifying. Masters qualifying must be within the last two years. 11

13.1.4 NEW MASTERS BOWLER WHO BOWLED LEAGUE LAST YEAR The Zone Average will be calculated by taking the total pinfall from all leagues bowled during the preceding season and dividing it by the total number of games from all leagues bowled during the preceding season. 13.1.5 NEW MASTERS BOWLER WHO DID NOT BOWL LEAGUE LAST YEAR The zone average for a new bowler will be calculated by taking their total pinfall in all leagues bowled and dividing it by the total number of games from all leagues bowled as of January 31 of the current bowling season. A new bowler will have completed some of the Masters sets before knowing their exact average. The Masters executive will provide the bowler with an approximate average for each set based on the bowlers current league average. All plus/minus totals will be adjusted to the correct average, once the January 31 deadline passes. 13.2 PROVINCIAL AVERAGE CALCULATION The Provincial Average for all bowlers will be calculated by adding the total pinfall for all leagues bowled during the current season (as of Jan 31) plus the total pinfall from the current season Masters qualifying and dividing it by the total number of league games plus the total number of Masters qualifying games. 13.3 NATIONAL AVERAGE CALCULATION The National Average for all bowlers will follow the rule used by the Master Bowlers Association of Canada (MBAC). Averages for all bowlers will be a composite average of their league averages as of the end of season, but no later than May 15. The National Average shall be calculated as follows: Total league pinfall plus Tournament pinfall equals Total pinfall; number of league games plus number of Tournament games equals Total games; National average is Total Pinfall divided by Total Games. 14.0 ASSIGNMENT/SELECTION OF COACHES FOR ALL DIVISIONS Coaches will be assigned / selected by preceding through these steps, in order, until all teams have a coach: (a) All fully certified coaches who bowled, fully fundraised, and failed to qualify as bowlers on the national team, will be eligible to coach in the MBANL. (b) The Executive will ask all individuals who fit the criteria set forth in (a) if they want 12

their name included on the list of coaches. (c) At the conclusion of the provincials, each team will be provided with a list of available coaches (based on (a) and (b) above) and a coaching acceptance form. (d) Each team may then ask any individual on the list of available coaches to coach their team. If the individual accepts, they must fully complete and sign the coaching acceptance form. The team or coach should then return the form to a member of the Executive to complete the coaching selection process. The coach s name will then be removed from the list of available coaches. (e) If after going through steps (a) (d), there is still a team without a coach, a list will be developed of all fully certified coaches, who are members in good standing of the MBANL, and have paid their membership dues for that season. In most cases, these people will not have completed any fundraising, however, should there be anyone who meets this criteria to coach and who has also completed all of the MBANL fundraising, they will be asked to coach based on the amount of fundraising completed. In other words, the person with the most fundraising completed will be the first person asked to coach, and so on. (f) If after going through steps (a) (e), there is still a team without a coach, the executive of the MBANL will work with the team to select a fully certified coach from outside of the MBANL organization. (g) Should a scenario arise which is not covered by steps (a) (f) above, it shall be resolved in a manner decided upon by the executive of the MBANL. 15.0 AMENDMENTS, REVISIONS, AND ADDITIONS (a) The foregoing constitution and tournament manual have been adopted by the MBANL through AGMs and revised through subsequent meetings. (b) Proposed amendments, revisions, or additions to this document may be raised at the AGM and voted on. Amendments, revisions, or additions must be carried by a majority of the voting members in attendance at the AGM in order to be passed. (c) The Executive must make every effort possible to conduct the activities of the MBANL in accordance with the foregoing constitution, rules, and regulations. However, in extenuating circumstances (i.e. low membership, financial hardship, emergencies), the Executive has the discretion to make amendments, revisions, or additions to the constitution and tournament manual to ensure the continuity and success of the MBANL. Such amendments, revisions, or additions must be carried by a majority of the voting Executive members in attendance at an Executive meeting in order to be passed. In the event of a tie, the President shall vote again to break the tie. 13