When a bowl or jack moves unexpectedly, stop and identify three things: what moved it, whether it was still in motion or already at rest, and whether the rest of the head was disturbed. The remedy depends on those details, so do not rush to put anything back.
First, protect the evidence
Ask everyone to pause. Do not collect bowls, reposition the jack or recreate the head from memory while play continues. If an umpire is available, call them before making a disputed correction.
A bowl displaced while in motion
The law distinguishes between displacement by a player, a member of the player's team, an opponent, a neutral person or object, and a bowl from a neighbouring rink. Depending on the cause and what happened next, the bowl may be replayed, placed where it would probably have finished, left in its new position or declared dead.
A bowl displaced at rest
An agreed bowl at rest can often be restored to its former position by the appropriate side. If the movement disturbed other parts of the head, those may also need to be replaced. Deliberate displacement carries more serious consequences than an accident.
A jack displaced in motion or at rest
The jack has its own displacement rules. The outcome can depend on whether it was in its original course, whether it was at rest and who or what caused the movement. A jack moved by a bowl during normal play is not automatically an infringement; that movement is part of the game unless another law makes the jack dead.
Wind and other neutral causes
If wind or another neutral agency moves a bowl or jack at rest, the players should agree the former position and replace it. Marking positions before a risk becomes obvious can help, but never add unauthorised objects to the rink.
Why memory is not enough
People viewing the head from different angles can remember positions differently. A shared camera view can help explain what everyone saw, but it does not override the umpire or the remedy required by the current World Bowls laws.
Keep the decision calm
WGTS supports a clear shared view of close heads and digital scorecards on compatible phones. Download it for iPhone or Android.
Rules note: displacement is fact-specific. Use the current laws, domestic regulations and event conditions, and call the umpire for a disputed case.