International Technical Officials (ITOs)

The ITO assessments were carried out recently at the Manning Bowling Club. Mark Cowan from the World Bowls Umpiring Committee was in attendance to conduct the assessments.

Congratulations to Steve Beckwith (Gingin Bowling Club) and David Killisch Von Horn (Bassendean Bowling Club) on achieving their ITO accreditation.

Congratulations also to Anne Crabb (Manning B.C.), Hilton Dembo (Mt Lawley B.C.) and Vicki Eva (Mosman Park B.C.) on their reaccreditation.

Remember, accrediting as an International Technical Official (ITO) is the final step in the Officiating pathway.

This accreditation is a World Bowls accreditation and is designed for those already accredited as National Umpires who wish to umpire at national and international events, and at events such as the Australian Open, Commonwealth Games, and other major events.

Information on how to become an ITO, including qualifying criteria is available on the World Bowls website. This accreditation is available to all National Umpires.

We have had interest shown from umpires throughout the state who are keen to pursue the ITO accreditation. This is very encouraging, and the Umpire’s Committee is very keen to assist in any way they can. If you are interested, please contact the Bowls WA Umpire’s Committee.

Congratulations to Anne Crabb, Vicki Eva, Ryan Havercroft, Sue Hogg and Sharon Lyster who have been selected to officiate at the 2023 Australian Open in June.

Countryweek, Country Umpires and P&As

We were able to catch up with many country umpires and Presenters and Assessors during Men’s and Women’s Countryweek and we look forward to keeping the lines of communication open for the coming season.

Prospective country umpires are encouraged to attend umpires forums or courses in the Metropolitan area if it is convenient for them when they visit the city. You are all welcome.

Conditions of Play

Many of the enquiries sent to the Umpire’s Committee involve disputes that could be resolved if the ‘Conditions of Play’ for events were clear.

We would encourage all clubs and Country Leagues to check their COP prior to the start of the 2023-24 season to ensure that all bases are covered.

Law 57.2 clearly states that Controlling Bodies that govern events that lead to winners being awarded a club title, or qualifying compete for a district, regional, national or international event (this includes pennant competitions) must make sure that their ‘Conditions of Play‘ are in line with Appendix A.1.

Appendix A.1 clearly states what must be included in the ‘Conditions of Play’ and what can be included. eg: If Controlling Bodies (Match Committees) want ‘Restrictions on the Movement of Players, (Appendix A.4) or ‘Dealing with Slow Play’ (Appendix A.5) they must be included in the Conditions of Play, otherwise they can’t be invoked.

Clubs must also give careful consideration to their By-Laws and ‘Conditions of Play’ for Club Championships.

It should be clearly stated who is awarded the trophy and Honour Board recognition should a substitute play in the final of a Club Championship. The substitute and original player in the team should be aware of these by-laws or COP during the event.

Umpire/Player Forums

The Umpire’s Committee has conducted Umpire/Player’s forums at Manning Bowling Club and via Zoom for Country players and umpires to discuss the new laws and their interpretations.

Future Umpire/Player forums are scheduled.

New Laws

There has been considerable concern regarding the new Displacement laws – Law 37.1 and Law 37.5.3.

The laws regarding deliberately stopping a bowl in its original course and lifting a bowl to allow a bowl in its original course to pass have always been included in the Law Book. Now however, there is a more serious penalty for a breach of these laws. The intent is to stop players cheating.

It is quite simple. As a player, never stop a bowl in its original course on your rink and never lift a bowl at rest on your rink to allow a bowl which has been delivered on your rink to pass.

There will be more information on these new laws and their interpretation in the near future.

Heat Rule

There have been many instances during the pennant season where umpires have been questioned, and in some cases abused because of decisions they are required to make regarding the heat rule. Umpires are compelled to enforce the heat rule on behalf of Bowls WA as a duty of care to all players. Please respect the rules and the umpire’s decision.