Laws and Umpiring

Becoming an Umpire

Learning the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and how to apply them will benefit you and your club!
Any Bowls USA member is eligible and encouraged to become an umpire.  ​
Choosing to umpire for an event is entirely voluntary and appreciated.
Contact the National Umpire-in-Chief or your Head Division Umpire to find out more.

Re-certification

Umpires are invited to renew their certifications every five years at the discretion of the NUIC.
Recertification consists of a 10-question written exam and submission of a new application.

Initial Certification Process -
​Five-year Term

  1. Submit an application form to your Head Division Umpire.
  2. Complete a written, open book test.
  3. Perform a practical test doing measures.
  4. Answer an oral test designed to demonstrate how to handle typical questions that may arise during a game.
  5. All test results and application forms are confidential.
Check out Ump Stumpers, a fun, interactive and informative way to learn more about the Laws of the Sport of Lawn Bowls! A new challenge each month Click/Tap here!
If you are an umpire and/or a bowler who wants to learn about and/or improve your measuring and umpiring skills, use this link to World Bowls' website.  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.
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 LOTSOB.
Bowls USA is one of 55 member nations affiliated with World Bowls.
​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.

Important Documents for Umpires
NATIONAL UMPIRE ​IN CHIEF
Melanie Vizenor 
Central 
Leif Andresen  
Northeast 
Colin Smith
Northwest 
Richard Broad
Pacific Intermountain
EB Parkell
South Central 
Dee McSparran
Southeast
Bud Ricucci
Southwest
Kottia Spangler
Contact the umpire near you or Head Umpire, Melanie Vizenor above!

Laws of the Sport of Bowls

Bowls USA Umpires and Members
Edit your 2015 LSB rule book to reflect the differences between Bowls USA Domestic Regulations and World Bowls. Click or Tap here!
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 $20 (includes Bowls USA membership).