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Forthcoming Events and Club information page.

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FOR INTRODUCTION and IMPROVER COACHING SESSIONS SEE FORTHCOMING EVENTS PAGE

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Welcome to Whittlesey Indoor Bowls Club

The club is run by the members for the members on a volunteer basis, we cater for all levels of ability regardless of age or experience.

There are five rinks in use at a cost of £4 per game per member.

Membership fees are currently £60 per year. The year starts 1st September every year,                   

Various leagues run from September to April along with a number of competitions.

Friendly matches are played at weekends against other clubs/organisations.

Roll-ups are organised throughout the season and also the summer period. 

New Bowlers

New bowlers can learn the game over five Saturday mornings of free training. 

This years training will commence. 6th September 2025                                                                     Look out for the advert in The Fens Magazine. 

Players will receive training and be mentored in the rules of the sport by volunteer members.

There is no charge for these introductory lessons.

The only requirement is to bring with you a pair of clean, flat soled none marking footwear to change into.

If you wish to come along please contact the club. (details below)

If you can't attend these lessons but would still like to have some training with a view to joining the club at sometime during the season pop down to the club and have a chat. The office is not manned all the time but there is usually a committee member on site. Or telephone us on 01733 202209 and leave a message if no one is available to answer. From now until September the club is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings for friendly casual roll-ups. Pop down to see us and have a chat and possibly a try out.

Entrance to the club is by the side doors to the right of the building.

WIBC RULES – 1st April 2025

POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE The day-to-day management of the Club shall be vested in the Club Committee. Liaison with the sports hall users will be through the Club Committee/representative.

ALTERATION OF CLUB RULES These rules may be revoked, added to, or altered by a majority vote of Committee members. However, any proposed change to the fee structure will be submitted to an AGM or Special GM for approval.  There shall be a quorum when at least ten percent of the number of members of the complex for the time being or ten members of the complex, whichever is the greater, are present at any general meeting including the AGM.

FINANCIAL YEAR The financial year of the Club shall cover the period September 1st to August 31st.

DUTIES OF THE CLUB SECRETARY The Club Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Club and shall have custody of all documents belonging to the Club. He/she shall keep full and correct minutes of all proceedings.

DUTIES OF THE TREASURER The Treasurer shall have delegated powers of expenditure in the day-to-day affairs of the Club and keep proper books of accounts on behalf of the Club, subject to audit, enabling him/her to present at any time, on reasonable notice by the Board of Directors or Committee accurate reports concerning the finances of the Club. Payments raised by the Treasurer to be approved by one of the two signatories of the bank accounts.

FINANCES Any financial gain arising from the operation of the club will be used to maintain and improve the facilities at the club for the benefit of the members. Monthly Club accounts will be presented at committee meetings and members may see these upon request.  Annual club accounts will be presented at the AGM and registered with Companies House.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of members of the Club will be held in April or close to, each year. The Committee and club Officers will be appointed annually. Formal notice of this meeting and a copy of the agenda shall be displayed on the Club notice board at least fourteen days before such meeting.  Seven days’ notice in writing must be given to the Secretary for any item to be introduced under “Any Other Business”.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING A Special General Meeting shall be called at the discretion of the Club Committee to deal with any matter of major importance. The Club Committee shall be bound to call a Special General Meeting within twenty-one days of the date of a request in writing signed by not less that twenty-five Members of the Club. During the indoor season notice of the meeting and a copy of the agenda will be displayed within the Club at least seven days before the meeting. During the outdoor season the Club Committee will make every effort to provide this information to Members. There will be no items of “Any Other Business” at a Special General Meeting.

DRESS CODE When taking part in league games, competitions, marking for competitions or representing the club, members shall always conform to the following standards of dress:

Any suitable shoe that has flat sole no heels and are manufactured for lawn/carpet bowling. These shoes must be used exclusively for bowling and must not be worn to enter the premises.  Bowling shoes to be always worn.  

Plain black or grey trousers, skirts, or tailored shorts, that comply with the current dress code.  All shirts, pullovers, sweaters, jackets to be predominately white. Club shirts, approved by the club Committee may be worn. Team shirts from other clubs should not be worn unless playing on their behalf.  T-shirts are not acceptable.

BOWLS Only bowls approved by the EIBA are permitted.

LIABILITY Neither the Club, nor any Officer thereof, shall be liable to any member or guest for any loss or damage to any property occurring on the Club premises, or for any injury sustained by any member or guest whilst on Club premises.

Any injury incurred whilst upon or with the indoor bowls bowling club must be recorded within the accident book injury claims will be addressed in accordance with guidelines outlined within the clubs public liability insurance Policy.

GENERAL The use of foul language, abuse or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.  There shall be no running on the rinks.

Respect other players by moderation of voice and avoid unnecessary calling down the rinks. Spectators and members waiting to play are to moderate their voice in consideration of playing bowlers.

Members to always behave in a sporting manner.  Have consideration for other bowlers when retrieving bowls from the gutters.

Indicate when intending to fire.

Follow-on players are not allowed to encroach beyond the wall on any rink until the previous players have left all the rinks.

Mobile or portable telephones, other than those provided for Club use are not to be used in playing areas of the Club.  Their use will not be restricted in other adjacent areas providing no disturbance is caused to Club members.

Smoking or vaping is not allowed in any indoor areas of the Club. This must be strictly always observed.  Any person wishing to smoke must go outside the building.

No betting shall be allowed in the Club. 

Members are to use changing rooms except in special circumstances/requirement of the individual. Clothing and equipment should not be left on chairs or tables in the seating area or adjacent to rinks.  

In order not to present a hazard to people walking through the Club, bowls bags are not to be left in the bar or seating areas or any corridor or passageway within the Club.

MEMBERSHIP –The Club shall consist of the following categories of membership.

    • Full members

    • Junior members under 18 years of age *

    • Social members *

    • Honorary members

    • Wellbeing members

*Social, Wellbeing and Junior members are not eligible to hold office nor to vote at a General Meeting.

Annual subscriptions and charges for use of the facilities will be displayed within the Club. New members pay annual subscriptions pro rata after 1st November.

Membership fees are due on 1st September and are to be paid before the end of October each year. Late payment will be penalised.

Members will not be allowed to play in any league games until all dues are paid.  The Club Committee may terminate the membership of any member whose annual subscription remains unpaid on 1st November.

Full members are entitled to bowl at any of the indoor season and summer sessions.  Social membership entitles access to club facilities excluding bowling.  

Every member shall be bound by and submit to the Rules of the Club.

ADMISSION OF GUESTS Members may introduce and entertain guests at the Club. Unless the Club is booked by a member for a specific social occasion, the names and full postal address of such persons will be entered in the visitor’s book maintained in the foyer of the Club, together with details of their host.  

The member introducing a guest shall be responsible for the conduct of their guest(s) ensuring that the Club Rules are strictly observed.

Members are not to leave the Club premises while their guests are present. No member shall entertain the same playing guest(s) within the Club on more than three occasions in any one calendar year. Full rink fees to be paid.

Members bringing children into the Club are responsible for ensuring their good behaviour. 

Temporary Membership Members of visiting teams or competitors and their supporters or persons attending official functions, or functions held on behalf of members may be given temporary membership for a period not exceeding 24 hours. 

COMPLAINTS The Chair will be responsible for updating and maintaining the complaints procedure. All revisions & updates will be documented & communicated to the Club Committee for review & approval.

All complaints to be in writing to the Secretary who shall submit them to the Club Committee whose decision is final. In no instance shall a member of the Club be reprimanded directly by another member.

The Club Committee may immediately suspend the membership of any member whose conduct, whether on the Club premises or elsewhere, is injurious to the interests of the Club or its reputation.

Upon notification of a complaint the Club Committee will appoint three of its members to hold a review meeting and investigate the complaint.

The Club Committee will give written notice to the suspended or complained against member and inform him/her that if he/she so desires, they may be present at the meeting.

The decision of the Club at the said meeting or at any adjourned meeting whether to reinstate the suspended member or to terminate his/her membership shall be taken by vote of the full committee and shall be final and conclusive.

Subscriptions and Fees Paid will not be refunded.

PLAY (GENERAL) Games are to be played in accordance with EIBA rules, except and to include WIBC rules.  Rink fees for all games and roll-ups are to be paid prior to play.

Non-member beginners, under tuition, may play three times before membership & rink fees are payable.  Group beginners, e.g., recruitment drives under tuition may play five times before membership & rink fees are payable.

Any Full Club member may book a rink in advance subject to availability. Catch up games have priority.  Rink fees to be paid at the time of playing.

If the Jack is miscast by each Lead player, it will be set on the “T”, and the mat placed at the option of the first to play.  Re-Spots will be always used. Players at the head are to stand back from the jack and not stand in the sight line of the bowler and jack.

The Jack must be centred before the bell sounds, to enable the last end to be played.  If the game ends at the scoreboard end, all bowls are to be carried back if other rinks are still in play.  

LEAGUE GAMES All league and competition players must be paid-up bowling members.

All players are to be registered before the first game.  The team captain is to ensure that the registration form is completed, and the fees paid.

A registered player may only play for one team in any one league. All players are to be registered, and the appropriate registration fees paid for on the first game of each league. The Leagues Secretary is to be notified of any team changes.  Captains are to ensure that the registration form is correctly completed and submitted with the appropriate fees.

Any team playing an unregistered player, other than a substitute, will be penalised by the game being awarded to their opponents, who will receive 2 points, plus their own score.

All games are to be played in accordance with the rules of the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA)

League games are not to be started until the bell is sounded or up to 10 minutes before if all rinks are ready. When the finishing bell sounds, an end in play may be completed providing the jack has been set.

The head may only be inspected prior to each team's last bowl of the game.

All League games are played to the session time or 18 ends whichever is soonest, apart from 12 ends League which is played up to session time.

If, for reason of illness only, a game cannot be completed, then with the agreement of all players, the game shall be deemed to have been played, and the score stands provided at least 12 ends have been played.  If 12 ends have not been played, then the game must be replayed and will be classed as a cancelled game.

Two points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw.  League tables will be based upon points together with “for” and “against” bowls.

Teams not ready to bowl when the start bell rings will be subject to the following penalties: -

0 to 10 mins: -   Lose 1 end and 2 shots

10 to 20 mins: - Lose 2 ends and 4 shots

20 to 30 mins: - Lose 3 ends and 6 shots

Should a team fail to attend a game within 30 minutes of the start time the opposing team will be awarded the game (2 points and 10 shots).  The defaulting team will pay both rink fees.  Should neither team attend, no points will be awarded and the game considered cancelled, and the game must be re - arranged.  Each team to pay full green fees.

Any team unable to field three players in a triples game may play two players but no extra bowls will be played.  A third player may not join in a game so started without the approval of the opposing skip.  Full rink fees are to be paid.

If both teams agree to play a “double header” catch-up game, the game may be split into two games of 9 ends with two scorecards. The rink fee is payable for each game. The score cards must be clearly marked up for each game showing the date for which each game is being played. 

Neither jack nor the bowls shall be moved until each party has agreed the result of the end, except where a bowl must be moved to allow another bowl to be measured.

If a bowl requiring to be measured is deemed likely to fall it shall be secured by the best means available by a player, likewise where a bowl resting on another bowl, which prevents its measurement, the best means available shall be taken to secure the bowl in its position by a player, whereupon the other bowl shall be removed; the same course shall be followed where more than two bowls are involved. The use of a hand or finger in these circumstances is prohibited.

If during a measure or before the result of an end is agreed upon, either jack or bowl(s) are disturbed by a player, the opponents may claim the number of shots in dispute.

If before the score has been agreed, a bowl falls naturally without any physical interference it shall remain and be counted in its new position.

SCORECARDS The Skip is responsible for ensuring that a completed scorecard is handed in at the end of the game showing the name of each player and the scores.

Each scorecard must give the totals and be signed by a member of each team as a true record and stated if the game is a catch up or double header.

SUBSTITUTES Only one substitute per team, per game will be eligible and shall only play lead or second.

The same substitute can only be used three times for the same team per league. Except novice leagues where enough substitutes are unavailable.

Any paid-up bowls member of the Club may play as a substitute for a team if they are not registered to play for another team in the same League.

In all format’s substitutes cannot play as Skip.

Substitutes will not be permitted to enter semi-finals or finals except in exceptional circumstances as considered by the Leagues Secretary.

A last minute substitute may be asked to join a team, even if they do not comply to normal dress code. Appropriate footwear must be worn.

DEFAULTING PLAYERS Any team unable to field four players in a fours game may play three players. The order of play will be Lead – Lead – No 2 (1 – 1 – 2); Three – Three (3 – 3); Skip – Skip (4 – 4).

Any team unable to field three players in a triples game may play two players. The order of play will be Lead – Lead – No 2 (1 – 1 – 2); Lead – Lead – No 2 (1 – 1 – 2); Skip – Skip (3 – 3). 

If a player arrives late, they may join the match at any time provided that their name has been included on the scorecard before the start of the game. 

In any game where there is a player short, the full rink fee must be paid.

CANCELLED OR POSTPONED MATCHES Notification of intention to cancel matches MUST be submitted to the office (through letterbox) and the opposing team captain at least 48 hours before the match is due to be played, except in extraordinary circumstances.  The captain to ensure that the cancelled match is crossed off the posted sheets on the noticeboard.

Team captains should attempt to agree alternative dates with their opponents for cancelled matches to be played at the earliest opportunity and before the end of the League. 

The “Cancellation and Re-booking Form” MUST be completed and submitted to the office (letterbox).

Every effort should be made by the team captain to obtain a substitute rather than cancel a game. Substitutes are to pay their own rink fees. 

If a game must be cancelled, it is the responsibility of the cancelling team captain to notify the opposition.   If the other team and club are not notified the game will be considered as “fail to attend”.

Failure to comply with the above may result in the forfeiture of the match.

FULL RINK FEES 

Singles £4.00

Pairs £8.00

Triples £12.00

Fours / Rinks £16.00

Junior members will pay £0 when accompanied by a full member paying the full rink fee.

CLUB COMPETITIONS Rules for each competition will be issued at the time of posting details of the competition.  Competition entry fees are to be paid when signing up.

COMPETITION RULES Playing rules for all rounds will be under EIBA/EWIBA rules with domestic amendments, which will take precedent:

All rounds to be given a play by date. No extensions will be allowed except by agreement of the competition secretary or committee.

It is the responsibility of both entrants to arrange a mutually agreeable date to play the tie and to book the rink at least one week prior to the set date for the round.

Only one substitute is allowed in the Pairs/Triples and Fours. In the mixed pairs one male and one female substitute is allowed. In all rounds teams must be fully represented. A substitute shall not have played for any other team in that competition. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification of the offending team and suspension from the competition of the offending substitute.  A substitute may not play in a final.

Should a team or competitor default, the non-defaulting team or competitor may be awarded the tie. The defaulting team or competitor will be responsible for payment of the rink fees due.

Playing Arrangements In all rounds up to and including the quarter finals the following will apply: Singles: First to 21 shots. No trial ends. Players may visit the head once per end but only after each player has delivered 3 bowls. Pairs/Triples/Fours: 18 ends or the end of session. No trial ends No twos up in triples or threes up in fours The skip may visit the head only on the final-end or extra end of the game. If there is a tie at the end of session an extra end will be played. A coin is to be tossed to decide choice of mat. If extra end is killed, one shot away. If a rink is available prior to the time booked, play may commence.  All fees are non-refundable.

Any team unable to play (for whatever reason) in a semi-final or final will forfeit the game.

THE BAR Alcohol may be purchased by a member or a guest of a member. Alcohol may not be purchased by anyone under the age of 18 years or purchased for consumption by anyone under the age of 18 years.

Alcohol may be sold by a person over the age of 18 years who is an elected committee member, or a member designated by the committee.  No payment/commission will be paid to anyone serving alcohol.

Opening hours, the permitted hours for the supply of alcoholic refreshment will be in accordance with the club premises certificate.  These hours will be displayed alongside the bar.  No alcoholic beverage other than that purchased at the Club Bar will be consumed on the premises.

Alcoholic refreshment will not be supplied to or consumed by any person under 18 years of age.

Visiting teams, competitors and their supporters who meet the statutory requirements, are considered as members for the duration of their visit.

No person shall be paid at the expense of the Club any commission, percentage, or similar payment on or with reference to the purchase of intoxicating liquor by the Club; nor shall any person directly derive any pecuniary benefit from the supply of intoxicating liquor by or on behalf of the Club to members, visitors, or guests, apart from any benefit occurring to the Club as a whole.

HEALTH & SAFETY It is the responsibility of all members to act in a manner as not to put themselves or others at risk of injury.  Should a member notice anything that is likely to be a hazard they are to bring it to the notice of a committee member.

Any accident with or without injury is to be entered in the Accident Book.

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Useful Bowls Related Websites: 

Laws of Bowls – World Bowls Ltd.  https://www.worldbowls.com/laws-of-the-sport/ E.I.B.A. (English Indoor Bowling Association)  http://www.eiba.co.uk

C.I.B.A. (Cambridgeshire Indoor Bowling Association). https://www.cambsindoorbowls.com/ 

E.B.F.  (English Bowls Federation). https://www.fedbowls.co.uk

Bowls England https://www.bowlsengland.com

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A copy of these rules will be displayed in a prominent position within the Club premises and made available to all members.

01/04/2025