Playing Out of Turn in Lawn Bowls: What Happens Next?

A bowl delivered out of turn can feel like a match-changing mistake. The laws provide a practical way to restore the correct order, and the available remedy depends on when the error is noticed and whether the head has been disturbed.

If the bowl is still moving

The opposing skip may stop the bowl and return it to the player. The bowl is then delivered later in the proper order. Acting early is the simplest outcome because the head has not changed.

If the bowl has stopped without disturbing the head

The opposing skip has two choices under the World Bowls Laws of the Sport. They may leave the head as it is and have their team play two bowls in succession to restore the correct order, or return the misplaced bowl and resume in the proper order.

If the head was disturbed

The opposing skip can leave the altered head and play two bowls in succession, restore the former head and return the bowl, or declare the end dead. Because replacing a head relies on agreement and accurate memory, players should stop play and involve the umpire when the positions are uncertain.

If both sides have already played

When a bowl has been played by each team—or by both opponents in Singles—before the error is discovered, the end continues in the new order. The law avoids rewinding several valid deliveries after both sides have participated.

What if you play another player's bowl?

That is a different error. The bowl is replaced with the correct player's bowl. If the original was marked or nominated as a toucher, the replacement receives the same status.

Prevent the mistake

Keep unused bowls grouped by player, confirm whose turn it is after every change of end and let one teammate manage the scorecard. A short verbal check is quicker than reconstructing a disturbed head.

Keep the match state visible

WGTS combines digital scorekeeping and camera-assisted measurement on compatible devices. A clear running record helps teams stay oriented during busy ends. Try WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android.

Rules note: the opposing skip has specific choices. Pause the game and consult the current laws or umpire rather than improvising a penalty.