1 Name. This combination of clubs shall be called ‘The Country Darts League’ and may consist of one or more divisions dependent on numbers.
2 Government. The League shall be governed by a committee consisting of a Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Fixtures Secretary and an Executive Committee of 5 members all of whom shall be elected annually. This committee shall have power to deal with all matters of government according to the rules of the league. In the event of voting being equal the Chairperson shall have the casting vote. All questions of eligibility of players, interpretation of rules, as well as any other matters of dispute, shall be referred to the committee whose decision shall be final.
3 Auditors. Two auditors shall be elected at the AGM each year.
4 AGM. The annual general meeting shall be held on the second Wednesday of June. All clubs wishing to enter the league should send their applications and any rule alterations to the league secretary 21 days before the said meeting. New teams must attend the AGM with a letter asking for acceptance plus a £10 registration fee. Any existing teams have one week’s grace to enter the league after the AGM.
5 Balance Sheets. An audited balance must be presented at the AGM showing all income, expenditure and the financial position of the league up to the end of the previous season. The previous season closes after the presentation evening.
6 Notices. Teams shall receive notice of the AGM.
7 Rule Alterations. All proposed rule changes to be presented in writing to the league secretary 21 days before the AGM and will be voted on at the AGM. The committee has the right to amend rules at any time.
8 Membership. All new clubs desiring membership with the league shall be duly proposed seconded and accepted by the majority present at the AGM and will be entered into the second division. In the event of a number of clubs entering, clubs from the second division will be promoted to keep the two divisions as equal as possible in numbers. The Committee has the right to allow new teams to enter the league after the AGM up to the start of the season, providing it allows the fixtures secretary time to create the fixture list. If a team has to move club, due to closure or the pub/club no longer wanting a darts team, they will keep their existing position within the league, whether in season or in closed season. Any club wishing to enter a second team must prove to the league they have sufficient players to form two teams. If the existing team is in the second division they must be able to prove they have sufficient payers to form a first Division team i.e. minimum 12 players or the facilities to have 2 teams at home on the same night
9 Rules. Each team shall be supplied with a copy of the league rules. Any team infringing same shall be liable to such penalty as the committee decide.
10 Subscriptions. The annual subscription shall be £140 per team per season. A deposit of £10 to be paid at the AGM, £40 to be paid at the December meeting, £90 to be paid at the March meeting. The league treasurer will record all transactions in a duplicate receipt book and transfer to the ledger.
11 Signing On Sheets. All signing on sheets must be handed in at the December meeting, any team who has not will be fined by the committee.
12 Teams. Division 1 teams will consist of a minimum of 9 players, Division 2 teams will consist of a minimum of 6 players, all who must be a bona fide member of the team which they represent A bona fide player is one who is registered with the league secretary. A landlord or landlady, a steward or stewardess do not have to be registered and may play any of their teams but must not play for more than one team on the same night. Registration forms and competition forms must be brought to the first meeting after the start of the league. No player may play for another team on the same night. Any team playing a non registered player shall be deducted 2 points. Any team failing to fulfil their fixtures can be suspended for a minimum of two seasons.
13 Conduct. Players must exchange a handshake or knuckle tap before the start of each game and when the game has finished. Players must withdraw behind the toe mark when their opponent is due to throw. Subtle barracking such as humming, tapping of feet or rattling darts is not acceptable.
14 Playing Strength. Sufficient players to form a team must be registered with the league secretary at the December meeting after the start of the league. Any number of players may be registered with any team.
15 Match Play. All matches to be played home and away on a recognised Country League Board in accordance with the following regulations. Height of the bull from the floor to be 5ft 4in, distance from the toe mark to the board measured along the floor to be 7ft 6in, and players may move anywhere they like as long as they stay behind the 7ft 6in mark. The floor distance must be clearly marked by either a marked darts mat or a fixed plate. Any player overstepping the mark may be corrected by the marker at his opponent’s request. A player may use any darts he likes or he may change them during a game. All players must be drawn against each other, and are allowed 6 darts practise before starting their game. Any dart entering the required number will count providing that it remains in position until the next dart is thrown. In the case of the third dart it will only count if the player removes it whilst still in contact with the board. All games to be played around the board, doubles counting up to ten, and games to finish with the first double obtained by either player then any bull. If no double is hit then double twenty will apply. No player must throw for the double when he has reached twenty until the referee has called it. In League matches the home player will start each game. In the event of a drawn game the visiting player will throw first for double and bull. The home team must clear the board fifteen minutes before the match starts to allow the visitors to practice.
16 Cancellation of a Game. Any team not able to play on the designated night must notify their opponents and the fixtures secretary at least 48 Hours prior to the match. Any team not doing so will leave themselves open to disqualification from cup competitions, or in the case of a league match the team able to fulfil the fixture will be given the choice to claim the match 9-0 or to rearrange. If a suitable date cannot be found for a league match, the team not able to fulfil the fixture will lose the game 9-0. The league committee’s decision will be final.
17 Filling out the match Card. Both teams will have a duplicate scorebook; each captain should fill in their side of the card (players initial and surname are required), and then swap with the opposing captain to complete the card. If a team is short of players they may put their players anywhere between one and nine in their book and mark the non playable games BYE.
18 Order Of Play The home team has the choice in order play in league matches only. If a player is going to be late then the captains should agree whether to allow the player to play before the match commences. An interval may be arranged mutually by the teams concerned.
19 Division 1 League Matches. Matches played over 9 games of singles games one leg per game, the home team will throw first in all nine games
20 Division 2 League Matches. Matches played over 9 games of 6 singles games and 3 doubles games one leg per game. The home team will throw first in all nine games. This requires a minimum of six players and a maximum of 12 players. Any player may play in one singles game and one doubles game
21 League Match Results. The winning team shall be awarded two points.
22 Neutral Venues. Where the secretary has chosen a neutral venue this will be final, these venues are chosen on the basis of, equal distance between the 2 teams and the venue being large enough to accommodate both teams and a reasonable amount of supporters.
23 Final League Table. At the end of the season if there is a tie for 1st position a play off will take place to decide the league winner. In the event of a tie for 2nd place in Division 2 the number of legs won will apply first. If the legs won is equal the results between the teams will decide the position using first if one team won both fixtures, then if 1 win each , legs won applies, if they are still equal a play off will take place to decide who will be promoted. The league will decide the date & venue and appoint a neutral referee. The toss of a coin on the night will give the team winning the toss the choice of who will throw first in legs 1, 3,5,7,9. In the case of a tie for 2nd place in Division 1 the number of legs won will apply first. If the legs won is equal the results between the teams will decide the position using first if one team won both fixtures, then if 1 win each , legs won applies, if they are still equal then they will share 2nd place. This also applies to relegation places for Division 1. There will be no play off for these positions
24 Referees. The home team shall supply the referee in all games, to start the match after six practice darts each the referee will ask both/all players if they are ready to start. The referee will call the start of the mach by requesting order & shall request and maintain order throughout the game for the benefit of both/all players. The referee will call out the following number as each required number is hit. Prior to each player commencing his next three darts the referee will inform the player what they require. A player may not throw for the double or the bull until the referee calls it. If a player throws for a number without the referees call and the player is incorrect he will go back to the correct number with his next throw. The referee may stop a player’s throw at any time to check a number. If a referee calls a number incorrectly and the player hits the next number the call must stand. All players must abide by the referees decision.
25 Fees. The secretary of each team shall collect the fees from his team and hand these to the league Treasurer when asked for. Any team failing to pay fees will automatically be banned and all their registered players will no longer be allowed to play. The pub or club will not be allowed a team until the issue is resolved.
26 Match Report. The home & away team captain to keep the scorecards, which must be handed to the league secretary at the next meeting. It is the responsibility of the winning team to phone, text or e-mail in the result before 8.30am on the day after the match. Phone number to text results is 07812 676175 or e-mail countrydartsleague@hotmail.com Any team not sending in the results are liable to a fine and may even be deducted points for persistent abuse.
27 Fines. For no attendance at meetings all teams will be subject to a fine of 2 points, Apologies will not be accepted as there are a minimum of 9 players per team and only one member needs to attend.
28 Re-arranged matches. Should weather conditions prevent any match from being played a mutually re-arranged game must be reported to the league secretary as soon as possible. If it is not done so within one month the fixtures secretary will order the game to be played on a given date.
29 Resignation. Should any team drop out of the league before the end of the season another team may be elected to take their place and points. If no team is available to take their place then the resigning team’s record will be deleted.
30 Protests. Protests must be sent to the league secretary in writing within three days of the event. Should either team have a member on the executive committee the said member shall not be able to attend the meeting to consider the protest.
31 Fines (Payments). All fines must be paid at the meeting following notification.
32 Trophies. All trophies must be returned to the league secretary at the March Meeting before the end of the season for cleaning, all teams will be held responsible for trophies lost or stolen.
33 Treasurer. The league treasurer shall receive and pay all monies and keep account of the same, which shall be submitted to the monthly meetings for approval. Funds are to be deposited in an approved bank account in the names of the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.
34 Chairperson. The Hon Chairperson will chair all meetings, and set agenda for such, they will also ensure that the Secretary and Treasurer are up to date with all matters regarding to the smooth running of the league.
35 Secretary. The secretary shall keep a book that records the proceedings and dates of all meetings, the minutes of the previous meeting shall be read at each meeting. The secretary shall summon all meetings, take the roll call and give notice required for the proper management of the league.
36 Fixtures Secretary. The fixtures secretary shall be responsible for setting the league dates, games and cup competitions and will keep an up to date record of such. They will also record all results and manage the league tables and keep all teams up to date.
37 Communications. All correspondence should be sent to the league secretary, any team requiring a written reply a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed.
38 Sub Committee. Five club representatives on the committee shall be deemed the executive committee to act in the case of all disputes.
39 Officials. All officials shall be voted for at the start of the AGM each year.
40 Matches. All league matches to start at 9.00pm at the latest, and all cup matches start at 9.00pm at the latest. During all League and Cup games the board should not be vacant for more than ten minutes between legs.
41 Registration. All teams may register new players until 31st December. If a team folds before 31st December their players may sign for another team at the discretion of the executive committee. Players will not be allowed to move clubs without the committee’s approval.
42 Transferring Of Players. If a player wishes to move teams once having played one or more league matches, the following process shall apply. The player, the captain from the team the player wishes to leave and the captain of the team the player wishes to join must appear before the committee and explain the reason for the move. The decision will be made by a committee vote. However a first division player will not be allowed to move to another 1st division tem as they may well have influenced a result. The same applies for a second division player. If a player is granted a move that player will be cup tied. The committee’s decision will be final in all cases. If one of the teams involved has a member on the committee that member will not be allowed to vote.
43 Bob Darbyshire Trophy. This is awarded to the player with the best average wins/played. Every player in the league is entered, the average will be calculated using scorecards handed in; it is up to each team to ensure every match report is given to the league secretary, cards not handed in will not count. The best average is decided by the player who wins the most games in the least played i.e. won 16 played 17 is better than won 16 played 18. Only league match’s count, the committee’s decision is final. Players entered on a card, but no opponent available, will not count as a win towards this average.
44 Presentation Night Raffle. The league will provide the raffle books and the main three prizes, each club will provide a prize usually a bottle i.e. Wine or Spirit.
Cup Competition Rules
Millbrook Cup
This is a five a side knockout competition for Division 1 teams, where up to 2 teams of six players are registered per Club, any five of whom may play. Played as drawn, best of three legs. The toss of a coin will decide who starts the first leg in each game. The player winning the first leg will start the second leg. If a third leg is required the toss of a coin will decide who starts. When the draw is made the first team out will be the home team, except in the case of the semi-final and final where the committee will decide the venue and referees.
Stan Tuson Trophy
This is a five a side knockout competition for Division 2 teams, where up to 2 teams of six players are registered per Club, any five of whom may play. Played as drawn, over three legs. The toss of a coin will decide who starts the first leg in each game. The player winning the first leg will start the second leg. If a third leg is required the
toss of a coin will decide who starts. When the draw is made the first team out will be the home team, except in the case of the semi-final and final where the committee will decide the venue and referees.
Burtonwood Cup
This is a team knockout competition for both divisions and all registered players are eligible to play. Played round the board, with drawn Double, Treble and any Bull to finish. The numbers 1 to 20 are used for the double, which is to be drawn out prior to each leg. When the draw is made the first team out will be the home team, except in the case of the Semi-Final and Final, where the committee will decide the venue and referees, in this case the toss of a coin on the night will decide who the home team is. The home team will throw second in legs 1, 3,5,7,9 and the away team will throw second in legs 2,4,6,8.
Amendment
With regard to Division 2 teams, a team that cannot manage 9 players will be given discretion by their opponents e.g. if they have 7 players the first seven games should be drawn, then the team which is short will refold all seven names and the remaining two games drawn. The minimum number of players is six if the team does not have six then games will be given away. This rule does not apply to Division 1 teams. Division 2 teams are not expected to abuse this ruling by only using their 6 or so best player any team found abusing this ruling will be disqualified from the competition.
Des Curbishley Trophy
This is a three a side knockout competition for one team per Club open to both divisions and all registered players are eligible, of which any three can play. The Match is on a round robin basis where each player will play each player of the opposition over one leg. When the draw is made the first team out will be the home team, except in the case of the Semi-Final and Final, where the committee will decide the venue and referees, in this case the toss of a coin on the night will decide who the home team is. The home team will throw second in legs 1, 3,5,7,9 and the away team will throw second in legs 2,4,6,8. The card should be filled in as follows, each team decides the order of their players, the home team put their players on the card1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3. The away team put their players on the card 1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 2, 2, 3, 1.The games are played in card order.
H Nicholson Individual Trophy
This is a singles knockout competition and is open to all registered players in the league. All rounds played on one night at Owley Wood Club except the Semi-Finals and Final. These will be played on Presentation Night. Please note if a player is not going to be available for Presentation Night they should not enter. No exceptions will be accepted, if a pair cannot play on Presentation night, the player they defeated will take their place. A club may enter as many players as they wish. All games are best of 3 legs. The toss of a coin will decide who starts the first leg. The player winning the first leg will start the second leg. If a third leg is required the toss of a coin will decide who starts. The losing player will mark the next game on the Board.
Presidents Cup
This is a pair’s knockout competition and is open to all registered players in the league. All rounds played on one night at Owley Wood Club except the Semi-Finals and Final. These will be played on Presentation Night. Please note if a player is not going to be available for Presentation Night they should not enter. No exceptions will be accepted, if a pair cannot play on Presentation night, the pair they defeated will take their place. A club may enter as many pairs as they wish. All games are best of 3 legs. The toss of a coin will decide who starts the first leg. The player winning the first leg will start the second leg. If a third leg is required the toss of a coin will decide who starts. One of the losing players will mark the next game on the board.