General Rules for the 2008/2009 Season
1.1. The League shall be called THE COVENTRY & DISTRICT SNOOKER LEAGUE. [CDSL]
1.2. The governing body shall be the General Committee, which shall consist of a President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Competition Secretary, Match Secretary, Treasurer, one additional officer and one representative from each club.
1.3. The first eight to be elected tri-annually [two/three per season] and to be known as the Executive Committee. They shall be responsible for the control and administration of all league matters subject to the endorsement of the General Committee.
1.4. Meetings shall be convened during the season as necessary. A quorum of one third of the General Committee must be present at any one meeting before a vote can be taken. Voting power at the AGM and all other meetings to be one vote per club, plus one vote for the referees association. The Chairman shall have the casting vote. It is the responsibility of all clubs to be represented at these meetings. Failure to send a representative will result in a fine of £1.00. Fines incurred under this rule must be paid by/at the ‘End of Season’ meeting.
1.5. Any proposed changes of these rules to be sent in writing to the General Secretary at least 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting [A.G.M.] or special meeting.
1.6. Where interpretations of these rules are necessary, or questions arise not covered by these rules, the decision of the General Committee in all matters shall be final.
2.1. League Divisions
2.1.1. The League will be divided into divisions of appropriate size as decided by the General Committee.
2.1.2. Teams of clubs duly represented in a division to be designated ‘A’ for division 1, ‘B’ for division 2 etc.
2.1.3. Teams finishing in the top two positions in any division, other than division 1, will be promoted to the next highest division in the following season.
2.1.4. Teams finishing in the bottom two positions in any division, other than the lowest division, will be relegated to the next lower division in the following season.
2.1.5. Byes shall not count as relegation positions unless created by teams dropping out or being expelled after the season has started.
2.1.6. Should there be a vacancy in a division, new teams will be considered on their merit along with any team in the next lowest division.
2.1.7. Any new team applying for League status must, at the time of application, submit their players’ names in order to be considered for vacancies other than in the lowest division.
2.1.8. League position of teams will be decided on the number of frames won. If teams are level, then the highest number of matches won will decide. If still level, then the highest number of matches drawn will count. If after this final league positions cannot be determined, that affect promotion or relegation, a play-off shall be arranged.
2.1.9. The number of players per team shall be five.
2.1.10. Two frames of snooker to be played by each player from scratch, 1 point per frame to be awarded to the winner. Where a club has only one table, at the start of the match a position on the match card, agreed by both captains, will be denoted before the draw. A player drawn in that position will play two frames, counting 1 point each. The remaining players will play one frame counting 2 points.
2.1.11. No team will be allowed into divisions 1 and 2 with only one table. No team entered in the league with more than one table will be allowed to play a league match on only one table.
2.1.12. Snooker matches in the 1st and 2nd divisions shall be played on Wednesday, 3rd and 4th divisions on Tuesday and 5th division on Thursday. No exception to these days will be allowed without good reason and approval from the General Committee.
2.1.13. If without good reason any team fails to turn up for two matches within a season, that team will be expelled from the league. Points gained from matches played against this team will be deleted.
2.1.14. A player having played three matches in ‘A’ team for a club shall be ineligible to play for ‘B’ team in that season. This also applies to ‘B’ to ‘C’ etc. Only in exceptional circumstances can this rule be deviated from.
2.1.15. Where two teams from one club play in the same division a 2nd team player shall be allowed to play for the 1st team once during the season but not vice-versa.
2.1.16. Only one professional player per team will be allowed.
2.2. PRIZES
2.2.1. Prizes will be awarded for the winners and runners-up in each division.
2.2.2. There will be a prize each season for the player who makes the highest break in each division.
2.2.3. There will be a prize each season for the player who scores the highest aggregate in each division. This being the player who wins the most frames.
2.2.4. The CDSL provides trophies for both league and cup competitions. Additional trophies may be purchased by request to the General Secretary at least two weeks prior to presentation night.
2.2.5. The cost of any additional trophies must be reimbursed to the league by/at the ‘League Formation’ meeting for the following season.
2.2.6. If you do not wish to receive trophies and would like gift vouchers instead, the General Secretary must be informed at least two weeks prior to presentation night.
2.2.7. The respective winners must collect their trophies/prizes on ‘Presentation Night’. Winners may send a bone-fide representative to collect their trophies/prizes providing the General Secretary has been previously notified.
2.2.8. If any player or teams fail to collect their trophies/prizes on ‘Presentation Night’ and subsequently fail to contact the General Secretary within the following seven days, they may lose the right to such prizes at the discretion of the General Committee.
2.2.9. Trophies must be returned by/at the ‘End of Season’ meeting. Failure to comply will result in a £5.00 fine per trophy.
2.2.10. Should a trophy be returned in a damaged or dirty condition, the recipient/s will be held accountable for the professional cost of cleaning and/or repair.
2.2.11. Should a trophy be lost or damaged beyond repair, the recipient/s will be held accountable for the like for like replacement.
2.2.12. Fines incurred under rules 2.2.9, 2.2.10 and 2.2.11 must be paid by/at the ‘League Formation’ meeting.
3.1. Games will be played with Super Crystallite or Aramith balls only.
3.2. Games will be played under the rules of the E.A.S.B. with the exception described in Rule 3.3
3.3. The 'Miss Rule' will not be applied in normal league matches in any division, but will be applied during semi-finals and finals where an accredited and impartial referee is officiating.
3.4. All snooker table lights to have a minimum of 400 watts and all bulbs to be of equal value.
3.5. All snooker tables are expected to conform to the E.A.S.B. full-size specification.
4.1. Team Registration
4.1.1. The team registration fee shall be £5.00 for each team entered in the league.
4.1.2. Teams whose applications are received after the closing date will incur an additional £5.00 fine.
4.1.3. All team registration fees must be paid by/at the ‘Start of Season’ meeting.
4.1.4. Playing of matches whilst team registration fees remain unpaid, including any additional fines, will incur a penalty of 2 points per match.
4.1.5. No team registration will be accepted from teams with outstanding debts from previous seasons.
4.2. Player Registration
4.2.1. All players to be registered and fully paid up members of the club they are representing. Such registration to be immediately effective on receipt by the Match Secretary.
4.2.2. Registration fee to be £1.00 per player. All player registration fees must be paid by/at the Start of Season meeting.
4.2.3. Playing of matches whilst player registration fees remain unpaid will incur a penalty of 2 points per match.
4.2.4. New player registrations will be accepted up to and at the February general meeting of each season. Notification of any new player should be given to the Match Secretary in writing or identified on the result card as such. Failure to comply will result in the forfeit of points won by that player.
4.2.5. Registration fees for additional players must be paid by/at the ‘End of Season’ meeting.
4.2.6. No player registration will be accepted for a player with outstanding debts from previous seasons.
4.2.7. No player may be transferred from one club to another without a written application from their proposed new club, the consent of their old club and the approval of the General Committee.
4.2.8. If a person is banned from a club, then that club should notify the league in writing as soon as the ban takes effect.
4.2.9. Registered players of 14 years of age and above are allowed to play league matches. If a club refuses this, that club must reverse the fixture or find a neutral venue where the WHOLE match will be played, otherwise the 2 frames shall be conceded.
4.2.10. If a club plays an employee who whilst being a bona-fide member has duties to perform, such duties shall not be performed during the course of his games.
5.1. Before matches can commence, the two rival captains shall make a draw to determine the opponents of each of the five team members. The order of play to rest with the home captain or his deputy.
5.2. The start time for all league matches is 7-30pm. Where either team is late arriving and the match has not started by 8pm, then the team responsible for the delay to forfeit the first 2 frames. All players to be present at the commencement of the match. Late arrivals will only be tolerated by mutual agreement of the captains. Should the agreed late arrival or reserve be later than 9pm, his points will be forfeit. Games shall be played consecutively on the first available table, unless previously agreed upon by the captains.
5.3. In the event of a team being one player short in a match, they shall forfeit the points, which will be awarded to their opponents. In the event of any team being 2 or more players short by 9pm, the match will be abandoned and re-arranged for a later date.
5.4. If any team fails to arrive, without having given their opponents at least 24 hours notice, they will be fined £10. Back to Top
5.5. Rules for the re-arrangement of cancelled/abandoned games
5.5.1. Any team will only be allowed to be responsible for the cancellation/abandoning of 1 match during a season. Any further cancellations/abandoning of matches by that team will incur a penalty of 2 points.
5.5.2. Matches should be re-arranged as soon as possible and the Match secretary informed of the date.
5.5.3. Both teams are responsible for the re-arrangement of the cancelled match and should any problems arise, the Executive Committee should be informed.
5.5.4. Re-arranged matches must be played before, or in, the break week in each half season.
5.5.5. Any re-arranged or cancelled match not played before, or in, the break week in each half of the season will be deemed as played and no points awarded to either team.
5.5.6. Matches abandoned for reasons beyond control i.e., industrial action, power cuts, acts of God, etc., should be continued at the same venue, where possible, within 10 days. Completed frames must stand, uncompleted frames re-started and un-played frames played as per the original draw. In the event of a player not being available for this continuation, a reserve may take his place.
5.5.7. Provision of referees and markers shall be the responsibility of the home club and the home team to be marked ‘spot’ for all frames. Home clubs shall be responsible for all expenses incurred in staging the match.
5.5.8. Fines incurred under RULE 5 must be paid by/at the ‘End of Season’ meeting.
6.1. There shall be a 60p levy per player for each match played.
6.2. It is the responsibility of each team captain to collect and pay this levy to the CDSL.
6.3. The first half season levies must be paid by/at the January General meeting.
6.4. The second half season levies must be paid by/at the ‘End of Season’ meeting.
6.5. Failure to pay levies at the designated times will result in a 2 point penalty per week for each week that the debt remains unpaid.
6.6. Any points deducted under rule 6.5 could therefore have a direct result on final league tables, subsequent loss of prizes and expulsion from the league for 12 months at the discretion of the General Committee.
6.7. Re-admission to the league to be only on payment of outstanding levies. Such teams will also be required to pay levies for the new season in advance. 1st half season levies must be paid by/at the ‘Start of Season’ meeting. 2nd half season levies must be paid by/at the January general Meeting. Failure to pay these levies on time will result in expulsion from the league.
6.8. Where a team or club have difficulties, the General Committee may show compassion.
7.1. Result cards must be received, at the latest, by the Monday following the week in which the match has been played. Result cards may be scanned and e-mailed and sent to ‘results@cdsl.org.uk’.
7.2. Results given by e-mail without a scanned image of the card are acceptable subject to a signed result card or copy being received by the Match Secretary before/at the next General Meeting following the date the match was played.
7.3. Results given by telephone are not acceptable.
7.4. The first late card from any team will incur no penalty. Each subsequent late card shall incur a penalty of 2 points. Cards not received under rule 7.2 shall incur a penalty of 2 points on each card after the first.
7.5. If a card or copy has not been received by the next General meeting, the team responsible for the card shall receive a further 2 point penalty.
7.6. Any team with a late card on the last week of the season shall receive a 2 point penalty even if it is their first.
7.7. It is the home teams responsibility to inform the Match secretary of any cancelled or re-arranged matches. Failure to do so before the date the result card would be due will result in the card being deemed as late and where applicable a late card penalty incurred.
8.1. Any protest regarding players or clubs must be made in writing to the General Secretary within seven days from the time of the alleged offense or dispute.
8.2. All communications made in writing or e-mailed to the Executive Committee will be disclosed to the General Committee at the first meeting following the communication.
8.3. For conduct that, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, is willfully or persistently unfair in order to gain an advantage for themselves or their team, a player or players will forfeit their points, which will be awarded to their opponents.
9.1. General
9.1.1. All matches to be played on the knockout principal under the E.A.S.B. rules.
9.1.2. In the event of a tie in aggregate matches, the black ball shall be re-spotted and the last two players will spin for choice of play.
9.1.3. No competition will be run with less than 16 entrants. Prizes will only be awarded to losing semi-finalists in competitions with less than 32 entrants at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
9.2. Competition Draws and Handicaps.
9.2.1. Handicaps will be continually assessed throughout the competition and may be adjusted at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
9.2.2. 10 points per division will be used as a guide in individual competitions.
9.2.3. 40 points per division will be used as a guide in team competitions. Teams will be assessed on the full squad.
9.2.4. Draws for all competitions, will be made on a round by round basis. The ‘Competition Secretary’ shall validate the draw.
9.2.5. In aggregate matches, team handicaps will not be considered when applying the rules of snooker to each frame.
9.3. Competition Fees
9.3.1. All competition entrance fees should be paid to the Competition Secretary when submitting the entry form. Entrance will only be accepted if payment is received by the ‘Start of Season’ meeting.
9.3.2. Closing date for all competitions will be clearly shown on each entrance form.
9.3.3. At the discretion of the ‘Competition Secretary’, the closing date for entry to some competitions may be extended.
9.4. Arranging matches
9.4.1. Players and teams should play at the home venue stated, unless mutually agreed to be played elsewhere.
9.4.2. The home drawn player or team has 7 days to contact their opposition and offer three dates to play the match. These dates must not correspond to the opponents’ normal league fixture.
9.4.3. If rule 9.4.2 is not complied with, then the match shall be reversed. The away player or team has 3 days to contact their opponents’ and offer three dates to play the match. These dates must not correspond to the opponents’ normal league fixture.
9.4.4. Any player or team having difficulty in applying rules 9.4.2 and 9.4.3 should contact the ‘Competition Secretary’ or member of the ‘Executive Committee’ immediately.
9.4.5. Failure to comply with the above will result in both players or teams being eliminated from the competition. Re-entry into the competition the following year will be at the discretion of the ‘Executive Committee’.
9.4.6. Should any complications arise that cannot be resolved by the participants, the ‘Executive Committee’ can order matches to be played and the conditions specified.
9.5. Late Arrivals
9.5.1. Matches should start at 7-30pm unless previously agreed by both parties.
9.5.2. Players or teams arriving later than the time agreed to be penalized as follows: 15 minutes – 1 frame or 80 points 30 minutes – 2 frames or 160 points 45 minutes – 3 frames or 240 points 1 hour – Match conceded All remaining frames to be played.
9.6. Competition Result Cards
9.6.1. It is the responsibility of the winners in each round to notify the ‘Competition Secretary’ of the result.
9.6.2. Result cards must be received by the closing date for each round of the competition. Result cards may be scanned and e-mailed to ‘comps@cdsl.org.uk’
9.6.3. Results given by e-mail are acceptable subject to a signed card or copy being received by the ‘Competition Secretary’ by the closing date of that round.
9.6.4. Results given by telephone are not acceptable.
9.6.5. Failure to inform the ‘Competition Secretary’ by the appropriate method and before the closing date of the round will result in exclusion from the competition.
9.6.6. A highest break award will be given in all competitions. Breaks must be recorded on the result card to ensure validation. Under no circumstances will evidence of breaks be accepted at a later stage.
9.7. Final Stages
9.7.1. Semi-finals in all competitions will be played at a neutral venue as decided by the ‘Executive Committee’. They will also be responsible for the appointment of the match officials.
9.7.2. Once dates and venues have been finalized, they will not be altered without good reason.
9.7.3. A dress code of smart casual shall be enforced at all semi-finals and finals. Strictly no jeans, trainers or tracksuits will be allowed. Failure to comply will result in exclusion from the competition.
9.7.4. Players who do not turn up for a semi-final or final will be excluded from the competition and forfeit their prizes. Re-entry into the competition the following year will be at the discretion of the ‘Executive Committee’.
9.8. Eligibility
9.8.1. All players taking part in competitions must be registered with the CDSL.
9.8.2. All entrants must be bona-fide members of the club they are representing.
9.8.3. Playing of unregistered players in any team competition will mean automatic expulsion of that team from the competition.
9.8.4. A player may only play for one team in the same competition.
9.8.5. The Executive Committee shall have the right to refuse entry of any player.
9.8.6. No professional players will be allowed to enter competitions.
9.9. Competition Disputes
9.9.1. The Executive Committee has the right to decide all disputes arising from the competitions and shall have the power to adjudicate on any matter not provided for in these rules.
9.9.2. The Executive Committee decision shall be final.
9.9.3. All disputes must be made in writing to the ‘Competition Secretary’ within 48 hours of the match being played.
10.1. Individual Championship
10.1.1. Entry fee will be £3.00 per player
10.1.2. Entrance is open to all registered players.
10.1.3. Results shall be decided as follows: Best of 3 frames in rounds preceding the last 16 Best of 5 frames in the last 16 and quarter-finals. Best of 7 frames in semi-finals and final.
10.2. Individual Handicap Championship
10.2.1. Entry fee will be £3.00 per player.
10.2.2. Entrance is open to all registered players.
10.2.3. This competition will be handicapped in accordance with Rule 9.2
10.2.4. Results shall be decided as follows: Best of 3 frames in rounds preceding the last 16 Best of 5 frames in the last 16 and quarter-finals. Best of 7 frames in semi-finals and final.
10.3. Presidents Cup
10.3.1. Entry fee will be £3.00 per player.
10.3.2. Entrance is open to all registered players from the bottom three divisions.
10.3.3. This competition will be handicapped in accordance with Rule 9.2
10.3.4. Results shall be decided as follows: Best of 3 frames in rounds preceding the last 16 Best of 5 frames in the last 16 and quarter-finals. Best of 7 frames in semi-finals and final.
10.4. Under 22 Championship
10.4.1. Entry fee will be £2.00 per player.
10.4.2. Entrance is open to all registered players aged between 14 and 22 on the closing date for entries.
10.4.3. Results will be decided as follows: Best of 3 frames in rounds preceding the semi-final Best of 5 frames in the semi-final and final.
10.5. Senior Citizens Trophy
10.5.1. Entry fee will be £2.00 per player.
10.5.2. Entrance is open to all registered players aged 55 or over on the closing date for entries.
10.5.3. Results will be decided as follows: Best of 3 frames in all rounds including the final.
10.6. Billiards Individual Championship
10.6.1. Entry fee will be £2.00 per player.
10.6.2. Entrance is confined to clubs within a radius of 20 miles of Broadgate.
10.6.3. Results will be decided as follows: One game of 250-up in rounds preceding the semi-final. Semi-final to be of 90 minutes duration Final to be of two and half hours duration.
10.7. Billiards Individual Handicap
10.7.1. Entry fee will be £2.00 per player.
10.7.2. Entrance is confined to clubs within a radius of 20 miles of Broadgate.
10.7.3. Results will be decided as follows: One game of 100-up plus handicap in all rounds including the final.
11.1. Godiva Trophy
11.1.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per team.
11.1.2. There can be between three and six players declared on the entry form from whom the team will be selected.
11.1.3. Three players to constitute a team and six frames of snooker to be played. Team captains will make a draw to determine each players’ opponents.
11.1.4. The result will be decided over the best of 7 frames as follows: Each player to play 1 frame in the order drawn. This format should then be repeated. If the match score is three each, the captains will nominate one player to play a further frame to decide the winners.
11.1.5. All matches to start at 7-15pm and only 15 minutes grace to be allowed. If a player is not present when he is due to play, his frame will be awarded to his opponent.
11.1.6. The draw must be strictly adhered to.
11.2. Harry Lakin Trophy
11.2.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per team.
11.2.2. The competition will be handicapped in accordance with Rule 9.2 and entrance is open to all teams registered in the CDSL.
11.2.3. Eligible players must have been registered before or at the February general meeting.
11.2.4. Five players to constitute a team and each player to play 1 frame of snooker. Team captains will make a draw to determine each players’ opponents and the order of play will be as drawn on the card.
11.2.5. Choice of break to be decided by the toss of a coin each frame.
11.2.6. The total aggregate score plus handicap will decide the result.
11.3. Frank Revill Trophy
11.3.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per team.
11.3.2. The competition will be handicapped in accordance with Rule 9.2 and entrance is open to all teams in the bottom three divisions registered in the CDSL.
11.3.3. Eligible players must have been registered before or at the February general meeting.
11.3.4. Five players to constitute a team and each player to play 1 frame of snooker. Team captains will make a draw to determine each players’ opponents and the order of play will be as drawn on the card.
11.3.5. Choice of break to be decided by the toss of a coin each frame.
11.3.6. The total aggregate score plus handicap will decide the result.
11.4. Foursomes
11.4.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per pair of players.
11.4.2. Entrance is open to all registered players.
11.4.3. Both named players must be from the same club and no substitute or replacement will be allowed.
11.4.4. Results will be decided as follows: Three frames aggregate score in all rounds up to the final. (Choice of break to be decided on the toss of a coin in frames 1 and 3) Four frames aggregate score in the final.
11.5. Spires Cup
11.5.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per pair of players.
11.5.2. Entrance is open to all registered players of the bottom three divisions.
11.5.3. Both named players must be from the same club and no substitute or replacement will be allowed.
11.5.4. Results will be decided as follows: Three frames aggregate score in all rounds up to the final. (Choice of break to be decided on the toss of a coin in frames 1 and 3) Four frames aggregate score in the final.
11.6. AP Newman Memorial Trophy
11.6.1. Entry fee will be £5.00 per pair of players.
11.6.2. Entrance is open to all registered players.
11.6.3. Players can be from different same clubs, but must be registered with the league. No substitute or replacement will be allowed.
11.6.4. Results will be decided as follows: Four frames aggregate score played in the order below: 1st drawn home player vs 1st drawn away player 2nd drawn home player vs 2nd drawn away player 1st drawn home player vs 2nd drawn away player 2nd drawn home player vs 1st drawn away player.
