Page 13 - Autumn 2014

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Two proposals regarding the rules concerning the restoring of bowls, or the jack, after 13
displacement were heavily defeated after delegates expressed fears that the proposed
new wording could lead to bowlers deliberately disturbing heads to gain advantage. North
Yorkshire’s proposal to rewrite Rule D9 regarding foot faulting was discussed at length as it
gave umpires the right to call foot faults in all disciplines. The proposal was passed with 50
votes in support, 2 against and 3 abstentions.
The next North Yorkshire proposals involved minor changes for the sake of consistent
wording throughout the laws and the “The Last Word” statement on the back page of the rule
book to be given a more prominent position, both were passed. The next proposal from North
Yorkshire was a somewhat controversial one calling for the option of black trousers, skirts or
culottes to be accepted. Many delegates, as well as Officers, choose to speak on this issue
and various opinions were expressed for and against. When the proposal went to the vote it
was defeated leaving the current “mid grey” rule in place.
Another proposal from North Yorks was for Rules D1 & D2 to be deleted entirely and re-
placed with new wording, this proposal was heavily defeated. The final proposal from North
Yorks was a change to Rule E3(f) to correct an obvious error that currently made it possible
for the 2nd second to visit the head before bowling their final wood, this proposal was passed.
Two proposals from West Sussex were next on the agenda but were both withdrawn as
the issue of umpires calling foot faults in all disciplines had already been covered in an earlier
North Yorkshire proposal. Bob Weafer’s proposal on “Following the bowl up the rink mat” was
also not put to the meeting as the former England manager was not in attendance.(Ed - I
turned up at the venue listed for the AGM but the venue was changed and I couldn’t find it.)
Chris Hopkins proposal on the colour of rink mats was withdrawn as the issue had al-
ready been covered in an earlier proposal. There was then discussion over proposals that
had been received late by some counties, and not at all by others, which had been submitted
by retiring Umpires Director Graham Foote on the subject of “Running, Forcing & Firing” bowls.
It was ruled that these could not be discussed or voted on.
The Open Forum began at 4.21pm with a discussion on Countdown Discount Cards in-
troduced last year to members. Discussions then took place on ABC and Safeguarding issues.
The item on the agenda called “Discipline Procedure – West Sussex Concerns” was not dis-
cussed after the West Sussex delegates said that this was a letter to the ESMBA asking for
answers to specific questions and not intended as an item for discussion at the Open Forum.
The Hampshire CSMBA had sent a proposal calling for counties to be allowed to opt out
of the I.C.C Consolation Plate competition after the round robin stages were completed without
any penalty. There was some surprise, from not only delegates but some Officers, when I.C.C
Secretary Keith Hawkins indicated that he had no problem with this. It was suggested that a
section could be included on the I.C.C entry forms for counties to indicate if they did not wish
to play in the Consolation Plate.
Hampshire withdrew their proposals for the cut-off dates for National Qualifier competi-
tions run by county organisers to be revised as well as for the deadline date for the submission
of National Qualifier entrants to be put back. There was then a long discussion on ESMBA Li-
cences for Competitions which branched out into other subjects including playing against un-
registered leagues or teams. Chris Hopkins then drew attention to the fact that the fees for
2015/16 had not been agreed at the AGM as required under the Constitution. It was agreed
that this would be added to the Agenda for a Special General Meeting.

English Rule Changes effective 1st September - Ken Griffiths

1. In Rule A1a delete the last sentence – “It shall be coloured green”
(Ed - this allows mats other than green to be used officially e.g. Blue etc.)
2. In Rule C2b delete from the end of the first sentence the words “if it remains within
the live area, this includes the ditch”