League Rules

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1. Structure

1. Two divisions to run, at the discretion of the committee.
2. Format of teams to be followed:-

·         One Cue Sport professional (CSP) allowed per Premier team

·         3 Elite players or 2 Elite plus one CSP allowed per Premier team.
CSP to be deemed so by the committee.

·         The signing policy must be adhered to or the player may be deemed to be illegal.
(Penalties stated rule 26/27).

·         Elite player to be deemed so by the committee. The signing policy must be adhered to or the player may be deemed to be illegal.(Penalties stated rule 26/27).

·         Should a player, that the committee feel is of the CSP criteria, on following the signing policy, the player may be deemed to be illegal.(penalties stated rule 26/27)

3. Only one county player per SIDE (not one home and one away) allowed outside the Premier Division.

·         Players termed as county players at the discretion of the committee (guideline:-played county at Men’s A or B in last three seasons, relegated sides are exempt if players have played 33% of previous season)

4. Teams dropping out:-if the first half of the season has been completed then these results stand with results void on second half of season. Same for 3^rd time if applicable
5. Any teams (players) and venues dropping out of the league before completion of season are automatically banned for one complete season following.
6. K/O cup and Plate to be played home and away with a captains game at the first drawn venue (Exception of Final at Sponsors venue with Blackball shootout if 9-9)
7. A Plate competition will run in the K/O and Super Sixes competitions
8. No Premier Division sides allowed to play in Plate Cups. These sides will be seeded in the first round only.
9. Any teams tied in trophy/relegation places, a play-off will be held. (Frames and head to head do not count)
   This will be played with the same format as a league game.
   *Should this finish a draw a further play-off will be held at the sponsor’s venue using the KO Cup final procedure.
   *Should this end equal it will be a three man play-off on three tables (one frame per player) at the same time.
   *****Break order to be decided by lagging in all 3 play-off frames.****
    * Should more than two teams ‘tie’, a mini round robin will take place and the top 2 will create a ‘Grand Final’. For relegation, the bottom two would create a ‘Relegation play-off’
   Positions determined by points then frames in play-off ‘league’. Should this be a ‘tie’, a further play-off format will be decided by the committee.
10. SEASON: - The season will commence at the discretion of the secretary. The ‘calendar’ (January to December) will be at his/her discretion to include merits and cup competitions. The league season will not exceed the final match. All teams must ensure all outstanding games are completed prior to the penultimate league match. Any matches not played prior to the penultimate match will be void. The AGM will be at the discretion of the Secretary and on the completion of the season.

2. Basic Playing Rules

11. World rules to be played
12. Playing format:-all matches must be played using the league playing format and must state format used at top of sheet i.e.(4 v 3 )
    Teams not using the format or incorrectly using the format are Fined £10

13. Players must be named prior to start of the match. Once team format has been entered no changes or substitutions are allowed.
14. Lag for break first frame in all competitions, alternate all frames following. Merits the same including deciding frame. (No more tossing of the coin)
15. Up to 6 players can play at a venue per side
16. A player is not allowed to play his 3 frames (or 2 if applicable) consecutively (whether working etc. Or not).Should this become apparent to a committee member the player is deemed to not have played and loses his frames and a £10 fine is applied to both player and team. No appeals allowed
17. The 3 session rule must be adhered to at all times.
18. Teams have the right to complain after match (to the secretary) and all frames will be deducted and awarded accordingly if the 3 session rule is broke.
19. If a player plays in the wrong order.

• If team captains notice that a player has played out of the set order (plays the wrong player) then the frame will be stopped immediately.
  Should the frame have been completed then the following will take place.

·         If the ‘innocent’ player has won the frame score stands and the order is immediately returned to normal.

·         If the ‘guilty’ player wins then the frame is to be replayed with the correct players.

·         It is the responsibility of the team captains to ensure the order is kept.

20. Should a team be unable to field a side they must send three players away. Failure to do so will result in a 9-0 defeat at the home venue.
21. Super Sixes two frame rule and two session rule as above penalties
22. Super Sixes. All teams to be ‘drawn’ prior to the match starting. Any player not present will lose his frame.
23. All frames in league games must be played out
24. No player can play more than three frames in a match except following (or after a cup final /play-off) a captains game and no player can play the same person twice unless in cup/play-off (captains game)
25. No players to be signed on the night without secretaries authorisation
26. Signing new players

The following must be adhered to:-

A)   Secretary to be informed by Text message on the night of players first match (before 7.30)

B)   Please then mark * the new player on the result sheet.

C)   Failure to do so will deem the player unsigned and a £10 fine plus any other penalties that would apply.

D)   All newly registered players to be paid for by two league meetings or their frames deducted

27. A team playing a un-signed player will forfeit the match at the venue where the said player played, by the maximum score to nil.
28. Secretary to set date at which no new signings can be made.
29. The said team will face a disciplinary hearing with penalties from points to pounds including administration expenses.
30. Qualification and format for ALL CUP COMPETITIONS will be at the discretion of the committee.
31. Player qualification for ALL CUP Semis, Finals and any LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS to be 33 % of league games. (Committee members exempt)Should the semis and final be prior to the end of the season then he 33% of league games will be taken from the last league game prior to the semi/final.
    NO EXCEPTIONS TO LATE REGISTRATIONS/SHIFT WORKERS ETC.

If a player has not played 33 % the said player is ILLEGAL.                            
Playing of ILLEGAL player is automatic team disqualification without appeal.

32. Players are only eligible to be written on the team playing sheet if they are actually present on the evening.
33. Cup Finals:-

·         Sixes and Plate (semis and final) to be played one table playing 10 frames plus one doubles match as per previous rounds at the sponsor’s venue.
·         KO & Plate (Final) to be played on a two table schedule (18 frames) but with a home and away side playing on each table at the sponsor’s venue.
Should this end equal a 5 man blackball shootout will be held.
(Format 5 x 2 shots = 10 attempts. Should this end equal sudden death with order remaining.
* All other ‘cup’ competitions to be played from semi-final stage at the sponsors venue, format at Tournament Directors discretion.

34. No transfers between teams.
35. Eight Ball Clearances are allowed in league and cup games

An eight-ball can only be awarded for a clearance of all nominated balls (8) from players first visit only with 15 balls on the table. The score sheet must be marked on the frame that the 8-ball was achieved and signed at the top of the sheet.

36. Teams are only allowed ONE *postponement per team per season. (and guidelines below apply) No postponements permitted unless agreed by the committee more than 72 hours before scheduled match. This must be done verbally to a committee member. Any team failing to fulfil a fixture will forfeit the points and may face a disciplinary hearing and face penalties from points to pounds plus administration costs.(see guidelines below)

*Teams are allowed to bring matches forward if organised and agreed by both teams with no loss of postponements.

37. Postponements with less than 72 hours notice (Saturday 8pm) 14-4 defeat.
38. Postponements with less than 48 hours (Sunday 8pm) as above plus £15 fine
39. Should a match be forfeited then the ‘innocent’ side may enter 6 players on the score sheet that will go towards the 33% playing rule
40. All disputes must be handed in writing to the secretary (text NOT allowed) within seven days of the said occurrence
41. All voting in any disputes /disciplinary issues will be done in private.

42. Appeals to a league disciplinary decision. All appeals must be in to the secretary within 7 days of the said decision, in writing. A £10 admin fee must be accompanied with the letter. This is refundable if the appeal is successful

This will be heard by 5 impartial delegates and chaired by the chairman.

3. Merits

43. Entry fees to single merits £3 per person. Doubles £6 per pair
44. All merit entries must be accompanied by payment or no entry
45. Merits qualification last 8 singles to be based on logistics and of discretion of merits secretary. Player Qualification is 33% of League Games.(Committee members exempt)

Should this be prior to the end of the season then he 33% of league games will be taken from the last league game prior to the date.

46. All Single merits must be played on given night. No re-arranging. Any players found to have played on an alternative date will be excluded from the competition.
47. Single Merits last 16 of the main competition to be played on drawn tables. (Secretary to nominate suitable tables) Last 8 of main merits competitions to be held at sponsor’s venue.
48. One delegate only to be named at the start of the season will be allowed to enter the delegates merits and he or she must be the one who attends 80% of  meetings

49. No prize money for any competitions including all merit competitions.(committee discretion on money only competitions and sponsorship)
50. Venues are to pay for merits
51. Merits venues to be drawn out and therefore players may play at own venue.
52. No merits take place in August i.e. during main school holidays.
53. Double merits being run in 2017.This will be a one day event and run at the sponsors venue on a Sunday in June/July. The date will be communicated prior to entries. There must be 16 entries for this to take place.
    A plate competition will also be run on the day.
54. The 33% ruling for Doubles will be last 4 stage.
55. Double merits will be of the ‘Scotch’ rules and no talking in play will be allowed.
56. Any player not giving 24 hours notice for non-attendance at merits to be fined. (£5 this includes Singles, Doubles and One Frame KO and all Plate competitions)

4. Fees/ fines

57. League fees £100
58. Teams can sign as many players as required at £3 per player signing fee.
59. 50% of league fees (£50) must be paid at first meeting following AGM. The remainder must be paid in full by the fourth meeting following the AGM. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a immediate suspension from the league and all points forfeited during suspension, if necessary STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY POOL ASSOCIATION will be contacted to recover any payments
60. Delegates must attend all meetings with full match cards, results and merit results.

·         Two roll calls to be carried out per meeting. Delegates must be present at start and finish of meeting.

·         A team can only miss two meetings per year. This will include ‘apologies’.
Should a team be absent they will lose an apology.

·         A team missing a third meeting (including any apologies) is deducted One point Plus £15

·         A team missing a Fourth meeting (including any apologies) is deducted
TWO  points(=3pts) Plus £15

·         A team missing a Fifth meeting (including any apologies) is deducted THREE points (= 6pts) Plus £15 and are suspended until the following meeting and forfeiting any matches.

·         Should a further meeting be missed the team are excluded from the league and all monies owed will be passed to SCPA.

·         Apologies must be sent to the secretary by 7.30 of the meeting night otherwise teams are absent and subject to the above penalties

·         No Apology £10 fine plus lose of Apology

61. League and Cup scorecards missing at meeting £3.There is a seven day window to deliver any missing sheets to the secretary
62. Team signing sheets must be returned by March meeting with all players signing fees to be included or £10 automatic fine.
63. Secretary having to contact team for a result £3 (please see results to be texted)
64. Teams changing venues during the season will pay a £25 admin fee. This will not be applied if the pub closes down.
65. All teams to pay a £5 roller-ball fee at each meeting to cover administration costs. Prize money will be dependent on entries and on the discretion of the committee. No apologises to be allowed. Teams must be present to win the draw
66. Any team owing more than £20 following the fourth meeting at any time will be automatically suspended

67. ALL TEAMS MUST text match result .Deadline for results to be texted to the secretary is 12 midnight Tuesday. *Results after 11 may not be included in the website weekly update.

5. Other rules

68. Table height to be between, 31½ inches & 33½ inches (80cm & 85cm)
69. The baulk line to be positioned 1/5th (20%) of the length between the face of the end cushions.
70. Cue ball shall be 1 & 7/8 inches (47.6 mm) diameter.
71. 8  trophies to be awarded to league & cup winners
72. Secretary to put full player listing on website following sixth meeting following the Annual General Meeting
73. Players can only play in the ‘league’ on one night (i.e. not in another league and ‘our’ on same night)
74. All players are reminded that referees should neither say nor repeat the phrase "Two shots remaining", when a player is still on his first visit; this is coaching! Players/Delegate/Captain should be able to challenge the referee where this happens and a warning issued to the offending side. If any referee from the same side repeats this in the same match then, "Foul coaching two shots" should be declared by either the player, Delegate or Captain present.(as per EPA rule)
75. Physical or verbal abuse towards any player, official or any league will not be tolerated and can result in expulsion, suspension, fines and may be reported to SCPA.
76. With the increase use of Social networking, website forums etc. any player that uses these tools to verbally attack any player, official or any league, will be subject to disciplinary sanctions by the League Committee. The committee will have the powers, equivalent to any verbal intimidation,(Rule 75) to punish the person involved.
77. The Committee have the power to ban/suspend/refuse signatory or fine any Team/Player who brings the League into disrepute. The committee have the powers to ban any player they feel necessary who has verbally abused any member of the committee.

78. If a player deliberately strikes/thumps the table in anger (usually immediately following a bad shot) then this is deemed contrary to the spirit of the game and the frame is immediately forfeited and awarded to the opponent. (As per EPA rule)
79. If a player deliberately strikes/thumps his cue on the floor in anger (usually immediately following a bad shot) then this is deemed contrary to the spirit of the game and the referee should advise a warning of bad spirit, with any further reoccurrence resulting in immediate loss of frame.
80. If a player deliberately interferes with the movements of the balls, other than normal striking of the cue ball, at any time during the game then this is deemed contrary to the spirit of the game and the frame is immediately forfeited and awarded to the opponent. This includes catching of the white ball before it enters a pocket ...(As per EPA Rule)
81. Venues with multiple tables can change tables as long as they are of same size
82. Meetings to start at 8pm prompt and are all at Longton Snooker Club
83. Pro Cup balls to be used in all divisions.
84. Any team found not using the pro cup balls and spotted white will lose the match 9-0, and be fined £10.
85. Teams must display the League Calendar in the ‘POOL PLAYING AREA’. Monthly handouts must also be displayed.(Present month one only) Any teams failing this will be fined £10 per missing item.
86. All players must abide by the internal rules / league constitution. After striking the cue ball in their first match they are deemed to have agreed to these rules.
87. Non return of trophies at November meeting automatic £10 fine.

88. Any team damaging or losing an annual trophy will be liable for replacement or repair charges at the committee’s discretion. (A cost will be communicated with all team members from previous season and split. SCPA to be informed if not resolved.

·         Premier Shield:- Cost to replace £300

·         Championship Shield:-Cost to replace £200

·         Afford Knockout Cup:- Cost to replace £175

·         Super Sixes:- Cost to replace £175

·         Single Merits :- Cost to replace £250

·         One Frame KO :- Cost to replace £175

89. Matters arising not covered by the constitution or internal league rules will be dealt with by the committee .The committees decision will be final and binding and not covered by any appeals

 

THESE RULES WERE PASSED @THE LEAGUES 2017 AGM ON 20.12.2016