Clarification on the use of Laser Measures

Members of the National Officiating Committee have been testing the use of an approved Lawn Bowling Laser Measure which we all agree, the measure is accepted and used in other countries but classed as an ‘alternative measuring tool’ by World Bowls together with a Telescopic Measure,  Bullet Measure, Line sighter, Mirror, Square and Long Tape.

A lot of practice is needed before an umpire should take up the use in an actual event. This can be monitored by Head Umpires giving extra training in its use.

Shown below is the guidance World Bowls gives as to the use of the measure in October 2020,

Laser measures should be used with a degree of caution. All laser models display metric units to three decimal places (i.e. 1 mm), but their technical specifications indicate various levels of typical measuring accuracy, ranging between +/-1 mm and +/-3 mm. The LC recommends that MNAs adopt some protocols in response to measurements that fall within these ranges, such as:

a) to recheck the measures to the closest bowls to confirm the result;

b) to alter the method of measuring or choose an alternate measuring device.

Another limitation of any laser measure is that it can only be used when the jack and all bowls are on the green, and nothing is in the ditch. The laws state that any measurement involving the jack or a bowl in the ditch must be carried out using a flexible or string measure whenever possible.

The National Officiating Committee agreed and would be in favour of 2025 being a trial year for the BCB Umpire testing of Laser Measures in Canada as an ‘Alternative Measure’ with a decision to be made on acceptance/rejection prior to the 2026 season.

THE LASER MEASURE WILL NOT BE USED IN ANY NATIONAL EVENT.

Regards

George Cubiss (National Officiating Chair)