1. The Winter League will be open to all Clubs affiliated and conforming to the rules of the Southampton LTA and will be arranged in as many divisions as the Committee think best, with not more than 7 teams in a division - with the exception of the bottom division, which may be enlarged if required

2. The top 2 teams of each division (except Division 1) will be promoted each year. The lowest 2 teams will be relegated as is necessary for the requirements of the League. If teams are equal on points, rubbers and games, then the Championship, promotion and relegation will be decided on the result of the match (or matches) between the teams concerned, on events

3. The divisions will consist of as nearly an equal number of teams as possible, the largest number of teams, where possible, being in the higher divisions. However, promotions will be made in line with Rule 2 and any adjustments which are necessary to achieve this will be made to the bottom two divisions. Teams will meet once a year, alternating home and away

4. Players must be bona-fide members of a club affiliated to the Southampton LTA. No player will play for more than one club in a season. Any team violating this rule will have 2 points deducted at the end of the season for each match in which the infringement occurred

5. A team will consist of 3 pairs, and a match of 9 events. Each event will consist of only 2 sets, with a tie break being played at 6 games all in both sets. If the event is tied at one set each, the event will be regarded as drawn. 2 points will be awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw. Captains must exchange completed team sheets before the commencement of the match, with no amendments being made thereafter. If any player is absent when called upon to play 15 minutes after the agreed start time, the opposing team will be awarded the event with a score 6-0, 6-0

6. The order of play is the same as for the Hants & IOW matches:

• 1st round: 3 x 1; 1 x 3; 2 x 2
• 2nd round: 1 x 1; 2 x 3; 3 x 2
• 3rd round: 3 x 3; 1 x 2; 2 x 1

7. Matches will be arranged for Sundays between the last 2 Sundays in September and the first Sunday in March, both dates inclusive. All rearranged matches will be played by 31st March. Play is to commence not later than 10.00a.m. 12 new balls per match and centre bands are to be supplied

8a. No matches are to be postponed except for reasons of weather and in this regard, the Captain of the home team is to decide in the event of the match being curtailed

8b. If a match is curtailed due to inclement weather, it will be continued or replayed according to the following formula:- it will be continued if 3 events have been completed before the captains agreed to the curtailment of the match. Under these circumstances the teams and venues will remain unchanged and the remaining events may be played at any time convenient to the clubs and the individual players, provided that they are completed by the end of March. If 3 events have not been completed, the match will be rearranged to be played in full at a later date at the same venue, when the teams may be chosen without any reference to the teams selected for the original match. The Honourable League Secretary is to be advised of the revised date by both clubs within 14 days of the match being curtailed

9. Fixtures will be arranged by the Match Secretaries at the Annual General Meeting of the Winter League and fixture lists must be sent to the person nominated at the meeting immediately. Results should be sent to this same person without delay

10. Tie breaks will operate at 6 games all in the first 2 sets

11. These rules will apply equally to Men`s and Women`s Leagues

12. If any team, or teams withdraw from the League for any reason and wish to re-enter the League, they must enter the bottom division

13. Each club will have 1 vote at the meeting of the Southampton Winter League

14. No club shall have more than 2 teams in divisions 1 of the Southampton Winter League

15. Three players from the higher teams to be nominated and not allowed to play down

16. Marches are scheduled to commence at 10am unless both teams have made prior arrangements to start at any other time

17. Results must be sent to Geoff Prince within 7 days