A social club in Wallingford has been criticised for not allowing women and children.

Jacqui Saczak, of Whitecross, Wootton, near Abingdon, attacked the Comrades Club's policies after her 12-year-old son Jamie, who plays snooker for Abingdon Oracle Club "C" team, had to be substituted during a match. Under-16s are banned from the club and women are only allowed in on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Mrs Saczak said: "My partner Tim Crysell and I always accompany Jamie when he plays. I am angry that he was barred. Even if he was allowed in I would have been prevented from entering because women are not allowed in. It is an out-dated and sexist attitude and should be scrapped."

Oracle Club manager Pom Merola backed Mrs Saczak's complaints. He said: "This is not the first time we have complained. I think women and young players should be allowed in. Interest in snooker these days is declining and we must do all we can to encourage young players to come through if the game is to have a future." Tony Stenning, the president of the Didcot and District League, said: "Women should be allowed in to play and we need to encourage youngsters."

He added that visiting teams were obliged to obey the rules of the host club, but said the league was putting pressure on the Comrades Club to be "more flexible" in its approach.

Last year, the club considered changing its policy, but the issue was never put to a vote after members decided the renovations needed to provide lavatory and other facilities for women would be too great.

The club in Wood Street, which was founded in 1919 and his 500 members, has defended its position, saying it employs female bar staff and secretary, Sarah Reading.

She said a change of rules would need a two-thirds majority.

"Despite what some people might think, this is not a male-orientated, chauvinistic club full of dinosaurs," she said. "It is not anti-women but a friendly club and I have beeen made to feel extremely welcome. Male-only membership is part of its history."