Nominated Men’s and Women’s Fours CoP
Nominated Men’s and Women’s Fours Conditions of Play
All games shall be played in accordance with the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the Bowls South Africa Domestic Regulations, the PNB Standard Competition By Laws and the following Conditions of Play.
TEAMS
Each team shall consist of four or five players, all being first-call bona fide members of the same affiliated Club. If five players have been nominated, any four can play in any one match, the fifth player being deemed to be the registered reserve.
ENTRIES
The names of all the players in the team shall be submitted with the entry. Prior to playing its first game, a team may replace one or more of the players originally entered or add the name of a fifth player if only four were originally entered, provided that the player or players so substituted did not originally enter the competition.
DECLARATION FORMS
Immediately prior to playing its first match, the skip of each team shall sign the PNB declaration form. Thereafter a substitute may be utilised, provided that they have not participated in any previous rounds of the competition. (Refer clause 2.11.6 of these by laws).
FORMAT OF PLAY
1.1 The Fours Championships is to be played with two bowls per player on a league system in sections of four teams, over 15 ends. The play-offs of section winners shall be on a knockout basis, according to a pre-determined draw.
1.2 Teams must play on the same green for every round of sectional play.
1.3 All games of sectional play are to be completed, as net shots could decide section winners.
POINTS ALLOCATION AND SECTION WINNERS
3 Points for winning the game and 1 Point if the game is peeled.
The section winner shall be the team with the most points, and if a tie, the following sequential criteria will be used until a winner is determined. Net shots, shot percentage (i.e. shots for divided by shorts against), the winner of the game between the two teams during section play, and if still a tie, a one end tie-breaker will be played.
WITHDRAWAL DURING THE EVENT
A team or player withdrawing from the Championships at any time after commencement, with or without the consent of the Controlling Body shall cause all points in sectional play to be expunged. During knockout play a walkover shall be awarded to the opponent. If withdrawal is without the consent from the Controlling Body then suitable disciplinary action may be taken by Port Natal Bowls.
PLAYOFFS
Knockout play for all rounds shall be over 15 ends. In the event of a peel an extra end or ends will be played until a result is achieved.
DIRECTION OF PLAY
Play during sectional play shall be in the same direction for all games. Knockout – at the discretion of the host club.
PRACTICE AND WARMUP
No practice is allowed on the green nominated for play on the day of that round. Players may however warm up before a game with the approval of the Club Event Official (CEO) but must be in the opposite direction of expected play. No target such as a jack may be used but bowls may be delivered.
TOSSING FOR OPENING PLAY
Skips should toss with a coin to determine which side plays first.
TRIAL ENDS
One trial end in each direction may be played at the commencement of each game.
RESTRICTING THE MOVEMENT OF PLAYERS DURING PLAY
Leads and Seconds may not walk up to the head. Thirds, after delivering their first bowl, may be permitted to walk up to the head on being invited by the Skip and with the approval of the opposing Skip. Skips, after delivery of their first bowl.
DEAD ENDS & JACK
Dead ends or a jack being declared dead, the end is to be replayed.
SMOKING, ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CONSUPTION OF ALCOHOL
Smoking (including artificial devises or e-cigarettes such as Twisp), Cell Phones and Handheld TV devices will not be permitted within 2 metres of the green while play is in progress. Players should refrain from the consumption of alcohol during play. These rulings apply to all events under the control of Port Natal Bowls. The warning process and penalties are described in clause 2.14 in the General Competition By Laws.
GENERAL
If anything should arise that is not specifically covered in these Conditions of Play, then the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls Edition will apply.
October 2023