Veterans League
I am informed that Milnsbridge BC duly put forward a proposed rule change for the Veterans League, seconded by Springwood, to introduce a 15-minute practice session for the away team in all league matches. This proposed change has not appeared in the formal communications from the League for the Half-Year Meeting and no courtesy explanation has been received by Milnsbridge from the League explaining the reason for its exclusion although it is known that they have received it.
This practice is commonplace in this League I am afraid and Shepley are to be congratulated in getting their proposed rule change actually on the agenda. I make that the first in the last four proposals from different clubs to reach that far or get an acknowledgement of receipt or explanation of why they are blocking any proposed changes.
Anyhow back to the Milnsbridge proposed rule change. Milnsbridge explains the thinking behind their proposal.
It's a simple change that we feel would give all teams a fair chance of a positive result. Simply that the away team is allowed a time slot of 15 minutes to practice on the home green before the match start time. Many other leagues in the area allow both teams some practice time without any problems. If the home team have unrestricted practice on match days then perhaps a 15 minute slot between 1.15pm and 1.30pm is not too much to ask for the away side to get a feel of the green they are about to bowl on. So in the absence of any chance of this proposal seeing the light of day, we will conduct our own online poll to see if it is something that clubs in any league, would consider. Vote now below on your preference on this matter. It is just out of interest to inform Milnsbridge if it is worth persevering with this any further.
POLL Do you agree that local leagues should be supporting the introduction of a 15-minute practice session for visiting teams prior to the start of league fixtures? After voting you are given the option to add a comment.
You can only VOTE once in this poll. You can VIEW the results as often as you like. Poll closes at 9.00pm Friday.
I am in favour of away teams having a 15 minute practice. It would be optional and some away bowlers would have a practice and some wouldn’t .
The advantages are - it’s logical for both teams to have a practice, it’s fair and it will produce closer games.
The only ‘ arguments’ I’ve ever heard against , is that the home captain, because of his duties, won’t have time for a practice and ‘we like the advantage because it gives us the chance for a big win’.
If there are real disadvantages to this proposal then I’d like to hear them.
I tend to think that bowlers who are not in favour of this are perhaps simply against change…
If this proposal was seconded and sent in time to the General Secretary then, in accordance with League rules, it must be on the agenda for the October meeting.
Perhaps it may not have been sent properly. If so, then the League should say so. Quite simple really.
On the other hand if the Leahue have refused to put it on the agenda then I’m very concerned.
Philip of LINDLEY