Rotherham & District Pool League – League Regulations

Last updated: 2025/26 AGM

1. General Expectations

All players and teams must play pool in the true spirit of the game – friendly and sportsmanlike.
- Unsportsmanlike behaviour will result in a £10 fine and a warning, second instance results in dismissal from league.
- Fighting or any violent conduct will result in offending individual immediately banned from the league for a period of 2 years.
The League Committee/Disputes Committee may rule on table quality and playing environment following complaints.
Teams are responsible for the conduct of their players.

Matches are played on Monday nights (exceptions may apply).
Start time: 8.00pm.
- 8:15pm → offended team may claim 1st frame
- 8:30pm → 2nd frame may be claimed
- 8:45pm → 3rd frame, and so on
- 9:00pm → team at venue may claim all 9 frames
The first five matches must be entered into the score sheet and locked in by 8:15pm. The remaining four matches must then be completed by 8:45pm. Failure to meet these deadlines without a reasonable excuse will result in a £5 fine being issued to the offending team.

A team = 6 registered players (must be registered with Secretary before match date).
Player registrations close on the final 4 weeks of the season.
Playing unregistered players = Offending team is deducted 5 points, and player banned for remainder of that season.
Player names must be given if requested by the opposing captain; otherwise squads are visible in the smartphone app once submitted.

Teams must give 72 hours’ notice to opponents & League Committee. If less notice is provided that will inflict a £20 fine, £10 of which goes to the opposing team and 5 points are deducted.
Rearranged matches must be played within one month of original date, and priority given to opponent.
No matches allowed after final League fixtures.

If a team cannot field 6 players, missing frames count as losses.
Captains are responsible for completing scorecards via app:
- First 5 matches by 9:00pm
- Remaining 4 matches by 10:00pm
Scoring:
- 1 point per frame won
- +1 bonus point for overall team win
- Example: Team A beats Team B 5–4 → Team A = 6 pts, Team B = 4 pts

Each team must provide at least one email contact.
Proposals for rule/regulation changes, nominations, and sponsorship offers must be submitted 1 week before AGM.
Each team may be represented at league meetings by a maximum of two delegates, normally the Captain and Vice Captain, unless otherwise agreed by the team themselves.
Dates, venues, and fees for the new season are finalised at the AGM.

Disputes are dealt with on the night (captains, referee, and players involved only).
Must also be reported to Secretary.
Only written rules apply:
- Published League Rules of Play, or
- Minuted changes agreed at an Official League Meeting.
Rules cannot be applied retrospectively.
All disciplinary and dispute matters are handled by League Committee – their decision is final.
Warnings for harassment carry over to the following season unless a full season is completed without issues.

All bonds, registration, raffle, and K.O. fees (set at AGM) must be paid at the first League Meeting (unless stated otherwise).
Defending champions of paid-entry K.O.s may defend their title free of charge the next season.
No entries accepted after a K.O. Preliminary Round draw.

Matches start on agreed date & time:
- Frame may be claimed after 15 minutes
- Match may be claimed after 30 minutes
Cancellation requires 48 hours’ notice and agreement of both parties (names recorded).
Failure to report results by cut-off → match becomes a bye.
Captains are ultimately responsible for ensuring matches are played.
If a match is unplayed without exceptional reason → both eliminated.
If a match is not arranged, players are expected to turn up on deadline day at the home venue and claim the match by informing the Secretary of your arrival.

3-Man K.O.: Teams may replace registered players (max 4) with unused players. Once replaced, a player cannot return.
Doubles & Scotch Doubles: No talking with partner once oncoming player addresses the cue ball.

Placings decided on:
1. Points
2. Frames won
3. Aggregate score between tied teams
4. If still tied → play-off fixture at neutral venue
Promotion/Relegation: normally 3 up / 3 down, but final decision rests with League Committee based on entries and transmitted at annual general meeting.

Under-21’s Knockout → Entrants must 21 years of age or under as of the first day of the season.
Over-65’s Knockout → Entrants must be 65 years of age or older as of the first day of the season.