European Senior Bowlers Committee

Dear ESBC member, country representatives,

Right now we are living in the month November 2008 and the first countries are giving the number of players for our European Championships 2009 in Prague.

As we all know the maximum number of players is 750. We think this figure is not enough but if we are lucky the number of participants is lower the 750 players.

In case there are more participants then places, we have to limit the entries of all countries. A long time ago we have made rules in case this happens.

Our ESBC Rule:
10b. Restriction players of all countries
If there are more entries than the maximum capacity for that year, each country has the right to bring the same percentage of bowlers as the average over the last three (3) years. If an overcapacity occurs the overcapacity must be distributed in this way: 50% to the host country, if not breaking the rule of 25% of the total number of players. The other 50% will be decided by the ESBC Board according to past years participation and justice.

The rule is clear, ESBC looks back three years, so for Prague that means the years 2008, 2007 and 2006. In the excel sheet: “maximum players Prague per country 2009”, you can see the results.

Another point to consider is that every country gives the number of players before January 31 2009. After this date nobody can enter new players for the European Championships anymore.
I have doubts that this is known by the representatives of all countries.
Up till now a country could add players until short before the start of an E.C. but now it ends in January 2009.

As soon as ESBC has all information, we will update this page.


Best regards,

Paul Douw, president ESBC