W2D-014 Bowling matters-1.txt
The Umpire - BRYAN DALY

A Bowls magazine wouldn't be complete without a column on umpiring. This is where I make my entrance.

At the recent World Indoor Bowls Council championships in Belfast where I was performing as Chief Umpire I had a lengthy conversation with Mr John Graham, editor of Bowls 2Day. I enjoy reading and in particular anything to do with Bowls and sport in general. After some bargaining I eventually bought one of his magazines, and before you say any more, Yes, I still had to pay the full price. Still it was worth a try.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this bright new publication. I am glad to see that it covers all bowls in the province and definitely adds the touch of having that local interest. It certainly has something for everyone.

The championships held in Belfast in April certainly had a different look about it. We incorporated some of the features introduced by the World Bowls Tour in Blackpool last year and Potters this year. Such changes as, No dead ends, best of 2 sets (7 ends / 9 ends), 3m T and match tiebreaks certainly caught everyone's attention.

Overall the event went extremely well attracting some of the best bowlers in the world. Having this attraction the large crowds were very well entertained. It was certainly a learning experience for most people coping with the rule changes. It put a lot of pressure on the umpires who were interested in not only keeping themselves right but also the players. I would like to take this opportunity in congratulating the Umpires for all their help before and during the event. Every single one of them are true professionals of their sport and should be proud of the fantastic work they did for me.
As already mentioned we had some very exciting matches and thankfully most went off trouble free. The only major problem I had was during one of the ladies singles round robin matches. One player was leading by 5 shots after 6 ends of a 7 end set. The player leading wanted to play the last end. On questioning the lady I ascertained that although she was leading and could not loose

the set she wanted to play the last end to try and increase her score (bearing in mind that in the round robin stages shots scored could decide who would qualify for the quarter finals if the match wins were equal). I accepted she had an argument but the rules clearly states that the set or match is over when at any stage it becomes impossible for your opponent to win. She accepted this and the game continued.
While I am on the rules of the game, I would take this opportunity in asking you to send your questions, queries and suggestions to me via 'Bowls 2 Day' and I will do my best to consider and answer your points. I would like to kick this off by asking you to send me your views on what the outcome would be in the problems faced in the last issue with Cyril's bowls in 'The Archers'.

I will also share with you in the next issues, my experiences and views on, Local, National, International and World Bowls in Short mat, Indoor and Outdoor.

So GET WRITING NOW!
