League rules: a template ready to copy

A short, clear set of rules prevents 90% of the arguments in a league. Here's a template you can copy, paste and adapt to your game. Replace whatever is in square brackets.

1. Organisation

The [LEAGUE NAME] league is organised by [ORGANISER/BAR]. It will be played from [START DATE] to [END DATE] in the [GAME] format. The organiser will settle any question not covered by these rules.

2. Registration and teams

• Each team will consist of between [N] and [N] players and will have a captain, who is the only point of contact with the organisers.
• The entry fee is [AMOUNT] and must be paid before [DATE].
• Players may only register for one team per season.

3. Competition format

Every team plays every other team [once / home and away]. Each fixture consists of [N] [singles / pairs] games. The team that wins more games wins the fixture.

4. Scoring and tie-breakers

Win: [3] points. Draw: [1]. Loss: [0]. If teams are level on points, the following will apply in this order: game difference, games for, head-to-head and, lastly, a draw of lots.

5. Fixtures and times

• Fixtures are played on the dates and at the times in the official schedule, at [TIME].
• There is a grace period of [15] minutes. After that, any outstanding games will be awarded as losses to the team that does not turn up complete.

6. Postponements

A team may request to postpone a fixture with at least [48 hours] notice, with the opponent's agreement and by informing the organisers. The postponed fixture must be played before [DEADLINE]. Postponements without agreement will be treated as a no-show.

7. Line-ups

• Players are lined up in the order decided by the captain before the fixture starts, and this cannot be changed once it has begun.
• The same player [may not play more than one game] in a fixture, except in the last [N], if the team does not have enough players.
• Teams may field [up to N] substitute players from other teams (affiliates), always with prior notice.

8. No-shows

If a team does not turn up, it loses the fixture [X-0]. Two unjustified no-shows mean expulsion from the league.

9. Match reports and results

When the fixture is over, both captains sign the match report (on paper or digitally) with the line-ups and the result of each game. The home captain sends it to the organisers within [24 hours] at the latest. You can print one using our match report template.

10. Complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the organisers within [48 hours] of the fixture. The organisers' decision is final.

11. Conduct

Respect is required towards opponents, referees, organisers and the venue. Unsporting behaviour may lead to sanctions, from loss of points to expulsion.

12. Prizes

Trophies will go to the champion, the runner-up, the third-placed team and the best individual player. [Describe any other prizes or sponsors].

From paper to screen

Rules are followed better when everyone has them to hand. With CreaTuLiga you can share the standings, the fixtures and the results with a link, which heads off a good share of the questions about dates and points.

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