First Laws of the Game

When more than one rink is engaged in the same match, the points of each to be added together and the gross number to decide the contest.

1. Drivers to have the sole charge of their respective rinks, and their instructions to be implicitly obeyed by the other players - they may appoint substitute to direct when they play themselves - they are to be judges of all disputed points, and, if agreeing their decision to be final, if not, the matter to be decided by an umpire appointed by them.
2. No person to direct, except the drivers or their substitutes. Although the players on the same side may consult with, or advise them.
3. As soon as a bowl is greened, the director must retire two yards, at least, from he Jack, in order that the opposing party may witness the effects of the play.

1. When the sides of a rink are unequal in number, they are to be balanced by the deficient party playing odd bowls.
2. When the side playing the odd, bowls consists of two or more, the odd bowls shall be played by the first and last players.

The mat shall not exceed 18 inches by 12 inches. The party playing to green the bowl with at least one foot on the mat. The mat to be properly placed before being played from, and not afterwards moved until the end is played out. If moved by accident, to be placed as near the original spot as possible. When the end is played out, the last player to remove the mat to the bank. At every end after the first, the mat to be placed within one yard from where the Jack rested at the conclusion of the previous end.

1. The Jack shall be about 2½ inches in diameter.
2. The throwing of the jack and playing first, to be decided by a toss up, or by ballot.
3. If it be not thrown 21 yards from the mat or run into the ditch, the leader must throw again, and if then he falls to throw the Jack a mark, the opposite party to have the privilege of throwing it anew, but not of playing first.
4. If it run within a yard of the ditch, it may be moved from one to two yards from it by either party
5. If it run within two yards of the side of the space, it must be moved to a sufficient distance to allow both fore and back hand play.

The Jack Not to be Interfered With

The Jack after being once played to, except when in the ditch, is not to be touched or interfered with, in any manner, otherwise than by the effects of the play, until the game is counted and both parties satisfied.

The Jack in the Ditch - Rebounding

When the Jack is run into the ditch, the end must be replayed.

The Jack Burned

When the Jack is burned by a neutral party, the end must begin afresh. If burned by any of the players, the opposing players to have the option of playing out the end, or beginning it anew.

Bowls - Size and Bias

Any bowl to which objection is taken, shall be tested by comparison with a standard bowl of the Association, bearing the Association's stamp. The test shall be applied, at the distance of 32 yards, by two referees appointed by the parties, and if the referees disagree, they shall appoint an umpire. In the event of a bowl being, declared of a less bias than the standard, the further use of it in that club match or competition shall not be allowed.

Ditchers

A bowl which rests outside the space, or which is driven off it by the effects of the play, is called a ditcher, and must be immediately removed to the bank.

Burned Bowls

1. If a bowl, while running, is accidentally burned by a neutral party, or by an opponent, it shall be in the option of the party playing to let it rest, or play it over again.
2. If burned by his own party, it may be put off the Green.
3. When a bowl, while at rest, is burned by the party to which it belongs, it may be removed from the Green.
4. If burned by a neutral party, or by an opponent, it is to be replaced as near its original position as possible.

Playing before a Bowl stops Running

No party to play until his opponent's bowl has ceased to run. A bowl so played, may be stopped and caused to be played over again.

Playing by mistake

When a bowl is played by mistake, it is to be replaced by the player's own bowl.

Playing out of Turn or Order

1. If a bowl is played out of turn. the opponents may stop the bowl, allow it to remain where it rests, or cause it to be played over again in its proper order. If it has moved either Jack or bowls, the opponents to have power to cause the end to be begun anew.
2. A bowl, not played in order, cannot afterwards be played, if the second succeeding bowl has been greened.

Changing Bowls

No player to change his bowls during the game without per-mission from the opposite party.

A Bowl coming to Rest

After the last bowl of an end stops running, a half minute to be allowed, if required. Before counting the game.

Result of each end

1. After an end is played, neither Jack nor bowls to be touched until both parties are satisfied. When two or more bowls are touching each other, they are not to be disturbed or removed until the result of the end is declared. When apart. each bowl may be removed and counted, as soon as it is admitted to be a shot by the opposite party.
2. No measuring allowed during the playing of an end.
3. No bowl to count that is further than six feet from the Jack.

Playing in the Dusk

Under no circumstances is a cap, or other object, to be laid on the green, or placed on a bowl, or on the Jack; but for the guidance of the player, a cap, or any other object, may be held over in front of either, but not both.

Bystanders