MADPL Constitution:
1. TITLE AND FORMATION
1.1 The league shall be called “THE MIDDLEWICH AND DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE”. The objective of the League shall be to promote the development of the sport of ‘POOL’ throughout the area.
1.2 The league shall be convened by an annual general meeting to be held prior to the commencement of each season. The objective of the A.G.M. is to approve changes to league rules (if any) and to elect an executive committee for the forthcoming season. Any one with two years membership of the league may be nominated for the executive committee and need to be proposed and seconded from another team or existing EXEC members.
All nominations should be in writing to the secretary or chairman at least one week before the AGM. All elected members shall serve for the following season. Any changes to rules both playing and constitutional shall be made in writing at least one week before the AGM.
Formation of the Executive Committee (EXEC)
CHAIRMAN: Responsibility for overall management of the league, conduct of meetings, casting vote at meetings and also the authority to enforce ‘spot’ decisions.
SECRETARY: Responsibility for the publication of all fixtures, results and notice of meetings etc.
TREASURER: Responsible for all matters financial relating to the league etc.
General Members: Other members elected to the EXEC to assist where necessary.
1.3 Honorariums shall be paid to cover the general expenses of the EXEC members. The value of these honorariums shall be set by the general committee on advice from the meeting and EXEC members.
1.4 Throughout the course of the season monthly meetings shall be held at a time and place set by the secretary. All meetings shall be attended by the EXEC committee and general committee member’s, team captains or a representative of each team.
1.5 The purpose of the meetings is to distribute any new fixtures and information that may be required by league members. The paying of league fees and any other relevant business that may need to be discussed.
1.6 Any team or player wishing to raise a matter at a monthly meeting must inform a member of the EXEC at least 48hrs before the meeting and must be in writing.
1.7 Any team or player wishing to make a complaint to be heard at a monthly meeting must do so in writing no later than 24hrs after the incident has occurred.
1.8 All complaints shall be heard by the EXEC committee only (must be five people three of whom must be EXEC members) whose decision will be final and not subject to any appeal.
1.9 The EXEC committee shall have the authority to impose penalties where necessary for breach of any league rules.
1.10 Any matters that arise that are not covered by these rules shall be adjudicated upon by the EXEC committee whose decision is final and not open to appeal.
1.11 Where possible any complaints will be heard the week before the monthly meeting with the outcome communicated to the meeting a week later.
1.12
ORDER OF EVENTS AT AGM:-
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1 MINUTES OF LAST AGM RATIFIED
2 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
3 SECRETARY’S REPORT
4 TREASURER’S REPORT
5 HONORARIUMS
6 CHANGES TO RULES
7 APPLICATIONS FOR NEW TEAMS
8 ELECTION OF NEW COMMITTEE
9 ANY OTHER BUISNESS
1.13 Should a dispute arise where an EXEC member’s team or teams player is involved a substitute committee member will be found if requested by any of the parties concerned.
2. TEAM REGISTRATION
2.1 All teams wishing to register must attend a registration meeting prior to the commencement of the season. A team may sign more players on at any time. The method for signing a player on is as follows: The players name address must be emailed to the secretary. Once this has been done the player will become eligible to play 24hrs later, subject to receiving a reply before playing said player.
2.2 Any new team wishing to join the league may do so only with the approval of the AGM. Any new team be made up of players from a disbanded team or team that owes money may be required to clear that debt as well as their registration fee.
2.3 A player may register for only one team. The cost of registration and league fees shall be set at the AGM.
2.4 Players may transfer between teams if they wish by consent from both captains and the EXEC approval. This may be done via email through the secretary, a player then may play for their new team 7 days later as long as there are no matters outstanding. If there are any doubts at all the player should not play until there has been confirmation.
2.5 Players may not transfer once 50% of league matches have been played
2.6 There is no minimum age for registration. However it is the teams responsibility to seek approval of the venue being visited for an under age player to play.
2.7 Should any team be expelled or drop out before the end of the first half of the season then all records of that team will be expunged. If a team should drop out in the second half of a season then the first half results will stand and the second half results expunged.
2.8 Should any team or player drop out under no circumstances will monies be refunded?
2.9 Should a team drop out of the league a player from that team may transfer as per rule 2.4.
2.10 A team may not play an unregistered player at any time. Should a team play an unregistered player in a league match either by accident or not, then any points gained during that match will be deducted from that team. The leg shall be given to the opposition, The opposition will only receive points if the gaining of the leg changes the result from loss to a draw or draw to a win. Should a team play an unregistered player in a knockout and that team player or pair should win then the whole result will be overturned.
2.11 Players from a different side may make up pairings etc, except the team KO, 5 a-side and three a side.
2.12 Any player having played and lost for a side may not play for another team after transfer.
2.13 Under no circumstances may a player register or join in a competition part way through. i.e. after the very first draw for a competition is made. In team events players may not be changed about or added to in any way once the first draw has been made.
3. RULES OF PLAY
3.1 All matches will be played to the “WPL RULES” with the only amendment that breaks will alternate with the home team going first.
3.2 Unless otherwise stated all matches in all competitions shall commence at 8.00pm and end normally or when one team runs out of players. All K.O. matches shall be played on or before the set date. Permission to play after the set date must be sought from the league secretary. All re-arrangements can only be granted when both parties are in agreement. Rearrangements shall only be made with proper notice i.e. 48hr.There shall be no rearranging of league matches except in extreme circumstances, then only with the EXEC committees permission. All rearranged matches shall be played ASAP with NO REARRANGEMENTS WITHIN SIX WEEKS OF THE SEASONS END.
3.3 A team or players may request a match to start later so long as: The opposition has been informed in person and that the late arrival shall be no more than 30min. The notice of late arrival shall be as soon as possible and before the start time of the match. Failure to do this will result in the match being claimed.
3.4 Should a match not be finished in the time available, arrangements shall be made to finish that match ASAP with the players available on the night of the original fixture.
3.5 Each team shall be responsible for providing referees for each team fixture or all other K.O. try to ensure someone is available to ref. Team captains are to ensure refs are competent and fair. In League & Team KO matches, the home team shall provide the primary referee for the first frame, the away team will provide the second referee. The second referee shall have responsibility for timekeeping. Provision of primary and second referee shall then alternate for remaining frames. Each referee has equal standing in terms of adjudication of fouls. The primary referee shall be mainly responsible for “calling the game”.
3.6 In all competitions it is the responsibility of both captains to ring/text/e-mail the result. In the individual and pairs it is the responsibility if the winning Capt. to ring/text/e-mail results in.
3.7 The EXEC shall be responsible for the naming of venues and referees for finals etc.
3.8 It is the responsibility of the home side to have the venue ready for use and table ready by 8.00pm.
3.9 Once play in a frame has commenced the referee and timekeeper shall be the sole judge of fair play within the frame. The referee’s decision shall be final on all calls made with regard to play. If however a captain or vice captain (only) feels that an interpretation has been incorrectly enforced he may ask for a timeout and may check the playing rules with the opposition captain and referee, or seek advice from the exec. If after doing this you are still uncertain the referee’s original call shall stand and not be subject to any appeal. If upon checking any rules the referee may change his mind on the call and the frame will continue. However the EXEC may consult with a senior ref to check the interpretation and give any advice or feedback necessary arising from said discussions. NO MATTER WHAT THE DISPUTE ALL MATCHES SHALL BE PLAYED TO THE END, ANY TEAM FAILING TO DO SO WILL FORFEIT THE UNPLAYED GAMES.
3.10 Both captains and all venues shall have a copy of the playing rules available to use at all times.
3.11 Referee’s are reminded that only a captain, vice captain or the player actually playing may call for a timeout for rule 3.9
3.12 Other guidance-referee’s attention is also brought to certain rules of the WPL A – spirit of the game, K12 Coaching (every player shall be under their first and final warning before the start of each season), M6 interfering with play, N7 breaches of A to such an extent the match be given to the opponent, Z referees guidelines and duties.
3.13 If at any time a player or team feels that they are being unfairly treated or harassed at any playing venue, then they should report that venue or players to the EXEC with persistent offenders being expelled from the league this also includes forums on websites and other means of communication.
3.14 Any player found causing trouble at any match will be suspended from the league any player found causing trouble at the presentation night shall have both him/her self banned as well as that persons team.
3.15 Teams may find themselves short of players from time to time and so may play up to three players twice, to a maximum of 39 frames a season. To use these frames the team captain should declare the fact he may be players short as soon as they are aware, and as close to the beginning of the match as possible. Players that play twice shall be nominated by the opposition captain. When the opposition captain chooses the players to play, they may pick players that have played and left (i.e. winning that frame by default) and continue to nominate to the end of the match. Players playing a second frame may not use that frame towards their league averages. Once you have declared that you are short of 6 players and another player turns up, it is at the discretion of the opposition captain whether or not to allow that player to play instead of a wild card. (Note:- Should a player leave early and not play, this player cannot be replaced with a wild card)
4. League Competition rules
4.1 The league shall be played on a round robin basis each team playing all others on a home and away basis
4.2 League matches will be played on a format decided upon at the AGM
4.3 The points system used will be that decided upon at the AGM
4.4 The captain of each team shall be responsible for keeping records for his/her team.
4.5 All eight ball breaks must be recorded in the league scorebook and handed in order to claim said eight ball break.
4.6 The definition of a valid eight ball break shall be decided upon at the AGM
4.7 The cost of frames shall lie with the home side.
4.8 An award for best average singles player shall be given each season. The best average being games won/number of games in a season with all defeats and not played counting as a loss. Note a team failing to turn up results in a win for the side attending, i.e. you still get a win for a no show
4.9 The league will pay for the first ten trophies any extras must be paid for by the team.
4.10 Awards for league places shall be decided at the AGM.
4.11 The home side will always break first and then alternate.
4.12 Both teams shall ring/text/email in result.
4.13 All matches shall be played to the end regardless of any disputes with time the only reason to carry a match over.
5. Knockouts
5.1 All knockouts shall be played on the format agreed at the AGM
5.2 Payment: Team K.O. home side to pay, all other K.O. payment shared.
6. FORMATS
6.1 Team K.O. best of nine singles on a straight knockout basis, toss to decide break and stick to it all the way through including semis and final which must be played at neutral venues unless both teams are from the same venue.
6.2 Five-a-side K.O. played over five frames of singles. The league will provide six trophies for the winners and runners up; any extra must be paid for.
6.3 Three-a-side K.O. to be played over five frames of three singles one double and one treble; any player may play up to three frames but only one single. The league will pay for four trophies for the winners and runners up, any extras must be paid for.
6.4 Player of the year straight individual K.O. starting at best of seven progressing to a best of fifteen final. Awards going to the winner and runner-up. Pre qualifiers are Averages winner, POTY winner, runner-up, Individual winner and runner-up, Pairs winners. Then each team pick their best average player continuing until 32 places are filled.
6.5 Pairs K.O. Is a straight K.O.pairs may be made up of players from two different teams. All matches are best of three until the final, which is best of five. Awards for winner, runner-up and semi-finalist 6.1 Individual K.O. straight K.O. best of three singles, until semis best of five and best of seven final. Awards for winner runner-up and semi-finalist.
6.6 Any other K.O. to be run at the discretion of the EXEC.
6.7 All results must be in within 24hr of match taking place.
7. GENERAL
7.1 Always remember rule A of the WPL rules.
7.2 To enter any K.O. you must be a signed on player.
7.3 You may ring the EXEC at any time for a spot decision.
7.4 Awards shall be presented at a presentation evening at a format decided by the EXEC.
7.5 Any decision made by the EXEC over any appeal shall be final and not open to debate.
7.6 Any League member has the right to call a vote of no confidence in the EXEC at any time.
7.7 All registrations must be on the forms provided and submitted by email.
7.8 Players may be allowed to transfer but may not play in KO’s that they have been knocked out of and may not play the side they have transferred from.
7.9 Any event or subject not covered by these rules shall be decided up on by the EXEC whose decision will be final.
7.10 Every player is allowed one vote on any matter arising at the AGM. At all other meetings one-team one vote with each member of the EXEC getting a vote each and the chairman carrying the casting vote.
7.11 Any team failing to attend three matches in a row can be fined or expelled from the league.
7.12 Any team failing to attend three or more meetings will result in a fine or expulsion from the league.
Fees for 2011 to 2012: - Registration £3 per player, Knockouts £1 per player / team for each KO entry, Initial Registration fee of £50 to be paid prior to start of the league, Second league fee £75 to be paid at Autumn meeting, schedule for additional fees to be advised by Autumn.