HOME COUNTIES BOWLS ASSOCIATION
CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION RULES
(Updated November 2025)
1. The competition rules will be reviewed annually at the A.G.M.
2. The Singles, Under 25s Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours Championships shall be conducted in accordance with laws of the WBB and Bowls England and shall be open to respective Member Counties in each Competition.
3. Those eligible for each competition shall be the respective County Champions for that year.
4. Unavailability.
Singles: Only the losing finalist may replace the player.
Pairs: One substitute may be used. If both players unavailable, only the losing finalists may replace the players.
Triples: Two substitutes may be used. If all three players unavailable, only the losing finalists may replace the players.
Fours: Three substitutes may be used. If all four players unavailable, only the losing finalists may replace the players.
5. Player(s) qualifying in more than one competition.
If a player or Players have been successful in their county by winning more than one of the named competitions, Player(s) may only play in one of the named competitions. They must choose which one they wish to play in. Once chosen, Rule 4 applies for the competition they chose NOT to play in, as they automatically become unavailable.
6. The draw for each Championship will be made at the Association AGM held annually in either October or November of each year, so that each County has time to include it in their respective Yearbook.
7. As soon as they are known all entrants must be nominated by their respective Counties to the Association Competition Secretary.
8. Quarter Finals:
These are part of the Championship Competition and therefore all rules apply throughout.
These will be played prior to Finals Day & must be played by the date set by the competition Secretary.
The first named player, being the Challenger, must offer his Opponent the choice of TWO dates on which to play, one of which must be a weekend. The Challenger shall have the choice of green. Where the mileage exceeds 120 miles round trip club to club (Google maps suggested route - quickest in time), matches will be played on a neutral green mutually agreed midway between the two clubs, unless alternative arrangements have been mutually agreed. If green fees are payable at the neutral venue, they will be shared by both teams. All results of these matches must be sent to the Association Competition Secretary within 24 hours of the completion of the game.
9. Finals Day: This will be held in May on the Sunday of (Week 19) of the following year and will include all competition Semi-Finals & Finals.
10. All semi-finals will commence at the same time in the morning session. Likewise all Finals will commence at the same time in the afternoon session.
11. The Finals Day will be held at a venue chosen by representatives of all participating counties. HCBA will provide the necessary Umpires to oversee the Championships.
12. Presentation of trophies & Certificates. At the conclusion of the finals, a Certificate & Trophy will be awarded to the winners a certificate will be awarded to the Finalists by the Association Chairman.
All finalist are asked to remain in their playing attire until the presentations are concluded.
CLARIFICATION ON TRAVEL AND MATCH DRESS.
Travel arrangements and dress, are the responsibility of the individuals concerned. Match Dress code: both in the early rounds and Finals, shall be County playing dress, as stipulated by the respective Counties or Club attire, all players must wear the same attire.
