RULES FOR THE MIXED TEAM

KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION

1. Entry

  • The entry fee shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.

2. Player Eligibility

  • All players must be registered with the BCGBA and with a club affiliated to the IOMCCGBA.
  • A player may only represent one team throughout the competition (Championship, Plate, Bowl).
  • Any ineligible player will have their result reversed to a 21–3 walkover, and the result card will be amended accordingly.

3. Competition Format

  • All teams enter a Championship Knockout.
  • Teams who lose in:
    • The Preliminary Round or Round 1 of the Championship drop into the Plate Knockout
    • The Plate R1 or R2 drop into the Bowl Knockout
    • The Championship Quarterfinals join at the Plate Quarterfinal stage
  • The competition culminates in three trophies:
    • Championship
    • Plate
    • Bowl
  • Each team is guaranteed at least 3 competitive matches.

4. Fixtures and Venues

  • Matches will be played on the date, time, and venue as set by the Competition Committee, except by mutual agreement of the captains and the Competition Committee.
  • Each match night will feature 4 matches, played across two greens.

5. Team Selection and Substitutes

  • Teams shall consist of 9 players. At least 4 must be of one gender, unless the team includes junior players, who may be included freely and do not count toward gender restrictions.
  • A junior player is defined as one who has not reached the age of 18 years on 1st January of the current competition year.
  • Captains must nominate their 9 players (plus any named substitutes) before the scheduled start time.
  • Any nominated player not present by the start time may be substituted — but only by a player who is present.

6. Match Setup

  • Each match consists of 9 singles games, with opponents drawn at random by the team captains before the match.
  • Games will be played in the rotation of the draw.
  • Captains will toss a coin to determine who chooses the first throw of the jack. The winning captain will choose odd or even numbered jacks, and their team will have the first throw on those jacks throughout the match.
  • Scorecards should be marked with a “J” to indicate the player who throws the jack first in each game.
  • Six jacks will be in play (3 per match).
  • All games will be played 21-up off 3.
  • Standard jacks will be used in all matches.

7. Practising

  • No practising is permitted on the match green within 1 hour of the scheduled start time.
  • Any player found practising during this window will be declared ineligible.

8. Match Result and Progression

  • The winning team is the one with the highest total chalks scored across all 9 games.
  • In the event of a tie on total chalks:
    • The team with the most individual game wins will be declared the winner.

9. Finals

  • The competition will conclude with Championship, Plate, and Bowl finals.
  • All finalists must adhere to their governing body’s dress code:
    • Male bowlers: BCGBA dress code
    • Female bowlers: BCGLBA dress code

10. Adverse Weather or Incomplete Matches

  • If conditions interfere with play, the Referee or both Captains (in absence of a referee) shall decide whether to start or continue.
  • If the greenkeeper is present, they must be consulted.
  • Completed games will count.
  • Incomplete games are void and must be replayed. Substitutes are permitted for those games.
  • If a match is cancelled or cannot be completed, a new date will be set by the Competition Committee, which where possible will be the next available date.

11. Results

  • Result sheets must include first and last names in BLOCK CAPITALS.
  • Both captains are responsible for checking and signing the result sheet.
  • Results must be submitted electronically only — by WhatsApp or email (photo of the signed result card).
  • The original result card must be retained until confirmed by the Competition Secretary.
  • The captain of the team drawn first in the match is responsible for sending the result card, unless agreed with the other captain.

12. Disputes

  • In the event of any protest or dispute, written notice must be sent in duplicate to the Association Secretary within FOUR days of the incident, and a copy must be sent to the club concerned.
  • The matter will be discussed by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final.

13. Governing Rules

  • The competition shall be governed by the Laws of the Game of Crown Green Bowls, except for:
    • Rule 9.10, and
    • Rule 10.1, for those in the Emergency Services.

14. Executive Committee Discretion

  • The Executive Committee shall have the power to alter and decide any matter not provided for in these rules.