Do you understand this law? The Super Challenge competition seems to bring out a few specialist unofficial coaches. Be wary of any people giving advice from the sidelines or spectator area. Coaching during side fixtures is quite legitimate providing it is done strictly in accordance with the Laws of Lawn Bowls. The appropriate Law is:57
The manager or coach Either the manager or the coach of a player, team or side or, in their absence, the manager’s delegated deputy, can give advice to a player during the course of play as long as: 57.1 the umpire is given the names of the manager, the coach or the manager’s delegated deputy as appropriate before the game starts; 57.2 only one person gives advice at any one time; and 57.3 The person giving the advice does so from outside the boundaries of the green.
Do you own a Law Book? If not, there is an interesting paragraph [the first in the book] on Page 7 immediately following “Contents”. All bowlers should read this particular paragraph; Foreword Introduction No laws governing a sport can cope with every situation, and the laws governing the sport of bowls are no exception. Unusual situations not covered within the laws can often arise. The Laws of the Sport of Bowls (‘the laws’) have been drawn up in the spirit of true sportsmanship. So, if a situation arises that is not covered by these laws, players, markers and umpires should use their common sense and a spirit of fair play to decide on the appropriate course of action. If you do not wish to purchase a Law Book but if you possess a computer and access to the internet, you can Google up World Bowls, Bowls Australia or Bowls Queensland and read or download the Laws of the game of lawn bowls – “Crystal Mark 2nd edition”.
Should your team require a manager or coach to assist players during the game, the side manager or coach should approach the umpire of the day before the game starts and advise him of this intention and give the umpire his name and, if possible, actually introduce himself or the intended coach to the umpire. If you are the skip and notice your manager or coach signalling to you to discuss any point, advise the opposing skip of your intention to leave the green for this purpose. Ensure that the discussion is short and to the point to avoid delaying the game.
Also, should you desire, you will find the details of Bowls Australia “Policies” on their website. Policies are many and varied and include policies on: Clearances Transfers Appealing against the Umpire’s decision Procedures to follow when lodging an appeal Bowls testing Artificial device Etc.
Merv Ingram Umpire