Winning scores will always be truncated to 11 points. Three points are awarded for each match won, and one point is deducted for each match lost. One point is also deducted for each adjourned (i.e. uncompleted) match, although only for the period of adjournment.
League table placings will be determined by the following criteria: (1) number of points awarded for wins minus those deducted for defeats and current adjournments; (2) "average points difference", i.e. the difference between points scored and points conceded throughout the season, divided by the number of matches played; and (3) play-offs where the first two criteria are indecisive and the finishing positions are significant in terms of prizes or qualification for other events.
Results must be reported to the Director and are only deemed to be results when they have been recorded by him (or his designated representative), and contestants have until the end of November to complete their fixtures. THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED.
Scores from adjourned (uncompleted) matches must also be reported, although matches where there have been more than two adjournments will be declared null and void.
Players who play few matches will, unlike in the Premier League, stay in the league table with no repercussions.
In fact, late entrants will be admitted into the league at least until the end of August, with entry between September 1st and the end of the season being allowed at the discretion of the Director.
The entry fee for 2021 is £10, and is payable on completion of the player's first match. This will fund the engraving on the Bristol Conference trophy, plus engraved mementoes for the winner and runner-up, and cash prizes for the top few finishers, depending on the total entry.
Entrants accepted after August 31st will be charged only £5.
A number of the top finishers in the Conference in 2021 will also be guaranteed Premier Status for 2021. This will apply to any player who at any stage of the season reaches a total of 20 or more points.
While league matches have traditionally (pre-Covid) been played face-to-face, internet play is now (from 2021) permissible with the consent of both players.
Where a player has expressed a preference for face-to-face play this should be respected.
The preferred website for online Bristol Backgammon play is Backgammon Studio Heroes.
The default for pip-counts is "on".