English Bowling Federation &
English Women’s Bowling Federation

Protocol document for dealing with Non-compliance of Dress Code, Smoking / Vaping and use of Mobile Phones during Inter-County matches, and National Championships.

In recent times, incidents are being reported to the National Body of non-compliance of rules involving dress code, smoking/vaping (on green) and the use of mobile phones (again on green). Although there are rules already in place to cover these matters, no formal process to incur penalties in relation to non-compliance is currently in place. This document therefore covers the process of enforcement as agreed by the National Executive Committee, that will be followed with effect from 1st May 2026.

During Inter-County Matches, where an Umpire is appointed, any incidents of non-compliance of the rules covering Dress Code, Smoking/Vaping, and use of Mobile Phones the Umpire will speak with the Captain / County Official of the offending team and ask for the matter to be remedied immediately. If this is done, the matter will be noted on his/her official report and no further action taken. If however no action is taken to rectify the matter, or if there is further non-compliance during the same match the non-compliance will be reported to the National Secretary via the Official match report and for each occurrence 1point will be deducted from the offending teams match point score, for each occurrence (this could result in a minus score if no points were gained).

Important Note: If a mobile phone is required by a player on the green for emergency purposes during a match, then the Umpire must be informed prior to the game starting.

If an Umpire has not been allocated to an Inter-County match, then the team Captains / County Officials will act in the enforcement process as above and report any incident(s) to the National Secretary.

At National Championships, all incidents of non-compliance will firstly be reported and dealt with by the on-duty Umpire, and he/she will discuss the matter with the player concerned and ask for the matter to be remedied immediately. If this is done no further action will be taken, but the incident will be noted. If, however, no action is taken to rectify the matter or there is further non-compliance during the same Championships then the Finals Committee may disqualify the player(s) concerned.

Message from Umpire Gordon Tucker 

Fellow Umpires and Bowlers,
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had throughout my years in Umpiring, after much thought, I have decided to retire, effective at the end of the outdoor Championships at Skegness. This decision has not come easily, as I will miss the camaraderie we’ve shared and the memories created.
Looking back on the past twenty-five years, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships formed and memorable experiences gained.
Perhaps one of the most fulfilling aspects of our time together has been the EBF commitment to Charity work. As I go into retirement, I hope to raise some funds for two Charities which mean a great deal to me and a poster will be circulated to detail those.
While I will miss the daily interactions and teamwork, I look forward to cherishing these memories and staying connected. I hope to see everyone continuing the spirit of friendship and support that makes our Federation so special.
Thank you for being a part of this chapter of my life. I look forward to the next adventures and staying engaged in our shared passions.
Gordon Tucker    EBUF Umpire 

A Message from Gordon Tucker

As Part of my 80th Birthday Celebrations and leading up to my Unpires retirement, I have decided to do a little bit of charity, therefore oer the outdoor bowling seasion of 2026 I will be doing these series of challenges set by my family

The charities that I have chosen are ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY & HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE, during the past year one of them has never been far from my thoughts, and the other does exceptionally good work for those with profound hearing loss.

A Just Giving page has been set up, under the name of daft umpire, and is now active. Dates and details for the challenges will be posted along with pictures and comments.For those who wish to donate by banks transfer the account number is BARCLAYS 20-52-78  93284883 and a link  is below, which will take you dircet to the Just Giving website.

The challenges will run throughout the outdoor season and I will endeavour to complete one each month throughout the season and the donation period will end on the 5TH SEPTEMBER after the National Championships at Skegness, as you will note there are two charities and at the end of the donation period, I hope that the amounts raised be approximately equal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for thoses who wish to donate

Gordon Tucker EBUF Umpire in the meantime any queries may be sent to this address, daftumpire@gmail.com

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Link            Alzheimer’s Society link

Lincoln 2026

September Bowls Week 2025

The once great and now revived Skegness September Bowls Week has finished today (11Sep 25). With good weather from the outset the open singles, pairs and triples were played under federation rules. The week was run by a team of volunteers led by Josie Tyers.

Sponsership came from local businesses and entry fees of £7 p.p. meant that (eg) the Singles winner received £200. Cheques also went to losing finalists & semi-finalists.

The winners (and runners-up) were:

• Singles – Gary Shepperson (Trevor Bannister)
• Pairs – Sean Kerry & Aidy Kidd (Aidy Smith & Paul Roberts)
• Trips – Dave Colley, Andy Drury & Tony Lee (Matt Walker, Aidy Kidd & Dale McCarthy)

Dale is Welsh, played the Federation code for the first time and is hoping to return next year. Another participant was Steve O’Dowd, Chairman of the North Parade Bowling Greens Association who only took up the game after getting involved in the rescue of the 3 Suncastle Greens.

The event WILL run again in 2026, Sunday 13 Sep to Friday 18 Sep.

Reg Jackson Prize Winners

AGM Report – November 2025

Not many changes at the 2025 A.G.M. A Summary of changes are listed below.

1. To qualify in senior competitions competitors must be at least 60 years of age on the first day of September of the season in which the competition is played. This was brought down from 65 years of age.

2. Indoor clubs may now affiliate to the Federation

3. All members of the EBUF, by paying their annual membership subscription or being awarded Life membership, will automatically become affiliated members of the EBF / EWBFand are thereby able to officiate at any inter county matches and national or county finals.