The basis of the Game of Bowls is Fours Play

48. Fours Play

(a) Designation of players

A team shall consist of four players, named respectively, Lead, Second, Third and Skip, according to the order in which they play, each playing two Bowls.

(b) Order of Play

The Leads shall play their two Bowls alternatively, and so on, each pair of players in succession to the end. No one shall play until his opponents' Bowl shall have come to rest. Except under circumstances provided for in Law 62, the order of play shall not be changed after the first end has been played, under penalty of disqualification, such penalty involving the forfeiture of the match or game to the opposing team.

49. Possession of the rink

Possession of the rink shall belong to the team whose Bowl is being played. The players in possession of the rink for the time being, shall not be interfered with, annoyed, or have their attention distracted in any way by their opponents.

As soon as each Bowl shall have come to rest, possession of the rink shall be transferred to the other team, time being allowed for marking a "toucher".

Should a player infringe the Law of rink possession the Umpire shall, after having given a warning, have the Bowl declared dead. If the Bowl has disturbed the head, the opponent shall have the option of

(a) resetting the head,

(b) leaving the head as altered, or

(c) declaring the end "dead".

50. Position of Players

Players of each team not in the act of playing or controlling play shall stand behind the Jack and away from the head or 1m behind the mat. As soon as the Bowl is delivered, the Skip or player directing, if in front of the Jack shall retire behind it.

In cases where there is no "stand-off' room at the end of the rink. players shall stand well clear of the object Bowl or Jack, whilst a Bowl is being delivered.

51. Players and their duties

(a) The Skip

The Skip shall have sole charge of his team, and his instructions shall be observed by his players.

With the opposing Skip he shall decide all disputed points, and when both agree their decision shall be final.

If both Skips cannot agree, the point in dispute shall be referred to, and considered by, an Umpire whose decision shall be final.

A Skip may at any time delegate his powers and any of his duties to other members of his team provided that such delegation is notified to the opposing Skip.

(b) The Third

The Third player may have deputed to him the duty of measuring any and all disputed shots.

(c) The Second

The Second player shall keep a record of all shots scored for and against his team and shall at all times retain possession of the score card whilst play is in progress. He shall see that the names of all players are entered on the score card; shall compare his record of the game with that of the opposing Second player as each end is declared, and at the close of the game shall hand his score card to his Skip.

(d) The Lead

The Lead shall place the mat, and shall deliver the Jack ensuring that the Jack is properly centred before playing his first Bowl.