How final is an umpire's decision?

An umpire must be appointed by, or on behalf of, the Controlling Body for the competition (law 43.1). Your decision is final in all circumstances, except decisions about the meaning or interpretation of a law, which can be appealed to the Controlling Body (law 43.2.6).

You also decide, among other things, whether the mat line distances from the rear and front ditches and the distance of the jack or a bowl from the mat line comply with the laws, and whether a jack or bowl is in play (laws 43.2.3 and 43.2.4).

Skips settle disputed points with each other. If they need to check a law they must ask you for an explanation. If you consider that a decision the skips reached is not in line with the laws, you must overrule it so that it is. If the skips cannot agree, they must ask you to decide, and your decision is final (law 40.1.3 to 40.1.5).

If the Controlling Body has not appointed an umpire, the skips must choose a competent neutral person to act as umpire (law 40.1.6).