Recently we have received a number of enquiries regarding the change of line-up for league games and national competitions. I would like to clarify some of the points here:
League Games
The Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association (HKLBA) has stated clear in its Byelaw 2.5.b that “Once the draw for rinks has been completed, no player changes between or within teams of the same side shall be permitted”. This means that no change of line-up will be allowed once the two sides have showed each other their line-up. The proper procedures, which also apply to the ladies league, are:
- For gentlemen’s matches, names of players in each team shall be entered onto the score cards, then paired-off face down. The away side Captain will then endorse each pair of cards with one of the three rink numbers assigned to him by the home side Captain. Once the draw for rinks has been completed, no player changes between or within teams of the same side shall be permitted.
- For ladies’ matches, names of players in each team shall be entered onto their own score cards, then exchange for the entry of the players name on the opponent’s card. The home side Captain will enter the rink number for the match. No player changes will be permitted once the card is exchanged.
National Competition
Although there is no mention of such arrangement for the national competitions in the bye-laws, to eliminate disputes we believe it will be necessary to set out the proper procedures here. We will adopt the same approach as Point 2 above:
- Names of players in each team shall be entered onto their own score cards, then exchange for the entry of the players name on the opponent’s card. The home side Captain will enter the rink number for the match. No player changes will be permitted once the card is exchanged
The HKLBA Executive Committee will propose a revision on the next bye-law to make these procedures official. Before a decision was made, the above procedures will be applied to all games controlled by the HKLBA.
May all club convenors please inform your players about the procedures and manners to maintain this as a gentlemen’s game.
I hope this clarified the situation and eliminate any further disputes