BDPL Regulations

BARKING AND DISTRICT POOL LEAGUE

Official Regulations 2026

Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: February 2026
Issued By: BDPL Committee

DEFINITIONS

Registered Player: A player who has completed registration, paid all fees, been added to their team’s official roster, and has not been suspended or removed.

Committee: The elected body of 3-7 members responsible for administering the League, including a Chair and Vice Chair.

Match Night: The scheduled evening on which a league fixture or competition match takes place.

Official Channels: Divisional WhatsApp groups, League website, and any other communication platforms designated by the Committee.

Spirit of the Game: The principle that all participants will act honestly, fairly, and in accordance with both the letter and intent of these regulations.

PART 1 — GOVERNANCE & AUTHORITY

1.1 League Identity

The League shall be known as the Barking and District Pool League (BDPL).

1.2 Committee Composition & Role

Composition

The Committee shall consist of 3-7 elected members, including a Chair and Vice Chair. Committee members serve as stewards of the League and are expected to act impartially and in the best interests of all participants.

Responsibilities

1.3 Committee Authority

General Authority

Regulatory Powers

The Committee may:

Emergency Powers

In exceptional circumstances (public health emergencies, multiple venue closures, serious threats to League integrity), the Committee may:

Communication & Notice

1.4 Meetings

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

When: 2nd Tuesday of December each year

Who Attends: All registered players may attend and speak; teams must send at least one representative

Penalty: £10 fine per team for non-attendance without prior notice to Committee

Business Includes:

Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM)

Called By: Committee with one month’s notice, or upon written request by at least 25% of registered teams

Notice: One month required unless emergency circumstances apply

Attendance: Teams must send at least one representative; £10 fine for non-attendance

Decisions: Made by simple majority vote

Voting Procedures

PART 2 — LEAGUE STRUCTURE

2.1 Season

The League season runs from February to November each year.

2.2 Divisions

Structure

Promotion & Relegation

Standard Format: 2 teams promoted, 2 teams relegated

Variations: Committee may vary this (e.g., 1 up/down, 3 up/down) based on division sizes and team numbers

Notice: Any variation from standard 2 up/2 down announced before season starts

Finality: Committee’s decision on promotion and relegation is final

2.3 Match Points & League Standings

Points Allocation

| Result | Points | |——–|——–| | Win | 2 points | | Draw | 1 point | | Loss | 0 points | | Awarded match (opponent forfeit) | 2 points |

Walkovers, No-Shows & Cancellations

When a team fails to fulfill a fixture (fewer than 5 players by 21:00, team cancels match, or team withdraws):

For the Non-Attending/Cancelling Team:

For the Attending Team:

Match Card Submission (Walkovers/Cancellations):

Player of the Year Points (Walkovers/Cancellations):

Rationale for Frame Difference Adjustment:

Tiebreakers (Applied in Order)

  1. Frame Difference (frames won minus frames lost)
  2. Playoff Match if still level after frame difference
    • Format: Standard league format (4 singles, 2 doubles, 4 singles)
    • If playoff also drawn: single sudden-death frame between any two signed-in players
  3. Playoffs must be completed before Finals & Presentation Night
  4. Committee arranges playoff logistics; its decisions on venue and timing are final

2.4 Match Format & Rules

Frame Format

All Matches: 4 singles, 2 doubles, 4 singles (10 frames total)

Playing Order: S1, S2, S3, S4, P1, P2, S5, S6, S7, S8

Game Rules

PART 3 — MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION

3.1 Team Registration

Annual Requirements

Registration Fee: £140 per team (or amount set by Committee at AGM)

Payment: Must be paid in full before first fixture

Player Numbers: Must register 6-12 players before season starts

Information Required:

Eligibility

3.2 Player Registration

Start of Season Registration

Registration Window:

Process:

Deadline:

New Player Registration (Mid-Season)

For players not previously registered with any BDPL team:

Process:

Example: A captain submits a new player registration at 00:15 on Wednesday. The player is not eligible for that night’s fixture – they must wait until the following Wednesday.

Permitted Until: Three-quarters through the season

Fee: Amount set annually by Committee and communicated via official channels, currently £2.50 per player. Each team is entitled to register up to 12 players at no additional cost beyond the annual team fee. This is based on the total number of players registered to the team throughout the season, not the current active roster size. Once a team has registered 12 players in total (regardless of any removals), any subsequent registrations will be subject to the £2.50 charge per player.

Example: A team starts with 8 players, registers player 9, removes one player (leaving 8 active), then registers player 10. They have now used 10 of their 12 free registrations, leaving 2 free registrations remaining.

Transfers

Definition: A transfer occurs when a player who was registered with one team the previous season wishes to register with a different team.

Transfer requests must be initiated by the player:

Process:

  1. Player contacts Committee to request transfer
  2. Committee verifies the request is genuine
  3. Committee processes the transfer (updates system to allow new team to register the player)
  4. New team’s captain registers the player via the website

Timing:

Vexatious Transfer Requests:

Re-Registration of Removed Players

Player Removal Process:

Re-Registration Counting:

If a player is removed from a team’s roster and subsequently re-registered to the same team, the re-registration counts as a new registration against that team’s cumulative total for the season.

Example: A team has registered 12 players in total and removes one player. If that same player is later re-registered, this counts as a 13th registration and incurs a £2.50 charge. If that player is removed and re-registered a second time, this counts as a 14th registration and incurs a further £2.50 charge. Each re-registration of the same player is a separate registration for the purposes of this rule.

Note: Captains are advised that removing a player from the active roster is only necessary when creating space to register a new player beyond the 12-player limit. Players who are temporarily unavailable do not need to be removed — they simply will not be selected for matches during that period. Unnecessary removals and re-registrations serve no administrative purpose and will consume free registration slots or incur charges where the threshold has already been reached.

Registration Status

A player remains registered unless:

3.3 Player Eligibility Rules

Single Team Rule

Match Eligibility

Players must meet ALL of these criteria: ✓ Registered to their team by midnight Tuesday (see Section 3.2)
✓ Not under suspension
✓ No unpaid fines exceeding £30 or outstanding for more than 14 days

Penalties for Ineligible Players

Violation Fine Additional Sanction
Playing unregistered player £10 per player All frames involving that player awarded to opponents
Playing suspended player £50 All frames involving player awarded to opponents; potential further sanctions

Committee Authority: May void entire match results in serious cases

3.4 Team Withdrawals & Disbanding

Mid-Season Withdrawal

Notification: Teams must notify Committee immediately in writing

Results Handling:

Timing of Withdrawal Result Treatment
Before 25% of season All results voided
Between 25-50% Results stand for teams already played; remaining fixtures awarded to opponents
After 50% All results stand; remaining fixtures awarded to opponents

Consequences:

Closed-Season Disbanding

Team Status Belongs To: The majority of registered players, not the venue

If Players Re-register:

3.5 Fines & Financial Obligations

Payment Requirements

Maximum Unpaid Fines: £30 at any time

Payment Deadline: 14 days from issue

Non-Payment Results In:

Additional Restrictions:

Payment Methods

PART 4 — MATCH REGULATIONS

4.1 Team Composition & Line-ups

Minimum Players

Captain’s Team Selection

The team captain has sole discretion over which players participate in any match.

Selection Flexibility Examples:

Player Frame Limits

Each player may play maximum TWO frames in total:

Players cannot play two doubles frames

Standard Format (6+ Players)

Key Rules:

Invalid Frame Combinations for Two-Singles Players: The following are NOT permitted for players playing two singles:

Valid Frame Combinations for Two-Singles Players:

Five Players Only (Exception)

When team has only 5 players:

Forfeits: P2 (second doubles) and S6 (sixth singles) before match begins

Score: Match starts 2-0 down (but can still win 8-2!)

Requirements:

Fewer Than Five Players

If a team cannot field 5 registered players by 21:00:

4.2 Signing In & Team Sheet Deadlines

Critical Timings ⏰

Time Requirement Penalty if Missed
20:15 Both teams: minimum 5 players physically present at venue £10 + frame forfeit
20:20 HOME captain: minimum 5 signed in; S1-S4 and P1 populated £10 + frame forfeit
20:25 AWAY captain: same requirements as home team £10 + frame forfeit
20:30 Match must start -
20:45 Last chance or forfeit 2 frames £10 + S1 & S2 forfeited
21:00 Last chance or forfeit match £10 + match awarded 10-0

Pre-Match Requirements (Strict Enforcement)

By 20:20 (Home) / 20:25 (Away): ✓ Minimum 5 players signed in on match sheet
✓ All signed players physically present
✓ S1-S4 fully populated with player names
✓ P1 (first doubles) fully populated (both players in your pair named)
✓ Pre-signing absent players strictly prohibited

Remaining Frames (P2, S5, S6, S7, S8):

Doubles Declaration

Before First Doubles Frame:

Exception: If player suffers injury or illness immediately before their doubles frame:

Penalties for Breaches

All timing or signing-in rule breaches result in:

4.3 Match Start

Lag

Ready to Play

4.4 Result Sheets & Match Recording

Official BDPL Scorecards

All teams must use official BDPL scorecards for recording match results.

Home Team Responsibility:

If Home Team Cannot Provide Official Scorecard:

Away Team Using Unofficial Scorecards:

Emergency Situations:

Completion Requirements

Official result sheets must include:

✓ All player names
✓ Frame results
✓ Final score
✓ Both captain signatures
✓ Date

Player Name Format:

Both captains must sign Unless disputing result and couldn’t resolve it amicably on the night between the two captains. (see Part 6 - Grievances)

Captain Signature Requirements

Purpose of Signing:

Refusing to Sign:

Failure to Sign Without Raising a Grievance:

Captains who refuse to sign the scorecard but then fail to raise a grievance delay result processing and create unnecessary administrative burden. The following escalating penalties apply:

Offence Penalty
1st offence Warning
2nd offence £10 fine
3rd offence £10 fine + 1 league point deduction
4th+ offence Committee discretion (may include suspension)

Note: Offences are tracked against the team, not the individual captain. Changing who acts as captain does not reset the count.

Alternative Signatory:

Incorrectly Filled Scorecards

Scorecard Errors - Player Frame Positions

If a scorecard is submitted with players playing in incorrect frame positions (violating the two-singles rule):

Detection:

Penalties for Incorrect Frame Positions:

If player played two singles but NOT in S1-S4 + S7-S8 combination:

If more than 2 players played two singles frames:

Example Violations:

Scorecard Errors - Other Issues

Error Type Penalty Resolution
Minor errors (misspelled name, wrong date) None Accepted as submitted
Missing signatures Warning first time; £5 fine repeat Must be resubmitted with signatures
Missing frame results £5 fine Must be resubmitted with complete results
Incorrect total score None if frame results clear Committee will correct based on frame results
Player names don’t match registration Committee review May be treated as unregistered player (£10 + frames awarded)
Completely illegible £5 fine Must resubmit legible version

Captain Responsibility:

Committee Review:

Submission Requirements

Who Submits:

How: Clear, legible photo of completed result sheet to Divisional WhatsApp group

Deadline: 15:00 (3pm) the day following the match

Walkover Submissions:

Penalties for Late Submission

Timing Fine Additional Action
Not by 15:00 next day £5 -
Not by 20:00 Friday £10 Committee may void result or award match
Still not received by 20:00 Friday Committee discretion Match may be voided/awarded + fines above

Record Keeping

4.5 Referees

Provision of Referees

Referee Qualifications

✓ Must be registered players from either team
✓ Fully conversant with UK Blackball Rules and BDPL Regulations
✓ Players actively involved in a frame cannot referee that frame

Referee Conduct

✓ Must give full attention to the frame
✓ Mobile phone use prohibited (see Section 4.11)
✓ Must enforce rules fairly and consistently
✓ Referee’s decision is final on the night, subject to grievance process

Penalties

Violation Fine Additional Sanction
Failure to provide referee £10 Frame awarded to opponents
Referee using phone £10 Frame awarded to opponents
Referee not paying attention £10 Frame awarded to opponents
Both teams refuse referees £20 each Match voided

4.6 Fixture Rescheduling

General Policy

Each team is entitled to ONE rescheduled fixture per season.

Requirements:

Important Notes:

Rescheduling Lock Once any fixture between two teams has been rescheduled, no further fixtures between those same two teams can be rescheduled by either team until the original rescheduled fixture has been completed. This ensures both captains prioritize completing the rescheduled fixture.”

If Team Requests a Second Reschedule:

Failure to Provide 24 Hours Notice:

Arranging the Rescheduled Fixture:

Rationale:

4.7 Venues & Equipment Standards

Minimum Equipment Requirements

All venues must provide: ✓ At least ONE usable cue rest (minimum)
✓ Complete set of balls meeting UK Blackball specifications
✓ Suitable cues and chalk available
✓ Adequate lighting over match table
✓ Match table free from defects

Cue Rest Requirement

Table Standards

The match table must have: ✓ Reasonably clean cloth free from tears or substantial wear
✓ Cushions providing consistent rebound
✓ Correctly sized and positioned pockets
✓ Suitable appearance and presentation

Table Levelness

Test Procedure:

  1. Roll 8-ball dead weight from corner pocket to diagonally opposite corner
  2. Ball should remain in jaws of pocket and be pottable

If Ball Repeatedly Rolls Off:

⚠️ CRITICAL: Testing and complaints must be made BEFORE the lag for first frame

Once lag has occurred: NO complaints about table condition or levelness accepted

Table Becomes Unplayable During Match

If table becomes unplayable (structural damage, cloth tears, lighting failure):

Step 1: Both captains decide if issue can be resolved in time for all remaining frames

Step 2:

Step 3: Committee must be informed within 24 hours with explanation and agreed outcome

If Captains Cannot Agree: Committee makes decision based on evidence (photos, statements)

Deliberate Damage: Results in match forfeiture and potential expulsion

Venue Changes

If venue becomes aware of issue preventing future scheduled match:

4.8 Food Provision

Home Team Requirement

For all home league matches, the home team is required to provide food for both teams on match night.

Compensation for No-Shows

If a team fails to fulfil a fixture and the home team had prepared food in advance, the home team may claim £10 in compensation from the non-attending team.

4.9 Conduct & Behaviour

Expected Standards

All players, captains, and supporters expected to: ✓ Act in friendly, sporting, and honest manner at all times
✓ Respect opponents, referees, venue staff, and property
✓ Operate on principles of fair play and mutual respect
✓ Respect the captain’s team selection decisions
✓ Accept that the captain has sole discretion over who plays

Prohibited Behaviour ❌

The following will NOT be tolerated:

Sanctions

Committee may impose:

Severity Potential Sanction
Minor Verbal or written warnings
Moderate Fines (£10-£100)
Serious Suspension (1 match to full season)
Severe Expulsion from League (permanent)

Serious Incidents

Physical violence or credible threats:

Match Night Disputes

Recommended Approach:

4.10 Spirit of the Game & Committee Interpretation

Fundamental Principle

All participants expected to act in spirit of the game at all times

“Spirit of the game” means:

Loophole Exploitation

Where team exploits loophole contrary to spirit of game:

Committee reserves right to:

Situations Not Explicitly Covered

Committee will make ruling based on:

Good Faith Expectation

✓ Captains and players expected to apply rules in good faith
✓ Captains should not require Committee intervention for minor issues
✓ Deliberately creating situations for unfair advantage violates spirit of game

Immediate Rulings

Committee may implement new/amended regulations immediately when:

4.11 Mobile Phones

Referee Restrictions

Referees must NOT use mobile phones during frames they are refereeing

Prohibited activities include:

Referees must give full attention to the frame they are refereeing

Failure results in:

Penalties

Violation Sanction
Referee uses phone during frame Frame awarded to opponents + £10 fine

4.12 Official Communication Channels

Purpose

Official channels exist for: ✓ Submission of match results
✓ Sharing official League information and announcements
✓ Communicating Committee decisions
✓ Initiating grievance procedures

Prohibited Use ❌

Official channels must NOT be used for:

Grievance Protocol

To raise grievance:

  1. Post ONLY: “I wish to initiate the grievance process”
  2. NO details of grievance in the group
  3. Divisional representative will contact captain directly

Committee Response to Misuse

Sanctions may include:

Committee may:

Temporary Decision Groups

When grievance decision is ready:

PART 5 — LEAGUE COMPETITIONS

5.1 General Competition Rules

Eligibility To enter any League competition, a player must:

  1. Be a currently registered League player in good standing
  2. Have played in at least FOUR (4) - this is defined by the appearance column on the POY table
  3. Have paid their competition entry fee in full by the deadline set by the Committee
  4. Not be under suspension
  5. Not have unpaid fines exceeding £30

Captain Attendance Exemption — Competition Eligibility

The requirement to have played in a minimum number of league or cup matches (as defined by the appearance column on the Player of the Year table) to qualify for competitions does not apply to the registered captain of a team.

Note: Where a captain also plays frames regularly and appears on the Player of the Year table, the standard appearance count applies and this exemption is not required.

Entry Fees

General Format

Minimum Entries

Venue & Timing

Match Officials

5.2 Venue Selection for Competitions

Committee Authority

New Venue Requests

5.3 The Darren Henshaw KO Shield (Team Competition)

Eligibility

Format

5.3(a) Split Scorecard Procedure

To ensure fairness and prevent tactical matchmaking based on knowledge of the opposition’s lineup, all team cup matches (Darren Henshaw KO Shield, Premier Division Cup, and Division 1 Cup) use a split scorecard procedure for completing the lineup.

Procedure:

  1. Before the match, the scorecard is split or folded down the centre so that each team’s half is concealed from the other
  2. Both captains complete their team’s S1–S4 and P1 positions on their respective halves simultaneously, ensuring neither can see the other’s lineup
  3. Once both captains have completed their half, the card is brought together and both lineups are revealed at the same time
  4. The standard signing-in deadlines from Section 4.2 still apply: minimum 5 players signed in for the home team by 20:20, away team by 20:25

Key Rules:

Penalty for Breach:

Where a captain views the opposition’s lineup before completing their own, the Committee may at its discretion:

Note: The split scorecard procedure applies throughout the entire match. For remaining frames (P2, S5–S8), both teams must either complete their respective selections simultaneously without sight of the opponent’s choice, or declare their player for each frame on a frame-by-frame basis. At no point should either captain be able to select a player in response to knowing who the opposition has already nominated.

Draw

Tie-breaker

Finals

Trophies

5.4 Alan Pointer Trophy (Player of the Year)

Eligibility

Scoring System

Attendance Point (1 point):

Win Points (2 points):

Qualifying Frame for Win Points:

Examples:

Team-Level Tiebreak

Format

Venues

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.5 Jeff Fuller KO Singles

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Finals

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.6 Henry Thorpe KO Pairs

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Finals

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.7 Pat Little Delegates Cup

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Restriction

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.8 Tom McTaggert Memorial Trophy

Eligibility

Entry

Recommendation

Format

Restriction

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.9 Seniors KO Cup

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.10 Ladies KO Cup

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.11 Young Player KO Cup

Eligibility

Entry

Format

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries and time constraints.

5.12 Premier Division Cup

Eligibility

Format

Tie-Breaker

Draw

Finals

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries, venue availability, or time constraints.

5.13 Division 1 Cup

Eligibility

Format

Tie-Breaker

Draw

Finals

Trophies

Note: Competition format subject to change at Committee discretion based on entries, venue availability, or time constraints.

5.14 Returnable Trophies

Responsibility

Storage

Return Deadline

Penalties

Trophy Log

5.15 Finals & Presentation Night

Schedule

  1. The Committee will publish the Finals Night schedule in advance, setting out the order and approximate timing of all finals and presentations.

  2. The schedule is final and will not be altered on the night.

  3. Matches will be called in the published order. Players must be ready to play when their match is called.

Players in Multiple Finals

  1. Players who qualify for multiple finals accept that back-to-back or overlapping matches may occur. This is a consequence of success, not grounds for complaint.

  2. Where a player is competing in multiple finals and a scheduling clash occurs:
    • The player must pause their current match and play their frame in the other competition
    • Once that frame is complete, they return immediately to resume the paused match
    • No additional rest or warm-up time will be granted between matches
  3. Opponents and partners in a paused match are expected to wait. This is an unavoidable consequence of Finals Night scheduling.

Forfeiture

  1. If a player is not present and ready within 5 minutes of their match being called, and is not actively engaged in another final, the match is forfeited to their opponent.

Complaints

  1. Requests to alter the published schedule will not be considered on the night. Any concerns must be raised with the Committee before Finals Night.

PART 6 — GRIEVANCES & DISPUTES

6.1 Who May Raise a Grievance

Team Captains Only

Scope of Grievances Grievances may concern:

Captain Responsibility

6.2 Match Result Confirmation & Right to Grieve

Signing the Result Sheet

Exception: Conduct Grievances

Refusing to Sign

6.3 Grievance Submission Deadline

Strict Deadline

Conduct Grievances

Consequence of Missing Deadline

6.4 Initiating the Grievance Process

Step 1: Declaration in WhatsApp Group

Step 2: Contact from Divisional Representative

Evidence Requirements

6.5 Review Process

Stage 1: Divisional Representative Review

Stage 2: Full Committee Review

Deliberation

Timeline

6.6 Decision Communication

Temporary WhatsApp Group

Written Decision

Group Closure

Finality

6.7 Vexatious or Frivolous Grievances

Committee Authority

Sanctions

Genuine Disagreements

6.8 Committee Position

Impartiality

Basis for Decisions

Cooperation Expected

PART 7 — FINES & SANCTIONS SCHEDULE

7.1 Financial Penalties

Offence Fine Additional Sanction
Playing unregistered player £10 per player All frames involving player awarded to opponents
Playing suspended player £50 All frames involving player awarded to opponents; potential further sanctions
Playing for second team while registered elsewhere £50 Player suspended; potential expulsion
Vexatious transfer request (1st offence) £10 Written warning
Vexatious transfer request (repeat) £25 Potential suspension at Committee discretion
Fewer than 5 players signed by deadlines £10 Frame(s) forfeited per Section 4.2
Not ready to start by 20:45 £10 First two frames forfeited
Not ready to start by 21:00 £10 Entire match awarded to opponents (10-0)
Breach of signing-in or doubles declaration rules £10 Affected frame(s) awarded to opponents
Incorrect frame positions on scorecard £10 Both frames of affected player awarded to opponents
More than 2 players play two singles £10 Extra players’ frames awarded to opponents
Missing signatures (first time) Warning Must resubmit with signatures
Missing signatures (repeat) £5 Must resubmit with signatures
Captain not signing without raising grievance (1st) Warning None
Captain not signing without raising grievance (2nd) £10 None
Captain not signing without raising grievance (3rd) £10 1 league point deduction
Captain not signing without raising grievance (4th+) Committee discretion May include suspension
Missing frame results £5 Must resubmit complete
Completely illegible scorecard £5 Must resubmit legible version
Failure to submit result sheet by 15:00 next day £5 None (unless deadline missed again)
Failure to submit result sheet by 20:00 Friday £10 Committee may void/award match
Failure to provide referee when required £10 Frame awarded to opponents
Referee using phone / not paying attention £10 Frame awarded to opponents
No usable cue rest provided £10 None (per occurrence)
HOME team fails to provide official scorecard £10 Per occurrence; can submit on paper
HOME team fails to provide food for league match £10 None (per occurrence)
Non-attendance at AGM/EGM without notice £10 per team None
Non-attendance at 1st delegates meeting £25 per team None
Non-attendance at 2nd delegates meeting £25 per team 1 league point deduction (cumulative: £50 + 1 point if also missed 1st)
Non-attendance at 3rd delegates meeting Committee discretion Committee discretion (cumulative with previous)
Failure to return returnable trophy by deadline £10 Additional £10 per week until returned
Misuse of official communication channels £10-£50 Warning, removal from group, or suspension
Vexatious or frivolous grievance £10-£50 Potential suspension of grievance rights
General misconduct / unsporting behaviour £10-£100 Warning, suspension, or expulsion depending on severity
Serious abuse or violence Variable Immediate suspension pending Committee review; likely expulsion
Damage to venue property Full repair cost +£20-£100 fine + potential suspension/expulsion

7.2 Non-Financial Sanctions

Warnings

Suspensions

Point Deductions

Expulsion

Match Forfeiture

Frame Forfeiture

Result Voiding

7.3 Fine Payment & Enforcement

Payment Deadline: 14 days from issue

Outstanding Fines Limit: No team or player may accrue more than £30 in unpaid fines

Consequences of Non-Payment:

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Quick Reference - Key Deadlines

Action Deadline
Transfer request (pre-season) 10 days before first fixture
Start of season registration window closes 7 days before first fixture
New player registration (mid-season) Midnight (23:59) Tuesday
Players present at venue 20:15
Home team signed in (minimum 5) 20:20
Away team signed in (minimum 5) 20:25
Match must start 20:30
Last chance to start (or forfeit 2 frames + fine) 20:45
Last chance to start (or forfeit match) 21:00
Doubles pairs declared Before first doubles frame
Result sheet submitted 15:00 next day
Result sheet deadline (£10 fine) 20:00 Friday
Grievance submission (match result disputes) Midnight day after match
Conduct grievances 48 hours (ideally)
Fine payment 14 days from issue
Competition entry fees Published deadline (varies)
Player replacement registration 3/4 through season
Return returnable trophies 4 weeks before Finals Night

Appendix B: Frame Forfeit Summary

Situation Frames Forfeited
Only 5 players available P2 and S6 (start 2-0 down)
Not ready by 20:45 S1 and S2
Not ready by 21:00 Entire match (10-0)
Playing unregistered player All frames involving that player
Playing suspended player All frames involving that player
Player in wrong frame positions (two singles) Both frames that player played
More than 2 players play two singles Frames of extra players
Breach of signing-in rules Affected frame(s)
Failure to provide referee That frame
Referee not paying attention That frame
Injury to doubles player That doubles frame

Appendix C: Competition Entry Requirements Summary

Competition Min. Entries Final Format Eligibility Notes
Darren Henshaw Shield N/A (all teams) Full match (10 frames) Full team entries
Premier Division Cup N/A (Premier teams) Full match (10 frames) Premier Division teams only
Division 1 Cup N/A (Div 1 teams) Full match (10 frames) Division 1 teams only
Alan Pointer Trophy N/A (one per team) Race to 4 (best of 7) Top points scorer from each team
Jeff Fuller Singles 8 Race to 4 (best of 7) Open to all registered players
Henry Thorpe Pairs 8 Race to 4 (best of 7) Partners from same team
Pat Little Delegates Cup N/A Race to 4 (best of 7) Team rep or Committee member
Tom McTaggert Trophy N/A Race to 4 (best of 7) One per team; cannot also enter Pat Little
Seniors Cup 8 Race to 4 (best of 7) 50+ years old on competition date
Ladies Cup 8 Race to 4 (best of 7) Female players only
Young Player Cup 8 Race to 4 (best of 7) Under 21 on competition date

All competitions require: registered player, 4+ league matches played, entry fee paid, no suspensions, fines under £30.

END OF REGULATIONS

These regulations are issued by the BDPL Committee and take effect from February 2026.