IBA Junior Inter Association Championship Rules

Chapman Trophy presented by the Bowling League of Ireland

1. This competition shall be open to the four Associations of Clubs comprising the IBA and under no circumstances shall any player represent more than one Association in the competition in any one season. In addition to these Rules the IBA’s General Competition Rules shall apply.

2. Each competing Association shall be represented by a side of 4 rinks consisting entirely of members of its member clubs which are also members of the IBA. Only players under the age of 25 on 1 April of the season in which the competition is held, irrespective of the level of club bowls played, shall be eligible for selection. Should any side include an ineligible player, the defaulting side shall forfeit the relevant match(es) and any points won and the full points shall be awarded to the opponents(s).

3. Each side shall play every other side a game of 21 ends, though in exceptional circumstances and provided both sides agree before the game begins (or before an interrupted game resumes) fewer ends, subject to a minimum of 18, shall constitute a completed game.

4. In the event that the umpires and/or the green keeper determine that a green is unfit for play the following shall apply:

(a) Where a match has not commenced it shall be rescheduled for a date to be determined by the Management Committee. If more than one match has to be rescheduled these shall be played on the same date(s). Insofar as it is practical a match shall be played on the same green as per the original schedule.

In a rescheduled match an Association may change the composition of its side. To take account of potential changes a new draw shall take place to determine which rinks shall compete against each other.

(b) Where a match has commenced but has not been completed the following shall apply:

• When a green has been declared as unfit for play all rinks shall leave the green immediately and only completed ends shall be taken into account when determining the result of the match.
• A minimum aggregate total of 48 ends must be played in a match in order for a result to be declared.
• Where less that an aggregate total of 48 ends have been played the points shall be shared i.e. 3.5 points to each side. Shots differential shall not apply to an uncompleted match.

5. Seven points shall be awarded in each game. The winning side shall be awarded 3 points, with 11/2 points to each side in a drawn game. In addition, each winning rink on each side shall be awarded 1 point, with 1/2 point to each rink in the event of a draw.At the end of the competition, the side with the greatest number of points shall be declared the winner. When two or more sides finish with an equal number of points the side with the highest shot average shall be declared the winner. The shot average shall be determined by dividing the aggregate number of shots scored by the side in the competition by the aggregate number of shots scored against that side.

6. A player may play in the Junior and Senior Inter-Association Championships in the same season.

7. This competition shall not be designated as a Senior Competition.

The winning Association shall hold the trophy for one year.