CONSTITUTION
Last updated at the 2014 AGM

1. Name
The league shall be known as Milton Keynes City Snooker League and its aim is to promote the games of Billiards and Snooker in the district.
2. Committee
The league shall be managed by a committee of ex-officio officers who are representatives of member clubs.
They shall be elected by the members at an AGM.
The officers to be: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Web Designer, Secretary, Treasurer, League Representative Teams Organiser, plus Secretaries for Tournaments, fixtures and Social activities, plus up to two ordinary committee members.
A quorum necessary to call a meeting must include 2 of the 5 senior officers (i.e. any 2 of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Web Designer, Secretary and Treasurer).
Nominations for the committee must be received by the Secretary, in writing, at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
When insufficient nominations are received and the incumbent declines to continue, then nominations shall be accepted at the AGM.
If positions are not filled or if members have to stand down during the season, the committee reserve the right to co-opt members providing that a majority of all committee members are in agreement.
3. Committee meetings
Any member of the committee being absent from three consecutive meetings of the Committee shall, unless they send a written explanation that the Committee shall deem satisfactory, cease to be a member of the Committee.
4. League formation
Where there is demand, the MKCSL will run both a scratch league, and a handicapped league. The only difference being that individual frames are played off of players individual handicaps.
The leagues will be formed into divisions as decided by the committee, depending upon the number of teams registered, but at least adhering to the two teams promoted and two teams relegated principle, where the number of divisions allows.
5. New teams
New teams will normally be placed in the lowest division except when:
a) A team that changes name only or makes only minor changes to personnel, will retain its position.
b) When a team has been formed of known players, of an obviously high standard, as to make inclusion in the lowest division apparently unfair to other members of that division.
6. Venue
Teams will only be allowed to play from a home venue that has committee approval and where the table is in a good state of repair and where the minimum of equipment necessary for play is available.
7. Team registrations
To obtain entry into the League, a team must register a minimum of 3 players, as individuals, as per rule 8, prior to 31st July.
One player shall be designated as Captain.
The appropriate non-returnable registration fees for a minimum of 3 players shall accompany the entry.
The registration fee covers the individual fee for 3 players and the registration of the team.
The committee reserves the right to reject unsuitable team names.
Each registering player must be a recognised member of their home venue club.
8. Individual player registrations
Individual player registrations must be made to the Fixtures Secretary, in writing.
Details to include: Name, Address, Postcode, Telephone number, e-mail address (where applicable) and Team name.
If the number of players registered for a team exceeds 3 then a fee of £15.00 shall be enclosed except where the registration is for an OAP or for a player under 16 years of age when the fee shall be £10.00.
Any player entering both the scratch and handicapped leagues shall receive a 25% discount off their registration fees. Any registration received by May 31st will benefit from a 1/3 discount.
All player registrations shall be acknowledged by the Fixtures Secretary.
No player is allowed to play prior to this acknowledgement.
9. Late player registrations
Player registrations will be accepted up to the halfway stage of the season.
After this time registrations must have Fixtures Secretary / Committee approval.
10. Transfer of players
Transfers must be applied for through the office of the Fixtures Secretary.
Both teams and the player concerned must have been notified of the requested transfer.
Players may only transfer with committee consent. The transfer decision will be notified in writing and the player is not eligible to play for the new team until the decision is received.
11. Eligibility to play at a venue
If a team or individual is prevented from playing at a venue due to one or more players age, gender or disability, the restricted team or individual may apply for relocation of the fixture, to the relevant Secretary in writing, no later than 10 days before the fixture in question, showing just cause.
The relevant Secretary may then arrange the new venue and advise both team captains or individuals.
The cost of the provision of the table will then be the responsibility of the home team or player.
12. Playing times
All matches to commence by 7.30pm.
In the event of a player not being present by 7.45pm the player concerned must be called, if not immediately present or ready to play then the frame shall be awarded 147-0 to the player in attendance. Each subsequent frame can be claimed at 15 minute intervals until all frames have been claimed.
As a precaution, the captain of the team concerned should obtain the signature of any witness to attest to the teams or players non-attendance.
13. Code of conduct
All players will abide by the rules of the home venue.
All players will conduct themselves in an orderly fashion, and have due regard for the people and premises of the home venue.
Dress codes will be advised in writing prior to events.
All members of the league whilst representing, or playing in, the MKCSL shall maintain such suitable standard of dress, as the Committee in their absolute discretion shall determine.  Any complaints shall be made to the Secretary in writing within 7 days of the incident concerned. The Secretary will then inform the other members of the committee, and a decision about how to handle the complaint will be discussed. Any complaints / incidents received about intimidating / threatening behaviour (such as foul language / physical violence) will potentially face expulsion from the league.
14. League table/End of season results
The winners and runners up for each division will be promoted where possible, and will receive trophies.
In the event of a tie on points for a position in the table that determines promotion, relegation or the winning of an award then the team that has achieved the most wins, and then draws if required, will be deemed to be the higher placed.
In the event of teams having achieved equal points, wins and draws, a play-off will be arranged by the committee at a neutral venue, to decide the positions. This will use the standard league format. In the event of a tie, a deciding frame will determine the position, to be played by each team’s selected player.
15. Meetings
All registered teams must have a representative at all general meetings.
No one player may represent more than one team.
The AGM will take place within 28 days of the end of the scheduled season.
The end of the season shall be considered to be presentation evening.
An EGM may be called by a minimum of 5 players from each division who must sign and print their names, and shall apply in writing to the Secretary clearly stating the issue under discussion. The secretary will then call the meeting within 28 days of receipt of the request, but the agenda shall be relevant business only.
Any team not represented at any general meeting will be penalised by a point’s deduction equivalent to a maximum league match win. A mid-season general meeting shall be held.
16. Rights to vote
At any general meeting the registered members present shall have one vote each.
17. Rule amendments
Proposals for constitution or rule changes must be received by the Secretary, in writing, at least 7 days prior to the AGM.
Rules may only be amended at the AGM, by a majority vote of the members present.
Rules proposed at the AGM may be amended prior to the vote for their acceptance, this to achieve a balanced opinion.
The original amendment as stated shall also be voted upon, this to ensure that the proposer obtains a ruling on the original proposal.
18. Awards
Any teams or players who have won awards during the season must be present at the presentation night to receive the award, or have advised the League Secretary of the reason for absence at least 48 hours in advance, which will need to satisfy the committee to prevent forfeiture of the right to receive the award.
19. Professionals
Any player who holds a World Snooker registration shall be considered a professional within MKCSL. Any player who has previously held a World Snooker registration shall be judged by the committee as to their professional status within MKCSL. Professionals will only be allowed to play in the top division and will play from scratch. In scratch one day tournaments, they will play from a handicap of -28.
20. Trophies
Any player or team receiving an annual trophy will be responsible for its upkeep and return to the Tournament Secretary in the condition in which it was presented. Any loss or damage will be the responsibility of that player or team and any costs incurred in the repair or replacement will be paid for by the said player or team.
21. Monies
Any player or team owing the league money will not be allowed to register until all monies owed to the league are paid.

LEAGUE RULES

22. Day of play
Scratch league fixtures will normally be played on a Monday, unless varied by the committee.
Handicapped league fixtures will normally be played on a Thursday, unless varied by the committee.
23. Format of play
Matches will consist of 6 frames of singles. 1 point will be awarded for each frame win and a further 3 points for a match win. 1 point will be awarded for a drawn match.
24. Rules of the game
All matches must be played according to the rules of the current governing body of the amateur games of Billiards and Snooker. (Rule books for both games can be obtained through the committee.)
Home teams will provide referees, but the away team may act as marker.
25. Order of play
Each captain will enter the names of the players onto the match card prior to the commencement of play. The home captain shall pick their team first and this will be visible to the away captain before their team is named.
The choice of opponents may not be changed, but the order of play may be varied with the agreement of both captains and the players concerned. When a team, knowingly has a player shortage they must advise the opposing Captain prior to declaration of playing order. Vacant slots must start from the last frame and work backwards. No player shall be selected to play more than 2 frames.
If an unregistered player is played, a penalty deduction equivalent to a maximum match win will be enforced. Any points won by an unregistered player will be deducted from the offending team and given to the opposing team.
26. Player Shortage
When a team has a player shortage, the opposition can either claim the frame 147-0 or play the outstanding frame(s) against (a) player(s) of their own choice from the opposing team. In this case the full team’s original line-up cannot be changed. This rule overrides rule 27 below.
Any team failing to turn up at all will incur a 5 point penalty.
Any team failing to turn up twice will receive a warning. A third non-attendance will result in expulsion from the league and all their team points will be expunged.
27. Substitutes
A substitute may play for an absent nominated player providing that the frame is about to be claimed under rule 12 and that the substitute is present and ready to play. This rule stands except in situations when rule 26 is enforced.
The substitute must be registered as per rule 7 or rule 8. Any player may only play 3 or more frames in a match on 3 occasions.
28. Scorecards
These to be provided by the home team.
It shall be signed by both captains as a true record of the match.
It is the home team's responsibility to cause the card to be delivered to the Fixtures Secretary within 2 days of the match being played, either by post, email, text message, or submitting the result via the league web site at www.mkcsl.co.uk.
If a captain has a grievance concerning the match, it must be stated on the match card, and written details of the grievance must then be forwarded to the Fixtures Secretary by midnight 2 days from the match with a copy to the League Secretary, within 7 days of the match being played. The 2 Secretaries will then liaise to bring the matter to conclusion as soon as possible.
Late score cards will result in a 5 point penalty, no score card within 14 days will result in a further  maximum match win penalty unless the team concerned can satisfy the committee as to why there is no card. Substitute cards will be allowed provided they are fully filled out and signed by both captains.
29. Abandoned matches
Any match that is caused to be abandoned must be continued in the same state as it was when it was abandoned, except any frame in progress shall be restarted. However, if a match cannot be completed before club closing time, then the unfinished frames shall be declared void and the match shall be considered complete.
30. Table not available
Where a team has no table available due to unforeseen circumstances, they may provide a table at an alternative league venue without committee approval, providing that the away team are informed at least 24 hours prior to the match.
Where the only table available is not at a league venue, then approval must be sought from the committee, prior to play.
31. Events not covered
Any situation not covered by these rules will be ruled upon by the committee whose decision will be final.

TOURNAMENT RULES
(Addition to league rules)

32. Fees
All entries must be accompanied by full entry fees.
Entries will be limited to league registered players only, unless specifically stated.
All winners of league singles and doubles championships shall be entered free of charge in the following year of the competition.
The winner of the scratch singles championship will be entered into a National competition, whenever possible, as a reward for their efforts.
33. Phone Numbers
Players entering a non one-day tournament must provide a main contact number, then if they have a second contact number and want this to be used to contact them as well then this should also be included. Ideally these numbers should be given at team registration to avoid duplication of effort. Failure to provide a telephone number will result in no entry into the competitions selected.
34. Draws
All draws will be published by the Tournament Secretary without delay.
35. Contacting Opponents and arranging matches
It is both players responsibility to arrange the match.
Before contacting your opponent, make sure you have at least two or three days free when you can play.
Try contacting the player in the evening on their main contact number first, as most people are working during the day. If there’s no reply on their main contact number try the second contact number if provided.
If you are still un-able to contact them and you have left a message on either phone, then contact the captain of the team they play for. You can find out the team they play for by checking the MKCSL web site at www.mkcsl.co.uk then find the competition you are in, then find your draw, then click on your opponents name, then this will take you to their details, where you will also see their team name. Click on the team name and this will provide you with the details of all their fellow team members. If they happen to be the captain, then call/text/email the Tournament Secretary.
36. Delayed Results / Extensions
If you absolutely cannot play the match by the play by date, but you both want to play the match, then agree a date and time when you can play it. Then one player must contact the Tournament Secretary (before the play by date) with the date when you can play the match (within one week of the play by date). You will then both be entered into the next round as a Delayed Result.
If the result is not received within one week of play by date, then both players will go out of the competition. If no date can be agreed then both players go out.
37. Claiming matches
In order to claim a match you must have either:
a) Contacted your opponent and they agree to let you claim it. Your opponent must also contact the Tournament Secretary so that you can be put through.
b) Tried to contact your opponent on all numbers provided, and tried to contact the player’s captain. If you still can’t get through then call the Tournament Secretary, and they will try to contact your opponent. If they can’t get hold of them then you will probably get put through.
c) Arranged your match, and your opponent doesn’t turn up. You can claim one frame for every 15 minutes, so if best of three then you can claim match after 30 minutes.
38. Players not playing matches
At the discretion of the Tournament Secretary any player who fails to play one or more tournament matches may be disqualified. This can involve the immediate withdrawal of the offending player from any number of tournaments they have entered. The offending player may also be disqualified from entering any more tournaments during the current season, and the disqualification may even be extended to the following season. Under no circumstances shall substitute players be allowed. Deciding a match by any other than the playing of frames shall count as a withdrawal by both players.
39. Table costs
Home drawn players shall provide the table and pay the cost.
Except at finals, the home player shall provide a referee (if required).
40. Results
All winners must inform the Tournament Secretary immediately of the result and the latest results will be accepted by noon of the day following the play by date. Results can be submitted via the website (www.mkcsl.co.uk), Email or Text Message to the Tournament Secretary.
41. One day tournaments or handicap events
The tournament organisers reserve the right to vary published prizes, subject to the number of entries received, without prior notice.
Players must be available to play when called or will face elimination.
Players must be registered with a team before they can enter a one day tournament.
42. Handicaps
Handicaps will be those as formulated by the committee.
They will be based upon knowledge of players’ form, ability and past results.
The committee reserves the right to immediately alter any players’ handicap if it becomes apparent that the handicap is incorrect.
Any player without a handicap will play off scratch in all handicap events.
No more than a 70 point difference in a match shall be allowed, even if the handicap would allow this.
43. Team Handicap Knockout
Team Knockout will use the standard league format, but with each player playing off their individual handicap. In the event of a tie, a deciding frame will determine the position, to be played by each team’s selected player. The final will be played on the first non bank holiday Monday following the last Monday league fixture.