When should I measure, and when should I call an umpire?

Measuring. You must measure any disputed shot or shots when asked to do so by either player (law 42.2.15). The process of deciding the shots must not start until the last bowl of the end has come to rest, or 30 seconds after that if a player asks for the 30-second period (law 23.1). Measure between the nearest points of the jack and the bowl (law 23.4). Do not move the jack or any bowls until the players have agreed the number of shots (law 42.2.14).

Calling an umpire. If the players are not satisfied with your measuring decision, you must ask the umpire to do the measuring. If the Controlling Body has not appointed an umpire, you must choose a competent neutral person to act as the umpire. The umpire's decision is final (law 42.2.15).

Other times the umpire is needed:

• If the players cannot agree whether a bowl or the jack is dead, they must ask the umpire to decide (laws 17.3 and 19.3).
• If the umpire is absent, you must make sure that all aspects of play are carried out in line with the laws, and check the bowls' World Bowls Stamps, the rink width and the distance markers before the game (law 42.1).