As you will already be aware, the various cup competitions will take place in January 2012 as stated in the handbook.

It is anticipated, subject to entries, there will be two cups to play for, Blackburn Times Cup and the Smith Cup. Teams in the second division will be split between the two competitions, based on the league tables at the half way stage of the season. It is expected that we will again be using the pool system that has been established for many years now. The format and mode of play is the same as the league programme except games will be subject to handicap and with “no setting”.

Each club is invited to enter all teams that are currently playing in the league. If any club wishes to enter an extra team or teams, they are welcome to do so. However, all players who names will be entered into a “pool” of players must be registered with the league. If extra teams are to be entered, please ensure that you obtain extra “pool!” sheets from Jean in order to enter a team.

Any club or team failing to return their “pool” listing by Saturday 10th December 2011, will not be entered into the cup competition and it will be assumed that they do not want to enter.

By now your secretary should have received details together with registration papers for each club to complete the “pool” of players who will be allowed to play in the competitions. Clubs entering two or more teams must complete separate forms for each team entered.

Handicapping for the various teams will take place on Wednesday 14th December 2011. Each club is invited to send a representative to the meeting to ensure that their team gets a fair and accurate handicap. This means that no team or club will be able to make a complaint against the handicap that is placed as you have the opportunity to advise your own team’s handicap. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm and will be held a Jean’s home address.

Whilst basic handicaps will not be given when the draw has been completed, it will be possible to find out the final score of any match. Each week the final score will be given in the weekly reports and will include the added handicaps. However if you are not prepared to wait until then, you can ring Jean after the match has been completed together with the final scores and she will confirm the final total with the added handicap. Please do not ring late into the night. Score sheets must be returned within 36 hours of the match, and full confirmation of the result will be made after these sheets have been verified, meaning that the advance information given will only be provisional.