Lewes Bowls Club is excited to announce their annual competitions exclusively for club members. With a variety of events including singles, pairs, triples, and fours, there's something for everyone to get involved in. While it's not mandatory to participate, the club strongly encourages members to enter one or more competitions as it not only supports the club but also enhances their enjoyment of the game.
These competitions take place throughout summer, leading up to the highly anticipated club finals day. Held over the late August bank holiday weekend, this day is packed with thrilling matches and friendly competition. Winners and runners-up will have their skills recognised and rewarded with cups and trophies, which will be presented during a delightful social evening at one of Lewes' fantastic hostelries.
The Lewes Bowls Committee and the Competition Committee Organisers, J. Pengelly and D. Nellar, oversee all aspects of the competitions. Should any questions or concerns arise, participants are encouraged to reach out to the organisers, who will be more than happy to assist and, if necessary, consult with the Bowls Committee.
In order to enter the competitions, club members must be able to fulfil all the required commitments and be available to play during the rounds and the entire finals weekend. By entering, participants agree to adhere to the provided rules and comply with Rule 1 Appendix D of the Club Constitution. Each competitor will also need to pay the respective entry fees. During the qualifying rounds, it is important to wear greys & club or white shirts, while whites are to be worn for the finals.
The draw for all competition entries and teams, except the Nominated Mixed Pairs, will be conducted fairly. All rounds must be completed by the specified dates. The order of play for Pairs, Triples, and Fours will be determined by the drawn teams. Participants are required to offer the opponents three available dates within a reasonable timeframe (at least 14 days before the respective round's closing date) and agree on a selection. Rinks must be drawn on or before the match day, with the organisers determining the rinks for the finals. The challenger or the challenger's skips will make the draw, ensuring that the rinks match the colour and direction of the day. In singles competitions, the challenger is responsible for providing the marker. Failure to make arrangements or show up at the scheduled time will result in forfeiting the game. Should any difficulties arise in agreeing upon playing arrangements, participants can refer the matter to the competition organisers, whose ruling will be final.
One highlight of the competitions is the Handicap Singles event. Here, handicaps ranging from 0-10 will be assigned by the Handicap Committee. The difference between the handicaps of the two players will be recorded on the score of the player with the higher handicap at the start of the game. The first player to reach 21 shots will be declared the winner.
For Pairs, Triples, or Fours competitions that require substitutes, teams should approach the competition organisers to appoint a substitute who hasn't previously participated in the same event.
During play and afterward, the decisions made by markers or umpires, when necessary, will be considered final. Both players or skips must sign each scorecard and place it in the designated scorecard box. Only the competition organisers are authorised to update the competition play-off charts.
At Lewes Bowls Club, fair play and sportsmanship are highly valued. It is expected that all competitors will approach arrangements and gameplay with a spirit of cooperation and respect. It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure adherence to these rules and the rules of bowls. Any inquiries should be directed to the competition organisers in a timely manner, and their decision on all aspects, regardless of whether covered by these rules or not, will be final. (As amended in March 2016. D. Nellar.)
