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22July24 - Pages being updated.

The Constitution & Rules are being amended to reflect the decisions of the Nov'23 AGM. These warning messages will be removed once changes have completed & been reviewed.

 Please click on the appropriate section below:- 

 Changes from joint AGM Nov23 are shown in RED

Rules

1 EXPENSES

1.1 Any officer or committee member of the Federation attending properly convened meetings or making visits in connection with Federation affairs shall be entitled to be repaid reasonable expenses approved by the National Executive Committee, such expenses being assessed on the actual and necessary cost of accommodation and meals, with a motorcar travelling allowance per mile or for travel by second-class rail or coach the actual expense shall be reimbursed

1.2 Re-imbursement of outgoings made by the English Bowls Umpires' Federation shall be made only in respect of such expenses as are approved as allowable by the National Executive Committee.

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2 AMATEUR STATUS

2.1 Any player may participate in any event for reward in cash or kind.

2.2 If such a player wishes to retain amateur status, as defined by the International Olympic Committee, any reward shall be taken in kind; if such reward is taken in cash, only that part which constitutes legitimate expenses shall be taken, with the balance being remitted to the tournament organisers. (Legitimate expenses include the cost of transport, food, lodgings, and loss of earnings as defined by the International Olympic Committee, and shall be supported by necessary evidence).

2.3 Amateur and professional players are eligible to play in national and county association competitions.

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3 TOURNAMENT CONDITIONS

3.1 All open and/or invitation events where rewards, including attendance money and/or expenses, and whether in cash or kind, with a value of £500 or over, are distributed to competitors, must be licensed by the English Bowling Federation. All events with a value of less than £500 shall be deemed to be licensed. Anyone holding such an event may apply to the EBF for a licence if they so require one. Any club organising, or allowing its green to be used for the purpose of, or any player taking part in, any unlicensed event shall be suspended from taking part in all forms of bowls organised by or under the auspices of the English Bowling Federation. (An event licensed by the English Bowling Association or the English Indoor Bowling Association will be accepted as a licensed event by the English Bowling Federation).

3.2 The licence fee for an event shall be in accordance with the following scale:-

Total value of £500 or over but less than £1000 - £10
Total value of £1000 or over but less than £1500 - £15
Total value of £1500 or over - £20

(Cheques should be made payable to the English Bowling Federation)

3.3 The organiser of an event requiring a licence must apply to the English Bowling Federation for a licence at least one month before the commencement of the event; such application must state

(a) the date of the event;

(b) the form which the event is to take (i.e., singles, pairs, or rinks);

(c) the location of the event;

(d) whether the event is open, invitation, or open with invitees;

(e) whether attendance money and/or expenses are being paid to invitees and, in the case of attendance money, how much;

(f) the value of the total rewards, including attendance money and/or expenses and whether in cash or kind;

3.4 The organiser will undertake that upon completion of the event, the Secretary of the English Bowling Federation will be notified within three months, by or on behalf of the organising body or promoter, of the total rewards and expenses paid and to whom.

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4. DOPING CONTROL

4.1 The Federation does not countenance drug abuse in its code of bowls, and supports the efforts of the Sports Council Doping Control Unit to detect and deter the abuse of drugs to improve performance.

4.2 In inter-county association matches and national championships drug tests may take place. (NB Competitors may refuse to be tested, but such a refusal is counted as though a urine sample gave a positive result).

4.3 Any player giving a positive result to a Doping Control test will be subject to such a penalty as the National Executive Committee shall determine.

4.4 Examples of permitted and prohibited substances: -

TABLE

Allowed:                                                          Banned:                                                               

ASTHMA: salbutamol inhaler,                                 products containing sympathomimetics                                                   
                       (e.g. ephedrine,salmeterol inhaler.)

COUGH: all antibiotics, steam &                             products containing sympathomimetics,                                                   
Menthol inhalations, cough mixtures,                     (e.g. ephedrine,Phenylpropanolamine.)                                                     
 containing antihistamines, pholcodine,                                                                                                                                       
 guaphenesin, dextromethophan.                                                                                                                                                

DIARRHOEA: diphenoxylate, loperamide                products containing opioids e.g.morphine                                                 
 products containing, electrolytes                                                                                                                                                  
 (e.g. Dioralyte, Rehidrat)                                                                                                                                                              

HAYFEVER: antihistamines                                     products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.                                 
nasal sprays containing a corticosteroid                                                                                                                                     
 or xylometazoline, eyedrops containing                                                                                                                                       
sodium cromoglycate                                                                                                                                                                  

PAIN: aspirin, codeine, dihydrocodeine,                  products containing opioids e.g. dextropropoxyphene or caffeine              
 ibuprofen, paracetamol, all non-steroidal                                                                                                                                      
 anti-inflammatories,                                                                                                                                                                       

VOMITING: domperidone, metoclopramide.                                                                                                                                

The list is subject to change and will be amended as and when the need arises by the NEC.

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5 MARKERS AND UMPIRES

A MARKER SHOULD

5.1 Be familiar with the Laws of the Game.

5.2 Be in possession of a reliable measure, a pair of callipers for short measuring, a pen/pencil, and a scorecard.

5.3 Observe strict neutrality.

5.4 Examine all bowls for stamping before play commences.

5.5 Witness the toss for start.

5.6 See that the mat is properly centred.

5.7 See that the jack is cast correctly and properly set and centred before allowing the first bowl to be delivered.

5.8 Stand perfectly still behind the line of the jack and well away at one side of the rink.

5.9 Answer any questions put by the players, but not give any information unless requested, nor pass any comment; only the player who is in possession of the rink will be addressed.

5.10 Remove any bowls from the ditch.

5.11 Mark the position of the jack in the ditch, and see that it is not disturbed.

5.12 Measure only when requested, and not allow any bowl or the jack to be moved until both players are in agreement as to shot or shots.

5.13 Record only the score agreed by both players.

5.14 Call out the state of the game at each end, and on completion see that the scorecard is signed by both players and handed to the person responsible.

5.15 In any difficult measure or dispute call the umpire, whose decision will be final.

AN UMPIRE SHOULD

5.16 See that the Laws of the Game are complied with.

5.17 See that the game is continuous and played in a competitive and sporting manner.

5.18 Be available for consultations or decisions at any stage of the game.

5.19 Measure all doubtful and difficult shots at the request of the marker or skips.

5.20 Give a clear and definite decision upon any point in dispute in relation to the game, bowls or green.

5.21 When called upon to make any decision or measurement request all players to leave the head, not tolerate interference, and be positive in all actions.

5.22 Be completely neutral and unbiased.

5.23 Give a decision which shall at all times be final.

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6 DISCIPLINE

6.1 No English Bowling Federation or English Women's Bowling Federation affiliated county association shall accept, implement, or operate any local rule which conflicts with Federation Rules.

6.2 Any individual (hereinafter called the "appellant") aggrieved by a disciplinary decision of a county association, may appeal against that decision to that same county association. In the event of further dissatisfaction, an appeal may be made to the Appeal Committee of the National Executive Committee of the English Bowling Federation. Such an appeal shall be lodged by the appellant sending a written notice of the decision appealed against, and including the grounds of the appeal, to the Secretary of the English Bowling Federation. A copy of that notice and grounds of appeal should also be sent to the Honorary Secretary of the county association concerned.
Upon receipt of such a notice the Appeal Committee shall fix a time for the hearing of the appeal, and shall send a notice to the appellant and to the Honorary Secretary of the county association of the time and place of the hearing.
At the hearing the appellant and the Honorary Secretary concerned may appear and be heard, or may submit a written statement to the Appeal Committee; A  fee of £50 will be payable for any appeal submitted to the National body, if the appeal is successful then the fee will be refunded.
The decision of the Appeal Committee will be final.

6.3          Any player whose competition entry is declined by an EWBF county bowling association is not eligible to play in that EBF County bowling association’s mixed competitions

 6.4 It shall be the responsibility of a county association to ensure that every club selected to host an inter-county association match shall provide a properly appointed standard green as prescribed by the Laws of the Game, with a good playing surface, a full set of measuring sticks, suitable strings, bank markers, and scoreboards.

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7 FEDERATION COMPETITIONS

7.1 Each affiliated county association shall be bound by these rules and by the laws of the game.

7.2 All matches shall be played under the Federation laws of the game, and in accordance with the appended schedule. 

Players are not permitted to smoke or vape on the green during play in any competitions or county bowling.

7.3 With the exception of the Secretaries and Champion of Champions Championships, competitors for the national finals shall be provided by each county association holding an appropriate competition.

7.4 Each round of every competition shall be drawn separately.

7.5 Only the winner(s) or a single entry  of a county association competition shall be eligible to play in the national finals.

7.6 If in any singles competition the winner is unable to play in a national final no substitution will be allowed. Unless the engagement of a marker has been arranged by a county bowling association or a national bowling federation, in any singles competition drawn round, it shall be the duty of the first-drawn player to engage the services of an efficient marker, who shall then act during the playing of the round in accordance with the markers and umpires rules; whenever possible a certificated qualified marker shall be engaged.

7.7 In all competitions players shall be allowed two trial ends. Prior to the start of a competition or a series of competitions played on the same day no roll up will be permitted.

7.8  Play in all competitions shall be limited to two bowls only per player except in four-bowl singles and three bowl rinks.
In any 4 bowl singles game no player will be allowed to visit the head until both players have played 2 bowls

7.9 In a game of ends there must be the stipulated number of played ends except where rule 7.19 applies,

7.10 TOSSING FOR JACK 

                (1)Before Play Starts 

                (a) In a Team Championship match the home team captain will toss a coin in the presence of the away team captain with the latter making the call. The winner of the toss shall have the choice of jack which shall apply to all rinks. 

                (b) In an Individual Competition the home skip in a rink or pairs match and the home competitor in a singles match shall toss a coin, with the away skip or singles player making the call. The winner of the toss having the choice of jack. 

                (2)  Extra End(s) 

                (a) In the event of a draw at the completion of the prescribed number of ends in a Team Play-off Match or a Team Championship Final, extra end(s) shall be played on all rinks.  For every extra end(s) the home team captain will toss a coin with the away team captain making the call, the winner of the toss having the choice of jack which shall apply to all rinks. 

                (b) In the event of a draw at the completion of the prescribed number of ends in an Individual Competition the home skip in a rink or pairs match shall toss a coin, with the away skip making the call. The winner of the toss shall have the choice of jack. 

                (c )  Any extra end(s) shall be played from where the last end ceased with the mat placed as per Law VI Para 1.”

7.11 Competitors may play for only one county association in Federation competitions in any season. Members of clubs affiliated to different county associations are required to nominate the county association for which they intend to play their competitions.

7.12 Except in mixed pairs, mixed rinks and the Under 25’s Open Pairs competitions the competitors (including a substitute) shall come from the same affiliated club.  No competitor may enter EBF/EWBF competitions from more than one club in any one year.

7.13    In mixed pairs the male competitor shall be a member of a club affiliated to the Federation and the female competitor shall be a member of a club affiliated to the English Women's Bowling Federation and from within the same county association area. In the Under 25’s Open Pairs competition a pair may consist of either two males, two females or a male and female player and that a substitute, if used, may be of either sex; players do not need to be members of the same club.

7.14 In mixed rinks each male competitor shall be a member of a club affiliated to the Federation and each female competitor shall be a member of a club affiliated to the English Women's Bowling Federation and from within the same county association area. Where two male players constitute the mixed rink they must be from the same Federation club; where two female players constitute the mixed rink they must be members of the same English Women’s Bowling Federation club. 

7.15 Where a competitor has entered a competition as a named player, and the entry bearing his/her name has been included in the draw, he/she cannot afterwards play in place of another player in the same competition irrespective of whether or not he /she has actually played in his/her original group.

7.16 A substitute may be used except in singles competitions. Where a substitute is permissible, as defined below, only that named substitute may be used in any subsequent rounds of that competition including national finals.

Pairs (Including Senior Pairs)

The two players taking part in the first game must include at least one of the named players from the original entry and shall constitute the pair. They should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. One additional and the same player may, however, be used as a substitute at any time, provided that he/she has not already played in another pair and is eligible to play in that competition. He/she may play in any subsequent round for either player.

Rinks

The three players taking part in the first game shall constitute the rink and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. One additional and the same player may, however, be used as a substitute at any time, provided that he/she has not already played in another rink and is eligible to play in that competition. He/she may play in any subsequent round for any of the three players.

Mixed Pairs

The two players taking part in the first game must include at least one of the named players from the original entry. They shall constitute the pair and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. Two additional and the same players may, however, be used as substitutes: a male substitute may be used for the male player and a female substitute for the female player provided he/she has not already played in another mixed pair and is eligible to play in that competition. At least one player taking part in the first round must play in each round i.e. only one substitute may be used at any one time. The substitute must come from the same club as the substituted player.

Under 25’s Open Pairs

The two players taking part in the first game must include at least one of the named players from the original entry. They shall constitute the pair and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. One additional and the same player may, however, be used as a substitute. 

 Mixed Rinks  

The three players taking part in the first game must include at least one of the named players from the original entry. They shall constitute the rink and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. Two additional and the same players may, however, be used as substitutes: a male substitute may be used for the male player(s) and a female substitute for the female player(s) provided he/she has not already played in another mixed rink and is eligible to play in that competition. At least two players from the original mixed rink (except where two players play against three) must play in each round i.e. only one substitute may be used at any one time. The substitute must come from the same club as the substituted player. The male substitute may play for either of the male players where two males play, and the female substitute may play for either of the female players where two female players play.  

“A walkover in any preliminary or first round constitutes taking part in the first game. Players awarded a walkover, must notify their county bowling association competition secretary of the situation and submit a scorecard with their names, and the names of their opponents, in order to proceed to the next round.“

7.17 In the event of a player, due to sickness or other exceptional circumstance needing to withdraw from a match (with the exception of singles) that has already started, a substitute may be allowed to take his or her place provided that the substitute meets the requirements of rules 7.15 and 7.16, and that both sides agree to the substitution.

7.18 County Matches (including Durham Centenary Trophy Matches) Should a match not be started (on account of rain, an unfit green, or other unforeseen circumstance) within ninety minutes of the original time for commencement, the visiting team may request that the match be played on another date; the home team shall then offer, within four days and subject to rule 7.25, three alternative dates, one of which must be accepted within two days.

Individual Competitions

The completion of, or the rearranging of individual county competitions that are affected by rain or other circumstances, cannot be legislated for at national level because of the differing formats under which county competitions are held. It follows that each county association must apply local rules where matches are so affected.

7.19(a) In the event of a match, except a national team final, being unfinished owing to rain or other cause deemed sufficient by the committee of the competition concerned, the match shall be replayed in its entirety unless at least seventy-five per cent of the total number of ends has been completed or seventy five per cent of the total number of shots required in singles competitions has been obtained, in which case the score at the state of abandonment shall be taken as the final score. In a replayed team match players shall, if possible, be the same as before, but if either side finds it impossible to play the same rinks, substitutes shall be permitted.

7.19(b) In the event of a national team final being abandoned owing to rain or any other cause, a 1/3^rd of the total ends have to be played to achieve a result otherwise the game should be played at a later time or date.

7.20 Section winners in the Adams, Newton, Reg. Wright, Durham Centenary, Donald Steward, and Silver Jubilee Vase team competitions, and county association champions will play in the National Championships to be held on a date and at a venue determined by the National Executive Committee. 

7.21  Male players participating in inter-county association matches and national championships must wear white or coloured shirts (colour to be registered with the National Secretary), white, cream or coloured trousers, or tailored shorts (with or without EBF logo but not including the Bowls England logo) to be worn with white ankle or trainer socks. T-shirts (no collar) will not be allowed whether white or coloured. White belt (if worn), white braces (if worn), white undergarments, white or cream socks, bowling shoes as approved by the county association concerned, white or cream pullover or cardigan (if worn), white cap or white hat (if worn) and white or cream waterproof clothing (if worn). In a team event players must all have same coloured shirts or must all wear white shirts. Tailored shorts (with EBF logo) as provided by an approved bowlswear manufacturer may be worn with white ankle or trainer socks. Tops such as sweatshirts, sheen jackets or pullovers shall either be of an identical matching colour or white or cream providing all players wear the same. Ties are optional wear during play.  

Approved clothing may display an identifying County badge, a sponsor’s name/logo that must not exceed the area/size of that County’s badge and a sponsor’s name (not exceeding 300mm wide x 75mm high) on the front or rear of the garment. The display of the garment manufacturers name or trademark is allowed. Uniforms must be checked by relevant county association officials.

Male players participating in non inter county association matches or national championships may, as an option to grey trousers, wear grey tailored shorts (with EBF logo) as provided by an approved bowlswear manufacturer, to be worn with grey ankle or trainer socks.

7.21 (1)  

For male players participating in mixed games (pairs rinks and Durham Centenary Trophy) the dress code shall be as per 7.21 excepting the Durham Centenary Trophy where club shirts (as approved by the county executive) may be worn for all stages of the competition. 

7.21(2) Dress for all presentations shall be match dress. After match meals, dress shall be county association or club blazers or county jackets and grey trousers with county coloured shirts or white shirts with county tie at the discretion of each county bowling association. For arriving at a match dress code is at the discretion of each county bowling association.

7.22      (1) 

(a)                 Female players participating in Inter County matches and National Championships must wear the Ladies standard uniform that may consist of any combination of the following as agreed and approved by each individual County Bowling Association. 
(b)                 White or Cream Blazer. 
(c)                 Coloured Blazer (colour to be registered with the EWBF) 
(d)                 White, Cream or Coloured tops: Fleece/ Sports type Jacket/Cardigan/Jumper/Pullover/Sweatshirt, or Waistcoat, of a design to incorporate County Colours and /or Badge (colour to be registered with the EWBF). The County Badge must not exceed the area /size of the Counties Standard Badge. In an Individual or Team event, players must all have the same coloured tops, registered with the EWBF or must all wear White or Cream. 
(e)                 White or Cream regulation Bowling Skirt or Dress, having Two inverted pleats front and back, made of the correct material and be of a length to cover the knees.
(f)                  White or Coloured Tailored or Casual Bowling Trousers as supplied by a Bowlswear Retailer as approved by the County Bowling Association concerned and registered with the EWBF.
(g)                 White or Coloured Cropped Tailored Bowling Trousers, as supplied by a Bowlswear Retailer as approved by the County Bowling Association concerned and registered with the EWBF.
(h) White bowling shorts as supplied by any Bowls wear supplier with or without the manufacturer’s logo or EBF/EWBF logo.   No other logo allowed.
(i)                   Brown or Beige Tights, Stockings or Footsies may be worn.

(j)                   Pop socks or ankle socks may be worn with full length Trousers.

(k)                 Girls 13 years or under may wear White or Cream ankle socks. 

(l)  Bowling shoes as approved by the County Bowling Association concerned.

(m)               White, Cream or Coloured Sports or Shirt Type Blouse, with turned down collar, long or short sleeves (not sleeveless) of a design to incorporate County Colours and/or Badge (colour to be registered with the EWBF). The County badge must not exceed the area/size of the Counties Standard Badge. In an Individual or Team event players must all have the same coloured shirts, registered with the EWBF or must all wear White or Cream shirts. 

(m)                 County Bowling Association Tie. 

(o)   Off the green dress shall include handbag and shoes of a colour approved by each individual County Bowling Association. 
(Mules or Flip-flop Style Footwear are not permitted) 

(p)                 White or Cream Regulation Bowling Hat in original shape with County Association colour Hatband, not twisted, shall be optional. 

(q)                 White or Cream Baseball or Sun Type Hat shall be optional during play. 

(r)                  Sun Visors shall be optional during play. 

(s)                  Scarves and Cravats, if worn shall be removed before play. 

(t)                  Waterproof clothing, when worn, shall be White or Cream. 

(u)                 A minimum amount of jewellery may be worn. 

(v )          Approved clothing may display an identifying County badge and either additionally or instead of the County badge one sponsor’s name/logo that must not exceed the size of that County’s badge. The sponsor’s logo must be approved inadvance by the organising Committee. Acceptable manufacturer’s trade marks are not regarded as advertising. 

(w)         Any need to deviate from the Dress detailed in (a-v) for Medical reasons must be referred to the EWBF Secretary and    

                       may require a Doctor’s letter.

 (x)           Uniforms shall be checked and be the responsibility of the relevant County Officials. 

(y) Female players playing in non-inter County association matches or national championships may,
as an option to grey skirts, trousers or crops, wear grey tailored or comfort fit shorts (with or without EWBF logo)
as provided by the approved EWBF Bowlswear Supplier.

For females playing in the under 25’s TEAM MATCHES rule 7.23 shall apply.

7.22 (2)  

   Whilst in any official capacity the standard uniform of the President, Deputy President, Junior Deputy President and EWBF Secretary shall consist of any combination of the following:

(a) White, cream or County coloured blazer, as registered with the EWBF.
(b) White or cream regulation bowling skirt or dress, having two inverted pleats, back and front, with the length to cover the knees.
(c) White or cream full length tailored bowling trousers s supplied by a bowlswear retailer.
(d) White or cream sports or shirt type blouse with turned down collar, long or short sleeves, not sleeveless.
(e) White or cream undergarments.
(f) Brown or beige tights, stockings or footsies mau be worn.  Pop socks or white ankle socks may be worn with full length trousers.
(g) White regulation bowling shoes.
(h) White, cream or brown handbag.
(i) White, cream or brown walking shoes or sandals.
(j) White or cream regulation bowling hat with National or County association coloured hatband may be worn.
(k) If applicable, National or County association cravats, scarves or ties may be worn.

7.23 For under 25’s Team Competitions the basic dress for play shall be polo shirts and sweatshirts, the colour of which must be registered by each County Bowling Association with Secretary of the EBF.

A County Bowling Association that wishes to play in the standard dress of 7.21 for males and 7.22(1) for females may do so, where polo shirts are worn ,any tops such as sweatshirts, sheen jackets or pullovers shall be of an identical matching colour, or white or cream providing all players wear the same colour tops, where caps or hats are worn they shall be either white or an identical matching colour to the shirts, but all players concerned must all wear  the same colour, for male players, the dress code will be completed by the wearing of white or cream tailored trousers, white or cream socks, and white or brown bowling shoes, as approved by the County  Bowling Association concerned, for female players the dress shall be completed, and as agreed and approved by each individual County Bowling Association, by the wearing of a White or Cream regulation skirt, having two inverted pleats front and back and of a length to cover the knees and made of the correct material,(not crimplene or see through) White or Cream regulation bowling Trousers,(as supplied by a bowls wear retailer, or White or Cream Cropped bowling Trousers,(as supplied by a bowls wear retailer, also White bowling shorts, as supplied by an approved bowlswear manufacturer, White or Cream ankle socks may be worn, Brown or White bowling shoes. The polo shirts and tops may display an identifying County badge and either or instead of the County Badge, one sponsors name/logo that must not exceed the area/size of that County’s standard badge, Uniforms to be checked by the relevant County Officials.  
Female players playing in non inter County association matches or national championships may, as an option to grey skirts, trousers or crops, wear grey tailored shorts (with EBF logo) as provided by an approved Bowlswear manufacturer.

7.24 (i)   If, in any round of a Federation competition, a player fails to appear at the time fixed for the start of play a maximum waiting period of fifteen minutes shall be allowed, upon the expiry of which a singles or pairs match shall be awarded to the opponent(s), but in a rinks match the trial ends must commence without further delay or stoppages, and if the missing player arrives during the trial ends, they will be allowed to take part in the game.

7.24 (1b)  If a County Association informs the National Secretary in writing prior to the National championships that one of their competitors will not be attending the National Finals; the National Secretary can inform their opponents that they do not need to attend the green to be awarded that game. Once a County Association has informed the National Secretary in writing of a non-attendance, that decision cannot be reversed.

 7.24 (ii) If in a county bowling association match, a player or players fail to appear at the time fixed for the start of play, any reserves present must be used. Where there are not enough reserves, play must start in accordance with the laws of the game.

In all cases in 7.24 (i) and (ii), if missing players arrive after the match has started, they shall not be allowed to take part and neither may the match be recommenced. They may start, however, if only the trial ends have been played. (Common sense must be applied in the case of county bowling association teams failing to arrive due to travelling difficulties.)

7.25 The results of all county association competition finals and county association matches must be in the hands of the National Secretary no later than 19^th July. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to disqualification.

7.26 In order to qualify for any Under-25 competition the competitor must be under the age of twenty five on the 1st May in the year that of the championships being played. 

7.27. In order to qualify for the EBF veteran’s singles, senior pairs and mixed senior pairs championships, each male competitor must be at least 60 years of age on the first day of May of the year in which the competition is played. 

7.28 In order to qualify for the EWBF senior citizen’s singles, pairs or EBF mixed senior pairs championships, each female competitor must be at least 60 years of age on the first day of May of the year in which the competition is played. 

7.29 'The Jim Dunn Trophy shall be competed for by male national, county association, county association area or zone, and registered club secretaries only.' 

The Ivy Younger trophy shall be competed for by female national, county association, and registered club secretaries only.

7.30 The qualifiers for the champion of champions championships shall be the county association winners of a two-bowl singles competition played under English Bowling Federation rules in the previous year; any such club champion is eligible to enter the championships in the current year from the club of which he or she is champion.

(Separate champion of champions championships shall be conducted for the English Bowling Federation county association winners and for the English Women' s Bowling Federation county association winners).

7.31 The Durham Centenary trophy competition shall be a National Team Championship of four rinks, each rink to consist of three players, all male, all female or male(s) and female(s). The qualifiers for the competition shall be the county association winners of a club team championship played on a knockout or league basis, under English Bowling Federation rules, in the previous year. Each team shall consist of four rinks. Each rink consisting of three players, playing two bowls over 25 ends: no player may play for more than one club in any one year of the championships.

Before the commencement of the following season the National Executive Committee shall make a draw and specify the play-by dates for play-off matches by county association club championship teams in two sections -northern and southern - to determine the section finalist club teams. The first drawn county bowling association club team champions shall have the choice of venue and may arrange to play the match on their own home green whether or not it is defined as a standard green. The First drawn (home) team shall offer their opponents three dates on which to play the match. At least two dates must be a Saturday or a Sunday with a start time between 200pm and 230pm. Such dates must avoid a clash with pre-arranged Adams , Newton, Donald Steward, Silver Jubilee Vase and Under 25’s matches. Any other proposed day must have a start times considerate of the need to play a full game (25 ends plus trials) in sensible daylight and also allow the travelling side to arrive at their home locale at a reasonable time. It shall be the duty of the first-drawn county association club championship team secretary to engage a qualified EBUF umpire. The play-off matches shall be 'inter-county association matches' for the purpose of rule 7.21 of the Federation Rules.

7.32 Any bowler affiliated to the EBF or EWBF may wear gloves to aid delivery in any match or competition if required.

7.33 No mobile telephone shall be carried on to the green by any participating bowler during a Federation competition or championship match. 

7.34 Any player or players withdrawing at any stage from the National Championships without good cause, the matter will be referred to the National Executive Committee. They will then decide whether to accept the Counties application for the relevant competitors the following year. 

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OUTDOOR AND INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS 

SCHEDULE 

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EBF) 

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EWBF) 

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (EBF) 

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (EWBF) 

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8 COUNTY ASSOCIATION TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

In the event a county can only field one team they have a choice.

1. Enter the team in the Adams trophy matches.

2. Enter a team in the Newton trophy matches. However if they win the Newton section they are automatically promoted to the Adams trophy, where they would remain unless finishing bottom of the league on 3 consecutive seasons. They would then have the option of returning to the Newton trophy the following season.

This rule comes into force for the season 2019.

8.1 No Federation or English Women's Bowling Federation county bowling association shall offer or accept any day after the twenty-fourth day of July for a county association match, except as an emergency date in accordance with rule 7.18. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to disqualification. Matches shall be played within the boundary of the home county association area. Those county associations with no suitable facilities available to them may play their home matches on a mutually agreed green.

8.2 In Adams trophy matches 31 ends shall be played between teams from each affiliated county association, consisting of six rinks and played in two sections - northern and southern - the county associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee.

8.2.b Northern Section (only) - Adams & Newton is to be zoned, starting 2024.

Zonal games home AND away, with a closing date of the last weekend in June for zonal games. The winner of zone A to play the winner of zone B on a 3 rinks home 3 away basis on the second weekend in July, to qualify for the Nationals.
Zone A - Cleveland, Durham & Northumberland
Zone B - Derbyshire, Humberside & Nottinghamshire

8.3 In Newton trophy matches 31 ends shall be played between teams of each affiliated county bowling association, consisting of six rinks and played in two sections - northern and southern - the county associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee. A Player who has played three or more Adams matches during the current or previous season is not eligible to play in the Newton trophy except to the extent of six players per team. Any county bowling association playing an ineligible player in a Newton trophy championship match shall suffer a deduction of ten points from the total points finally amassed in that championship during the season.

8.4 Each county association shall play its Adams and Newton trophy matches on the same day on greens arranged by the home county association, to commence at no later than 2.30 p.m. The umpire shall report the time of commencement of the match.

8.5 In Reg. Wright trophy matches, confined to players under twenty-five years of age (see rule 7.26), 25 ends shall be played between teams from affiliated county associations, consisting of three rinks, with each rink consisting of all males or males and females and played in two sections - northern and southern - the county associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee. Matches shall be played on Sundays (but may be played on any day of the week by mutual agreement). If the number of county associations involved in this trophy competition in either of the sections is reduced to less than four, the two/three remaining county associations will play the matches on a home and away basis in the same season. Dates to be mutually agreed

County associations may submit more than one team.  Any such county association which has two teams to ensure that those two teams shall play each other as their first match.  All county associations submitting more than one team to submit the names of players which will not be interchangeable, of each team to the National Secretary.

8.6  Rule 8.6a: In Donald Steward trophy matches 25 ends shall be played between teams from each affiliated county association, played in two sections. 

Rule 8.6b: The County Associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee

Rule 8.6c: Deleted. 

8.7 Rule 8.7a: In Silver Jubilee Vase matches 25 ends shall be played between teams from each affiliated county association, played in two sections. 

Rule 8.7b: The County Associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee 

Rule 8.7c: Deleted.

8.8 Each county association shall play its Donald Steward and Silver Jubilee Vase matches on the same day on greens arranged by the home county association, to commence at no later than 2.00 p.m. If a county provides a team in the Donald Steward and Silver Vase finals, no player shall play in both. The umpire shall report the time of commencement of the match.

8.9 In the Adams and Newton  matches, two points shall be awarded to each rink for a win and one point for a draw,  together with ten points being awarded to the team for an aggregate shots win and five points  for a draw. In Donald Steward and Silver Jubilee Vase matches two points shall be awarded to each rink for a win and one point for a draw, together with eight points being awarded to the team for an aggregate shots win and four points for a draw. In Reg.Wright matches two points shall be awarded to each rink for a win and one point for a draw, together with four points being awarded to the team for an aggregate shots win and two points for a draw. In the event of two or more teams finishing on top of the section on points, the team with the greater margin of shots will be the winner of the section.

8.10 A team shall consist of 18 players in the Adams and Newton , 15 players in the  Donald Steward and Silver Jubilee Vase , 12 players in the Durham Centenary and 9 players in the Reg. Wright trophy matches and shall each appoint a playing or non-playing captain at the discretion of the county association concerned. A rink shall consist of three players, each playing two bowls. In all ends (other than the extra ends) the rink which won the previous end shall play first. Each extra end shall be played from where the previous end ceased.

8.11 If a player becomes sick during a county association match, and both captains agree that the player is unable to continue playing, a substitute may be permitted to replace the player concerned.

8.12 Each county association shall provide score-boards at the ends of the rinks.

8.13 Umpires shall be appointed for team trophy matches by the English Bowls Umpires Federation.
The home county bowling association shall be responsible for the meals for the umpires.

8.14 A county (association) team championship match(es) may be postponed by the home team up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for commencement of the match(es) if the green on which it (they) was to have been played is considered to be unfit through inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstance and that no alternative venue can be arranged in the time that remains. The home team shall offer within four days, three alternative dates, one of which must be accepted within two days.

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9 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS AND COMPETITIONS

(The Federation plate, Derbyshire, Fred Fossitt, Jubilee, Northumberland, Northamptonshire, Colleen and John Gooch and Jim Thomson trophies together with the Leah Harrison Challenge Bowl, Joan Robinson Challenge Bowl, Rushbrook Bowl 

and Lincolnshire Women’s Bowling Association Challenge Bowl are of championship status).

9.1 All indoor matches shall be played under the rules and laws of the game of the English Bowling Federation, except as varied hereunder and in accordance with the appended schedule. In individual championships a county association is permitted to comply with any match time restriction imposed by an indoor bowling club.

9.2 The results of all county association competition finals and county association matches must be in the hands of the National Secretary not later than the 8^th of March. Failure to comply with this Rule may lead to disqualification.

9.3 The Harry Carver trophy matches shall be played between female teams consisting of two rinks of three players each playing two bowls.  Players shall be female members of the male or female County association executives or past female County association Presidents.  EBF rules will apply except for the following:
(a) Each county will play 4 x 1 hour matches, the draw for rinks and times being made previously.
(b) The names of the six players will be entered on the score cards for each game, the combination of players playing in the first game remaining the same throughout the tournament, except that one substitute may be permitted for illness or injury.  Any teams returning to the same rinks must ensure tht their triples do not play on the same rink as previously played.
(c) One toss of coin covers both rinks.
(d) All games will start on the bell and no jacks shall be cast after the 55 minute bell is sounded.  A maximum of 11 ends will be played.
(e) Only one shot will be scored on the first end of each game as no trial ends will be allowed.
(f) If the jack is cast incorrectly, i.e. out of rink, in the ditch or fails to meet the minimum cast, the opposing team will place the jack and mat at their discretion but the original lead will bowl first.
(g) If the jack is knocked out of rink during an end the end will be replayed from the end where most bowls are positioned.  If an end is killed after the 55 minute bell has sounded the end will not be replayed.
(h) One point will be awarded to each rink for a win, 1/2 point for a draw.  Two points will be awarded to the team for an ggregate shots win, one point for a draw.  In the event of a team withdrawing at late notice, not allowing for a redraw to be made, teams having no game will be awarded a win on each rink and a score of 12-6 per rink.
(i) The team with the highest points will be declared the winner.  In the event of two or more teams finishing on equal points the team with the greater margin of shots will be the winner.  If shot difference is equal the team with most shots for ill be the winner and if still equal the team with the most ends won will be the winner.
(j) No player will be allowed to visit the head.

9.4 The Eversley trophy matches shall be played between male teams consisting of two rinks from the following: any named official whose name appears in the National Year book, Past and Present Presidents including the present deputies and any life member. 

The combination of the 2 Rinks of 3, playing the FIRST GAME remains the same throughout the Tournament with the exception that a substitute may be used. 

One Substitute for each rink will be allowed. 

1. A bell will sound to start game
2. No Trial Ends permitted
3. Only 1 (one) shot to count on 1^st end each game.
4. No more than 11 (eleven) Ends to be played.
5. A Signal will be given at the completion of 55 minutes.
6. No further Jacks to be cast after this Signal.
7. If end is killed after 55 minute Signal then this end will not be replayed. 

 Two points shall be awarded to each rink for a win and one point for a draw, together with 2 points being awarded to the team for an aggregate shots win or one point each in the case of a draw.  In the event of two or more teams finishing on top on equal points, the team with the greater margin of shots will be the winner.

 9.5 In Derbyshire trophy matches 25 ends shall be played between teams from each affiliated county association, consisting of four rinks and played up to section finals - northern and southern - the county associations comprising each section shall be determined by the National Executive Committee. Four rinks shall be played at home in one venue by the county association one year and four rinks away in one venue by the county association the following year. The start of the sequence to be agreed by the counties playing.  Two points shall be awarded to each rink for a win and one point for a draw, together with six  points being awarded to the team for an aggregated shots win and three points for a draw.  In the event of two or more teams finishing on top of the section on points, the team with the greater margin of shots will be the winner of the section.  County Associations may submit more than one team.  Any such County Association which has two teams to ensure that those two teams shall play each other as their first match.  All County Associations submitting more than one team to submit the names of players, which will not be interchangeable, of each team to the National Secretary.

9.6 The finals of the Derbyshire trophy match shall be decided on aggregate total shots difference only.

9.7 Where in a Derbyshire trophy match a team is incomplete, play shall be in accordance with rule 7.24 of these rules and law VII (3) of the laws of the game; if such a team is unable to field at least two players on each rink two points and one shot shall be awarded to the opposing team in respect of each deficient rink.

9.8 Matches shall be played within the boundary of the home county association area.

Those county bowling associations with no indoor facilities available to them or where residential proximity necessitates home matches may be played on a mutually agreed indoor green.

9.9 In all indoor competitions green fees shall be shared equally between both sides.

9.10 Players in indoor competitions shall be members of an outdoor club affiliated to the Federation. They may enter another county association’s indoor competitions but only in the following circumstances: -

(1) He/she does not enter competitions from any other county association area.

(2) He/she deals directly with the competition secretary in that county association area, bearing in mind that the date by which entries close may differ, and that the onus is on him/her to submit his/her entry in time.

(3) He/she pays any additional levy imposed by that county association.

(Team events i.e. Derbyshire, Eversley and Harry Carver Indoor Competitions are excluded from this arrangement)

9.11 In the Northumberland trophy and Jim Thomson trophy championships, each male competitor shall be a member of an outdoor club affiliated to the Federation and each female competitor shall be a member of an outdoor club affiliated to the English Women’s Bowling Federation. 

9.12 (a) Northamptonshire Trophy - To qualify competitors must be at least 65 years of age on the first day of September of the season of which the competition is played. 

(b) Rushbrook Bowl: -To qualify competitors must be at least 60 years of age on the first day of September of the season of which the competition is played

(c). The Coleen and John Gooch Trophy:- To qualify competitors must be under the age of 25 years on the 1st September in the season in which the competition is played

9.13 Where a competitor has entered a competition as a named player, and the entry bearing his/her name has been included in the draw, he/she cannot afterwards play in place of another player in the same competition irrespective of whether or not he /she has actually played in his/her original group.

9.14 A substitute may be used except in singles competitions. Where a substitute is permissible, as defined below, only that named substitute may be used in any subsequent rounds of that competition including national finals.

Pairs

The two players taking part in the first game shall constitute the pair and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. One additional and the same player may, however, be used as a substitute at any time, provided that he/she has not already played in another pair and is eligible to play in that competition. He/she may play in any subsequent round for either player.

Rinks

The three players taking part in the first game shall constitute the rink and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. One additional and the same player may, however, be used as a substitute at any time, provided that he/she has not already played in another rink and is eligible to play in that competition. He/she may play in any subsequent round for any of the three players.

Mixed Pairs

The two players taking part in the first game shall constitute the pair and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. Two additional and the same players may, however, be used as substitutes: a male substitute may be used for the male player and a female substitute for the female player provided he/she has not already played in another mixed pair and is eligible to play in that competition. At least one player from the original mixed pair must play in each round i.e. only one substitute may be used at any one time.

Mixed Rinks

The three players taking part in the first game shall constitute the rink and should normally play together throughout the competition including the national finals. Two additional and the same players may, however, be used as substitutes: a male substitute may be used for the male player(s) and a female substitute for the female player(s) provided he/she has not already played in another mixed rink and is eligible to play in that competition. At least two players from the original mixed rink (except where two players play against three) must play in each round i.e. only one substitute may be used at any one time. The male substitute may play for either of the male players where two males play, and the female substitute may play for either of the female players where two female players play. 

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INDOOR INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

SCHEDULE 

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EBF)

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EBF/EWBF)

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EWBF)

  INDOOR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (EBF)

 

INDOOR TEAM NON-CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY (EBF)

INDOOR TEAM NON-CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY (EWBF)

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COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS COLOURS

CEVELAND                             RED AND GOLD              

DERBYSHIRE                          BLUE AND WHITE           

DURHAM                                DARK BLUE AND GOLD         

HUMBERSIDE                          BLUE AND RED                 

HUNTINGDONSHIRE                 GREEN                                      

LINCOLNSHIRE                       YELLOW 

NORFOLK                                ROYAL BLUE 

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE             ORANGE

 NORTH CAMBS                      BLUE (LIGHT)

  NORTH ESSEX                      MAROON AND WHITE

NORTHUMBERLAND                RED 

 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE               BLUE, YELLOW AND MAROON 

 SUFFOLK                               WHITE  

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