UMPIRES NEWSLETTER

These snippets of information are going to be issued regularly by Bowls Tasmania.   If there is a topic that you would like covered, please let us know.

Myths and Misconceptions

During the first end of a match the end is declared dead and one of the skips states that the end must be replayed from where it commenced.

Not true.   Law 20.2 states ANY dead end must be replayed in the same direction UNLESS the skips agree to play it in the opposite direction.   It does not matter if it is the first end of play – the same law applies.

Game Stoppages

There are two Laws which govern players leaving the green and there are different actions to be taken in each case.

Law 32.1 – Leaving the green during the course of play – states that no player must delay play by leaving the rink of play or their team unless their opponent agrees and then only for no more than ten minutes.   This law is subject to abuse with some players taking advantage of being down in the head,  a few sprinkles of rain fall, and the players walk off the green expecting the head to be replayed.   If they do not return to the green within ten minutes, they will forfeit the game to their opponents.

Law 33 – Talks about play being suspended by the Controlling Body, by the umpire after an appeal has been made by players or by agreement between players if there is not an umpire or a representative of the Controlling Body present.   In this instance all players must leave the green immediately and all incomplete heads are declared dead.   There is no time limit here, it is immediate except if all the required bowls in an end have been played but the process of deciding the number of shots scored has not been completed in which case  the number of shots scored must be decided before the game stops.

 Kind regards

Leonie Price  I  Officiating, Coaching and Bowling Arm Director