LDTTL Rules

 

Name

  1. This combination of clubs shall be known as the Luton & District Table Tennis League


Objective

  2. To promote competitive Table Tennis within the Luton area


Membership

  3. All amateur table tennis clubs whose nominated Home playing venues are within 20 miles radius of Luton Town Hall shall be eligible for membership, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee

  4. Clubs desiring affiliation to the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall make an application in writing to the Executive Committee via the Hon. Registration Secretary

  5. The Executive Committee shall have power to accept or to reject any application for membership and wherever possible give reasons for rejections in writing. Appeals against non-affiliation to the Luton & District Table Tennis League should be made within 14 days of the original decision being received.  Any such appeal should be addressed to the Chairman of the Luton & District Table Tennis League, whose decision shall be final


Constitution

  6. The Officers of the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be President, Vice-Presidents, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixture Secretary, Hon. Registration Secretary and Hon. Auditors, all of whom shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Luton & District Table Tennis League

  7. The Management of the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be vested in an Executive Committee consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Fixture Secretary, Hon. Cunningham Cup Secretary, Hon. Trophy Officer, Hon. Registration Secretary and five others elected at the Annual General Meeting. Five to form a quorum


Annual General Meeting

  8. The Annual General Meeting of the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be held before September 1st in each year and the Agenda, together with any Proposal(s) for changes to the Rules or details on any item(s) due to be discussed under AOB, must be circulated at least 14 days before the meeting

  9. Each club shall be allowed 1 vote per delegate present with a maximum of 2 votes and if a club fails to send at least 1 delegate a fine of up to £5 may be imposed as the Executive Committee may determine. Prior to any matter being voted upon, the Chairman shall nominate 2 Tellers, who shall determine the voting power of the meeting

10. All members of the Executive Committee are entitled to vote on any matter brought up before the meeting. Each member of the Executive Committee shall elect to either vote as an Executive Committee member or as one of his/her club’s Delegates; such option shall not be altered during the current meeting


Special General Meeting

11. A Special General Meeting may be called at any time within 28 days of a requisition being signed by at least 25% of affiliated clubs stating the Agenda they wish to discuss. No business shall be transacted, other than that for which the Special General Meeting was called. All members of the Executive Committee are entitled to vote on any matter brought before the meeting and that same business cannot be used as a reason for calling a further Special General Meeting for at least 12 months


Amendments to Rules

12. No amendments to or additions of these Rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting or by sanction of a Special General Meeting. Proposals for Amendments to these Rules to be dealt with at the General Meeting must be sent in writing by the Club Secretary to the Hon. General Secretary at any time between September 1st and the following March 31st. At the AGM, each Proposal or amended proposal will require a ‘Proposer’ and ‘Seconder’, from different Clubs or Committee members

13. All proposed amendments to these Rules must be circulated to all Club Secretaries not later than 14 days before the meeting

14. No existing Rule within this Rule Book can be altered or a new one made unless the majority of the voting power of the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting is obtained. In the event of a tied vote, the Chairman shall have the casting vote


Affiliation Fees

15. The Annual subscription from each club shall be fixed by the Executive Committee. The annual fees for team and players that includes the ETTA and Beds TTA fees, levied by the Luton & District Table Tennis League must be paid to the Hon. Registration Secretary at the time of application of affiliation, as under Rule 4


Finance

16. The financial year of the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall end on the 31st May

17. The funds of the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be lodged with a Bank and/or Building Society. All cheques, drafts, etc. drawn on the Account or Accounts, shall be signed by any two of the Chairman, Hon. General Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer


Administration

18. All competitions promoted by the Luton & District Table Tennis League, Beds TTA and/or ETTA shall be conducted under the rules of the English Table Tennis Association. Players wishing to take part in any of the competitions must be registered with the Luton & District Table Tennis League. The ETTA, Beds TTA and/or Luton & District Table Tennis League reserve the right to refuse entry of any team or player and wherever possible give such reasons for rejection in writing

19. At the beginning of each season, the Executive Committee will allocate clubs into Divisions and, in so doing, shall be guided by previous results, by player and/or Team composition and new entries. Registration of players at all times will be after approval of the Luton & District Table Tennis League Executive Committee. After receipt by the Luton & District Table Tennis League Hon. Registration Secretary of player registration forms, no team may sign a player except by permission of the Executive Committee. Registration of a player will not be granted after 31st December, except by consent of the Executive Committee

20. Each player must register through his/her club secretary and notification of acceptance must be obtained from the Hon. Registration Secretary before the player is eligible to play, except where a player is ‘playing up’ as in Rule 22(b)

21. No player shall be registered for more than one team

22.

(a) Players shall be nominated for each team when application is made

(b) Where a Club has two or more teams, a player registered for a team in a lower division may ‘play up’ in a higher team or teams for up to 3 occasions during the playing season in Luton and District Table Tennis League matches: however, after the third occasion the player shall be automatically re-registered for the next highest team for whom he/she has played

23. A player wishing to transfer from one team to another must obtain the consent, in writing, of the club secretary concerned and the Executive Committee except where the player has been automatically re-registered under 22(b) above

24. A player signing for more than one club or Team, except under rule 22(b) above, or a club wilfully inducing a player so to act shall be dealt with as the Executive Committee may determine

25. Communications from Club Secretaries or Team Captains should be addressed as follows;

  • General and Appeals under Rule                           Hon. General Secretary
  • Results and Fixtures                                                 Hon. Fixtures Secretary
  • New/existing Registrations                                     Hon. Registration Secretary
  • Victor Ludorum Cup/Hotard Challenge Shield    Hon. Cup Secretary
  • Tournaments                                                             Hon. Tournament Secretary
  • Appeals (under Rule 5)                                             Hon. General Secretary

 

26. Luton & District Table Tennis League matches shall be played as follows;

(a) By teams of 3 players affiliated to the Luton & District Table Tennis League

(b) Each team shall play home and away matches with all other teams in their Division of the Luton & District Table Tennis League. Each team member shall play the opposing team members the best of 5 games, 11 up, two players of each team shall form up as a doubles pair

(c) The umpiring of matches shall be shared equally between both teams, and the away Captain shall have the power to decide which of his side shall play, singles or doubles, the home side fixing up accordingly. Although the doubles can be played at any time during the match, it cannot be enforced by the away team captain before 8:45pm unless all three players of the home side have arrived

(d) No player may consecutively play more than 2 sets of singles and a doubles match, whatsoever the order of play

(e) In the event of scoring being 11 all, in a singles or doubles game, the winner or winners must obtain two clear points lead. Each match should be played to a finish and a point awarded for each game won as follows;

10 games won - 10 points

  9 games won -    9 points

  8 games won -    8 points

  7 games won -    7 points

  6 games won -    6 points

  5 games won -    5 points

  4 games won -    4 points

  3 games won -    3 points

  2 games won -    2 points

  1 game   won -    1 point

(f) Awards shall be given to the champion team and runners up in each division

(g) Where final positions indicate that teams have equal points, the Champion Team and runners up in each Division will be decided in the following order;

(i) No. of Games For; (ii) No. of Matches Won; (iii) No. of Matches Drawn

In the event that a clear Champion Team and runners up are not established, then a play-off match will take place on a date and venue to be arranged by the Executive Committee, when both teams will be expected to fulfill the fixture as organised. The play-off will consist of 9 singles, 3 players in each team, playing each player in the opposing team, to obtain a definite result


27.

(a) At the time of registration each club must declare the night of the week on which their home matches will be played. This information will be embodied in the Luton & District Table Tennis League Handbook, and will be the only intimation afforded to the visiting team. A club with more than one team may specify one evening in respect of each team

(b) All matches must be played on or before the scheduled dates shown in the Handbook (or by the end of the week under Rule 27 (e))

(c) At the start of the playing season, it will be the Home Captain's responsibility to check the Fixtures set out in the current Handbook and to confirm that the Home Playing venue will be available for all scheduled matches. In the event that the Home venue is unavailable, it will be the Home Captain's responsibility to contact the Away Captain giving as much notice as possible (see Rule 27 (e & f) below)

(d) In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions, including advice from Local Emergency services against unnecessary travel, it will be the Home Captain’s responsibility to contact the Away Captain giving as much notice as possible - preferably, prior to the Away team starting to travel to the match venue

(e) Re-arranged matches must be played by the end of the week of the original fixture date to prevent fixture backlog and maximum use made of any scheduled ‘free’ weeks. The Hon.Fixtures Secretary must be advised on any match that is re-arranged. Clubs violating this rule shall be dealt with as the Executive Committee shall determine and points for outstanding matches awarded at the discretion of the Executive Committee

(f) A match may be brought forward, but only after agreement by both team captains and after they have both contacted the Hon. Fixtures Secretary with a new agreed date (see also Rule 27(e) above)

(g) The Captain of either Home or Away Teams should consider 'playing up' (see Rule 22 (b)) and/or fielding a team of 2 players if a third team player is unavailable as an alternative to postponing or re-arranging a match

(h) In all cases of a match not being played on the scheduled date, the Home Captain must contact the Away team Captain and the Hon. Fixtures Secretary giving as much notice as possible. In any event, where less than 7 days’ notice is given and/or agreement cannot be reached, then the requesting Team captain in the first instance must contact the Hon. Fixtures Secretary with full details of the request. If the original playing week has passed then the Hon. Fixture Secretary will refer the matter to the Executive Committee to recommend points award whose decision will be final

(i) The above Rules do not cover every eventuality (particularly personal) and are framed to ensure that scheduled matches are played in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play, where no team seeks to gain unwarranted advantage over it's opponents – see also Rule 38

 

28. The Luton & District Table Tennis League shall have the right to inspect a club's premises, before or during the season. The Luton & District Table Tennis League may also inspect a club’s premises before accepting them each season, and if found to be unsuitable, shall advise on the necessary alterations. If the club cannot or will not put right the points mentioned by the Executive Committee then the Executive Committee reserve the right to refuse acceptance of that club into the Luton & District Table Tennis League

29. All Luton & District Table Tennis League matches shall commence by 7:45pm at the latest and all players must arrive by 8:45pm, unless the Captains of both Teams are willing to allow a later arrival. These arrangements should not be interpreted as agreement for matches to be extended, and Teams should make every effort to complete matches by a reasonable hour, especially where hired premises have to be vacated

30. Both Away and Home Teams shall send to the Hon. Fixture Secretary a score card stating the names of the players taking part, together with the results of the match to reach him not later than Saturday of the match, except matches played on Fridays, where an extension shall be given until Monday. For the purpose of recording the results and players of both Away and Home Teams, cards must be signed by both team captains. Any club failing to comply with this rule shall be fined £1 for the first offence and £2 for each succeeding offence. The points will usually be awarded to the away team when the home club’s scorecard is more than 14 days late

31. A club playing an ineligible player in a Luton & District Table Tennis League match may have 2 points deducted from its total, plus a deduction of up to 4 points for the match in which the ineligible player took part, and the club concerned may be fined a sum as the Executive Committee may determine, and the match concerned may be replayed as the Executive Committee may determine. The ineligible player may be suspended from playing in the Luton & District Table Tennis League for a period of time as the Executive Committee may determine

32. The record of any club withdrawing from the Luton & District Table Tennis League during the season shall be expunged and monies paid shall be forfeited and the club and registered players thereof fined as the Executive Committee may determine. No player who has been fined on account of withdrawal of his/her club from the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be allowed to register for any other Luton & District Table Tennis League club until his/her fine has been paid

33. Any dispute, or claim between clubs or players that may arise in connection with any match and/or competition either administered or promoted by the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be decided by the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on both the club and/or player(s)

34. If a club has been fined or reprimanded by the Executive Committee for any reason whatsoever, they shall have the right to appeal to the Hon. General Secretary. All notices of appeals shall be lodged not later than 7 days after notice of fine or reprimand. The Hon. General Secretary will then inform the club secretary concerned of the date at which the Executive Committee will hear the appeal. The findings of the Executive Committee of an appeal shall be final and binding

35. The Luton & District Table Tennis League may at any time require a registered player to play in a match arranged by the Luton & District Table Tennis League. Any player so selected shall not play for his club on that date. Selection of teams to represent the Luton & District Table Tennis League shall be made by the Executive Committee and any player chosen to represent the Luton & District Table Tennis League must give notice of acceptance or declension at least 14 days before the match is due to be played

36. The Luton & District Table Tennis League may hold championships during the season, subject to sufficient interest and support. An entrance fee shall be payable by all players at time of application to compete. The draws and all arrangements will be made by the Executive Committee who shall be allowed to seed players if considered necessary

37.

(a) The Luton & District Table Tennis League may hold an Annual Knockout Competition for the Victor Ludorum Cup open to clubs in membership within this Luton & District Table Tennis League. An entry fee to be determined by the Executive Committee must be paid at the time of the application to compete or at time of affiliation. The Rules for the Victor Ludorum Cup will be made available to all eligible teams and may be altered at the Executive Committee’s discretion at the start of the competition. For planning purposes, each round will be in the same week as the Hotard Challenge Shield, although affected clubs will be pre-advised in the event of any change. The handicaps will be framed and the draw for each round made by the Executive Committee and Hon. Cup Secretary, whose decision shall be final on any matter(s) falling within the scope of this competition. Only players registered at the time of the draw will be eligible for the round in question. At the time of the semi-final and final stages, only players who were registered at the time of the last round will be eligible to play. Handicaps are based upon the strongest possible team being available; hence the need to restrict ‘late signings’ and entry to the Victor Ludorum Cup tournament

(b) The Luton & District Table Tennis League may also hold an Annual Knockout Competition for the Hotard Challenge Shield, open to registered Teams who are knocked out in the First Round of the Victor Ludorum Cup. Entry to the competition will be automatic for all ‘losing’ teams from the First Round of the Victor Ludorum Cup and no additional entry fee will be required. The competition will be based upon teams of 3 players, with an aggregate handicap for the whole match (as opposed to a ‘game handicap’ in the Victor Ludorum Cup) being awarded by the Executive Committee. Each player will play each opposing team player two games, 21 up or two clear points as normal. There will be no doubles game and the game scores will be totalled at the end of the match for both home and away teams. Handicap(s) will be issued in sealed envelopes to both teams and must only be opened at the end of the match played. The teams’ aggregate handicaps are then added to the Total scores to determine the winning team. The full Rules for the Hotard Challenge Shield will be made available and issued to all eligible teams at the time of advising them of the draw for the First Round of the competition and may be altered at the Executive Committee’s discretion at the start of the competition. For planning purposes, each round will be in the same week as the Victor Ludorum Cup, although affected clubs will be pre-advised in the event of any change decided by the Executive Committee

(c) Where specified playing weeks have been allocated, the competition(s) referred to in (A) and (B) above will take precedence over normal League matches and it will be the responsibility of the Home Captain to contact the Away Captain to confirm match details. Postponements to matches will not normally be allowed to ensure smooth running of the competitions; however any requests for postponements, agreed by both Captains must be made in writing to the Hon. Cup Secretary prior to the scheduled date, whose decision will be final

(d) In normal circumstances there is no right of Appeal against any handicap(s) awarded or application of any handicap(s) awarded under the above competitions or any other tournaments organised by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding


38. The Rules contained above are intended to support and promote competitive table tennis in the Luton and surrounding areas; therefore, they should be treated as guidelines, in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Any matter(s) not covered or able to be interpreted under the above, shall be referred to the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final and binding

Note: These Rules supersede any previous LDTTL issued Rules

 

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