CONSTITUTION AND RULES

Revised September 2024

A1        a) The name of the League shall be the Meon Valley Pool League, known thereafter as the League.  The League shall organise and promote Pool in the Meon Valley area.
b) In the event that a single sponsor agrees sponsorship in excess of £250 per season, the name of the League may incorporate the sponsor’s name, if the sponsor so wishes, i.e., the Meon Valley (Sponsor’s Name) Pool League.
c) The mailing address for the League will be the home address of the League Secretary, and will be printed as part of the League letterhead.
d) The Meon Valley Pool League area is roughly described as follows:

North as far as and including Petersfield
East as far as and including Rowland’s Castle
South as far as and including Widley
West as far as and including Wickham.

This is only meant as a guide to the general area, and inclusion or otherwise of a team in the League from a location point of view will be decided by the Executive Committee.

A2        a) The business of the League shall be conducted by the Executive Committee which shall consist of  the Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition Secretary plus a maximum of six General Members. A minimum of 4 roles and a maximum of 9 to constitute a Committee.
b) Each member of the Executive Committee, including the Chairperson, will Members are required to form a quorum. If there is a drawn vote on an issue then the following three Members will have the casting vote: Chairperson, General Secretary and Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition Secretary.
c) The members of the Executive Committee shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting and shall serve until they either resign or are asked to leave by a member of the league.
e) The Executive Committee are empowered to appoint officers to perform specific tasks as and when deemed necessary. These appointed officers may attend Committee Meetings but will not be entitled to vote. Expenses may be claimed at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
f) The Executive Committee shall be the sole arbitrators over any dispute and shall have the power during the season to make any decision not covered by this Constitution and Rules. Also, if it is considered necessary for the general well-being of the League, both from an administrative and financial point ofview. All Constitution and Rule changes will be returned to the AGM for endorsement.
g) If it is felt necessary, the Executive Committee may request the attendance at a Committee Meeting of team captains and/or players involved in a particular dispute or rule violation.
h) Any team captain wishing to raise a complaint about another team or Committee ruling, must do so in writing either by email, text or letter, to the League Secretary. This must be done within 3 days of the incident.
Attendance at a Committee Meeting to discuss the complaint may also be requested in this way.
i) Any registered player wishing to raise a matter with the Executive Committee must also do so in writing, either by email, text or letter, preferably through their team captain. Internal team disputes will not be entered into by the Executive Committee unless specifically requested to do so by the majority of the team concerned.
j) The Minutes of each Executive Committee Meeting will be sent to each registered team captain.
k) If it is felt necessary by the Executive Committee, they may call a Captains Meeting or Special General Meeting. The date, time and venue of the meetings shall be sent to the captains at least 14 days before the said date.
l) On all matters, the Executive Committee decision is final.

A3        a) The Annual General Meeting shall be held in July each year, the exact date being decided by the Executive Committee. The League Secretary shall notify the captains of each team registered at the end of the previous season, in writing, at least 28 days before the said date, as to the venue and the draft agenda. This will be sent to the captain’s home or email address and to the team’s home venue. The final agenda including all motions and nominations shall be sent as described above 7 days before the said date.
b) Invitations to the AGM will also be sent to new teams who have expressed an interest in joining the League. Representatives from these teams do not have the right to raise motions and nominations for the AGM, and will not be entitle to vote.
c) Captains (or a nominated representative) of each team registered at the end of the previous season, are entitled to one vote at the AGM and must be present to record their vote. In the event of a tie, the Executive Committee will vote (see C3, paragraph b).
d) Nominations for election will only be considered at the AGM if Section C4 paragraph e) below has been adhered to, and the nominee and proposer are present at the AGM.
e) Nominations for election at an AGM must be in writing and in the hands of the Secretary at least 14 days before the AGM.
f) Any motion for discussion at the AGM must be put in writing and be in the hands of the Secretary at least 14 days before the AGM.
g) Only motions included on the final agenda and submitted as described in Section C4, paragraph f) above, will be discussed at the AGM.
h) A representative from each team must attend the AGM. Failure to attend will result in a fine, if that team subsequently registers for the following season (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.13 of the Rules for the amount of this fine). At the AGM the following will be issued to each team: Rules Appendix A (dates and fines applicable to the coming season), Registration Forms, Singles, Doubles and Three Player Team Forms.

A4        a) The financial year of the League shall end on the last day of the month in which the Presentation Night is held, and payments for the Presentation Night are completed. The accounts will be audited by the Executive Committee. Only if any major problems are found, will an independent auditor be hired to investigate.
b) The expenditure of the League shall be paid by cheque, the signature of any 2 of the following Executive Committee Members being required for each cheque: Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
c) No expenditure shall be paid without a receipt being received by the Treasurer.
d) The League funds received through registration fees, fines and sponsorship will be used as follows:
i) Running expenses such as duplication and mailing costs, etc.
ii) Purchase and maintenance of Trophies as outlined in the Rules.
iii) Payment of affiliation fees to the HPA.
iv) Any other related expenditure at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
v) Executive Committee Members may claim reasonable expenses incurred performing League business. All such expenses must be receipted with the exception of mileage and telephone calls. For the expense rates applicable to mileage and telephone calls for the current season, see Appendix A, paragraph 1.15 of the Rules. All expenses must be claimed on the Expense Claim Form (see Appendix G of the Rules), and must be checked and approved by the League Treasurer or Chairman.
e) Any surplus funds at the end of the Season are to be rolled over to the next Season and so on.

A6        a) Registration of a team in the League shall be open to any team based in the Meon Valley Pool League area as agreed by the Executive Committee.
b) Registered teams shall automatically be affiliated to the HPA and the EPA.
c) Registration fees will be made up as follows:
i) Fee per registered player
ii) HPA affiliation fee
iii) Retention fee
iv) Team Registration fee (if applicable).
The amounts of these fees for the current season are detailed in the Rules.
d) All registered teams MUST send a representative to the pre-season SGM which will be held after the registration deadline, but before the start of each season. Failure to attend will result in a fine (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.13 of the Rules for the amount of this fine). At this SGM the following will be issued to each team: updated Constitution and Rules, Division Structure, Fixture List, Book of Results Sheets, Team Playing Record Sheets, Venue and Captain contact list.
A7        a) The Constitution and the Rules of the League shall only be changed at an AGM or at a Special General Meeting, which will be called at the discretion of the Executive Committee in which case Section C4, paragraphs a) and c) will apply (an exception to this is covered in Section C8, paragraph c)i)).
b) No changes or deviations from the EPA rules is permitted. Points of clarification and interpretation, however, may be made at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
c) A complete copy of the League Constitution and Rules will be issued to all teams at the pre-season SGM. If any team requires an extra copy, this must           e paid for (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.14 of the Rules for the cost of these). This is to be paid for on collection.

A8        a) All League games and competitions run by the League shall be played to rules currently in used at the date of commencement of each season.
b) No changes or deviations from the current rules is permitted. Points of clarification and interpretation, however, may be made at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
c) Each season the League may organise the following:

i) A League Competition structured into Divisions. The number of Division, the number of teams in each Division and the promotion/relegation criteria will depend on the number of registered teams. The Executive Committee will decide on the above and issue rule amendments after each AGM.
ii) A Team Knock-Out Competition.
iii) A Team Plate Competition
iv) A League Singles Competition
v) A League Doubles Competition
vi) Three-Player Team Competition.

A9        a) Winding up of the League. If in the opinion of the League Committee the affairs of the League are such that there is insufficient support for the general activities of the League, and for this or any other reason it is unable to fulfil the objectives of the League as defined in the Constitution, the Committee shall convene an extraordinary General Meeting of all team captains.
b) The proposition to wind-up the League must be duly proposed and seconded and must obtain the vote of at least two thirds of those team captains present, and eligible to vote, to be carried. If the motion is carried, then the Committee shall take action to wind-up the affairs of the League.
c) If the League shall be wound-up, the net value (or liabilities) after the disposal of all the assets and expenses paid, shall be divided equally between each of the teams currently in the League (or, if before the start of the new          season, registered at the end of the previous season).

A10      Honorary Vice Presidents. The Meon Valley Pool League shall nominatepersons to be elected as Honorary Vice Presidents (for life) in recognition of outstanding service/achievement with the running of the League. Honorary Vice Presidents will therefore have the right to attend Committee Meetings, discuss issues, be invited to all League functions and in recognition of their achievement, their names would be shown on the League’s letterhead. No voting rights will be offered, unless they become full members of the Committee. There would be no limit to the number of Honorary Vice Presidents elected.

 

RULES FOR THE MEON VALLEY POOL LEAGUE

Section 1 – Conditions of Acceptance of a Team into the League
1.1 The size of the table required for entry into the League is Size 7. There can be no exceptions to this rule.
1.2 There must be a clear playing area on all sides of the table of at least 4 feet.
1.3 The table must be regularly maintained to ensure the slate is true and level, the baize is clean and has an even nap, and the cushions are true.
1.4 The following equipment is also required:
a) A rest and a abridge must be available
b) A set of red and yellow balls which are the correct size for the table and which are clean and undamaged.
c) A triangle for racking the balls
d) The table must be adequately lit.
1.5 Adherence to the conditions outlined in 1.1 through 1.5 above, will be checked by an Executive Committee Member on the following occasions:
a) Prior to acceptance of a new team (or an existing team changing venue) into the League.
b) Following any written complaint about playing conditions from another Team Captain.
c) Following any table replacement or resiting both during the season and in the closed season (see Rule 1.7).
1.6 It is the responsibility of each Team Captain to advise the Executive Committee in writing of any changes to the playing conditions at his or her home venue. Failure to do so will result in a fine. See Rule Appendix A, paragraph 1.1 for the amount of this fine.
1.7 In the event that a Team wishes to change home venue during the closed season, maintenance of the previous season’s division status is dependent on at least 5 registered players from last season also registering for the new season. Failure to meet this condition will result in a Committee Hearing to decide on which division the team should be placed in. The Executive Committee has the final say on Division placement of new/returning teams after an absence of 1 or more years.
1.8 A change of home venue during the season will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
1.9 No more than two teams per match table at each venue will be accepted.
1.10 Any team (or player from that team) that owes the League money from the previous season beyond the date of the AGM preceding each new season, will result in that team not being accepted into the League for the new season until these monies are paid (see Rule 4.16 for further clarification on
this).
Section 2 – Team and Player Registration
2.1 Team and player registration will remain in force from the date of payment of registration fees for 12 months or until the day before the team registration deadline for the following season, whichever is the sooner. If a team or player is expelled from the League, registration will be terminated from the date of expulsion.
2.2 All teams intending to register must attend the AGM in July before the start of the season and the pre-season SGM.
2.3 The minimum number of players registered for each team is 6, and 1 of these must be nominated as Captain.
2.4 Team registration can commence at the AGM but must be completed by the registration deadline date (see Rules Appendix A, paragraph 1.2).
Registration criteria that must be met by this date are as follows:
a) Payment of Team Retention Fee (see Rule 2.6)
b) Payment of the HPA affiliation fee (see Rule 2.7)
c) Registration of at least 6 players
d) Pay any outstanding fees (see Rule 1.10)
Failure to meet these criteria will result in exclusion from the League.
2.5The Team Retention Fee is an amount paid to the League when the team registers (see Rules Appendix A, paragraph 1.3 for the amount of this fee applicable for the current season). The Retention Fee will be retained by the League and follows the team if 5 or more players leave and start up at a different venue.
2.7 Player Registration can commence at the AGM and there must be at least 6 players registered by each team, by the Team Registration deadline (see Rules Appendix A, paragraph 1.2). The last date a player may be registered is 1 January each year (see Rules Appendix A, paragraph 1.5). Special requests for exceptions to this rule will be sympathetically considered.
2.8 Once a player has registered and played for a team, he/she may only play for that team in the Meon Valley Pool League that season. Transfers from one team to another are not permitted.
2.9 Each team is permitted to register a maximum of 2 players only aged between 16 and 18 years at the landlord’s discretion. All other players must be over 18 years.
2.10 It is the responsibility of each captain to satisfy themselves of the above age criteria. If it is brought to the attention of the Executive Committee that a false age has been made on the Player Registration Form, the team will be penalised as described in Rule 4.3.
2.11 The Executive Committee reserve the right to refuse registration of a team and any player without giving reasons.
2.12 Player Registration criteria are as follows:
a) A Player Registration Form (see Rules Appendix D) must be completed and signed by each player, no substitute form of piece of paper will be acceptable.
b) Payment of the Player Registration Fee (see Rule 2.15)
c) A player cannot play for the team until his or her Registration Form and fee have been in the hands of the Executive Committee for 7 clear days.
2.13 The Player Registration Fee is an amount paid to the League when each player registers. See Rules Appendix A, paragraph 1.6 for the amount of this fee applicable for the current season.
2.14 A player will not be considered registered until an official receipt for the fees has been issued by the League and given to a team representative. The names of the players being registered will be recorded on the receipt and the receipt counterfoil.
2.15 Registration Forms and fees can only be received by the League Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition Secretary (and by another named individual appointed by the Executive Committee as circumstances dictate). The League will not be responsible for Forms and Fees left with any other person. Similarly, telephone requests and messages will not be accepted.
2.16 Once a player has been registered, he or she will remain registered for the whole season (see Rule 2.1). Replacing registered players with other players is not permitted.
Section 3 – Disputes
3.1 The procedure for bringing complaints and/or disputes to the Executive
Committee is outlined in the League Constitution Section C3, paragraphs g)
and h).
3.2 Playing Disputes: The nominated referee may consult both of the teams’
captains, or their delegates, to resolve any dispute. If agreement cannot be
reached, the referee’s decision will be final. Any team captain has the right
to refer any dispute to the Executive Committee for a final ruling. This must
be done in writing, text or email and within 3 days of the incident.
Section 4 – Penalties
4.1 Any team failing to complete the season through withdrawal or expulsion will
forfeit all monies paid to the League and the players are responsible for any
outstanding fines due.
4.2 Any team playing a player who is not correctly registered will forfeit the
whole match, and will be fined by the League. See Appendix A, paragraph
1.7 for the amount of this fine applicable for the current season. A player is
not considered registered unless a receipt can be produced with their name
on it, signed by a member of the Executive Committee. No exceptions to this
rule will be permitted.
4.3 Any team playing a player under 16 years old, or more than two players aged
between 16 and 18 years old, will have all games played by the said player
forfeited and match results will be adjusted accordingly. The team will also
be fined by the League. See Appendix A, paragraph 1.7 for the amount of
this fine applicable for the current season.
4.4 League and Team KO Result Sheets – It is the responsibility of the home team
captain to ensure blank result sheets are available for each match; are
correctly completed; signed by all players and are posted/emailed/text in
time to the Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition Secretary within 3 days
of the match. Address of the Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition
Secretary is Mick Hall, 17 Merthyr Avenue, Drayton, Portsmouth, Hampshire
PO6 2AR. Failure to comply with the above will result in the home team
being fined, the amount of this fine is shown at Appendix A, paragraph 1.8.
These fines will be made for result sheets sent to the League any other way
than detailed above. If a player/players are nominated to play a second
singles frame, these should be played at frame 7 first, then frame 8. Any
second singles which is played in the first 6 frames will have the frame result
changed and recorded as loss of frame.
4.5 Singles, Doubles and 3 Player Team Results Sheets – It is the responsibility of
the nominated referee to ensure Results Sheets are correctly completed and
signed by all players. The League General Secretary will send a blank Result
Sheet either by post or email to each nominated referee prior to each match.
The nominated referee must ensure that these Result Sheets are returned to
the Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition Secretary either by post, email
or text.
4.6 Results of the League, Team KO, Singles, Doubles and Three-Player Team
matches will not be accepted unless they are recorded on proper Results
Sheets. Failure to comply with this Rule for League and Team KO matches
will result in the away team being awarded 10-0 win. For Singles, Doubles
and Three-Player Team matches, all players will be eliminated from the
competition. Discretion will be shown by the Committee in exceptional
circumstances.
4.7 In the case of the League and Team KO matches, if a copy of the Result Sheet
is not received by the League, either by post, email or text, the home team
captain will be asked to send in their copy to the Treasurer/Results
Secretary/Competition Secretary. If the home team captain is unable to send
a copy by the date specified, then the away team captain will be asked to
provide their copy. In the event that one captain can provide a copy, the
result will be awarded 10-0 to whichever captain can supply the sheet and
fines will be imposed accordingly on the other team (see Appendix A,
paragraph 1.16 for the amount of the fine). If no sheet is submitted, 0-0 will
be recorded and fines will be imposed on both teams.
4.8 If a player’s signature is missing from the Result Sheet, this frame will be
forfeited. If both home and away signatures are missing, then that frame will
be discounted.
4.9 If a player’s signature on the registration form is found to have been forged,
then the team involved will be fined (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.7 for the
amount of this fine), and this will be treated as an illegal player and Rule 4.2
will apply.
4.10 In the event that a team accumulates fines in excess of the retention fee,
they will be advised in writing by the Executive Committee and either the
excess amount or another retention fee will be requested. Failure to comply
with this request within 14 days will result in the team receiving a penalty
(points deducted), or ultimate expulsion from the League.
4.11 The captain or teams and players holding perpetual trophies from last season
are responsible for ensuring that these are returned to the Executive
Committee by the date specified by the Committee. Failure to comply with
this will result in the team being fined by the League. See Appendix A,
paragraph 1.9 for the amount of this fine applicable to the current season. If
no trophy is returned, replacement costs are to be recovered by the
Committee from either the captain, team or player(s).
4.12 Any team committing an offence more than twice in a season, will be warned
in writing by the Executive Committee. Failure to comply thereafter will
result in expulsion from the League.
4.13 In the event that a team is expelled or withdrawn from the League, all
previous and future League matches involving that team will be totally
discounted. Players from the expelled or withdrawn team are not permitted
to play for another team, and if they are still in the Singles and/or Doubles
and/or Three Player Team Competitions, they will be eliminated and their
next round opponents will received a bye. There will be no backtracking of
matches played in the Singles, Doubles, Three Player Team and Team KO
matches. If a team fails to fulfil a fixture three times in any one season, at
the third offence they will be expelled from the League and fined for all
offences under Rule 4.15. All results against the offending team will be
annulled, no matter when the third offence occurred.
4.14 Any team that owes the League money for whatever reason, is deemed the
responsibility of the players. In addition, until those monies are paid in full,
the team will not be accepted into the League, and all players registered for
that team will be banned from playing for ANY Meon Valley Pool League
Team, see Rule 4.10.
4.15 Any team failing to fulfil a fixture (e.g. failing to have at least 4 players at a
match), unless very exceptional circumstances apply and it is put in writing by
letter, text or email to the Executive Committee within 3 days of the incident,
will be fined (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.19 for the amount of the fine). All
resolutions will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
4.16 Refereeing Standards – If a refereeing complaint is upheld by the League
Committee as being down to using a player to referee who is not competent
or not following the correct procedure in the case of a playing dispute, the
team will be fined (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.17 for the amount of this
fine). Rule 4.12 will then apply.
4.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct – If a complaint against a player or team is upheld
by Executive Committee as being unsportsmanlike conduct (which includes
unruly conduct, intimidating behaviour and/or excessive use of offensive/foul
language), the first offence will result in a formal warning to the player or
team and the team will be fined (see Appendix A, paragraph 1.17 for the
amount of this fine). A second offence against the same player will result in
that player being expelled from the League (the period of expulsion will
depend on the seriousness of the offence, but the minimum period will be
for the remainder of the current season). A second offence against the same
team as a whole, will result in the team being expelled from the League (the
period of expulsions is as above). If and when the team is allowed back in
the League, it will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee. The
complaints must have been received in writing either by post, text or email to
the Executive Committee within 3 days of each offence.
Section 5 – Trophies
5.1 The League will provide and maintain perpetual trophies as follows:
Winning Team of each division
Runners Up of each division
Team KO Cup Winners
Team KO Cup Runners Up
Team KO Plate Winners
Team KO Plate Runners Up
Doubles Winners x 2
Singles Winner
3 Player Team Winners
5.2 The winning teams and players of the above trophies may retain possession
of them from the Presentation Night until the date given by the Executive
committee in Rule 4.11.
5.3 It is the responsibility of the winning teams and players to look after these
trophies. Loss or damage to them will result in the team or player being
asked to pay for replacement or repair.
5.4 The League may also provide individual trophies as follows:
Winning Team of each division x 9
Second Place Team of each division x 9
Team KO Winners x 9
Team KO Runners Up x 9
Team KO Plate Winners x 9
Team KO Plate Runners Up x 9
Three Player Team Winners x 4
Three Player Team Runners Up x 4
Doubles Winners x 2
Doubles Runners Up x 2
Singles Winner
Singles Runner Up
5.5 These individual trophies become the permanent property of the winning
players.
5.6 Selection of trophies each season will be the responsibility of the Executive
Committee.
5.7 The League will provide a maximum of 9 individual trophies for each winning
team. Any team requiring more than 9 trophies must pay for the additional
trophies themselves.
5.8 Winning and Runners Up teams must have a presence of either the captain
or a nominated team member at the Presentation Night.
5.9 Any team or players winning a perpetual trophy for three years in succession
will be awarded a special trophy to keep in recognition of this achievement.
5.10 The League will provide one trophy for all Winners and Runners Up to be
kept at the venue, which will not need to be returned at the end of the
season. These trophies will be as a token of achievement for each team,
alongside the perpetual trophies which must be returned at the end of the
season (See Rule 5.2 and 5.3).
Section 6 – Division Structure
6.1 The number of divisions and the number of teams in each division will
depend on the number of teams registering each season, and will be decided
by the Executive Committee after each AGM.
6.2 Promotion and relegation criteria will be as follows:
a) The bottom two teams in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division 1
b) The top two teams in Division 1 will be promoted to the Premier Division
c) The above two up, two down will also apply between Division 1 and Division
2, Division 2 and Division 3, and so on
d) The promoted and relegated teams each season will remain promoted and
relegated regardless on any balancing between divisions that may be
required, i.e., if a third team is required from Division 2 to replace a team
that drops out of Division 1, then that team will be the team that came third
in Division 2 and not one of the teams relegated from Division 1.
6.3 If a team gains promotion from one division to another, or is offered a place
in a higher division by virtue of the League table position as a result of
needing to re-balance the number of teams in a division, then a team from
that team’s venue MUST take up that position in the higher division. Failure
to do this will result in that venue not being allowed to enter any teams in
lower divisions for that season.
Section 7 – League Matches
7.1 Match nights will be Tuesdays and all matches must be played on the date
and at the venue according to the fixture list. A match may be rearranged
provided both team captains agree and the League is informed and also
agrees with the date.
7.2 Only very exceptional circumstances will be accepted by the Executive
Committee for deviation from Rule 7.1 (i.e. impassable weather conditions).
7.3 Matches in all divisions will consist of 10 frames; 8 singles and 2 doubles.
This may be played with a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 12. The
order of play is to be determined by each team captain. If only 5 players,
please see below:
5 Players – Choose either:
a) 4 players play the doubles and a different player plays another singles
frame, therefore forfeiting 2 singles frames, or
b) 2 players play 1 double frame and 2 different players play another 2 singles
frames, therefore forfeiting 1 double and 1 singles frame.
4 or less players – match forfeited, lose 10-0.
No player can play more than 2 frames each, either 2 singles or 1 single and 1
double, but not 2 doubles. Also, only 2 players can play a second single
frame. If singles frames are to be forfeited, the frames numbers to be
forfeited shall be frame 6 first then frame 8.
7.4 The first game of each match must start at the latest by 8.30pm, by which
time the draw (see Rule 7.7) must be completed.
7.5 If a team is not present with at least 4 players in time to complete the draw
for an 8.30pm start, they will forfeit the whole match, and the other team
will win 10-0, provided they send in a fully signed Result Sheet to claim the
match. The 5th Player required to meet the match minimum conditions must
arrive by 21:00 or the team will be perceived as having only 4 players and the
match declared a walkover. The timings here also apply for cup matches
where a minimum of 6 players are required with 5 required by 20:30 and the
6th by 21:00.
7.6 The Result Sheet must be signed by at least 4 players from each team by
8.30pm. Subsequent absent or ineligible players will result in that frame
being forfeited to the other team provided that team has a legal player
signed for that game. All players must sign the sheet prior to the end of the
evening.
7.7 Order of play for the first six frames will be determined by each team captain
of each match and names entered on the Result Sheet.
Each captain has the right to keep his order of play from the other team until
their order of play has been entered on the Result Sheet. After the sixth
frame the last two singles will be entered onto the Result Sheet. After the
last singles frame has been played, the doubles frames will be entered onto
the Result Sheet.
7.8 The toss of a coin decides the choice of break in each frame. The table will
be paid for by the home team.
7.9 The away team must provide a referee for each game, and the home team
must provide a timekeeper. It is the responsibility of the team captain to
ensure he/she nominates capable referees. In all cases the referee’s decision
is final (see Rule 3.2).
7.10 Points will be awarded as follows:
2 points for a win
1 point for a draw
7.11 During doubles frames, discussion between the two players may commence
until the oncoming player touches the table. Once the table has been
touched, either by chalk, cue or in any way, the player is deemed to be ‘in
play’, therefore no more discussion may take place. Should the players still
discuss shots, etc, then the referee may call a foul.
7.12 No pocket stuffing will be allowed in any division.
Section 8 – Team Knockout Competitions
8.1 Match nights will be Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays and all matches must be
played on the date and at the venue stipulated. A match may be re-arranged
to be played in the week preceding the fixture date, provided both team
captains agree and the League is informed.
8.2 Only very exceptional circumstances will be accepted by the Executive
Committee for deviation from Rule 8.1 (i.e., impassable weather conditions).
8.3 Each Team KO match will be one leg of 9 frames; 2 doubles and 7 singles
frames, the doubles frames must be played first. These matches must be
played using a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 11 players. If playing
with six players the second doubles match and the seventh singles match will
be forfeited. The team winning the most frames will win the match and will
go through to the next round.
8.4 Those teams that lose their matches in the preliminary round or the first
round proper of the main Team KO Competition, will be automatically
entered into a separate Team KO Plate Competition. This Plate Competition
will run in parallel with the remainder of the main Team KO Cup Competition.
8.5 The draw for each round of the Competition will be completed by at least 4
members of the Executive Committee and will be from the hat. The first
team drawn for each match will be the home team. All teams registered in
the League will automatically be entered for the first round unless they have
requested not to take part. Notification of the draw for each round will be
sent to the team captains and venues involved at least 7 days before the date
the round is to be played.
8.6 In the event that two teams using the same table as their home venue are
drawn at home in the same round, the second team drawn will be reversed.
8.7 The order of play for each match will be determined by the captains drawing
names from the hat. All names are put in the hat as per the captain, and the
first 4 players drawn for each team will play the doubles frames and the
remaining 7 players will play the singles frames. In the event that a team is
using less than 11 players, then names must be returned to the hat after the
doubles draw as follows:
If 6 players are being used – all names are returned to the hat
If 7 players are being used – 4 names are returned to the hat
If 8 players are being used – 3 names are returned to the hat
If 9 players are being used – 2 names are returned to the hat
If 10 players are being used – 1 name is returned to the hat.
The choice as to which names are returned is at the discretion of the captain.
8.8 Rules 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.8 and 7.11 apply in full, to Team KO matches. Rule 7.9
also applies with the exception that the Executive Committee may appoint
referees for the later rounds of the competitions.
8.9 Teams failing to fulfil a fixture would be eliminated from the KO Competition
(see Appendix A, 1.19 for fines), therefore, no entry into the KO Plate
Competition (see Rule 7.2 for extenuating circumstances).
Section 9 – Singles, Doubles and Three Player Team Competitions
9.1 The Singles, Doubles and Three Player Team competitions are open to any
player registered with the League.
9.2 Match nights will be Wednesday’s and all matches must be played on the
date and at the venue stipulated (see Rules 9.3 and 9.4).
9.3 Only very exceptional circumstances will be accepted by the Executive
Committee for deviation from Rule 9.3 (i.e., impassable weather conditions)
and must be agreed by all Members of the Executive Committee.
9.4 All matches will be played on a date and at the venue stipulated by the
Executive Committee unless both parties agree to play before the date
agreed and this is passed by the Executive Committee. No variation to this
rule will be accepted. Should any players rearrange matches/venues, then all
players will be withdrawn from the competitions. Only under very
exceptional circumstances and by majority agreement by all Members of the
Executive Committee (i.e. impassable weather conditions), will
rearrangements be considered or permitted, but it must take place within
two weeks of the original date.
9.5 Singles and Doubles matches will be the best of 5 frames for all rounds,
except the semi-finals which will be the best of 7 frames, and the finals which
will be the best of 9 frames. In the Three Player Team Competition, 4 players
may be registered, but only 3 players can play in each round. Each player
shall play each of the opposing 3 players once, i.e., the best of 9 frames in
total. The order of play will be the home team will play frames 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3,
1, 2, 3 and the away team will play 1, 2, 3, 2, 3, 1, 3, 1, 2.
9.6 Each team captain is responsible for entering members of his/her team in
these competition by submitting names on the entry forms (see Appendix D),
together with entry fees by the date specified in Appendix A, paragraph 1.10.
For entry fees applicable for the current season, see Appendix A, paragraph
1.11 and 1.20.
9.7 Failure to comply with Rule 9.6 will result in players not being entered for the
draw.
9.8 The draw for each round of these competitions will be completed by at least
4 members of the Executive Committee, and will be from the hat. The
playing venue for each match will be determined by the Executive
Committee. Notification for the draw and the playing venues for each round
will be sent to the team captains and venues involved at least 7 days before
the date the round is to be played.
9.9 Once the competition has started, registered pairings may not be changed
unless the following conditions apply:
a) No matches have yet been played by the pairing concerned (through byes or
walk-overs)
b) The replacement player must not already be entered in the competition.
In the event that one of a pair has to pull out after 1 or more matches have
been played by that pair, partner replacement is not permitted under any
circumstances. The pair drawn to play the affected pair in the next round will
receive a walk-over.
9.10 The first game of each round at each venue is to start at 8.30pm at the latest,
any player not present by 8.30pm will forfeit their game to the opponent,
provide the opponent is present and signs the Result Sheet by 8.30pm.
Unless Rules 9.3 and 9.4 apply, no excuses for non-attendance will be
accepted; this includes sickness.
9.11 In the case of doubles matches, Rule 9.10 will apply if 1 or both players or
either pair are absent. Also Rule 7.11 applies.
9.12 In the event that both opponents are absent, or that no signatures are on the
Result Sheet, both opponents will be eliminated from the competition.
9.13 For all singles and doubles matches the toss of a coin will decide the choice
of breaking in the first frame, thereafter breaks will be alternate except for
the last frame, i.e., the 5th, 7th, or 9th frame, when the toss of a coin will again
decide the choice of break.
9.14 The table will be paid for jointly by all players.
9.15 The Executive Committee will nominate referees for each venue and it is the
responsibility of the nominated referee to ensure that the Result Sheets are
correctly filled in and sent to the Treasurer/Results Secretary/Competition
Secretary either by post, text or email within 3 days of the game.
9.16 Refer to Rules 4.5 and 4.6 regarding Result Sheets. These rules apply in full
to singles and doubles matches.
Affiliated to E.P.A. and H.P.A.
APPENDIX A – Dates and Fines
APPENDIX B – Player Registration Forms
APPENDIX C – Singles and Doubles Competition Entry Form
APPENDIX D - REMOVED
APPENDIX E – Three Player Team Competition Entry Form
APPENDIX F – REMOVED
APPENDIX G – Team Playing Record Form

DATES, FINES AND PRICES
Affiliated to E.P.A. and H.P.A.
1.1 The fine for failure to advise changes in playing conditions will be £5.00.
1.2 The registration deadline for each team, and the first six players is 31st August
each year.
1.3 The team retention fee will be £20.00 per team for the Winter League and
£15.00 per team for the Summer League.
1.4 The HPA affiliation fee is £3.50 per team.
1.5 Players may be registered up to and including 1st January each year, but not
after that date.
1.6 The player registration fee is £7.50 per player for the Winter League and
£5.00 per player for the Summer League.
1.7 The fine for playing an illegal player is £7.50 for each offence (this includes
under age players).
1.8 The fine for late Result Sheets will be £3.00 for the first offence, £4.00 for the
second offence, and £5.00 for the third and subsequent offences.
1.9 The fine for failure to return perpetual trophies by the date of the last League
fixture of the season will be £10.00 per trophy plus replacement costs. This
applies to team and individual trophies and the fine is payable by the team.
1.10 The last date for entry into the Singles, Doubles and Three Player Team
Competitions is 30th September each year.
1.11 The entry fee for the Singles and Doubles Competitions will be £5.00 per
player per competition.
1.12 The fine for failure to attend the AGM and / or the pre-season SGM will be
£10.00 per team.
1.13 The cost of a complete hard copy spare set of Constitution and Rules will be
£5.00. Soft copies will be free of charge.
1.14 Expense claims are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
1.15 The fine for failure to send in the home or away copy of the Result Sheet by
the date specified will be £5.00.
1.16 The fine for any refereeing complaint upheld by the League Committee will
be £5.00 for each offence. The fine for any unsportsmanlike conduct
complaint upheld by the League Committee will be £10.00 for each offence.
1.17 The fine for failure to fulfil a fixture will be £10.00 for the first offence, £15.00
for the second offence and £20.00 and expulsion from the League for the
third offence.
1.18 The entry fee for the Three Player Team Competition is £5.00 per team.