A team shall consist of six players. The minimum number required to begin a game shall be four. If a team is short it is permissible to ‘double up’, or by agreement of the captains, for a player to be ‘loaned’. (Rule changed for 2005-2006 season) This only applies to the three doubles games. Teams who play short of the full team of six can only play the number of singles games corresponding to the number of players they have. I.e. Four players, only four games of singles will be played. The outstanding points will be awarded to the team with the players present able to play the games. If both teams have fewer than SIX players then the proportionate points will be nun and void. i.e. If both teams have only FIVE players, then one game of singles will be void and the points not awarded. If there are FIVE players and FOUR players, then one point will be void the other awarded to the team with FIVE players. (Rule amended for 2007-2008 season) In the event of both teams having FIVE players and the final points means the match is drawn, then no bonus points will be awarded. (Rule added for the 2009-2010 season)
Matches are to start at 8.30 pm. (Or as early as possible) In order for a player to qualify to play they must be present by 9.15 pm at the latest. (Rule added for 2009–2010 season)
The match format:

Three pairs – each play 3 games (5 card – twice round)

Six singles – best of 3 games (5 card – once round – 3 point start against the box)

The number of points per match will be 15. (9 for doubles/6 for singles) plus 2 bonus points will be awarded to the winning team. (Rule changed for 2005-2006 season)

Matches can only be cancelled in exceptional circumstances and if possible a minimum of 24 hours notice should be given to the other team. Any non-agreement as to what constitutes ‘exceptional circumstances’ shall be referred to the Secretary, if still not resolved it shall be discussed at a meeting of all members.

Matches cancelled in such circumstances must be played within 3 weeks of the original fixture date; the non defaulting side to be offered at least two alternative dates. Postponed games may be played on any day of the week convenient to both teams. (There is no reason that a match could not be played in advance)

If a match is not played the non-defaulting side shall be awarded a ‘walk over’ and receive 8 points plus the bonus 2 points – the defaulting side will be awarded nil points.

Notification of results. All results will be notified by SMS (Text) message to the Secretaries nominated phone number, by the winning team, on the evening of the match. Both captains are to agree the score before sending. The score will then be confirmed by the winning team to the league email address (dvcribleague@gmail.com) within 3 days. (Result cards will no longer be used) (Rule changed for season 2013-2014)

The results will be published on the league website during the week and the league positions will be available by the weekend after each match. The league website is (darenthvalleycribleague.co.uk).
If at the end of the season there is a tie on the number of points, the winners will be the team winning the most matches. If this still results in a tie then there will be a play off.
If a team withdraws from the league during the first half of the season all their matches will be declared void and the results from their games played will be disregarded. If a team withdraws during the second half only the results of their matches played during the first half of the season will be included and the other games will be considered as void. In the event of teams playing each other three times within a season, should a team withdraw, then only completed thirds of the season will be counted following the principle above. For example, if a team completes one full cycle of play and then withdraws half way through the second, only the first cycle scores will count. (Rule changed 23/10/2007)
Any difficulties or major issues should be referred to a committee which shall comprise of one representative from each team, with a minimum of five members.
A Jack turn over counts as two holes at any stage of the match, even within the last 5 holes.
Each team to pay £35.00 subscriptions per season. This will cover expenditure and trophies for the end of season presentations.

At the pre-season meeting each year, each team will draw a number to determine their number in the fixture list. This will ensure all teams have fair access to home and away fixtures. (added 28/9/21 pre-season meeting)