EBSA Championship Conditions

INTRODUCTION

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

2. ENTRY AND PLAYER STATUS

3. AFFILIATION & ENTRY FEES

4. CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

5. ROUND ROBIN GROUP DRAWS

6. GROUP WINNERS

7. WALK OVERS & FORFEITS

8. WITHDRAWALS

9. SEEDING & DRAW FINAL STAGES

10. DRESS CODE

11. PRIZE STRUCTURE

12. HOST ASSOCIATION RESPONSIBILITIES

13. PLAYING CONDITIONS

14. REFEREES

15. DISCIPLINERY CODE OF CONDUCT AND DRUGS POLICY

16. SPONSORSHIP & LOGOS

17. PLAYERS & REFEREES MEETINGS

18. EBSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

19. PRACTICE FACILITIES

20. PUBLICITY & PROMOTION

21. INSURANCE

22. FRAME DIFFERENCE / AVERAGE

23. SUPPLEMENTS


The European Snooker Championships shall be held under the ultimate authority of the European Billiards & Snooker Association (EBSA), who shall delegate at their meetings, responsibility for the organisation of these Championships to member Associations.
The Championships shall be played under the conditions approved by the EBSA and under the rules of the game as published by the world governing body IBSF. The Host Association shall give notice no later than 12 months (one year) before the start of the Championships, of their inability to stage them at which time the EBSA board will seek a new venue.

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1.1 Subject to any decision of the EBSA otherwise, it shall be a condition of holding each Championship, that the Host Association must extend an invitation to all paid up member Associations to send representative/s to compete.
1.2 The Secretary shall forward Entry Forms not less than twelve (12) weeks prior to the date of the commencement of the Championships.
1.3 The Host Association must receive completed Entry Forms with photographs, no later than six (6) weeks before the start of the Championships. The Secretary within the same time frame must also receive a notice of participation.
1.4 The Host Association may at its own discretion accept replacements for players/Teams who withdraw after the closing date for entries, provided they are approved and nominated by the National Association/s from which the withdrawal/s has been received.
1.5 Registered letter shall send rejection of any entries within fourteen (14) days after the closing date, giving clearly defined reasons of rejection. The board of EBSA must ratify all such rejections.

2. ENTRY & PLAYERS STATUS

2.1 Each Member Country shall be autonomous in choosing who shall represent it and will be entitled to nominate:
TWO (2) players plus a reserve for the Men’s European Snooker Championships
TWO (2) players plus a reserve for the Ladies European Snooker Championships
TWO (2) players plus a reserve for the Masters European Snooker Championships (40 or over on the 1st day of the competition)
THREE (3) players plus a reserve for the Under 21 European Snooker Championships (Under 21 on the 31st of December of the year before the Championships)
THREE (3) Players for the Men’s Team Snooker Championships
TWO (2) players for the Ladies European Team Snooker Championships
TWO (2) players for the Masters European Team Snooker Championships

The Host Association will be allowed enter from 4-8 player and/or 2 Teams. They will have the option of entering extra players as an emergency measure, due to the non-appearance of any players at the Championships.
2.2 Extra Player Invites:
Current Champion - European Men’s Snooker Championship
Current Champion - European Ladies Snooker Championship
Current Champion - European Masters Snooker Championship
Current Champion - European Under 21 Snooker Championship if age qualified
The above will be entitled to compete, provided they are nominated by their Member Association/s for whom they will be extra entries into the Championships.
2.3 To be eligible for entry, a player must be a National of the country he/she is to represent.
2.4 All players will be eligible to compete in the Championships, subject to selection by their Member Associations.

3. AFFILIATION & ENTRY FEES

3.1 An Affiliation Fee of € 200 (Two hundred euro), will be payable by each Country to the EBSA before the 1st of April each year.
3.2 An Entry Fee of € 50 (Fifty euro) / Player will be payable to the host Country on/by the first day of the Championships for all Competitions.
Any player failing to pay the above Entry Fees will not be allowed to take part in the Championships.

4. CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

4.1 Men’s European Snooker Championships
The maximum time allowed to play the Championships will be eleven (11) days, unless otherwise agreed by the EBSA board
The Round Robin Stages will be made up of eight (8) groups.
Round Robin Stages:
If less then 8 Players in each Group:
Top two (2) players of each Group into the Final Stages (16 players)
If 8 or more players in each Group:
Top four (4) players of each Group into the Final Stages (32 players)
Maximum playing time seven (7) days with all matches the Best of 7 Frames.
Last 32 Best of seven (7) Frames
Pre Quarter Finals (Last 16) Best of nine (9) Frames
Quarter Finals (Last 8) Best of nine (9) Frames
Semi Finals Best of eleven (11) Frames
Final Best of thirteen (13) Frames – Two Sessions
First session: six (6) frames.
Second session: a maximum of seven (7) frames.
4.2 Under 21 European Snooker Championships.
The maximum time allowed to play the Championships will be five (5) days unless otherwise agreed by the EBSA board.
The Round Robin Stages will be made up of: Four (4) Groups up to 32 players.
Eight (8) Groups 33 or more players.
Round Robin Stages – Four Groups, top four players from each Group into Final Stages (16)
Eight Groups, top four players from each Group into Final Stages (32)
Maximum playing time three (3) days with all matches the Best of Five (5) Frames
Pre-Quarter Finals (16) Best of seven (7) Frames
Quarter Finals (8) Best of nine (9) Frames
Semi Finals Best of nine (9) Frames
Final Best of eleven (11) Frames
4.3 Ladies European Snooker Championships
The maximum time allowed to play the Championships will be eleven (11) days, unless otherwise agreed by the EBSA board.
The Round Robin Stages will be made up of: 4 Groups up to 32 players.
8 Groups 33 players or more.
Round Robin Stages – Four Groups, top two (2) players from each Group into Final Stages (8)
Eight Groups, top two (2) players from each Group into Final Stages (16)
If 6 or more players in each Group:
Top four (4) players of each Group into the Final Stages.
Maximum playing time seven (7) days all matches the Best of Five (5) Frames.
Pre-Quarter Finals (16) Best of five (5) Frames.
Quarter Finals (8) Best of seven (7) Frames.
Semi Finals Best of seven (7) Frames.
Final Best of nine (9) Frames. Two Sessions
First session four (4) Frames
Second session maximum five (5) Frames
4.4 Masters European Snooker Championships
The Format for the Championships is the same as the Ladies other than frames played.
Round Robins Best of five (5) Frames
Pre-Quarters Best of seven (7) Frames
Quarter Finals Best of nine (9) Frames
Semi Finals Best of nine (9) Frames
Final Best of eleven (11) Frames – Two Sessions
4.5 European Team Snooker Championships.
The maximum time allowed to play the Championships will be six (6) days unless otherwise agreed by the EBSA board.
Championship Format: Each Player on each Team will play 2 Frames against each player on his/her opposing Team. This format will be played throughout the Competition.
The Competition will be arranged in Groups of 4 Teams.
Top 2 Teams of each Group will qualify for Final Stages.
4.6 All sessions will be subject to change in frames played and time, if requested by the Host
Association and agreed by the EBSA Board, to cover any demands from TV or Sponsors.
4.7 No frame will commence half an hour before the start of the next session. In the case that a match is not complete, it will be carried over to the next available table. When there is a carry-over match, the players concerned must stay in the venue or be given a fixed time to play their match.

5. ROUND ROBIN GROUP DRAWS

5.1 For the first stages of the Championships, there will be no seeding of players/Teams. Selection of Groups will be as follows:
Four Round Robin Groups
Four (4) countries will be selected and drawn at random into the 4 Groups.
A second group of four (4) countries will be selected and drawn at random into the 4 Groups,
Which may include countries from the first Group.
The remaining countries will then be drawn at random into the 4 Groups.
Eight Round Robin Groups
Eight (8) countries will be selected and drawn at random into the 8 Groups.
Eight (8) more countries will be selected and drawn at random into the 8 Groups.
A further eight (8) countries will be selected and drawn at random into the 8 Groups.
The remaining countries will then be drawn at random into the 8 Groups.
5.2.1 No player/Team will be drawn into a group of the same country during the Round Robin Stages, Other than as a replacement used by the Host Association.
All players/Teams will be drawn at random into their Group playing numbers.

6. GROUP WINNERS

6.1 Men’s European Championships – Two/Four players from each Group into the Final Stages
Ladies & Masters Championships – Two/Four players from each Group into the Final Stages
Under 21 Championships - Two/Four players from each Group into the Final Stages.
Team Championships – Two Teams from each Group into the Final Stages.
6.1.1 If two (2) or more players/Teams in any Group have an equal number of wins at the end of the Round Robin Stages, the following procedures will apply to determine the winner and runner up of that Group.
i) If two or more players/Teams have the same amount of wins, the better or best will be the player with the best Frame Difference/Average.
ii) If still equal the result/s of the matches between the players or Teams will be used to determine who is successful.
iii) If a tie is involved, the best differential in the matches of the tied players or Teams will be used.
iv) If after applying points I-iii, the players/Teams are still equal, one-frame play-off using frame scores if needed, will determine the separation of the players/Teams. If needed a re-spotted black will be used.

7. WALKOVERS AND FORFEITS

7.1 All players/Teams are expected to be in attendance at least 10 minutes before the start of their matches. Any player or Team not in attendance at the designated start time will lose one (1) Frame when the match commences.
If a player/Team is not in attendance 15 minutes after their start time they shall Forfeit The Match and their opponent awarded a walkover.
7.2 A penalty of 100 euros will be payable by the player if he gives a walkover, which must be paid before playing his next match.
If there is a second walkover from the same player, he will then be removed from the tournament and fined another 100 euros.
It is the responsibility of the player’s National Association to guarantee the payment of his penalty.
The player who misses a match will score match lost, - 4 frames and his opponent will score match won + 4 frames.
This fine is applicable to the referees as well.

8. WITHDRAWALS

8.1 If a player/Team should withdraw from the Championship, before playing the number of matches so designated by the EBSA Board as to constitute a withdrawal, ALL matches in the Round Stages by that player/Team, may become null and void.
8.2 If a player/Team should withdraw after playing the number of matches designated by the Championship Committee as to constitute that all results of a withdrawing player/Team stand, the following will apply to decide the Group positions.
a) If all players/Teams concerned have played the withdrawing player/Team, positions will be worked out on the full results.
b) If all players/Teams concerned have not played the withdrawing player/Team, the Frame Average based on all the matches the players/Teams have played will decide positions. (See Point 6.2)
8.3 All decisions regarding Walk Overs, Withdrawals and Forfeits will be made by the EBSA, who will investigate the matter/s and take disciplinary action against the offenders National Association if seen fit to do so. (See Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Action)

9. SEEDING & DRAW OF THE LAST 8 OR 16

9.1 On completion of the Round Robin Stages, the 4 or 8 Groups will be seeded as follows.
Seeding Group Winners
1. Players/Teams with NO losses in their Groups will be seeded first.
a) With the same number of matches played in all Groups, the Frame Difference will decide the seeding. If the Frame Difference is the same for two or more, a draw will settle the seeding positions.
b) With a different number of matches played in any Group, the Frame Average will decide the seeding. If the Frame Average is the same for two or more, a draw will settle the seeding positions.
2. Players/Teams with ONE loss will be seeded next using Points. 9.1.a and b.
3. Players/Teams with TWO losses will be seeded next using Points 9.1.a and b.
9.2 When players/Teams have been seeded, they will be placed in the following order from the top of the draw sheet.
Final Stages (32 players/Teams) from 8 Groups
The Group winners will be seeded from 1 to 8
The Runner Up will be seeded from 9 to 16
The number 3 player/Team of each Group will be seeded from 17 to 24
The number 4 player/Team of each Group will be seeded from 25 to 32
Final Stages (16 players/Teams) from 8 Groups
The Group winners will be seeded from 1 to 8
The Runner Up will be seeded from 9 to 16
Final Stages (16 players/Teams) from 4 Groups
The Group winners will be seeded from 1 to 4
The Runner Up will be seeded from 5 to 8
9.3 The Draw is final and no consideration will be given to two players/Teams from the same country, being drawn to play each other in the Final Stages.
9.4 The seeding for the Final Stages will be made by the tournament committee.

10. DRESS CODE

10.1 MEN: Evening dress or dark suit together with a waistcoat, long sleeved shirt (buttoned at the wrist), bow tie and shoes, to be worn for all sessions.
LADIES: Trousers/long skirt, waistcoat, long sleeve blouses/shirt, bow tie or suitable neck wear and shoes, to be worn for all sessions.
10.2 When the Championships are held on locations in which the conditions are hot, the EBSA may waive certain dress requirements.
10.3 The Host National Association will decide the dress for official functions.
10.4 Failure to comply with the dress code may result in the forfeiture of the match in which the player/Team concerned is involved.

11. PRIZE STRUCTURE

11.1 The Host National Association will be responsible for providing prizes as follows.

1/ Ladies, Masters and under 21’s Snooker Championships
Total Prize Money: 3 X 2 600.00 € made up as follows:
Winner 1 000.00 € + Trophy
Runner-up 500.00 € + Trophy
Semi-Finalists 250 x 2 500.00 € + Trophy (2)
Quarter-Finalists 125 x 4 500.00 €
High Break 100.00 € + Trophy

2/ Men's Snooker Championships - Total Prize Money: 5 200.00 € made up as follows:
Winner 2 000.00 € + Trophy
Runner-up 1 000.00 € + Trophy
Semi-Finalists 500 x 2 1 000.00 € + Trophy (2)
Quarter-Finalists 250 x 4 1 000.00 €
High Break 200.00 € + Trophy

3/ Team's Event Men - Total Prize Money: 2 500.00 € made up as follows:
Winner 1200.00 € + 3 Trophies
Runner-up 600.00 € + 3 Trophies
Semi-Finalists 300 x 2 600.00 €
High Break 100.00 € + Trophy

4/ Team's Event Ladies & Masters - Prize Money for each event: 1 250.00 € as follows:
Winner 600.00 € + 2 Trophies
Runner-up 300.00 € + 2 Trophies
Semi-Finalists 150 x 2 300.00 €
High Break 50.00 € + Trophy

11.2 Any extra prizes offered by the Host National Association at their own discretion, subject to approval of the EBSA board.

12. HOST ASSOCIATION RESPONSIBILITIES

12.1 The Host Association will be responsible to provide the following for the duration of All the European Snooker Championships:
Free of Accommodation for the EBSA Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary + 1 website representative.
12.2 The Host Association will be responsible to arrange suitable accommodation at as low a price as possible, for all persons attending the Championships at least 20% below advertised rate.
National Associations will be responsible for their own costs. All players, Referees and Officials should be accommodated in the same Hotel where possible.
12.3 The Host Association will be responsible to arrange decent Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
12.4 The Host Association will be responsible for producing a suitable souvenir programme for the Championships.

13. PLAYING CONDITIONS

13.1 The match tables and equipment shall conform to the standards laid down by the IBSF and shall be checked and certified by the EBSA.
13.2 The Host Association shall ensure that matches are fairly spread over the tables in use and scheduled times.
13.3 One person may sit with a player during his match space permitting provided they are properly attired.
13.4 The Host Association has the right to transfer any match to another table or to change the scheduled time of any match, if they see fit to do so and on the approval of the EBSA.
13.5 ALL players must attend the Opening Ceremony, the Final of the Championships and the closing ceremony if they have not returned home.
13.6 I) NO SMOKING will be allowed in the playing and spectators area of the venue.
ii) NO alcoholic drinks will be allowed into the playing or spectators area of the venue.
iii) ALL MOBILE PHONES must be switched off in the playing and spectators area.
Failure to comply with the above may result in the person/persons involved, being removed from the venue.

14. REFEREES

14.1 ALL referees officiating at the European Championships will be:
a) Class 3 or higher for the Round Robin Stages.
b) Class 2 or higher for the Final Stages. These will only be selected from the Referees in point a).
c) Approved by and members of the European Referees Association.
14.2 Invitations for referees outside the Host Association must be direct to the National Associations via the European Billiards & Snooker Association Referees & Rules Committee.
14.3 Accommodation will be provided by the host Association to all approved visiting referees attending the Championships. The Host Association will provide a daily meal to all officiating referees.
14.4 The Host Association and the EBSA shall agree the number of Referees required.
14.5 A minimum of 50% of the required number of Referees must be invited from outside the Host Association.
14.6 Referees will not be required to work more than two sessions a day.
14.7 Each country taking part in an event MUST send at least 1 referee or ask another Member Country to send a referee for them.

15. DISCIPLINARY CODE OF CONDUCT AND DRUGS POLICY

All persons attending the Championships under the banner of an EBSA Member Country shall be subject to the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Action attached to these Conditions.

16. SPONSORSHIP & LOGOS

16.1 Players will be allowed to wear a maximum of 2 logos on the front of their waistcoat with a maximum size of 100 mm x 40 mm, or with an 80 mm diameter.
16.2 The Host Association will inform players if logos may be worn during any televised stages of the Championships and, has the right to request that players wear the logos of its sponsor at this stage of the tournament. No costs or royalties will be paid to any player.
16.3 The EBSA will try to obtain sponsorship of Cloth and Balls for each Championship.

17. PLAYERS AND REFEREES MEETING

Meetings for the players and referees will take place prior to the Opening Ceremony.

18. EBSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Host Association shall make arrangements for holding the AGM in a room adequate for the purpose with suitable refreshments, for which the EBSA will bear the costs.

19. PRACTICE FACILITIES

The Host Association shall be responsible to arrange practice facilities at as low a cost as possible. The match venue tables may also be made available if necessary, at a time schedule set out by the Tournament Director.

20. PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION
It shall be the responsibility of the Host Association to ensure that all efforts are made to seek and obtain maximum publicity and media coverage for the EBSA Championships.
The Host Association must arrange facilities at the venue for sending and receiving information by telephone, fax and email.

21. INSURANCE
The EBSA is not responsible or liable for any form of personal travel and health insurance cover or claim by Players Delegates Referees and Guests before during and after any EBSA Championship or event.

22. FRAME DIFFERENCE / AVERAGE
FRAME DIFFERENCE is the Frames Won less the Frames Lost.
eg. Player Wins 25 Frames and Loses 10 Frames = Frame Difference + 15.
FRAME AVERAGE is the Frame Difference divided by the Matches Played.
e.g. Frame Average + 15 divided by 5 Matches Played = Frame Average + 3.

Updated June 2010