BCGBA Policy

British Crown Green Bowling Association

1 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

DISCIPLINE POLICY (REV NOV 23)

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Bye Laws of British Crown Green Bowling

Association, the recognised Governing Body of Crown Green Bowls.

Contents:

1. Code of Conduct

2. Protests and Appeals

3. Guidance on Punishments

4. Guidelines for Disciplinary /Appeals procedure

BCGBA Code of Conduct 2023

• CONTENTS

• GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

• AIMS & PURPOSE

• RIGHTS & EXPECTATIONS

• CODE OF CONDUCT

• PLAYERS

• OFFICIALS

• SUPPORTERS

• PARENTS

• USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

• NON-COMPLIANCE

• GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

British Crown Green Bowling Association

2 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

1 AIMS & PURPOSE

• Crown Green Bowling is a sport suitable for the widest range of individuals – young and old,

male, and female, able-bodied and disadvantaged.

• However, in order to maximise the benefits and opportunities available, then the BCGBA expect

the highest standards of conduct from all those involved – players, spectators and

administrators.

• This document sets out the rights and expectations of the conduct of all essentially-involved

parties.

• This conduct is expected at all times and sanctions are proposed for persistent noncompliance.

2 RIGHTS & EXPECTATIONS

• All participants and spectators have the right to:

• Enjoy safe participation in the game

• Be treated as individuals at all times

• Express their views and to be listened to

• Seek support to help them develop their skills and values

• Be treated with respect

• Enjoy an environment free of discrimination

• Participate free from the threat of abuse or insult

• Have the sport administered in a fit and proper manner

• Obtain guidance and support free from bias or favouritism

• All participants and spectators are expected to:

• Know the rules of game

• Treat fellow participants with respect and courtesy

• Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour

• Accept the decisions of officials without dissent

• Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times

• Treat the green and facilities with respect

British Crown Green Bowling Association

3 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

CODE OF CONDUCT

• 3.1 PLAYERS

• Players are the most important people in the sport.

• Playing for the team and helping the team to win is a fundamental part of the game.

But fair play and respect for all others is equally fundamental.

• At all times, when practicing, training or competing in leagues, competitions and events,

participants and competitors should:

• Follow the rules and procedures of their club and league and Association

• Adhere to BCGBA rules and byelaws

• Act in accordance with the rules of the competition or event

• Accept the decisions of officials of the event

• Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times

• Treat officials and other competitors with respect

• Avoid swearing, shouting or any form of abusive behaviour or harassment

• Refrain from abusive or threatening behaviour

• Respect the rights and dignity of other participants

• Keep to agreed timings or inform their Captain or the competitions’ relevant person

if they are going to be late.

• No drinks allowed on the green. (playing area)

• No Swearing on or round the green

• No intimidation harassment or abusive behaviour on or round the green

• No unauthorised persons allowed on the green

• No Smoking or vapes permitted whilst playing on the green

• No Telephones or electronic devises permitted whilst playing unless required for medical

monitoring.

• No use of illegal substances or drugs

British Crown Green Bowling Association

4 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

3.2 OFFICIALS

• Officials and administrators are an important part of the game. Their efforts can greatly

enhance or sometimes even diminish the enjoyment of the game.

• It is essential that the authority of their position is recognised and accepted.

• However that authority must be used responsibly.

• Officials should:

• Perform their duties in a fair and efficient manner free from bias or favouritism

• Know the rules and act as a confident source of advice and information

• Be open and transparent in all their decisions and be prepared to explain their reasons

• Accept fair and constructive criticism

• Perform their duties without consideration of self-importance

• Share their knowledge with others

• Expect to be treated with respect and not subjected to personal comments or verbal

abuse

• Members will expect officials to:

• Be knowledgeable, fair and honest

• Keep their promises

• Keep to agreed programmes and timings

3.3 SUPPORTERS

• Supporters can make a significant contribution to an event. However, it must be accepted that

players must not be unduly influenced or prevented from playing their own game.

•

• All spectators should:

• Participate in a positive manner

• Avoid swearing and abusive behaviour

• Accept the instructions of match officials

• Keep off the playing surface

• Treat all participants equally

• Act in a sportsmanlike way at all times

British Crown Green Bowling Association

5 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

3.4 PARENTS

• Parents should:

• Recognise the rights of their children to have fun.

• Encourage long term participation.

• Support their child’s involvement in practicing and playing.

• Be a good role model at clubs competitions and events and abide by safeguarding

procedures at all times.

• Accept that errors are an important part of learning and not condemn children for

making them.

3.5 USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

• Social media provides a forum for an exchange of views or constructive debate.

• It can be an enjoyable experience and can make a difference by bringing people together,

supporting a mutual interest or cause.

• However, it is not the appropriate setting for creating disputes, to discredit other users or

organisations, or to lodge complaints or grievances.

• It is certainly not the forum for anonymous slurs and insults.

• The BCGBA would expect all users of social media to:

• Remember that all social media programmes are a public forum.

• By adding any comment or information, you must be aware that this will be visible to other

users and assumed to be true and relevant.

• Remember that you are responsible for your contribution and for any possible consequences

to your reputation and that of your subject.

• If you have any doubts, it is better to refrain from making a contribution.

• Treat other users with respect; use appropriate and correct language and act as though you are

in the presence of the other person i.e. Face to Face..

• Respect other users by:

• Being courteous, honest and fair

• Treating all people how you would like to be treated

• Acting in ways that supports the reputation of the sport

• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality with regards to personal matters

• Avoiding racist, homophobic, discrimination harassment or threatening comments

• Avoiding behaviour which might reasonably be perceived as harassment, discrimination,

bullying or intimidation

• Be genuine – don’t hide behind aliases or nicknames

• Before you post a comment always ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it relevant?

• Comply with relevant actions from the online safety bill when it becomes law.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents/enacted

British Crown Green Bowling Association

6 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

3.6 NON-COMPLIANCE

• This Code of Conduct should be seen as a guide to best practice to allow enjoyment of the sport

by all those involved. In addition, safeguarding process and procedures are available on the

Bowls Development Alliance Website for additional guidance.

• However failures to comply will inevitably occur.

• In these cases, it is essential that some value judgement is provided and disciplinary action

taken.

• In repeat or extreme circumstances, sanctions are likely to be imposed.

• Also, in all cases, the right of appeal should be available.

• For incidents at club or league level, competitions and Associations should follow the BCGBA

discipline Policy and Guidance for disputes.

• In all cases, accepted established procedures for the resolution of disputes should be followed.

(see guidelines below)

British Crown Green Bowling Association

7 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

2. Protests, Appeals and Deposits

(a) No protest or complaint shall be determined by the BCGBA unless the matter has been considered

by the relevant Club, League, Association, County Association, or other relevant affiliated body.

The only exceptions to this Bye Law are as follows:

(i) Where all other avenues have been exhausted, allegations of bringing the game into disrepute may

be reported directly to the BCGBA.

(ii) Cases of misconduct occurring at events which are the direct responsibility of, or are directly

organised by, the BCGBA.

(iii) Breaches of Bye Law 11(c) covering Open Contests. In the three cases above, disciplinary

proceedings may be instigated by the BCGBA without reference from a third party.

In all the above, the BCGBA shall, in its absolute discretion, decide whether to deal with the matter

itself or refer the matter for consideration by an appropriate affiliated body.

(b) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretation of the Rules shall be referred

to the Discipline Sub Committee.

(c) Protests and complaints which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are

founded must be lodged in duplicate with the Chief Executive, BCGBA, within 21 days after the hearing

of the appeal to

the County Association.

(d) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Discipline Sub Committee unless the

complainant shall have deposited with the Chief Executive the sum of £100.00 which may be forfeited

in whole or in part to the

funds of the BCGBA. In the event of a complainant losing the case the Association shall have power to

order the complainant making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the

enquiry or to order the costs to be shared between the two parties.

(e) Parties to a protest or complaint shall be afforded an opportunity of making a written statement to

the Discipline Sub Committee, shall be notified in advance the date upon which the protest or

complaint is to be heard, and will be allowed the opportunity of copies of all correspondence

appertaining to the protest or appeal.

(f) At the absolute discretion of the relevant Committee, parties to a protest or complaint may be

allowed to make oral representations to the said Committee.

British Crown Green Bowling Association

8 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

(g) An adhoc Committee consisting of three members of the Management Committee (Discipline Sub

Committee) together with the President and Deputy President shall be convened to deal with

questions raised under these Rules and of any disciplinary matters. The Discipline Sub Committee

(can call upon) Management Committee members who shall be automatically appointed in sequence

from a list of all the Associations represented on the Committee. Where the list nominates for duty the

representative of an Association directly involved in the matter under consideration, then that

Association shall be replaced with the next listed. The aforementioned Association shall be reinserted

elsewhere in the listing. The Isle of Man shall be excused on request. When exhausted the list/rota to

be redrawn at random. In the absence of either the President or Deputy President, one other member

of the Management Committee Discipline/Sub Committee shall be co-opted onto the adhoc

Committee. No person involved in the complaint/alleged offence, or with connections with the

complainant(s)/alleged offenders or

witnesses shall sit on this body.

(h) Any Club, League or Association who suspends a player from taking part in competitive Crown

Green Bowls, shall report this fact to its County Association, who shall consider the facts of the

suspension and, if the circumstances warrant it, extend the suspension to cover the area of their

jurisdiction. County Associations shall report the facts of all suspensions to the BCGBA who may also

extend the area of suspension, providing it is considered the circumstances warrant it. Only the adhoc

Committee as indicated in 12(g) can increase or decrease the period of suspension. The Discipline Sub

Committee may demand the production of any books, documents or other evidence deemed

necessary. Should any Club, League, Association or County Association refuse to furnish such evidence

as may be required, or refuse to attend the enquiry, the Discipline Sub Committee shall have power to

suspend such

Club, League, Association or County Association.

If a player makes a complaint and fails to get satisfaction from his Club, League, Association or County

Association, he shall have the right to appeal to the British Crown Green Bowling Association in

pursuance of Bye Law 12.

Application for early reinstatement by offending Clubs or players from suspensions must be made in

writing to the Secretaries of the respective County Association. Such applications (together with a

report and commendation from the County Secretary, countersigned by the Chairman), must be sent

to the Chief Executive of the British Crown Green Bowling

Association. Each County Association shall have the power to deal with offending players and

application for reinstatement, subject to appeal to the next meeting of the Discipline Sub Committee.

Any Club or player under suspension for an offence other than provided for in Bye Law 11, may, on

application, be reinstated at the discretion of the Discipline Sub Committee/Management Committee.

No application for early reinstatement shall be entertained (except in special circumstances to be

agreed by the Management Committee) from a player who has once been re-instated; this rule shall be

retrospective in its action and shall apply to any member of a Club becoming affiliated as one of a

number of Clubs admitted en-bloc from any particular area.

British Crown Green Bowling Association

9 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

3. Guidelines on Punishment

On misconduct being proved to the satisfaction of the Discipline Sub Committee/Management

Committee they shall have the power to:

• Caution

• Reprimand

• Suspend

• Fine

• Expel

Any Association, League, Club, Officer, Official, Player, Spectator or Affiliated Organisation, who shall

infringe any Rule or Bye Law, or whose conduct shall, in their opinion, render him/her or them unfit

for membership. The Discipline Sub Committee/Management Committee shall decide whether a

Player, Club or Affiliated Organisation shall be dealt with first by being summoned to appear before

the Discipline Sub Committee/Management Committee to explain his/her or their conduct, and given

opportunity to advance his/her or their defence unless in the opinion of an emergency Discipline Sub

Committee/Management Committee such matters are serious enough to warrant immediate action. In

the case of misconduct meriting National Suspension or expulsion, at least two-thirds of the Discipline

Sub Committee/ Management Committee then present must vote in support for suspension or

expulsion. Anyone so summoned to appear before the Discipline Sub Committee/ Management

Committee shall be entitled to receive notice of at least seven days, in writing by Recorded Delivery or

E-mail from the Association Secretary, giving particulars of the breaches of conduct being the subject

of complaint. Where a Player and/or spectator is found guilty of infringement of any rule or Bye Law,

the BCGBA Discipline Sub Committee/ Management Committee would endorse the following

interpretation of the term ‘suspension’. For the period determined appropriate by the Discipline Sub

Committee/Management Committee such player or spectator shall be suspended.

Such person MUST NOT

• Play or Represent any Member Club/League/ Associations/Associate Members

• Play or Represent any Affiliated Member Club/ League/ Associations/ Associate Members

• Play or Officiate in any BCGBA Competitions, Championship or Individual Merit Competitions For the

duration of the suspension the person, club, league or

Associations MUST NOT

1. Participate, take part, engage, join, get involved, play a part, play role, be a participant, partake,

contribute, take part in any event or activity

2. Be an active member of any Club, Affiliated Club or Affiliated League or Associate Members within

BCGBA

3. Be permitted to attend, organise, or manage any event where crown green bowling takes place. The

Discipline Sub Committee/Management Committee when deciding the suspension may consider

elements of the suspension as listed, but not limited to the above, when deciding the suspension.

Should any Individual, Member Club/League/Associations/ Associate Members fail to manage

compliance of the suspensions at their venues they shall be considered guilty of misconduct.

The Discipline Sub Committee/Management Committee shall keep a record and notify all membership

of the decisions where National Suspensions are imposed.’

British Crown Green Bowling Association

10 

REVISION JAN 2024 – (REVIEW 2026)

DISCIPLINE (additional guidelines)

1. Complete Discharge (no case to answer not enough evidence of any misdemeanour)

2. Conditional Discharge (anything from 3 months to 12 months-if any repeat within period of

sentence, case to be looked at again and if found guilty increase in sentence moves up, usually fine, or

suspension. Suggest 6-month suspension from all bowls to be minimum.

3. Fine. (depending on defendant’s actions i.e. verbal abuse, racial comments, threatening behaviour,

Verbal Abuse:

Threats of Violence:

Affray (actual blows)

Racial Abuse;

Suggest Band Fines Band A Band B Band C

£25.00 £50.00 £100.00

Verbal Abuse Range: Band A fine to suspension

Threats of Violence Range: Band B fine to suspension

Affray : Range: Band C fine to suspension

Racial Abuse: immediate suspension 12 months (can be brought down to a lesser sentence