Umpires and Umpiring
So You Think You Might Want to Become an Ump?
What a great thought! Learning the Laws of the Sport and how to apply them will benefit you, your Club, and all of bowls!
You'll be joining an elite group of men and women who are not only recognized experts in interpreting, teaching, and living by the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, but who are also renowned for their willingness to give back to the game we all love.
It isn't that difficult. The written test is open book, then you’re given a practical (to make sure you make accurate measures). Then you’ll be given an Oral that tests your ability to handle problems in real time….just like Umps do in real life.
After passing the three tests, you’ll get the National Umpire’s Club Pin and a five year membership card. Every five years thereafter, you will be invited to recertify. During the entire process, all test papers and application forms are kept totally confidential.
The Pledge you take when applying is important and serious. It says: “If I am selected as a National Umpire, I promise to be fair, impartial and honest at all times in my interpretation of the Bowls USA Laws of the Sport of Bowls. I further promise to be willing to serve whenever possible and to strive to make the National Umpire’s Club an organization of which Bowls USA Membership and Council can be proud.”
Beyond the Pledge, you’ll be provided with a Code of Conduct and a copy of the Policy and Procedures Manual which has been adopted by the Bowls USA National Council.
Begin the process by sending your completed application to the Head Division Umpire where you live. (It’s on a link below).
2011 Laws
The Laws of the Sport of Bowls are maintained throughout the world by the parent organization for all lawn bowling nations, World Bowls.
A committee of distinguished bowlers reviews every Laws-related communication from the 58 nations that play the game and publishes an updated version about every four years. Visit the "Laws" page for complete details.
Summary of 2011 Changes
Read or download a brief summary of the Laws' changes from the 2007 Laws.
Annual Reports
Application Form
Download an umpire Application Form here.
Code of Conduct
Read or download the Code of Conduct
List of Head Division Umpires and their Assistants
Click here for a list of the Head Division Umpires and Assistant Head Division Umpires.