The SMPT have been reviewing the competition rules ahead of the 2024/25 season. Following discussions between the directors, player feedback and awareness of continued growth of our streaming coverage and presence, we have a made a couple of amendments which will come in to effect from the World Cup in August 2024.
Rule Change 1
The first bowl delivered by both players in a singles match or by both leads in a team match, which touch the jack must be removed from play, if in the course of their natural delivery path, enter the ditch fully. Should the toucher come to rest on the ditch line and a portion of it is still live, then this bowl will remain in play and can be further moved into the ditch by any subsequent bowl or the jack. Should the jack be moved by the bowl, it will remain in its new position, even if this is in the ditch.
Rule Change 2
Both the Irish Open & World Masters ranking singles events, will now revert back to twelve ends instead of ten, to align with our other ranking events.