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APPENDIX 1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BACKHAND to the right-handed player it is a delivery to the left hand side of the centre block. To the left-handed player it is a delivery to the right hand side of the centre block.
BIAS is the peculiar property of one side of the bowl, caused by shaping which enables it to follow a curved course.
BLOCKING means covering the lying shot or jack with a guarding bowl in order to hinder an opponent.
CENTRE BLOCK means the obstacle which is placed midway between each end of the rink mat on the centre block line.
CONTROLLING BODY means the body having immediate control of the conditions under which the match is played.
DEAD AREA means that section of the rink mat between the dead lines.
DELIVERY LINES means the markings within which players feet are restricted to deliver the bowl.
DELIVERY MAT means the foot mat upon which the stance is taken to deliver the bowl.
DISPLACED/DISTURBED means accidentally moving a bowl or jack otherwise than by a bowl in play.
DRAW means delivering the bowl with sufficient impetus to reach its objective with the necessary green to allow the bias to take effect.
END means the placing of the delivery mat and the jack and delivery of all the players bowls in any one discipline in the same direction on the rink mat. An end is completed when the last players bowl comes to rest.
FENDER means the surround that encloses the ditch.
FIRING/FORCING SHOT means a bowl which is delivered at a very fast pace.
FOREHAND to the right-handed player it is a delivery to the right hand side of the centre block. To the left-handed player it is a delivery to the left hand side of the centre block.
FOUR means 4 players on each side whose positions in order of playing are called Lead, Second, Third and Skip.
HEAD means the jack and such bowls as have come to rest within the boundary of the rink mat and are not dead.
JACK HIGH means that the nearest portion of the bowl referred to is the same distance from the dead line as the nearest portion of the jack.
LEAD means the player on each side who plays first.
LINE DECISION is a decision that must be made when the jack or a non-toucher is thought to be intersecting the ditch line or where the jack or any bowl is thought to be intersecting the dead line.
LIVE AREA means that section of the rink mat between the dead line and the ditch, delineated by the inside edge of the half inch marking.
ORIGINAL COURSE is the curved line that the bowl takes from the delivery mat to its objective.
PAIR means 2 players on each side whose positions in order of playing are called Lead and Skip.
RINK MAT means the whole rectangular playing surface.
RUNNING WOOD means a bowl delivered with sufficient impetus to prevent its bias from taking effect (used for removing a bowl or breaking a head).
SKIP means the player who controls the play on behalf of his side on any rink mat.
SINGLES means 1 player competing against another.
TEAM means any agreed number of players on one side.
TOUCHER is the term applied to a bowl which touches the live jack while the bowl is in motion on the rink mat and before it comes to rest.
It shall also be a toucher if the said bowl is deflected off a bowl at rest or if the jack is sprung to touch the bowl whilst it is still in motion or if it falls and touches the jack before the next bowl has been delivered.
The toucher will remain in play until the end is completed even when in the ditch. It shall be indicated by a chalk mark, which should be placed on it before the next bowl comes to rest. If this is impractical because there is a danger of the bowl falling over or moving, it shall be nominated and chalked when the danger has passed.
TRAILING means contacting the jack with sufficient momentum so as to move it and follow it to the new position.
TRIPLE means 3 players on each side whose positions in order of playing are called Lead, Second and Skip.
WICK is the term applied to a bowl which glances off another bowl or bowls so as to change its natural line of travel.
APPENDIX 2
EQUIPMENT AND LINE MARKING SPECIFICATIONS
Please refer to Law A THE EQUIPMENT for full explanation of measurements shown below
THE RINK MAT Max length 13.75 m (45 0)
Min length 12.20 m (40 0)
Width 1830 mm (6 0)
Tolerance +/- 50 mm (2)
THE FENDER Back 1830 mm (6 0)
Sides 300 mm (12)
Max Height 75 mm (3)
Min Height 70 mm (2¾)
Max Thickness 75 mm (3)
Min Thickness 70 mm (2¾)
THE CENTRE BLOCK Length 380mm (15)
Max Height 75mm (3)
Min Height 70mm (2¾)
Max Thickness 75mm (3)
Min Thickness 40mm (1½)
THE DELIVERY MAT Length 610mm (24) or 600mm
Width 355mm (14) or 360mm
THE BOWLS Min Diameter 114mm (4.5)
Max Diameter 134mm (5.25)
Max. Weight 1.59kg (3.5lbs)
THE JACK Min Diameter 63mm (2.5)
Max Diameter 70mm (2.75)
Min Weight 397g (14oz)
Max Weight 907g (32oz)
MARKING TAPE White Adhesive 12mm (½)
DELIVERY LINES From Centre Line 330mm (13)
From Ditch Line 1370mm (4 6)
DITCH LINE From Fender 300mm (12)
DEAD LINE From Ditch Line 2745mm (9 0)
DELIVERY MAT LINES From Centre Line 175mm (7)
Length 300mm (12)
JACK LINE From Dead Line 915mm (3 0)
From Ditch Line 915mm (3 0)
BLOCK LINE Length 380mm (15)
APPENDIX 3
THE DELIVERY AREA
Note
The delivery lines, the visible ditch line and the delivery mat lines do not form part of the hatched legitimate delivery area
APPENDIX 4
RINK MAT MARKINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX 5
GUIDELINES FOR BOWLERS
WITH BOWLING DIFFICULTIES
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THESE ARE GUIDELINES ONLY AND NOT RULES. IT IS EXPECTED THAT EVERY ACCOMODATION SHOULD BE MADE FOR ANY DISABILITIES EITHER TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT BUT NO SET OF GUIDELINES CAN COVER EVERY PROBLEM. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND FAIR PLAY SHOULD BE THE OVERALL DECIDING FACTOR.
Where the rules of short mat are concerned, probably the most important element of a delivery is the point at which a bowl is released. These guidelines have been set in order to try and assist bowlers with a delivery difficulty the same opportunities (as near as is practical), as the delivery advantages that an able bodied bowler has.
BOWLING WITH A CHUTE
A chute may be used to deliver a bowl. The chute may be of any suitable construction. The end of the chute on the bowling mat must be placed within the delivery area and may not extend beyond the end of the delivery lines. NOTE: It is common to use a type of guttering for a chute but other designs are perfectly acceptable.
Where a helper is involved, they may place the bowl in a chute and position the chute at the request of the bowler. The bowler must release the bowl by hand or other device. Helpers must face away from the head and not offer any bowling advice except to comment on the state of the head, if asked.
Bowling from a Wheelchair
A very complex and very difficult subject as wheelchair bowlers can bowl freehand or may need a chute. In practice a freehand wheelchair bowlers can bowl with their chairs in a fore and aft position, at an angle or with their chairs at right angles to the mat etc.
BOWLING FROM A WHEELCHAIR
When bowling with a chute or similar device, a wheelchair bowler may be on or off the mat provided they meet the conditions laid down in the Bowling with a chute section.
When bowling freehand from a wheelchair in a fore and aft position and assuming the delivery mat is in the normal fore and position, the axle/centre hub of the main wheel of the chair, of the hand that the bowler is using i.e. left or right, should be positioned over the delivery mat and may be to the left or right of the delivery mat as appropriate. The other wheel may be off the delivery mat. Note: this is to allow the wheelchair bowler the same freedom of positioning that an able body bowler has with their back foot.
If a freehand wheelchair bowler is positioned at an angle to the mat, they must have the axle/centre hub of their main wheel level with the centre of the bowling mat.
BOWLING FROM AN ORDINARY CHAIR
When using an ordinary non wheeled chair, to prevent any damage to the bowling mat, the delivery mat can be placed at right angles to its normal position and may be positioned anywhere in the ditch within a backward extension of the delivery lines. Both front legs of the chair must be positioned on the delivery mat.
BLIND BOWLERS
There are a number of different methods that blind bowlers use. They should be subject to normal foot faults but if they are about to foot fault they should be warned BEFORE they deliver their bowls.
As to instructions from the head, players are usually informed using the hands/face of a clock to advise them of the various positions of the bowls. Sometimes a helper at the head end may indicate the angle at which a bowl should be delivered by a clap of the hands from off the side of the mat or another sound etc. Helpers are not allowed to inform bowlers as to which side of the mat to bowl.
LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
For bowlers with learning difficulties who fall outside the other groups, they are expected to follow the rules of short mat bowls but some leeway must be used to allow for their general understanding of the game. Good sportsmanship an understanding is expected to prevail once again.
BOWLING WITH A FOOT
It is expected that any bowler using a foot to deliver his/her bowl should comply with the full rules of Short mat bowls where practicable and must deliver bowls with their non-bowling foot fully on the delivery mat.
USING A SUPPORT
Where a stick or other support device is used to enable a bowler to maintain balance, the stick/support may be placed outside of the delivery lines. Also, if necessary the back foot may be off the side of the delivery mat but the front foot must be within the delivery lines. All other ESMBA rules apply.
USING A DELIVERY DEVICE
A device exists which enables a bowler to deliver a bowl from an upright position swinging backwards and forwards. This usually has a hand grip to release a bowl release. The full rules of our sport apply where the bowler falls outside of any other disability.
OTHER DELIVERY PROBLEMS
It should be clearly noted that the above sections refer to the known problems that exist. This is not necessarily a definitive list and other difficulties may also exist. It would help if the ESMBA is informed of any problem not covered by these guidelines so a suitable solution can be found to assist with the problem.
APPENDIX 6
ESMBA APROVED MEASURING EQUIPMENT
(1) CALLIPERS
· Any size internal engineering callipers
· Any calliper made specifically for bowls measurement
(2) FLEXIBLE MEASURES
· Steel 60, 70 and 100
· Strings Kestrel 70
Supalock & Clubhawk 90
Rinklock & Prohawk 110
· Measuring Pegs
· Bullet Measures
(3) OTHER MEASURES
· Pen Measures
· Engineering Feeler Gauges
(4) SQUARES
· Any Opaque Set Square
APPENDIX 7
ESMBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RULES
(These rules are correct at the time of printing. For the current version see the ESMBA Information Pack or contact your County Competition Organiser)
(1) ESMBA official Entry Forms for all disciplines of the National Championships are issued each year to counties - for distribution to all clubs/teams within their county in sufficient time for players to fully consider their entry before the local closing date.
(2) Counties shall fully publicise each event within their county and must organise local qualifying heats of the Championship, on behalf of the ESMBA, which are open to all players registered via their county, in order to determine representatives to compete in disciplines at the National Finals. Counties may be asked to incorporate players from another adjacent county which has less than the minimum required number of entries.
(3) Counties shall not organise local qualifying heats on weekends that are designated in the ESMBA Calendar as weekends when the England team is competing nor on days that are designated for ESMBA Committee Meetings
(4) The National Championships of the English Short Mat Bowling Association are open to all players registered up to the closing date of the local county heats OR the final closing date set by the ESMBA - whichever is the sooner.
(5) Only fully registered players may play in the Championships and only in the County with which they are registered as per the ESMBA Information Pack section 4 Registered Players. Registration only takes effect when the ESMBA Membership Secretary has been notified in writing and the appropriate registration fee has been paid.
(6) It goes to the root of acceptance that counties who wish to have representatives attending at the National Championships must have followed the procedures as detailed above.
(7) Only the correct coloured ESMBA entry forms will be accepted as the official entry form for each event. These entry forms must have been fully completed, and must clearly show all dates and venues of the local heats together with ALL other required details. Incomplete entry forms or photocopies on white paper will be rejected.
(8) Heats must be properly organised on a competitive basis, with a minimum of four teams in any one discipline (except for the Under 18s) and in accordance with ESMBA Laws. (NOTE: In particular the ESMBA Laws concerning the jack off the mat and players visiting the head shall be observed). These heats may be run in conjunction with a counties own county championships. If a county is unable to raise the minimum number of required teams in any one discipline (other than the U18s), entry forms should still be submitted as early as possible to the Nationals Organiser who will attempt, where possible, to arrange for these players to play against either another county who have less than the minimum number of entries or to fit them in with a local county that is prepared to accept the entries.
(9) Players entering the local heats must do so with the express intention of attending the National Finals if they qualify. Players who qualify and do not attend the finals may be subject to disciplinary action. If a player does not attend in such circumstances he or she may be barred from entering the Nationals the following year. Authority to take similar action is delegated to County Associations if players having entered their qualifiers fail to turn up to play.
(10) Counties shall forward fully completed entry forms, together with a cheque for the appropriate amount, in sufficient time to ensure that they are received by the ESMBA Nationals Organiser BEFORE play commences at the earliest stage of the local heats, or prior to the ESMBA closing date - whichever is the sooner. No entry will be complete unless the appropriate entry fee is enclosed with the entry form.
(11) Once an entry has been received by the local county, players may not change places with other players in the same event.
(12) The names of players in the first four places in each qualifying event held within a county must be sent to the ESMBA Nationals Organiser within seven days of the completion of the local heats for each event and in all cases no later than the ESMBA closing date. These players will be eligible to play in the National Finals - but may not necessarily all be allocated places.
(13) Championship qualifiers must attend the Championship finals at the due date and time for their event. They must be correctly dressed in accordance with the published code of championship dress (see Appendix 8).
(14) The ESMBA reserve the absolute right to reject or exclude any entry it deems to be either inappropriate or unacceptable.
(15) Substitutes may be used at any stage of the local heats/finals, provided it is prior to the commencement of play, and the relevant county committee/national heats organiser is satisfied with the reason for substitution and the ESMBA Nationals Organiser has been notified either in writing or by telephone - before play commences. In instances of late substitutions that are notified by telephone, such notification must be followed up in writing to arrive within three days of the heat being played.
(16) Once a substitute has played the original player(s) may take no further part in the event. However if a substitute has not yet played then the original player(s) may return to play.
(17) A substituted player or one who has already played in the event cannot subsequently act as a substitute in the same event.
(18) Substitutes in the National Finals are only allowed under very exceptional circumstances and then only with the express written permission of both the ESMBA and the relevant county committee. The circumstances and reasons for substitution must be clearly and fully explained. Players giving reasons, which are deemed to be unacceptable, may be subject to disciplinary action as set out above.
(19) Substitutes in the National Finals must not have previously played in the same event. Substitutes cannot be substitutes in more than one event nor can they be used if by doing so they become a multiple qualifier.
(20) Each event/discipline of the Championships is deemed to be a completely separate event and the above rules must be applied accordingly.
(21) It is the duty of all players to attend the finals at the published time and date. Should a player or players arrive after play commences they may only join play at the start of their next scheduled game.
(22) The ESMBA reserve the absolute right to interpret the rules and/or take action as is deemed appropriate for the running of the Championships at every level of play.
(23) The National Championships comprise of separate events/disciplines all of which are equally open to members of both sexes with the exception of the Mixed Fours Competition, which is restricted to an entry of a team comprising of two male and two female members.
(24) The ESMBA National Organiser will determine the allocation of places at the National Finals, in each event/discipline in accordance with the laid down procedures i.e. each County that has held qualifying heats with a minimum of four teams in any one discipline (except for the Under 18s) and submitted the relevant results within the prescribed timescale, will be allocated places in that event/discipline, with places being allocated in accordance with a computer formula which takes into account the number of entrants from that county who took place in the qualifying heats of the event/discipline - as a proportion of the total number of entrants in that particular event/discipline.
APPENDIX 8
ESMBA DRESS CODE
For all stages of the ESMBA Inter County Competition and the ESMBA National Championships the following dress regulations will be in force. Non compliance with these will result in the offending player being asked to leave the rink mat.
(1) GENTLEMEN
White shirt with collar or polo shirt no self patterns or stripes. Only MID GREY trousers will be permitted.
(2) LADIES
White blouse with collar or polo shirt no self patterns, stripes or broderie anglaise. Only MID GREY skirts, culottes or tailored trousers will be permitted.
(3) CLUB COLOURS
Shirts blouses and polo shirts may be in club, league or county colours. Where colours are worn, ALL players must be dressed in the same colours. Only MID GREY below the waist.
(4) LOGOS
Any names, initials or logos must be in keeping with the size of the ESMBA logo and no bigger than the breast pocket on a shirt. No names, initials or logos will be permitted on the back of any garment.
APPENDIX 9
ESMBA SERVICES
Full details of all the following services are contained in your clubs copy of the ESMBA Information Pack or may be obtained from your County Association.
(1) REGALIA SALES
Clothing, Badges, Books of Laws and other items may be purchased directly from the ESMBA.
(2) ANNUAL DRAW
An annual draw is held not only to raise funds for the ESMBA but also for county Associations who obtain a 30% rebate on all tickets sold. Draw tickets are available from your county organiser.
(3) INSURANCE
In conjunction with brokers PJ Aitken, the ESMBA is able to provide
· public liability and equipment insurance
· FREE legal expenses cover for car accidents
· travel insurance
(4) LOAN SCHEME
Interest free loans of up to £2000 over 2 years are available to County Associations and member Clubs. Although primarily available for the purchase of equipment, finance for other purposes will be considered.
(5) WEB SITE
Various details are available for viewing on the Associations own site at www.esmba.co.uk.
(6) LICENCES
The ESMBA issues licences to organisations wishing to run competitions containing a mixture of registered and non-registered bowlers.
(7) UMPIRES
Standard examinations are run to give any ESMBA member the opportunity to qualify as an Umpire.
APPENDIX 10
ESMBA COMPETITIONS
Full details of all the following competitions are contained in your clubs copy of the ESMBA Information Pack or may be obtained from your County Association.
(1) INTERNATIONALS
Teams to play other countries are selected from a squad of 52 players. Although some of the squad members are deemed to be core players and are selected by the team manager, others are chosen from the England Trials which take part each spring and are open to all ESMBA members. Winners of the National Championships are also offered places in the squad.
(2) UNDER 21 SELECT
A squad of 32 promising junior players is selected from Trials held August each year. Variable size teams are then selected to play against county and national teams. There are usually 4 matches each year.
(3) NATIONALS
All County Associations run qualifying competitions for places at the National Finals, which are held at the conclusion of each winter season. There are competitions in Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Mixed Fours and U18 Singles. These are all open to all ESMBA members.
(4) INTER-COUNTY
All County Associations have the option of entering 1 or 2 teams in a national inter-county Competition. This takes place during the winter season only.
(5) INTER-CLUB
This competition was introduced in 2009 for club teams of 6-10 players who compete in all disciplines over 2 summer weekends.
(6) WOODBRIDGE TROPHY
This is an annual competition open to any ESMBA who is under 18 years old. It is normally held in May.
(7) MILLENNIUM TOURNAMENT
This is an annual Fours competition held on the same weekend as the AGM normally in July. It is open to all ESMBA members.
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