Rule's

BRITISH INTER-COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS: PLAYING RULES AND FORMAT

LIST OF APPENDICES

NOTE

Any Member County Secretary, or Organiser, who discovers any errors, or any omissions in the BICC Playing Rules and Format should inform the Director responsible for compiling the BDO Rules and Regulations so that copies of amended pages can be issued as soon as it is practicable.

1.00 PLAYING SEASON

1.01 The British Inter-County Championships shall be played on an annual basis.

1.02 The Playing Season shall extend from the 1st September, until the 30th June in each Championship year.

1.03 The starting date shall be in September, or October, and the finishing date shall be May, or June respectively.

1.04 The British Darts Organisation Limited reserves the right to adjust the programme of scheduled fixtures in each Playing season to ensure that all Inter-County Championship matches can be played within the Playing Season.


2.00 CLOSE SEASON

2.01 The Close Season shall extend from the 30th June until the 1st September in each Championship year.


3.00 FIXTURES

3.01 All British Inter-County Championship matches shall be played on Saturday and Sunday of the allocated fixture dates.

3.02 Some Member Counties may wish to play all their matches on one day of the allocated fixture dates, in which case this may take place providing there is mutual agreement between both the Host and Visiting Member Counties. The availability, and period of use, of the playing venue must be considered by both Member Counties when being asked to play on one day.

3.03 Each Member County shall play every other Member County, in its respective Playing Group, once, either Home, or Away, as allocated by the respective Divisional Executive.

3.04 Men’s and Women’s ‘B’ Team matches shall be played on Saturdays.

3.05 Men’s and Women’s ‘A’ Team matches shall be played on Sundays

3.06 On Saturday, and on Sunday, the Women’s match shall be played before the Men’s match commences.

3.07 All allocated fixtures MUST be played, and shall all count in the British Inter-County Championship League Tables.

3.08 All allocated fixtures are scheduled to avoid clashes with known major darts events during the Playing Season. However, to allow for local variations, a week’s leeway either side of the allocated fixture date is permissible always providing that there is mutual agreement between the Host and Visiting Member Counties, and that the respective Divisional Executive, and the BDO Fixture Secretary are both duly notified in writing on County headed notepaper.

The ONLY exception being that the FINAL fixture of each Playing Season may be arranged to take place up to two weeks prior to the allocated fixture date but may not be arranged to take place after the allocated fixture date.

3.09 Any Member County not fulfilling its scheduled Inter-County Championship fixtures, due to a default, adjudged to be of their own making, shall be liable to suspensions, fines, and other penalties.


4.00 OFFICIAL PRESENTATION CEREMONIES

4.01 If a player is not present at an official presentation ceremony, to receive a trophy, memento, prize, or prize monies, without the prior permission of the Board of Directors, then that player shall forfeit the right to receive such trophy, memento, prize, or prize monies, that may be due to that player.

4.02 If a Member County team is not present at an official presentation ceremony, to receive trophies, mementoes, prizes, or prize monies, without the prior permission of the Board of Directors, then that Member County shall forfeit the right to receive such trophies, mementoes, prizes, or prize monies, that may be due to that team.

5.00 MATCH RESULT SHEETS

5.01 All Men’s and Women’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ Team match scores shall be recorded by the appointed scores recorders on the official BDO Match Result Sheets, in the manner laid down in Appendix 1 of the BICC Playing Rules - (See B 17 - B 18.)

5.02 Before returning the Match Result Sheets, each Member County Secretary, and appointed scores recorders, shall compare all recorded information on each set of Match Result Sheets to verify the accuracy of all calculations, and to ensure that all the necessary details have been properly entered in the manner laid down in Appendix 1 of the BICC Playing Rules - (See B 17 - B 18.)

The omission of Christian names shall incur an automatic fine of £5.00.

5.03 Both Member Counties shall return their own ‘WHITE’ and ‘PINK’ copies to their respective Divisional Executive to arrive by midday post of the Wednesday following the British Inter-County Championship match.

5.04 The late arrival of the Match Result Sheets, and/or the use of insufficient postage shall incur an automatic fine of £5.00, imposed by the respective Divisional Executive, who shall notify the BDO Financial Director of the imposition of the fine.

5.05 Each Divisional Executive shall make arrangements with each Member County that is in his/her charge, for the recording of all match results, and other relevant information, on the Sunday evening of the fixture date.

IE: The Host Member County shall telephone results to the respective Divisional Executive.

5.06 The seasonal allocation of Match Result Sheets will be adequate for matches to be played during a Playing Season, however, additional quantities are available from BDO Headquarters on request. A charge of 40p per sheet will be made, for a minimum order of 10 Sheets, for 6, 8. or 13 Set Matches.


6.00 DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVES

6.01 The Divisional Executive shall be responsible for the compilation and analysis of all Group League Tables, copies of which shall be circulated to each Member County Secretary in his/her Group within one
week of the fixture date.

6.02 Copies of the Group League Tables shall also be circulated to each other Divsional Executive and BDO Director, and to all approved Darts Media contacts.

6.03 The Divisional Executive shall also compile a Player’s Darts Average Table from the information supplied on the Match Result Sheets for ‘A’ Team matches only. Each table, one for Men, and one for Women, will be collated by the Records & Statistics Officer so as to produce an overall Player’s Darts Average Table for the Championship year. An award will be made to the Players achieving the highest Dynamic Darts Average in the collated tables.

6.04 A player must have played in two-thirds, or more, of all scheduled Inter-County Championship matches to be included in the final Darts Averages Tables.

6.05 The Divisional Executive shall also be responsible for determining the highest Men’s and Women’s ‘A’ player’s Winning Darts Averages each month, together with the compilation of team records to determine the highest improved performances during the Playing Season.

6.06 This information shall then be conveyed to the BDO Director responsible for the collation of such information and the issuing of Achievement Awards and Certificates.

6.07 Each Divisional Executive shall be responsible for the allocation and control of BDO Electrical Indicator Equipment being used by Member Counties under his/her control, a record being kept of those Member Counties nominated by the Divisional Executive to hold Equipment. (See Appendix 2 - Page B 19).

6.08 The Hire of BDO Electrical Indicator Equipment for events other than BDO promotions must be sanctioned by a BDO Director, the request to Hire, and the sanction to do so, shall be conducted in writing, with a copy of the transaction being forwarded to the BDO Financial Director for record purposes.

(See Volume ONE - Finance Section - Page H 4 for details of Hire Charges).

7.00 MATCH PROGRAMMES

7.01 Every scheduled Inter-County Championship match must have a match programme, the Host Member County being responsible for the compilation and printing. Failure to produce a match programme will incur a fine of £100.00, which will be imposed by the respective Divisional Executive, who shall inform the BDO Financial Director of the imposition of the fine.

7.02 The match programme shall provide details of the match venue, times of the scheduled matches, the full names of the players in each County Squad, both men and women, and first names shall be printed in full, with no initials.

7.03 Visiting Member Counties shall supply the Host Member County with County Squad lists at least ‘6’ weeks before the allocated fixture date, to enable the completion of the match programme compilation. Most Member Counties now adopt the squad system for each Inter-County match, a list of such squads should be forwarded by each Member County to each of its opponents for that Playing Season before the start of any matches so as to avoid any delays in setting up the match programmes.

(See Page B 24 for a specimen copy of List of County Registered Players).

7.04 All Member Counties reserve the right to amend, and, or add, to the published Squads listed in the match programme for an Inter-County Championship match.

7.05 Wherever possible the Host Member County shall include the latest set of League Tables for the Group, which will be supplied by the respective Divisional Executive within one week of a scheduled fixture date.

7.06 The logos for the Inter-County Championship Cup, the BDO, and the Sponsor, must be incorporated into the Match Programme cover layout. The artwork for all these logos being available, upon request, from BDO Headquarters.

7.07 The match programme shall be sold at the standard BDO price, which is subject to review by the Board of Directors in each Playing Season.

(See Volume ONE - Finance Section - Page H 2 of the BDO Authorised Handbook)

7.08 The purchase of the match programme shall only secure admission to the advertised ‘A’ and ‘B’ Team matches for that scheduled fixture.

7.09 The Host Member County shall also send TWO match programmes to the respective Divisional Executive in order to comply with BICC Rule 7.01 above. The match programmes are to be sent with the Match Result Sheets, which is the responsibility of the Host Member County for that scheduled fixture.

7.10 Admission Fees, and Programme Monies, for an Inter-County Championship match are not refundable, and are to be retained by the Host Member County.

7.11 County Organisers should state on their programmes that :-

(a) ‘The Organisers reserve the right to refuse admission if necessary, without assigning a reason for so doing‘

(b) ‘The Organisers reserve the right to eject any person from a match venue, without assigning a reason for so doing‘

(c) ‘Any person found consuming drink, which has not been purchased on the premises, shall be liable to be ejected from the premises for the duration of the match in question.’

7.12 All match programmes, and admission tickets, are issued subject to the Rules and Regulations as laid down by the British Darts Organisation Limited.

7.13 In order to improve the standard of match presentation, the Board of Directors reserves the right to advise, and instruct Member County Secretaries on the content and quality of match programmes.

7.14 In those instances where an overall Sponsorship for the Inter-County Championships has been secured, then Host Member Counties shall ensure that such wording and logos deemed necessary to convey the Sponsor’s involvement in the Championship shall be incorporated on the programme cover, or within the contents of the programme, whichever is directed.

8.00 MATCH VENUES

8.01 The presentation of an Inter-County Championship match must be up to acceptable standards as required by the British Darts Organisation Limited.

8.02 BDO Electrical Indicator Equipment, or an approved equivalent, MUST be used during every Inter-County Championship match, or the ‘offending’ Member County shall be liable to a fine of £100.00 being imposed by the
respective Divisional Executive, who shall also inform the BDO Financial Director of the imposition of the fine.

(See Volume ONE - Finance Section - Page H 3 of the BDO Authorised Handbook).

8.03 The stage setting for an Inter-County Championship match must be up to acceptable standards as required by the British Darts Organisation Limited.

8.04 All stage officials MUST wear BDO, or approved County uniform, at all times during the presentation of an Inter-County Championship match, the ONLY exception being the Match Referee, who must be respectably dressed, in accordance with BDO Playing Rule No. 25.00.

8.05 The Host County Organisers shall ensure that ONLY BDO Tournament Dartboards are used in the presentation of an Inter-County Championship match on stage.

The Host County Organisers shall also provide TWO practice dartboards of the same composition and manufacture, and set at the same standard Oche dimensions as the match dartboard.

One practice dartboard shall be for the exclusive use of players of each County Team that have been selected to play on that day of the scheduled Inter-County fixture.

Such practice dartboards shall be restricted to ‘PRACTICE ONLY’.

8.06 At least ‘6’ weeks prior to the allocated fixture date the Host Member County shall supply the Visiting Member County Organiser with the full details of the match venue. These details shall include :-

(1) Full name of the match venue.
(2) Full postal address and telephone number of the match venue.
(3) A detailed road map of the general location of the match venue with the exact position of the match venue clearly marked, and indicating the best routes of access from the main highways.
(4) The scheduled starting times of matches.

8.07 The Host County Organisers shall advise the Visiting County Organisers if children are NOT allowed into the match venue.

8.08 The match venue must be capable of catering for all the players, officials, and supporters of both Member Counties attending that fixture.

8.09 The Host County Organisers shall ensure that the terms of engagement of suitable premise for the match venue should allow that ONLY darts shall be played during the period of engagement for the Inter-County Championship match, such terms shall not exclude the running of a raffle, or tote, nor the playing of background music in the venue at times suitable to the playing schedule of the matches being played.

8.10 The County Organisers, Host, and Visiting, shall ensure that all members of their respective parties shall comply with all the Rules and Regulations that are applicable to a venue being used to present an Inter-County Championship match.

8.11 The British Darts Organisation Limited, shall not be held responsible for any financial commitment incurred with any match venues used by Member Counties for the purpose of presenting an Inter-County Championship match.

8.12 The British Darts Organisation Limited, shall not be held responsible for the actions of any persons at a match venues used by Member Counties for the purpose of presenting an Inter-County Championship match.

8.13 The Board of Directors reserve the right to visit, inspect, and sanction any match venue for the purpose of  presenting an Inter-County Championship match.

9.00 REGISTRATION OF COUNTY TEAMS

9.01 Each Member County shall complete a Team Registration Form and forward it to the respective Divisional
Executive by the 1st September, - the official closing date for acceptance of Member County Teams into the British Inter-County Championships,

9.02 Each Member County Secretary, or Organiser shall ensure that ALL details are correctly, and completely, entered onto the Team Registration Form.

9.03 Any Member County failing to comply with Clauses 9.01 and 9.02 shall be liable to a fine of £100.00 being imposed by the respective Divisional Executive, who shall also inform the BDO Financial Director of the imposition of the fine.

9.04 Each Divisional Executive shall forward the ‘PINK’ copies of the Team Registration Form to the Director responsible for collating the BDO Directory by the end of the first week in September.

9.05 The Director responsible for collating the BDO Directory shall then produce TWO additional copies in the form of a register of Member County Teams for use on the BDO Financial Director’s computer, and also at BDO
Headquarters.


10.00 REGISTRATION OF COUNTY PLAYERS

10.01 All County players, both Men and Women, must sign an official BDO Registration /Agreement Form for each, and every Playing Season, declaring which Member County they will be playing for.


10.02 A player may only register for ONE Member County, and may only play for that Member County during that Playing Season.

10.03 Any player discovered to have signed for more than ONE Member County in ONE Playing Season shall be
suspended for the remainder of that Playing Season.

10.04 A player who is registered for a Member County, BUT has NOT played for that Member County during the Playing Season, may apply for a transfer to another Member County by making an application in writing to the respective Divisional Executive in charge of the player’s existing Member County.

The application must be made on County headed notepaper through the Secretary of the Member County to which the player wishes to transfer.

A copy of the application must also be sent to the Secretary of the player’s existing Member County.

The Divisional Executive shall then authorise the transfer subject to any objections or problems, in which instance the transfer application shall be referred to the Board of Directors together with a report by the respective Divisional Executive.

10.05 A player shall also declare his/her Nationality [English, Scottish, Welsh, NOT British] on the official BDO Registration/Agreement Form when registering for a Member County, this point of reference must be checked by the Member County Secretary, or Organiser deemed responsible for the collation of the Member County Squads records.


NB: A player’s Nationality is defined by one of four conditions namely : -

(1) The player’s own Country of birth, OR,
(2) The player’s father’s own Country of birth, OR,
(3) The player’s mother’s own Country of birth, OR,
(4) By proving that the player is currently residing in, and has resided in the Country for which he/she wishes to play, for a term of not less than ‘3’ years.

IE: Such proof may be provided by information from the Electoral Roll.

10.06 All players must play under their own names, no aliases, or substitute names shall be allowed.

10.07 All players MUST be registered, and the original copy of the official BDO Registration/Agreement Form MUST be in the hands of the respective Divisional Executive by the 1st September in each Playing Season, duly signed by the player, and the Member County Secretary, or Organiser.

10.08 The BDO Registration/Agreement Form MUST be countersigned by the Member County Secretary or Organiser appointed to that duty, the authorised agent, who shall be responsible for the accuracy of all the registration details.

10.09 Once a player has played for a Member County then that player may NOT play for any other Member County during the remainder of that Playing Season.

10.10 Additional players may be registered for a Member County at any time during the Playing Season after the 1st September, but on each occasion the BDO Registration/Agreement Form MUST be countersigned by an opposing Member County Secretary or Organiser appointed to that duty, the authorised agent, as well as the player’s own Member County Secretary, or Organiser appointed to that duty.

Such countersigning MUST take place before a player may play for his/her respective Member County.

10.11 Any additional players that have been registered after the 1st September SHOULD play at least ONE match in the ‘B’ Team before being allowed to play in an ‘A’ Team match.

NB: Although worded as a recommendation, any excessive abuse of this practice could lead to the imposition of penalties by the Board of Directors.

10.12 The first ‘50’ official BDO Registration/Agreement Forms are supplied to each Member County, FREE of charge, however any additional forms are available from the BDO Headquarters at £7.00 per ‘20’ Forms to cover the cost of postage, packing, and the additional printing of more forms.

10.13 With the exception of International players no residential qualifications are enforced when selecting players to represent a Member County, but ALL selected players MUST be registered ‘playing’ members of the Member County’s own Super League, wherever they may live.

10.14 In the act of signing the official BDO Registration/Agreement Form a player shall undertake to play within, and abide by, all the Rules and Regulations of the British Darts Organisation Limited, and if found to be in breach of any of the Rules and Regulations then that player shall accept that he/she is liable to Disciplinary Proceedings in respect of such breach, always providing that the player’s Right of Appeal is properly maintained.

(See Volume ONE - BDO Code of Practice No 3 - Disciplinary Proceedings).

10.15 A Member County may only register ONE Overseas Full International Player in any ONE Playing Season.

10.16 A Member County may only register TWO current Full International Men players unless the players reside in that County.

A Member County may only register ONE current Full International Women player unless the player resides in that County.

When considering the numbers of Full International players eligible to register for a Member County, then due account must be taken of any Overseas Full International players also registered for that Member County.

An International player residing outside a Member County, but who has played for that Member County for a minimum of five seasons, shall be exempt from the above clauses.


A County player residing outside a Member County, who attains International status whilst playing for that Member County shall also be exempted from the above clauses.

10.17 Any Overseas Full International Player that has played for a Playing Season and has taken up full term residency in either England, Scotland, or Wales, is eligible to apply for exemption from BICC Clause No. 10.15.


10.18 No County player shall re-register for the existing County Organisation, or register for a different County Organisation until after the end of the current Playing Season.

IE: After the 30th June - the official Closing Date for the Playing Season.

10.19 County players wishing to change from one County Organisation to another, after the end of the Playing Season, shall be eligible to do so, subject to them obtaining a letter of ‘release’ from their existing Member County Secretary.

It is the player’s responsibility to make application for ‘release’, however the letter can be written on their behalf by another party, but the player must sign the letter.

In certain circumstances it is accepted that the recognised manager of a professional player may submit an application on that player’s behalf.

10.20 A Member County Secretary may withhold a letter of ‘release’ until such time as all articles deemed to be the property of the County Organisation have been returned, and all legitimate financial commitments to the existing County Organisation have been met in full by the player wishing to change to another County Organisation.

10.21 Copies of the letter of ‘release’ shall be made available to the respective Member County Secretaries, the players concerned, and to the respective Divisional Executives for the County Organisations that are involved.

A copy of the letter of release should be attached to the player’s ‘new’ Registration Form when it is submitted to the relevant Divisional Executive so that the BICC system can be adjusted to accommodate the ‘transfer’ of the player from one County to another.


11.00 OFFICIAL PROTESTS AND OBJECTIONS

11.01 Should there be any necessity to make a protest, or raise an objection, to any aspect of a British Inter-County Championship match, then that protest, or objection shall be made through the respective Member County Secretary, or Organiser, representing the person making the protest, or objection.

11.02 Failure to rectify the cause of the protest, or objection, before, or during, the match, shall NOT prevent the match being played. The match shall be played, but ‘UNDER PROTEST’, which fact shall be entered in the comments column at the foot of the Match Result Sheets for both Member Counties.

11.03 This action shall be followed up by the respective Member County Secretary, or Organiser, giving a written protest, or objection, on County headed notepaper to the respective Divisional Executive, with a copy sent to the Member County Secretary, or Organiser of the other Member County involved.

11.04 The respective Divisional Executive shall make any enquiries deemed necessary to present a report and
recommendation to the Board of Directors for a decision concerning what course of action to take, and the nature of any penalties that should be imposed.


12.00 PLAYING COLOURS; PLAYING ATTIRE; AND COUNTY UNIFORM

12.01 All Member Counties shall declare their official Playing Colours on the Inter-County Team Registration Form at the start of the Playing Season.

12.02 All ‘selected’ and ‘reserve’ Inter-County players MUST wear the Playing Attire which has been provided by their Member County, when representing that Member County, either, by playing in, or acting as a reserve at an Inter -County Championship match.

12.03 Men’s Playing Attire shall consist of a Playing Shirt, OR Playing Cardigan worn over a plain coloured shirt, AND approved trousers.

12.04 Women’s Playing Attire shall consist of a Playing Shirt, OR Playing Waistcoat worn over a plain coloured shirt/blouse, AND approved trousers/skirt.

12.05 The Men’s and Women’s Playing Attire must be ‘uniform’ in colour, and style for every player in the respective Men’s and Women’s Teams.

12.06 The Playing Attire must NOT be covered by a cardigan, pullover, sweater, jacket, or blazer, at any time during

12.07 The County Uniform may consist of the Playing Attire plus any other designated garments which are considered by that Member County to constitute the official County Uniform for its registered players. Such additional garments shall not be worn by the players whilst playing darts on the stage.

12.08 Inter-County players are NOT permitted to wear jeans, neither shall they wear trousers, or skirts made with denim, or corduroy material, which have been fashioned in a 'jeans style’.

This restriction shall also apply to any form of ‘track-suit’ attire.

12.09 NO headgear shall be worn, without prior permission of the Member County Secretary, or Organiser.
EG: A Sikh would qualify for such permission.

12.10 Inter-County players are permitted to wear sweatbands on their wrists.

12.11 All Inter-County players representing their Member County at Regional Play-offs, and Great Britain Finals of any darts event under the jurisdiction of the British Darts Organisation Limited, or any of its subsidiaries, shall wear their official County Playing Attire.

Such County Attire will be subject to the terms in BDO Playing Rule No. 27.00

NB: County Organisers are recommended to have ‘unmarked’ County Playing Attire available for those occasions when the advertising rights applicable to an event are likely to be infringed.


13.00 CHAMPIONSHIP STRUCTURE

13.01 The BDO Fixture Secretary shall draw up a series of Fixture Dates which shall be slotted around the known major darts events occurring in the Playing Season.

13.02 These Fixture Dates shall be formally approved by the Board of Directors before being issued to the Member Counties for information.

13.03 The Board of Directors shall approve the appointment of Divisional Executives, who shall be jointly responsible for controlling the British Inter-County Championships.

13.04 Each Divisional Executive shall allocate match fixtures to the series of approved Fixture Dates for the Member Counties under his/her control, bearing in mind the fixtures played in the previous Playing Season, and the availability of the Electrical Indicator Equipment in that Playing Group.

13.05 On each Fixture Date every Member County shall take part in each of the tournaments listed here below

Men’s ‘A’ Teams - Divisional Championships with no play-offs.

Women’s ‘A’ Teams - Divisional Championships with no play-offs.

Men’s ‘B’ Teams - Divisional Championships with no play-offs.

Women’s ‘B’ Teams - Divisional Championships with no play-offs.

13.06 The Playing Groups are named as follows;

“PREMIER DIVISION”

“DIVISION ONE” “DIVISION TWO”

“DIVISION THREE” “DIVISION FOUR”

“SCOTLAND NORTH” “SCOTLAND SOUTH” Divisions respectively.

13.07 The promotion and relegation procedures to be adopted at the end of each Playing Season shall be as follows;

(1) After the completion of all Fixtures in the Playing Season, the total number of points attained by each Member County’s four Teams shall be accumulated, and an ‘accumulated points league table’ shall be produced for each Playing Group.

(2) The ‘accumulated points league table’ shall the ONLY be used to determine the promotion and relegation from each Playing Group as indicated in the procedure below.



PREMIER - There is no promotion from this Playing Group. The TWO bottom placed Counties are relegated to Division ONE

ONE - The TWO highest placed Counties are promoted to the PREMIER - The TWO bottom placed Counties are relegated to Division TWO

TWO - The TWO highest placed Counties are promoted to Division ONE - The TWO bottom placed Counties are relegated to Division THREE

THREE - The TWO highest placed Counties are promoted to Division TWO - The TWO bottom placed Counties are relegated to Division FOUR

FOUR - The TWO highest placed Counties are promoted to Division THREE - There is no relegation from this Playing Group.

SCOTLAND - For geographical reasons there is no promotion, nor relegation from this Playing Group.

13.08 Any new Member County will be allocated to Division FOUR or SCOTLAND Playing Groups, depending upon geographical considerations.

NB: The ‘accumulated points league tables’ shall NOT be used to determine any prize monies, or trophies in the British Inter-County Championships.


14.00 PRIZE MONIES AND TROPHY STRUCTURE

14.01 The British Darts Organisation Limited will provide, or obtain, prizes, and mementoes for the British Inter-County Championship as follows ;

MEN’S ‘A’ - Divisional Winners each receive Prize Monies and 15 Mementoes.

- Divisional Runners-up each receive Prize Monies only.

WOMEN’S ‘A’ - Divisional Winners each receive Prize Monies and 8 Mementoes.

- Divisional Runners-up each receive Prize Monies only.

Men’s and Women’s ‘A’ Teams shall also receive an Incentive Award for every SET point attained during the Playing Season.

MEN’S ‘A’ - £ 2.50 per Set point attained.

WOMEN’S ‘A’ - £ 1.50 per Set point attained.

MEN’S ‘B’ - Divisional Winners shall receive 15 Mementoes.

WOMEN’S ‘B’ - Divisional Winners shall receive 8 Mementoes.


NB: The level and distribution of prize monies and the number of trophies are set by the Board of Directors subject to an annual review.

14.02 The Divisional Men’s “A” and Women’s “A” winners shall be presented with Perpetual Trophies to be held by the winners for a period of twelve months.

The County Organisation, or Association, shall be deemed to be responsible for the safe keeping of the Trophies during the period that they are held by that darts body.

Each Perpetual Trophy shall be returned to BDO Headquarters when required, this is usually at the April/May BDO Full Council Meeting.

In the instance of the loss/theft of a Perpetual Trophy, a telephone report must be made to the BDO Financial Director within 24 hours, followed by a written report within seven days.

NB: See Appendix 2 of the Finance Section of Volume One of the BDO Authorised Handbook.


15.00 INTER-COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH PLAYING FORMAT

15.01 The BDO Playing Rules shall apply to all matches played in the British Inter-County Championships, -
see Rules Section in the BDO Diary.

15.02 MEN’S ‘A’ Teams ONLY - 12 Sets Each Set being the Best of ‘5’ Legs 501 up.

15.03 MEN’S ‘B’ Teams ONLY - 12 Sets Each Set being the Best of ‘5’ Legs 501 up.

15.04 (a) WOMEN’S ‘A’ Teams ONLY - 6 Sets Each Set being the Best of ‘5’ Legs 501 up.

(b) WOMEN’S ‘B’ Teams ONLY - 6 Sets Each Set being the Best of ‘5’ Legs 501 up.

NOTE: (6 Men’s ‘B’ and 4 Women’s ‘B’ Sets respectively in the Scotland Divisions)

15.05 POINTS SYSTEM

‘1’ Point for each Set Won - Men’s and Women’s Teams.

After all points have been allocated, a ‘County’ attaining ‘19’, or more Sets will be awarded ‘3’ Bonus Points, to be added on to the Total Points column in the ‘Accumulative Points Table’.

In the instance of a ‘Tie’, both ‘Counties’ will receive ‘1’ Bonus Point, to be added on to the Total Points column in the ‘Accumulative Points Table’.

[ Scotland Group ONLY ] In addition to ‘1’ Point for each Set won, a bonus of ‘2’ Points for a match win, or ‘1’ Point for a match drawn shall be added.

15.06 The above Playing Format and Points System shall apply to all scheduled, and re-arranged British Inter-County Championship matches.

15.07 REMINDERS

(a) On Saturdays, and Sundays, all the Women’s matches shall be played before the Men’s matches commence.
(b) Inter-County Match Organisers shall ensure that all matchplay shall be reasonably continuous.
(c) Away Teams shall throw first in the first Leg/Set of the match, and all odd numbered Legs/Sets throughout the remainder of the match.
(d) Home Teams shall throw first in the second Leg/Set of the match, and all even numbered Legs/Sets throughout the remainder of the match.
(e) All players shall throw alternately in each Leg/Set of the match whichever is applicable.

16.00 MATCH DRAW

16.01 It is recognised that the starting time of British Inter-County Championship matches will vary with different match venues due to licence variations, and the availability of the match venues.

16.02 It is the responsibility of the Host Member County Secretary, or Organiser, to advise the Visiting Member
County Secretary, or Organiser, at least ‘6’ weeks prior to a match, of all details so that travelling times may be adjusted to suit the scheduled match starting times.

16.03 Matchplay shall commence at 1.00 p.m. on Saturday, and at 12.00 noon on Sunday, unless prior notice has been given to Visiting Member County Secretaries, or Organisers, in accordance with Clause 16.02.

16.04 The Match Draw for the Women’s match and the Men’s match SHALL be carried out ‘30’ minutes prior to the scheduled starting time, and MUST be continuous and both MUST be completed before any matchplay
commences.

16.05 Member County Secretaries, or Organisers, are recommended to ensure that their teams are present in the Playing Venue at least ‘60’ minutes prior to matchplay in order to prepare details for the Match Draw.

16.06 All players selected to play in the Match for which the Match Draw is being made, MUST be present in the Playing Venue, which includes the Practice Area, at the time of the Match Draw.

16.07 Once the Match Draw has been completed, both Men’s and Women’s matches, then NO alterations to the Order of Play, as drawn, are permitted.

16.08 When the Match Draw has been completed, both Men’s and Women’s, then NO substitutions for ‘drawn’
players may take place, BUT in order to comply with the Trades Description Act, ALL Men’s Sets and ALL
Women’s Sets MUST be played.

The Set points involved in any ‘substitute’ Sets played will be awarded to the ‘non-offending’ Team by the respective Divisional Executive.

The first ‘substitution’ shall be allowed FREE, any additional ‘substitution’ made after that shall incur an automatic fine of £20.00 on each occasion.

16.09 LATE ARRIVAL - In the instance of a Member County Team, Host or Visiting, arriving later than ‘60’ minutes before the scheduled and publicised starting time of the match, then that match shall be played, but ‘UNDER PROTEST’, which fact shall be recorded on the Match Result Sheets by both Member County Secretaries or Organisers.

16.10 After such action, a letter of protest, or explanation, shall be forwarded on County headed notepaper to the respective Divisional Executive, who shall make such enquiries as he/she deems necessary to prepare a report, and recommendation, to the Board of Directors for a decision concerning what action shall be taken and the nature of any penalties that should be imposed.

17.00 MATCH PLAY

17.01 No `A` Team Player, Man or Women, shall be eligible to play in the `B` match of the Member County’s NEXT scheduled match, unless the player had lost or not played in the previous scheduled match.

17.02 Players can play in the `B` & `A` matches of a scheduled county fixture IF:

a) It is their debut in Inter-County Darts (this does not mean it is the first scheduled Inter-County match of the season but the player’s actual first Inter-County match.)

b) They are a new member of the County. (they may have played in the previous season for another County’s `A` team, but moving County would deem them a new player and would allow them to play their first match for the new county in either `B` or `A` match or both.

c) They have played their last `A` team match for the same county but their last appearance for that county did not take place on any of the preceding season’s Inter-County fixtures. IE: A player’s last `A` match was in season 1999-2000. The player would be able to play in both `B` & `A` matches in their first County appearance of season 2001-2002 (but not in season 2000-2001).

17.03 Players cannot play in the `B` & `A` matches of a scheduled county fixture IF:

a) They have played in the `A` team of the same county, on their last appearance. As long as that last appearance was no earlier than any of the preceding Inter-County season’s fixtures. A player’s last `A` match was in season 1999-2000. The player would not be able to play in both `B` & `A` matches in their first County appearance of season 2000-2001.

b) No player can play in the `B` & `A' matches if they have played in the previous `A` match, no matter whether they have won or lost, unless IE: A players last `A` match was in season 1999-2000. The player would be able to play in both `B` & `A` matches in their first County appearance of season 2001-2002 (but not in season 2000-2001).

17.04 RESERVES Men’s ‘A’ Team match - ONLY ‘3’ players may be named as reserves. Women’s ‘A’ Team match - ONLY ‘2’ players may be named as reserves.

17.05 REMINDER - All players involved in a British Inter-County Championship match, including ‘reserves’ MUST
be properly registered before they can play in such a match, or the terms of Rule 18.00 will be applied by the
respective Divisional Executive to the ‘offending’ Team.

17.06 During matchplay no player and no match official shall be allowed to smoke or partake of any alcoholic drinks at any time whilst on the stage. County Organisers shall ensure that ‘iced water’ is available for use by players and officials.

18.00 PENALTIES

18.01 Any Member County found guilty, by the respective Divisional Executive, of any infringement of the terms of Match Play, as laid down in Rule 17.00, shall incur penalties as set out here below ;

(a) The Championship Point in the Set in which the infringement applies shall be awarded to the ‘non-offending‘ Team.
(b) The Bonus Points in the respective Match shall be awarded in accordance with the amended result

(c) The ‘offending’ Team shall be penalised TWO Penalty Points which shall be deducted from the Total Points
column in the respective Championship League Table.

(d) The Legs Won, and Lost, in the respective Set in which the Infringement has occurred shall be declared in
favour of the ‘non-offending‘ Team as the minimum number of Legs required to win that respective Set.

(e) The playing record of the ‘ bona-fide ‘ player in the respective Set in which the infringement applies shall be recorded exactly as it was attained.

(f) The playing record of the ‘Offending’ player shall be ‘void’ and the playing status shall remain as that held in the previous match.

18.02 The Board of Directors may also instruct a Divisional Executive to deduct Penalty Points from ‘offending’ Teams that have been found guilty of infringements of the BICC Playing Rules and Format which are not listed under the terms of Match Play.


19.00 DEFAULT

19.01 An ‘offending’ Team shall not gain any points, or an award, as a result of a default, which has been adjudged to be of that Team’s own making.

19.02 In those instances where Teams are ‘tied’ in positions affecting promotion and relegation, and a play-off has been organised to determine the better Team, then a Member County that fails to play in that organised play-off shall be eliminated and the other Team shall be adjudged to be the winner.

The promotion, or relegation, of the respective Teams shall then be determined by the respective Divisional Executive, based on that decision.

19.03 Any Member County NOT fulfilling its scheduled Inter-County Championship match fixtures, due to a default adjudged to be of that Team’s own making, shall be liable to suspensions, fines, and other penalties, as well as forfeiting their County Bond Money.


20.00 ACCOMMODATION

20.01 The Host Member County Secretary, or Organiser, is ONLY responsible for nominating suitable accommodation for the use of the Visiting Member County. Such information should be circulated to Visiting Member County Secretaries, or Organisers, prior to the start of the Playing Season.

20.02 It is the Visiting Member County Organisation’s responsibility for making advance bookings, and providing rooming lists as required by hotel management, and for settling ALL financial commitments incurred during a visit.

20.03 Member County Secretaries, or Organisers, MUST advise all their personnel of their responsibilities for settling ALL personal financial commitments to the hotel, before leaving on the Sunday morning, in particular for any ‘extras’ charged to their room bills at the hotel.

20.04 The British Darts Organisation Limited shall not be held responsible for any financial commitments incurred with any hotels used by Member Counties when attending a British Inter-County Championship match.

20.05 The British Darts Organisation Limited shall not be held responsible for the actions of any persons at a hotel used by Member Counties for the purpose of attending a British Inter-County Championship match.


21.00 INTERPRETATIONS

21.01 The interpretations of the BICC Playing Rules and Format for the British Inter-County Championships shall be determined by the Divisional Executives in control of the respective Playing Groups.

21.02 The Divisional Executives may consult with one another in order to reach a decision on an interpretation of the BICC Playing Rules and Format.

21.03 Information concerning any interpretations shall be considered by the BDO Board of Directors, which shall make recommendations for amendments and additions to the BICC Playing Rules and Format.

21.04 Recommendations made by the BDO Board of Directors will be heard in the BDO Annual General Meeting.

21.05 Any matters not expressly covered in the BICC Playing Rules and Format shall be determined by the BDO Board of Directors.


21.06 Information concerning matters resolved under Clause 21.05 shall be used to form a recommendation to be heard in the respective part of the BDO Annual General Meeting.


22.00 AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS

22.01 Items put forward through Member County Secretaries, or Organisers, that are concerning the amendment, addition, or revision of the BICC Playing Rules and Format MUST be submitted to the BDO Director responsible for the BDO Rules and Regulations by the 31st May in each Playing Season.

22.02 Each submission must be made in writing, on County headed notepaper, in the form of a proposal by one Full Member County, and seconded in a similar manner by another Full Member County.

Any sheets attached to the Member County proposals should also be written on County headed notepaper and duly signed to validate their authenticity.

22.03 Each item in the submission must be clearly identified with the specific BICC Rule numbers/ Clause numbers involved, with detailed instructions relating to the effect that the item, if passed, shall have on the existing BICC Playing Rules and Format.

22.04 Any submission which does not comply with the procedure laid down in 22.01 to 22.03. in any respect, shall be declared invalid, and will not be placed on the Agenda of the BDO Annual General Meeting.

22.05 Submissions which are in compliance with the above procedure shall be circulated to all BDO Member County Secretaries for consideration and discussion at County level prior to attending the BDO Annual General Meeting.

NB: Any Member County Secretary, or Organiser, that discovers any errors, or omissions, in the BICC Playing Rules and Format should immediately inform the BDO Director responsible for compiling the BDO Rules and Regulations so that copies of amended pages can be issued as soon as it is practicable.

APPENDIX 1 - MATCH RESULT SHEETS - STANDARD METHOD

This Appendix indicates the standard method of recording match information on the official BDO Match Result Sheets, see example on Page B 22, which if adhered to will provide an ‘at a glance’ record of a player’s performance, whether the player being reviewed has ‘won’ or ‘lost’.

1. Starting at the top of the Sheet it is important to record all the relevant details as required. I.E. Time of Start; Approximate Attendance; and full names of the Scores Recorders. When operating a split shift an indication should be given of the Sets recorded by each official .

2. Men’s and Women’s Result Sheets are different so it is only necessary to enter the Team name at the top of sheet , the example set out on Page B 22 is for a Women’s match but the method is the same for either type of Result Sheet.

3. In the PLAYERS NAME column the player’s full name must be printed IE: DAVID JONES and not D.Jones.

4. It must be stressed that a player’s full name must be used consistently in the match programme, match draw, in announcements from the Stage, and on the Result Sheets, so that only ONE set of player’s records is produced by the Divisional Executive.

5. The actual number of darts thrown by all players must be recorded at the end of each Leg, so that the total number of darts thrown in each Set can be calculated.

6. In each Leg ;

For the LOSER one must record the ‘SCORE LEFT’ in the Score Left column, leaving the Game Shot column blank. For the WINNER one must record the ‘GAME SHOT in the Game Shot column, leaving the Score Left column blank.

NB: The ‘GAME SHOT’ includes the total score for one, two, or possibly three darts used in the last throw of the Leg, which should be indicated by ( +1 ), or ( +2 ), or ( +3 ).

This method is essential to ensure that the correct number of darts thrown can be calculated and recorded for that Leg.

7. If a player fails to score then the scores column for that throw must be marked by one of these symbols ; ( N.S. ), or ( - ), or ( / ). A scores column should not be left blank, unless a Leg has been completed.

8. Scores Recorders are required to mark a circle around THREE figure scores, and to differentiate scores of 170, or over, by marking a square around such figures.

9. When a THREE figure Game Shot has been achieved the ( +2 ), or ( +3 ), in the scores column should be circled, or squared if 170, BUT not the figure in the Game Shot column, this will ensure that the ‘bonus point’ for the achievement is not added in twice.

10. In the ‘TONS’ column the total number of THREE figure scores achieved should be recorded, with a ( +No ) to indicate the number of ‘bonus points’ that have been achieved.

11. The names of the players achieving scores of 170, or over, should be entered into the appropriate column
at the foot of the Match Result Sheet, including the actual score if not a maximum, and also the name of the player’s County.

IE: DAVID JONES ( Glamorgan ) 171; and 161 Game Shot.

12. On completion of the match, add the tons scored for each team, and enter the total at the base of the ‘TONS’ column, with a ( +No ) for the bonus points. It is worth cross-checking by adding all the circled, and squared scores to see if there is the same tally as the added column figures.

13. Enter the ‘LEGS WON’ and ‘LEGS LOST’ in the appropriate ‘LEGS’ box, these will be used to compile a Legs Difference Table for all matches, which is referred to in the instance of a points tie in the League Tables.

14. On the completion of the match, and before signing the Match Result Sheets, the Scores Recorders and Team Managers shall compare the Match Result Sheets of both Counties so that a cross check of all details can be made, this need take only a few minutes.

15. PLAYER’S DARTS AVERAGES

All Scores Recorders must familiarise themselves with the BDO method of calculating the player’s darts average, ( DAV ), as the match progresses, and enter each one in the ‘MATCH DRAW’ column for convenience.

The method to be used is as follows ;

( 501 x No of Legs played ) - ( Total Scores Left in Legs Lost ) = Player’s Darts Average ( Total number of darts thrown in the Set )

EG: Player’s DAV = ( 501 x 4 ) - 142 = 25.86

( Working to two decimal places only, and if the third figure is ‘5’ or over then add one to the second decimal place IE: 28.736 = 28.74 )


16. TEAM DARTS AVERAGES

The DAV’s obtained for every player in a Team are all added together, and divided by the total number of players in the Team, the Team DAV is then entered on the Match Result Sheet beneath the Match Draw column.


17. DYNAMIC DARTS AVERAGES

When compiling the Player’s Darts Averages for the Playing Season ONLY the Divisional Executive shall add a bonus of ONE point to the final darts average for each Set WON by the Player under review.

NB: The Bonus system must NOT be used on the Match Result Sheets.

APPENDIX 2 - BDO ELECTRICAL INDICATOR EQUIPMENT - CARE & MAINTENANCE

A Member County may be appointed to hold a set of BDO Electrical Indicator Equipment in its possession during a Playing Season, IE: Dartboard and Numerator. Detailed instructions for its use and movement for each schedule British Inter-County match will be laid down by the Divisional Executive responsible for that Set of Equipment. Every Member County shall exercise the greatest possible care when using Equipment during an Inter-County match, and when transporting the same from the match venue to a suitable place for storage.

IE: It must be free from dust and damp.


In the instance of any damage being occasioned it is the responsibility of every Member County to report such damage, and the necessary repair work required, to the Divisional Executive in control of that Equipment, who shall authorise either of the following courses of action to be taken.


(a) FOR MAJOR REPAIRS - The Equipment shall be returned to BDO Headquarters so that the manufacturer can effect the necessary repairs. The transportation costs involved in this form of repair must be authorised by a Divisional Executive BEFORE the Equipment is moved.


(b) FOR MINOR REPAIRS - The replacement of faulty bezels, lamps, fuses, damaged and/or loose wiring, and repairs to travelling cases, can all be effected by the Member County holding the Equipment at the time that the minor repair work is found.

Such ‘minor’ repair work MUST be carried out by a ‘bona-fide’ tradesman, with a VAT Invoice submitted to the Divisional Executive for the authorisation of payment for the repair out of BDO funds.


The Divisional Executive may also authorise the manufacturer to send replacement parts to the respective Member County to enable the ‘minor’ repairs to be made.


R E M I N D E R

At the end of each Playing Season every Member County shall complete an official BDO Equipment Registration Form, which will record the position of Equipment ON the 31st May.

The forms are to be returned to the BDO Financial Director, by the 8th June.


Such information will be used by the BDO Financial Director to indicate to the BDO’s Auditors the whereabouts of BDO Equipment, which must be listed in the Company’s assets and a value attached to them in the Company Financial Report and Accounts.

Failure to comply with the Auditors requirements as indicated above shall render a Member County to a fine of £100.00.

(See Volume ONE - Finance Section - Page H 3 of the BDO Authorised Handbook)


R E M E M B E R

EVERY BDO OFFICIAL AND PLAYER SHOULD SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING THAT THESE ASSETS OF YOUR COMPANY ARE WELL LOOKED AFTER.

APPENDIX 3 - APPROVED LEAGUE TABLE STRUCTURE

Each Divisional Executive shall set out the League Tables in the following manner ;

(a) Use the column headings as listed ;

COUNTY P W D L FR AG TP

-- for men’s and women’s teams the column letter code is as follows ;

P = played ; W = Won ; D = Drawn ; L = Lost ;

FR = Sets Won ; AG = Sets Lost ; and TP = Total Points.

(b) The ‘Legs Difference’ column need not be included in the League Tables, but may be printed separately alongside the tables for reference.

(c) Penalty Points shall only be indicated by an asterisk alongside the right hand side of the TP column, with a further asterisk and explanation at the foot of the respective League Table.

With all Match results to hand on Sunday evening the League Tables can be produced, and issued, by the respective Divisional Executive within one week of the Fixtures.

A nominated Director shall reproduce, and circulate copies of all League Tables to all Member County Secretaries, after the December, March , and Final Fixtures.


PROCEDURE FOR PLACING A TEAM IN A LEAGUE TABLE

This procedure shall be adopted by each Divisional Executive to determine the highest placed team in a League Table in the instance of a ‘tie’ on points.

(a) Consider the tally for ‘matches won’, the team with the highest number of ‘match wins’ shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

(b) If the ‘match wins’ are also ‘tied’ then consider the totals of ‘matches drawn’, the team with the highest number shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

(c) If ‘matches drawn’ are also ‘tied’ then the totals of ‘Legs Won’ and ‘Legs Lost’ shall be determined for all matches played in that League to date.

IE: Total Legs Won - Total Legs Lost = Remainder.

The team with the highest remainder shall be the highest placed team.

Conversely if the ‘Legs Lost’ is greater than the ‘Legs Won’ then,

IE: Total Legs Lost - Total Legs Won = Remainder.

The team with the least remainder shall be the highest place team.


(d) If ‘legs difference’ are also tied then the teams’ Combined Average shall be determined for all matches played in that League to date. The team with the highest Combined Average shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

APPENDIX 3 - APPROVED ACCUMULATIVE TABLE STRUCTURE

Each Divisional Executive shall set out the Accumulative Tables in the following manner ;

(a) Use the column headings as listed ;

COUNTY M(A) W(A) M(B) W(B) BP TP LEGS+/-

-- For County teams the column letter code is as follows ;

M(A) = Men’s ‘A’ team total points. W(A) = Women’s ‘A’ team total points.

M(B) = Men’s ‘B’ team total points. W(B) = Women’s ‘B’ team total points.

BP = Total Bonus Points TP = Aggregate of team totals

LEGS +/- = Aggregate of Team Leg differences.

(b) The ‘Legs Difference’ column should be included in the Accumulative Table for reference after each match weekend. With all Match results to hand on Sunday evening the Accumulative Table can be produced, and issued, by the respective Divisional Executive, together with the League Tables, within one week of the Fixture.


PROCEDURE FOR PLACING A COUNTY IN AN ACCUMULATIVE TABLE

This procedure shall be adopted by each Divisional Executive to determine the highest placed County in an Accumulative Table in the instance of a ‘tie’ on points.

(a) Consider the ‘Total Bonus Points’, the County with the highest number of ‘Bonus Points’ shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

(b) If the ‘Total Bonus Points’ are also ‘tied’ then consider the aggregate ‘Legs Differences’, the County with the highest positive number shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

Conversely if the ‘Legs Lost’ is greater than the ‘Legs Won’ then, the County with the lowest negative number shall be placed uppermost in the Table.

(c) If after processes (a) ; and (b) have been carried out, the Counties are still ‘tied’, and it is necessary to determine which County is to be promoted, or relegated, then a ‘deciding’ match shall be played as a reverse fixture between the two Counties involved.


APPENDIX 4 - BDO COUNTY TEAM REGISTRATION FORM

APPENDIX 4 - PLAYERS FORM OF REGISTRATION & AGREEMENT

APPENDIX 4 - LIST OF COUNTY REGISTERED PLAYERS