Constitution of the Belfast Interpool League (BIPL)

 

 

Introduction

We, the members of the Belfast Interpool League, have created this Constitution to help run the League in a fair, organized, and respectful way. Our goal is to make sure everyone enjoys playing, understands the rules, and knows how the League is managed.

This document explains how the League works — including matches, meetings, fees, and fair play. It also gives the Committee the right to make decisions and manage the League in whatever way they believe is best for the League as a whole, even if not every situation is covered in the rules.

 

 

Article I: Name

Section 1

The League shall be known as the Belfast Interpool League (BIPL).

 

 

 

Article II: League Governance

Section 1 – Officers

The League shall be administered by five (5) officers:

  • Chairman

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Assistant Treasurer

  • Committee Coordinator

Section 2 – Committee Structure

  1. No more than one (1) member from any single club or pub may serve on the committee at any one time.
    1a. The Committee may, at its discretion and in the best interests of the League, permit additional members from a single club/pub if needed to meet minimum committee numbers or in the best interests of the league.

  2. Any committee member who misses three (3) committee meetings will be asked to step down.

  3. Any paying member of the League is eligible to apply for a committee position.

 

 

Article III: Financial Administration

Section 1 – Treasurer Duties

  • All monies received shall be deposited in either a deposit or current account.

  • Withdrawals require two (2) out of three (3) authorized officer signatures.

 

 

Article IV: Delegates and Meetings

Section 1 – Delegates

  • Each team may appoint one (1) or two (2) delegates.

  • Delegates arriving after 1:45 PM will be marked absent. Meetings begin at 1:30 PM.

  • Delegate attendance affects delegate money on a pro-rata basis.

  • A representative may deliver fees but delegate will be marked absent.

Section 2 – Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  1. The AGM shall be held annually.

  2. Each club/pub is entitled to one (1) vote.

  3. Issues to be raised must be submitted in writing to the Secretary no less than 14 days before the AGM.

  4. All paid-up League members may attend.

 

 

Article V: League Operations

Section 1 – Season Structure

  • The League will operate weekly.

  • Depending on the number of teams, it may be divided into a Premiership and Championship.

  • Trophies and prize money will be awarded based on sponsorship.

Section 2 – Fixtures

  • League matches shall start at 9:15 PM, with draws conducted at 9:00 PM.

  • League matches consist of 10 singles games, all of which must be played.

  • Cup matches consist of 11 singles games; first to 6 wins.

Section 3 – Promotion & Relegation

  • Standard system: 2 teams promoted, 2 relegated.

  • Final decisions may be adjusted by the Committee depending on League structure.

  • At minimum: 1 team promoted and 1 team relegated.

 

 

Article VI: Points System

  1. Win: 2 points

  2. Draw: 1 point

  3. Teams withdrawing before 50% of the season completed: all results nullified.

  4. Teams withdrawing after 50% completed: opponents awarded 2 points for unplayed matches.

 

 

Article VII: Matches and Postponements

Section 1 – Cancellations & Rearrangements

  1. No match may be cancelled without prior approval from the League Secretary.

  2. The Secretary will schedule rearranged matches; if unresolved, a final date will be issued. Failure to play will result in lost points.

Section 2 – Game Management

  1. Each team may bring forward 2 league games and 1 cup game.

  2. Players who play early (brought forward) must leave the venue immediately or risk forfeiting the frame.

  3. Fines:

    • No-show for League match: £50

    • No-show for Cup match: £35 (awarded to opposing team for future cup fees)

Match Result Submission
All match results must be completed and closed on the RackEm App no later than 12:00 p.m. (midday) two days after the match has been played.

  • For example: League matches played on Thursday must be closed off by Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

  • Cup match deadlines will vary according to the day the match is played.

Failure to comply will result in a £10 fine issued to the offending team. Repeated offences may also result in a points deduction at the discretion of the League Committee.

  1. The Committee will notify the offending team.

 

 

Article VIII: Player Registration and Transfers

  1. No cap on registered players per team.

  2. £5 registration fee per player, payable at the start of each half-season.

  3. Transfers:

    • Allowed if the player has played 3 or fewer games.

    • Only permitted in the second half of the season.

    • Must be approved by the Committee.

 

 

Article IX: Disputes and Disciplinary Matters

  1. All complaints must be submitted in writing (letter, email, or text) to the Secretary within 24 hours.

  2. If during a match, the disputed frame must not be completed.

  3. Disciplinary issues will be addressed at the next Committee meeting.

  4. All League and Cup matches must comply with this Constitution.

 

 

Article X: Eligibility and Competitions

Section 1 – Entry Requirements

  1. Players must have played in at least five (5) team matches to enter Individuals. Team cup games do count but only if the player actually played. Unplayed matches in the case where they don't play their frame (because the match didn't go that far) are not counted.

  2. Players must have played in at least three (3) team matches to enter Doubles. Team cup games do count but only if the player actually played. Unplayed matches in the case where they don't play their frame (because the match didn't go that far) are not counted.

  3. Doubles teams may include players from different teams.

  4. Entry fees must be paid before competition entry or face disqualification.

Section 2 – Individuals / Scotch Doubles / 5-A-Sides

  • All players must be present by 8:00 PM.

  • Last call: 7:59 PM

  • Absent players when names are called will be disqualified from that round.

  • The Kieran Doherty 5-A-Sides format is best of 15 frames - 3 sessions of 5 frames, meaning every player will play up to 3 frames (not including being subbed).

 

 

Article XI: Cup Rules

  1. Hosting teams must:

    • Referee the match if needed.

    • Ensure the pool table is cleaned, ironed, and in good condition.

    • Failure to comply may result in cup/competition being moved from the premises.

  2. Cup venues must not be changed without Committee approval at least 7 days in advance.

 

 

Article XII: League and Competition Fees

  1. Player Registration: £5 per player

  2. League Fees: £55

  3. Secretary Fees: £40

  4. Monthly Cup Fees: £35

  5. Doubles & 5-A-Sides:

    • £35 for first 2 teams, then £10 per additional team

  6. Individuals: £5 per player

  7. Monthly Ballot: £15 (Draw for £100)

 

 

 

Article XIII: Tie Breakers

In the event of a tie in League standings or Player of the Year, the position will be decided by:

  • A play-off match between the tied teams/players.

 

 

Article XIV: Code of Conduct

  • All players and teams must uphold the spirit of the game and show respect at all times.

  • Disciplinary action will be taken against any team or player who breaches this code.

  • The Committee’s decision is final on all matters.

 

 

Ratified on this day by the Belfast Interpool League Committee.