BY-LAWS Please read carefully - ignorance of these By-Laws does not constitute grounds for appeal. Breaches of the By-Laws will incur penalties at the discretion of the Committee. 1 SEPL BOUNDARIES: SEPL clubs must be located within the following geographical boundaries. Clubs based outside these boundaries will be considered by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. 1.1 The Monash Freeway from the West Gate Bridge to Warrigal Road. 1.2 Warrigal Road from the Monash Freeway to South Road 1.3 South Road from Warrigal Road to Beach Road 2 PLAYER CONDUCT AND DRESS: It is up to each team to enforce upon their members that a clean, neat, casual standard of dress is required at ALL times and that their members have a knowledge of the SEPL's By-Laws, thus ensuring a better competition for all members. 2.1 The game is to be played in a sportsman-like manner as set out by the SEPL Rules. The following will be the minimum etiquette standards expected: 2.1.1 All players should call their own fouls. 2.1.2 No player or spectator will make any derogatory, sexual or racist comments to any other player or spectator. 2.1.3 No player will deliberately position themselves in the line of sight of an opposition players shot 2.2 Any member found guilty of damaging the property of the SEPL, another member, another team or a venue, shall be liable to make good such damage at the order of the Committee. 2.3 Team captains are responsible for the discipline and general conduct of their team and will bring to the notice of the SEPL any incident likely to reflect badly on the SEPL. Any complaint, query or controversial issue raised amongst players are also to be notified to the SEPL. 2.4 Members will not cause a disturbance or by way of intimidation of any nature, during home and away games, finals, meetings or any functions organised by the SEPL. 2.5 All members will abide by the rules of the venue hosting any SEPL match or function 2.6 It will be the duty of all members to cooperate with all appointed officers of the SEPL in the lawful carrying out of their duties 2.7 Any violation of the above rules, or any act considered by the Committee to be detrimental to the league will result in disciplinary action being taken by the Committee. 2.8 DRESS CODE FOR ALL MEMBERS 2.8.1 Prohibited attire Players are not permitted to wear the following: � Thongs, gumboots, moccasins, slipper or ugg boots � Singlets, torn or ripped clothes � Beachwear � Any clothing displaying racist or similarly offensive messages 3 MEMBER REGISTRATIONS: 3.1 Any person is eligible for membership of the SEPL regardless of age, sex, race or religion. 3.2 An SEPL registration form must be completed for each new member of the league. 3.3 Clubs are required to submit to the SEPL, at the start of each season, a list of registered SEPL members that will be competing in their team for that year. 3.4 It is the club's responsibility to ensure that any proposed participants are members of the SEPL, and in the event that this is not the case, to ensure that a registration form is submitted, along with any appropriate fees, by 5pm on the Friday prior to the start of the season. 3.5 Persons wishing to be registered with the SEPL on a match night must, before playing, have the opposing Captain sign and date his/her registration form in the appropriate place thereon. 3.5.1 The completed registration form, and any appropriate fees, must be received by the SEPL no later than 5pm Tuesday following that match. 3.5.2 If the completed players registration form and fee is not received by the SEPL on time (in accordance with rule 3.5 and 3.5.1), that player will be considered unregistered and the team will forfeit any and all frames gained that night by the player in question, and any other night the player plays, until the registration form and fee is received and accepted by the SEPL. 3.5.3 The application of rule 3.5.2 may result in match results being changed if such an application alters the winning team for the night. 3.5.4 If a players initial registration fee of $10 has been waived under rule 9.1.3.1 and the player wishes to play a second match for said club, the $10 fee must be paid to the SEPL prior to the player playing their second match. 3.6 All registration forms MUST be complete with all correct details 4 MATCH PROCEDURES: 4.1 Tables shall be of equal size or as near as possible to the standard table [7' x 3'6] 4.2 Competition Rules of Play are to be those adopted by the Australian Eight Ball Federation which are available on the SEPL website. 4.3 The home team shall supply a minimum of two [2] tables. They shall be in accordance with, or as near as possible with current standards of the AEBF. 4.3.1 If the captains of both teams agree, three tables may be used where available. 4.4 The home team shall supply "competition balls" for use on all competition tables. These balls will consist of: 4.4.1 A spotted cue ball (white ball) 4.4.2 Fifteen object balls consisting of either: 4.4.2.1 A group of seven red balls and a group of seven yellow balls and an eight ball 4.4.2.2 A group of fourteen coloured balls, numbered 1-14 and an eight ball 4.5 The home team shall provide a minimum of 2 "spiders" and 2 "bridges" for competition nights. 4.6 All matches must have an umpire, with duties to be shared between both competing teams. 4.7 Matches will consist of 4 rounds of 8 frames 4.8 The "Break" will be determined in in accordance with the formula as laid down on the score sheet. 4.9 Matches should aim to commence by 7:30pm 4.10 A list of the Full names [including first name and surname] including substitutes/emergencies, in playing order, are to be exchanged by both Captains prior to 7.25pm. No changes to the list are allowed once the team list is exchanged except in the case of forfeits 4.10.1 Where a player forfeit has occurred, due to insufficient players being available to fill the team, after the use of named emergencies, then a maximum of a further two [2] players can be utilised, provided they are named on the team listing before 8.30pm. 4.10.2 These players can only be used to fill forfeit gaps and no other team playing order or position adjustments can be made due to these players becoming available. 4.10.3 Where the 2 teams playing each other are showing a forfeit in their team listings, then the forfeits must play in the same half, thus bringing the two players facing the forfeit together in competition. 4.11 Where a team fails to provide a minimum of 6 players by 8.00pm for a scheduled match, they will forfeit the night 4.12 If a player fails to arrive at the venue by 8.30pm, that player will forfeit any frames that have been missed up until that point. If the player is not at the venue when they are due to play subsequent frames, those frames will be forfeited at the time they are due to be played. 4.13 The annual fixture is the table setting out teams, dates and venues for matches. This is to be adhered to unless a change is notified by the Committee. 4.14 No player may participate in an SEPL competition match and on the same night participate in another association's match, regardless of the sport. 4.14.1 If a player is in breach of 4.12, that player will forfeit all frames gained on that night 4.15 Any player unable to complete a game through illness, injury or any cause shall forfeit such frame or frames to the opposing team. 4.16 A frame will be forfeited by any player who, in the opinion of the Umpire(s), Captain(s) or the Committee, behaves in a manner detrimental to the SEPL. In such instance the player will be reported to the SEPL Committee. 4.17 On match nights any member of a club who has any complaint against the opposing team must communicate the complaint through their team Captain who will then resolve the matter with the opposing Captain. Such complaints must be noted on the back of the scoresheet and reported to the Committee. 5 SCORING: 5.1 Winner of match is the team on completion of the night who has the highest number of winning frames. 5.2 A winning team will receive four [4] Premiership Points. 5.3 A drawn match will see each team receive two [2] Premiership Points. 5.4 A team that has a Bye [specified in the SEPL fixture] will receive four [4] premiership points, with no alteration to percentage. 5.5 No premiership points are awarded for a loss. 5.6 Percentage of each team is calculated by dividing the points for by the points against and multiplying by 100. 5.7 Where teams have identical Premiership Points, the team who has the higher percentage score shall be placed in the higher position of the Premiership Ladder. 5.7.1 In the event where two teams have the same amount of points and the same percentage at the end of the final round of the season, the higher position on the ladder shall be awarded to the team that won more matches against the team on the same amount of points and percentage during the season. 5.7.2 In the event where 5.7.1 cannot be used to determine the higher team on the ladder, the Committee shall meet to discuss a method to break the deadlock. 6 SCORE SHEETS: 6.1 Match scores will be recorded on SEPL score sheets as prepared [supplied by SEPL for fee nominated] 6.2 Score sheet must be correct in all details. 6.2.1 Substitutions can be made up until the start of the match in which the sub is to play. 6.2.2 Should a player and umpire be ready to commence the next scheduled frame, and opposing player is not ready to play (because of substitution delays) the captain of the offending club will advised by the opposing captain that if a player is not provided and ready to play within two (2) minutes the frame will be forfeited, and the ready player awarded the frame. 6.2.3 If the offending captain has not complied with the request to provide a player, the opposing captain will instruct the umpire or will himself commence the two (2) minute timing and at the end, if the player is not ready to proceed, the frame will be forfeited. 6.3 Both score sheets, at conclusion of match, are to be checked by both captains and signed (except in case of a dispute � refer rule 6.6) No alterations are to be made to the score sheet 6.4 The home team must collect the score sheet from the away team and submit both score sheets to the SEPL by 5pm on the Friday following match. 6.5 The home team must text or call the results through to the nominated SEPL official immediately following the match and/or prior to 9am on the Thursday following the match. 6.6 Signatures by both captains on a scoresheet indicates acceptance of the final score. In an event where one or both captains has a dispute to be lodged, the scoresheet should be left unsigned. 7 FINALS: 7.1 In order to be eligible to play finals, a player must meet the requirements of 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 7.1.1 A player must have met the minimum match requirements for the season which is calculated using the formula of ((Total team matches / 2) + 1), rounded down 7.1.2 A player must also meet the minimum frame requirements for the season which is calculated using the formula of (((Total team matches / 2) + 1) * 2). 7.1.3 When applying the formula outlined in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, total team matches is determined as the number of rounds for the season in which a team is allocated to play on the SEPL fixture, not including any Byes) 7.1.4 The Committee, as a whole, may, at their complete discretion, provide an exemption to the qualification requirements in the event of exceptional circumstances. Such exemptions must be unanimous. 7.1.4.1 Teams applying for an exemption as per 7.1.4 must do so in writing, or via email, to the Committee. Verbal requests will not be accepted. 7.1.4.2 The decision of the Committee with respect to 7.1.4 is final. 7.1.5 It is the responsibility of each team and team captains, not the SEPL, to ensure that they have enough players qualified for finals by seasons end. The SEPL is unlikely to provide exemptions to teams who fail to meet requirements 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. 7.1.6 If a team is unable to field 8 qualified players in finals (in accordance with 7.1.1 and 7.1.2) and has not been granted an exemption under rule 7.1.4, then the team shall forfeit any relevant frames for which players are not available. 7.2 The following rules will also apply to all finals matches: 4.1, 4.2, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10, 4.12, 4.12.1, 4.13, all rules under sections 2 and 6. 7.3 In all finals matches, the home team is the team listed first for the purpose of the playing order 7.4 All finals must be played on two tables only, even where additional tables are available 7.5 All matches must have umpires. Players are not permitted to umpire their own games. 7.6 The winner of a finals match will be declared once either team reaches 17 frames, unless 7.7 applies. Any remaining frames are not required to be played. 7.7 If a finals match ends in a draw (both teams reach 16 winning frames each) then: 7.7.1 Each captain shall list three players on a piece of paper 7.7.2 Players on the home teams list will play one frame against the player listed in the same position on the away teams list. 7.7.3 Games shall be played concurrently on tables designated for competition play. 7.7.4 Play will cease once a winner has been decided. 7.7.5 Selection of players shall be from the original team and shall be at the Captain's discretion. 7.8 Any disputes or rule clarifications on match night that cannot be solved by consultation between the two participating captains must be resolved by a Committee member that is not a member of either of the two participating teams which are involved in the dispute. 7.9 Any decision that has to be made during finals (with the exception of those covered in 7.8), will be made by the Committee and such a decision will be final. 8 NOTES ON RULES: 8.1 The umpire's decision is final but he/she may consult both captains if he/she has any doubt about any shot, rule or snooker. 8.2 Captains are to realise that the team is their responsibility, not the umpire's. It is their duty to keep teams in order and to make sure players in their team are dressed correctly and are available to play their frame when it is their turn. 8.3 It is a requirement that all team captains read and understand the By-Laws as supplied by the SEPL and published on the official website. 8.4 It is expected that team members and spectators will give the player(s) the respect and consideration deserved. 8.4.1 Unruly persons may be removed from the premises by venue management. 8.4.2 It is not a foul to call a player by name when supporting. 8.4.3 The player may be penalised if he is coached or instructed on what shot(s) to play. 8.5 Mobile Telephones - Players and umpires involved in a frame in the playing area are required to have their mobile phones turned "off" during the actual period of the frame. Phone ear pieces of any kind are not permitted in the playing area whilst the player/umpire is involved in a frame. In the event that the mobile phone is used in any way [e.g. making a call, texting or answering a call] during this period, the following penalties will apply:- 8.5.1 Player in control: Standard foul - loses control of table [2 visits to opponent] 8.5.2 Player not in control: Non-standard foul - additional visit to player in control 8.5.3 Umpire from team in control: Player loses control of table [1 visit to opponent] 8.5.4 Umpire from team not in control: One additional visit to player in control 8.5.5 An exemption will be granted to Rule 8.5 in the event of an umpire using a phone as a timer however the phone must be on silent. Any texting or answering of phone calls by the umpire will void this exemption. 9 FEES FOR THE CURRENT SEASON: All monies paid to the SEPL by cheque/money order should be made out to "South Eastern Pool League" and forwarded to the registered Post Office box. Direct bank deposit or electronic transfer is also acceptable. Postal and bank details are available in the "Contact Us" section of the website. 9.1 FEES FOR CURRENT SEASON:- 9.1.1 Team Registration $350.00 per team. 9.1.2 Late Team Registration additional 25% if not paid by the due date specified at the initial captains meeting. 50% additional if not paid two weeks following the deadline. The late fee may be waived, in extenuating circumstances, on decision by Committee. 9.1.3 Member registration $10.00 per member per year. 9.1.3.1 The $10 member registration fee will be waived for players who only play one match for the season. This waiver does not include the registration form. 9.1.4 $25.00 per scorebook, as required. 9.2 GENERAL FINES: 9.2.1 Clubs not represented at captains meetings $10.00 for first offence, $20.00 for subsequent offences. 9.2.2 Late match start [after 7.30pm] - $10.00 per team causing delay. 9.2.3 Unregistered player, loss of player frames for that match plus $20.00 PER PLAYER. 9.2.4 Late score sheets - $10.00 for the home team. 9.2.5 Failure to provide Spotted White ball $10.00 per week. 9.3 Any club that cannot pay their invoice/s by the date required may apply for an extension of time to pay via letter or email to the Committee. 9.4 Should any team have an amount of money outstanding in excess of thirty (30) days from the payment deadline, and that club has not applied for, nor been granted an extension of time to pay, then that club and its registered members shall be suspended from the league until such time as the amount due has been paid. A club that has been granted an extension of time to pay shall be suspended from the SEPL along with their registered members should payment not be received by the date specified as part of the extension of time and shall remain so until the payment has been made. 9.4.1 No team shall be granted consecutive monthly extensions of time without the majority agreement of the Committee 9.5 Clubs suspended in accordance with By-law 9.4 will forfeit all matches due to be played at maximum score against, until suspension is revoked by the committee. 10 TROPHIES/AWARDS: All trophies/awards will be a Committee decision and may vary. General structure consists of: 10.1 Premiers in each division - Premiership Cup. 10.1.1 A medallion for each member of a winning Grand Final team including two substitutes 10.2 Runner up in 'A' division - Runners-up Cup. 10.3 Top two [2] players in each division on completion of home and away matches. 10.4 A perpetual 'Stuart Heyne' trophy (to be held by the league) will be awarded to the league champion each year 10.5 Additional trophies as approved by the Executive Committee 10.6 Qualification requirements: 10.6.1 A player must have qualified for league finals to be eligible for a trophy [not necessarily with the one Club] 10.6.2 Any player suspended or disqualified by the SEPL is not eligible to receive a trophy within the season/s the penalty was incurred or whilst under suspension. 11 TOURNAMENTS: Only registered members who have played in at least 50% of available matches, and are not under any form of suspension, at time of selection, during current seasons shall be eligible to compete as an SEPL representative in any tournament or participate in any tournament organised by the SEPL. 12 ALTERATIONS TO BY-LAWS: Any By-Law, which in the opinion of the Committee, and/or any current financial, registered member [not suspended], is not satisfactory, requires amendment and/or replacement, may be altered or changed in the current year providing: 12.1 A written or electronic submission is received by the league which is signed by a Proposer and Seconder. Such motions shall subsequently be considered by the Committee. 12.2 All By-Law amendments will be presented for voting by the Committee unless a special meeting is deemed necessary. 12.3 Voting: 12.3.1 If taken by the Committee - 100% in favour. 12.3.2 If at the Annual General Meeting - 75% of teams in favour (one vote per team). 13 MATCH DISPUTES Any disputes that arise between teams on match night must be reported to the SEPL Committee within 24 hours of midnight of match night. In the event where such a dispute may affect the score for the night, the scoresheets must not be signed.