Earlier this year World Bowls has introduced a new set of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the Crystal Mark Second Edition. In Hong Kong the new laws will take effect in two phases:
National competitions: Any competition commenced on or after January 1, 2011 will adopt this version of the laws. All other competitions that have begun before this date and are still in progress will use the existing laws up to the finals. In this case the first competition to use the new laws will be the 2-4-2 Pairs championship.
League: The laws will be adopted in the forthcoming Premier League.
While a lot of the changes in the law are on the wordings and the clarification of the current laws, I believe two of them will have major impact to our games:
|
Law |
Description |
Implication |
|
18.4 |
Play in other ends In all ends after the first but apart from in an extra end, the winner of the previous scoring end should place the mat and then deliver the jack and the first bowl. |
Player cannot give the jack to the opponent after winning an end. (They can only give the jack to the opponent in the first end, when they won the toss.) |
|
37.1.7 |
The skip should: 37.1.7.1 be responsible for the score card supplied by the Controlling Body while play is in progress; 37.1.7.2 enter the names of all players of both teams on the score card; 37.1.7.3 record, on the score card, all shots scored for and against the team as each end is completed; 37.1.7.4 compare the score card with that of the opposing skip as each end is completed; and 37.1.7.5 at the end of the game, record on the score card the time that the game finished and then sign it. |
The skip will be responsible for the filling of the score card and maintain the scoreboard. |
Although the changes will not mean widespread alterations to the way we and play the sport, I think it is essential that every bowlers in Hong Kong should be fully aware of the changes in the Laws, hence we have prepared the attached summary of the major changes from World Bowls for your reference.
While we are stilling translating the new law book, which is expected to be readied in the middle of January, I suggest you to acquire a copy of the new laws from the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association for reference.