Competition Rules

Entries to competitions to be received by the club no later than the date stated on the competition form.

All games to be played in accordance with the laws of the appropriate governing body with the following local arrangements :-

SCHEDULE: The first (top) named competitor/pair is considered to be the challenger and as such is responsible for organising the date of their match and arranging for any necessary marker. In the event that this cannot be readily agreed, they must offer a choice of 3 reasonable occasions to play, one of which must be accepted by the opponent. They must ensure that the agreed date and time is booked into the rink booking schedule. All matches are to be played by the dates indicated on the competition sheet. Failure to do so will result in the elimination of both parties unless representation is made to and upheld by the Competition Secretary.

SUBSTITUTES: One substitute will be allowed, (subject to the approval of the competition secretary) up to and including the semi-finals, to replace a player in any competition (except Singles or the lady in the Ladies Invitation), and if necessary continue to play in all further rounds, should the original player be incapacitated. A substitute should not have played in the same competition in a previous round.

DEAD JACK: To be re-spotted on the appropriate respot - see notice on rinks.

MATCH DURATION: All matches are to be played to a maximum of 2 hours or the appropriate number of shots or ends, whichever is soonest. However, in the event of a tie an extra end is to be played. In the finals there is no time limit.

TRIAL ENDS: Are not permitted except for semi-finals and finals.

FINALS: Are all to be played on the dates scheduled in the club's programme and as arranged by the competition secretary. Should either very bad weather or serious illness prevent this, then the Committee would, in the last resort, consider an alternative date.

MARKERS: In singles games, the challenger shall be responsible for arranging a competent marker, except for finals where this will be arranged by the competition secretary. Guidelines for markers are shown below.

DELAYED START: If a player delays the start of a match, without a bona fide reason, there shall be a penalty of one shot for each 5 minutes or part thereof until 15 minutes has elapsed, at which point the opponent may claim the game or agree a rematch within the period of the round.

VISITING HEAD: Except in semi-finals and finals, when visits to the head shall be with the approval of the marker or the opposing skip, the following shall apply. A player (singles) or skip (pairs) may only visit the head after they have delivered 3 woods.

DRESS CODE: Players (and marker) should wear greys (white/club shirt with grey below the waist) up to and including the semi-finals. For finals, the players (and marker) should wear whites (white/club shirt with white below the waist).

COMPETITION FORMATS:

All singles matches ...……………………...        4 woods, first to score 21 shots

Mens / Ladies / Ladies Invitation ………....        4 woods, 18 ends to be played

242 Open Pairs …………………………… 4 woods, 15 ends to be played

Ladies Invitation: The gentleman partner should not have previously partnered the lady concerned during the last 3 years.

242 Open Pairs (also known as Australian Pairs): Play proceeds as follows:

End 1: Lead - 2 bowls; skip - 4 bowls; lead 2 bowls

End 2: Skip - 2 bowls; lead - 4 bowls; skip - 2 woods

Play then alternates for the remaining ends.

May good sportsmanship prevail at all times.

Guidelines for Markers

When playing in competitions at Axminster Indoor Bowls Club, all markers for games prior to finals will be chosen by the challenger (first person named in the game). For finals, markers / umpires will be provided by the Competition Secretary.  The marker shall wear appropriate bowls clothing - greys for preliminary rounds, whites for the finals.

Duties

1. The start and finish time to be entered on the scorecard.

2. Check that the jack is thrown not less than 23 metres from the front of the mat after being centred.

3. A full length jack to be placed two metres from the ditch after being centred.

4. If the jack is wrongly delivered consecutively by both bowlers, it will be placed two metres from the ditch and the mat placed by the first bowler.

5. Avoid casting a shadow, and remain still while the wood is being delivered.

6. Stand well back and not directly behind the jack.

7. Chalk ‘touchers’ immediately. Mark the position of the jack when in the ditch.

8. Answer questions from players relating to the head and signal the shot. If you are unsure, say so.

9. Remove dead woods from the ditch at once.

10. Do not start to measure until requested by players, and do not break the head until players have agreed on the score.

11. Ensure that the scorecard is properly signed at the end of the game and returned to the secretary.

12. Know the respot positions and the rules for their use.