The Crystal Mark Edition of the World Bowls Laws, Domestic Regulations,and changes to the Bowls Australia "Laws of the Sport of Bowls" book are available at http://www.bowls-aust.com.au/index.php?id=141
In particular, please be aware of the following changes to domestic rules that were implemented on 13th January 2008.
2.1.1Bowls
Australia reserves the right to randomly test a set of bowls owned by or used by
a player.It is the responsibility of
each bowler who participates in club championship competitions and above to
ensure that all sets of bowls used by the bowler in the event(s) comply with
the legal requirement that the matched sets have a bias equal to or greater
than the Working Reference Bowl (Law 8.2.1).
2.2The
deposit to be paid when a challenge to bowls is lodged (Law 8.3.4)
2.2.1The
amount is $150.00.
2.3Requirements
for the stamp on bowls (Law 9.5)
2.3.1As a
minimum, all bowls must carry the stamp of the current calendar year or greater
in which the competition/event takes place where BA is the controlling body. The
definition of a bowls stamp can be found in the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal
Mark Edition (Law 9.5)
2.4Consequences
for an event/competition as a result of a Bowls Challenge:
2.4.1The
following action will be applied by the Tournament Director once a Challenge
has been lodged:
2.4.1.1The
bowls are to be sent immediately to the nearest Licensed Bowls Tester as per Law
8.4
2.4.1.2If
subsequent games are being played after the challenge within the same even the
following action should be applied:
a)Section Play – The Player may continue
play with another set of legal bowls until the result of the testing is
determined.Should the Bowls fail, the
Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition Law 8.5.1 will be applied.
b)Knockout Play – The result of the test
must be determined before any subsequent games can be played.
2.4.1.3Where
the result of the test is not available in a practicable timeframe, the
tournament/event conditions of play will prevail over the Domestic Regulations.
2.5Bowls
failing a test
2.5.1Law
8.5 form the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark edition indicates that
when a player’s bowls fail the table test then the game in which they were
challenged should be forfeited to the opponent.If no evidence is presented or reported by the licensed tester that the
bowls have been deliberately altered, then no further disciplinary action will
be taken against the bowler.
2.5.2Law
8.6.2 of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition indicates that
any player who intentionally alters the bias of a set of bowls other than by a
licensed Bowls Tester will be suspended from playing for as long as Bowls
Australia determines.
2.5.3In
determining the penalty, the minimum penalty applicable for intentionally altering
the bias of a bowl is 12 months.