British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association

BRITISH PARKS CROWN GREEN BOWLING ASSOCIATION

BYE-LAWS - updated 16.03.25

TITLE

The name of the Association shall be “British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association”.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of BPCGBA are to promote organised competitive bowls between geographically area-based Associations deemed of County status or equivalent (hereafter known as Affiliates) of a relevant standard in order to maximise the benefits and opportunities of the sport and affiliated to British Crown Green Bowling Association (hereafter BCGBA).

MEMBERSHIP

(a) Membership shall be for geographical Associations such as the Council shall deem to be of County status or equivalent at the Council’s discretion, subject to conditions in respect of geographical boundaries, number of leagues and/or clubs and players, and standard of venues and greens as the Council shall decide.

The Council may elect an Association as an Associate member for certain Championships i.e., juniors.

(b) Applications for membership shall be submitted to the General Secretary by September 30^th for consideration by the Council. Approval of applications shall require a two-thirds majority. Approved applicants shall be entitled to attend the ensuing Annual General Meeting.

Affiliates who are withdrawing their membership from the Association must inform British Parks in writing by December 1st.

Member Associations shall hereafter be described as affiliates. All affiliates are bound by their membership to accept and abide by all the BYE-LAWS and COMPETITION RULES, playing and administrative, as set out in the OFFICIAL HANDBOOK of BPCGBA.

(c) All affiliates shall submit to the General Secretary by the end of March annually a list of their constituent leagues and affiliated clubs therein, failure to do this will incur a fine of twenty pounds. The General Secretary shall publish the lists to all affiliates within 7 days thereafter.

(d) Provided that the AGM resolves annually that the Association affiliate with the British Crown Green Bowling Association (described hereafter as BCGBA), all clubs affiliated to a British Parks Affiliate either directly or via an affiliated league shall register their match playing members with BCGBA.

(e) Life Membership nominations shall be made in writing to the General Secretary.

OFFICERS

(a) The Officers shall be a President, Deputy President, Immediate Past President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Junior Secretary, Veterans Secretary, Senior Secretary, Ladies Secretary, Development Officer, Registrar and Safeguarding Officer

The Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Junior Secretary, Veterans Secretary, Senior Secretary, Ladies Secretary, Development Officer, Registrar and Safeguarding Officer shall be elected annually.

All officers at 4a make up the British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association management committee.

(b) The Presidency shall be held for one year and shall be offered to each affiliate by rota. Any affiliate which declines their turn shall be liable to be deferred to the end of the rota which shall be circulated annually.

(c) Nominations for the position of Deputy President must be sent to the Chief Executive Officer by the first Saturday in January preceding his proposed year of office, and during his preceding year the nominee will be expected to attend Association meetings as an observer unless he is a delegate for a County. The position should be offered to each County in turn.

(d) Subject to Bye-Law 3(d), a BCGBA Management Committee delegate.

(e) All Officers are charged with responsibility for ensuring that all rules of the Association are strictly adhered to.

COUNCIL

This the governing body shall consist of the elected officers and two delegates from each affiliate or three for the AGM, with one third of the total number of votes to form a quorum at any meeting. Council shall meet in March or April on a date to be decided by the AGM and on such other dates as requested by at least 4 Affiliates. The General Secretary shall convene Council and such ad-hoc committees required by Council with not less than 10 days’ notice.

For any meeting, any Affiliate who has not given 48 hours’ notice of non-attendance can be fined at the discretion of the officers.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(a) Shall be held on the first Saturday in November of each year, or as near that date as may be most convenient, with time and venue set by the General Secretary.

(b) Representation shall be the Officers listed in Bye-Law 4(a), Life Members, and three delegates from each affiliate who will all be entitled to one vote each.

(c) Notice shall be issued by the General Secretary not less than 21 days before the meeting to the Officers listed in Bye-Law 4(a), to Life Members, and to the Secretary of each affiliate.

With it shall be the agenda, nominations for Officers and the integrated list of Notices of Motion and proposed amendments thereto.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

(a) Request: The meeting shall be called on the receipt of a request by 25% or 4 affiliates, whichever is the greater, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of those affiliates, stating the business.

(b) Notice: The General Secretary shall arrange a date, time and venue for the Meeting which shall be within 28 days of the receipt of the required number of requests, and shall issue not less than 7 days Notice of the Meeting to the same addresses as for the AGM, stating the business and affiliates requesting the Meeting.

(d) No other business shall be discussed at the Meeting.

FINANCE

(a) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the preparation of the Annual Account of the Association and for maintaining adequate financial records and also the control and safe custody of the Association funds.

(b) The financial year shall run from 1^st November to 31^st October the following year.

(d) All cheques drawn against the Association’s funds shall be signed by the Treasurer and one of two other authorised signatories.

(e) All monies shall be deposited in a suitable financial institution which shall be approved by the Council.

(f) Copies of the accounts shall be issued before the AGM.

(g) Fees shall be decided by the Council at the AGM and affiliation fees shall be paid by 1^st January, and all other fees within 14 days of the request for payment. Honoraria shall be due in January after the completed season. The Association may recommend certain exemptions in relation to Associates.

(h) Affiliates failing to pay invoices by the due dates as set out in 8 (g) shall be fined £20 and a further fine of £20 for each 30 days or part of 30 days that it remains overdue until paid in full.

(i) In Senior County Championship and Veterans County Championship a footer fee of one pound per player per match to be applied. (To apply to all group games and semi-finals and finals) This will be invoiced after the August Semi Final County matches are completed each year.

DISPUTES AND APPEALS

(a) An affiliate making a protest against any other, whether as a body or as individual member(s) on any grounds shall forward a copy of such protest to the Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary of the alleged offending affiliate within 7 days of the alleged offence.

(b) A sum of £25 shall be deposited with the Chief Executive Officer or General Secretary by the appellant/s, and upon receipt a meeting shall be called within 28 days. An ad hoc committee of five Council members shall be appointed, and after hearing evidence from all parties it shall give its decision, including all financial aspects and confirmed in writing to the Affiliates involved by the General Secretary.

(d) There shall be a Right of Appeal to the Council. Conduct of Appeal shall form an appendix to the BYE-LAWS.

(e) All Procedures will be based on BCGBA byelaws.

OTHER MATTERS

(a) Any matter not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Council, whose decision shall be issued to all affiliates, and in the case of any infringement thereof, or of any action which, in the opinion of the Council might bring the Association into disrepute, such penalty may be imposed as the Council deems expedient.

BYE-LAWS AND COMPETITION RULES

(a) Proposals to alter bye laws and competition rules can only be changed by the Council, or the Officers, or an Affiliate which must be in writing, including an electronic format to the General Secretary at least 42 days prior to the AGM.

(b) Amendments to Notices of Motion shall be submitted to the General Secretary received in writing, including by electronic mail or fax, and shall only be submitted in accordance with a time-scale decided by the Council. The General Secretary shall issue an integrated list of the Notices of Motion and the proposed Amendments thereto with the Notice of the Annual General Meeting. Approval shall require a two thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote.

(c) Any matter not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Council, whose decision shall be issued to all affiliates, and, in the case of any infringement thereof, or of any action which, in the opinion of the Council might bring the Association into disrepute, such penalty may be imposed as the Council deems expedient.

COMPETITION RULES

12. LISTINGS

(a) Senior County Championship

(b) Veterans County Championship

(d) Club Team Championship

(e) Veterans County Team Championship

(f) Junior County Team Championship

(g) Senior Individual Merit Championship

(h) Ladies Individual Merit Championship

(i) Junior Individual Merit Championship

(j) Veterans Individual Merit Championship

(k) Under 25 Individual Merit Championship

(l) Open Pairs Championship

Entries for (a) and (b) to be submitted to the General Secretary by 1^st January each year.

The complete draws for team championships (d, and f) shall be made by not less than 2 officers within 14 days of the closing date and all affiliates notified within 7 days of the draws being made.

Entries for (c)(e)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k) and (l) to be submitted to the General Secretary by the closing dates which shall be decided at the AGM.

The event items listed at 12. Listings (above), shall be open to registered players, male or female unless stated otherwise, of a registered club affiliated to their geographical local British Parks affiliated County Association. Exceptions to this may occur and due notification will be issued with the appropriate entry forms. Players can be registered to only 1 County Association in a season. Exceptions may be in the Senior Merit (male players only) and the Ladies Merit (female players only).

13. SENIOR COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) Format

The AGM shall decide the format relating to divisions and / or sections.

No format shall be devised that will preclude any affiliate from having an equal chance to compete for the County Championship title in any season. The affiliates shall be divided into sections by a draw to conform with a formula to provide that all affiliates shall meet the majority of other affiliates at least once during the term of the formula.

In each division and / or section only one match shall be played between each team.

Each match shall comprise a home and away leg to be played on the same date.

All matches shall be played on the third Sunday of each month in which matches are to be played, except April which shall be decided by the AGM.

If playing on the third Sunday proves to be impractical in any particular month, affiliates may by mutual agreement fulfil their fixtures on a date which they agree upon, provided the matches at both home and away venues are played within 3 weeks either side of the originally scheduled date, and the matches take place in full simultaneously.

(b) Teams

Teams shall consist of 12 players both home and away.

Teams shall be selected from players whose club is a paid affiliate to the respective affiliate.

Not More than 2 players shall be selected to play in the home leg on the green of the club of which they are playing members.

Where a club affiliates to more than one affiliate or a player is registered with more than one club with any affiliate, primary affiliation to club and affiliate must be declared.

All registered players must have played at least one league game for their respective club by the group stages and 6 league games by the semi-finals and final. Proof of this must be made available if requested, failure to comply will result in the game being 21-0 in favour of the opposition and appropriate penalty applied.

The order of play and venues shall be entered on the British Parks web page in the county log in section, under the relevant match. This can be done at any time, but must be entered on the 14^th day prior to the match i.e., Sunday.Failure to comply with this date will incur a fine of £20 on the defaulting county. When both teams have been entered on the web site, they will be published at midday on the following Monday.The lists of teams, numbered 1 to 12 shall be paired and play in that order.Changes cannot be made to teams until the morning of the match, when reserves can replace a player/s, any changes must be made prior to the match starting. Any player absent when called must be replaced by a reserve and shall not thereafter play in the match. Home players should where possiblewear numbers according to the match sheet.

(d) Officials

Each affiliate where possible shall appoint either one or two qualified referees for the home leg and designate a measurer for both home and away teams.

(e) Match Arrangements

No player shall be allowed to practice an opponent’s green for 14 days prior to the match. No practice by either team on the selected green on the match day. All matches start at 2pm unless mutually arranged otherwise, and visiting teams lead the first jack. All games shall be 21up and four games are always to be in progress until the match is completed. The home team must provide score display and all measuring equipment.

(f) Greens

Only greens of clubs affiliated to the respective affiliate shall be used and may only be used once during any one season.

(g) Results

Results from each match shall be one POINT awarded per individual win and TWO points for each leg win, plus THREE further points for the overall aggregate win with points shared if tied, i.e. 31 points available in total.

(h) Match Result Sheets

One official Match Result Sheet shall be completed by the captains at each leg of the match, after checking all scores and signing any agreed alterations. The referee shall also sign the result. The result sheet must be filled in electronically via the website service within 24 hours of the match being completed. A fine may be levied if this is not completed.

(i) Championship Tables

The winners of the Championship, or where there are sections the winners of each section, shall be the county with the highest matches won total.

If tie on matches won 1. The highest points scored

If still tied 2. The highest net gains

If still tied 3. The highest aggregate for

If still tied 4. The highest aggregate away

If still tied 5. The most number of winners

If still tied 6. The most individual winners away

(j) Semi- Finals and Final

Where the Championship is in four sections the winners from each section shall contest the semi-finals.

Where there are three sections the winners of each plus the best runner-up based on the average points scored per match shall contest the semi-finals. The semi-final draw will not include two counties who have already played each other in the group stage.

At least 2 Officers shall determine the draw for the semi-finals.

The scoring system for the semi-finals and final shall be the same as set out in paragraph 11(g). In the event of a tie on points the semi-final or final will be decided by:-

The team with most individual winners away;
The team with the best winner away;
The team with the next best winner away and so on until a winner is established.

14. VETERANS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) As 13(b) except “12 players” changes to “10 players”

(b) As 13(c) except “1 to 12” changes to “1 to 10”

(d) As 13(e)

(e) As 13(f)

(f) As 13(g) except 27 points available in total

(g) As 13(h)

(h) As 13(i)

(i) To qualify players must be 60 years of age or over when they play.

15. JUNIOR 5 A-SIDE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) Each affiliate shall be entitled to enter a team in this event. The one day Championship will consist of no more than 16 teams.

All players shall not have reached the age of 18 years on 1^st January of the year of competition.

Each team will consist of 5 players male or female and each team shall submit to the Official in charge on the day of the event, a squad list, maximum of 7 players, from which all teams throughout the day will be selected. All players must be bona fide playing members of a club which is currently registered and affiliated to the respective affiliate in the Association. Combinations of Affiliates may be grouped at the discretion of the Competition Officer.

(b) All games in this Championship shall be 21 up starting off 5 and in the rounds prior to the semi-finals the competing teams will be drawn in no more than groups of four and will play on a round robin basis to determine a semi-finalist.

Teams from the same affiliate shall be drawn in separate groups so far as reasonably practicable.

Having named the teams A, B, C & D in each group the following order of play in each group shall be A v B, C v D, A v C, B v D, A v D & B v C. Five games shall be in progress at all times in groups, including two games from each match until all matches are completed. If a team fails to attend, the order of play shall be as above with the team not playing in the first match having a 15 minute roll up after the first match has been completed after which they will play the team that lost the first match and then they will play the team that won the first match. Five games being in progress at all times until all matches are complete.

The Council will issue the order of play for each group to the hosting association prior to the competition day which must be strictly adhered to.

In each group all matches will be played on the same green. The semi-finals and final will be played on greens where both teams have not played a match. In the event of a two green venue half the finals will be played on each green.

(c) In all matches the order of play shall be by exchange of scorecards numbered 1 to 5 and shall be called to the green in that order.

Any player absent when called to play shall be replaced by a reserve and shall not play in that match.

Jacks shall be allocated to odd and even numbered players by a toss of a coin.

(d) In each match the team with the highest aggregate will be awarded two points, in the case of a draw, one point each will be awarded to each team.

After completion of the round robin matches, the team with the most points will be declared the group winner.

In the case of a tie the following shall apply:-

If a tie on points 1. The team with the highest aggregate for

If still tied 2. The team with the highest net gains

If still tied 3. The team with the most winners in the round

robin matches

If still tied 4. The team with the best winner in the round

robin matches

If still tied 5. The team with the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, etc. best winner

in the round robin matches

(e) No player shall be selected in a team to play on a green of a club of which they are a playing member.

(f) If there are insufficient entries for the event to make 16 teams, consideration will be given to inviting participating affiliates to enter more teams.

16. CLUB TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) Each affiliate shall be entitled to enter 2 teams in this event and will be guaranteed at least one team in the event. In the event of a previous year’s teams withdrawing, this may restrict the affiliates entry the year after at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Affiliates seeking to enter 2 teams must specify the order of priority in which each team shall be invited to compete by numbering them 1 or 2.

County Associations must state which competition their representatives have won in the current or qualifying season, this information should be supplied to the Secretary by the 1st April.

Finals day will consist of no more than 16 teams.

If 16 entries are not received from different affiliates second teams will be ranked in order from the previous year’s event, i.e. winning county first, then runner-up, the highest scoring semi-finalist, other semi-finalist, then quarter finalist etc. etc. until 16 teams are taking part.

All teams entered should be League or Cup winners or runners-up and affiliated to the same affiliate. The winner of the previous year’s competition will be placed on the reserve list to attend the following year’s competition if not already qualified.

Teams and named players must be submitted to the General Secretary at least 7 days prior to the competition date. In the event of a player wishing to represent an alternative county association in the Club Team Championship, this will be acceptable in this competition only. The 16 teams would be drawn into 4 groups (A,B,C,D) comprising of 4 teams (1,2,3,4). Each team will consist of 8 players male or female from a named maximum squad list of 12 players. In the rounds prior to the semi-final the competing teams will be drawn in groups of four and will play in a round robin basis to determine a winner at each green. Clubs entered from the same affiliate will not be drawn into the same group. Green Managers will be appointed Officer in charge at each venue. Team Captain will submit to the Officer in charge on the day of the event the playing order of his/her team. This list must be submitted by 9:45am. In the event of a group of three the first two teams named shall play first, second match shall be between the losing team from the first tie and the non-playing team, third match shall be between the winner of the first match and the non-playing team from the first round.

In each group the matches will be played on the same green, Semi Final and Final will be played on another green nominated by the host county.

All matches must be played, any teams forfeiting any game will be subject to a ban from any future competitions.

Qualified Referee’s to be supplied for the finals by the host county.

Winner of Group A vs Winner of Group B

Winner of Group C vs Winner of Group D

The winners of the semi-final matches will then contest the final.

British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association Dress code must be adhered to: BCGBA Rules apply.

Only registered playing members having played at least 5 matches for the club they are representing in the current or qualifying season shall be eligible.

The club must also be affiliated to the respective affiliate that they are representing in the

Championship.

A player may not play or be selected for more than one team in the Championship. No team or player shall play on their own green.

(b) All games in the Round Robin Group stages shall be 21 up playing off 6. All Semi-final and final games in this Championship shall be 21 up off scratch. Five games to be in progress at all times until all matches are complete.

(c) No team or player shall be allowed to practice on a green they are due to play on in this event in any round for 14 days prior to the match. (this excludes league matches, friendlies, competitions and cup matches).

(d) In all matches the order of play shall be by exchange of scorecards numbered 1 to 8 and shall be called to the green in that order. Players should report to the green manager or referee when called, if a player is absent when called to play shall be replaced by a reserve and shall not therefore play in that match. Jacks shall be allocated to odd and even number players by a toss of a coin after the draw has been made.

(e) In each match the team with the highest aggregate shots scored will be declared the winner and awarded 2 points, In the event of a draw 1 point will be scored.

After the completion of the round robin games the team with the most points will be declared the winners and progress to the semi-finals.

In the case of a tie in the finals/ group stages the following order of elimination shall apply:-

If a tie on aggregate the team with the most winners

If still tied the team with the best winner

If still tied the team with the next best winner etc etc

(f) Once the draw has been issued teams entered must attend otherwise rule 25(b)(i) will apply.

17. VETERANS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) Each affiliate shall be entitled to enter a team in this event. The Championship will consist of no more than 16 teams. Each team to consist of 8 players male or female who shall have attained the age of 60 years. Players must be bona fide members of a club which is affiliated to the respective affiliate.

(b) All games in this championship shall be 21 up starting off 6. In all rounds the competing teams will be drawn in no more than groups of four and will play on a round robin basis to determine a finalist. Group finalists will then play on a separate day to determine a winner.

Having named the teams A, B, C & D in each group the following order of play in each group shall be A v B, C v D, A v C, B v D, A v D &

B v C. Five games shall be in progress at all times in groups, including two games from each match until all matches are completed. If a team fails to attend or is drawn in a group of three teams, the order of play shall be as above with the team not playing in the first match having a 15-minute roll up after the first match has been completed after which they will play the team that lost the first match and then they will play the team that won the first match. Four games being in progress at all times until all matches are complete.

The Council will issue the order of play for each group to the hosting association prior to the competition day which must be strictly adhered to.

In each group all matches will be played on the same green. The semi-finals and final will be played on greens where both teams have not played a match.

(c) In all matches the order of play shall be by the exchange of scorecards numbered 1 to 8 and shall be called to the green in that order unless the group contains less than 4 teams.

Any player absent when called to play shall be replaced by a reserve and shall thereafter play in the match. Jacks shall be allocated to odd or even numbered players by a toss of a coin after the draw has been made.

(d) In each match the team with the highest aggregate will be awarded two points. In the case of a draw, one point will be awarded to each team. After completion of the round robin matches, the team with the most points will be declared the group winner. In the case of a tie the following shall apply:-

If a tie on points 1. The team with the highest aggregate for

If still tied 2. The team with the highest net gains

If still tied 3. The team with the most winners in the round

robin matches

If still tied 4. The team with the best winner in the round

robin matches

If still tied 5. The team with the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th etc. best winner

in the round robin matches

(e) Not more than 2 players shall be selected to play on a green of a club of which they are playing members.

(f) If there are insufficient entries for this event to make a finals day of 16 teams, consideration will be given to inviting participating affiliates to enter a second and possibly third teams.

18. JUNIOR COUNTY TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) As 15 (a) except ten players not eight and age qualification as in 15(a)

(b) As 14 (d)

(d) As 15 (e)

(e) As 15 (f)

19. SENIOR INDIVIDUAL MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of 64 Championship Final places.

(b) Each affiliate will be awarded an equal number of places in proportion to

the number of affiliates seeking to take part.

Affiliates will be notified of the places awarded via the Official Entry Form

sent out by the General Secretary.

Each affiliate will be allowed to take their allotted number of places until all

64 places are filled.

All affiliates must hold a qualifying event to determine who their entries

shall be.

If allocations are not fully taken up, additional places may be made available to secondary qualifiers.

There will be no direct entries allowed.

(d) Qualifiers for the Championship Final shall not play on any selected finals

greens for 7 days prior to the Championship Final except in bona fide

matches. Any player violating this rule shall be disqualified. No

substitutes for a disqualified player shall be allowed.

Substitutes from an absentee’s association shall be allowed no later than 7

days before the Championship Final and after this date no more entries

will be accepted.

No player may play on a green of any club of which they are a registered

member. Dress code as laid down by BCGBA shall apply.

(e) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM.

20. LADIES INDIVIDUAL MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of 32 Championship Final places.

(b) Each affiliate will be awarded an equal number of places in proportion to the number of affiliates seeking to take part.

Affiliates will be notified of the places awarded via the Official Entry Form sent out by the General Secretary.

Each affiliate will be allowed to take their allocated number of places until all 32 places are filled.

All affiliates must hold a qualifying event to determine who their entries shall be.

If allocations are not fully taken up, additional places may be made available to secondary qualifiers. There will be no direct entries allowed.

(d) As 19 (d)

(e) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM.

21. JUNIOR INDIVIDUAL MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of 32 Championship Final places.

(b) Each affiliate will be awarded an equal number of places in proportion to

the number of affiliates seeking to take part.

Affiliates will be notified of the places awarded via the Official Entry Form

sent out by the General Secretary.

Each affiliate will be allowed to take their allocated number of places until

all 32 places are filled.

All affiliates must hold a qualifying event to determine who their entries

shall be.

If allocations are not fully taken up, additional places may be made

available to secondary qualifiers.

There will be no direct entries allowed.

(d) As 19 (d)

(e) All players shall not have reached the age of 18 years on 1^st January of the

year of competition.

(f) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM.

22. VETERANS INDIVIDUAL MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of Championship Final places of 64.

Entries shall only be submitted direct by the affiliates and within dates

prescribed by the A.G.M.

All games shall be 21 up starting off 3.

(b) As 19 (c)

(d) To qualify players must have attained the age of 60 years on the day of the

championship.

(e) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM

23. OPEN UNDER 25 INDIVIDUAL MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of 32 Championship Final places.

(b) Each affiliate will be awarded an equal number of places in proportion to the number of affiliates seeking to take part. Affiliates will be notified of the places awarded via the Official Entry Form sent out by the General Secretary. Each affiliate will be allowed to take their allotted number of places until all 32 places are filled. All affiliates must hold a qualifying event to determine who their entries shall be. If allocations are not fully taken up, additional places may be made available to secondary qualifiers. There will be no direct entries allowed.

(d) As 19(d)

(e) All players shall not have reached the age of 25 years on 1st January of the year of the competition

(f) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM.

(g) No player may enter the Under 18 Individual Merit Championship and the Under 25 Individual Championship in the event these Finals are held on the same day.

24. OPEN PAIRS MERIT CHAMPIONSHIP

(a) There shall be a maximum of 32 Championship Final places.

(d) As 19(d)

(e) Finalist entry-fee to be determined by the AGM.

25. GENERAL

(a) Arrangements for all Finals Days will be made by the staging area in close

consultation with the General Secretary. Staging associations to be

responsible for appointing referees.

(b) Any individual finalist not fulfilling their obligations shall have their prize

money withheld and subject to considering their written explanations, if

any, for the non-attendance, will be made subject to a 2-year ban from participating in any British Park Championships.

(i) Once the draw has been made/published for any team event should, where less than 4 weeks’ notice has been given,

an Affiliate withdraws an entry from a competition they will be subject to a £50 fine and possible future ban from the relevant competition;

IF a Club Team withdraws, they may be fined £50, through the affiliate, and with the club possibly banned for two years from all BPCGBA competitions;

(ii) Affiliates may amend their entry any time prior to the draw being made/published.

(c) All players shall adhere to the standards of attire laid down by British Parks in all Championships. (inside back cover)

(d) Scratch out time in one day team competitions shall be 30 minutes after the

notified official start time.

(e) Only Member Associations currently represented in the Junior Team

Championships are entitled to vote on matters relating to juniors, unless the subject has financial implications.

(f) Only Member Associations currently represented in the Veterans County Championship are entitled to vote on matters relating to the Veterans County Championship, unless the subject has financial implications.

(g) A player may represent only one affiliate in any year in all British Parks competitions. This does not apply to U/18 junior competitions.

(h) Each affiliated club shall be required to purchase a minimum of 1 Association Handbooks annually.

(i) All players must have played at least 6 games for the club they are representing in any merit finals.

26. TROPHIES

The winners of each competition shall be the holders of the trophy provided by the Association for the competition and shall be held responsible by the Association for its satisfactory security/safe-keeping plus the return of such trophy in good condition to the General Secretary of the Association on or before the first day of January each year. Affiliates and individuals who fail to return the Trophies by the date and/or in good condition will incur a fine of at least £20, and any necessary repair or replacement costs.

27. DISSOLUTION OF ASSOCIATION

Should the Council by a two-thirds majority consider that it is expedient or otherwise to dissolve the Association, an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called giving 21 days notice, at which if a two-thirds majority resolves to dissolve the Association it shall be that majority determine the disposal of the assets of the Association after all liabilities and debts have been cleared.

STANDING ORDERS

1. STANDING ORDERS shall be subject to the provisions of Bye-Law 9.

(Formerly Bye-Laws 16 & 17)

2. STANDING ORDERS shall govern :

a) Meetings : representation, conduct and function.

b) Bye-Laws & Rules : maintenance and presentation.

GENERAL & COUNCIL MEETINGS

3. Representation :

Any Bye-Law alteration to representation shall not take effect until the close of the meeting approving such alteration.

4. Speakers :

All speakers shall address the meeting through the Chairman and shall not proceed until so instructed by the Chairman and shall pause or discontinue on his instruction.

5. Motions :

The proposer of the Motion shall formally propose the Motion and provided that it is formally seconded by a delegate from a different County Association shall then have the right to speak to the Motion. The Motion shall then be offered for debate to the meeting. Amendments to Motions shall be subject to Bye-Law 9(b).

The proposer of a Motion may speak in direct reply to a question with the Chairman’s permission or on his instruction, other than the right of final reply. The Chairman shall indicate the start of the final reply. No further debate on the Motion shall be allowed, after the right of final reply immediately following which the vote shall be taken.

6. Withdrawal of Motion :

Any Motion may be withdrawn by the proposer provided the meeting so agrees unless an alternative proposer and seconder so indicate to the meeting.

7. Closure :

Any delegate who has not spoken in the debate may move at the close of any speech that the vote be taken and if such a request is seconded by a delegate from another County Association the Chairman may close the debate and invite the proposer to take his final right of reply, immediately after which the vote shall be taken.

The Chairman may refuse a Motion of closure.

8. Points of Order :

Any delegate may rise to claim a “Point of Order” whereupon the speaker shall immediately give way until the Chairman gives his decision. The Chairman may refuse the reason for the Point of Order and instruct the speaker to continue.

9. Voting :

Voting shall generally be by show of hands.

A secret paper ballot shall be held as follows:

(i) When a proposal for a secret ballot is moved, seconded by a delegate from a different County Association and supported by one-third of the members present -

or (ii) For election where the number of candidates exceeds the number required to the

elected-

or ( iii) When the Chairman so decides,

the meeting shall appoint two scrutineers to receive the ballot slips and to count the votes. The Chairman shall have a casting vote only.

The result of all ballots, whether manual or secret, shall be announced by the Chairman. The number of votes cast shall be declared for, against and abstentions in case of motions, and for each candidate in the case of elections.

10. Where more than two candidates for one office, the meeting shall first decide on the method of election :

Either: (a) Direct Ballot: the candidate with the most number of votes shall be

elected, or

(b) Elimination: where no candidate has an absolute majority of the votes

cast, number of votes for each candidate being declared as in Standing

Order 9, the candidate with the least number of votes shall be eliminated

from the election and another ballot taken. This procedure shall be

repeated until one candidate receives an overall majority of the votes cast.

Where a committee is to elected and the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot shall be held to elect the required number having the most votes. Where there is a tie on lesser votes and the candidates receiving more votes are less than the number of vacancies the latter shall be elected and the candidates tying with the next lesser votes shall be re-balloted. Candidates with lower votes being eliminated until the required number of candidates is elected.

Any candidate may withdraw from the election from any time.

11. COMMITTEES

All committees elected by the Annual General Meeting or appointed by the Council shall be responsible to the Council and shall issue reports thereto.

All Committees shall elect a Chairman from amongst their number.

12. B.C.G.B.A. COMMITTEE

The BCGBA committee shall be elected by the Annual General Meeting.

The Constitution of the committee shall be :

The BCGBA Management Committee Delegate, and four other members from County Associations.

Function :

a) The committee shall form the British Parks delegation to BCGBA General Meetings.

b) The committee shall consider the general of the BCGBA Management Committee prior to that meeting and shall have power to mandate the delegate.

The committee shall receive the Delegate’s report of the BCGBA management committee.

The committee shall be empowered to draft Notices of Motion to the BCGBA for approval by the Council.

When attending BCGBA General Meetings as British Parks delegates, the Committee shall vote as mandated by the British Parks on issues specified by the British Parks.

Where no mandate has been given the Committee shall determine the cast of its votes which if not unanimous shall not be contradictory.

All votes cast by the Committee shall be declared in the Committee’s report to the Council.

CONDUCT OF APPEAL (Adapted for British Parks)

1. Secretary shall take the minutes – unless connected in any way (eg – personal, club, league, county) in which case a member of the Appeals committee shall so act.

2. Attendance: Check that all relevant parties have attended:

(a) Appeals committee (b) Appellant* (c) Respondent ( defendant)* (d) Official witnesses if sanctioned in advance.

*The appellant and the respondent may each be accompanied by one other person to speak on their behalf but not to act as witness. These shall be identified at the preliminary full session of the appeal hearing. (see 3 below).

3. Appeal hearing:

(a) Attendance having being recorded, all parties (in 2 above) shall attend opening session at which the Appeal request shall be read aloud. Notice shall also be declared of written submissions received ie dates and sources, not the contents, and confirmation declared of their receipt by both parties. (These shall have been circulated to the Appeals Committee for consideration prior to the hearing). Both parties shall be advised that further evidence (not previously declared, exchanged and submitted) shall not be permissible.

The order of business shall be declared. Both parties shall be advised that they may be recalled in addition to their stated place on the agenda and that they may not be present at any other time. All persons except Appeals Committee shall then retire.

(b) Where possible, separate rooms shall be available for the opposing parties to the Appeal.

(i) The Appeal Request

(ii) Evidence and other written documents and identify the point/s at issue to be resolved.

(d) Appellant called to present the Appeal and state reason and to answer questions addressed by Committee – then to retire on Chairman’s instruction.

(e) Appellant’s witnesses to be called (where authorised to attend) to answer questions by the Committee, then to retire on Chairman’s instructions.

(f) Committee to review (d) and (e).

(g) Respondent (defendant) called to present defence and reason and to answer questions addressed by the Committee then to retire on Chairman’s instructions.

(h) Respondent’s witness to be called (where authorised to attend) to answer questions by the Committee, then to retire on Chairman’s instructions.

(i) Committee to review (g) and (h). Consider whether recall is required of any party. Resolve fate of the appeal-decision by majority- preferable unanimous. Agree text of decision, specifying the major reasons thereto. Do not declare the vote. Committee to decide costs and apportionment and fate of Appeal Fee – See para 4 of report. Mail Decision re Appeal & Costs to both parties.

(j) Recall Appellant – declare decision and costs and fee. Appellant then retires.

(k) Recall Respondent…………………………..Respondent then retires

or ……… (i) and (k) Recall both parties simultaneously.

Advise both parties of the right to appeal.

(l) End of hearing.

APPENDIX FOR INDIVIDUAL MERIT COMPETITIONS

(Bye-Laws 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24)

This appendix has the force of a BYE-LAW

All merit competitions shall have a maximum number of places which shall be stated in the relative Bye-Laws.

Council shall determine the number of places available for each competition at the Annual General Meeting.

Council shall determine the number of places to be allocated to each affiliate at the Annual General Meeting.

The number of places required by each affiliate must be advised to the General Secretary no later than four weeks in writing before the date of the competition and he/she should then inform the Treasurer of those numbers.

Names of competitors must be advised to the General Secretary no later than fourteen days before the date of the competition.

The draw for each merit shall be made by not less than 2 Officers.

Entries from each affiliate shall be distributed evenly throughout the draw to avoid players from the same affiliate meeting in the 1^st or 2^nd rounds if practicable.

Where the competition is not full any necessary preliminaries or byes shall be allocated as closely as possible in proportion to the number of entries received from each participating affiliate.

Byes shall be drawn first, the remainder shall play in the 1^st round.

Byes shall be grouped together, at the foot of the draw.

If the draw is in 2 halves, the number of byes shall be divided into 2 halves, the number of byes in one half being not more than one than the other half.

The byes in each half shall be grouped together at the foot of each half.

The number of players in each half shall not differ by more than one.

Where two or more greens are involved any necessary preliminaries shall be played on a different green to that on which they will play on in the first round.

Where two or more greens involved the participants shall be spread as evenly as possible across those greens and players shall play on alternate greens until the quarter-finals, or in exceptional cases the semi-final stage.

(a) If at any stage of the competition, a player (A) for whatever reason is drawn to play an opponent (B) who has earlier played on that particular green, then player (A) shall be entitled to practice on that green for a maximum of 20 minutes and should be invited to do so by the referee or other official at least 30 minutes before being called on to play their game.

(b) However, if player (A) has not previously played a game eg. due to receiving a bye, and his/her next round opponent has played a game on green 1, and their match is to be played on green 2, then any such practice as mentioned in paragraph (a) shall be on green 1 and not green 2.

BRITISH PARKS CROWN GREEN BOWLING ASSOCIATION

CODE OF CONDUCT

Contents:-

General Code of Conduct

1. Aims & Purpose
2. Rights & Expectations
3. Code of Conduct
1. a. Players
2. b. Officials
3. c. Supporters
4. d. Parents
5. 4. Use of Social Media
6. 5. Non Compliance

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Aims & Purpose

Crown Green Bowling is a sport suitable for the widest range of individuals – young and old, male and female, able-bodied and disadvantaged.

However, in order to maximise the benefits and opportunities available, then the BPCGBA expect the highest standards of conduct from all those involved – players, spectators and administrators.

This document sets out the rights and expectations of the conduct of all essentially-involved parties and includes the responsible use of social media.

This conduct is expected at all times and sanctions are proposed for persistent non-compliance.

2. Rights & Expectations

All parties and spectators have the right to:

Enjoy participation in the game
Be treated as individuals at all times
Be treated with respect
Enjoy an environment free from discrimination
Participate free from the threat of abuse or insult
Have the sport administered in a fit and proper manner
Obtain guidance and support free from bias or favouritism

All participants and spectators are expected to:

Know the rules of the game
Treat fellow participants with respect and courtesy
Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour
Accept the decisions of officials without dissent
Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times
Treat the green and facilities with respect

3. Code of Conduct

3.1 Players

Players are the most important people in the sport.

Playing for the team and helping to win is a fundamental part of the game. But fair play and respect for all others is equally fundamental.

At all times, when practicing, training or competing in leagues, competions and events, participants and competitors should:

Follow the rules and procedures of their club and league
Adhere to BCGBA and BPCGBA rules and byelaws
Act in accordance with rules of the competition or event
Accept the decisions of officials of the event
Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times
Treat officials and other competitors with respect
Avoid swearing or shouting
Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour
Keep to agreed timings, or inform their Captain or the Competition’s relevant person if they are going to be late

3.2 Officials

Officials and administrators efforts can greatly enhance the enjoyment of the game. It is essential that the authority of their person is recognised and accepted.

However that authority must be used responsibly.

Officials should:

Perform their duties in a fair and efficient manner free from bias or favouritism
Know the rules and act as a confident source of advice and information
Be open and transparent in all their decisions and be prepared to explain their reasons
Accept fair and constructive criticism
Perform their duties without consideration of self-importance
Share their knowledge with others
Expect to be treated with respect and not subjected to personal comments or verbal abuse

Members will expect officials to:

Be knowledgeable, fair and honest
Keep their promises
Keep to agreed programmes and timings

3.3 Supporters

Supporters can make a significant contribution to an event.

However, it must be accepted that players must not be unduly influenced or

prevented from playing their own game.

All spectators should:

Participate in a positive manner
Avoid swearing or abusive behaviour
Accept the instructions of match officials
Keep off the playing surface
Treat all participants equally
Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times

3.4 Parents

Parents should:

Recognise the rights of children to have fun
Encourage long term participation in sport
Support their child’s involvement in practicing and playing
Be a good role model at clubs competitions and events
Accept that errors are an important part of learning and not condemn children for making them

4. Use of Social Media

Social media provides a powerful forum for an exchange of views or constructive debate. It can be an enjoyable experience and can make a difference by bringing people together, supporting a mutual interest or cause.

However, it is not the appropriate setting for creating disputes, to discredit other users or organisations, or to lodge complaints or grievances.

It is certainly not the forum for anonymous slurs and insults.

The BPCGBA would expect all users of social media to:

Remember that all social media programmes are a public forum
By adding any comment or information, you must be aware that this will be visible to other users and assumed to be true and relevant
Remember that you are responsible for your contribution and for any possible consequences to your reputation and that of your subject

If you have any doubts, it is better to refrain from making a contribution

Respect others by

Being courteous, honest and fair
Treating all people how you would like to be treated
Acting in ways that supports the reputation of the sport
Maintaining appropriate confidentiality with regards to personal matters
Avoid racist or threatening comments
Avoiding behaviour which might reasonably be perceived as harassment, discrimination, bullying or intimidation

Be genuine – don’t hide behind aliases or nicknames
Before you post a comment always ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it relevant?

5. Non-Compliance

This Code of Conduct should be seen as a guide to best practice to allow enjoyment of the sport by all those involved.

However, failures to comply will inevitably occur.

In these cases, it is essential that some value judgement is provided and disciplinary action taken.

In repeat or extreme circumstances, sanctions will be inevitable.

In all cases, accepted established procedures for the resolution of disputes should be followed based upon the documented BCGBA protocols.

Also, in all cases, the right of appeal should be available.

For incidents at club or league level, then club or league officials should provide judgements.

For County level then the BPCGBA procedures will apply.

2024	2023	2022
2021	2020	2019
2018	2017	2016

Comp 2024	Comp 2023	Comp 2022
Comp 2021	Comp 2020	Comp 2019
Comp 2018	Comp 2017

Past President	Past Chairman
Past Secretary	Past Competition Secetary
Past Chief Executive Officer

Club Team Championship	Senior Individual Merit
Senior County Championship	Junior County Championship
Veterans County Champions	Junior Individual Merit
Junior Individual Supplem	Veterans Individual Merit
Junior Inter-County Knock	Veterans Team Knockout Champio
Ladies Merit	Under 25 Merit

British Parks Crown Green Bowling Association 2025