Rules of the League

  1. The League shall be called "The Ossett & District Billiards and Snooker League".
  2. A team is made up of four players (minimum registered six). Entry could be refused the following season, if any team does not complete four frames. Teams completing two or less frames in a match will be called before the delegates meeting to explain.
  3. Matches commence at 7:30pm. Frames (147 points) can be claimed from 7:45pm. Maximum of ten minutes between frames. Should one team fail to turn up, that team will receive 0 points and the team which turned up will receive 5 or 7 points which ever is closest to their average points per match for the season. Or the match can be played at a later date with mutual consent.
  4. Away captain to provide reliable referee. Home team to mark.
  5. Handicap to be on board before start of each frame.
  6. If a frame is tied, black ball must be respotted. (Do not respot black if match aggregate is tied).
  7. Both teams are responsible for posting their result card. If neither of the cards are received by the League secretary seven working days after the match, then the result will be null/void.
  8. Postponed matches (inclement weather / exceptional circumstances) when both teams have agreed on a postponement both captains to notify the league secretary no later than the match date.

    Any objection must be sent in writing to the League secretary within three days of the match being played.

  9. A minimum of two teams will be promoted/relegated in each section.
  10. Each club is allowed two delegates (votes) at monthly meetings. The AGM will be deemed to be the first meeting of the season.

    Only one meeting per season allowed to be missed by any club, failure to attend any other meeting will result in a deduction of 3pts per club per team will be deducted with each one missed after the 1st (a club with 4 teams would have 3pts from each team deducted and so on - no exceptions).

    1. After Pts deduction entry also could be refused the following season.
    2. Clubs can be represented by any registered player.
  11. H/C and Scratch Competitions.

    No entries will be accepted without a contact phone number, club number not acceptable.

    Home teams / players are responsible for contacting away teams / players. Any player unable to contact an opponent should contact the secretary, no later than 2 weeks after the previous delegates meeting. If a match is not completed by the due date a result will be decided at the delegates meeting.

    1. Champion of Champions knockout. The champions of each section will go into a draw.
    2. Ossett and District Championship (scratch). Individual, all rounds best of five frames. Final, best of seven frames. Pairs, all rounds best of five frames, final, best of seven frames. The Individual Champion will be entered into the Yorkshire Snooker Championship and the Pairs Champions will be entered into the Yorkshire Snooker Pairs Championship.
    3. Individual Handicap. All players to play off handicap. All rounds best of three frames. Final best of 5 frames.
    4. Pairs H/C. Both players to add H/C together and divide by two rounding up halves. All rounds best of three frames (including final).
    5. Team Knock-Out. All players to play off own H/C. Teams from lower sections will receive an extra start of 8pts per team per section. Black ball to be respotted only if aggregate is level after four frames as this is a Total Team Aggregate Match.
    6. Section Play-Offs. Teams finishing 2nd-9th qualify for this competition. All four frames to be played as a normal league match. If the match is drawn each team to select a player for a deciding frame.
    7. To determine order of play both captains to enter team order of play onto their own result card. Both cards to be matched, thus giving final order of play.
  12. All teams enter the League on a clear understanding that the house rules of the host club will be respected. All teams to inform the league secretary where the club does not permit under 18 Players / visitors or lady Players / visitors.
  13. Handicaps. All new players will be given a H/C of 10 and their handicap will be reviewed after every 4 frames throughout the season. This rule is for players who have never played match snooker. The secretary must be notified with information about any player who has played in any other league at any time so that a true handicap can be given. The decision of the handicap committee is final.
  14. Mobile Phones and Pagers.
    1. While a frame is in progress, the players involved in the frame are not allowed to carry audibly active mobile phones or pagers on their person. If such devices are carried they are to be switched off, or set on silent mode, i.e. set to vibrate.
    2. If a player involved in the frame is carrying an active mobile phone or pager and during the frame the phone receives a call, including alarm or reminder calls, and makes any audible sound, then that player shall immediately forfeit the frame, the result of the frame being recorded as 147-0 to his opponent.
    3. If the mobile phone is set to silent mode, and receives a call, the player may, when he is NOT in play, discretely check the call but NOT answer it until the frame has been completed.
    4. If a player wishes to keep his or her phone active for emergency reasons (e.g.family, medical etc.) during the course of the frame, they should leave the phone with another person who may be allowed to answer any calls received. Any messages received may not be passed on, unless the opposing team captain (or deputy) agrees, until the frame has been completed.

      5. Pairs and Individual Competitions.

    5. If a match is not in the charge of a referee, the above rule may be waived with the agreement of both pairs / individuals PRIOR to the commencement of the match; otherwise, the above rule, with the exception of paragraph 1.4, is to be applied.
    6. While referees and markers are not subject to the playing rules, they should in the interest of good conduct and in the spirit of the game, switch off or mute their phones. In the event of the referee not being able to comply with either, then they should stand down in favour of another referee.

ALL RULES WRITTEN OR UNWRITTEN ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RULES COMMITTEE WHO HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON BEHALF OF THE LEAGUE.