(1)     Competitions

The GCWBA will conduct under Bowls England (Ladies Section) Rules, Four Wood Singles (21 points), Two Wood Singles (21 ends), Pairs (21 ends), Triples (18 ends) and Fours (21 ends) Competitions. These Competitions will lead to the National Championships.

They will also arrange County Champion of Champions (open to the winner of the four wood singles competition from any affiliated club), Unbadged (open to any member of an affiliated club who has not been ‘badged’ prior to the competition entry date), Secretaries & Treasurers and Interclub Competitions.

(2)     Format

For games leading to the National Championships:

The dates for all competitions must be strictly adhered to at all times. The rounds leading up to the last 16 will be played on a set date, on challengers green and the start time agreed mutually. The start time will be between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. No one can be forced to play before 6.00 pm in these early rounds. The Challenged, where possible, should be allowed to draw a rink from those available for play.

The last 16, ¼ finals, semi-finals and finals will be played during the day on set greens normally with a 10.00 am for 10.30 am start.

For games played within the County:

The Champion of Champions, Unbadged and Secretary & Treasurers are played on a ‘play by date’ basis challengers green until the round before the Play Off which should be played on a neutral green, the challenger to make the arrangements and green fees (if charged) shared. In each round the challenger to offer three dates for play, one of which must be on a weekend, time to be mutually agreed. The Play Offs will be arranged by the Competition Secretaries on a set date, neutral green.

The Interclub is played on a ‘play by date’ basis - one rink home, one rink away until the semi final and final which will be arranged by the Competition Secretaries on a set date, neutral green. Challenger to offer at least two dates, one of which must be a weekend. Dates to be amicably agreed. The time for commencing a game shall be mutually agreed but no side shall be compelled to accept a time earlier than 6.00 pm on Monday to Friday or 3.00 pm on Saturday or Sunday, nor later than 6.30 pm on any day. Total shots of a side to determine the result, in the event of a draw the rink on Challengers green to play the extra end. Members to play for one club only, which must be the one from which County Competitions are entered. The semi final will be drawn on the day.

(3)     Exceptional Weather Conditions

In the event of exceptional weather conditions where it is impossible to re-arrange a fixture before the completion date, the score in uncompleted matches in which teams have played five ends or more will stand as a result. If the score is a tie then the result will be decided by the toss of a coin. Matches not started and matches in which less than five ends have been played will be decided by the toss of a coin.

(4)     Woods

Bowls England Rules to apply. If stickers are attached to bowls then Regulation (Club) Stickers only (i.e. no other ‘decorations’) are permitted, all bowls belonging to players within a team should have the same stickers.

(5)     Dress

In rounds up to and including the semi-finals the following may be worn:

a)      Grey skirts (4 inverted pleats), culottes, plain tailored  trousers or crop trousers,
       b)      White/cream or club colours shirt style blouse, plain waistcoat/cardigan/pullover/top

In the finals the following may be worn:

a)     White/cream ‘below the waist’.

b)     White/cream or club colours ‘above the waist’.

 General dress rules:

i.  If club colours are worn all the team must wear them.

ii.  Brown, grey or white regulation shoes (no sandals).

iii. The wearing of hats is optional. Head wear, when worn, should be white.  Green sun visors are accepted.

iv. Approved (not rain-mate style) bowls waterproofs may be worn.

(6)     Umbrellas

For health and safety reasons, umbrellas are prohibited at all times.

(7)     Smoking or the Consumption of Alcohol

Not permitted on or off  the green by a player while the game is in progress.

(8)     Withdrawals

An entrant unable to compete in any round must advise their Competition Secretary at least seven days before in writing, if possible. Ladies competing in County competitions knowing they do not intend to/cannot play in a subsequent round will be penalised by not being permitted to enter that competition the next year.  Substitutions in team games are excepted.

(9)     Finals

Will be arranged by the Competition Secretaries, on a neutral green, played during the day, normally with 10.00 for 10.30 am and 1.30 for 2.00pm start times.

(10)    National Championships - Dress

Qualifiers will wear County Uniform at the National Championships.

Please refer any communications regarding competitions to Section Secretaries. Results should be telephoned by 10.00 pm on the day of play.

Bristol area:   Mrs. Kath Sealey (Bristol Greenbank)    41, Lower Chapel Lane, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol. BS36 2 RQ.   Tel:  01454 775093

E-mail:  k-sealey@sky.com  

Gloucester area:   Mrs. Christine Magee (British Energy)    32, Queen’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 2LT.   Tel: 01242 525414.                               E-mail:  enquiries@chelbury.com

Stroud area:   Mrs  Myra Savage (Painswick Falcon)      Bramble Cottage, 9, Gwinnett Court, Shurdington, GL51 4GQ.    Tel:  01242 862133.       E-mail:  savagebowler@btinternet.com