Bowls New Zealand Umpires Handbook

Transcription

1 Bowls New Zealand Umpires Handbook Appendix B Issued by Bowls New Zealand Umpires Committee - January 2015

2 Assessment of Distances and Determination of the Shot 1. Assessing Distances To help determine the type of shot to play, a player may ask the marker for information about the relative positions of the jack and some of the bowls which have already been played in that end. This information is usually required in one of three forms:- distance of a bowl in relation to jack high (jack level) distance of a bowl in relation to the jack distance of a bowl in relation to another bowl. Each of these situations is described below (note that the direction of play in each of the pictures which have been included in this document is from left to right). 1.1 Distance in Relation to Jack High (Jack Level) One of the players most frequently asked questions is about a bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level). C26 defines jack high (jack level) as the nearest part of a bowl is in line with and at the same distance from the mat line as the nearest part of the jack. C20 defines mat line as the edge of the mat nearest to the front ditch. In addition, when the laws refer to the front of a jack or a bowl, they are referring to the part (edge) of the jack or bowl which is nearest to the mat line. Picture 1 To describe a bowl as being jack high (jack level), therefore, is to say that the front edge of the jack and the front edge of the bowl are at the same distance from the mat line. That is, if you were to draw a line which is just touching the front edge of the jack and the front edge of the bowl, then that line would be parallel to the mat line (Picture 1). To describe a bowl as being a bowl short of jack high (jack level) is to say that the front edge of the bowl is one bowl s width in front of the front edge of the jack (or, put another way, the back edge of the bowl is in line with the front edge of the jack - Picture 2). Picture 2 To describe a bowl as being two bowls short of jack high (jack level) is to say that the front edge of the bowl is two bowls width in front of the front edge of the jack (or, put another way, the back edge of the bowl is one bowl s width in front of the front edge of the jack - Picture 3). Picture 3 To describe a bowl as being half-a-bowl short of jack high (jack level) is to say that the front edge of the bowl is half a bowl s width in front of the front edge of the jack (or, put another way, the centre of the bowl is in line with the front edge of the jack - Picture 4). Picture 4 Appendix B Page 1

3 To describe a bowl as being a bowl past jack high (jack level) is to say that the front edge of the bowl is one bowl s width behind the front edge of the jack (or, put another way, the front edge of the bowl is one jack s width behind the back edge of the jack - Picture 5). Picture 5 In summary, when a player asks a question about a bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level) (for example, is that last bowl jack high (jack level)?) they are asking a question about the front edge of the bowl s position in relation to the front edge of the jack. The answer should always be given in terms of the bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level) (for example, it s a bowl past jack high (jack level)) and not in terms of the bowl s position in relation to the jack (see section 1.2). That is, the words jack high (jack level) should always be included in the answer. 1.2 Distance in Relation to the Jack As well as asking questions about a bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level), players may ask questions about a bowl s position in relation to the jack. In so doing they are asking about the distance between the nearest point of the bowl to the jack and the nearest point of the jack to the bowl. If the bowl is short of the jack then the nearest points will be the back edge of the bowl and the front edge of the jack respectively. If the bowl is past the jack then the nearest points will be the front edge of the bowl and the back edge of the jack respectively. To describe a bowl as being 30 centimetres (one foot) short of the jack is to say that the back edge of the bowl is 30 centimetres (one foot) short of the front edge of the jack or, put another way, the bowl is short of the jack and the gap between the bowl and the jack is 30 centimetres (one foot) - Picture 6. Picture 6 To describe a bowl as being 30 centimetres (one foot) past the jack is to say that the front edge of the bowl is 30 centimetres (one foot) past the back edge of the jack or, put another way, the bowl is beyond the jack and the gap between the bowl and the jack is 30 centimetres (one foot) - Picture 7. Picture 7 In summary, when players ask a question about a bowl s position in relation to the jack (for example, how far is that last bowl past the jack?) they are asking a question about the size of the gap between the nearest edge of the bowl to the jack and the nearest edge of the jack to the bowl. The answer should always be given in terms of the bowl s position in relation to the jack - for example, it s 30 centimetres (one foot) past the jack - and not in terms of the bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level). That is, the words short of the jack or past the jack should always be included in the answer. Given the above explanation and that contained in section 1.1, it should be apparent that quoting distances in relation to the jack and quoting them in relation to jack high (jack level) are not one and the same thing. To illustrate this point, let s assume that a bowl has come to rest 25 centimetres (10 inches) short of the jack. Technically speaking, the position of the bowl can be described as being either:- Appendix B Page 2

4 25 centimetres (10 inches) short of the jack, or 38 centimetres (15 inches) short of jack high (jack level) that is, three bowls short of jack high (jack level). {The distance between the front edge of the bowl and the front edge of the jack is 25 centimetres (10 inches) + width of the bowl (12.5 centimetres, 5 inches) = 38 centimetres (15 inches).} Note however, that when players ask about the position of a bowl, they generally expect the answer to be given in relation to the jack if the bowl has come to rest either directly in front of or directly behind the jack 25 centimetres (10 inches) short of the jack in the above example. To give the answer 38 centimetres (15 inches) short of jack high (jack level) in the above example may lead the player into thinking incorrectly, in the heat of the moment, that there is sufficient room for three bowls to fit in between the short bowl and the jack. 1.3 Distance in Relation to another Bowl In addition to asking questions about either a bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level) or about a bowl s position in relation to the jack, players may ask questions about a bowl s position in relation to another bowl. In doing so they are asking about the distance between the nearest points of each bowl to the other bowl. The nearest points, therefore, will be the back edge of one bowl and the front edge of the other bowl. It may be necessary to take into account the size of any intervening objects when assessing the distance between two bowls. Take the example of one bowl which comes to rest 15 centimetres (6 inches) short of the jack and another which is 20 centimetres (8 inches) past the jack, and all three objects are in a straight line (Picture 8). Picture 8 The distance between the two bowls is the total of three separate measurements - the distance between the first bowl and the jack 15 centimetres (6 inches), the width of the jack about 6.5 centimetres (2.5 inches), and the distance between the second bowl and the jack 20 centimetres (8 inches). The distance is, therefore, 41.5 centimetres (16.5 inches). In such a situation, the appropriate response from the marker would be just under 45 centimetres (18 inches ) - see section Imperial and Metric Measurements Players based in New Zealand generally expect answers to their questions about distances to be given using the metric system of measurement. However some players from other countries still prefer the imperial system of measurement. It is important, therefore, that markers who are officiating at tournaments where players based in different geographical areas are involved are able to quote distances using both measurement systems. Markers should, therefore, become totally conversant with the following list of imperial measurements and their metric equivalents (note that these are rounded versions of the calculations which would normally be applied when converting between the two systems): Appendix B Page 3

5 Imperial Metric Metric Imperial Feet Inches Cms Cms Inches Feet ½ ½ ½ Giving an Appropriate Response a) Verbal or Physical Response? Verbal responses are considered to be the most appropriate way of dealing with players questions. Also, it is generally inappropriate to supplement a verbal response with any form of physical response. For example, any desire to supplement the verbal response of 30 centimetres (one foot) short of the jack by holding the hands apart to indicate a distance of 30 centimetres (one foot) should be avoided (Picture 9). Picture 9 Physical responses as a supplement to verbal responses are inappropriate because:- players are perfectly capable of understanding verbal responses when they are given clearly and concisely physical responses can often be construed to be a sign of the marker s uncertainty or nervousness more often than not, people tend to use their hands to gesticulate rather than to communicate information. As a result, the chances of the hands being held apart at the same distance as that which is being communicated verbally are very low. For example, how many times have you seen the hands held apart at shoulder width to indicate anything between 30 centimetres (one foot) and one metre (one yard)? there is no need for the marker to repeat the answer - the physical is a repetition of the verbal. There are, however, some occasions on which physical responses used on their own are appropriate:- Appendix B Page 4

6 when indicating the distance from the jack of each bowl played during the trial ends when there are potential communication difficulties between the player and the marker (for example, when either the player is deaf or the marker and the player do not speak the same language) when background noises make it difficult to be heard (for example, when there are shouts of encouragement by players on a neighbouring rink or spectator applause). b) About a Bowl s Distance When players ask about the distance of a bowl from the jack or jack high (jack level), they are expecting the answer to be reasonably accurate. The marker needs to take care, however, when framing a reply. In general terms, it is not appropriate to quote fractions of a centimetre or fractions of an inch. For example, an answer of centimetres (5.75 inches) short of the jack will be seen by many players to be the answer of a marker who is trying either to be smart, be funny or court attention. A more appropriate answer would be just under 15 centimetres (6 inches) short of the jack. The inclusion of phrases such as just under, just over, almost, and so on in the answer is usually sufficient to convey the appropriate degree of accuracy. In exceptional circumstances, quoting fractions of an inch may be appropriate to help a player visualise a situation. For example, if a player asks Is the last bowl touching the jack? an answer of 6 millimetres ( quarter of an inch ) short may well be required to convey the appropriate information. It is recommended, however, that the smallest distance quoted is 6 millimetres (quarter of an inch) - that is, very small distances such as 2.5 millimetres (tenth of an inch) should not be used. In such cases, a more appropriate response would be it s a fraction short of the jack. c) About a Bowl s Position The marker also needs to consider the appropriate response to a question about the position of a bowl. That is, whether to answer the question in terms of the bowl s position in relation to the jack or its position in relation to jack high (jack level) (assuming, of course, that the player s question has not specified which of the two is required). In general terms as mentioned earlier, when players ask about the position of a bowl, they expect the answer to be given in relation to jack high (jack level) if the bowl has come to rest close to, but to one side of, the jack in relation to the jack if the bowl has come to rest either directly in front of or directly behind the jack. There may be occasions on which it is appropriate to respond to a player s question about the position of a bowl by providing two pieces of information firstly the bowl s position in relation to jack high (jack level) and secondly the distance of the bowl from the jack. 30 cm 12.5 cm Picture 10 For example, in the situation shown in Picture 10 an appropriate response would be It is two bowls short of jack high (jack level) and 30 centimetres (one foot) from the jack. Note that quoting the distance from the jack on the diagonal 30 centimetres (one foot) is not the same as quoting the distance between the rear edge of the bowl and the front edge of the jack 12.5 centimetres (5 inches). Appendix B Page 5

7 It is important to quote the distance from jack high (jack level) in the first part of the answer and the diagonal distance from the jack in the second part. Doing so should leave the player in no doubt as to the interpretation of the second distance (because a marker would not quote a distance in relation to jack high (jack level) and in relation to the jack as this would be duplication of information!). 1.6 Practical Techniques for Assessing Distances Assessing distances with a reasonable degree of accuracy is a skill which does not come easily to all markers. Markers who experience difficulties should get their eye in by carrying out a few short exercises with a set of bowls, a jack, and a tape-measure (either on the green or on the carpet at home!) in the period leading up to a competition. In addition, the following practical techniques should prove useful to markers while they are on the green:- knowing that a bowl is about 12.5 centimetres (5 inches) in diameter, calculate how many bowls would fit into the gap between the jack and the bowl for shorter distances, perform a similar calculation in the knowledge that a jack is about 6.5 centimetres (2.5 inches) in diameter knowing the length and width of the foot, place the foot parallel to the gap between the jack and the bowl and calculate how many lengths or widths are required to fill the gap (while making sure that it does not disturb the head) knowing the length of the stride, step out the distance in parallel to the gap and calculate how many strides are required to fill the gap (again, while making sure that the head is not disturbed). Any such calculations should, of course, be carried out as quickly, quietly and unobtrusively as possible. 2. Determining the Shot Law 22 states that a shot or shots refers to the bowl or bowls (called shot bowls) which is or are nearer to the jack than the nearest bowl played by the opposing player or opponent in Singles. Markers tend to use one of the following two methods when determining which bowl is shot:- assessment of the distances between each of the bowls and the jack visualisation of the jack s position in relation to an imaginary line drawn between the bowls. 2.1 Using Distances Using the assessment of distances method, the marker should assess the distances between each bowl and the jack as described in section 1 above and determine which of the distances is the shorter - the bowl with the shortest distance being the shot. Appendix B Page 6

8 2.2 Using Visualisation of the Jack s Relative Position Using the visualisation of the jack s relative position method, the marker should visualise the nearest points of the two bowls and the jack being connected by a piece of string. The string, therefore, should form an imaginary triangle - with the bowls located at each end of its base line and the jack located at its apex (Picture 11). Picture 11 a) Jack Viewed in Relation to 90º to the Base Line 90 º Standing with one foot placed behind the jack and facing the direction of the bowls, the marker should draw an imaginary line from the jack to the base line so that it connects with the base line at an angle of 90º (Picture 12) Picture 12 The marker should then decide which bowl is the nearer to the junction of the two lines - the nearer bowl being the shot. If both bowls are about the same distance from the junction, then it is a measure for shot. The marker should, if it is close for shot, double-check the decision by carrying out the same procedure in the reverse direction - that is, standing facing the direction of the jack with one foot placed behind the base line at a point where the imaginary line would intersect it at an angle of 90º. b) Jack Viewed in Relation to Mid-Point of the Base Line As an alternative to the above procedure, the marker should stand with one foot placed behind the jack and, facing the direction of the bowls, draw an imaginary line from the jack to the base line so that it connects with the base line at its mid-point. The marker should then use the size of the angle created between the imaginary line and the base line to decide which bowl is the nearer. Mid Point <90 º If the line connects with the base line at an angle other than 90º, then the bowl to the side of the mid - point which forms the acute angle (an angle of less than 90º) is the nearer and is, therefore, the shot (for example, the red - disc bowl in Picture 13). If the angle is about 90º then it is a measure for shot. Picture 13 The marker should, if it is close for shot, double-check the decision by carrying out the same procedure in the reverse direction - that is, standing facing the direction of the jack with one foot placed behind the mid-point of the base line. Appendix B Page 7

9 It should be appreciated, of course, that in a situation in which the jack and bowls are in a straight line (Picture 14) using the visualisation of the jack s relative position method is inappropriate since it is not possible to visualise the required triangle. The assessment of distances method has to be used instead. Picture 14 Under certain light conditions, viewing the head from a stance behind the jack facing the bowls can give a different impression form viewing the head from a stance behind the bowls facing the jack. Experiments carried out with a number of experienced and trainee markers have demonstrated that viewing the head from the jack is more accurate. Markers should, therefore, view the head from a stance behind the jack as their first choice. 3. Responding to the Players Needs 3.1 Need to Respond Quickly Players expect to be able to play the game at their own pace - they do not expect the pace of the game to be unduly influenced by the actions of the marker. In particular, when players ask a question about the state of the head, they expect to be given a quick response. To make sure that a quick response can be provided, a marker should:- adopt a position on the rink which is close enough to the head to be able to visit it quickly. The preferred position at the start of an end is two or three metres behind the jack, mid-way between the centre and the side boundary of the rink this makes sure that the centre-of-rink and rink boundary markers remain within the players line of sight at all times (Pictures 15 and 16). This position may, of course, have to be adjusted as the end progresses - to make sure that any back bowls are not obscured, for example:- Picture 15 Picture 16 Take the opportunity, as a bowl is on its way up the green, to study the positions of the key bowls already in the head and store away that information for communication later if requested: use experience of playing the game to predict in advance the information which a player is likely to require always look in the direction of the player who is approaching the mat in readiness to play as soon as the previous bowl has come to rest (in anticipation of a question being asked) Appendix B Page 8

10 remain alert to the fact that a question may be asked at any time and that these questions may not necessarily be verbal - many players prefer to use hand signals to ask a question. A state of alertness can be maintained in a variety of ways - for example, by restricting the focus of attention to what is going on within the boundaries of the rink-ofplay (to the total exclusion of everything else). 3.2 Need to Gain the Players Confidence and Trust A marker can do a number of things to gain the players confidence and trust. The marker should:- avoid any personal traits and characteristics which give the impression of being inattentive (for example, standing with hands in pockets or watching play on another rink) always be decisive in giving an answer to any question about which bowl is shot. only indicate that it is a measure for shot when the situation merits it (that is, it is not possible to determine with the naked eye which bowl is shot). In such circumstances, however, players would usually expect to see the marker check the head from both a stance behind the jack and a stance behind the bowls as described in section 2.2 before giving a response. never make a guess at which bowl is shot. If there is in any doubt whatsoever, the marker should indicate that it is a measure for shot never use indication of a measure for shot as a cop-out for being decisive always be concise in giving an answer to any question about which bowl is shot. This can be achieved by restricting the answer to two words the first being the number of shots scored and the second being the colour of the sticker on the shot bowl (for example, one red ). Following this convention should also eliminate any confusion which may arise when a marker gives an answer of, for example, red bowl when coloured bowls are in use. players may be uncertain as to whether it means that the red-coloured bowl with the blue sticker on it is shot or that the green-coloured bowl with the red sticker on it is shot! avoid making any superfluous background noises while considering the answer to a question - such as repeating aloud in a questioning tone extracts from the question. For example, if the player asks How far through was my last bowl? the marker should not repeat aloud Your last bowl? before giving the answer One foot past the jack look directly at the player when giving a reply (for example, do not look at the head or the ground!) speak clearly and sufficiently loudly (for example, do not mutter) be confident in word and deed act naturally and finally, be polite! Appendix B Page 9

11 3.3 Need for Flexibility when Providing Information Law states that the marker should answer any specific question about the state of the head which is asked by the player in possession of the rink. The use of specific implies that the marker should answer only the question asked (that is, the marker should not volunteer additional information to that requested). For example, if the question asked is Am I holding shot?, technically speaking the answer should be either Yes or No and not, for example, Yes, you are holding two shots". However, there are some circumstances under which it is appropriate for the marker to show some flexibility when providing information. The following two examples illustrate this point: Example One If a player asks Is the last bowl jack high (jack level)? it is reasonable for the marker to assume that the player is really asking Is the last bowl jack high (jack level) and, if not, how far away from jack high (jack level) is it? Instead of answering the player s original, specific question with a bland No, therefore, it is more appropriate to give an answer such as No, it is a bowl past jack high (jack level). Answering the specific question with No in these circumstances would almost certainly force the player into asking a follow-up question such as How far away is it, then? This would inevitably slow down the pace of the game and could lead the player into thinking that the marker was being pedantic. Example Two If, as a player is walking back towards the mat after having visited the head, a bowl falls over and the head is altered as a result, it is reasonable for the marker to tell the player that the head has changed before the player delivers the next bowl. While, technically speaking, no question has been asked of the marker, players generally accept that providing this information is good sportsmanship and is in accordance with the spirit and etiquette of the game. 4. Maintaining a Consistent On the Green Routine A consistent routine should be adopted whenever a marker goes onto the green. Using the same, proven routine each and every time gives the marker complete control over, and confidence in, the way the task is being handled. It should also make sure that the marker is less likely to get flustered when any unexpected or unusual situations crop up during the course of play. 4.1 Before the Start of the Game have a pre-determined, consistent place on your person for keeping each piece of equipment (for example, wedges and chalk in right-hand trouser pocket, lollipops in lefthand jacket pocket, and so on) have a pre-determined, consistent routine for alternating between the various pieces of equipment which you may use during play (for example, when you have finished displaying the lollipops on completion of an end, put them in your left-hand jacket pocket and take the score card and pen from your right-hand jacket pocket) before going on to the green check that you have all the required equipment with you and that there are no superfluous objects in your pockets (for example, your wallet or keys). Appendix B Page 10

12 4.2 During an End operate from one side of the rink only - the side opposite to the direction of the sun so as to not cast a shadow on the head take up a position two or three metres behind the jack, mid-way between the centre and the side boundary of the rink; remain on the green if the jack is in the ditch stand perfectly still while keeping your eyes focused on the player who is about to play check the positions of any key bowls already in the head by taking a step or two directly forward up the side of the head, as the next bowl is on its way up the green approach the head at right-angles (not diagonally) when marking touchers and answering questions only go into the head when it is necessary to do so to answer a player s question move quickly to a position one or two metres to the front of the head when a running bowl is played. If the running bowl becomes a toucher, watch its path until it comes to rest. 4.3 On Completion of an End remove any jack or bowl markers from the rear bank as soon as the last bowl has come to rest take up a position just in front of the head while the outcome of the end is being decided either by the players or by the umpire if you have called an umpire to carry out a measure, as the umpire is coming onto the green wedge any leaning bowls ask the players to remove any bowls which are not in the measure if there are more than two bowls in the measure, tell the umpire if any shots have already been conceded (how many and to whom) verbally confirm with the players the outcome of the end and the current score walk quickly up the green displaying the appropriate number and colour of lollipops lift the mat from the previous end check that the mat for the next end has been positioned properly update the score card and check that the score boards are correct as the first bowl of the next end is on its way up the green. Appendix B Page 11