Becoming an Umpire

Acquiring the set of skills necessary to perform the duties of a National Umpire not only enhances your competence on the rink of play, but also provides an additional and important benefit to your club.

If you are interested in becoming an umpire, read the Policies and Procedures Manual of the National Umpires Club for a detailed explanation of the requirements and duties of not only umpires, but the National Umpire-in-Chief and the Head Division Umpires.

After understanding the position of Umpire you can take the next steps:

• Submit the Application to the National Umpire’s Club  (linked above)
• You will be provided the open-book test to complete on your own schedule and return at your convenience
• Successful applicants will then be directed to their Head Division Umpire to schedule the Oral and Practical Skills tests

NOTE:  Details for the Open-book, Practical, and Oral tests are included in the Policies and Procedures.  The results of the open-book test are confidential.
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If you would like more information, if you have other questions, or if you would like to gain the competencies necessary for the skills test, contact umpirebusa@gmail.com.
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Head Division Umpires

Central Division
Leif Andresen

Northeast Division
Colin Smith

Northwest Division
Alexis Vanden Bos

Pacific Intermountain Division
Ginger Harris

Southeast Division
Bud Ricucci

South Central Division
Ernie Carlson

Southwest Division
Melanie Vizenor

Measuring Resources

If you are an umpire and/or a bowler who wants to learn about and/or improve your measuring and umpiring skills, use the World Bowls' website, it is an excellent resource. 

​Once there, at the bottom right corner of the page, you will see a box, highlighted in blue.  There are several pages of recommended procedures, with videos, and the suggested equipment to use.

Laws of the Sport of Bowls Book

Worldwide lawn bowling rules are established by World Bowls and published as Laws of the Sport of Bowls.  World Bowls continuously reviews and revises the Laws. 

Bowls USA is one of 53 member nations affiliated with World Bowls and  each country may add their own requirements to the worldwide rules, as long as they do not violate the Laws.

The Official Rules and U.S. Domestic Regulations are included in the 2015 pamphlet which Bowls USA members receive from their club.

To obtain your copy of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls join Bowls USA through your club or contact your head division umpire to purchase one for $25 (includes Bowls USA membership). 

You can update your Laws of the Sport of Bowls rule book to reflect the  differences between  Bowls USA  Domestic  Regulations and World Bowls.  Click or Tap here!

UmpStumpers

Check out UmpStumpers, a fun, interactive and informative way to learn more about the Laws of the Sport of  Bowls!
A new challenge  is available each month  Click or Tap here!

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