Ulster Transport Bowling Club

NIWPGL Cups 2024

NORTHERN IRELAND WOMEN’S PRIVATE GREENS LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION AND RULES

Definitions used in this document:

SIDE

The agreed number of teams or singles players playing to represent one club or association, who’s combined scores decides the result of a competition.

TEAM

The pair, triple or four players who are playing together.

If there is not a rule to cover a situation please use the principles of fairness and common sense to reach a decision then consult with NIWPGL at the next meeting or before if urgent.

Officials

All officials are listed in the About Section of the website.

Member Clubs (20)

Click on a club link below for full details including an interactive map and directions.

Other Clubs (Not Members of the NIWPGL)

Click on a club link below for full details including an interactive map and directions.

Click on a club link below for full details including an interactive map and directions.

1. Constitution

1.1 Name

The Name of the League shall be the "Northern Ireland Women's Private Green's League" (NIWPGL).

1.2 Objectives

  • To promote and foster the game of bowls.
  • To act in the best interests of member clubs.
  • To maintain liaison with the other bowling Associations in Ireland.

1.3 Office Bearers

The Office-Bearers of the NIWPGL are the President, Vice-President, Immediate Past President, Honorary Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, League Secretary and Competition Secretary in whose name the League may sue or be sued.

Vacancies for Honorary Officers occurring during the year may be filled by the Council. The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer shall be ex-officio members with voting powers on all committees except the Selection Committee.

1.4 Business of the NIWPGL

The Business of the NIWPGL shall be conducted by a Council consisting of the Office-Bearers together with one delegate from each affiliated club who must report back to their club secretary and members as soon as possible after the meetings.

The Delegate shall be nominated by her club and if unable to attend a Council Meeting shall depute a fellow delegate from their club to attend.

In the event of neither delegate being able to attend, the club shall nominate another member, the Honorary Secretary of the Northern Ireland Women's Private Green's League having been informed. Twelve members will form a quorum.

1.5 Membership

Membership of the League shall be open to all Private Clubs.

Application must be made in writing to the Honorary Secretary and shall state the name and address of the club applying for affiliation, together with the names and addresses of the Officers.

1.6 Subscription

The Annual Subscription fee for each club and the capitation fee for each member shall be decided at the AGM each year usually in line with inflation.

The fees shall be payable on or before the 1st May in the relevant year Expenses in excess of the available funds shall be borne in equal proportion by clubs in the league.

1.7 General Meetings

A General, annual or special meeting, shall The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held on the second Friday in November each year.

The business shall include the election of Office-Bearers and appointment of Auditors (who need not necessarily be delegates to the Meeting), the presentation of the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts etc.

A Special General Meeting may be summoned at the discretion of the Council or on a requisition, in writing, to the Honorary Secretary of the League from an affiliated club.

The Honorary Secretary shall call a meeting within twenty-one days of the summons or requisition and shall state on the Agenda that business consist of two delegates from each Club, together with the Office-Bearers of the League.

Twenty members shall form a quorum. Seven days notice of all meetings shall be given.

1.8 Presidency

The position of President shall be held in rotation by a member of one of the affiliated clubs.

The rota of NIWPGL clubs shall remain static and any club elected to membership shall be added to the rota in accordance with date of application.

The Honorary Secretary shall invite the next club in the rotation to nominate the next Vice-President and the nomination should be received before the first Friday in August each year. In the event of a club waiving its right to nominate, the club next in order shall have the privilege.

Rota of Clubs

  • 1 Downpatrick
  • 2 Magheradroll
  • 3 Mossley
  • 4 Shaftesbury
  • 5 Belfast
  • 6 Comber
  • 7 Hilden
  • 8 CI - Knock
  • 9 Pickie
  • 10 Belmont
  • 11 Falls
  • 12 N.I.C.S.
  • 13 Larne
  • 14 Ards
  • 15 Ulster Transport
  • 16 Ewarts
  • 17 Saintfield
  • 18 Malone
  • 19 Cavehill
  • 20 Ballywalter

1.9 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Past President and the Officers who will deal with any operational issues between council meetings. No one can hold more than one honorary office on the executive committee.

1.10 Election to I.W.B.A. Council

Four delegates shall represent the NIWPGL at all I.W.B.A. Council and General Meetings.

They shall be the Honorary Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, If a delegate is unable to attend the IWBA meeting the NIWPGL executive council can arrange a substitute.

1.11 Two Selection Committees Election at AGM

Senior League Selection committee shall consist of four members.

  • One International Selector who ideally should have 1 to 2 years experience as a senior selector prior to her election to this role. She will join the IWBA selection committee as well as the NIWPGL committee.
  • Three further Senior selectors ideally from different Senior team clubs

All four selectors should either be currently playing in the Senior league or have recently retired from playing in the Senior league.

The Honorary Secretary of the Association shall be the administrator of the meetings but without voting powers unless an elected member.

Junior League Selection committee shall consist of three members ideally from different junior league clubs.

All Junior league selectors should either be currently playing in the Junior league or have recently retired from playing in the Junior league.

All Selectors will be ineligible to play on Inter-association and International teams.

Each club is entitled to submit the name of one member for each selection committee in writing to the Honorary Secretary before the Annual General Meeting.

1.12 Competitions Committee

A Competitions Committee of at least three members shall be elected at the AGM. One member will act as Competitions Secretary.

1.13 Elected positions

Ideally people would undertake all elected positions for a three year term but with the option of resigning at the end of each season. At the end of the three years they can be re-elected for a further three year term.

1.14 Alterations to Rules

Alteration of or addition to the Rules and Constitution of the League and rules governing Competitions shall not be made except at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.

Notices of motion for consideration at the Annual General Meeting shall be forwarded to the Honorary Secretary of the League, in writing, in precise terms, not later than twenty-eight days before the Annual General Meeting.

Any such amendments, deletions, or additions can only be carried by at least two-thirds majority of those present and voting.

1.15 Appeals and Protests

Should any dispute arise as to the meaning or interpretation of any of the Rules or Laws of the Game or upon any point not covered by them, any one of the parties to the said dispute may appeal to the Honorary Secretary.

Notice of Appeal or Protest shall be given to the Honorary Secretary in writing and such notice shall be accompanied by a full statement of the matter in dispute.

The Honorary Secretary shall thereupon call a meeting of the Executive Committee for the settlement of the question and at such meeting parties may be heard on each side, providing that such course may be deemed necessary or expedient.

As soon as the Executive Committee has pronounced their decision it shall be intimated by the Secretary to all parties concerned and such decision shall be final.

1.16 The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer

The Secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted at Annual General, General, Spring and Autumn Council Meetings.

The Treasurer shall keep a detailed account of all receipts and disbursements, which shall be audited.

The Treasurer shall submit a Balance Sheet to be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting, a copy of which together with the notice convening the Annual General Meeting shall be sent to all Club Secretaries fourteen days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

After the club has dealt with these they should be passed to their delegate.

1.17 Honorary Members

The League shall have power to elect as an Honorary Member; any member whose services in the interest of the League are such as entitles them to that distinction.

An Honorary Member shall also be entitled to attend Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings of the Northern Ireland Women’s Private Greens League but shall have no vote unless she also be an Office Bearer or the delegate of a club.

The number of Honorary members shall not at any time exceed 12.

1.18 Powers of Council

The Council shall have power to interpret these Rules, and to deal with all matters not specifically provided for therein, and their decision shall be final.

The Council shall have power to elect sub-committees for special purposes.

1.19 Members Code of Conduct

Members are expected to conduct themselves in ways which display good standards of behaviour on and off the green and have a sportsmanlike approach to team colleagues, opponents, officials and spectators at all times including on social media, plus act as good ambassadors for the association and the game of bowls.

1.20 Disciplinary Procedure

Any member who falls below the code of conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action.

1.21 Submission of a Complaint

Any complaints should be lodged in writing with the NIWPGL Honorary Secretary within 14 days of the incident involved.

If a complaint has first been lodged with a club then the club have a further 14 days to refer it to the NIWPG Honorary Secretary in writing if they feel the nature of the incident warrants it.

1.22 Arranging a Complaints Hearing

A date will be set by the honorary secretary for a disciplinary hearing.

Written notice of this disciplinary meeting including; the date, time and venue, the matter to be discussed, copies of the complaint, the relevant NIWPGL constitution and rules, information that the person complained about may be accompanied by one other person for support providing that person has no conflict of interest; will all be sent by the secretary to all members of the Sub-Committee, the complainant and the person complained about, no later than 7 days prior to the meeting.

1.23 The Disciplinary Hearing

a. The complaint will be heard by a Sub Committee comprising of three member of the Executive Committee who do not have previous involvement or material knowledge of the event, one of whom shall be appointed Chairman of the meeting. The meeting will be attended by a minute secretary to record the proceedings; they will not be entitled to vote.

b. At the meeting the person complained about is expected to be present. The complainant may present their complaint and the person complained about will then give their explanations. Witnesses will normally be limited to one for either side

c. The Sub Committee may then clarify all necessary points. After which . all parties will be asked to leave the room but maybe recalled if further clarification is required

d. When the Sub-Committee have discussed the matter and have reached a decision the parties will be invited back in and the decision explained to them. This decision will then be confirmed in writing, within seven days of the meeting, to both parties involved.

1.24 Types of Penalties

The complaint may be dismissed and no action required, a conditional discharge with set criteria for the future, a verbal caution, a written caution, exclusion from certain set activities, suspension or they may be expelled from the association.

1.25 Rights of Appeal

Any member considering themselves aggrieved shall have the right of appeal to an Arbitration Sub-Committee whose decision shall be final. Any such appeal must be made to the secretary in writing within seven days of the decision of the committee being notified to them.

The appeal shall be heard as soon as is practical thereafter by a Sub Committee comprising of three member of the Executive Committee or appropriate co-opted members who do not have previous involvement or material knowledge of the event.

1.26 Natural Justice

The rules of natural justice must apply at all times to all disciplinary matters. Natural justice is procedural fairness comprising of two basic rules; first that no one is to be judge of their own case, and second that no one is to be condemned unheard.

2. Rules Governing All Matches

2.1 World Bowls Rules

The code of laws in force under current World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls and the rules governing competitions shall be binding on Clubs in the NIWPGL.

2.2 Club Representation

A player may only represent one association and club in the NIWPGL in the league, cup and competitions in any one year. Any player who plays for more than one association or club will not be able to play again that season in NIWPGL matches.

2.3 Bowls Discs

Bowls discs must be used in all matches and competitions. Where discs in club colours are not being used - red discs must be used by the home team and blue discs by the away team. The discs to be used in semi-finals and finals shall be decided by the Competitions Secretary or the League Secretary.

2.4 Practice

No player may practice on the day of a match or competition on the same rink that the match is to be played on, under the penalty of disqualification.

2.5 Draw for rink

The visiting side / competitors must draw for choice of rink in all games.

2.6 Records

Each Club shall keep a record of all matches played, including the names of players participating in the matches and also the score.

2.7 Ineligible Players

When it is proved that a club played an ineligible player including a player on a named panel (“starred “player) the club shall forfeit the match and the win and points shall be awarded to their opponents.

2.8 Penalty for Ineligible Players

In the case of a club losing a match having played an ineligible player there will be a penalty of 3 points in a Junior and 5 points in a Senior game deducted from the teams score.

2.9 Greens

Semi – finals and Finals of cup matches and competitions shall be played on the Vice President’s, President’s or Past President’s greens.

3. League Competitions

3.1 League

The League for the following year shall consist of the divisions decided at the AGM. Senior and Junior.

3.2 Points

League matches are played on a points system.

Six points shall be awarded in each game in the Senior League and five points awarded in each game in the Junior League, three points to the winning side plus one point to each team up on either side.

Where teams finish level each team will be awarded one half point.

3.3 League Winners

The clubs with the highest number of points in each League at the end of the season will be the winners.

The final league table will be published at the AGM and the appropriate cups awarded.

In the event of two or more sides being equal in points at the top of each League at the conclusion of the competitions, the side with the highest aggregate of shots up shall be declared the winner and the side with the second highest aggregate of shots up shall be declared runner-up.

In the event of two or more sides finishing equal in points and aggregate of shots up in either the winner or runners-up position the result of the game already played between the said teams shall determine the winner.

The aggregate of shots up of any side shall be determined by subtracting the total number of shots scored against a side from the total number of shots scored by the side in the competition.

3.4 Uniform

Official Club uniform and approved Bowling shoes must be worn at all matches , Crop trousers /shorts should be no shorter than knee length .

3.5. Date and Time of League Games

Matches shall be played on the date fixed at 2:30 pm and may only be changed by mutual arrangement between the opposing sides. Any postponement must be immediately notified to the League Secretary by the club initiating the change.

3.6 Postponement of League Matches

A fixture may be postponed because the green is unplayable or for a club bereavement.

Any postponement must be immediately notified to the League Secretary by the defaulting club.

Within 72 hours of the postponement three new dates must be offered by the home side one of which must be accepted.

At least two of the times offered should be in the afternoon.

However the NIWPGL would encourage clubs, given the current difficulties with the numbers of available players, to be as flexible as possible with rearranging matches including using weekend or evenings. The date agreed must be notified to the league secretary.

3.7 League Side Playing Short

Where a League Match has been arranged and one or both of the Clubs have not a full side, the match should be played and twenty-five percent of the score deducted from the team not having four players.

Three players short of a full Senior side and two players short of a full Junior side shall be the maximum allowed, i.e. one player from each team.

Should however the offending Club or Clubs obtain players on loan to make up the teams to full strength, the match may be played but the offending club shall lose the points.

3.8 League side unable to play due to lack of the 9 or 6 players required

A club unable to fulfil a Match must notify their opponents at least forty-eight hours prior to the time fixed for the playing except in exceptional circumstances. Failure to comply with this rule may involve the defaulting Club in the payment of expenses to the home team.

Any postponement must be immediately notified to the League Secretary by the defaulting club.

Within 72 hours of the postponement three new dates must be offered by the home side one of which must be accepted. At least two of the times offered should be in the afternoon.

However the NIWPGL would encourage clubs, given the current difficulties with the numbers of available players, to be as flexible as possible with rearranging matches including using weekend or evenings. The date agreed must be notified to the league secretary.

3.9 Failure to play a postponed match

Any match that has not been played by the date of the NIWPGL Autumn Meeting will result in 3 points being deducted from the defaulting team’s accumulated league points the following season.

3.10 Dual Side Clubs

Clubs with sides in two leagues must fulfil all fixtures as per the league draw even though both sides may have to go out short.

3.11 Number of ends in League matches

Eighteen ends shall be played. In bad weather or in periods of extreme heat sides may mutually arrange, prior to the commencement of the match, to limit the number of ends to be played. Not less than fifteen ends shall be played.

3.12 Registration of a panel of players

a. Prior to the start of each season and no later than the Thursday prior to the first league match, all clubs with a team in both Senior and Junior Leagues must submit to the Honorary League Secretary a panel of a minimum of 6 players who will only be available to play for the club’s Senior team in all NIWPGL League and NIWPGL Cup competitions. Players who in the previous season have played at Senior International or Senior Inter association level must be registered as part of the minimum 6 player panel.

b. Any player from a club with both a Senior and Junior team who is newly selected to play at Senior International or Senior Inter association level within the current season must be added to the Senior player panel immediately those respective teams are selected.

c. The named panel for each club will be posted on the NIWPGL website.

d. A substitution system will allow clubs to change a maximum of 2 players on the minimum 6 player panel in the same playing season – amendments must be submitted to the Honorary League Secretary .

e. All other non-registered players are eligible to play on any of the club’s teams in League matches.

3.13 Number of players

The Senior League shall consist of three teams, twelve players. The Junior League shall consist of two teams eight players.

3.14 League results

All completed score cards should be photographed and sent, by both teams, via text, email or WhatsApp to the League Secretary immediately after the match . Where none of the aforementioned methods is available the result should be telephoned to the League Secretary immediately after the match and the completed, signed score cards posted to the League Secretary as soon as possible thereafter. In case of a dispute / query the original score cards should be retained by competitors or the League Secretary,(if any cards have been sent to her) until the League is completed, at which stage the cards may be disposed of.

3.15 Stopped League Games

A game may be stopped on account of darkness, the conditions of weather, or any other valid reason; it shall be resumed with the scores and players, as they were when it was stopped.

3.16 Resumed League Games

The sides must be composed of the same players as named on the original teams on the score cards, except in extenuating circumstances, when not more than one player for each team may be substituted. i.e. 3 for a Senior League and 2 for a Junior League.

The League Secretary must be notified before resumption. It shall be in the power of either skip to require that not more than one trial end each way shall be played. On resumption of the game, an end started but not completed is void. If at least 15 ends have been played and travel between the clubs is very expensive, clubs may appeal to the League Secretary who will consult with the Executive Committee for a final decision on the need to replay the match and points.

3.17 League Protests and appeals

League Protests and appeals must be received by the League Secretary within seven days after the cause of the protest. Full powers shall be vested in the Officers to deal with any questions that may arise, and to deal with any matter not provided for in these Rules.

3.18 Clubs having 2 teams in the Same League

a. Prior to the start of each season, no later than the Thursday prior to the first league match, all clubs with two teams in the same league must submit to the Honorary League Secretary a list of the teams names. The minimum is 9 players for each team in the Junior teams and 14 for each team in the Senior teams.

b. The teams shall be called team 1 and team 2 which will be binding for that season.

c. Named players may only play for either team1 or team 2 as per the list published on the NIWPGL website. Should this rule be contravened the match in which an ineligible player takes part shall be declared null and void and the points awarded to the opposing team.

d. Any player who plays for team 1 or team 2 and is not on the list published on the NIWPGL website must have their name added to the appropriate list of team 1 or team 2 by the club concerned before the next league game. Failure to update the list will result in 3 points being deducted from the teams score.

e. If a player who is not eligible participates in a match see rules 2:7 and 2:8 .governing all matches.

f. Any Junior clubs may only have two teams in the same League for a period of 2 consecutive years after which the players can play as a team of 12 in the Senior League.

4. Cup Matches

4.1 Stylux Cup

This competition is open to all Clubs having Senior League sides.

4.2 Hazel Getty Cup

This competition is open to all Clubs having Junior League team. The nominated panel players per rule 3:12 and other players who have played in the Stylux Cup in the same season will be ineligible to play in the Hazel Getty Cup.

4.3 Draw for play of Cup matches

The first round will be drawn at the Spring Council meeting. Then the matches will follow a single elimination tournament format.

4.4 Dates

Dates will be published at Spring Meeting but up to and and including the quarter final stage that date may be brought forward by mutual agreement and played on a morning , an afternoon or an evening time. In any event all games must be played by the dates published at the Spring meeting.

For Semi-finals and Finals see rule 2:9.

4.5 Time

2:30 p.m. on designated date.

4.6 Uniform

Uniform must be worn at all matches i.e. white skirt, crop (no shorter than knee length), or long trousers, club tops and white , brown or approved bowling shoes.

4.7 Number of ends for Cup matches

A full eighteen ends is essential in all cup matches unless one side concedes.

4.8 Side playing short

Where a cup match has been arranged and one or both of the clubs have not a full side, the match should be played and twenty-five percent of the score deducted from the teams not having four players. Three players short of a full Senior League side and two players short of a Junior League side shall be the maximum allowed, i.e. one player from each team.

4.9 Cup Matches Tie Result

In the event of the scores on the cards being equal after eighteen ends an extra end shall be played by all teams, a coin having been tossed to decide who shall deliver the jack. Should the result again be a draw another end shall be played and so on until a winning result is obtained.

4.10 Results of Cup Matches

All completed signed score cards should be photographed and sent, by both teams, via text, email or WhatsApp to the Assistant Secretary immediately after the match . Where none of the aforementioned methods is available the result should be telephoned to the Assistant Secretary immediately after the match and the completed, signed score cards posted to the Assistant Secretary as soon as possible thereafter. In case of a dispute / query the original score cards should be retained by competitors or the Assistant Secretary,(if any cards have been sent to her) until the Cup Final is completed, at which stage the cards may be disposed of.

4.11 Trophies and Badges

Cup Trophies and badges will be presented to the winning side after the Final matches.

4.12 Walkovers in Cup Matches

Clubs who withdraw from cup matches and so give the other team a walkover for two years in a row will not be allowed to enter the cup matches in the following year.

5. Competitions

Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours & 55+Fours

Junior Singles & Junior Pairs

5.1. Eligibility

Competitions are for all the players of Clubs affiliated to the. N.I.W.P.G.L. A regular Senior team player and an International player may not enter the Junior singles or pairs. However regular Junior team players can enter either of the singles or pairs competition but not both and provided they do not currently play for the international team. Matches shall be played as arranged by the competition committee during the season until the competition is completed. Semi-finals and Finals shall be played on the Vice President’s and President’s greens.

5.2 Minimum Number of Entries

The minimum number of entries required for a competition to run is shown below. This may be adjusted at the discretion of the Competition committee.

  • Singles - 16 entries
  • Pairs - 16 entries
  • Triples - 8 entries
  • Fours - 8 entries
  • 55+ Fours - 8 entries

5.3 Number of ends

  • Singles - 21 Shots
  • Pairs - 18 Ends
  • Triples - 15 Ends
  • Fours - 18 Ends
  • 55+ Fours - 18 Ends

5.4 Uniform

Up to and including Quarter final stage Official club uniform or grey skirt, crop or long trousers must be worn at all matches. In all cases crop trousers should be no shorter than knee length.

For Semi-finals and Finals Club tops and white skirt, crop (no shorter than knee length) or long trousers must be worn .

5.5 Postponement

In the event of matches being postponed due to inclement weather, a definite arrangement must be made between the competitors to play the match within seven days.

The Competition Secretary must be notified immediately of the postponement and of the new date agreed.

5.6 Results

All completed signed score cards should be photographed and sent, by both teams, via text, email or WhatsApp to the Competition Secretary immediately after the match . Where none of the aforementioned methods is available the result should be telephoned to the Competition Secretary immediately after the match and the completed, signed score cards posted to the Competition Secretary as soon as possible thereafter. In case of a dispute / query the original score cards should be retained by competitors or the Competition Secretary,(if any cards have been sent to her) until the Competitions are completed, at which stage the cards may be disposed of.

5.7 Concede

Should a Pair, Triple, Four or 55+ Four concede their first game, the players are ineligible to take part in the competition or to act as substitutes.

5.8 Time

All competitions commence at 2.30 p.m. or by mutual agreement between the competitors. The stated time may be varied (except in the case of semi- finals or finals) but the game must be played on or before the stated date.

5.9 Substitution

Should an entrant in the Pairs, Triples, Fours or 55+ Fours competition withdraw prior to commencement of the competition, another member of the Club may be nominated and the Competition Secretary informed not later than the day of their first match. Such entrant automatically becomes an original member of the competition.

The same players must compete throughout the competition unless satisfactory reasons can be submitted for substitution of not more than one player, by one who has not already taken part in the competition. The original player must be reinstated if they so desire. The same substitute must be used for the same Pair, Triple, Four or 55+ Four if again required.

A substitute in the Pairs may play in either position. In Fours if a registered skip is unable to play, their place must be taken by the third player in that Four and the substitute can be placed in any of the other positions.

In the Triples if a registered skip is unable to play, their place must be taken by the second player in that Triple and the substitute can be placed in any of the other positions

5.10 Tie Result

If the result is a tie on the last end, an extra end shall be played, a coin having been tossed to decide who shall deliver the jack. Should the result again be a draw another end shall be played and so on until a result has been obtained

5.11 Availability

All players who enter the championship competitions i.e the Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours and Over55 Fours must ensure that they are available for all dates and if successful to continue in the competitions at the NIWPGL semi-finals and finals and at the IWBA Championships which are on a Friday Saturday and Sunday plus the British Isles Championships in June of the following year. These dates are fixed and available on the web sites and circulated at the Spring meeting. If they fail to turn up players will be disqualified from entering or playing as a substitute in all championships in the following season.

5.12 Players who fail to turn up for competitions.

Any players who fail to turn up for a competition without notifying their opponents will be disqualified from entering or playing in that competition the following season.

5:13 Late arrival

If a player / team fail to appear and be ready to play within 30 minutes after the agreed start time of the competition the opponent may claim a “walkover”.

6. Irish Women’s Bowling Association

(IWBA) Events

6.1 Uniform

Uniform must be worn at all IWBA matches, i.e. White trousers, NIWPGL top and white shoes. NIWPGL bowls stickers must be used. NIWPGL are keen for the team to look united by all wearing the same uniform.

6.2. Competition Championships

Winners of the NIWPGL Senior competitions will represent the NIWPGL at the IWBA Championships.

6.3 Inter-Association Championships

The sides for the Senior Inter-Association Championship shall consist of six teams and reserves. The sides for the Junior)Inter-Association Championship sides shall consist of four teams and reserves.

The players from these championships will be the only Ladies considered for selection (by the International selectors) to attend a trial for the International tea

7. Men Playing in Ladies Matches

7.1 Not enough players

When a Ladies team would have to go out to compete without the full complement of players for a League match then ONE man may play in each team of four players. PROVIDING

a. He is a member of the same bowling club and has paid his capitation fee to the NIPGBL ( Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League ).

b. He only plays as a lead or a second in the team of four and Lead in a triple.

c. He has NOT been named on the panel of players provided to the NIPGBL.

d. The match is not an IWBA Inter-association match, NIWPGL Cup match or a qualifying event for the British Isles Ladies Competition Championships.

e. His name is entered on the score sheet with Mr. before his name.

7.2 Feedback

Each club that has men helping their teams to compete are required to give feedback at the NIWPGL meetings in relation to the strengths and weaknesses of the system.

This is to help with the review and development of rules 7.1 at the NIWPGL annual general meetings .

Appendix: Bowler Etiquette

  • Bowls should be played in a spirit of good sportsmanship and with good manners.
  • Players should make every effort to win but should also treat their opponents with courtesy.
  • As soon as each bowl shall have come to rest, possession of the rink shall be transferred to the other team. By the time a player's bowl comes to rest they should be behind the mat or behind the head – not between the two.
  • Players of each team not in the act of playing or controlling play shall stand well behind the head or a yard behind the mat.
  • A player on the mat should not be interfered with, annoyed or have their attention distracted in any way by an opponent.
  • Players at or behind the head should not move while a player is on the mat.
  • Players behind the mat should not talk while a player is on the mat.
  • Skips or thirds decide the number of shots - leads or seconds should not interfere.
  • No bowls whatsoever should be disturbed or kicked away without the agreement of both thirds and skips
  • Do not waste time by dwelling too long on the mat or in protracted conferences.
  • Do not follow bowls to the head unnecessarily.
  • All bowlers should have a working knowledge of the WB laws of the game and the byelaws of their Association.
  • Players must not make comments about an opposition bowl before it comes to rest, e.g. 'go into the ditch' or 'hit my bowl in'.
  • Smoking on the green is a club decision and not an NIWPGL decision. Several clubs, however, prefer that as a matter of courtesy, the player concerned retreats to the bank.

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