C.M.C.A. DISC BOWLS
CONDITIONS AND RULES
Prepared by Cyril Hutchesson N2773

1. CONDITIONS
1.1 The disc bowls shall consist of two sets of six discs - each set is to be a different colour (light and dark). A LAWN BOWLS kitty IS RECOM-MENDED FOR TOURNAMENT
PLAY, however a cricket or baseball may be used for practice. Disc measurements are to be 187mm diameter x 25mm thick, with a 45 degree chamfered edge on one side, and a centre hole of up to 25mm diameter to achieve a weight not less than 275 grams nor more than 300 grams.
1.2 The playing area is defined by a roped rectangular area 9 metres x 2.5 metres, and sited preferably on a flat grassed area with a halfway point designated by two small markers.
1.3 Control of the tournament is vested in the tournament director (or deputy) - who shall prepare all draws and court allocations - and generally administer the tournament.
1.4 The game is controlled by two officials, the umpire and scorer. The Umpire administers the game from the receiving end according to the rules. It is the scorers responsibility to call footfaults from the bowling end, and to note the relative score at each end, as advised by the Umpire, onto the official score sheet. After 6 ends the scorer tallies same, declares the winning team, and gives the score sheet to the tournament director who enters results on the master score board.

2. RULES OF THE GAME
2.1 Players must throw discs with both feet contained within the width of the sidelines AND from BEHIND
the baseline of the court. A foot out-side the width of the sidelines, OR ON or OVER the rope (Foot Fault) renders that disc "Out of Play".
2.2 A disc which rolls outside the court but comes to rest fully or partially inside the court is deemed "Out of Play".
2.3 A disc which rests against, or lands under or over the perimeter of the rope is deemed "Out of Play".
2.4 A disc thrown out of sequence is deemed "Out of Play".
2.5 Any disc "Out of Play" shall be removed from the court by the umpire before the next disc is thrown, and re-place any other disturbed discs to (as close as possible) their former position prior to the shot.
Rule 2.5 (a) This also relates to the "Kitty" if disturbed, and to be replaced to former position.
2.6 The "kitty" is deemed to be "in play" whilst the portion of its surface upon which it rests is inside the court.
2.7 The team which causes the kitty to be knocked out loses that end, and three points are awarded to the opposing team.
2.8 All discs "in play" must remain where they land until the end is scored.

3. H0W TO PLAY
3.1 The game of disc bowls can be played as individuals against one an-other or in teams of two or three players.
One person per team - uses six discs of the one colour.
Two persons per team - the lead player and the skipper of both teams each use three discs of the one colour.
Three persons per team - The lead, second and skipper of both teams each use two discs of the one colour.
TOURNAMENT COMPETITIONS GENERALLY HAVE 3 PLAYERS PER TEAM.
3.2 The game is played over six ends. Discs are thrown first from one end (and scored), then alternating ends (and scored) until six ends are completed.
4. START OF PLAY
4.1 The game commences with the Umpire tossing a coin between the two skippers (Captains). The winner either electing to throw first or inviting the opposing team to lead off.
4.2 The lead off player rolls the 'kitty' - which must remain in the playing area (between halfway and the baseline). If it does - it is centralised by the Umpire at the distance reached. If it does not , the opposing lead player rolls the kitty. If it remains in the playing area the umpire centralises it. If it does not remain in the playing area, the umpire places 'kitty' centrally at the ¾ position of the court. In every in-stance referred to above - the original lead player still throws the first disc.
4.3 The lead player throws the first disc to land as close as possible to the 'kitty'. Play follows with the opposing lead, followed alternatively by the seconds, then the skippers, and repeats until all twelve discs are thrown. (except as in 2.6)
Skippers - on request to the Umpire - will be permitted to inspect the head prior to their final throw at each end. Players must play in their nominated positions for the duration of the tournament.
4.3 (a) any participating player, at any time during the game may request from the umpire "which is the closest disc to Kitty"
4.4 When the twelve discs have been thrown, 'Skippers' only are permitted within the boundary of the court to decide which team's disc is closest to the 'kitty', and the number of shots (points). If the Skippers cannot mutually decide, the Umpire measures the shot and advises the scorer of the result.
4.5 Teams transfer to the opposite end. The game continues with the lead player of the team that won the previous end rolling the 'kitty' and playing first (as in 4.2).
4.6 This procedure continues until six ends are completed. The team with the highest points score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie - refer to rules 5.4 to 5.6.

5. SCORING
5.1 The team with the disc or discs nearer to the 'kitty' than the opposing team's nearest disc at the completion of each end, shall score one point for each disc.
5.2 If two opposing discs are equal distance from and nearest to the 'kitty' at the finish of an end, no score shall be taken from that end (which is considered completed).
5.3 The team with the highest points score at the completion of the game is declared the winner.
5.4 If, on the completion of six ends the scores are equal (tied) the Umpire will place the kitty' centrally at the ¾ point of the court as in rule 4.2.
5.5 The 'SKIPPERS ONLY' throw in the playoff, with three discs each. The Umpire tosses a coin to decide which player leads off as in rule 4.1.
5.6 The 'Skippers' throw alternatively until their three discs are thrown, to decide the winning team, as in rule

6. MEASURING
The measurements shall be taken from the closest part of the disc to the 'kitty'. If 1 disc only is in contact (over
under or against) with the 'kitty' - that shall be the winner - that shall be the winner together with any other discs closer to 'kitty' than the opposition's.
Where one or more opposing discs are in contact with 'kitty' - there shall be a tie (scoreless end).
6.2 A set of callipers or a steel measuring tape shall be used to measure the distances of discs from the 'kitty'.
6.3 Whilst Umpire or Skippers are measuring, ALL other players shall remain at the bowling end of, and out-side the court until the number of shots have been indicated to the scorer.

7. ETIQUETTE
7.1 No person shall touch a thrown disc unless directed by the Umpire.
7.2 All players shall wait until all discs have been thrown - and scored -before walking on the playing area.
7.3 The 'Umpire's' decision will be final in all matters of dispute - how-ever - the Umpire may, at his/her discretion, consult with the tournament director or deputy.