Championships, Governance, Updates October 10, 2024

Conditions of Play (Championships) 2024-25

Conditions of Play (Championships) 2024-25 Download

Matters not specifically set out in these Conditions are to be dealt with in accordance with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, including domestic regulations for Australia (“the WB Laws”), and Bowls Australia policies.
In the event of any conflict between these Conditions and the WB Laws, the WB Laws prevail.

1. GAME STRUCTURE

1.1 Conduct of competitions

(a) The BTS Match Committee is the controlling body for all BTS championship competitions.

(b) The BTS Match Committee has authority to take any action deemed necessary for the satisfactory conduct of such competitions in compliance with the WB Laws.

(c) Any player required to play in an event under the control of Bowls Tasmania or BTS will not be penalised for their non-appearance in an event under the control of a club, which is scheduled for play at the same time.

1.2 Open and B Grade Competitions

(a) Competitions will be Open or B Grade.

(b) A minimum of four (4) entries will be required before any event will be conducted.

(c) A player with B Grade status (see condition 3.1) may enter an Open competition but in doing so they forego their right to enter the B Grade competition.

1.3 Amending Draws

(a) The BTS Match Committee may amend a draw, if necessary, due to withdrawals from an event.

(b) On the day of the event, authority to amend a draw will rest with the Match Manager appointed at each venue.

1.4 Sectional Format

(a) Sectional play may be used for initial rounds at the discretion of the BTS Match Committee.

(b) Where the format requires Sectional play, the BTS Match Committee will schedule three rounds of Sectional play on the one day.

(c) Sectional play will be drawn as four teams in each section, excepting:
(i) singles championships – three players in each section, and
(ii) junior championships – determined by the BTS Junior Manager.

(d) There will be three rounds of sectional play in each section. Sections having only three entries will see the loser of game one play in game two.

(e) In the event of a drawn game in game one the bye for round 2 (if required) will be determined by the most ends won.

(f) If less than 16 teams enter an event which is advertised as sectional play, the event will revert to a knock-out competition.

1.5 Scoring in Sectional Play

(a) In Sectional Play, teams will receive three points for a win, and one point for a draw.

(b) Any team receiving a forfeit will be credited with three points for the win and a shots-margin equal to the average of net shots margins recorded in all games played in that section.

(c) Section winners will be decided on game points, but if two or more teams share top position with equal points, the team with the largest difference between total shots for and total shots against will be the winner.
(i) If the margin is still equal, the player or team with the lowest total shots against will be declared the winner.
(ii) If the lowest total shots against is equal, then the player or team with the highest number of ends won will be declared the winner.
(iii) If the highest number of ends won is also equal, the winner of the sectional game between the players or teams will be declared the winner.
(iv) If that game was a draw the winner will be decided by the toss of a coin.

1.6 Knock-out Format

(a) Post sectional play and all finals to be played in the form of a knockout competition.

(b) The BTS Match Committee has determined the following format for games in the 2024-25 season:

Singles	Men’s and Women’s Open Singles	B Grade Singles / Junior Singles / Champion of Champions
No of Bowls	4 bowls	4 bowls
Format	Sections/Knock-out	Sections/Knock-out
All games	25 shots up	21 shots up
Pairs	Open Pairs	B Grade / Mixed Pairs
Format	4 bowl crossover (2x2x2x2)	3 bowl pairs
Sectional Play	15 ends	15 ends
Post Sectional and Quarter Finals	15 ends	18 ends
Semi-Finals and Grand final	18 ends	21 ends
Triples and Fours	Triples	Fours
Format	Two bowls	Two bowls
Sectional Play	15 ends	15 ends
Over 60s sectional play	N/A	12 ends
Post Sectional and Quarter Finals	18 ends	15 ends
Semi Finals and Grand Final	21 ends	18 ends

1.7 Ties – Knockout rounds

(a) In any round of a knockout competition, when a match ends in a tie, an additional end or ends will be played until a winner is determined.

1.8 Gender Specificity

(a) BTS Championships will be gender specific and include competitions for men and women.

(b) Junior Championships will be non-gender specific.

1.9 Draw for Matches

(a) All matches will be played on greens selected and arranged by the BTS Match Committee.

(b) The BTS Match Committee will conduct a draw in a manner to account for the number of entries using either knockout play, or sectional play for the first round followed by knockout play.

(c) Where practical the BTS Match Committee will extend entry deadlines to allow for additional entries to avoid byes in the draw.

(d) Where byes are required, the BTS Match Committee will allocate them to ensure competitors do not have byes in consecutive rounds.

(e) Matches will be played on dates and at times determined by the BTS Match Committee and any alteration to these dates and times will be made as circumstances require.

2. GREENS AND BOWLS

2.1 Choice of Surfaces

(a) There will be no discrimination in favour of either synthetic or natural surfaces in the allocation of BTS Championship competitions.

(b) Once an event starts, the surface being played on cannot be changed without approval of the BTS Match Committee.

2.2 Damage to Greens

(a) The BTS Greens Protection Policy, as amended from time to time, will apply to all BTS Championship games.

(b) The Policy outlines actions that can be taken by clubs or by the BTS Match Committee against players whose delivery is deemed to be causing undue damage to greens.

2.3 Condition of Greens

(a) Grass greens are not to be watered before play on the day of play.

(b) Synthetic greens may be watered on the day of play where the manufacturer recommends it to provide optimal performance.

(d) It is expected that, under normal weather conditions, greens used for BTS championships will commence play at a speed between 12 and 16 seconds.

(e) If a green is deemed to be unfit for play, the BTS Match Committee may suspend play and reschedule matches (if possible).

2.4 Play on Green Prohibited

(a) Play on greens is prohibited whilst BTS Championships are in progress on that green.

2.5 Eligibility of Bowls Used

(a) All bowls used in the competition will meet eligibility criteria set by current WB Laws.

(b) The stamp of a current or future year will not be enforced except for the BTS Open Champion of Champion Singles Championships.

2.6 Bowls Stickers

(a) Players in a team may use bowls stickers that are different in size. The stickers must, however, be one layer only, the same design and colour and, where used, must be adhered to both sides of the bowl.

(b) On the bias side (the small ring):
(i) the stickers may be a small ring and/or the dot. The small ring
and/or dot may cover the symbol but must not cover the WB stamp or serial number.
(ii) It is acceptable for one or more members of a team to use a small ring and another use the dot (these are stickers of different size).
(iii) The stickers used on the bias side of the bowls may be partially trimmed to ensure that the WB stamp and serial number remain visible.

(c) On the non-bias side (the large ring):
(i) It is acceptable for players to have the rings cut into sections, to accommodate the large, engraved image found on some models of bowls. Further, it is acceptable for only some members of the team/side to have the rings cut into sections.
(ii) It is not contrary to the WB Laws for the stickers used on the non-bias side (that is, the large ring) to partly cover the engraved image on the non-bias side.

(d) Where bowls stickers are affixed to bowls, the stickers must be identical for all bowls in use by a player.

(e) The stickers must be applied to each set of bowls in the same way (from example, if the dot is used on the bias side, it must be used on each of a player’s bowls used in that match).

(f) In the case of a composite side, each player may use bowls displaying the stickers of their own Club.

3. COMPETITORS

3.1 Eligibility

(a) Every member of an affiliated club with a Competition Bowler membership type is eligible to play in BTS Championships competitions.

(b) Club members with a membership sub-category of “5 game” are not eligible to play in BTS Championship competitions.

3.2 Replacement Players and Substitutes

(a) The current WB Laws will be followed in relation to replacement players and substitutes, and the period of grace after appointed start times.

3.3 Status and Eligibility of Players

(a) Playing status and eligibility will be determined each year by the division played in pennant.

(b) Eligibility for entry in a B Grade championship will be the player’s status as at the first day of competition of that event.

(c) A player is eligible for entry in B Grade championships having
played the majority of pennant games in the current season as follows:
(i) Men’s championships – Division 2 or below on Saturdays.
(ii) Women’s championships – Division 2 or below (Thursday).

(d) If a player’s status cannot be determined as above, or extenuating circumstances exist, the player must obtain a status ruling from the BTS Match Committee before entering a B Grade championship event.

(e) Players whose status changes prior to the start of competition (that is, they become no longer eligible to play in B Grade championships) must withdraw from the event.

3.4 Status and Eligibility – Champion of Champions

(a) Eligibility for the BTS Champion of Champions competition will be determined as at close of entries in individual club singles championships.

(b) Where a Club holds only one Singles Championship for a gender:
(i) and the club field both A and B grade pennant sides, the club championship is deemed to be an Open championship.
(ii) and the club field only B grade pennant sides, the club championship is deemed to be a B grade championship.

(c) Where a club holds an open-gender singles championship, the gender of the winner will determine which BTS Champion of Champions competition they may enter.

(d) Where Condition 3.4(c) applies, the Club Singles Champion may enter either the BTS Open or B Grade Champion of Champions Singles but not both.

3.5 Status and Eligibility – Barefoot Play-offs

(a) Regardless of club rules on entry into club Barefoot competition, pennant players (including former Pennant bowlers) are not eligible to enter in the BTS Barefoot Play-off competition.

(b) If a Club Barefoot Champion team contains pennant players, they may substitute them with barefoot players.

(c) Club Barefoot Champion teams that were wholly comprised of pennant players are ineligible and the Club may enter the best “all-barefoot” team in their stead.

3.6 Withdrawals

(a) An intended player may withdraw by notifying the BTS Secretary not less than 48 hours before the scheduled commencement of play.

(b) Withdrawal within 48 hours of the scheduled commencement of play will be treated as follows:
(i) In the case of a singles player, the game will be awarded to the opponent as a forfeit if the qualified intended player withdraws after the draw has been finalised by the BTS Match Committee.
(ii) In the case of a team event, a replacement may be allowed in accordance with WB Laws.

3.7 Penalties for non-appearance

(a) If a player/team does not appear at the scheduled time for play, and they cannot provide reason(s) acceptable to the BTS Match Committee, each player will be subject to a fine of $20 and be ineligible to play in the same event in the following season.

4. BEFORE THE GAME

4.1 Duties of the Match Manager

(a) The host club is responsible for the appointment of the Manager, who may be a member of the BTS Match Committee but may not be the supervisory or appointed umpire of the day.

(b) The duties of the Manager will include:
(i) the making of arrangements for the commencement of matches,
(ii) the timing of greens, the collection of the scorecards at the close of play, and
(iii) ensuring names are entered correctly into BowlsLink.

4.2 Duties of the Host Club

(a) It is the duty of the host club to provide at least one Umpire per green before the commencement of play each day. If a club is unable to provide the required number of Umpires, the BTS Officiating Panel should be consulted.

(b) The BTS Officiating Panel will appoint umpires for all championship grand finals.

(d) A host club cannot refuse entry to its greens to a player who has entered a BTS Championship competition.

4.3 Control of Matches

(a) On each day of play, the BTS Match Committee will be responsible for all decisions up to 1½ hours before the scheduled commencement time.

(b) Thereafter, decisions affecting the start of play will be the responsibility of the Match Manager appointed at each venue who will work in conjunction with the appointed umpire/s.

4.4 Starting Time

(a) Starting times and any break times will be determined by the BTS Match Committee (or the Match Manager after assuming responsibility under condition 4.3).

4.5 No Breaks

(a) All games will be played without a break.

4.6 Practice

(a) No practice will be permitted prior to commencement of any championship event other than for players who have a bye, and who are drawn to compete against a player or team who played a game in the prior round on the same day, provided that a neutral rink is available.

4.7 Trial Ends

(a) One trial end each way, to a bare jack, using the number of bowls which are to be used in the match, will be permitted before each game.

(b) Trial ends will start 15 minutes before the scheduled start time unless an earlier time is advised by the Match Manager.

5. DURING THE GAME

5.1 Electronic Devices

(a) Electronic devices including mobile phones, are not permitted to be used on the greens or their immediate surrounds except:
(i) When being used to enter live scores into the BowlsLink portal.
(ii) With permission of the Umpire.
(iii) Where use of such device is consistent with BA Electronic Devices policy.

5.2 Hearing Disabilities

(a) Players with a hearing disability may use electronic devices to communicate with each other whilst on the rink of play but only when in possession of the mat.

(b) Any use must be approved by the BTS Match Committee before the start of the game. The approval will cover every event the player enters.

5.3 Smoking and Vaping

(a) Smoking within 20 metres of greens and seating areas beside greens is not permitted during BTS Championships.

(b) The smoke-free area will apply during the games and for the period 30 minutes before and after the competitions.

(c) Clubs are responsible for providing designated smoking areas. Clubs will make individual rulings depending on their circumstances. Where designated smoking areas have been provided at a Club, these areas must be used.

(d) Vaping using E-cigarettes is a form of smoking and is restricted under this condition. Vaping is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

5.4 Player Conduct

(a) Breaches of the Player Code of Conduct include abusive or coarse language, ignoring directions from umpires, dissension or conduct unbecoming, and actions which would bring the game of bowls into disrepute.

(b) Breaches should be reported on the Player Infringement Report at the back of these conditions.

(c) This condition is to be administered in accordance with the BTS Disciplinary Policy and the Bowls Australia Instantaneous Penalties Policy.

5.5 Uniforms

(a) The BA National Merchandise Program and Logo Policy and BTS Uniform Policy as amended from time to time will apply to all persons playing in BTS Championships competitions. This includes headwear and footwear.

(b) Players from a club making up a composite team may wear approved club uniform for their primary club. This is not mandatory, however, in all matches upper and lower body attire must display the BA logo.

(c) Breaches of the BA and/or BTS uniform policies should be reported on the Uniform Infringement Report at the back of these conditions.

5.6 Restricting Movement of Players

(a) Restricting the movement of players during play will be enforced in accordance with Appendix A4 of the WB Laws.

(b) Prior to the start of each end, the following players will take their position at the mat end of the green:
(i) Singles games: both players.
(ii) Pairs game: the leads.
(iii) Triples game: the leads and seconds.
(iv) Fours game: the leads, seconds and thirds (the third may elect to stand with the skip at the head).

(c) After delivering their first bowl, players will only be allowed to follow their bowls up the green or walk up to the head under the following circumstances:

(i) Singles. Each player: after delivery of their third and fourth bowls.

(ii) Pairs (each player playing three bowls)
The leads: after delivery of their third bowl.
The skips: after delivery of their second and third bowls.

(iii) Pairs (each player playing four bowls crossover)
The leads: after delivery of their second bowl.
The skips: after delivery of their second bowl.
The leads: after delivery of their fourth bowl.
The skips: after delivery of each of their third and fourth bowls.

(iv) Triples (each player playing two bowls)
The leads: after the second player has delivered their second bowl.
The seconds: after delivery of their second bowl.
The skips: after delivery of each of their bowls.

(v) Fours (each player playing two bowls)
The leads: after the second player has delivered their second bowl.
The seconds: after delivery of their second bowl.
The thirds: after delivery of their second bowl.
The skips: after delivery of each of their bowls.

(d) In exceptional and limited circumstances, a skip can ask that a player walks up to the head, or a player to the marker in singles, earlier than described above. If a player does not meet these terms, WB law 13 will apply.

5.7 Delay of Play

(a) If the Umpire, either by their own observation or on appeal from one of the skips or the opponent in singles, decides that a player is deliberately delaying the delivery of their bowl:
(i) On the first occasion the Umpire will warn the player and direct that player to play their bowl/s without further delay.
(ii) If the player commits the same offence a second time the end will be regarded as completed and the opponents of the offender will score as many shots as there are bowls in use by such opponent.
(iii) If the player offends a third time the player shall be excluded from taking any further part in that game according to WB Law 39.

6. GAME INTERRUPTIONS

6.1 Extreme Heat Policy

(a) The Match Manager, Skips and/or Umpires have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of players and officials during extreme heat conditions. They must be aware of, and act in accordance with, the BTS Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters Policy.

(b) When the temperature is reported by Weatherzone at or above 30ºC play must be interrupted at 20-minute intervals (at the completion of the end in play), for a period of five (5) minutes, during which time, drinks should be made available. Any time limit imposed on the interrupted match will be waived.

(c) When the temperature reported by Weatherzone is at or above 32ºC play must be suspended until the temperature drops to 30ºC. Players are required to wait up to two hours for the temperature to drop to 30ºC. If after a two hour delay the temperature has not reduced to 30ºC play MUST be abandoned.

(d) If the temperature reported by Weatherzone is at or above 35ºC play must be abandoned.

(e) If, after consultation with players, the Match Manager and the Umpire (that is, both) agree that local conditions are milder than Weatherzone reports (for example, due to local cloud cover or sea breeze), then play can continue with the 5-minute drinks interruptions as outlined in condition 6.1 (b).

6.2 Serious Injury or Illness

(a) If a player is seriously injured or becomes seriously ill whilst playing or immediately prior to playing in a BTS championship event, the BTS Serious Injury and Illness Policy must be adhered to.

(b) If a player is unable to continue during a game:
(i) In Singles competition, the player must forfeit their match.
(ii) In Pairs, Triples and Fours competition, the team must find an eligible player to fill the vacancy as a substitute or forfeit the match.

(c) If a player sufficiently recovers from the cause of their exit, and the match has not been forfeited, they may re-enter the game in their original position, at the start of next end (replacing the substitute).

6.3 COVID-19 (coronavirus)

(a) Clubs and all players in BTS Championships competitions must always adhere to the BTS Coronavirus Policy.

6.4 Postponements

(a) In the event of a match being postponed as the result of inclement weather or poor light or the green being unfit for play, it will be played or continued at a time decided by the BTS Match Committee, and on the same green if possible.

(b) In the case of an incomplete match, it will be resumed with the scores as at the adjournment, in accordance with the WB Law 32 (Game Stoppages).

(c) The BTS Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters Policy and Condition 6.1 must be strictly adhered to. The Policy can be found on the BTS website.

(d) A game can only be stopped in these circumstances by:
(i) The controlling body (per Condition 4.3), or
(ii) The Umpire, after an appeal has been made by the players.

7. FINALISING THE GAME

7.1 Singles Markers

(a) Defeated players in Singles must be available as markers for the next round in knock-out competition.

(b) The losing players required as markers for the next rounds will be identified on the draw.

7.2 Results

(a) The Match Manager will ensure cards are fully completed and collected.

(b) The Match Manager will:
(i) Ensure names are correct in BowlsLink,
(ii) Enter the results of each match into BowlsLink, and
(iii) Ensure all cards are returned to the BTS Match Committee.

7.3 Scorecards

(a) The scorecard is the official record of the game.

(b) Failure to hand in a correctly completed score card may, as applicable, result in the following:
(i) Bowler of the year points only being allocated to players named on the card.
(ii) Prizemoney only being awarded to players named on the card.
(iii) Medals/pins only being presented to players named on the card.

8. GAME ADMINISTRATION

8.1 Definition of regular player

(a) “Regular” is defined as “someone who has played the majority of their games, in the current season, in a pennant Division”.

(b) If an even number of games have been played in more than one division, the highest division will be counted as the player’s “regular” division.

(c) If the current season is less than six weeks old, a player’s status will be determined from where they regularly played in the previous season.

8.2 Umpires and Measurers

(a) The host club must appoint an accredited Umpire at least one hour prior to the scheduled time for commencement of play.

(b) Should the host club not be able to provide an accredited Umpire from the members of their club, they must approach umpires listed on the BTS website.

(d) A Measurer’s decision regarding measuring will be final but they do not have the authority or qualifications to determine any WB Law decisions.

(e) An appointed Umpire or Measurer cannot also be the Match Manager, Greens Superintendent or greens deputy/representative.

8.3 Coaches

(a) A non-playing coach may be appointed to provide advice, encouragement and supports to players in accordance with WB Law 44.

(b) The nominated coach must be introduced to the opposing skip/players and Umpire of the day.

8.4 Greens Superintendents

(a) If the Greens Superintendent or a deputy is not available at the host club, a suitable person may be appointed by the club as a nominated representative.

(b) The Greens Superintendent (or a deputy or nominated representative) cannot also be the appointed Umpire or Match Manager.

8.5 Penalties

(a) The infringement of certain WB Laws or Conditions of Play rules may result in disqualification or replay, a penalty set down in the laws of the game, or such other penalty as the BTS Match Committee may determine in respect of a player or team.

(b) Skips or players cannot agree to bend or disregard a rule. If a match is found to have been played that contravenes these Conditions of Play or the WB Laws, both teams will receive zero points for the match.

(c) The BTS Match Committee may impose penalties for infringing Conditions of Play including (but not limited to):
(i) Reprimand.
(ii) Forfeiture of game.
(iii) Fines of up to $100 per player per incident.
(iv) Exclusion from competition(s) for specific events, on specific dates or for a period of time.

(d) An appeal against a penalty may be made in writing to the BTS Secretary but it must be received before the next round of competition commences.

8.6 Bowlers of the Year

(a) The association will make awards each year to the players deemed to be the Open and B Grade Men’s and Women’s Bowlers of the Year.

(b) Players will accumulate points as follows:

Event	Winner(s)	Runners-Up	Losing Semi-Finalists	Losing Quarter Finalists
Singles	37	23	12	9
Pairs	31	20	10	7
Triples	25	17	8	5
Fours	19	14	6	3
Champion of Champions	19	14	6	3
Over 60s Fours	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mixed Pairs	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(d) When a team consists of more than the originally entered players, the player that played in the game where points were earned will accumulate the points, receive prize money (if any) and have their name engraved on the trophy (if applicable).