The EPC League

Why participate

If you are new to the club or have not yet played in the league, you may be interested to learn more.

League play is a lot of fun and really does introduce players to a wide range of club members.

If you are a veteran and have played in the league for many years, maybe this is the year to work with another partner. Often players change teams, which always makes things interesting.

2026 Club Doubles League — Overview & Participation Guide

The 2026 season brings a refreshed structure, clear expectations, and the same competitive spirit our members love. This guide outlines how the league operates so you can decide whether to participate and understand what to expect.

🎯 League Purpose & Format

The Club Doubles League is a select doubles competition:

Each team consists of two players who choose each other and remain partners for the entire season and post‑season.
Any gender combination is welcome.
All participants must be Club members or associate members.

The league is designed for players who:

Want structured, competitive play similar to other select tournaments
Understand and follow the rules of play
Commit to completing all scheduled matches and participating in the post‑season tournament

Newer players are welcome — many find the league accelerates their improvement — but should be aware that this is not casual play.

🤝 Finding a Partner

Newer members sometimes need help finding a teammate. Options include:

Posting in the Club WhatsApp group
Emailing Doug and Ron by April 10 to be listed as “seeking a partner”
Selecting your teammate and submitting a completed registration form by the deadline

League Directors:

Doug Lockhart — edmondspetanque.doug@gmail.com | (510) 761‑6542
Ron Stires — edmondspetanque.ron@gmail.com | (425) 377‑3517

📍 Location of Play

All matches are played on the Club courts at 6th & Bell.
Teams may choose an alternate location if all four players agree.

📅 Season Schedule

Season Dates

April 27 – June 6
Post‑season tournament: Saturday, June 13
The top team from each flight will play a championship match between these dates.

New for 2026: Two Flights

Teams select their preferred flight during registration:

Early Flight: April 27 – May 16
Late Flight: May 18 – June 6

Teams may also indicate willingness to play in the other flight if needed.

Match Scheduling

Default match days: Tuesday and Thursday (other days added if needed)
Each team plays one match against every team in its flight
Each match consists of two games
Second game must begin within 15 minutes of the first ending
Matches are listed at 10:00 a.m., but teams may reschedule by mutual agreement
Matches may be played before April 27 if both teams agree and Club rules are followed
All matches must be completed at least 10 days before the tournament

Tardiness & Forfeits

Arriving 15+ minutes late → opponent receives 1 point, plus 1 point every additional 5 minutes
Second game must begin within 15 minutes of the first ending
Arriving more than 1 hour late without notice → forfeit, unless the opponent agrees to play
First request to avoid a forfeit must be honored; later requests are strongly encouraged

🔄 Substitutes

Substitutes may be used when:

A player cannot attend a scheduled match and rescheduling is not feasible
A player cannot participate in the post‑season tournament

Rules:

Only one substitute per team per game
Substitutes must be Club members or associate members
Substitutes cannot be members of another league team
Doug and Ron will provide a list of willing substitutes
Players must make reasonable efforts to invite listed substitutes before others

🏆 Scoring, Standings & Seeding

Match Format

Each match consists of:

Two games to 13 points
Match points:
- 1 point per game won
- 1 additional point for highest total points across both games
- If cumulative points are tied → each team receives 1 game point + ½ of the bonus point

Forfeits

No match points awarded for forfeited games
Teams ready to play when opponents forfeit receive average match points from their other matches

Standings & Reporting

Teams must report results to both Doug and Ron within 48 hours
Use the 2026 League WhatsApp group to maintain a record
Reports must include:
- Points scored by each team
- Any forfeits
- Any rescheduled match dates
If only one team reports, that report is considered accurate
Conflicts are resolved by the teams or, if needed, the league jury

🏅 League Champion & Awards

The top team from each flight plays a 2‑game championship match
If tied after two games → a 1‑end tiebreaker
Winners:
- Declared 2026 Doubles League Champions
- Names engraved on the Chris Guitton Cup
- Qualify for the Cross‑Sound Team
If champions cannot attend Cross‑Sound, the runner‑up team is invited
Medals awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each flight

📘 Rules of Play

The league follows current FPUSA rules and the Club’s multi‑day tournament rules
Exceptions:
- 60‑second throw rule not strictly enforced
- Jack and circle must be marked, but no penalties for forgetting
- Club rules override FPUSA rules for tardiness, absences, and suspensions
Coin flip determines which team throws the jack first
No umpires; disputed measurements require a neutral person, including other players
Disputes unresolved by Doug or Ron go to the jury:
- Doug, Ron, and Bill Laprade (edmondspetanque.bill@gmail.com | (206) 999‑4811)
- Jury members recuse themselves if conflicted; replacements appointed as needed
- Jury must be notified within 48 hours of any dispute

🤝 Etiquette Expectations

Players must follow the Club’s etiquette guidelines, including:

Keeping boules clear of walkways
Avoiding distractions when opponents are in the circle
Standing in proper positions relative to the jack and throwing player
Maintaining a reasonable pace of play

⚠️ Assumption of Risk

Participation implies acceptance of the Club’s liability waiver, covering:

Personal injury
Illness (including communicable diseases)
Property damage
Risks to players, observers, family, friends, and guests

📣 Final Notes

The league succeeds because players:

Complete their matches
Avoid forfeits
Report scores promptly
Maintain sportsmanship and respect

After registration closes, participants will receive:

The full season schedule
Contact information for substitutes
Access to FPUSA rules and Club guidelines

For questions about registration, rules, or scheduling, contact Doug or Ron.