Rules Governing all RILSA Events

Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association

 

Primary School Ladies Snooker National Championships

  1. This event is open to all Primary School girls in the Republic of Ireland. Entry and fee will be set according to the number of Schools taking part each season. As an example: Take 4 Schools with 8 entries each the fee will be set at €5 per entry
  2. All matches will be of 1 frame and if time allows there will be a Six Red event for all first round knocked out players and again this will be of 1 frame. It may be necessary to have each round timed and this will be determined by the Tournament Director.
  3. Entries must be in the day before to facilitate the draw. Due to the time allotted along with facilitating the players from Schools to arrive back in time for collection, it is necessary to make the draw the day before.  It’s important to make the draw fair and consider the numbers from each School within reason and try not to have players from the same School play each other in the first round.
  4. Schools are responsible to give a list of their experienced players, generally top 4, to seed them into the draw.
  5. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event. The Plate winner and Runner Up will also receive prizes.
  6. The foul and miss rule when snookered after a foul will not apply to Primary School Championships.
  7. Dress Code: School uniform will be the dress for these events
  8. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times
  9. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Secondary School & College Ladies Snooker National Championships

  1. This event is open to all Secondary Schools and College girls in the Republic of Ireland. Entry and fee will be set according to the number of Schools taking part each season. As an example: Take 4 Schools with 8 entries each the fee will be set at €5 per entry
  2. All matches will be of 1 frame and if time allows there will be a Six Red event for all first round knocked out players and again this will be of 1 frame. It may be necessary to have each round timed and this will be determined by the Tournament Director.
  3. Entries must be in the day before to facilitate the draw. Due to the time allotted along with facilitating the players from Schools to arrive back in time for collection, it is necessary to make the draw the day before.  It’s important to make the draw fair and consider the numbers from each School within reason and try not to have players from the same School play each other in the first round.
  4. Schools are responsible to give a list of their experienced players, generally top 4, to seed them into the draw.
  5. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event. The Plate winner and Runner Up will also receive prizes.
  6. The foul and miss when snookered after a foul will not apply to Secondary School & College Championships.
  7. Dress Code: School uniform will be the dress for these events
  8. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times
  9. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Youth Reach Ireland Ladies Snooker National Championships

  1. This event is open to all Youth Reach Centres girls in the Republic of Ireland. Entry and fee will be set according to the number of Youth Reach Centres taking part each season. As an example: Take 4 YR’s with 8 entries each the fee will be set at €5 per entry
  2. All matches will be of 1 frame and if time allows there will be a Six Red event for all first round knocked out players and again this will be of 1 frame. It may be necessary to have each round timed and this will be determined by the Tournament Director.
  3. Entries must be in the day before to facilitate the draw. Due to the time allotted along with facilitating the players from Youth Reach Centres to arrive back in time for collection, it is necessary to draw the day before.  It’s important to make the draw fair and consider the numbers from each Youth Reach Centre within reason and try not to have players from the same YR play each other in the first round.
  4. Youth Reach Centres are responsible to give a list of their experienced players, generally top 4, to seed them into the draw.
  5. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event. The Plate winner and Runner Up will also receive prizes.
  6. The foul and miss when snookered after a foul will not apply to Youth Reach Championships.
  7. Dress Code: Capped, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses are acceptable. We strongly encourage the wearing of coloured waistcoats, which reflect your individual personality and taste
  8. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times
  9. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Special Needs School Ladies Snooker National Championships

  1. This event is open to all Special Needs schoolgirls in the Republic of Ireland. Entry and fee will be set according to the number of Schools taking part each season. As an example: Take 4 Schools with 8 entries each the fee will be set at €5 per entry
  2. All matches will be of 1 frame and if time allows there will be a Six Red event for all first round knocked out players and again this will be of 1 frame. It may be necessary to have each round timed and this will be determined by the Tournament Director.
  3. Entries must be in the day before to facilitate the draw. Due to the time allotted along with facilitating the players from Schools to arrive back in time for collection, it is necessary to draw the day before.  It’s important to make the draw fair and consider the numbers from each School within reason and try not to have players from the same School play each other in the first round.
  4. Schools are responsible to give a list of their experienced players, generally top 4, to seed them into the draw.
  5. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event. The Plate winner and Runner Up will also receive prizes.
  6. The foul and miss when snookered after a foul will not apply to Secondary School & College Championships.
  7. Dress Code: School uniform will be the dress for these events
  8. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times
  9. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Ladies under 21 National Snooker Championships

  1. This event is open to all ladies under the age of 21 (at 31st December the previous year), in the Republic of Ireland and entry fee will be €5 per entry
  2. All matches will be best of 3 frames or 1 frame depending on the number of entries and if time allows there will be a Six Red event for all first round knocked out players and this will be of 1 frame. It may be necessary to have each round timed and this will be determined by the Tournament Director.
  3. Entries must be in the day before to facilitate the draw. Due to the time allotted along with facilitating the players from Schools to arrive back in time for collection, it is necessary to draw the day before.  It’s important to make the draw fair and consider the numbers from each School within reason and try not to have players from the same School play each other in the first round.
  4. Schools are responsible to give a list of their experienced players, generally top 4, to seed them into the draw.
  5. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event. The Plate winner and Runner Up will also receive prizes.
  6. The foul and miss when snookered after a foul will not apply to the Ladies under 21 National Championships.
  7. Dress Code: Capped, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses are acceptable. We strongly encourage the wearing of coloured waistcoats, which reflect your individual personality and taste. Players from Schools can wear their School uniform
  8. Hair: All players that have long hair must wear their hair up or in a ponytail at these events.
  9. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times.
  10. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Ladies National Rankings and National Snooker Championships

  1. Only players that are Citizens of the Republic of Ireland or persons holding a valid Irish passport or have resided in Ireland over 1 year are eligible to play in the ladies ranking and National Snooker Championships. Players not holding valid Irish passports cannot represent Ireland at International events abroad but however can represent Ireland at home events.
  2. All prelim and first round matches will be the best of 3 frames or 1 frame, all depending on the number of entries and best of 3 frames from 2nd round onwards of all ranking events and National Championships the Tournament Director may decide other format such as 6 red or 10 red frames all depending on the number of entries and will use his/her discretion in making such changes. All players will be informed of the format before competition commences.
  3. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event.
  4. Entry Fee is set at €12 for all senior members and €6 for all junior players under the age of 21 years.  Members who are part of the RILSA Weekly Lottery will pay €10 for senior and €5 for junior.
  5. There will only be a maximum of 2 fouls-and-misses called on any one snooker, this will only come into effect once a referee is present.
  6. Dress Code: Capped, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses are acceptable.
  7. Hair: All players that have long hair must wear their hair up or in a ponytail at these events.
  8. Smart trousers, shirt or blouse, waistcoat, smart/elegant footwear (bow ties are preferable, but not compulsory). Waistcoats must be buttoned whilst in the playing arena.  Members will be allowed to wear an Association approved Polo shirt for the earlier stages of a tournament but from the semi-finals on the formal dress code will apply, waistcoat, shirt/blouse, trousers or slacks with comfortable shoes.
  9. Hair should be clean and presentable; make up may be worn, but should not be excessive
  10. (Including nail varnish if applicable). It is important for you all to remember that presentation is an important area to any potential sponsor. Until we achieve a smart and presentable appearance we will struggle to achieve our sponsorship goals.
  11. The association cannot make decisions regarding your individual taste and preferences. However the above are strict guidelines and you must adhere to them. The Association reserves the right to make decisions regarding dress code and the ultimate decision will be at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
  12. Items strictly not permitted: Any form of denim, jeans (i.e. studded trousers), jumpers, cardigans, vests, or baggy ill-fitting items, or shoe strap tops, trainers, sandals, flip-flops, canvas shoes or any headwear (i.e. hats). If you are found to be wearing any of the above items or if the Tournament Director considers your presentation unacceptable, you will receive a verbal warning about your attire and further flaunting of the rules will result in a frame forfeit, and possible exclusion from that tournament.
  13. Mobile Phones must be either turned off or kept on silent at all times.
  14. Players will comply with the full rules of snooker and conduct themselves in a manner befitting our association.
  15. Any player who arrives 15 minutes late will forfeit a frame and 25 minutes late will forfeit their match.
  16. Ranking points as follows: 1500 for the winner, 1200 for the Runner Up, and 1000 to each beaten semi-finalist, 800 to each quarter finalist, 600 to each last 16, 400 to each last 32 and 300 points to all other players. Merit points will be awarded for each frame won. In the event that a player or players receive a bye or walkover they will receive the appropriate ranking points but will NOT receive merit points for frames not played.
  17. The RILSA Ranking system commences with the National Championship each season.  Players who have played during the previous season will commence the new season with 1000 point starter.  Further points are added as players enter each ranking event thereafter.  The RILSA Ranking season ends in March each year and those who played will be ranked according to the points earned.  The end of season ranking will mean a players true ranking position that they will hold for one whole season.  It is this true ranking list that players will be selected from for World or International event.  The provisional ranking going from month to month will only be used to seed players into draws for each event during the tour season.  National Ranking points are awarded to members who participate in the National U21’s, The National Primary School Championship and National Special Needs Championship.  500 points are awarded for participation in each event.  This will encourage players to join the RILSA National Tour.
  18. From the start of each season the following guide regarding seeded players will be in place.  8 players or more 2 seeds, 16 players or more 4 seeds, 32 players or more 8 seeds and 64 or more 16 seeds. The National Ladies Snooker Championship from 2024 will have all 16 players seeded into the draw.
  19. From the start of the 2024/2025 season the Top 16 players on the National Rankings main tour at the end of the previous season will automatically qualify for the National Amateur Championship. The top 16 on the National Intermediate Rankings at the end of the season will automatically qualify for the Intermediate National Championship.
  20. For the National U21’s, Special Needs and Primary Schools events, It is important to note that in compiling draws that we take into account as best we can and within reason to try not to draw players together from the same club/school at the prelim or first round stages.  Members will be notified prior to an event giving the closing date and time.  Draws for all RILSA National Rankings will be conducted at a date and time agreed by the board after the closing date of competition to facilitate again players of various standards, as it’s important to draw players into the first round, in the event that they are knocked out, they can now play in the Intermediate Ranking that is played on the same day.  All RILSA Ranking draws will be conducted by at least 3 people and signed to authenticate.
  21. All players must abide by the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association by signing the player registration form.
  22. All players must understand that drug testing can be carried out at any time either in or out of competition and consent to this rule.
  23. All RILSA competitions are subject to the Irish Sports Council Anti-Doping rules and World Anti-Doping Agency
  24. All players that are knocked out at the prelim, first round up to the quarter final stages of competition, will be entered into the RILSA National Intermediate rankings. These events will be of 1, 6 red frame duration all through the competition or otherwise at the TD discretion again depending on numbers playing.
  25. Perpetual trophies are the responsibility of the winner and she must take good care of it and return the trophy when requested. Any loss or damage to perpetual trophies will be replaced or repaired by the holder and at their own expense. The current value of trophies supplied by RILSA is available by contacting the Chairman of the Association.
  26. In the event that players are equal on points and merit points the most senior player such as National Champion or Number 1 will take precedence and will be seeded accordingly during ranking events. This applies to both the National and Intermediate events.
  27. Players are reminded that the smoking of vapour pipes are not allowed in the venue.
  28. Any player who has won prize money or trophy at any event in RILSA must be in attendance to accept the award.  Failure to be in attendance will result in the player or players forfeiting the prizes.  Trophies will be reused if possible and prize money will be put into the RILSA account.  ONLY under exceptional circumstances will prizes be held over. Persons other than those receiving prizes, cannot accept prizes on behalf of others.
  1. Logos: Only Logo’s approved by the Board of RILSA are permitted to be displayed (on waistcoats, shirts, polo shirts etc.) during RILSA Competitions & events. All logos on items for display, must be pre-approved.  Players who wish to have a Logo embroidered either by themselves or by RILSA must forward an image and sizing of the proposed logo.  While we are conscious of the fact that players may wish to have their own club or sponsor’s logo on their waistcoat, you must apply to the Board for approval.  Other logos other than the official RILSA Logo must be smaller in size and positioned so as not to distract from the official RILSA Logo.  Though people are entitled to their views no politically associated items are permitted. RILSA endeavour to complete approval process as quickly as possible. RILSA Board decisions are final, permission can be revoked if any approval decision is not complied with in full.
  2. International selection criteria regarding IBSF or EBSA events are as follows. Players representing their country at IBSF/EBSA events will comply with the guidelines set by the IBSF/EBSA.  Players ranked in the top 4 national Amateur Rankings as long as they are Amateur players along with the current National Amateur Champion will qualify for selection and should the National Amateur Champion be part of the top 4 ranked players then the player placed 5th again once she is a Amateur player will be included in selection should anyone wish to enter IBSF events.  European events, players ranked in the top 8 may be selected along with the current National Amateur Champion.  RILSA will not move down any further than 8th place on the National Amateur Rankings as a guide, however should we have only one player within the top 8 wishing to enter events, then RILSA can select a wild card to fill a place in particular to fulfil any places required for a team.  The Board of RILSA will determine a list of players for friendly Internationals and may select from the rankings or wild card options as the Board sees fit.  This will allow some players not qualifying via the rankings, having the opportunity to gain experience at International level.

Ladies National 6 Red Snooker Championships

  1. All the usual snooker rules apply with the following exceptions
  2. There will be no more than 5 consecutive “Foul and a miss” calls at any one time
  3. After 4 consecutive “Foul and a miss” calls, the Referee will warn the offending player that should a “Foul and a miss” be called again, the following options are available to the non-striker
  • She can play from where the balls have come to rest
  • She can ask her opponent to play from where the balls have come to rest
  • She can place the cue ball anywhere on the table, but this option cannot be taken if play has reached the “snookers required” stage
  1. The player cannot snooker behind a nominated colour at any time. (Including when playing a colour after potting a red or a free ball nominated as a red.
  2. In the event that there are various standards of players in the event, Rule’s 2 & 3 above will not apply and it’s at the Tournament Directors discretion to introduce a reduced form of Rules 2&3.
  3. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Ladies National Masters (over 40’s) Championship

  1. This event is open to all ladies over the age of 40 on or before the date of the Championship in the Republic of Ireland and entry fee will be €10 per entry
  2. All matches will be best of 3 frames and 5 for the final
  3. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the event.
  4. There will only be a maximum of 2 foul-and-miss called on any one snooker at the TD discretion.
  5. Dress Code: Capped, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses are acceptable. We strongly encourage the wearing of coloured waistcoats, which reflect your individual personality and taste.
  6. Hair: All players that have long hair must wear their hair up or in a ponytail at these events.
  7. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times.
  8. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
  9. Draw for RILSA Masters will be an open draw on the morning of the event.

Ladies National Billiards Championship & Rankings

  1. These events are open to all women and girls in the Republic of Ireland and entry fee will be €10 per entry
  2. All matches will be either an agreed number of points or timed. Depending on numbers it will be up to the Tournament Director to decide the format.
  3. Prizes to the Winner and Runner Up and each semi-finalist of the Championship and Winner – R/Up ranking events only.
  4. The full rules of Billiards applies to all RILSA Billiards Competitions.
  5. Dress Code: Capped, short or long sleeve shirts or blouses are acceptable. We strongly encourage the wearing of coloured waistcoats, which reflect your individual personality and taste.
  6. Hair: All players that have long hair must wear their hair up or in a ponytail at these events.
  7. No smoking is permitted at these events and taking Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all times.
  8. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
  9. All Billiard ranking & Championship events, will be timed round robin. In the event of a large number, the top 2 on the current ranking will be seeded, either into groups or in a timed knockout competition.  Decision will be made by the Tournament Director.

Rules for RILSA County Championships

  1. Players must reside within the County or have resided within the County for 1 year prior to 31st December the previous year to be eligible to enter.
  2. There must be at least 8 entries to hold a County Championship
  3. The full rules of snooker will apply to these County Championships with the exception of the foul and a miss rule when snookered on the object ball. (for more information on this, please contact rilsasnooker@gmail.com)
  4. An entry fee of €5 applies.
  5. The County Championship Winner will receive a Gold County Championship Medal and a Silver County Championship Medal to the R/Up. In the event that there is more than 12 entries then there will be medals for the semi-finalists.
  6. Dress Code is neat casual i.e. Association Polo Shirt/Blouse with slacks or dark leggings. If you are entering from a School/College then school uniform will be accepted.  Comfortable shoes are advised.
  7. With regard to the format of the event, it will depend on numbers entering and it will be up to the Tournament Director or County Secretary to make the final decision on the format for the event. Notice of such will be made available after all the entries are in and posted at the venue on the morning of the event.
  8. All players entering RILSA events must comply with Anti-Doping Guidelines as set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

 

INTERNATIONAL IRISH OPEN – RILSA QUALIFIERS

RILSA will select players to represent Ireland at the Ladies International Irish Open under the following guidelines and will revise the guidelines each year as deemed necessary by the Board Members of RILSA.

RILSA National Champion – Q

RILSA National Intermediate Champion – Q

RILSA National 6 Red Champion – Q

RILSA National 10 Red Champion – Q

RILSA National Primary School Champion – Q

RILSA National Billiards Champion – Q

RILSA National Intermediate Billiards Champion – Q

RILSA National Masters (O/40’s) Champion – Q

RILSA National Special Needs Champion – Q

RILSA National U/21 Champion – Q

Maureen Butler Cup Champion – Q

RILSA 100 up Billiards Champion – Q

RILSA National Billiards League – Q

RILSA National Snooker League – Q

The top 16 players from the National Rankings will automatically qualify.  RILSA will select players further down the ranking list should those Champions listed above are within the top 16 on the ranking list.

RILSA reserves the right to hold a pre International qualifier to further select the number of players agreed under the guidelines.

RILSA Top 4, 5 or 6 players from the season will be draw into the group’s first, followed by the remaining player entries.  This will depend entirely on the number of Groups

The International Open does not go on seeds from the National Ranking, as a guide, we generally pick the current National Champion along with 3 National Champions going back.  However RILSA will endeavour to revise this each year and try as reasonable possible to have the groups balanced.

FACE BOOK & SOCIAL MEDIA

  1. The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association takes great pride in its affairs and practices and promotes the sport of snooker in a positive and fair manner, catering for every one of its members. We therefore expect our members to act accordingly and respect others and in doing so not bring the Association into disrepute.
  2. Any member who brings the Association into disrepute in any way and in particular by way of social media will be disciplined by the Association. Personal Opinions on Social Media will not be tolerated as information can be misleading, untrue and may attack a person’s reputation that can lead to legal action being taken against the perpetrator.
  3. Respect for others is utmost in our promotion of the sport and fair play along with dignity is so important.
  4. We have agreed to abide by our Code of Ethics on signing up as a member and in doing so we uphold these rules and guidelines and any future amendments that is deemed necessary.
  5. A Dispute Resolution process to facilitate any objections or an appeal by members will be afforded to anyone wishing to follow up on any disciplinary action taken against members of the Association.

Anyone applying for membership of the Association either free or on payment where applicable will be assessed to the validity of membership according to our Constitution regarding disrepute.  Should anyone pose a threat to our Association in a manner that will bring the Association into disrepute, membership will not be allowed.  Social media such as Facebook, text, website and conversations about individuals that are unfair or nasty in nature will be looked at prior to accepting anyone as a member.  The Board have the right to refuse membership.

Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association Transgender Policy
Since September 2015, Trans people in Ireland can apply to have their preferred gender legally recognised by the State. This is set out in the Gender Recognition Act 2015. Anyone over 18 can apply to change their gender. People aged 16 and 17 can also apply, but the process is slightly different and may take longer.
The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association (RILSA) promotes, administers, encourages, and popularises the development of, and inclusive participation in, the sport of snooker and billiards for women in Ireland. It organises, runs, and coordinates women’s snooker and billiards nationally.
The Board of RILSA and all affiliate members are committed to creating a culture in which equality of opportunity is promoted actively and in which unlawful discrimination is not tolerated. We strive to build and maintain an inclusive environment which supports and values the diversity of its members, partners, and the wider community. We have an attitude that is professional, ethical, friendly, and inclusive, a collegial environment of equality and mutual respect across Ireland.
RILSA will provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on grounds of gender and gender identity.
Gender reassignment refers to anyone who is proposing to undergo, is undergoing, or has undergone a process (or part of a process) for the purpose of reassigning their sex by changing physiological or other attributes of sex. The law protects players, officials and coaches from discrimination and clubs should support anyone taking steps to ‘reassign their sex’ (or transition), whether those steps are ‘social’ (e.g., changing their name and pronoun, the way they look or dress) or ‘medical’ (e.g., hormone treatment, surgery).
RILSA will accept anyone who is legally transgender (male/female) as a member of the Association.  Proof of recognition by the state must be provided when applying for membership.  Again membership is not guaranteed as per our guidelines for membership of RILSA.
Transgender people will be allowed play in open events organised by the Association.
Transgender only events will be organised once the Association reach an acceptable number of players.  4 transgender players will constitute an event while 8 or more will constitute a National Championship.
It is extremely important that we as an organisation progress in this area and in doing so provide a fair playing field for all.  We will ensure that players at the various levels within the organisation are provided with a fair opportunity to play at their own level and enjoy cue sports.
We must respect the fact that women have been through very difficult times in the past and the long hard struggle in sport has been extremely challenging for females.  So therefore a balanced approach has to be taken when we are moving forward and accepting transgender members to ensure a level playing field for everyone.

                           Approved by the Board of RILSA – September 2021