Bronze League Rules 2022/2023

1. Teams from the clubs listed below have entered the League for 2022:

Castle Royle, Donnington Grove, East Berks, Easthampstead, Goring & Streatley, Hennerton, Maidenhead (2 teams), Mapledurham, Newbury & Crookham, Reading at Caversham, Royal Ascot, Sand Martins, Sonning, and Winter Hill.

2. Each team will take a one-year turn in the administration of the league in alphabetical rotation. A separate document details the job description of the Division Organiser.
3. There will be 3 leagues of 5 different teams in each league (or different configurations if less or more than 15 teams). Each team will consist of six bona fide lady members of Handicap Index of 20.1 and above, of the above clubs and may include junior members of 20.1 Handicap Index and above. Matches will be three matches of Four Ball Better Ball played off scratch and the rules for Four Ball Match Play apply.
4. Should a player be absent, it is acceptable for one to play two; the single player may be joined by her partner at any time during the match between holes but not during the play of a hole – (Rules of Golf 23.4). Each team will play one match against each other team on a neutral course, as designated by the League Rules. (This may not be possible, when there is an even number in a Division).
5. The host club is responsible for contacting the other teams and offering a date when they can provide 6 consecutive tee times. It is up to visiting teams to make themselves available to play on the dates offered. The order of play and pairings will be at the team captain’s discretion. Matches will commence as specified on start sheets. The final match score i.e holes up, will be recorded on the scorecard handed to the co-ordinator. Each match shall end when one team has won. Social play may continue if desired, provided that continuing to play does not hold up matches behind which are still in play.

• Each pair winning a match will score TWO points.
• Each pair halving a match will score ONE point.
• In the event of a halved match, play shall not continue beyond the 18th hole.

In the event that a team plays and wins all 3 matches, then that team shall be awarded ONE bonus point.

In the event of a team “no show” then 6 points will be awarded to the team that shows up.

The team with the most points after all the matches have been played will be the winner of the league. In the event of a tie the match play results, ie. holes up, will decide the winner. In the event of there still being a tie, the result of the match between the tied teams will decide the winner. The same principle applies in determining all other placings.

6. If the host club decides that a match has to be abandoned it should be replayed completely on the specified course as arranged by the host club. If, at any stage on the match day, one team or pair decline to play then they must concede the match and the points will be awarded to the opposition. If the match is not conceded and both teams or pairs decline to play neither team nor pair shall be awarded any points. The scorecard(s) must be signed by each pair to reflect any agreement to concede or decision not to play.
7. Caddies and trolley pullers are not allowed for the matches. If a player requires the use of a buggy there is no requirement for a medical certificate, but the player concerned should contact the host club and the opposition captain before the match, both out of courtesy and in order to confirm that the course will allow a buggy on the day of the match. Only the person affected can use the buggy, not her playing partner or her partners equipment.

NB The decision whether to permit trolleys or buggies rests solely with the home club.

Under extreme weather conditions and if carry only is allowed at the course, then Bag Carriers, Men or Women, will be allowed.

If courses stipulate a trolley ban except for certain kinds of trolleys eg. hedgehog wheels, these can be used if players have their own or they are available to hire from the club, this will be on a first come first served basis.

GPS and course measuring devices may be used by players providing that the host club allows them.

The course must be played as set out on the day, which may include: temporary greens or no trolleys.

8. The host club will send out, in a timely fashion, information of car parking, dress codes and any other details they think applicable to the day.

The host club will provide light refreshments for sale. The visiting teams shall pay the full cost of the refreshments to the home club. It is the visiting teams’ decision on the amount each player will pay and whether they wish to subsidise their own players.

The home club should be present to greet visiting clubs as they arrive. A starter should be provided to ensure the timely start of matches and also to make players aware of local rules and conditions of the day. The starter should explain course distance markers and give any necessary information regarding the course layout. Players should be at the 1st tee 10 minutes before their playing time to be briefed.

The host club will fill in the result sheet in conjunction with all visiting captains and return the sheet to the league organiser.

9. A player may play for only one club during the league season. If a club is entering two teams then they should agree how the players will be selected. Maidenhead, this season, will have a 1st team of players 20.1 and above and a 2nd team will have a handicap index of 22.1 and above. No player can play in more than 6 matches.
10. The engraving of the winners trophy will be the responsibility of the winning clubs.
11. A small committee will be formed for reference and to assist with the makings of decisions to include the past, present and future organisers of the league.
12. The League Matches will be played during the 1st 2 weeks of February, the 2nd 2 weeks of February, the 1st 2 weeks of March and 2nd 2 weeks of March, last 2 weeks of September, 1st 2 weeks of October, the 2nd 2 weeks of October, the 1st week of November, at or near 10.00am.
13. There will be a lunch in April of each year to which all ladies who have played in the League plus the Lady Captain, whether a player or not, are invited to attend.
14. An AGM will be held after the lunch to discuss any issues which may have arisen during the season. Should a vote be necessary, one vote per club is permitted. Each Club should ensure at least one representative is present.

Bronze League rules as amended October 2022.