Rules of Play
Rules of Play (Section 2) extracted from the Code of Governance document
Revised November 2022
- (July 2024) clarity added for size of bowls for underage players in 'Rules of Play'
- (Feb 2026) refer to the details below on this page regarding updated rules on concession of scores and the taking of practice shots. Effective immediately
Updated rules effective from February 2026:
4. Practice Shots
a. No practice shot shall be allowed from the starting line, or elsewhere, after the toss of the coin,
b. No practice shot shall be permitted at any time during a score.
c. No practice shot shall be allowed from or in the immediate vicinity of the starting line in the 30 minute period immediately before the advertised time for any Munster or All-Ireland championship score. The referee shall confirm both the time limit and the definition of the immediate vicinity of the starting line.
d. No bowls shall be provided for the purposes of practice for any Munster or All-Ireland championship score by the organising committee, the host club or any other party associated with the organisation of the score.
32. Once a player starts a score, they must finish on that day, otherwise their opponent shall be awarded victory of the score (see also Rules 3, 33, 34, 35).
34. Concession of Scores
a. A player(s) may offer to concede a score at any time. Offer of concession shall be effected by: i. shaking the hand of their opponent(s) and informing the referee that they have conceded; or ii. informing the referee that they have conceded.
b. The referee may refuse to allow a concession and may instruct a player(s) to play to the finish line if it is deemed necessary.
c. Once the referee declares that the score has been conceded it is deemed to have been finished and that the conceding party has granted victory to their opponent(s).
d. The score shall not be resumed following concession. Any member who advocates for or attempts to facilitate a resumption shall be subject to disciplinary sanction by the Executive Committee.
35. If a player does not throw for the odds, then he/she concedes the odds.
Motions passed at the 2026 Ból Chumann na hÉireann convention:
(1). As and from 2027 a Ladies Novice championship will be introduced.
(2). Concession of score; refer to the above
(3). Practice Shots; refer to the above
All Officers were re-elected for the 2026 season un-opposed.