BOWLS SURREY NEWSLETTER Issue 10/2025

Hello. This is the last newsletter that I shall write as your Communications Officer, a post I have held since it was created in 2018. 

I wrote the first Newsletter in January 2020 as I felt that communicating with as many of our members on a monthly basis was important.  However little did I know how important communications would be that year!  Some months I have had more important 'stuff' to pass over to you than others but on the quiet months I have managed to fill space with Umpiring questions.  I hope you have found these Newsletters interesting and maybe even a little fun. Charlotte BS Communications Officer.

The Bowls Surrey AGM will be held at Southey Bowls Club on Saturday 29th November.  All members can attend BUT only one member from each club can vote.  The AGM documents will be sent out within the next couple of weeks to the Club Secretaries. There will also be a link on the website to access them.

Ladies Presentation Dinner was held at Tyrells Wood Golf Club on 24th October.  100 attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner.  The evening was fun and relaxed and the competition prize winners were presented with their Trophies.  Congratulations to (President) Charlotte Emanuel who was awarded the Victrix Ludorum.

An Important note from the BS Chair  - Will Matthews
Technology use is growing across the Bowls community, with most competitions and match management now handled via websites or apps.  Social media is also expanding, helping share news, photos and updates more widely.  However, we must remain responsible in how we use these tools, especially informal platforms like WhatsApp that connect clubs.  Bowls Surrey is issuing guidance, aligned with Bowls England, on appropriate social media use.  Please follow these guidelines and take initiative to resolve any issues early. Addressing concerns promptly is far better than leaving them unresolved and hoping someone else steps in.  Lets's lead by example in our digital conduct.
Please see the Guidance from Bowls England attached to the email. There is also a link on the website.

Umpires Corner
Bowling Terms ... How many did you get right?
1) What is a Bowl in Motion? Definition.  C16 – A bowl which is moving during play after it has been at rest as part of the head.
2) What is a Toucher?  14.1 A bowl in its original course which touches the jack, even though it comes to rest in the ditch within the boundaries of the rink of play, is a live bowl and is called a toucher.
3) What is a Bowl on its Original Course? C.15 Jack or bowl in its original course: a jack or a bowl from its delivery until it comes to rest, no matter how many times (for a bowl) it comes into contact with the jack or other bowls before it comes to rest or becomes dead.
4) Where is the Mat Line?  C.20 Mat line: the edge of the mat nearest to the front ditch. All measurements involving the mat and a jack or a bowl will be taken from the centre of the mat line.
5) Where are the front and rear ditches?  C.8 End ditches C.8.1 Front ditch: the ditch at the end of the green which is directly in front of a player when they stand on the mat.  C.8.2 Rear ditch: the ditch at the end of the green which is directly behind a player when they stand on the mat. 

Surrey is very short on working Umpires at the moment.  If you have ever thought about doing the training now is a good time.  We offer a good mentoring program in Surrey once you have passed your initial training.  Please contact me if you would like any more information.  Charlotte - SurreyUmpires@gmail.com

Umpires Corner Part 2 - During an end it is noticed that the mat is no longer on the center line.  What should happen? 
The mat must be replaced back on the centre line.
6.2 During each end
After the start of play in any end, the mat must not be moved from its original position except in the following circumstances.
6.2.1 If the mat is displaced, it must be replaced in its original position.
6.2.2 If the mat is out of line with the centre line, it must be straightened on that line.
6.2.3 If the mat is off the centre line, it must be moved to that line.