---

I think that this Scottish doubles format of ours has a rule which is basically unenforceable, and that it needs to be removed.

The rule is that with respect to 'no conferring during the visit'.

I observed a game last night, where I saw players conferring mid-way through their visit. I was not playing, I have no idea if their opposition had noticed, or even if they were aware of a breach of the rule, but without an independent referee at doubles fixtures, if the opposition had attempted to claim such 'foul' and a two shot penalty, this could easily have led to precisely the sort of argument that can result in fisticuffs.

As it was, our secretary told me he thought that our lads were also in breach of the rules, and that they had spoken during a visit.

My own doubles partnership could become fully aware that if one of us apologises to the other once; it means that he thinks the incoming player should take the object ball nearest the white, or apologises twice; to choose an object ball further away. It would appear that many of the doubles teams don't know the rules, or worse can't be bothered with utilising this level of subtlety.

I think that the rule is basically unenforceable, and should be scrapped.