1st April 2007 sees the introduction of a new
edition of the Law Book, which in effect is in operation now in the Southern
Hemisphere. The new Laws of the Sport
of Bowls Fourth Edition, known as the Crystal Mark edition because of it
clarity approved by the Plain English Campaign. Presently the new Law Book is only applicable to Outdoor Bowls
since the EIBA, the governing body of the Indoor Bowls, has not yet accepted
the new Laws. Until such time as they
come up with their own version of the laws they are keeping to the existing
third edition.
Some of the new laws have always been accepted as part of the
game, but have now been specified by definition. For instance centring of the jack has always been performed, but
now it is defined “how it should be done”.
Likewise ditches; front ditch and rear ditch is specifically defined,
but we always knew what they were. And
there are other similar instances.
Before we mention some new appropriate laws let me dispel and
rumours and say
Law 18.4 states: In all ends after the first but apart from
in an extra end, the winner of the previous scoring end should choose whether
to:
·
Place the
mat and deliver the jack and the first bowl; or
·
Tell the
opposing player to place the mat and deliver the jack and the first bowl (the
opposing player cannot refuse).
Here is an interesting development: Placing the mat. If after the jack has been delivered but
before the first bowl has been delivered, the mat is found not to be placed
properly the jack is to be returned and the opposing player should place the
mat and deliver the jack but not play first. Therefore, make sure the mat is correctly placed
before delivery the jack.
Another interesting law relates to a Dead End. This is something that is mostly done but
now it has been stipulated as a law.
Law 31 Dead
End: 3.
if the jack and bowls need to be transferred to the opposite end of the rink
before the end is replayed; they
should be carried up the rink.
It follows no rolling bowls up the rink!
