Leominster & District Pool League
Official Constitution & Rules
(Full updated version – November 2025)
1. Name
The league shall be known as the Leominster & District Pool League (LDPL).
2. Objectives
To organise and promote competitive 8-ball pool in the Leominster area.
To support local pubs, clubs, and businesses.
To be fully inclusive, welcoming players of all ages, abilities, and disabilities.
3. Affiliation & Rules of Play
The league follows the current edition of World Blackball Rules. (Rule change by means of vote only)
All matches are played on standard UK 6ft or 7ft tables unless both captains agree otherwise on the night.
4. Membership & Registration
4.1 Any pub, club, or bona-fide team may enter one or more teams.
4.2 Each team must have a minimum of 4 registered players (no maximum).
4.3 Annual team registration fee: £45, payable before the season commences.
4.4 Any outstanding fees from previous seasons must be settled in full before a team or its players may register or participate in the current or future seasons.
4.5 Players must be registered with the league before taking part in any match. Unlimited transfers are permitted during the season subject to committee approval.
5. League Format & Scoring
5.1 Fixtures are played on Wednesday evenings with a 7:30pm start unless both captains agree an alternative time 8:00pm latest.
5.2 Match format: 12 singles frames (playing order via app on the night).
5.3 Points allocation:
Win: 3 points
Draw: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
5.4 Tie-breakers (in order): frame difference, frames won, head-to-head result.
5.5 Playing With Three Players (Maximum Twice Per Half-Season)
A team may field only three players on up to two occasions per half-season in which they can draw out the missing frames.
In this situation, each of the three players will play the final frame of each section.
The position of the missing fourth player must be drawn at random (from a hat).
Each player may play no more than four frames per fixture.
If the allowance of 2 occasions per half has been used the final frame of each section where a fourth player is required will be automatically forfeited and awarded to the opponents (3 frames under current format of 12 frames).
5.6 Playing With Two Players
A team may play a match with only two players, however the rules above do not apply and you are not permitted to draw for the missing players.
The team will automatically forfeit 2 frames from each section (6 frames under current format of 12 frames) meaning only a draw is possible.
Individual Averages Qualification
To qualify for the Highest Average award or any other individual prize, a player must participate in at least 50% of their team’s league matches (rounded up).
6. Match Night Regulations
6.1 Latest permissible start time: 7:30pm unless 8:00pm agreed in advance.
6.2 Penalty for starting after 7:30/8:00pm: 1 frame deducted for every 10 minutes late.
6.3 The home team must make the table available for away-team practice 20 minutes before the agreed start time.
Food
Provision of food on match nights is entirely at the discretion of the host venue. No player or team may demand food.
Postponements
6.4 Minimum 24 hours’ notice must be given to both the opposition captain and the league administrator.
6.5 Postponed matches must be rearranged and played within 14 days.
6.6 Failure to give proper notice results in an automatic 10–0 forfeit to the cancelling team (10 frames awarded for frame-difference purposes).
Result Submission
6.7 Both captains must submit the result via RackEmApp on the night or by 12 noon on Thursday in the event of connection issues. Any discrepancies are resolved by the committee.
Table Standards (Home Team Responsibility)
6.8 The table must be level, clean, and in good playing condition (cloth brushed/ironed, responsive cushions, clear pockets).
6.9 The visiting captain may request minor adjustments before play commences.
6.10 Persistent poor table condition may result in the fixture being switched to the opponent’s venue or deduction of points.
7. Match Fees
£5 per team per match (£10 total per fixture).
Preferred payment methods:
PayPal: leominsterdpl@outlook.com
Bank transfer (details available on request)
In the event of cancellation of a match without proper notice (forfeit) the team in breach of rules is required to pay £5 fees, the opposition is not liable to pay fees.
8. Competitions
8.1 League divisions operate 2 up / 2 down promotion and relegation where multiple divisions exist.
8.2 This season all side competitions are free to enter, subject to the following eligibility rule:
Players (Singles, Doubles, Under-18s) and teams (Team Knockout Cup) may only enter if the player(s) concerned have participated in at least 50% of their team’s league matches completed up to the closing date of the relevant entry window.
Competitions available:
Team Knockout Cup
Singles
Doubles
Under-18s
9. Conduct & Discipline
9.1 Coaching during a player’s visit is prohibited and results in automatic loss of frame.
9.2 Serious misconduct, abuse, or deliberate damage will result in bans of a duration determined by the committee.
9.3 Appeals must be submitted in writing to the committee within 7 days.
10. Committee
League Administrator: Joe Lines
Treasurer / Chairman: Graham Peach
Competitions Organiser: Chris Key
11. Annual General Meeting
No AGM is routinely scheduled, but one will be convened if requested or deemed necessary.
12. Finances
All income is used solely for cash prizes, trophies, engraving, website/app costs, presentation night expenses, and general league administration.
13. Trophies & Prizes
13.1 League winners, runners-up, and competition winners/runners-up receive cash prizes and/or trophies as appropriate.
13.2 Highest individual average award (subject to 50% match qualification).
13.3 All trophies must be returned clean no later than four weeks before presentation night.
14. Amendments
This constitution may be amended at any time by the committee.
Signed on behalf of the committee
November 2025