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District Event Conditions of Play

MORETON BAY DISTRICT LADIES BOWLING ASSOCIATION
DISTRICT EVENTS AND NOVICE GAMES CONDITIONS OF PLAY 2024
All MBDLBA member Clubs are requested to display these conditions of play on the
Notice Board and advise all members to familiarize themselves with them particularly before playing
in District Championship events.
Version 4 December 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
1 Controlling Body 3
2 Entries 3
3 Starting Times 3
4 Eligibility 3
5 Power to fill Vacancies 4
6 Player/s Definitions 4
7 Trial Ends 4
8 Draws 5
9 Catering Costs 5
10 Players Duties 5
11 Games 5
12 Markers Singles Games 5
13 Format of Games 5
14 Schedule of Games 6
15 Attire 7
16 Player Movements during Game 7
17 Positions of Players when not Playing 7
18 Byes 7
19 Umpires /Measurers 7
20 Determining Section Winners 7
21 Withdrawal and/or Forfeit 8
22 Weather Conditions 8
23 Tied Games 9
24 Disqualifications 9
25 Awards 9
26 Electronic / Communication Devices 9
27 Artificial Devices 9
28 Social Media 10
29 Coach 10
30 Spectators 10

All events WILL be governed by the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark 4 Edition.
1 CONTROLLING BODY
The Controlling Body for all Association events consists of the Executive of the
Management Committee (President, Secretary and Treasurer) together with two (2)
members of the Match Sub-committee. Any three (3) constitutes a quorum for decisions.
(MBDLBA By Law 2.2.1)
2 ENTRIES
2.1 Members of Clubs shall submit on the official entry form accompanied by the
subscribed entry fee/s, through the NOMINATED MBDLBA Club by closing
date/time advertised by the Match committee. In extenuating circumstances the
Controlling Body shall have the power to alter the closing date/time once it is set.
No composite teams in championship events permitted, Novice events excepted.
2.2 Any entry received after the closing date cannot be considered for the draw but will
be placed on a reserve list at the discretion of the Match Committee. (Rule 5)
2.3 Clubs will be responsible for ensuring that entrants from their Club are eligible.
2.4 Nomination Fees WILL NOT be refunded after closing date of event.
2.5 Entry fee is determined by the MBDLBA Management Committee at the annual
budget meeting. For 2024 season, championship entry fee shall be $20. The first
day’s green fees are included with the nomination fee.
3 STARTING TIME
Play will commence punctually according to the schedule (Refer to draw).
3.1 For Sectional play, all players drawn to play in Round 1 MUST register by 8.15am
at the host Club. Players who drew a Bye in Round 1, must register at the host
Club by 10.30am. Players are to notify Match of any unforeseen delays (Julie Carlish 0438554900).
3.2 The Match Chair will notify players of start times for post-sectional and finals play days.
3.3 If one (1) or more members of a pairs, triples or fours fails to appear within thirty
(30) minutes of the commencing time (Law 39.1.2) the match will be awarded to
the opposing team. If both teams fail to appear within the prescribed thirty (30)
minutes they both forfeit the right to continue.
4 ELIGIBILITY
4.1 Players in ALL district games MUST be financial members of the MBDLBA at the
closing date of the event. All players MUST be from the same club. Their Club
must be affiliated with BQ.
4.2 Novice players must have been financial members of any bowling Club for three
(3) years or UNDER to be eligible to play in MBDLBA novice events. Composite
teams may be allowed for Novice Pairs at the discretion of the Match Committee.
5 POWER TO FILL VACANCIES
5.1 Any nominations received after the closing date of any district event shall be
retained by the Match Committee.
5.2 If a withdrawal occurs prior to the cut off time that vacated position may be filled
(in order) from such late entries.
6 PLAYER/S DEFINITIONS
6.1 Eligible player – a player who satisfies the eligibility criteria as stated in the
Conditions of Play set down by the Controlling Body for that event. (DR 2.1.1)
6.2 Substitute player – A player who is appointed to take the place of a team member
who is unavailable to play at any time (including the first end of any game) for a
reason accepted by the Controlling Body. (DR 2.1.3).
A substitute must play in the same position as the player being substituted, except
if it is the skip. If a substitute is required for a skip, then the other members of the
team must rearrange their positions as necessary (DR 2.4.5)
All substitute players are to be approved by the Controlling Body. (Law DR
2.1.3)
6.3 Replacement players – a player who is appointed to take the place of a
constituted player who is physically incapable or otherwise prevented from taking
further part in any end (after the first round), for a reason accepted by the
Controlling Body. The replacement player becomes a constituted member of the
team. (DR 2.1.4)
6.4 Team Changes – A team may change player order after each game.
7 TRIAL ENDS (Law 5) / PRACTICE (Law 4)
7.1 Before the start of sectional play in any district event, trial ends can be played time
permitting. In sectional play – 1st game only. Not more than one (1) trial end each
way.
7.2 Each player must not use more than the number of bowls being used during the
game. If a player or umpire notices that a player is using more than the permitted
number of bowls, the defaulting player will lose the rights to play any bowls
remaining to be played in the trial ends. (Law 5.1.4)
7.3 On the resumption of an unfinished game on another day, trial ends must be
permitted (Law 5.1.1)
7.4 In the event of a player or a team receiving a bye and not playing in the 1st game
of the day, they are entitled to the one (1) trial end each way prior to starting time
of the second round, provided the player or team has not practiced during the time
prior to their first game of the day (Law 5.1.3).

7.5 Practice shall cease one (1) hour prior to the schedule starting time on the day of
play.
8 DRAWS
8.1 District events will be CLOSED draws.
8.2 Event draws will be done prior to the event and circulated to Club Secretaries with
Player letters for dissemination.
8.3 The Event draw will be drawn by a quorum of three – one of who is an independent
person who has not nominated in the competition. The quorum will be listed on the
draw.
9 CATERING COSTS
9.1 Catering costs will be SET by the host Club.
9.2 Players with a dietary requirement are expected to contact Match Committee
Chair (Julie Carlish 0438 554 900) BEFORE the day of play. This is the player’s responsibility.
10 PLAYERS DUTIES (DR 3.2)
The score cards will be kept by:
Singles – The Marker
Pairs – The Skip of each team
Triples – The Skip of each team
Fours – The Second of each team
11 GAMES
11.1 District games will be scheduled Monday – Friday.
However, players may be required on any other day that the Match Committee
deems necessary to complete any competition.
11.2 Novice games to be played on weekends.
11.3 Singles games are to be played in the one direction for all games subject to the
discretion of the Green Keepers.
11.4 DEAD ENDS
(a) In all games dead ends MUST be REPLAYED
(b) If the end is made dead AFTER the BELL has been rung in timed games the
end MUST be REPLAYED.
12 MARKERS – SINGLES GAMES
12.1 NOVICE SINGLES: The host Club will be responsible for providing accredited
markers for day one (1) of sectional play, post sectional play, semi-finals and finals.

If National accredited markers are not available to be provided, the host club will
contact the District Umpire Sub-Committee Chair for assistance.
12.2 OPEN SINGLES: Sections will comprise of three (3) players. One player in the
Section will have a bye in one of the three games. The player with the bye will
perform the role of Marker for their Section in that game. The District will provide
Markers for post-Sectional and final games.
13 FORMAT OF THE GAMES
Singles – 4 bowls per player (Law1.1)
Pairs – 4 bowls per player (Law 1.2.1.2.1.2)
Triples – 2 bowls per player (Law 1.2.2)
Fours – 2 bowls per player (Law 1.2.3)
14 SCHEDULE OF GAMES
Note: It is requested that Club events (eg. competitions, PAH, carnivals) are
not scheduled on the same dates as District Championships.

FOURS 26, 28, 29 FEBRUARY 2024
Sectional play 3 games x 15 ends (time limit 2 hours 15 minutes)
Post sectional 21 ends – Knock out
Semi Finals/Finals 21 ends
PAIRS 25, 27, 28 MARCH 2024
Sectional play 3 games x 15 ends (time limit 2 hours 15 minutes)
Post sectional 21 ends – Knock out
Semi Finals/Finals 21 ends
SINGLES 26, 28, 29 AUGUST 2024
Sectional play 3 games 21 shots up
Post sectional 25 shots up – Knock out
Semi Finals/Finals 25 shots up
NOVICE SINGLES Sunday 19 May & Sunday 26 May 2024
Sectional play 3 games 16 shots up
Post sectional 21 shots up – Knock out
Semi Finals/Finals 21 shots up
NOVICE PAIRS Sunday 16 June & Sunday 23 JUNE 2024
Sectional play 3 games x 14 ends (time limit 2 hours 15 min)
Post sectional 18 ends – Knock out
Semi Finals/Finals 18 ends
TRIPLES 23, 25, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024
Sectional play 3 games x 18 ends (time limit 2 hours 15 min)
Post sectional 25 ends – Knockout
Semi Finals/Finals 25 ends

NOTE: In sectional play, ALL games MUST be played.
Sanctions may apply.
15 ATTIRE
15.1 In District events, Club uniform which has been approved by MBDLBA and
registered with BQ is to be worn.
15.2 Footwear is to be in accordance with BA policy (www.bowls.com.au/getinvolved/attire-equipment/footwear/)
15.3 All attire must have BA logo as outlined in the BA national logo policy.
16 PLAYER MOVEMENTS DURING PLAY
Players will only be allowed to walk up to the head as follows:
16.1 Singles The opponents after their 3rd and 4th bowl.
Pairs Leads after their 2nd and 4th bowl.
Skips after delivery of their 2
nd, 3rd and 4th bowl.
Triples Leads and Seconds after 2nd bowl.
Skips after delivery of each of their bowls
Fours Leads and Seconds after delivery of their 2nd bowl.
Thirds after delivery of their 2nd bowl.
Skip after delivery of each of their bowls.
16.2 In exceptional and limited circumstances, a Singles player can ask the marker for
permission to walk up to the head, or a skip can ask that a player walks up to the
head earlier than described in 16.1. (Appendix A.4.2)
16.3 Players must play without undue delay and in a way which does not prevent their
opponents from being able to complete the required number of ends within the time
limit decided by the Controlling Body. (Appendix A.5)
17 POSITION OF PLAYERS WHEN NOT PLAYING
17.1 Players at the mat end and not delivering a bowl must stand a minimum of one (1)
metre behind the mat. (Law 12.1.1)
17.2 Players at the head end not controlling the head must stand a minimum of two (2)
metres behind the head or on the surrounds of the green if the jack is in the ditch
or well clear of the head if it is not possible to stand on the surrounds. (Law 12.1.2)
17.3 The start of each end only the Skip or deputy will be at the head.
18 BYES
Byes will be included at the discretion of the Match Committee.
19 UMPIRES / MEASURERS
19.1 All umpires/measures must be accredited National Umpires/Measurers.

19.2 Umpires/Measurers are to be supplied by the host Club. If the host Club is unable
to supply National Accredited Umpires/Measurers they are to contact the District
Umpires Sub-Committee Chair.
19.3 Umpires are expected to be in control of all games at all times. Other Club activities
must not be allowed to intrude on this responsibility.
19.4 Where two (2) greens are being used an assistant Umpire/Measurer MUST be
appointed.
20 DETERMINING SECTION WINNERS
20.1 The team or player scoring the greatest number of match points shall be
declared the section winner.
20.2 If there is a tie the team/player with the greatest margin shall be the winner.
20.3 If there is a STILL a tie the team or player with the lowest total shots against
shall be the winner.
21 WITHDRAWAL AND/OR FORFEIT
21.1 Any team or player intending to withdraw from a scheduled round MUST notify
the Match Committee (not opponent/s or host Club) by 3pm the day preceding
the game.
21.2 If a team or player fail to appear thirty (30) minutes after the appointed starting
time the opponent/s will be granted a forfeit.
21.3 It is the responsibility of the team or player who forfeits to pay green fees to the
host Club if these are not included in the entry fee.
21.4 Any team or player that forfeits a game without justifiable cause or satisfactory
explanation may be denied the right to play in ANY MBDLBA fixture/competition
for the ensuing twelve (12) months and/or be liable for a fine for non-appearance.
The amount and payment time will be at the discretion of the Management
Committee. (MBDLBA By Law 2.9)
21.5 Any team or player so fined has the right to appeal in writing to the District
Secretary for the Disputes Sub-committee. (MBDLBA By Law 2.9)
22 WEATHER CONDITIONS
22.1 Should doubtful weather conditions exist at any time, players MUST report at the
appointed time to the Club where they are drawn to play.
22.2 Players MUST remain at such Club until the Controlling Body of the host Club has
made a decision regarding future play.
22.3 In the event of heavy rain on the preceding day or the day scheduled for games,
Skips may check with the Match Chair before proceeding to the Club.
22.4 It is the responsibility of the host Club to notify the Match Committee re the state
of greens ASAP on the day of play.
22.5 If adverse weather prevents completing any game the following minimum ends or
shots will constitute a game in Sectional play:

Pairs and fours a minimum of 10 ends;

Triples a minimum of 13 ends;

Singles a minimum of 15 shots;

  • Novice Singles minimum 11 shots;
  • Novice Pairs minimum of 10 ends.
    The score will be taken as recorded on the card at time the game was abandoned.
    22.6 In weather interrupted post sectional, semi-finals and finals games continued on
    another day and if required transferred to another green, play will re-commence
    after the last completed end played.
    22.7 If a designated green is unplayable, the Match Committee may transfer the games
    to an alternate Affiliated Club.
    22.8 If a game is continued on the same day, if end was started but all required bowls
    have not been played it must be declared dead. It must be declared dead even if
    one or more players chose to remain on the green during stoppage. (Law 32.2)
    22.9 If all the required bowls in an end have been played but the process of deciding
    the number of shots scored (Law 23) has not been completed, the number of shots
    MUST be decided before the game stops. (Law 32.3)
    23 TIED GAMES
    In the event of a tied game, except in sectional play, an extra end must be played to
    decide the winner. (Law 28)
    24 DISQUALIFICATIONS
    If a player is disqualified for any reason the team or player last defeated by the
    disqualified team or player shall take the place of team or player disqualified.
    25 AWARDS
    Awards /trophies to be awarded as approved by the MBDLBA Management Committee.
    26 ELECTRONIC / COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
    26.1 Players with a hearing disability can use electronic devices to communicate with
    each other while playing on the rink of play. (Law 41.7)
    26.2 All other electronic communications (switched on) are NOT to be within six (6)
    metres of the green whilst a game is in progress. (BA Policy: Use of personal
    Electronic & Communication Devices)
    26.3 Special dispensation may be given but only after consultation with the Controlling
    Body.
    27 ARTIFICIAL DEVICES (BA Policy)
    “Bowling Arms” have been successfully introduced into the game to allow persons
    with a physical restriction or impairment that would otherwise prevent them from
    playing the game the opportunity to play or continue to play, bowls. There are
    various types of bowling arms (device) approved for use in Australia.

27.1 Each device is manufactured in several lengths and release mechanisms.
Only approved devices (with a BA logo as part of the National Merchandising
Program) can be used in Australia. Modifications are not permitted (with
exception to the rubber grip on the bottom of the arm which may need to be
replaced as it wears out). For a list of approved devices, refer to the BA
website (www.bowlsaustralia.com.au/ClubAssist/Approved-bowlers-arms)
27.2 If a player is using a device that is not approved, the player becomes a
defaulting player and will forfeit the game. (Law C.2 and C.10)
27.3 A player may use any number of devices during trial ends for suitability. Once
a game has commenced, the designated brand or style of device chosen by
the player must stay the same for the duration the match, except in
circumstances where the device is rendered unplayable. In this instance, the
player may change to another approved brand or style of device on approval
by the umpire or Controlling Body.
27.4 Whenever a player commences using an approved device in a game, the
player must use it for the remainder of the game. This does not apply to the
rolling of the jack, which can be rolled either by hand or by device.
27.5 Challenge on appeal to an umpire regarding a device could occur before the
trial ends or not later than 10 minutes after a game, but not during the game.
(Law 52.4.3 and 52.4.4.2)
28 SOCIAL MEDIA
No member or affiliate shall use social media to make derogatory comments about
MBDLBA, any official, any event controlled by the Association or any other members or
affiliate. Any infringement shall render the offender liable to disciplinary action.
29 COACH
Any player who intends to receive coaching during a match must inform the Match
Committee and the Umpire of the Coach’s name as early as practicable before the start
of play but not less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of play of the competition
and the Coach cannot be changed for each match. Any person who is nominated as a
Coach or Manager shall strictly adhere to the conditions of Law 44. There shall only be
one coach per side.
30 SPECTATORS
Spectators and anyone else not directly taking part in the game must stay outside the
boundaries of the green and clear of the players. (Law 45.1)