The following is a list of the main league rules, tips and etiquette points. Full league rules can be found on the Summer Rules page and Winter Rules page, respectively.
League Subscriptions
Subscriptions for the season should be paid at the fixtures meeting.
Club registration
New clubs or clubs returning need to complete an application form at least seven days before the AGM for the summer season, and at least seven days before the winter Fixture meeting for the winter and return it to the Match Secretary. The dates for these meetings will be listed here when known, (usually 1st week in March (AGM), and 1st week in September (WFM)).
Clubs are expected to send at least one representative to these meetings to organise their fixtures for the season and pay their subscriptions.
For a team to be registered the match secretary needs a completed registration form that will print off, as one sheet of A4, showing all the fixtures and all players to be registered. Captain’s details should be included if different to the initial application form. Preferably within 21 days of the fixtures meeting and certainly before your first match.
Player registration
All players in this league must be registered before they play their first match. Only these players can score points for your teams. Additional players can be registered at any time by email to the match secretary provided it is before the official start time of the first match they play. A player must be a fully paid up member of the club before representing that club in matches.
Unregistered players / Amended scores
All matches where an unregistered player has been used are shown as amended scores. All rubbers played by the unregistered player are awarded to the opposition 6-0 6-0.
Scorecards
All scorecards must be forwarded as soon as possible and received by the Match Secretary within 48 hours of the end of the match, or three days if posted. A two point fine will apply to the Home team for late score cards, with a further 2 points after one week. Either scan or send a photo (provided it’s clear) by email, it can also be posted.
Both captains should sign the scorecard.
If both captains have signed the scorecard the expectation is that everything has been filled in clearly and correctly. Everything being the date, the division, the names of both teams, the names of all players, the scores for each rubber played.
When adding up the scores any 1-0 (championship tiebreaks) count as one set.
Rained off matches
Matches are normally called off (if necessary) around the time that the away team would need to set off. At the point, that the match is called off, please also let the match secretary know. The website can then be updated. The home side should offer alternate dates within three days.
One side unable to raise a team
On the odd occasion, when one side is unable to raise a team, the home side should let the match secretary know asap (this is in effect a result). If it is the away team that is unable to raise a team they should also let the match secretary know asap. This replaces the need for a scorecard being produced for a match that wasn’t contested.
Providing food and drink
There is no longer an expectation for a post match meal to be provided by the Home team at every fixture. However it is preferable to provide light refreshments – perhaps tea/coffee and cake or something similar. Captains may wish to liaise on this ahead of the match.
Email protocol
Email addresses are not listed on the website or in the league booklet. Provided I’ve not been instructed to keep them private, I will give email addresses to captains of teams in the same division, on request.
Definitions
Club Contacts – This is the first point of contact for the league, with the club (The postal address)
Team Captains – This is the captain of the specific team for the current season
Application Form – This is the form clubs fill out to state how many teams they want to enter each season
Registration Form – This is form that shows all fixtures and registered players for each team