COMPETITION RULES Revised February 2023
All games will be played under the current World Bowls Board Laws of the sport of Bowls and relevant Bowls England Regulations incorporating, where appropriate, C&CBBA rule variations as listed within these rules.
Any situation that cannot be resolved when it arises or any issue raised that is not covered by these Rules should be immediately referred to the Competition Secretary who after due consideration shall provide a ruling which shall be final.
In the event of any dispute, statements signed by both contestants, or Captains, as appropriate, shall be submitted to the Competition Secretary within three days of the dispute arising. The decision of the Competition Secretary shall be binding.
Any alteration to these rules must be carried by a two-thirds majority of those voting at a Council Meeting.
1. Competition arrangements Male Members
1.1 Competitions shall be played as follows
• Singles; four bowls, 21 shots
• Pairs; two players, four bowls each player, 21 ends
• Triples; three players, three bowls each player, 18 ends
• Fours; four players, two bowls each player, 21 ends
• Two Wood Singles; two bowls each, 21 ends
• Open junior (under 25) singles; four bowls, 21 shots
• Inter-Club (and Plate); four rinks of four players, two bowls per player, 21 ends
1.1.1 Competition arrangements Female Members
• Singles, four bowls, 21 shots
• Pairs; two players, four bowls each player, 21 ends
1.2 County Competitions are open to all affiliated C&CBBA members. Competitors may enter as many of the Competitions they so choose, but shall not be allowed to enter from, nor play for, more than one club in the same year. Any contestant changing his Club must notify the Competition Secretary.
1.3 The “Crusty Loaf Cup” was presented for a junior mixed competition to encourage competitive play for younger bowlers.
1.4 The Inter-Club Plate shall be available to those Clubs which lose, not concede, their first match in the Inter-Club Championship (Clarence Davey).
A draw shall be made once the competing clubs are known.
1.5 Games in Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours are ‘Play By dates. Inter-Club games are played on Fixed dates.
1.5.1 The Play By and fixed dates for all rounds shall be printed in the County Yearbook and/or displayed on the Website.
1.5.2 Games may be re-scheduled at a date and time before the respective round closing date if mutually agreed by both parties.
1.5.3 Where, due to a clash with other more senior bowling activity (i.e. BE, GBA, SBA), a match cannot be played on the fixed date an extension shall be permitted upon application to the Competition Secretary.
1.5.4 Where, due to personal circumstances of the competitors, a match cannot be played on the fixed date an extension may be permitted upon application to the Competition Secretary, subject to the agreement of the opponents.
1.6 The semi-finals of all competitions will be played on greens and on dates and at times, to be arranged by the Competition Secretary, who will also appoint markers and Umpires.
1.7 All Individual Competitions, are play by dates, mutually agreed. The home player/team shall, within 72 hours of the end of the previous round, offer their opponents three dates. One of the dates offered must be a Saturday or Sunday. The Opponent shall, within 72 hours of receipt of the challenge, reply and accept one of the dates offered. In the event of an individual not offering dates within the set period the opposition shall be entitled to claim a ‘walkover’.
1.8 The first named club or competitor in each round is the challenger and for games prior to County Rounds they shall be responsible for all match arrangements. All singles competitors drawn at home in a competition shall be responsible for providing a marker. Failure to abide by this rule shall mean automatic disqualification.
1.9 The player or team whose name appears second in the draw schedule will, unless notified to the contrary by the opponent(s) or the Competition
Secretary, be expected to play the tie on the opponent’s green on the fixed (or previously agreed) date.
1.10 The starting time for a match shall be up to 31st July, no later than 6.15pm.
After 31st July, no later than 6.00 pm.
1.11 If a player/team/side fails to appear and be ready to play within 30 minutes after the scheduled or agreed time for the tie, the opponent shall be entitled to claim a ‘walk over’.
1.12 Any singles competitor or team, who is unable to take part in the semi-final or final, must inform the Competition Secretary as soon as this situation rises. In extenuating circumstances the Competition Secretary may agree to bring
forward the match. If not, the defaulting player/side must withdraw from the
competition. Failure to turn up at a game without prior warning will result in action by the Committee. The decision of the Committee is final.
2. Substitutes
2.1 Players who play in the first game of pairs, triples or fours, all of whom must be members of the same Club, shall be deemed to be the constitution of that team and where possible should play together throughout that competition.
2.2 In pairs, triples and fours a substitute is permitted provided the substitution is made before the game has started. Only one, and the same, player may be used as a substitute at any time and may play in any position. They shall not have already played for another team nor can they subsequently play for another team in the same competition.
2.3 The named entrant of a team cannot be a member or substitute of any other team in the same Championship in the same year.
3. Stoppages or Postponements
1.1 A competitor may exercise the right not to play all or part of the match under floodlights.
3.2 If a game is stopped, either by the mutual agreement of the players, by the Competition Secretary or by the Umpire on account of darkness, weather, green conditions or any other valid reason, it should be resumed as soon as possible, without causing subsequent delay or interruption to the following round, on the same green and the same rink(s), with the scores as they were when the game stopped. If the same green is not available then another green shall be nominated by the Competition Secretary. An end commenced but not completed shall be declared dead.
3.3 Except for Inter-Club Championship/Plate (see rule 5), when it is impossible to rearrange the match without causing subsequent delay or interruption to the following round and five or more ends have been completed, the score will stand. If the score is a tie, then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin. Where insufficient ends have been played the result shall be determined by the toss of a coin.
3.4 When a green is declared unplayable prior to the match by an appropriate Club official or Umpire a match may be postponed provided that it is completed with no subsequent delay or interruption to the following round. Where this is not possible the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin.
3.5 If inclement weather causes the postponement of the whole or part of the tie, both contestants must immediately notify the Competition Secretary of the circumstances causing the postponement.
3.6 The fact that protection mats are in position shall not in itself constitute justification for declaring a green unfit for play.
4 Reporting of Results
4.1 Failure to notify results unambiguously (particularly with regard to concessions), accurately, completely and on time may lead to disqualification.
2.2 The results of the ties, including walkovers, must be notified to the Competition Secretary or nominated deputy by email, text or telephone BEFORE 10-45pm on the day of the match. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.3 Score cards for ties must show the name of the competition, the game number and the name(s) of the player(s) with the number allocated to him/them in the list of entrants for each competition. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.4 Score cards shall be signed by both players/skips and the winner shall retain them in case of dispute or protest. Score cards shall be presented to the Competition Secretary prior to playing in the semi-finals. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.5 Completed Scorecards for the Clarence Davey and Plate competitions must be sent to the Competition Secretary or his deputy. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
5 Inter-Club Championship (and Plate)
5.1 Each Club shall be represented by four rinks of four male players, all of whom must be members of the Club. No member may play for more than one Club during any one season.
5.2 In the event of a tie after the completion of 21 ends all four rinks shall play an extra end or ends until a decision is reached. The extra ends shall start simultaneously on all four rinks.
5.3 If in any round two Clubs that normally play on the same green are both drawn to play on their “home” green, the Competition Committee will arrange for the second drawn tie to be played on another mutually acceptable date.
5.4 If an Inter-Club game in any round is stopped by weather, or another reason, it should be resumed on a mutually acceptable date agreed by the Competition Secretary before the next round. The Captains must agree the score on the cards when the game was abandoned, and the scorecards must be lodged with an officer for safekeeping. An end commenced but not completed shall be declared dead. On resumption of the game two trial ends shall be played and the scores will continue from where they left off.
5.5 The players must play on the same rinks on the same green. Note only four substitutes will be permitted per team, but not more than two per rink.
5.6 In the event that due to further exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to complete the game, provided that ELEVEN (11) or more ends on each rink have been played, the result will be determined by the total scores when the game was stopped.
6. Dress Code
6.1 All rounds prior to semi-finals; Club shirts or predominantly white above the waist with grey trousers/shorts or GBA/SBA/BE approved coloured clothing.
6.2 All semi-finals & finals; Club shirt or predominantly white above the waist with white trousers/shorts or GBA/SBA/BE approved coloured clothing.
6.3 Shorts when worn are to be either GBA/SBA/BE approved or recognised bowls retail shorts or tailored shorts. Cargo type shorts or football/rugby type shorts are not acceptable.
6.4 All members of the side or team shall wear the same colours.
6.5 Players are to check with host clubs prior to wearing shorts to ensure adherence to local restrictions.
6.6 Failure to comply with the above may result in disqualification
Score cards shall be signed by both players/skips and the winner shall retain them in case of dispute or protest.
Score cards shall be presented to the Competition Secretary prior to playing in the semi-finals.
The draw for the Clarence Davey Plate shall be made, after the 24th July, from those Clubs which lose, not concede, their first match in
The Inter-Club Championship (Clarence Davey). Score cards for Clarence Davey matches should be submitted to John Pearce.
The starting time for a match shall be up to 31stJuly, no later than 6.15pm, after 31stJuly, no later than 6.00 pm.
All games will be played under the current World Bowls Board Laws of the sport of Bowls and relevant Bowls England Regulations incorporating, where appropriate, C&CBBA rule variations as listed within these rules.
Any situation that cannot be resolved when it arises or any issue raised that is not covered by these Rules should be immediately referred to the Competition Secretary who after due consideration shall provide a ruling which shall be final.
In the event of any dispute, statements signed by both contestants, or Captains, as appropriate, shall be submitted to the Competition Secretary within three days of the dispute arising. The decision of the Competition Secretary shall be binding.
Any alteration to these rules must be carried by a two-thirds majority of those voting at a Council Meeting.
1. Competition arrangements Male Members
1.1 Competitions shall be played as follows
• Singles; four bowls, 21 shots
• Pairs; two players, four bowls each player, 21 ends
• Triples; three players, three bowls each player, 18 ends
• Fours; four players, two bowls each player, 21 ends
• Two Wood Singles; two bowls each, 21 ends
• Open junior (under 25) singles; four bowls, 21 shots
• Inter-Club (and Plate); four rinks of four players, two bowls per player, 21 ends
1.1.1 Competition arrangements Female Members
• Singles, four bowls, 21 shots
• Pairs; two players, four bowls each player, 21 ends
1.2 County Competitions are open to all affiliated C&CBBA members. Competitors may enter as many of the Competitions they so choose, but shall not be allowed to enter from, nor play for, more than one club in the same year. Any contestant changing his Club must notify the Competition Secretary.
1.3 The “Crusty Loaf Cup” was presented for a junior mixed competition to encourage competitive play for younger bowlers.
1.4 The Inter-Club Plate shall be available to those Clubs which lose, not concede, their first match in the Inter-Club Championship (Clarence Davey).
A draw shall be made once the competing clubs are known.
1.5 Games in Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours are ‘Play By dates. Inter-Club games are played on Fixed dates.
1.5.1 The Play By and fixed dates for all rounds shall be printed in the County Yearbook and/or displayed on the Website.
1.5.2 Games may be re-scheduled at a date and time before the respective round closing date if mutually agreed by both parties.
1.5.3 Where, due to a clash with other more senior bowling activity (i.e. BE, GBA, SBA), a match cannot be played on the fixed date an extension shall be permitted upon application to the Competition Secretary.
1.5.4 Where, due to personal circumstances of the competitors, a match cannot be played on the fixed date an extension may be permitted upon application to the Competition Secretary, subject to the agreement of the opponents.
1.6 The semi-finals of all competitions will be played on greens and on dates and at times, to be arranged by the Competition Secretary, who will also appoint markers and Umpires.
1.7 All Individual Competitions, are play by dates, mutually agreed. The home player/team shall, within 72 hours of the end of the previous round, offer their opponents three dates. One of the dates offered must be a Saturday or Sunday. The Opponent shall, within 72 hours of receipt of the challenge, reply and accept one of the dates offered. In the event of an individual not offering dates within the set period the opposition shall be entitled to claim a ‘walkover’.
1.8 The first named club or competitor in each round is the challenger and for games prior to County Rounds they shall be responsible for all match arrangements. All singles competitors drawn at home in a competition shall be responsible for providing a marker. Failure to abide by this rule shall mean automatic disqualification.
1.9 The player or team whose name appears second in the draw schedule will, unless notified to the contrary by the opponent(s) or the Competition
Secretary, be expected to play the tie on the opponent’s green on the fixed (or previously agreed) date.
1.10 The starting time for a match shall be up to 31st July, no later than 6.15pm.
After 31st July, no later than 6.00 pm.
1.11 If a player/team/side fails to appear and be ready to play within 30 minutes after the scheduled or agreed time for the tie, the opponent shall be entitled to claim a ‘walk over’.
1.12 Any singles competitor or team, who is unable to take part in the semi-final or final, must inform the Competition Secretary as soon as this situation rises. In extenuating circumstances the Competition Secretary may agree to bring
forward the match. If not, the defaulting player/side must withdraw from the
competition. Failure to turn up at a game without prior warning will result in action by the Committee. The decision of the Committee is final.
2. Substitutes
2.1 Players who play in the first game of pairs, triples or fours, all of whom must be members of the same Club, shall be deemed to be the constitution of that team and where possible should play together throughout that competition.
2.2 In pairs, triples and fours a substitute is permitted provided the substitution is made before the game has started. Only one, and the same, player may be used as a substitute at any time and may play in any position. They shall not have already played for another team nor can they subsequently play for another team in the same competition.
2.3 The named entrant of a team cannot be a member or substitute of any other team in the same Championship in the same year.
3. Stoppages or Postponements
1.1 A competitor may exercise the right not to play all or part of the match under floodlights.
3.2 If a game is stopped, either by the mutual agreement of the players, by the Competition Secretary or by the Umpire on account of darkness, weather, green conditions or any other valid reason, it should be resumed as soon as possible, without causing subsequent delay or interruption to the following round, on the same green and the same rink(s), with the scores as they were when the game stopped. If the same green is not available then another green shall be nominated by the Competition Secretary. An end commenced but not completed shall be declared dead.
3.3 Except for Inter-Club Championship/Plate (see rule 5), when it is impossible to rearrange the match without causing subsequent delay or interruption to the following round and five or more ends have been completed, the score will stand. If the score is a tie, then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin. Where insufficient ends have been played the result shall be determined by the toss of a coin.
3.4 When a green is declared unplayable prior to the match by an appropriate Club official or Umpire a match may be postponed provided that it is completed with no subsequent delay or interruption to the following round. Where this is not possible the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin.
3.5 If inclement weather causes the postponement of the whole or part of the tie, both contestants must immediately notify the Competition Secretary of the circumstances causing the postponement.
3.6 The fact that protection mats are in position shall not in itself constitute justification for declaring a green unfit for play.
4 Reporting of Results
4.1 Failure to notify results unambiguously (particularly with regard to concessions), accurately, completely and on time may lead to disqualification.
2.2 The results of the ties, including walkovers, must be notified to the Competition Secretary or nominated deputy by email, text or telephone BEFORE 10-45pm on the day of the match. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.3 Score cards for ties must show the name of the competition, the game number and the name(s) of the player(s) with the number allocated to him/them in the list of entrants for each competition. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.4 Score cards shall be signed by both players/skips and the winner shall retain them in case of dispute or protest. Score cards shall be presented to the Competition Secretary prior to playing in the semi-finals. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
4.5 Completed Scorecards for the Clarence Davey and Plate competitions must be sent to the Competition Secretary or his deputy. Failure to do so could result in disqualification.
5 Inter-Club Championship (and Plate)
5.1 Each Club shall be represented by four rinks of four male players, all of whom must be members of the Club. No member may play for more than one Club during any one season.
5.2 In the event of a tie after the completion of 21 ends all four rinks shall play an extra end or ends until a decision is reached. The extra ends shall start simultaneously on all four rinks.
5.3 If in any round two Clubs that normally play on the same green are both drawn to play on their “home” green, the Competition Committee will arrange for the second drawn tie to be played on another mutually acceptable date.
5.4 If an Inter-Club game in any round is stopped by weather, or another reason, it should be resumed on a mutually acceptable date agreed by the Competition Secretary before the next round. The Captains must agree the score on the cards when the game was abandoned, and the scorecards must be lodged with an officer for safekeeping. An end commenced but not completed shall be declared dead. On resumption of the game two trial ends shall be played and the scores will continue from where they left off.
5.5 The players must play on the same rinks on the same green. Note only four substitutes will be permitted per team, but not more than two per rink.
5.6 In the event that due to further exceptional circumstances, it proves impossible to complete the game, provided that ELEVEN (11) or more ends on each rink have been played, the result will be determined by the total scores when the game was stopped.
6. Dress Code
6.1 All rounds prior to semi-finals; Club shirts or predominantly white above the waist with grey trousers/shorts or GBA/SBA/BE approved coloured clothing.
6.2 All semi-finals & finals; Club shirt or predominantly white above the waist with white trousers/shorts or GBA/SBA/BE approved coloured clothing.
6.3 Shorts when worn are to be either GBA/SBA/BE approved or recognised bowls retail shorts or tailored shorts. Cargo type shorts or football/rugby type shorts are not acceptable.
6.4 All members of the side or team shall wear the same colours.
6.5 Players are to check with host clubs prior to wearing shorts to ensure adherence to local restrictions.
6.6 Failure to comply with the above may result in disqualification
Score cards shall be signed by both players/skips and the winner shall retain them in case of dispute or protest.
Score cards shall be presented to the Competition Secretary prior to playing in the semi-finals.
The draw for the Clarence Davey Plate shall be made, after the 24th July, from those Clubs which lose, not concede, their first match in
The Inter-Club Championship (Clarence Davey). Score cards for Clarence Davey matches should be submitted to John Pearce.
The starting time for a match shall be up to 31stJuly, no later than 6.15pm, after 31stJuly, no later than 6.00 pm.
