Rules and Constitution 2025.
MID DEVON BOWLING LEAGUE.
AFFILIATED TO BOWLS ENGLAND & BOWLS DEVON.
FOUNDED 1914
RULES & CONSTITUTION AS AGREED, AT 2024 A.G.M. HELD AT NEWTON ABBOT BC. 09/11/2024
RULES & CONSTITUTION AMENDED 1/1/2025
CONTENTS
SECTION 1. Name
SECTION 2 Objectives
SECTION 3 Memberships
SECTION 4 Fees & Prizes[A.G.M. 2021]
SECTION 5 Administration.
SECTION 6 Annual & other General Meeting
SECTION 7 Standing Orders
SECTION 8 Duties of Officers.
SECTION 9 Allowances & Expenses.
SECTION 10 Championships.
SECTION 11 Conditions of League Games, [A.G.M. 2021]
SECTION 12 Breach of Constitution.
SECTION 13 Alterations to the Rules and Constitution.
SECTION 1.
NAME.
a) The name of the league shall be THE MID-DEVON BOWLING LEAGUE. [herein after referred to within this Constitution as the [League].
b) The League shall be affiliated to Bowls England and Bowls Devon.
SECTION 2.
OBJECTIVES.
a) The objectives of the League are to provide facilities for, and to promote participation in the competitive amateur sport of outdoor flat green bowls for men within twenty [20] miles radius of Newton Abbot.
b) The League shall adopt and conform to Bowls England & Regulations and The Crystal Laws of the Sport of Bowls.
c) By establishing divisions of the League, each containing the approximately same number of teams with a minimum of seven [7] per division.
d) A system of promotion and relegation will operate within the divisions of the League.
e) By selecting a Mid Devon League team for the Devon Inter-League Trophy And other selected representative matches.
f) By holding Annual Singles, Pairs, Triples and Four Competitions.
g) To foster good fellowship among bowlers and clubs.
h) A copy of the M.D.B.L. Rules should be displayed in an appropriate site at your club.
THESE RULES FOR THE M.D.B.L. DO NOT COVER ALL SITUATIONS THAT COULD ARISE. IT IS EXPECTED THAT IF A SITUATION SHOULD ARISE THAT IS NOT COVERED WITHIN THESE RULES IT SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN THE SPIRIT OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP / FELLOWSHIP, FAIR PLAY, AND COMMON SENSE.
SECTION 3.
MEMBERSHIP.
a) Full membership of the League shall be open to clubs within a twenty [20] mile radius of Newton Abbot who shall be affiliated to Bowls England and Bowls Devon. Clubs can register more than one team in the League, each team being regarded as a separate entity for the purposes of administration. Each team in the League shall consist of sixteen [16] registered Players, Playing Fours. [A.G.M 2023].
b) Clubs seeking election to the League shall apply in writing to the Secretary stating full particulars of club name address, number of male members and type of green. Where necessary an inspection of the green and facilities will be arranged and reported to the Management Committee for consideration.
c) Successful applications will be registered in the League and admitted to the lowest division. Any adjustments to members of teams per division as a result of admissions or resignations will be made by promotion in order of merit after the normal promotions & Relegations have been made.
d) All applications to register a club in the League shall be endorsed at the Annual General Meeting.
e) A club that does not register a playing team in the League may apply for Associate Membership at a fee determined by the Management Committee.
f) Honorary Life Membership on the recommendation of the Management Committee. The League may grant Honorary Life Membership to any person who has been deemed to have rendered exceptional services to the League.
SECTION 4.
FEES & PRIZES.
a) Affiliation fees for registered League clubs and competition fees and prizes, will be determined at the Annual General Meeting. Affiliated fees must be paid by 31st January each year. [A.G.M. 2023].
b) Clubs failing to pay fees as stated under SECTION 4 [a] shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership until the whole of the arrears have been paid.
c) The committee shall set prizes for League competitions.
d) Cups/Trophies presented to successful entrants remain the property of the League. Engraved by the winner and returned to the League by the 1st of October the following year.
Section 5.
ADMINISTRATION.
A) The affairs of the League, including the finances shall be conducted by a Management Committee consisting of,
a. The President.
b. The Vice President.
c. The Immediate Past President.
d. The Secretary.
e. The Treasurer.
f. The Results Secretary.
g. The Competitions Secretary.
h. The Match Secretary.
i. Plus, four [4] elected members, and an accounts checker.
B) Five [5] members shall constitute a Quorum.
C) The Management Committee shall meet as often as the Business of the League demands but not less than twice a year.
D) The management committee shall have the power to submit a Notice of motion and to make recommendations to the Annual or Special General Meetings.
E) The Management Committee shall be responsible for all selections of the League Teams and for making the arrangements and the draws for the League Competitions.
F) The Management Committee shall be vested with the power to administer the finances and affairs of the League in all matters apart from alteration to the Rules and Constitution. It shall have the power to appoint sub-committees and delegates or representatives to appropriate bodies. It shall appoint an emergency sub-committee consisting of the: President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Results and competition Secretary is to deal with other matters of which the said sub-committee shall have.
Power to act on behalf of the League, each sub-committee shall appoint its own Chair.
G) The election of the President shall be made by the management Committee, the election of other officers shall take place at the AGM, and they will hold office for one year. Nominations for officers should be submitted to the Secretary two [2] months prior to the AGM. The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy arising among the officers and to co-opt further members to the Committee when deemed necessary.
SECTION 6.
ANNUAL & OTHER GENERAL MEETINGS.
The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held on the second Saturday in November each year. The notice and agenda of this meeting and any Special General Meeting of the League shall be sent to each League club via their Secretary, by e-mail or other means, at least fourteen [14] days prior to the date of the meeting.
ALTERATION OF RULES OR CONSTITUTION.
Alteration of, or addition to all or any of the Rules & Constitution shall only be made at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting convened for this purpose. Motions for alterations of or additions to the foregoing Rules shall be deemed to be passed when at least two-thirds [2/3rds] of the eligible votes are cast in favour.
TEAM REPRESENTATIVES.
Each registered team in the League shall be represented by two [2] delegates, each empowered to vote. Decisions will be taken by card vote. The Chairperson is to have the casting vote in the event of a tied vote. Members of the clubs affiliated to the League may attend the meetings but only the Officers of the league and delegates shall be allowed to vote. All clubs are requested to hold their Annual General Meetings in time to facilitate the operation of the A.G.M.
AGENDA.
Every item on the agenda shall be submitted for discussion, and all votes for and against are to be counted and recorded in the minutes.
NOTICE OF MOTION.
Notices of motion or amendment can be submitted by [i] the Management Committee, [ii] or by member clubs. In the case of member clubs, they should be submitted on headed club notepaper and be signed by the relevant club Secretary and seconded by another club. The Notices of motion shall reach the Secretary two [2] calendar months before the date of the meeting. Amendments to the motions must be submitted to the League Secretary three [3] weeks before the date of the meeting. The motion or amendment should be moved by one club member and seconded by another club, as for a motion. All motions and amendments must be submitted to the Secretary by the appropriate dates.
SPECIAL MEETINGS.
If the management Committee of the League shall determine sufficient cause has been made /shown, a Special General Meeting shall be summoned within twenty [20] days of the receipt of the request or on the request of five [5] League Clubs to consider the grievance of grievances if more than one, or any business set forth in this request. The request shall clearly state the nature of the matters at issue and when made by a League Notice calling a Special General Meeting shall state the purpose or purpose for which the meeting has been summoned and no other business shall be transacted at the meeting.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
Election of Officers shall take place at the Annual General Meeting as follows: [see SECTION 5]
Section 7.
STANDING ORDERS.
Format for Motion.
A motion is a formal recommendation put to a meeting for debate and consideration. The motion should be moved by one club and seconded by another before it is open for discussion, [see SECTION 6]. The mover has the right to speak first followed by the seconder. Others may then speak either for or against the motion following which the mover has the right to reply. The Chairperson then puts the motion to vote.
Format.
Motion. Exact wording of the motion
Mover’s. Name, A.N. Other, plus the Club Secretary signs the motion.
Seconder’s. Name, B. Blogs, must be from another club.
Speaking Order.
Mover. Must speak first to the motion
Seconder. Can speak immediately or reserve the right to speak but can only speak once.
Speakers for the motion. Can only speak once.
Speakers against the motion. Can only speak once.
Right of reply. Only the Mover can speak, can only speak to answer questions introduced during the debate. Cannot introduce new material.
Vote is taken as soon as right of reply is completed.
Secretary records result. Adopted Yes/No.
If passed the motion becomes a resolution.
AMENDMENT
To the original motion may be moved and seconded. However, such an amendment must not alter the intention of the original motion. The amendment is delt with before the original motion and if passed, becomes the motion. [see Section 6].
No motion on any matter not arising out of the Management Committee shall be considered at any General Meeting unless specified on the agenda.
Format for Amendment.
Amendment. Record exact wording of the Amendment all, Amendments must be relevant to the motion
Mover’s. Name A.N. Other, plus club Secretary signs Amendment.
Seconder. B. Blog’s, must be from another club.
SPEAKING ORDER.
Mover. Must speak first to the Amendment
Seconder. Can speak immediately after the mover
Speakers for the Amendment. Can only speak once.
Speakers against the Amendment. Can only speak once
Right of reply. Only the Mover of the original Motion can speak, Can only speak to answer questions introduced during the debate. Cannot introduce new material.
Vote is taken as soon as right of reply is completed
Secretary. records results Adopted Yes/No.
SECTION 8.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
President.
a) To act as Chairperson at all meetings of the League.
b) To submit an annual report to the Annual General Meeting.
c) To attend any meetings of the Affiliated if being the League delegate.
d) Represent the League at all official functions.
Secretary.
a) To establish a meeting schedule for the Committee for the current year.
b) To provide secretarial and administrative support to the Committee.
c) To Maintain an up-to-date copy of the Constitution.
d) To maintain a complete record of league activities.
e) To be familiar with the Constitution and give advice when necessary.
f) To prepare minutes of all Committee & General Meetings of the League.
g) To distribute minutes as required.
h) To receive all correspondence as directed by the Committee.
i) To send out all correspondence as directed by the Committee.
j) To ensure that all licenses required by the League are current.
k) To function as the public official of the League.
l) To maintain a record of clubs affiliated to the League.
Treasurer.
a) To prepare an annual financial budget for the League for presentation at the first meeting after the AGM.
b) To deal with all Banking activities.
c) To maintain accounts of all income and expenditure.
d) To report at meetings of the Committee.
e) To present all accounts for payments for approval.
f) To Manage the League bank accounts to ensure all cheques are honoured.
g) To ensure that all Tax commitments are met if any.
h) To ensure the Leagues financial records are correctly audited/reviewed.
i) To present the accounts to members at the AGM.
RESULTS SECRETARY.
a) The Results Secretary shall receive from the clubs a list of players participating in each team in the League.
b) The Results Secretary shall receive results sheets to record and maintain the League tables for each division. At regular intervals he will submit League tables to participating Leagues where possible and to the local media for publication. 11
Competition Secretary.
To arrange the competitions as shown in [Section 10]
Match Secretary.
a) By selecting a Mid-Devon-League team for the Devon Inter-League Trophy and other selected representative matches and friendly matches, provide Leagues with copies of these fixtures, obtain names of players requesting participation and circulate to leagues the selected teams.
Committee Members.
Are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the League. It is the responsibility of all committee members to:
a) Undertake to attend meetings.
b) Undertake and complete on time task allocated.
SECTION 9.
ALLOWANCES & EXPENCES.
a) Each year at the Annual General Meeting, the Management Committee shall recommend for consideration the Allowances for the Officers of the Committee.
b) The management committee shall determine the Expenses paid to Officers and the Committee Members as deemed necessary.
SECTION 10.
CHAMPIONSHIPS.
a) The League shall hold each year the following Championships.
b) Singles – Twenty-one [21] shots, winner receives a Silver Bowl & Voucher, runner up receives a Voucher.
c) Pairs – Twenty-one [21] ends, Winners receive a Trophy & Vouchers, runners up receive Vouchers.
d) Triples – Eighteen [18] ends, Winners receive a Trophy & Vouchers. Runners up receive Vouchers.
e) Singles, Pairs & Triples competitions are run on play by dates with about three weeks between each round. The top name [Names] on the draw sheet for each round are considered the challengers. The challengers will contact their opponents at least 14 days before the play by date and offer 3 suitable dates, 1, to be an evening and 1, to be at the weekend, the opponents must accept one of these dates. The challengers have the right to use their clubs green, if the challenge is made later than 14 days to the play by date the 12 opponents have the right to name any date and green for the fixture. There will be no extensions to the play by dates.
f) The Mid-Devon Cup [rinks] – Twenty – One [21] ends. To be played on Saturdays in July up to the semi-final stage. Each League Team is entitled to enter one rink of fours.
g) Entrants for all competitions must be members of a club registered with the Mid-Devon Bowling League. In the case where a player is a member of more the one club, once they have played in a League match or any MDL competition in any given season, they may only enter competitions, for that club in the same season.
h) Only one player [a member of the same club] will be allowed to substitute in Pairs & Triples.
i) MDL Cup [Fours] is a team game made up of a Team or club in the League, only one Four from each team or club in the League may enter, substitutions as per [Section 11].
j) All finals to be played on the second Saturday in September each year, on a green to be determined by the Management Committee. It will be regulation dress [Whites & club shirts] for the final.
k) Competitors unable to play in any Competition should notify the Competitions Secretary and the opponent/opponents no later than ONE DAY before the Competition, failure to do so, the Competitor’s will be banned from all League Competitions the following season.
l) All game shall be played as per Section as far as it applies.
m) If a player is playing in more than one competition and reaches more than one final, if such finals clash it is the responsibility of the player as to the course of action he takes, the course of action he takes must not interfere with any other player.
n) NB The singles final must take precedent. [A.G.M. 2022].
SECTION 11.
CONDITIONS OF LEAGUE GAME’S
REGISTRATION.
All previously registered teams as per [Section 2 b&c] will be required to reregister each year to indicate their intention to play in the current season’s League. This must be done by 31st of January each year to the RESULTS’ SECRETARY & payment of FEES’ to the TREASURER, failure to do this will result in your entry being revoked. [A.G.M. 2021] Each team in the League shall consist of a minimum of Sixteen [16] registered players [A.G.M. 2023].
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
Each team will receive a registration card from the results Secretary with the team’s registration code. Club Secretaries of Member Clubs must submit players names and unique pin number [e.g. Players Name then Pin e.g. 2BB01] to the results Secretary, showing the team for which they will be registered on the registration form provided. When completed with players number and code. ALSO, THE NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF EACH TEAMS CAPTAIN. Plus, e-mail. This must be returned to the results Secretary no later than the 1st of May or 7 days before their first match.
Please keep copies for your own/club reference.
The members listed must be bona-fida Members of the said club. A club entering only ONE team should register a minimum of Sixteen [16] players for such team, and all other registered League players, A club entering more than ONE team should register a minimum of Sixteen [16] players for each team. The lowest ranking team at the club will then register all other League players, [A.G.M. 2021.]
Secretaries of member clubs must submit members names to the results Secretary showing the team for which they will be registered. Not later than 1st of May [A.G.M. 2021], each year or seven [7] days before their first match. The members listed must be bona-fida Members of the club. Secretaries of Member Clubs must submit a copy of their League Fixtures to the Results Secretary no later than 1st of May [A.G.M. 2021] each year. The Secretary of any club wishing to register additional Members as players in the League may do so by contacting the Results Secretary in writing or by telephone or e-mail at least 24 hours before any such player/players are eligible to play in any Match or competitions. A player cannot play until he receives his PIN. [A.G.M. 2022].
A Registered League Player shall not play in any MDL match or competition for more than one club in any season. [A.G.M 2023]
UNREGISTERED PLAYERS/SANCTIONS.
The playing of an unregistered player in any team in a League match will mean an automatic deduction of four [4] points and Forty [40] shots for the offence, Eight [8] points and 80 shots for the second offence/ Ten [10] points and 100 shots for the third offence and for any following offences from the offending teams total for each match where the default is found. Any points scored by non-offending team in the Match/Matches will be retained. [A.G.M. 2022].
SHORTAGE OF PLAYERS.
A TEAM’S INABILITY TO COMPLETE ALL OF THEIR FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON BY THE END OF THE SEASON WILL RESULT IN THEIR WITHDRAWAL FROM THE LEAGUE. [A.G.M. 2022]
If a club has entered more than one team, the SENIOR team MUST field [16] SIXTEEN players for every fixture. If two or more teams from the same club are scheduled to play matches at the same time the SENIOR team will take priority with players [A.G.M. 2024]
If a team has twelve [12] or more players available the match must be played, any rink playing less than Four [4] players the 25% rule will apply.[ As per order of play] [A.G.M. 2023] 14 A League Club with Twenty-Four [24] Men Members may apply to the League for dispensation to play Ladies in their League Teams. They must be registered with the same club. Affiliated Lady Members [A.L.M.] must be fully paid member of their club, only one A.L.M to play per rink.
Lady County Badged Players are not eligible to play. A.L.M. may play in League games only and may not feature in MDL games as stated in SECTION 10. MDL male members must be selected to play if available. The number of A.L.M,s allowed to be registered to bring players up to 25.
When male players at the club reach 25 in number the A.L.M,s are no longer allowed to play and Dispensation ends. This dispensation will be granted by the League Committee on a team basis only. [A.G.M. 2022]. This dispensation will not apply to clubs entering more than One [1] team in the League.
SUBSTITUTIONS.
Where a club registers more than one team in the League, a player registered for a higher-ranking team may not play for a lower-ranking team, but a player registered for a lower-ranking team can only play a total of Six [6] times as a substitute for a higher-ranking team per season. No more than Eight [8] substitutes per team is permitted in any one match [AGM 2023], in special circumstances permission MAY be authorized by the MDL Secretary who will notify the results Secretary, If sanctioned the opposing team must be advised. All such substitutions must be clearly marked on the results card. Any player who plays more than six [6] times as a substitute will be treated as unregistered and delt with as per, [UNREGISTERED PLAYERS / SANCTIONS] for each occasion’ [A.G.M. 2023]
RE-REGISTRATIONS.
Up to a maximum of three [3] players who are registered for a Higher Status Team in the Mid-Devon League may be de-registered from a Higher Status Team and may re-register for a lower Status team from the same club, provided they have not played more the Six [6] times for the Higher Status Team in that season. Once de-registered and registered for another Team in the same club. These players cannot be used as a substitute for any Higher Status Team. Any Players from a Lower Status Team/Teams may be registered for the Higher Status Team and once registered they cannot play for a Lower Status Team in the current Season. Re-registrations down or up will not be permitted after 30th June each year. Any such player then substituting will be treated as an un-registered player.
RANKING.
Where Two [2] or more Teams from the same club are in the same Division, the club must nominate the Higher-Ranking Team/s and inform the League before the beginning of the Season. And the substitutions Rule will then apply. The Two [2] Matches between Teams from the same club in the Division must be played by the 3rd of June. If not, it will be deemed to have been played and both teams score zero points.
ORDER OF PLAY.
The direction of play will be the prerogative of the home team. The rink playing order must be selected by chance, by the home Skip placing his cards face down on a table and the away Skip then then placing his cards on top and marking the rink numbers. Matches shall consist of Twenty-One [21] ends [with shots counting on each end except where the end is tied]. In the event of the Umpire and/or the Green Keeper [or in their absence the 2 Captains] deciding that no play or further play is possible. Matches in which the total number of ends’ played equals or exceeds Fifty-Two [52] will be deemed to have been completed and the scores will stand. If the total number of ends played is less than Fifty -Two [52] the Match will be declared void and will be re-played at a later date.
Should a player in a League match be injured or taken ill during then game a line should be drawn across that Rinks score card and remaining ends played 3 v 4 players with the Leads & 2 in the short numbers rink playing with 3 bowls, At the end of the game the total shots scored below the line should have 25% deducted, and this total added to the shots scored above the line to give the final total for the game. In the aforementioned circumstances the players using 3 bowls [Lead & No2] may use bowls from a different set. If a team knows prior to the match that it will be playing with less than sixteen players, the players using 3 bowls must use bowls from the same set, the game must be played as rinks [ie, 21 ends] illness or injury during Singles, Pairs or Triples match will mean the match is abandoned [regardless of ends played] and if possible, played at a later date.
FIXTURES.
No fixtures may be conceded, and all fixtures MUST BE PLAYED. ALL fixtures must be scheduled to be played before the last Saturday in August. [A.G.M. 2019]. Once Clubs have agreed fixtures before the season. The fixture list must be sent to League & Results Secretaries, Teams may alter these fixtures by MUTUAL AGREEMENT with the opponents.
The League Secretary must be informed of any rearranged games before the original play by date by the home team, but otherwise the agreed dates are expected to be honoured and should only be changed in extreme circumstances. If a match is postponed at short notice or without the agreement of both teams the defaulting team will be deemed to be at fault. The not at fault team may make a written complaint, this should be received by the Management Committee Secretary within 7 days of the notification of the postponement of a fixture. The MDL Secretary shall inform the defaulting club Secretary or Representative that such a complaint has been received and provide a copy of the substance of the complaint. The defaulting Club should be invited to explain the reasons for their requested Postponement request. The defaulting club should reply within [7[ days from the receipt of the notification, when the management Committee shall meet to consider all the circumstances involved and after deliberations has the power to deduct points and shots from the offending team as under [UNREGISTERED PLAYERS/SANCTIONS] the match will still need to be played. If for any reason a team is unable to play all of its arranged fixtures it will be deemed that the team has withdrawn from the League and all matches already played will be treated as void. The offending team will require to apply to re-join the League as under [Section 3. Membership]. Of the Rules & Constitution. [A.G.M. 2021]
If for any reason a team is unable to arrange its fixtures for a season. Please refer to appendix ‘A’ at the end of the Rule book [A.G.M. 2019]
ATTENDANCE.
Every player taking part in a League match shall be on the Green ready to commence play [Including Trail Ends] within 15 minutes of the time stated on the fixture card agreed by the clubs. Under certain circumstances the 2 Captains may agree otherwise.
INCOMPLETE TEAM.
If less than Twelve [12] registered players present for a League Match, the match will be declared void, the match must be re-played as and when the Management Committee so directs, The Committee will consider whether the defaulting team should be fined points and/ or shots for the absence of players, The offending Team will be delt with as under per [UNREGISTERED PLAYESR/SANCTIONS].
[NB UNDER THE LAWS OF THE GAME OF Bowls where a rink plays with One [1] Player short, that rink will lose 25% of its shots.]
DRESS CODE.
All players in all Mid-Devon League and Competitions Matches shall wear ‘White’ above the waist or Bowls Devon approved Club Shirts/Strip. Individual players may wear Tailored shorts in correct colours, players shall be dressed as a team. White Waterproofs may also be worn.
SCORING CARDS.
Cards will be kept as per Bowls England Rules, unless there is a marker appointed, The result card is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that it is correctly completed and returned to the results Secretary within Five [5] postal days after the match, [IT WAS AGREED THAT THE PREMIER DIVION WOULD TRAIL A DIGITAL METHOD OF RETURNING THEIR RESULTS CARDS ] [A.G.M. 2023]
The system of scoring in League matches is as follows.
Overall Win - 6 points.
Overall Draw - 3 points.
Rink Win - 2 points.
Rink Draw - 1 point.
Where Teams have Equal Points the League aggregate difference will determine the position of the teams in the League.
PRIZES.
The ‘Winners’ of each division will receive a Perpetual Trophy and certificate to be presented at the Annual General Meeting, At the end of each season, the Top Two [2] Teams in each division 1,2,3 and 4 will be promoted to the next Higher Division, and the bottom Two [2] Teams in the Premier Division, 1,2, and 3 will be demoted to the next Lower Division, Should any Two [2] Teams be equal in point & Shot difference, the Promotion & Demotion will be decided by the addition of these Teams Home & Away Matches between them during the season. If this fails to produce a result, a decision will be made by the [toss of a coin] at the Annual General Meeting in the November of the season.
TEAM WITHDRAWAL.
If a club withdraws a team from the League mid-season, all matches played by the Withdrawing club shall be declared void and all point scored for & against shall be deleted. [Any breaches of the above playing Rules shall be reported in writing to the Management Committee Secretary for consideration by the Management Committee]
SECTION 12.
BREACH OF CONSTITUTION.
Upon any breach of the Constitution of the League it shall be competent for the Management Committee after due consideration of the facts and if need to be the examination of witnesses and relevant evidence to suspend or determine the full Membership of a club or Associate Member, but the club or Associate Member shall have the full right to appeal to the Annual General Meeting providing the appeal is signed by its Office bearers and lodged with the Secretary within Fourteen [14] days of the Committee decision. Such an appeal shall state the grounds on which it is made.
SECTION 13.
ALTERATIONS OF RULES AND CONSTITUTION.
a) Alteration of or additions to all or any of the foregoing Rules shall only be made at the Annual General Meeting / Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.
b) Motion for alterations of or additions to the foregoing Rules shall be deemed to be passed when at least Two Thirds [2/3rds] of the eligible votes are cast in favour.
c) Motions submitted by a club require Two [2] calendar months’ notice of the terms of the proposed alteration or additions to the foregoing Rules. 18
d) If at any Annual General Meeting of the League a resolution is passed for the dissolution of the League, the League Secretary shall immediately convene a Special General Meeting to be held not less than One [1] month thereafter, to discuss and vote on the resolution, if at the Special General Meeting the resolution is carried by at least Two-Thirds [2/3rds] of the members present. The committee shall thereupon, or such a date shall be specified in the resolution, proceed to realise the assets of the League, and discharge all Debts & Liabilities, after discharging all Debts & Liabilities of the League the remaining assets shall be given or transferred to some other voluntary organization having similar objectives.
e) NB Anything not covered by the foregoing Rules & Constitution will be Decided by reference to Bowls England and/or Bowls Devon as determined by the Management Committee.
HISTORICAL NOTE.
The Mid-Devon Bowling League was founded on the 29th of January 1914.
The following clubs were represented:
Bovey Tracey,
Dawlish,
Newton Abbot,
Shaldon,
Teignmouth [The Den]
The advisability of forming a League for Mid-Devon was unanimously adopted. Each club agreed to pay an equal amount towards providing a Shield as a Perpetual Trophy to be played for on a League Principle. The Shield is now displayed at Newton Abbot B.C.
These Rules & Constitution alteration supersede any past Rules & Constitution.
Annual General Meeting held at Newton Abbot B.C. [11/11/2023]
Rules & Constitution reprinted in [2024]
MID-DEVON BOWLING LEAGUE PAST PRESIDENTS
1996 R. DUDLEY - TEIGNMOUTH DEN
1967 J. CHAMBERS - TEIGNMOUTH DEN
1968 A. SWEET - BOVEY TRACEY
1969 N. WILLIS - BUCKFASTLEIGH
1970 F. NORTHEY - SHALDON
1971 R. HARLOW - BRIXHAM St MARY
1972 R. RAYMONT - NEWTON ABBOT
1973 J EDMONDS - KINGSBRIDGE
1974 J. COOMBES - TEIGNMOUTH DEN
1975 W. SMITH - BRIXHAM
1976 W. ARMSTEAD - BITTON PARK
1977 H. FERRIS - STOKE FLEMING
1978 H PAYNE - STARCROSS
1979 H LINGHAM - DARTMOUTH
1980 H. TAYLOR - BOVEY TRACEY
1981 F. BATER - TOTNES.
1982 P. DOUGLAS - ELLACOMBE
1983 L. CLARKE - KINGS
1984 M. NEGUS - UPTON PARK
1985 H. JONES - PAIGNTON
1986 M. GLANVILLE - BABBACOMBE
1987 J. SKARDON & M. BRAUND - TORQUAY
1988 E. COUSZINS - TORQUAY P.O.
1989 K. HAWORTH - DAWLISH
1990 R. PARKINSON - DAWLISH MARINA
1991 D. MUTTON - BUCKFASTLEIGH
1992 S. MOPPET - BRIXHAM St MARY
1993 J. BOYNE - SHALDON
1994 P. WHEELER - NEWTON ABBOT
1995 K. BOOBYER - BITTON PARK
1996 A. WICKS - KINGSBRIDGE PARK
1997 R. KINGSLEY - TEIGNMOUTH DEN
1998 D.DOBLE - WATTS,BLAKE,BEARNE
1999 E. HUSE - KINGSBRIDGE PARK
2000 D. LANGWORTHY - IPPLEPEN
2001 A. HOWARD - CHUDLEIGH
2002 W. POUND - BRIXHAM
2003 R. BARGE - UPTON PARK
2004 D. BOTTERWILL - BABBACOMBE
2005 G. RADMORE - BUCKFASTLEIGH
2006 M. FITZMAURICE - SHALDON
2007 M. EVANS - TEIGNMOUTH DEN
2008 T. NEIGHBOUR - KINGSTEIGNTON
2009 J. GARDNER - STARCROSS
2010 J. TREMLETT - DARTMOUTH
2011 R. McDONALD - PAIGNTON
2012 A. TRETHOWAN - BOVEY TRACEY
2013 J. MASON - PAIGNTON
2014 J. HOGGER - CENTENERY - NEWTON ABBOT
2015 K. BERRY - KINGSTEIGNTON
2016 M. DANCER - TORBAY COUNTRY CLUB
2017 W. DOLAN - BRIXHAM St MARY
2018 I. WOOKEY- UPTON PARK
2019 K. BRENCHLEY - PAIGNTON
2020 K. BRENCHLEY - PAIGNTON
2021 S. OLEARY - MARLDON
2022 S. OLEARY - MARLDON
2023 L. WHEELER - ABBROOK PARK.
2025 P. STRETTON - MARLDON.