TOURNAMENT RULES

1. Length of each game, where possible will be 8 minutes (4 minutes each way, straight round at half time).

2. Central Timing – games must start and stop on Match Umpires whistle.

3. Time between each game is 2 minutes – please move quickly between courts.

4. Any team not on court and ready to play at the start of the tournament will be disqualified.

5. Any team participating in any tournament other than the American or Versatility must provide a non-playing umpire, qualified as per rule 21, on the day. The name of the umpire to be advised to Jean Lockyer, tel 517628 within 3 days of the tournament.

6. VERSATILITY TOURNAMENT – Only 7 players can be used except in the case of an injury, when a reserve may be used to fill the vacant position. The injured player may take no further part in the competition. Teams may commence play with a minimum of 5 players, remaining on a competitive basis, providing that by the end of the first game the vacant positions are filled, or players are awaiting entry to the court, otherwise continuation of play will be on a non-competitive basis. If there is a “bye” situation, the playing position relevant to the “bye” will be omitted. Any team found using more players than specified will be disqualified. Teams not following the playing schedule will be disqualified. If for any reason, injury etc., your team is reduced to less than 7 players, you will become non-competitive.

7. AMERICAN & ALL OTHER TOURNAMENTS. Maximum of 10 players, teams using more than 10 will be disqualified. In the event of an injury the player must come off immediately and be replaced by a reserve who will fill the vacant positions, the injured player may take no further part in the game. Positions may not be changed at the time of an injury except in the case of the centre. Substitutions/change of playing positions may take place at any interval as per AENA rules. Any substitutions/changes made at half time must be made immediately and the other team and both umpires must be informed.

8. In the case of a serious injury occurring where the player cannot be safely moved from the court immediately, injury time of up to 2 minutes will be added to the end of that game. The BNA tournament organiser can use his/her discretion in exceptional circumstances.

9. Teams on the left of the programme will have first centre pass, teams on the right have choice of goal.

10. Scoring – 5 Points for a Win, 3 Points for a draw and 1 Point to losing teams scoring 50% or more of opponents score. In Versatility and American Tournaments – in the event of a draw on points the final positions will be decided on goal average. Should this still result in a draw then goal difference will be used. For Handicapped tournaments such as the Metropolitan Cup, Oscar White Rosebowl, Keith Vardy and the Coutts Cup matches will be 5 minutes each way – goal difference will be used first and goal average only in the event of a tie.

TEAMS FAILING TO ADVISE OF NON-ATTENDANCE AT LEAST

7 DAYS PRIOR TO ANY TOURNAMENT WILL BE FINED £10.00