The Lawman – Nov 25
Conditions of Play
Conditions of play are important to the successful running of any bowls event and that’s why I asked all the officials attending the 2016 Vic Open to please be familiar with them.
I would ask the same of all players participating in any event. Have a good understanding of the conditions of play (CoP). It’s important.
Law 57.2 enables Controlling Bodies conducting social and recreational competitions to set CoPs which may be different from those within the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and Appendix A. 1 to the Laws provides a guide as to what could be included in a set of CoP.
A point of interest for The Lawman is that many CoPs often state no dead ends!
What does this really mean? For example a damaged jack, Law 30 clearly states that if a replacement jack is needed, the end will be declared dead and law 20 (Dead Ends) will apply. But the CoP states: No dead ends!
Generally, when the CoPs refer to “no dead ends” they are referring to Law 19 which sets out the conditions under which a jack may become dead resulting in dead end.
Also, there are several Laws involving displacement of the jack or bowls which provide the opportunity of declaring the end dead. How does “no dead ends” apply in such situations?
So the term “no dead ends” is not really accurate in the CoP.
So maybe all future CoPs need to be written in a more concise and meaningful way when expressing when and where there can and can’t be dead ends. Any ideas?
Congratulations to all those who officiated at the Vic Open, with its record entries and applications for us too!
Spread the word. It’s good fun and a great way to build up your skills and meet like minds. Maybe next year?
By John Roberts – Bowls Victoria Umpiring Committee Chairman
The Lawman – Oct 28
The Lawman – Oct 14
The Lawman – Sept 29
The Lawman – Sept 16
Bowls Victoria’s Umpiring Section
