QCDA LEAGUE RULES

I.        General:

The Queen City Darting Association (QCDA) shall govern the four-person league through a league Committee (herein called the Committee). The Committee’s Chairperson is the vice-president of the QCDA and the remaining Committee members shall be selected by the Chairperson, presented to the full QCDA board and approved by the board. All Committee members must be active members of the league. The Chairperson will, to the best of his/her ability, select Committee members who are a fair representation of all levels of league play and current league establishments. The Committee will consist of a minimum one person per number of divisions.

 

Any changes to the League Rules and Regulations will be approved by a majority vote of the QCDA board with the general membership being notified through the current team captains. Where conflict exists, American Dart Organization (ADO) shall supersede the QCDA rules.

 

II.        Committee Responsibilities:

The Committee will be responsible for the registration of teams, QCDA membership applications for new seasons, establishing accurate ratings for new players, collecting player league fees, collecting bar sponsorship fees, assigning teams into competitive divisions, league scheduling, keeping a current list of all participating establishments, keeping a list of all original/replacement team members, listing of all substitute players, listing of all Committee members, as well the handling of all protests/grievances which occur during the league season. The Chairperson is responsible for calling Committee meetings as needed and keep a written log of all protests/grievances. The Chairperson will present a Committee report to the QCDA board including details of all protests/grievances. The Committee is also responsible for ensuring that all boards, lighting, throw lines and scoring equipment are maintained to a proper standard throughout the league season.

 

The Chairperson will appoint a league statistician. This person will be responsible for gathering the league score sheets each week throughout the season, keep the team standings updated, keep the individual player win/loss records updated, and immediately notifying the Chairperson of all protests noted on the score sheets, keep a record of replacement players, keep a record of substitute players and their point rating, immediately turn any fees paid by players over to the treasurer, give QCDA membership applications to the QCDA secretary, and notify the Chairperson of the use of any illegal substitute/replacement player. League stats will be sent to the league establishments via postal mail service, e-mail, or delivered in person each week. The statistician will be paid a fee of $10.00 per team per season.

 

A Committee member may be replaced at the discretion of the Chairperson or by the majority vote of the QCDA board. If the board is not satisfied with the performance of the Chairperson, the board has the right to replace that person. Any changes in the Committee members will be noted on the league stats.

 

III.      League Costs:

The Committee will advise each establishment of the team registration deadline for the upcoming season. The establishment’s representative will receive this information as well as QCDA membership applications and registration forms. Registration forms are to be completed in detail so the schedule will have the proper information.

The team registration forms are to be given to the Chairperson with the $30.00 per team sponsorship fee, and $15.00 per player league fee. Each player’s name and phone number should be included.

 

The $30.00 sponsorship fee can be paid by an establishment or by the team players. If the fee is paid by the team players, those players are responsible for finding a suitable home establishment to play from. If a suitable establishment is unavailable, contact the Chairperson for assistance.

 

All league players are required to be a current member, in good standing with the QCDA. Membership dues are $20.00 per year, running from January 1st to December 31st  of the following year. All new                      

members must complete a QCDA membership application.

 

All fees, membership dues, league dues, etc. must be paid in the form of a check or money order (NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED!)

 

The QCDA will require a $15.00 returned check fee for any check that is returned for any reason. The check will be resubmitted to the bank; if it is returned a second time there will be an additional returned check fee of $25.00. If the amount is not paid at this point the individual will be notified in writing and provided an opportunity to pay the amount with additional fees imposed. If there is no cooperation from the individual in paying the total amount owed then the player will be suspended from the QCDA until the matter is resolved.

 

IV.      League Banquet:

The Committee is responsible for the organization of the season ending league banquet. Original team members and replacements may attend the banquet at no charge; all guests are welcome to attend the banquet at a small charge set by the Committee. The banquet will include catered food, beverages and any other activities the Committee arranges. The Committee will post the banquet information at the participating establishments and the website www.CHARLOTTEDARTS.com as early as possible.

 

V.          Team Captains Meeting:

The Committee will organize a captains meeting after the team registration, league scheduling, and any revisions to the rules and regulations are completed. The meeting is usually 1 week prior to the start of a new season, however, the Committee determines the time and date. Each team is required to have an original roster member present at the captains meeting; no one else may represent a team at the meeting. Any team that does not have an original roster member present will be penalized 5 team points, which will be applied after the first night of league play.

 

The Committee shall review all teams, divisions, scheduling, and rules and regulations. Competitive divisions will be decided using the QCDA rating system, and Committee subjectivity. Any player or team that feels their rating is not realistic should contact the Chairperson. Committee members will be present at the captains meeting to answer any questions about the scheduling, and rules and regulations.

 

 

 

VI.      Team Captain’s Responsibility:

The team captain’s and/or representative are responsible to the QCDA and the four-person league for:

 

1.      Making sure that all players are QCDA members before play begins. This applies to any player, original roster members, replacement players, or substitute players.

2.      Making sure there is a suitable substitute player available when needed. Ensuring that the substitute player is clearly identified on the score sheet and meets the legal requirements of substitute players. (See Section XI)

3.      Making sure the score sheet is completed properly. The scheduled date, division, team name, players FULL NAME, etc. The first time the score sheet is not completed properly will result in a written notice to the team captain. The second time the score sheet is not completed properly will result in a (1) point penalty. The third time the score sheet is not competed properly will result in a (2) penalty and the team captain will be called to appear before the Committee. The Committee will have the discretion to apply further disciplinary action.

4.      Making sure the visiting team is aware of where to stand on the throw line (front or back of the line) before the match begins. This will eliminate any questions of foot fouls during the match.

5.      Making sure that if there is a protest the proper procedures are followed. (See Section XIV)

6.      Making sure the team players are prompt so league play can begin on time. (See Section IX)

7.      Making sure that the score sheet is placed at one of the designated drop locations by 8:00 p.m. the night following the scheduled or rescheduled match. It is the responsibility of the Home Team to drop off the score sheet by the deadline. (See Section XVII)

 

 

VII.   Team Members:

The teams consist of 4 players per team. No team may carry any additional players, other players/substitutes, on their roster. All league players, original/replacement/substitute, must be QCDA members. Each establishment will have QCDA membership applications. A player may only participate on one team per league night.

 

If an original roster member has been replaced, that person can appeal to the Committee for player status, such as being a substitute, or replacement for another team. If the Committee approves the appeal the information will be noted on the league stats.

 

A player may not resign from one team and join another after registration unless an appeal is filed with the Committee and the appeal is approved. If a player resigns and plays on another team without the proper appeal procedures being followed the secondary team will be penalized. The penalty will be at the discretion of the Committee. The same rule applies to any player whose team has dropped out of the league season. If a team drops out during the season, individual players from that team may file an appeal with the Committee for active status as a substitute or replacement player. If the Committee approves the appeal the information will be noted on the league stats.

 

 

 

 

 

VIII.    Sportsmanship:

All league players, (original/replacement/substitute) are to conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsmanship like manner at all times. Any misconduct should be reported on the league score sheet. An investigation will take place where both sides are heard and a decision rendered by the Committee within (2) weeks of the receipt of the complaint.

 

If an establishment refuses to let a barred player into the establishment “on good behavior” for a scheduled match the affected team may:

1.      Get a suitable substitute

2.      Request the teams play at a neutral location, or

3.      Play handicapped

      These arrangements should be made in advance of the scheduled time.

            If a player gets barred during league night, the establishment should notify the Committee so an

            investigation can be implemented. The Committee will decide if the member’s behavior warrants having

            disciplinary actions placed against him/her.

 

IX.      League Play:

Matches are scheduled for Tuesday nights. ALL DIVISIONS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM. The traveling team should be at the bar and ready to play at the designated time.

 

Format of play: All matches are best 2 out 3.

 

Division 1 & 2                             Division 3 & 4                             Division 5 & 6

 

4 single 301 DIDO                       4 single 501 FIDO                       4 single 401 FIDO

 

4 single score cricket                    4 single score cricket                   4 single score cricket

 

2 doubles 601 FIDO                     2 doubles 601 FIDO                    2 doubles 501 FIDO/

                                                                                                             Score Cricket/Choice

2 doubles score cricket                 2 doubles score cricket                

 

The diddle shall be as follows – ADO rules:

 

All matches will begin with the flip of a coin. The coin toss determines who has the option to diddle first. The winner of the coin toss may elect to throw the diddle first or have the opponent throw first. The dart closest to the bull shall have the option of starting the game. The loser of the first game has the option of throwing the diddle first or having the opponent throw first. If a third game is necessary, the loser of the original coin toss has the option of diddling first or having the opponent diddle first.

 

Should the second thrower dislodge the first dart, a re-throw will be made with the second thrower going first. Re-throws can also be made if both darts are equal distance from the bull on any re-throw; the second thrower will throw first on the re-diddle.

 

 

When playing doubles, any player can diddle, regardless of the line up.

 

No unorthodox method may be used to determine the outcome of a match (such as a coin toss). The Committee will become involved and will do a thorough investigation of the situation and render a decision. The Chairperson will contact both team captains and have them tell their version. Both team captains will be advised of the decision and their right to appeal.

 

TIES: If 2 teams are tied for a trophy position at the end of the regular season, the Chairperson will be informed by the statistician. A playoff match will be scheduled to determine the outcome. The match will be played at a neutral location, the first team to acquire a majority point lead wins the match. A Committee member will be present at the match.

 

 

X.          Awards:

Each person on the top three teams in each division will receive an award to be given out at the banquet.

 

Each person having the most wins in each division will receive an award (based on the number of games that can be played). (Subs are not eligible)

 

Each person hitting the highest “in” in divisions 1 & 2 and highest “out” in each division will receive an award. (Subs are not eligible)  

 

Every player is eligible to receive 180 and RO9 pins.

 

The weekly stat sheets will include win/loss records, high “ins”, high “outs”, 180’s, RO9’s and other notable throws per division.

 

Any player who hits a 170 “in” or “170” out will receive a special ADO award.

 

Each establishment that sponsors one or more teams for 2 or more consecutive seasons will receive a plaque from the QCDA. They will receive engraved placards to be attached to the plaque for later seasons.

 

 

XI.      Substitute Players:

Any substitute player must be a QCDA member. A QCDA membership form should be completed, and accompanied by a check or money order (NO CASH) for $20.00, which should be turned in with the score sheet.

 

All subs must be correctly indicated on the score sheet.

 

When a sub is used, both team captains must verify that the sub is rated and agree to their eligibility to play.

 

Subs cannot come from another team in the same division they are playing in, and a substitute may not play for more than one team on the same night.

 

No more than 2 subs per team may play in an individual match.

Once a sub is recorded on the score sheet, that sub will play the remainder of the match even if the original player arrives.

 

A legal sub may not have a points rating of more than 100 points higher than the person they are subbing for. If a team needs a sub for a player below the minimum rating for the lowest division, a sub not greater than 100 points higher than the minimum rating for the lowest division may be used. This rule applies to all the divisions except division 1.

 

A protest will be considered after a match if the sub is found to have a rating of more than 100 points higher than the original player they are subbing for.

 

The league statistician reviews all score sheets and reports to the Chairperson any use of an illegal sub. If the opposing team has entered a protest, the Chairperson will call a Committee meeting to hear the protest. If no protest has been entered the Chairperson will notify, in writing, the team captain who used the illegal sub. If a team, which has been notified in writing of an illegal sub violation, uses an illegal sub in the future they will be required to appear before the Committee, and shall be subject to any penalties imposed by the Committee.

 

 

XII.   Obtaining a QCDA rating:

Any person wishing to play in the QCDA must obtain a points rating prior to playing. A player can obtain a rating on one of the rating sessions prior to the start of league play. A new member can also request to be rated on league night by rating committee members if they are willing to do so. The rating committee members are under no obligation to rate players on the night of league play but may do so if they wish. If no rating committee members are available or willing to assign a rating, the team captain (or team designee) will each assign a rating and the average will be used. No unrated players may be used in a league match.

 

 

XIII.    Replacements:

Replacement players must meet the same 100 point rule as a substitute. All replacements will be listed as a sub on the score sheet until the Committee approves them. The team captain shall contact the Chairperson to inform them of the request of a replacement player.

 

 

XIV.    Protest matches:

When a match is protested, the word protest must be written in bold letters on the score sheet. The protesting captain must write the reason for the protest on the score sheet AND notify the Vice President-league chairperson within 2 days of the match by 8:00 pm. The other captain may write a response on the score sheet if desired. Please keep the remarks professional!

 

The match must be played completely – no exceptions!

 

When a protest is received, the Committee must act within two weeks. If no contact has been made within two weeks, either team captain may contact a QCDA officer (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Executive Director).

 

 

The Chairperson will call a Committee meeting, which shall be held with the two team captains and any additional protest participants present. Both captains will give their comments and explanation. The Committee will discuss the situation and make a ruling. The Committee’s decision will be given to both team captains and both team captains must adhere to the ruling.

 

If a captain/team member disagrees with the Committee’s decision then they have the right to appeal the decision. An appeal is filed in writing to the President of the QCDA within two weeks of the Committee’s decision. The appeal will be brought up before the full QCDA board with both team captains present. The board will make the final determination on the outcome of the protest.  

 

Conflicts: No QCDA board member OR Committee member will make an on-the-spot decision regarding conflicts not covered under these rules!

 

 

XV.   Reschedules matches:

Postponement of matches causes delays in the reporting of team standings and individual ratings across the entire affected division. For this reason postponements must be avoided and should only be utilized as a last resort. Identifying suitable subs or playing handicapped will avoid postponements. Matches may also be rescheduled to take place prior to the scheduled time with the agreement of both teams.

 

A prerequisite for any rescheduled match is the agreement of both team captains. League schedules predetermine regular match play on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. Opposing teams often find it difficult to assemble their players at a different time and have no responsibility to agree to rescheduling a match. In the event no rescheduled match time is agreed to, the match must be played at the originally scheduled date and time.

 

If a player gets sick or has an emergency that causes them to leave the match, the captains can postpone the remainder of the match for a later date. If this is agreed upon, play will resume at the point where it let off using the same players. The score sheet must reflect the circumstances.

 

If a rescheduled date and time is reached by both team captains, the following requirements apply:

1.      The make up match must be played within one week of the original scheduled time.

2.      The home and/or visiting team captains must contact the League Chairperson to notify him/her of the reschedule.

3.      A score sheet MUST be dropped off by the regular deadline noting the circumstances of the reschedule and noting the new date/time/place of the rescheduled match. Both captains, or a team designee must sign the score sheet agreeing to the reschedule.

4.      After the rescheduled match has taken place, a score sheet will be dropped off by the following night at a designated drop off point. The original schedule date should be on the score sheet. The Chairperson and/or statistician should be notified of the time and location of the drop.

5.      In case any match is not played due to the failure of a team to present a legal lineup at the scheduled match, or an agreed reschedule, the team/teams not showing up will be dropped from the league for the remainder of the season. All points accumulated by the dropped team(s) during that leg would be deducted.

 

 

 

XVI.    Playing handicapped:

A legal lineup shall consist of at least two players-One (1) original roster member and One (1) substitute. If  “team A” has three players, the roster will be written up and “team A” will forfeit one singles ’01 match and one singles cricket match. The doubles will be played by having two players play two players and the single remaining player on “team A” playing two players on “team B”. Example:

[Team B wins the diddle-one player from team B throws- then the player from team A throws-then player #2 from team B throws- team A loses the next turn-and player #1 from team B throws, etc.]

 

If a player arrives late and the roster has been listed, then the late player must wait for the next event before they may play, except if there is a sub playing, then the player is not allowed to play at all.

 

 

XVII. Penalty for late score sheets:

It is the HOME teams responsibility to drop off the score sheet at one of the designated places (to be named at the captains meeting) by 8:00 pm of the night following the match. The home captain is also responsible for making sure all player membership forms, and QCDA fees (in the form of a check or money order) are attached to the score sheet.

 

If the score sheet is not at the drop off point by 8:00 pm on the night following the match there will be a 15 point penalty imposed on the team taking responsibility of the score sheet. If there are no signatures accepting the task, the penalty will be applied to the home team. The statistician will deduct the points automatically. The penalized team captain may appeal to the Committee if they feel there is a justified reason.

 

 

XVIII.  Player ratings:

A rating committee consisting of the League Committee members and other volunteers as approved by the League Committee will establish player ratings for new members. The rating committee members will be posted with the weekly stats. All unrated roster members must be rated no later than one week after the deadline for league sign-ups. A minimum of 2 rating committee members must be present in order to rate a player. Rating sessions will be held at designated bars/pubs before their weekly blind draws, League Committee meetings, and the Saturday one week prior to the league sign-up deadline.

 

The 2 rating committee members must agree on the division rating assigned to the player being rated. The player’s rating will be the average for the assigned division from the prior seasons league ratings. New player ratings may also be assigned on league night by a representative of each team involved in the match agreeing to a fair representative rating for the new player either prior to or at the end of the match.

 

Ratings will be assigned by having the person play ’01 and cricket games against players chosen by the person rating them.

 

Re-rating will be allowed without application to the League Committee for players that have not played or subbed in the QCDA league for 2 consecutive seasons. Members who have played or subbed within the last 2 seasons must make a written application to the League Committee stating their reason for requesting a rating change.

 

 

 

XIX.    The City Cup Championship:

The League Committee organizes and runs the QCDA City Cup Championship.

 

The City Championship will be held seasonally at the establishment that currently holds the cup. The Championship consists of the 1st place four-person team from each division playing a handicapped, round-robin format of ’01. The teams will be notified by phone and/or postal mail, e-mail of the date the matches are to be played. The matches will be held on a Saturday or Sunday within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the regular season. The exact date and start time will be determined by the League Committee.

 

The QCDA rules will apply to the tournament with the exception that players from the same division may sub for the division winning team. The 100 point rule will be enforced, except for division 1.

 

The format will be handicapped, round-robin ’01, free in-double out, three games will be played in each set as follows:

 

                         Division 1 plays 1001

                         Division 2 plays  961

                         Division 3 plays  881

                         Division 4 plays  821

                         Division 5 plays  761

                         Division 6 plays  701

 

The team with the highest cumulative point total at the end of the round-robin will be the City Cup Champion.

 

Ties will be broken with the same handicapped, ’01 format, best 2 out of 3 games.

 

The bar that sponsors the winning team will hold the cup and host the following seasons Championship tournament.