Aphrodite Bowls Club

Etiquette in the game of Bowls

Bowls is one of the few sports where true sportsmanship still prevails. This is a position that should be guarded jealously, and by following the few simple principles listed below you can help to maintain the sportsmanship and courtesy that has characterised the game of bowls for so many years.

PRIOR TO THE GAME STARTING

1.      Check that you know the correct dress for the occasion, and wear it.

2.      Make sure that you know the starting time of the game and be there in sufficient time to change your footwear and be on the green ready to start at the appointed time.

3.      In a team game, be there in time to welcome your guests.

ON THE GREEN AND DURING THE GAME

1.      Enter and leave the green from within your own rink ends.

2.      Do not drop your bowls on the green.

3.      Shake hands and greet your opponents, and the "marker  (in singles)", before and after the game.

4.      Do not sit on the banking.

5.      Do not drop litter in the ditches - use the bins provided.

6.      Stand still when your opponent is about to play.

7 .     Do not infringe the laws of rink possession, i.e. do not have unnecessary conversations with other players or spectators, make no unnecessary movement at the head or mat ends, stand well behind the head and mat when your opposition is playing or is about to play.

8.      Wait until the result of the end has been decided before collecting the bowls. When collecting the bowls, move the bowls to the middle of the rink and use the bowls collector to move them behind the 2 meter mark and to one side of the rink.

9.      If you are responsible for keeping the score, compare your scorecard with that of your opponent at the end of each end. If  scoreboards are in use make sure they agree with your scorecard and that of your opponent.

10.    Unless you have been delegated to decide the shots at the completion of the end, do not interfere in any way with this process.

11.    If an Umpire has been called, stay well clear of the head until a decision has been made.

12.    If you have lost the game remember to congratulate your opponent.

13.    Never be heard to adversely argue, comment or criticise the green or your opponent or one of your team members.

14.    Acknowledge a "fluke" and commend an opponent's good bowl.

15.    Do not leave the green without the consent of your skip, or opponent in singles play.

16.    Be proud of your Club, never let it down, and never do anything, by word, deed or action, that may reflect against it.

17.    Do not run on the green.

18.    Do not walk down the rink until the last bowl has stopped or the player has followed the wood down the green.

19.    Do not stand at the side of the person bowling. Always stand about one metre behind.

20.    When playing on outer rinks always walk on your rink closest to the ditch. Otherwise walk down the middle of the rink so as not to disturb games on adjacent rinks. Walk in single file or maximum 2 abreast.

21.    Always be waiting with bowl in hand ready to step onto the mat when opposition steps off.

22.    Do not shout or move about when other games are in progress, have respect for other people, including your own game.

23.    Conversations between skip and rest of the team should take place at the head or mat. Discussions halfway down the rink are not acceptable.

24.    If you have to walk along the paved areas at the end of the rinks, please consider players on other rinks that you are passing by, look to see if there is anyone on the mat ready to bowl at the far end, as they may be distracted by your moving across their rink.

25.    On a dead end, if there are woods to be returned to the other end please carry them back, do not bowl or throw them as they could encroach upon another rink which may affect their game.

26.    Do not talk or wave an opposing wood through the head. No amount of waving or cursing will change the course of the bowl.

27.   After bowling, and on moving to the other end of the rink, the front end players should keep clear of the head allowing the skips to play their woods without having to wait

28.    Remember that the skips have been at the head watching all bowls coming up, therefore the third should not try to give him/her any advice about which way to come before they have bowled their first bowl. If the head changes before their second you may give information and advice to the skip.

29.    If the sun is shining, make sure that your shadow does not fall across the jack or fall in front of the person on the mat.

30.    Try not to stand in front of the rink number plates or rink boundary dividers / markers

31.    After bowling and moving to the other end of the rink, the front end players should keep clear of the head allowing the skips to play their woods without having to wait. Do not hang around in the head examining the state of play.

32.    Be aware of bowlers and bowling on adjacent rinks particularly when they are bowling from the opposite end. A little consideration will avoid unnecessary collisions of woods.

33.    Pay attention to your game at all times. Nothing can be more frustrating to your partners than to feel that you are not !

June 2008

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Aphrodite Bowls Club Rules

1.            The Club shall be called Aphrodite Bowls Club and all members will be required to comply with (a) the Constitution and (b) Rules of the Club which will incorporate the code of conduct.

2.            In the event of the Club dissolving, for any reason, current members will participate equally in any surplus assets to be distributed.  Members will be jointly responsible for any deficit in the Club’s funds, should that deficit have been incurred with proper authority and accounted for correctly in accordance with the Club Rules. Should any expenditure in excess of €50.00 be made without authority the person(s) making that expenditure shall be responsible. (See RULE 22)

3.            A member is a person elected in accordance with the current election procedures and who is therefore entitled to vote at an Annual General Meeting (AGM), Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

4.            Officer of the Club shall mean any  occupant of the positions specified in the Constitution.

5.            A Formal Meeting can only mean an AGM or EGM.  An EGM must be called within 14 days after the receipt, by the Secretary, of a valid motion

6.            A Valid Motion shall mean any written proposition made by a member, seconded by a member and submitted to the Secretary in due time for inclusion in an AGM.  In the case of an EGM the written proposal must be made by a minimum 10% of the recorded membership and must be convened within 14 days of receipt by the Club’s secretary.

7.            Voting on matters placed before an AGM or EGM will normally be conducted by a show of hands, but can be superseded by a ballot if requested by 10 members or 25% of the membership in attendance.  The current Chairperson shall have the discretion to call a ballot on any issue. Any motion that results in a tied vote will be deemed to have been lost.  For a motion to be heard at an AGM or EGM, either the proposer or seconder must be in attendance .

8.            Notice of an AGM or EGM shall be 14 clear days and shall include details of an agenda, together, where appropriate, a copy of the accounts.   The Secretary will invite items for the agenda two weeks before the meeting. A member submitting items for the agenda must attend the meeting or the item will not be discussed or voted on. There shall be no restriction  on a member re-submitted agenda items, if they were unable to attend the first scheduled meeting.

9.            Members are admitted to the Club by

(a)  nomination by two current Club members,

(b) the nomination slip shall be displayed on the notice board for a minimum of 14 days.

(c) At the expiry of that period, should there be no written objections submitted to the Secretary, the application for membership shall be approved. subject to the payment of the current fees..

(d)  In the event of any objection to the application being made the matter shall be considered by the committee, taking into account the application itself and the reasons for objection. The committee decision shall be final.

10.         (a)  Non-returnable annual fees set by the facility owner are payable by all members.

(b) there will be an annual club affiliation fee for all members , determined by the committee and recommended for consideration at the AGM.

11.         Cessation of membership shall be

(a) by written or verbal notice to the Secretary (b) non-payment of fees by the due date (c) by decision of the committee or an EGM.

12.            Dress Code

Club colours shall be blue and white. The club logo shall be on the club shirts

Footwear.  All players, Umpires and Markers must wear smooth soled, heel-less footware on the green.

Dress. the dress for match days will be as directed on the Match Selection Notice. On club days any reasonable dress of any colour may be wornmay be worn. Dress should not offend any member and any violation to be raised with the secretary or a working group member.

13.         Conduct of play. The game shall be played in a spirit of good sportsmanship and friendliness at all times and in accordance with the World Bowls laws of the sport (Crystalmark edition)..

Any member of the ABC who declines to play with any other member of the same Club, for any reason whatsoever, shall be required to express their opinions in a personal appearance before the committee. Should those opinions not be acceptable to the committee, the member shall be required to resign, or failing to do so, be excluded from the Club.

Smoking, or mobile phones are not permitted within the enclosed area of the green or within 3 meters of the green and the consumption of food or drink on the green is not permitted. Members must at all times observe and abide by the code of conduct and rules of the club.

Members must, at all times, observe and abide by the Code of Etiquette and Rules of the Club.

Members must, at all times, observe and abide by the Code of Conduct and Rules of the Club.

14. The Club Committee has collective responsibility for furthering the aims of the club, handling the administration, financial management in co-operation with the Treasurer, promoting harmony on and off the green and maintaining proper behaviour through the exercise of the disputes procedure.  The duties of members of the Committee will be published by the Secretary.

15. The club captain and members of the team selection panel will be jointly responsible for selecting all teams although they will have responsibility for coordinating one of three specific categories. The Captain / Vice Captain will welcome the visiting team and look after all courtesies for the match.  In the event of neither of those 2 officials being present, a ‘Captain of the Day’ will be nominated and will have the same duties.

Any member wishing to complain about team selection should meet selectors to air their viewpoint, but should not voice their opinion to other Club members. 

16.  Bowls Cyprus delegates should individually or jointly keep the membership informed of any points of interest at each meeting wherever necessary.

17.  The Clubs summer & winter opening times will be defined by the Manager in consultation with the Facility Owner, taking into account the views of the members with regard to temperatures at different time of the year.

18.  The Chairperson and nominated management link committee member will act as intermediaries and will take all matters raised by the whole membership, relating to the facility, in writing to the Facility Owner for a decision, and will report back to the membership with a written answer.     Individual members must not take matters into their own hands without first consulting the membership.  If they do, then it will become a disciplinary matter which could result their being asked to leave the club.

19.  Dates of all proposed fixtures and social events to be held at the Club should be agreed first with the Manager to ensure that there are no conflicting dates and are acceptable to the Owner.

20. The committee shall be free to co-opt any member as an additional or replacement volunteer as necessary. Any member so co-opted to fill such vacancies shall have the same rights as other members of the committee.

21.  Formal Meetings should be conducted in accordance with item (8) of the Club Rules

AGM is to be held on the second Saturday in November.
All members entitled to vote may attend.
Notice of the meeting is 14 clear days from date of publication
Voting shall be by show of hands unless a ballot is called for by the Chairperson
Nomination for positions specified in the Constitution shall be made by a proposer and seconder and with the agreement of the person being nominated.  The nomination must specify the post being sought. Where there is more then one nomination for a post a ballot will be held.

An agenda for a AGM shall comprise only the following:
(a)  Review and approve the report of the Secretary
(b) Review and approve the report of the Treasurer
(c) Debate and render a decision on any valid motion.  Either the proposer or the seconder of a motion must be present at the AGM failing which the motion may not be discussed or voted on
(d) Election of Officers
(e) Any Other Business. The agenda must state that whilst any subject may be raised and discussed no vote will be taken nor is the meeting obliged to take any action.

EGM
(a)  The Secretary must call an EGM upon receipt of a valid motion
(b)  Notice of the meeting is 14 days from publication
(c)  Only persons entitled to vote may attend unless specifically invited by the working group to advise or comment on the motion to be discussed.
(d) Quorum for an EGM will be 20% of the Clubs membership.
(e) If no quorum is present the meeting will automatically be adjourned sine die
(f) Either of the first two named persons calling for an EGM  (see Rule 6) must be present at the meeting failing which the matter will not be discussed or voted on
(g) only valid motions on the agenda may be discussed at an EGM.

22. CLUB FINANCIAL MATTERS
ACCOUNTS   The ABC elected Treasurer should present a brief summary of the Club accounts at each committee meeting stating the current income/expenditure/financial health of the club.  The summary should be posted with the minutes for the attention of all members.
FINANCIAL PROPRIETY  All club members taking responsibility for any events involving collection of monies from other members, should present to the Treasurer a brief summary of accounts, after the event, or monthly if on-going, stating money taken in/money paid out or surplus and/or deficit to Club funds.  The Club’s Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring that RULE 2 is enforced.
AUDIT  Annual accounts should be audited by at least by two other members of the ABC on every change of Treasurer, and at least once a year, before the AGM, when a balance sheet should be available for all members at the meeting.
SIGNATURES  Access to the Club funds whether by cheque book or withdrawal from the account should have a minimum of two signature, one being the Club Secretary, one the Club Treasurer and another the Club President.

(23)   DISPUTE PROCEDURE
(a)  (Informal Procedure)
On taking note of, or being informed of a breach of the Club Rules or inappropriate behaviour by any member(s) the Chairperson will meet with the person(s ) involved and, through discussion, will endeavour to resolve the matter. However, failing this the Chairperson will submit a written report of the discussions to the club committee who will decide whether the matter needs to be taken further.  A formal record of this decision is to be kept and lodged with the Secretary.

 DISPUTE PROCEDURE
(b)  (Formal Procedure)
 If the Committee decides to pursue the dispute, 3 ABC members are to be seconded onto the group to deal with the dispute.  The duties of this expanded group will be to investigate the matter further and seek to reach a satisfactory conclusion.  This investigation may involve additional discussions with the member(s) involved and or members who may have something constructive to contribute.  In the event of a decision not being reached the Club President will be invited to arbitrate.  Detailed records will be kept and lodged with the Secretary as a permanent record.

(c)  DISPUTE OPTIONS
(1) No further action
(2) Suspension from all Club competitions for a period to be stipulated by the committee.
(3) Suspension from the Club and its activities for a period to be stipulated by the committee.
(4) Expulsion from the Club with immediate effect
With the exception of (4) the decision must be communicated in writing to the member(s) concerned, and, if accepted, the matter must be considered closed. In the event that the member(s) do not accept the decision or if the decision is expulsion, the working group must call an EGM as soon as possible in the context of notice requirements so that members may decide.  At the EGM the records of the expanded working group will be presented as justification for the penalty decided upon.

October 2008

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CONSTITUTION

APHRODITE BOWLS CLUB

1.         THE CLUB shall mean the Aphrodite Bowls Club (From hereon known as the Club)

2.         FACILITY OWNER shall mean John Theodorou  Estates Ltd  (From hereon known  as JTE)

3.         The aims of the Club shall be to promote, foster and encourage the game of bowls in a  convivial and friendly environment and to provide the members  with playing facilities and social activities  in conjunction with the Facility Owner.

4.         The affairs of the club will be managed by an elected chairman and committee at regular monthly meetings. The constitution of the committee will be in accordance with the club rules at any one time. A quorum will be 50% of elected committee members.

5.         Members will be entitled to attend committee meetings and every third meeting they will be entitled to take part in an agenda item known as ‘open forum’. Members who wish to put forward a properly seconded proposal will be expected to attend the appropriate committee meeting and present their proposal.

6.         In pursuing the aims of the Club, its members and officials will abide by the Rules of the Club in force at that time.  The Rules may be altered as required and when necessary by a properly seconded proposal, discussion and vote at a  committee meeting.

7.  An Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on the second Saturday in November at which the quorum shall comprise one third of the paid up full members of the club.  The conduct of the AGM will be in accordance with the Club Rules.  The club secretary will give 4 weeks notice of the meeting on the club notice board and website. Proposals for discussion at the AGM must be received up to 2 weeks before the date of the AGM. No proposals from the floor will be accepted at the AGM and there will be no AOB. The business conducted at the AGM will be :-

(a)      to receive the report of the Council and the financial statements;

(b)       To vote for and elect the club President, club vice captain, committee vice chairman, club secretary, club treasurer, social secretary, welfare officer. Retiring incumbents are entitled to have their names put forward for the same or other offices. The positions of management representative and Bowls Cyprus representatives will be filled by delegation at committee or sub committee level.

(c)       To nominate / appoint an auditor for the ensuing year.

(d)      To confirm rates of subscriptions payable to the club and to Bowls Cyprus as appropriate for the ensuing year.

(e)      to consider resolutions of which due notice has been given.

8.         Proxy Votes. Fully paid up members will be entitled to proxy voting at AGM and EGM provided the following criteria are met.

(a)       The member is unable to be present at the meeting to vote in person  because of serious illness, hospitalisation or, for whatever reason,  the member is not on the island of Cyprus.

(b)       The proxy voting slip is obtained from the secretary, completed and signed by the member, witnessed by another member and returned to the secretary at the latest 48 hours before the meeting.

(c)        Should an amendment to the original proposal be made at the meeting and passed by the members present at the meeting the proxy vote will become null and void.

9.         Members may call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) providing the conditions set out within the club rules are complied with. The club secretary will call an EGM at the request of either a simple majority of elected committee members or upon receipt of a request in writing signed by a minimum of two full and fully paid up members of the club stating the purpose for which the EGM is being called. . No other business shall be conducted at such a meeting except that of which notice has been given.

10.       The Club shall be funded by the affiliation fees of the members and any profits arising from various social activities held in pursuit of the aims of the Club. The club treasurer will keep accounts of all receipts and payments and present monthly accounts at monthly committee meetings. The treasurer will present audited annual accounts at the AGM.

11.       Minutes of all meetings will be recorded by the club secretary and presented for confirmation and signing at monthly committee meetings. Minutes of AGM will be presented at the following AGM.

12.       The club will be a fully paid up member of Bowls Cyprus.

13.       The club rules will contain references to misconduct, discipline and disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the rules of Aphrodite Bowls Club, Bowls Cyprus, European Bowls Union and World Bowls. In the event of reported misconduct or violation of the said rules a disciplinary sub committee comprising the club president and 2 committee members will be constituted to deal with the matter.

14.       No committee member shall be liable for any loss, damage or misfortune which may happen to or be incurred by the club in the execution of the duties of his/her office or in relation thereto.

September 17^th 2008

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ABC Ladder Rules

1.        Challenger can arrange games with player above him / her or player two above.

2.        If challenger wins game then the two names are swapped on the ladder.

3.     If challenge is with player two above and match is lost, player must challenge player immediately above your  own name before re-challenging player two above.

4.     Two weeks will be allowed to play match, if not played within the time span above, challenger will be awarded match and move up ladder.

5.     Games to be played on a Tuesday or Thursday. 2 rinks will be available at 8am or all rinks after lOam ( subject to availability if no pay/play visitors occupying rink who have priority on these days).

6.        Use official Markers, and leave scorecards in box after game.

        18 November 2009

ABC  Club Championship Rules

 1.     All games to be played under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls - Crystal Mark edition.
 2.     All competitors must be fully paid up members of the Aphrodite Bowls Club.

3.     Competitors must be available to play throughout the period of the competition
4.     First named team will be responsible for arranging the game.

5.     Substitutes may be allowed at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
6.     All games must be played on or before the advertised date.
7.     Singles to be first to 21 shots.

8.     Pairs and Triples will be played over 18 ends.

9.     Handicaps will be netted down so the lowest handicap player starts at zero.
10.   Dead ends to be replayed.

11.   Toss of a coin will determine who casts the jack.

12.   In pairs, triples or rinks, players may change position prior to any match but not during the game.

13.   Trial ends are optional.

14.   Rink of play to be drawn prior to the match.

15.   In the event of a tie, an extra end will be played. Skips to toss for jack.
16.   Scorecards must be signed by both teams, finishing time entered and placed in box for the attention of the competition organiser.

17.   An entry fee of€2.00 per player, per competition, will be levied for which a trophy is awarded and paid prior to the first game.

18.   Qualified Markers only must be used for all singles matches. See list of approved markers in Clubhouse.

19.   Dress code will be Club shirts/whites.

22 November 2009

ABC -- Club Competition Rules

1.     All games to be played under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition.

2.     All competitors must be fully paid up members of the Aphrodite Bowls Club.

3.     Competitors must be available to play throughout the period of the competition.

4.     First named team / competitor (known as the challenger), will be responsible for arranging the game. Challenger to give three dates and times to the opponent.

5.     Substitutes may be allowed at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

6.     Any dispute to be referred to the club captain as soon as possible.

7.      All games to be played on or before the advertised date.

8.     Handicaps will be netted down so the lowest handicap player starts at zero.

9.     Toss of a coin will determine who casts the jack.

10.     In pairs, triples or rinks, players may change position prior to any match but not during the game.

11.  Trial ends are optional.

12.  Rink of play to be drawn prior to the match.

13.  In the event of a tie an extra end will be played. Skips to toss for jack.

14.  Scorecards must be signed by both teams, finishing time entered and placed in box for the attention of competition organiser.

15.  There will be an entry fee of €2 per player per competition for which a trophy is awarded. This excludes Over 65s/Under 65s match and Presidents Day.

16.  Qualified markers only must be used for all singles matches. See list of approved markers in club house.

17.  If a game is interrupted by rain, the match will be rescheduled as soon as possible and continued from existing score and ends.

18.  Rescheduled games can be played on any day but must be played on same rink.

19.  If a visiting team want to play on any of the program dates the program will be amended.

20.  Shot difference will be used if two teams have equal points.

21.   If a game is forfeited, then the other team will receive two points and a six shot difference.

      22.   Any team breaking club rules may be penalised by the selection committee

      23.   Dress code will be club shirts / whites with the exception of the Flat Cap and President's Day

22 November 2009

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BOWLS CYPRUS

Eligibility for Bowls Cyprus Events

At it's meeting on 24th March 2008 the Executive Committee re-examined the eligibility of individuals to participate in Bowls Cyprus events and recommends that Member Clubs be directed to manage such eligibility within the guidelines given below. For the purpose of these guidelines "a member" or "membership" of a Club shall include all individuals who have paid their Club subscription in full and who have complied with all other conditions of being a member of that Club.

a) An individual shall only be permitted to represent one Club in any National League match in any calendar year;

b) Individuals who do not renew their membership of their Club by the due date shall not be allowed to represent that Club in Bowls Cyprus events after that date.

c) Individuals registering for National Knock-out competitions must give a written undertaking that they will renew their Club membership by the due date if this renewal date falls within the period of the Knock-out competitions. If the individual fails to abide by such undertaking, he/she and any team in which he/she is a member, shall be required to withdraw from all National Knock-out competitions after the due date for renewal of his/her Club membership (i.e. give a walkover in the next round).

d) Individuals joining a Member Club in any year shall be eligible to register for National Knock-out competitions in the following year.

e) Except as provided for at a) above, new members joining a Member Club shall be eligible to represent that Club in any National League match as soon as he/she joins that Club.

The Executive Committee believes that these guidelines cover all known circumstances. However the Executive recognizes that other circumstances may arise requiring further guidelines and will make appropriate recommendations when these come to light.

(This matter was raised at a members meeting on 30th April 2008, voted on and accepted per se)

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RULES FOR NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2008

1. All competitions to be played under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition.

2. All competitors must be fully paid up members of a member club of Bowls Cyprus. All teams shall be made up of members of the same club.

3. All competitions are open to all classes of membership.

4. One substitute only shall be allowed in any Team competition, the first team to play will constitute the team. In Mixed Pairs a substitute of either sex will be allowed but cannot play together.

5. No player may play for more than one team.

6. Dress code shall be whites or club colours, , but all team members should observe the same dress code. Stickers will be used on bowls in accordance with World Bowls Rule 8.1.8.

7. The challenger (who is the first name drawn) must offer three dates at least 14 days before the closing date for the round. One of these dates is to be accepted within 48 hours. The opponent shall attempt to contact the challenger before claiming a match bye.

8. Special consideration must be given to players and their spouses when either is selected for international events to enable them to play their national games within a suitable time period at the discretion of the Match Committee. Members with a vested interest shall not take part in the decision-making.

9. Rink of play will be challenger’s choice.

10. Green fees, where appropriate, are to be paid by the away player.

11. Score cards to be signed by both parties and the winner to telephone the results to the Match Executive Officer before 8pm on the day of play or by 10am the following day. All score cards to be forwarded to the Match Executive Officer at the earliest convenience. Substitute players to be indicated on the scorecard.

12. Up to 30 minutes waiting time is allowed from agreed start time. The defaulting team or player will then concede the game.

13. Singles played to 21 shots; pairs, triples and rinks to 18 ends. In the event of a tie an extra end must be played, skips tossing a coin for the jack.

14. The challenger in singles must arrange for a competent marker.

15. The Match Executive Officer will arrange Finals Day.

16. All singles entrants must be available for all rounds of the competition.

17    The Match Committee reserves the right to take action against any player contravening the rules.

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