Laws to Consider during Pennant Season

The 2023 Pennant Season has commenced with many members playing every week. I do hope you are all enjoying the competition and meeting up with many members and friends from the various clubs you play against.

I am very pleased to advise that I have observed, when umpiring many games, that many of the new laws that relate to the Crystal Mark 4th Edition are being carried out and I thank you all, as I appreciate that it is not easy to remember all the new laws and what they require you to do.

One particular law on which I have received a number of queries is the following that relates to Pennant play:

An absentee player in a side game, either not turning up or becoming ill during the game and the team does not have a reserve available.

This problem comes under Bowls Australia Domestic Regulations – updated April 2023.

A number of members have been referring to Law 39.2 (page 55), however Law 39.2.3 states the following:

“For domestic play, Member National Authorities can approve regulations which are different from those mentioned in Law 39.2.2.”

Therefore, the following DR.2.6 is to be observed.

DR.2 – Game Anomalies:

2.6 Absentee players in a side game (page 114):

• 2.6.1. If, 30 minutes after the scheduled start time for a game, or sooner if the Controlling Body decides, one player is absent from one or more teams in a side and no eligible substitute is available or allowed, the game must continue, however:

• 2.6.1.1. A team with an absent player plays as though the second is the missing player. (c’tnd next page)

• 2.6.1.2. The order of play shall be maintained by the second of the complete team playing consecutive bowls.

• 2.6.1.3. Each player must use the number of bowls specified in the Conditions of Play for that event.

2.6.2. If a player has commenced the game, however is unable to continue the game and no eligible substitute of replacement player is available or allowed, play will continue as if one player is absent as per 2.6.1.

2.6.3. If an absent player arrives late, they must take their original place in the team when they arrive and enter the game at the completion of the end in progress.

2.6.4. If an eligible substitute or replacement player becomes available and is permitted by the Controlling Body, they may be introduced to the game at the completion of the end in progress.

Note: It is important that at least one reserve be included in all Pennant sides, I fully understand that this could be a problem due to available members, especially in smaller clubs. However, the above problem would then not arise.

It is also important for all players to read, or have available, their district’s Conditions of Play and note any changes that have been made which may affect their play.

Please continue to enjoy your Pennant season and best wishes to you all.