Fours League

The Fours League consists of teams in each two divisions, playing each other home and away.

The bottom two teams each season in Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2. The top two teams each season in Division 2 will be promoted to Division 1. League position will be determined by the number of points gained. Where there is equality of points then ‘shots difference’ will decide.

A team shall consist of three rinks of four registered players for that team. If one player is absent from a rink the game should continue but the number of bowls should be made up by the lead and second both playing three woods. 25 % of the total shots scored for that rink by each defaulting team should be deducted after the game has finished. Rinks may be made up from three to four players up to and including the third end. In the event of a team being unable to field nine players then that team will forfeit the match and the full points will be awarded to the opposing team.

All League matches to be 18 ends, no trial ends, but 1 shot awarded to the winning side at each of the first 2 ends. In the event of a draw no shots to be awarded and no replay to take place. Where no decision has been made by the home team that play in any match cannot go ahead due to extreme weather or green condition due to adverse weather and both club teams have met to play an arranged fixture, then both club team captains will after reasonable discussion have to make a mutual joint decision to either go ahead and play or postpone the match. In the event of a split decision due to disagreement then the match will be postponed and rearranged. All League matches are to be played on the dates indicated, or another date in the same week, by mutual agreement. Games postponed due to Greens being unfit must be played within 14 days by mutual agreement. If owing to inclement weather or premature darkness, time is limited, then any tie can be curtailed to 12 ends by mutual agreement, provided it is agreed before the start of the first end. A minimum of 12 ends must be played to obtain a result. Starting time shall be 6.30 pm prompt.

Seven points will be available for each match. Two points for each winning rink, and one point for the winning side, decided on aggregate of shots. In the event of a drawn rink one point will be given to each side. In the event of the aggregate being drawn each side will gain half a point.

It is the responsibility of both teams to forward the results of fixtures to the League Secretary within 3 days of the fixture being completed. This should be achieved by leaving the score cards at the desk at Selby Bowling Club or by sending them to the League Secretary by post. Additionally Teams are encouraged to use the website whenever possible.

Matches abandoned to be resumed with the rinks and scores as they were at the last completed end, within 14 days of the original fixture. One substitute per rink may be allowed.

Matches postponed due to greens being unfit must be played within 14 days by mutual agreement.

In all other aspects the competition will be played under the rules of World Bowls.