Rule change for the summer season

This summer, the Club will be trialling a change to the number of players allowed on each lawn at any one time.  Up to now, this limit has been six (for GC), using primary, secondary and tertiary colours.  In response to some comments that access to lawn time could be improved, the maximum number of players this summer will be increased to eight.   Two pairs will need to use the same set of colours and so the later-arriving pair will decide which they use and will need to notify the other pair of players at a suitable point in that game, avoiding distraction under GC Rule 16.2.4 ("disturbs other players during the game" etc).  

Because this will inevitably put more footfall on the lawns,  it has been agreed that there will need to be a maximum weight on the lawns at any one time.  This only needs to be an average of the four pairs of players, and for a trial period from the start of the season from Monday this has been set at 24 stone per pair (152.41 Kg).  A weighing scales has been installed in the clubhouse for people to check that they comply and a Weight Assessment Officer role has been created to monitor the system.  

(The sharp-eyed members will have seen that for the various EV Doubles competitions,  choosing a lighter partner will make it easier to book lawn times, as they will be more likely to help come in under the 24 stone level.)

The Committee hope that members will take this change in the spirit in which it is intended.  A 30-day trial will conclude at the end of April.  If it is decided that the new system has not worked, then members will need to revert to the old method of looking at the lawn bookings and selecting times when the lawns are free.

​Chris Webbley for HWCC Committee