Positions when playing fours in team events and championships

As we are entering March, a number of our competitions are well underway, and I hope that you all are enjoying these games. I know the weather has not been kind but hopefully the information that I advised in the February Umpire Column has been of assistance to you.

I have been requested by a number of players, especially new players, to write about the various positions when playing Fours, especially in team events and club and district championships.

The most important thing to remember, is that all positions are important, and each has a particular law that applies, however good team members encourage each other. Please see below laws from Laws of the Sport of Bowls:

40.3 - LEAD:

Being the Lead is an important position, as it can have a positive influence on the team and the game. The Lead of the team that won the previous end is to play first in an end and must:

40.3.1. place the mat as described in law 6.1.1, and

40.3.2. deliver the jack and make sure that it is centred before delivering the first bowl of the end. Something to remember – when placing the mat, I always look and face the rink number and that assists me in placing the mat on the centre line as described in law 6.1.1.

SECOND:

The Second has equal attributes as a Lead and they have a number of duties as follows:

• Introduce your Team Members to the opposing Team.

• B e responsible for the scorecard supplied by the Controlling Body while play is in progress.

• Check that all names are on the scorecard and are correct, if not, enter all names and positions.

• Record on the scorecard, all shots scored for and against the team as each end is completed.

• Compare the scorecard with that of the opposing second as each end is completed.

• Change the scoreboard every second end and also check that it is correct.

• At the end of the game, complete and compare the scorecard, write the time that the game finished and then sign the scorecard and hand to the opposing second for their signature.

• When completed and correct, hand the scorecard to the Manager or Controlling Body as advised.

40.2 – THIRD:

The Third is also an important person in a Team, as it requires many talents and effective communication skills with your Skip.

40.2.1. The third can measure any and all disputed shots.

40.2.2. The third can tell the skip the number of shots scored for or against their team as each end is completed.

Remember – always come to an agreement with the opposing third regarding the shot/s, if not call the umpire on duty.

40.1 – SKIP:

(following are the main laws relating to the Skip):

The skip requires many talents as they are in a leadership role of the Team.

40.1.1. The skip will have sole charge of the team and all players in the team must follow the skip’s instructions.

40.1.2. The skip must decide all disputed points with the opposing skip, making sure that any decision reached is in line with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls

40.1.3. If the skips need to check any part of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls before reaching a decision, they must ask the umpire for an explanation.

40.1.4. If the umpire considers that a decision reached by the skips is not in line with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the umpire must overrule that decision, so that it is in line with the laws.

40.1.5. If the skips cannot reach agreement on any disputed point, they must ask the umpire to make a decision. The umpire’s decision is final.

MANAGER:

A manager/player or non-player can be appointed by each club for various competitions that are being played – e.g., Premier League Qld., GR8 Bowls Challenge, Q7’s Qld., District Sides Competitions that cover games that are played that have a number of teams in the side. The club shall be responsible for issuing all managers with a copy of the Conditions of Play, result sheets, scorecards, and list of team members.

Duties:

The Team Manager does the draw for rinks and teams’ opponents.

• Mark the scorecards accordingly.

• Conduct the toss and winner decides who plays first and advise the teams.

• Distribute and collect signed scorecards and retain until the conclusion of the Season.

• Complete the result sheets with the opposing Manager after each match.

• Must ensure that players’ details are correctly recorded – e.g., spelling of names/playing positions.

• When all details are completed, compare, and sign each result sheet.

• Hand to Secretary/Representative of the Host Club for faxing to the controlling body.

• Manager is responsible for all appeals. If unable to agree they shall appeal to the Umpire.

• If the game is weather affected the scorecards must be ruled off and signed by the Umpire and retained.

• If rain prevents commencement of play at the scheduled time, the manager to telephone host club and advise team members accordingly and Controlling Body.

I know that some of the above competitions/championships are not only teams of fours, therefore I suggest that you read Definitions B – Players on Page 9 which covers the following:

B.Players:

B.1. Side: any agreed number of teams or singles players (or a combination of teams and singles players) whose combined scores decide the result of a competition.

B.2. Skip: the player who is in charge of the team.

B.3. Team Play:

B3.1. Team: a pair, a triple or a four.

B3.2. Pair: a team of two players whose positions, in order of play, are “lead” and “skip”.

B3.3. Triple: a team of three players whose positions, in order of play, are “lead”, “second”, and “skip”.

B3.4. Four: a team of four players whose positions, in order of play are “lead”, “second”, “third” and “skip”. Please continue to enjoy all your games and play to the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and each Conditions of Play as set out by the controlling bodies of each event.