Club Rules

CLUB RULES NOVEMBER 2022

Spencer Melksham Bowls Club
Beanacre Road
Melksham
SN12 8AG

Section 1: Name

1.1 The name of the Club shall be Spencer Melksham Bowls Club (hereinafter referred to within these
rules as the ‘Club’) and is a subsection of Spencer Sports and Social Club (SSSC).

Section 2: Objectives

2.1 The objectives of the Club are to provide facilities for, and to promote participation in, the amateur
sport of outdoor flat green bowls in Melksham and the Surrounding Area.
2.1.1 The Club shall be affiliated to Bowls England and Bowls Wiltshire.
2.1.2 The Club shall adopt and conform to Bowls England Policy, Rules and Regulations.
2.1.3 The Club shall adopt and conform to Crystal Laws of the Sport of Bowls.

Section 3: Membership

3.1 Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport of outdoor flat green bowls on
application regardless of: sex, age, gender, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion
or other beliefs. Membership may however be limited according to available facilities on a non-discriminatory basis.

Section 4: Code of Conduct

4.1 Spencer Melksham Bowls Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of its
members, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all. The Club believes it is important that
members, Coaches and Officers with the Club should, at all times, show respect and understanding
for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be always open and to
share any concerns or complaints that they have about any aspect of the Club with the Committee.
4.2 As a member of Spencer Melksham Bowls Club you are expected to abide by the following Code of
Conduct:
• All members must take responsibility for ensuring they are up to date with the Constitution and
Rules of the Club, understand and adhere to them.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of sex, age,
gender, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation or religion.
• Members should recognise the valuable contribution made by Coaches and Club Officers who
are volunteers. They give their time and resources to assist you.
• Please remember that the Club has no paid staff, so members should play their part in helping
to run the Club.
• All members must respect Club Officers and publicly accept their decisions.
• All members should be a positive role model and treat other players and Club Officers with the
same level of respect you would expect to be shown to you.
• When representing Spencer Melksham Bowls Club in County, League or friendly matches
players shall adhere to Club Dress Code.
• Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted inside or in front of the pavilion and on the green.
• The use of illegal drugs either on the Club premises or whilst representing the Club is not
permitted.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for competitions or matches and if they are going to be
late, they should inform their opposition team captain. Generally, members should arrive 30
minutes before the advertised start time.
• Members must pay any fees for membership or matches promptly.
• Aggressive behaviour or inappropriate language of any sort will not be tolerated. Encourage
everyone to enjoy sport and understand that people have different motivations for taking part.
• Resolution of issues. in the event of a situation arising which cannot be settled between two
parties, Club Officers will attempt to mediate in the following order of position:
o Captain of the day,
o Club Captain,
o Club Chair and Club Secretary,
o Club Committee.

Section 5: Etiquette

5.1 The rules of the game are defined in full in the official booklet ‘Laws of the Sport of Bowls‘. All bowlers
should familiarise themselves with these.
5.2 In addition to the rules, a certain amount of etiquette is followed. Etiquette refers to the way in which
the game is played to ensure enjoyment for everyone and so that all have the chance to play their
best.
5.3 The etiquette guidelines offered here should be noted by beginners and experienced bowlers alike.
They are all based on common courtesy, which will make them easy to remember.
5.4 For bowlers and spectators
• Do not distract bowlers who are bowling towards you, by moving or walking across the end of
the rink. Wait until the bowl has been delivered, then move.
• It is not good etiquette to interrupt other players when they are on the green, particularly during
competitive matches. If you need to speak to players, it should be before or after their game.
• Respect and protect the green – the club’s most important asset.
• Do nothing in your actions, words or appearance that will reflect badly on the Club.
5.5 Before the game
• Make sure you know the rules of the game or competition you are playing.
• Know the correct dress (it will differ for different types of games).
• Do not arrive in bowling shoes as you may carry harmful fungus on the soles of your shoes.
• Be early enough to be able to welcome visitors and help get things ready.
• Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are in place ready for the beginning
of the game.
5.6 During the game
• Enter and leave the green by your rink number and use the footpaths – do not walk across the
green.
• Do not drop your bowls on the green.
• Do not sit on the bank – it causes unwanted wear on the edge of the green.
• When you walk to the other end, move in the centre of the rink and do it quickly enough to
maintain the continuity of the game. Remember that others have yet to bowl.
• Never complain about any green, including yours.
5.7 ‘Possession of the rink’ must always be respected.
• ‘Possession of the rink’ shall belong to the team whose bowl is being played. The players in
possession of the rink shall not be interfered with, annoyed, or have their attention distracted in
any way by their opponents.
• Stand well behind the mat or the head, keeping still and quiet while others are delivering their
bowls.
• Questions, information or instructions should only be exchanged while you have ‘possession of
the rink’ – as soon as your bowl comes to rest, ‘possession of the rink’ is transferred to the
opposing player or team.
5.8 Positions
• When at the head, bear in mind that some bowlers like a clear view of the rink markers. Stand
behind the head, inside the rink markers, but not obscuring the central rink number.
• When at the head in sunny conditions, or as the sun sets, avoid standing where your shadow is
cast over the jack, making it difficult to see from the mat.
• Similarly, standing directly behind a white jack in white shoes can make the jack difficult to see.
• Players at the mat-end of the rink who are not delivering a bowl should stand at least one metre
behind the mat.
5.9 Responsibilities
• Follow the direction given by the skip, no matter whether you agree or disagree.
• Remember that the directions for the skip are only given by the number three in fours matches,
or the number two in triples. Other players should not interfere, unless asked.
5.10 Results of an end
• The result of each end (including measuring where required) is determined between the threes
(or twos in triples). Other players should not be involved.
• Do not disturb the head until the result of the end has been agreed.
5.11 General
• Encourage, rather than criticise – no one delivers a bad bowl intentionally.
• Avoid stating the obvious but provide help by indicating how far a bowl is from the jack.
• ‘Call’ or shout at your own bowls by all means – but do not ‘call’ your opponents’ bowls to go
through gaps, get ‘wrecked’, or to promote your own bowls – wishing misfortune on your
opponents’ bowls is unsporting.
• Commend good shots.
• Learn to accept lucky shots, both for and against you – they will balance out in the long run.
5.12 After the game
• Shake hands. Congratulate the opposing team and offer to buy your opposite number a drink
(after singles matches, your marker should be included in the invitation). Remember that your
opponent is a guest of the Club.
• Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are returned to the shed.
• Avoid making excuses for your lack of success the topic of conversation.

Section 6: Dress Code

6.1 In common with National guidelines Spencer Melksham Bowls Club’s dress code for members
ensures a degree of uniformity showing that the Club is a united and coherent body. Members of
Spencer Melksham Bowls Club are expected to abide by this code as follows:
6.2 Representative Games
• Spencer Melksham Bowls Club Shirt.
• Grey trousers, shorts or skirt. Ladies may wear ‘cut-off trousers.
• Correct bowls shoes must be worn.
• White outdoor jackets and over-trousers can be worn in inclement weather.
6.3 Mixed Friendlies
• Spencer Melksham Bowls Club Shirt*.
• White trousers, shorts or skirt. Ladies may wear ‘cut-off trousers.
• Correct bowls shoes must be worn.
• White outdoor jackets and over-trousers can be worn in inclement weather.
6.4 Club Competitions
• Spencer Melksham Bowls Club or white shirt.
• Grey trousers, shorts or skirt. Ladies may wear ‘cut-off trousers.
• Correct bowls shoes must be worn.
• White outdoor jackets and over-trousers can be worn in inclement weather
6.5 Club Finals
• Spencer Melksham Bowls Club Shirt.
• Grey trousers, shorts or skirt. Ladies may wear ‘cut-off trousers.
• Correct bowls shoes must be worn.
• White outdoor jackets and over-trousers can be worn in inclement weather.
6.6 Club Nights and Rollups
• Casual smart cloths.
• Correct bowls shoes must be worn.
6.7 Wearing of Shorts is optional for members in all club and league games provided:
6.7.1 They are smart, tailored – not baggy – knee length with no extra patch pockets. The colour to
be in accordance with the dress code for that game – grey or white.
6.7.2 For County or National games only shorts approved by bowls England and bearing bowls
England logo may be worn. Non-compliance will mean you will be unable to take part. Any
County or National games are subject to county or national rules regardless of the venue.
*NOTE- While waiting delivery of Club Shirts a player may wear a white shirt.

Section 7: Smoking and e-cigarettes

7.1 Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted inside or in front of the pavilion and on the green.

Section 8: Rink Booking

8.1 Members should book a rink ahead of their games in the folder provided in the Club Pavilion. County,
League and Club competitions will take precedence.

Section 9: Cleaning

9.1 Club Members are encouraged to assist with cleaning after games and at the start and end of the
season.

Section 10: Safety

10.1 Safety is the responsibility of all members and awareness of the following risk is essential:
• Big ditch around green.
• Top of ditch reinforced with aluminium angle plate to prevent collapses.
• Heavy bowls, jacks and equipment on and around the green.
• Green can be slippery.
• Chemicals on green (check sign).
• Bowls on green (easy to step on).

Section 11. Security

11.1 The security of the Club pavilion is the responsibility of every member and the following procedures
must be followed:
• First entry and last exit is through the Ladies changing room door.
• When finished bowling the equipment is put away and correctly stored.
• The shed is locked.
• The lights, kettles, heaters in the pavilion are turned off.
• The windows are shut and locked.
• The blinds are drawn.
• Toilet door is locked.
• Men’s changing room outside door locked.
• Front door bolted and locked.
• All keys are returned to the kitchen key safe.
• Ladies changing room doors are locked and key returned to outside key safe.
• The gates to the drive at the side of the pavilion are closed.

Section 12: Spectators and Children

12.1 Spectators and children are not allowed on the green unless involved in a game or coaching session.
12.2 Children must be supervised at all times, both around the bowling green and in the pavilion.
12.3 As with normal playing etiquette, spectators and children are to be mindful not to distract bowlers who
are bowling towards you, by moving or walking across the end of the rink. Wait until the bowl has
been delivered, then move.

Section 13: Dogs

13.1 Well behaved dogs are welcome, however they:
• Are not allowed on the green under any circumstances.
• They must be kept on a lead at all times.
• Any fouling must be picked up and disposed of appropriately.

Section 14: Guests in the Club

14.1 Members shall enter the names of all guests in the Visitor’s Book. Not more than three guests may be
introduced in any one day and the same guest may not be introduced more than four times in any
calendar year.

Section 15: Damage to Club property

15.1 A member shall not knowingly remove, injure, destroy or damage any property of the Club and shall
make restitution for the same if called upon to do so by the Committee.

Section 16: Exhibiting of Notices

16.1 A member shall not cause any communication in whatever form to be exhibited on Club Notice Boards
or premises without prior permission of the Secretary.

Section 17: Settlement of Accounts

17.1 A member shall settle any indebtedness for refreshment or otherwise before leaving the SSSC Club
premises.

Section 18: Discipline

18.1 Non-Bowling Club Matters:
18.1.1 These should be referred by the Bowls Committee to the Spencer Sports and Social Club
Secretary for action in accordance with their rules. They are not matters for decision by the
Bowls Committee.
18.2 Spencer Melksham Bowls Club matters:
18.2.1 Any complaints from Members or the Public on these matters should be received by the
Secretary in writing.
18.2.1 The Secretary shall at the earliest possible time, arrange a Disciplinary Committee and inform
them of the complaint and arrange for such complaint to be “heard”/discussed at the earliest
opportunity. Where appropriate the Bowl England Regulation procedure will be adhered.
18.2.3 The person/persons submitting the complaint should be invited to attend the proceedings as
should the person complained about. The person complained about can ask for a “friend” to
attend and that person is able to act on behalf of the person complained about or merely
attend for support.
18.2 Where a member is either the subject of a complaint or the person raising the complaint, they
may act in that capacity but cannot be a member of the Disciplinary Committee.
18.3 Decisions are to be communicated in writing to the person/persons raising the complaint and
to the person who is subject of the complaint within seven days of the decision.
18.4 Should parties to the complaint disagree with the decision given, they may if it is a bowling
matter appeal such decision to Bowls Wiltshire.
18.5 All meetings must be minuted and submissions made to the Disciplinary Committee must be in
writing and correctly retained within the Spencer Melksham Bowls Club records on a
Confidential basis.