The Inter-Regional Competitions
Frequently Asked Questions (and a very basic guide)
This is a shortened version
of the full FAQ’s carried on the Central Petanque website and is produced
purely as an introduction to those 1990 members who have little or no knowledge
of the Inter Regionals. If you are in
any way interested then please go to the full version on the Central website
Some of you
will have heard of “the Inter Regionals” and might be wondering what it’s all
about. This FAQ document will hopefully answer some of your questions.
What is it?
Pétanque England currently consists of 19
regions. Once a year, every region is
invited to send a squad of triples teams to compete (and socialise) with each
other over a weekend during September at (usually) Pontins Holiday Camp,
Pakefield, near Great Yarmouth. It is
probably the highlight event of the year for our sport.
What does that competition look like?
There are 2 distinct competitions. One is called the Inter Regional
Championship, (often known as the “Main”), and the other is the Inter Regional
Challenge Tournament.
Both competitions comprise 2 divisions, with promotion
and relegation each year.
The format of these competitions is always triples –
there are no singles or doubles matches. A “triple” can consist of 3 or even 4
players – each game consists of 3 active players and a substitute player who
can also step in if and when called upon.
What do you mean by “squad”?
To compete in the “Main”, the Central Petanque
Association (CPA) will need to enter 8 teams of triples, i.e. a minimum of 24
players and a maximum of 32. It is not
possible to enter less than 8 teams.
To also compete in the Challenge, CPA will provide a
further 4 teams of triples, i.e. another 12-16 players. It is not possible to enter less than 4
teams.
There is also provision for an under 18’s junior team
of 4 players that have their own triples competition against other regional
junior teams.
NB It is not compulsory for a region to enter all 3
competitions, but to gather enough players (between 36 and 48 plus juniors),
obviously gives most benefit for the future.
Generally, the term “The Squad” refers to the combined
Main and Challenge triples.
Who gets to be part of the Squad?
The junior squad is based on selection and how they
perform in their coaching sessions.
Adult players earn their place in the squad based on
where their team finishes after a round robin qualifying competition known as
the Inter Regional Qualifiers, where every team plays against each other.
How many qualifying games need to be played will
depend on the total number of teams entered but it is likely that either 2 or 3
qualifying days will be required.
A 4th player in a team comes in handy to
cover one team member’s absence through holidays, sickness etc.
The teams that finish in positions 1-8 will be entered
into the “Main” whilst the teams finishing 9-12 will make up the “Challenge”
squad.
When are the
Qualifiers, and where?
The dates and locations of the Qualifiers will be published by the 1990
League - or you can find them on the Central Website
How do I
enter?
An entry form will be available on request from the
email address below.
You will need to think of your probable team mates but
don’t worry if it’s just you – the people at Central will introduce you to
other players who just like you are looking for a team. Please ask on the Central Pétanque public
Facebook page, or speak to one of the 1990 or CPA Committee who will almost
certainly be able to help you.
Don’t worry if you are on your own and the first date
has passed – there will likely be teams who still need a 4th who
will welcome you on board.
Just remember, this is a licensed event. so only
licensed players affiliated to Central Pétanque are eligible to compete in the
Central qualifiers.
You can buy your license through the PE
website Home - Petanque England
(petanque-england.uk) or any 1990 or Central committee member
will advise.
What are the
RQC rules?
This being a Petanque England competition there are
differences to the 1990 rules but in truth nothing to worry about.
Is there any compulsory kit?
For the qualifiers, no. Though no flip flops or open toed shoes
purely on safety grounds.
For the Finals in September, yes. There will be Regional kit required, but
Central players are normally provided this free of charge.
What does it all cost?
There is a one-off entry fee of £15 per player to
cover all round robin qualifying events.
There are obviously costs associated with the
accommodation at the finals weekend but again, this information will be
available from Central.
What happens next?
We at the 1990 Committee would love to see our players
embrace the challenge and enter the qualifiers.
If you are interested, you should now look to form
your teams, or seek advice on teams that are short.
Any team looking for another player or a player
looking to join a team, please post on CPA “public” Facebook site, OR
contact your 1990 Committee, OR contact Allan at the email address
below.
He would also be delighted to help if you’re unsure
how to buy or renew a PE license.
To contact Central directly with any questions, please
email: