Rules & Constitution

New Rules and Constitution

South Tyneside Bowling Association
League Game Rules
(Complete Revision Draft -2025)

1) The rules of play for all Association league games will be the current English Bowling Federation (EBF) Laws of the Game in force at the time. In addition, the following rules will apply to all S.T.B.A leagues.

2) The format for the Association Leagues will be as follows:- Monday night- Readhead Cup, Tuesday night- Red Sky Foundation Trophy, Thursday afternoon- Les Snape Veterans league, Thursday night- N.H.S league. The Association Management Committee will balance the teams into divisions appropriate to the number of entrants each year. All matches to be played on a home and away basis.

2a) Clubs may enter multiple teams in any league. However, players must be registered for a specific team and may not swap between teams.

3) Playing format for league matches will be determined at the A.G.M.

a) Readhead Cup, Red Sky Trophy, N.H.S Trophy, Les Snape Veterans League all to be played to the format of 3 rinks of 3 players over 16 ends. All evening matches should start between 6.00 and 6-30pm and Les Snape Veterans league matches to start at 1pm. 15 minutes grace will be allowed on all league matches. No trial ends to be played but one shot only to be awarded on the first two ends. On all games it will be visitors jack.

4) The minimum number of players required for all games will be 8. Where a team is short of players, games will be played in the normal match format. No additional bowls or shot penalties will be applied. Any team not present at the time required or without the minimum number of players will concede the match to their opponents.

5) Matches may only be called off in the event of adverse weather conditions (heavy rains, storms, high winds or exceptional heat) or exceptional unforeseen circumstances. The decision regarding the starting or cancelling of games due to adverse weather conditions will be the sole responsibility of the home team Secretary (or authorised deputy). They should then notify the Secretary (or authorised deputy) of the visiting team as soon as possible. There will not be a re-arranged fixture but the points will be halved.

6) If weather conditions worsen after the match has started, a minimum number of ends will be played to decide the outcome of the game. The minimum number of ends to be completed in all competitions should be 11. If it isn’t possible to complete this minimum number then the result would be the same as if it hadn’t started. Points will be halved.

7) Any other request for the cancellation of a game must be notified in writing to the Association Secretary prior to the scheduled game.

8) Registration
Only players registered with STBA are allowed to play in STBA leagues and competitions, unless it is specified as an open competition. The following procedure must be observed to register players with STBA.

a) Member clubs must submit a list of all of their players they wish to play in STBA leagues and competitions. This can either be on the prescribed form supplied by the Association Secretary annually or in writing.(e-mail acceptable)

b) The Association Secretary will then check the register to ensure that the player is eligible to play for the applying club and if so will enter his/her details on the register.

c) Any change of registration e.g. a player wishing to change clubs or register for a second or third club must notify the Association Secretary as soon as possible to enable the register to be amended. Players changing clubs must resign by informing their current Club Secretary in writing who will then notify the Association Secretary within 7 days. This rule also applies to resignations from second or third clubs.

d) Players may register for another club as a “guest” subject to certain stipulations:
i) they must “guest” for the entire season,
ii) may play for another team playing in the same league as their parent club,
iii) They cannot play against their parent club.

e) Any member club found to be playing an unregistered player shall lose the rink points in those games where played. A fine may also be applied at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

9) League points to be awarded as follows:- 2 points for the highest aggregate score and 2 points for each winning rink. Rinks finishing level will receive 1 point each. The home team secretary (or authorised deputy) for each fixture is responsible for the submission of the result to the league coordinator immediately following the conclusion of the match. Late submission may be subject to a fine.

10) Players in all leagues may be male or female. Players in Veterans leagues must also be a minimum of 50 years. An annual club entrance fee and all prize money will be determined at the A.G.M

11) Dress Code:-
Club colours or white above the waist, with grey trousers/skirts, regulation shorts and regulation bowling shoes. In inclement weather members may wear appropriate clothing to keep themselves dry. Common sense must prevail on this point. If a player is thought to be incorrectly dressed, the opposing team secretary/captain may report that player to the Association Secretary who will then inform the Club Secretary involved. If there is any further occurrence the Executive Committee have the power to take further action

12) Substitutes can be used at any time as long as they are registered with the club.

South Tyneside Bowling Association
Constitution 2025 Revision (draft)

1) Name, Constitution and Registered Office.

a) The name of the organisation shall be “South Tyneside Bowling Association”, hereinafter referred to as the “Association” or “S.T.B.A.”

b) The Association shall consist of an unlimited number of lawn bowling clubs and their respective male or female members from the Borough of South Tyneside and immediate surrounding areas.

c) The registered office of the Association shall be:- South Shields Bowls Centre, Jack Clark Park, Horsley Hill Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 3HE Any change of registered office will be notified to each member club in writing within 7 days of such change.

d) The correspondence address for the Association shall be the address of the Association secretary in office at the time. Any change of correspondence address shall be notified to all member clubs in writing within 7 days of such change.

e) “In writing” means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols, or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, electronically or otherwise.

2) Objectives.

a) To organise and administer outdoor flat green lawn bowls leagues and competitions for member clubs to compete in. Playing to the current English Bowling Federation (E.B.F.) Laws of the game.

b) To promote flat green lawn bowls in all its forms and codes, without prejudice of race, colour, creed or ability. To promote team and individual competitions and tournaments and to encourage and advance the game.

c) To provide support, information and advice services to member clubs and their respective members.

d) To act as managing agents for South Tyneside Council in the operation of local authority greens across the Borough under their ownership, in accordance with the terms of separate license arrangements.

3) Membership.

a) Lawn bowling clubs based in South Tyneside or immediate surrounding areas may apply to join the Association at any time by completing an application form available from the Association Secretary. Each application will be considered by the Executive Committee and once accepted, the club shall pay an annual membership fee determined at the Annual General Meeting. Membership shall remain in place providing the annual fee is paid. Any club wishing to resign from the Association must give the Association Secretary notice in writing.

b) Any lawn bowling club that operates from a South Tyneside Council owned facility are required to join and remain members of the Association, whilst the Association acts as managing agents for such facilities.

c) Individual clubs within the Association reserve the right to affiliate themselves to either or both the EBF or Bowls England. They are reminded that their members cannot enter events organised by the two governing bodies unless they are registered under their club affiliation.

4) Management

a) The affairs of the Association shall be conducted by an Executive Committee consisting of President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, plus three Members.

b) The three members shall be given specific responsibilities e.g. League, competitions, welfare & development. They may also have specific additional duties to deputise in the duties of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer in their temporary absence. These designations will be determined by the Executive Committee at their first meeting following the Annual General Meeting.

c) Two auditors will be elected at each Annual General Meeting to independently examine the financial records of the Association on an annual basis. They shall remain in office until the following AGM unless they resign, die, or are removed from office by a special resolution of an EGM. In such a case an EGM shall be called to appoint a successor. Nominations for the office of auditor are subject to the following conditions:- No two auditors can be serving members of the Executive Committee nor the same club.

d) The Treasurer will open a bank account in the name of the Association to which all monies will be deposited less an agreed sum (not exceeding £50) for petty cash purposes. The financial year of the Association shall run from 1st October to 30th September.

e) The Secretary and Treasurer may be awarded annual honorariums for their respective roles as determined by a resolution at an Annual General Meeting or Spring General Meeting.

f) Duties of the Association Secretary are to manage and co-ordinate the day to day activities of the Association in accordance with the rules and other Association policies, and to act under the direction of the Executive Committee in managing the affairs of the Association.

g) All positions listed in rule 4(a) are subject to annual nomination and election at each A.G.M. Current holders are also eligible for re-election. All nominations for office should be submitted in writing to the Association Secretary by a member club no less than 7 days prior to each A.G.M. The committee may also submit a nomination for the post of President or Chairman of the Association. Each nomination to be seconded by another member club from the floor of the meeting. Candidates for all positions (except President) must be full members of an affiliated club and may be male or female. Where insufficient nominations have been received, candidates may be nominated from the floor of each A.G.M. where there is more than one candidate standing for election for a particular office, the procedure for election will be by paper ballot. Otherwise, for one candidate it shall be by a show of hands majority. The procedure for election at each A.G.M. shall be conducted by the Association Secretary. Wherever there is a tied vote, the Association Chairman shall have a second or casting vote, unless it is for the office of Chairman, in which case the Association Secretary shall have the casting vote.

h) Under no circumstances can the election of Executive Committee members to be taken en-bloc.

i) The Executive Committee shall have the power to co-opt a person to fulfil a specific task or deputise in the absence of a member ( except Auditor or Secretary) in between Annual General Meetings. Any such co-opted position will be reviewed at the next A.G.M.

j) Any member of the Executive Committee may be removed from office at any time by the calling of an Extraordinary General Meeting for that specific purpose. Providing a quorum is present, such a resolution must have the backing of two other clubs before it can be considered. In order for such resolution to be accepted, at least 75% of the clubs in attendance must vote in favour and the vote shall be conducted by a paper ballot. The Executive Member concerned in the proposal may attend or be represented on his/her behalf and speak on the proposition, but is not entitled to vote on the resolution.

k) Members of the Executive Committee are entitled to propose, second, speak or vote at all general meetings of the Association, (except as stated above). The Chairman shall hold a second or casting vote in the event of a tied vote.

5) Meetings

a) The Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held as soon as possible after the 30th September each year.

b) A Spring General Meeting of the Association will be held prior to the start of the outdoor season each year. At this meeting clubs will be expected to register their members and pay any annual fees and other dues for league and competition entries and to receive fixture handbooks.

c) Extraordinary General Meetings can be called under the complaints and grievances rules or by the Executive Committee at any time should an urgent matter needs resolving.

d) All member clubs would normally be given at least 21 days notice of a General Meeting in writing, unless the subject matter is so important as to warrant urgent action. Member clubs may submit a “Notice of Motion” on any matter to be considered by the A.G.M. Such notices must be forwarded to the Association Secretary no less than 14 days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting. Notices of motion must be seconded from the floor of the meeting by another club before being put to the vote.

e) Each club is expected to send two representatives to each general meeting, both of whom will have voting rights. Any club not sending a representative to attend the Annual General Meeting will be fined £10.

f) No business may be transacted at any general or Executive Committee meeting unless a quorum of members is in attendance. A quorum at a general meeting will be one quarter of the club membership and no less than 3 members at an Executive Committee meeting.

g) If a quorum is not present within half an hour of the time the general meeting was due to start, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the Chairperson must adjourn the meeting. If within half an hour of the time the re-convened meeting was due to start a quorum was not present, the members present will constitute a quorum. When adjourning a meeting the chairperson must specify the date, time and place to which it will stand adjourned or that the meeting is to be continued at a date, time and place to be fixed by the Executive Committee. The chairperson of a general meeting may also adjourn the meeting if;

i)The meeting consents to that adjournment or ii) It appears to the chairperson that the meeting would not proceed in a transparent and orderly manner to enable it to complete its business. If the meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, at least 7 clear days notice of the re-convened meeting shall be given in the same manner as the notice of the original meeting. No business shall be transacted at a re-convened meeting other than that scheduled on the original meeting’s agenda.

h) A resolution put to a vote at a general meeting shall normally be decided by a show of hands, unless otherwise stated in these rules as a paper ballot. A paper ballot may be requested at any time by a member proposing such and a second member in attendance seconding this request.

I) Decisions made at general meetings shall be by passing ordinary resolutions by simple majority of 51% of the votes cast. The following must be passed by special resolution of which can only be passed by a majority of 75% of the votes cast;

i) The decision to remove an Executive Committee member from office.

ii) Decisions to expel members from the Association.

iii) Decisions to amend, remove, or add to these rules.

iv) Decision to dissolve the Association.

j) The Executive Committee shall meet no less than four times a year at a time, date, and location as mutually agreed amongst their membership

k) The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting or non-receipt of notice of a meeting by any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate proceedings at that meeting.

6) Complaints and Grievances
a) Should any club or individual of a club feel that the Executive Committee have made a decision of which they are at variance, then they should in the first instance write to the Association Secretary. This should be done within 7 days stating their grievance, complaint or observation. If necessary, they may request a meeting with the Executive Committee to air their views. If having received a reply and decision from the Executive Committee they still feel aggrieved and if they feel that the decision is detrimental to the well-being of the Association and its members, they can call an Extraordinary General Meeting of three clubs of the Association. Providing that the Club calling the E.G.M has the backing of two other clubs and that at least 66% of the member clubs are in attendance at the meeting, the petition can be heard. The Executive Committee decision can be over ruled or upheld. Such a meeting called is restricted to this business only.

b) Should the Executive Committee have a grievance, complaint or observation regarding the conduct of any club or individual member of a club, the party or parties concerned shall be requested to attend a meeting of the Executive Committee where they can express their concern. After hearing the concern the Executive Committee will decide upon the appropriate action and present their decision to the parties concerned. Should the decision be that a club or individual(s) be excluded from the Association, rule 6(c) will apply as the right of appeal procedure of the party or parties concerned. Failure to attend a requested Executive Committee meeting by the party or parties concerned will result in the Executive Committee making a decision in their absence, with no right of appeal to this decision.

c) A member club or individual may be expelled from membership by a resolution of a general meeting stating that it is in the best interests of the Association that his/hers /its membership is terminated. A resolution to remove a member may only be passed if:-

i) The member has been given at least 14 days notice in writing of the General Meeting at which the resolution to expel them will be proposed and the reasons why it is to be proposed and

ii) The member or, at the option of the member, an individual who is there to represent them has been allowed to make representations to the General Meeting.

d) The Executive Committee has the power to expel a member club or individual from membership, without any right of appeal. This can only be done in the following circumstances where a club or individual has committed an offence deemed to be unlawful, or under the terms of a serious breach of the Association Welfare & Safeguarding of children & Vulnerable Adults Policy.

e) Any member club or individual member resigning their membership or being expelled from membership shall have no claim whatsoever on the Association or its members. Excluded members may not re-join the Association at any time.

7) Policies and Procedures.
The association shall also publish the following policies or procedures, which are all to be incorporated as an integral ;part of the constitution;

a) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Wherever personal information is collected by the Association a statement with regard to GDPR shall be included and persons completing such forms are expected to sign to authorize the use of such information.

b) Health and Safety Policy
This policy to outline the duties of both the Association, its respective clubs and members in relation to compliance with health and safety legislation. The policyis to be adopted by a general meeting of the Association and may from time to time be amended as the need arises by the Executive Committee or by a notice of motion to an Annual General Meeting. Rule 6 applies to any complaints or grievances under this policy.

c) Welfare & Safeguarding of Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy. This policy outlines the duties of both the Association, its respective Clubs and members in relation to compliance with safeguarding legislation. The policy is to be adopted by a general meeting of the Association and may from time to time be amended as the need arises by the Executive Committee or by a notice of motion to an Annual General Meeting. This policy will also outline specific rules for complaints and grievances.

d) Association League & competition rules
This document is to be published in the annual yearbook of the Association as the rules relating to games played in the S.T.B.A. leagues and competitions. All alterations to these rules to be considered by notices of motion to each Annual General Meeting. Rule 6 applies to any complaints or grievances under these rules.

e) Association Constitution
This document to be published in the annual yearbook. Any alterations to this to be considered by notices of motion to each Annual General Meeting. Rule 6 applies to any complaints or grievances. The Executive Committee may from time to time find it necessary to introduce and adopt new policies to comply with legislation or special circumstances. Any such adoption will be provisional until the next general meeting of the Association where they can be incorporated under this rule.

8) Alterations
Any club wishing to amend, rescind or add to any of these rules shall submit their proposals in writing to the Association Secretary at least 7 days prior to each Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee may also submit such proposals to the Annual General Meeting.

9) Dissolution
The Association may be dissolved at any time by the calling of an Extraordinary General Meeting specifically to consider such special resolution. 75% of the members in attendance must vote in favour of such proposition before it can be accepted. In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Association shall first be applied to satisfy its debts and liabilities. Any balance of assets remaining may not be distributed among the members but shall be transferred to some other common ownership association whose purpose is similar in its objectives.

10) The Executive Committee shall have the power to deal with any matter not currently covered by the rules, constitution or bye laws of the Federation or not covered by current E.B.F. rules of the game.