I have again been requested to keep bowlers informed on matters of etiquette in this marvellous game of bowls. In their exuberance players are often transgressing to the frustration of other players.
Law 12.2.1 states “A player must not go into a neighbouring rink where play is in progress”.
This seems to be happening too often. Some care needs to be taken if walking up your rink on the boundary line whilst a player on the next rink may be playing on that hand.
Law 12.2.2 states “A player must not go into or walk along a neighbouring rink, even if it is not being used, while an opponent is about to deliver or is actually delivering a bowl.”
After a player has delivered his bowl he should stand one metre behind the mat as specified in Law 12.1.1.
Law 12.1.2 describes the position of players on the rink of play at the head end. It will depend on whether they are members of the team controlling play and therefore in possession of the rink or the opponents. My view is all players not actually directing play should stand behind the jack and away from the head as per Law 12.1.2.2. This avoids any accidental disturbance of bowls or jack when a possible on-shot makes it necessary to move quickly!!!
Now, there is nothing in Law 12 which states players at the head end should stay still. However, all players at the head end should remain still and not move around whilst a player is on the mat. This is because Law 13.3 provides a penalty if the umpire by their own observation or on appeal by one of the skips or opponents in singles decides that the players in possession of the rink are being interfered with, annoyed or distracted in any way by their opponents.
Possession of the rink belongs to the player or team whose bowl is being played and continues until the bowl comes to rest as stated in Laws 13.1 and 13.2. The player is entitled to observe the line of his bowl until it comes to rest. Therefore avoid walking in front of him when moving to the head end. Again Law 13.3 will apply as above.
Although not in the Law Book, if players request the assistance of an Umpire it is discourteous to then tell him or her that no assistance is required. This may interrupt their game if they are playing or curtail some practice which may be required in a tight match.
Finally, I draw your attention to the Foreword in the Law Book. The Laws have been drawn up in the spirit of true sportsmanship. I hope all players, markers and umpires use their common sense and a spirit of fair play to decide on the appropriate course of action.
WPH Chairman of Umpires
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