(Update 2024, with the photo Below) This was recently posted on Ontario Discussion Board by Ralph Ellis, (a well known Canadian Elite). " This is a Taylor Sonic Measure being used at World Bowls in the 1984. I own one. It is extremely accurate, and an umpire's measure in my games has never disagreed with it. It failed commercially because it was expensive, and lawn bowlers are cheap. It was around $200 in 1980s money or equivalent to $600 today. The only technical drawback was that in strong winds, the measurement would fluctuate for a long time before settling down. Great for indoors or clubs with tree cover to break the wind." (end of update 2024)
To those following this Bowls Blog, I guess it is your Christmas time early. This blog is the gift of a life time. But the gift is as good as you make it. And if you get to know how to use it with accurate results, it will allow you to measure your bowls with an unbelievable skill and allow decisions for how to play that next bowl.
In Rosemount, LBC , Montreal Quebec, during a semi finals of the Provincial Single Qualification toward respresenting Quebec at the Canadian Nationals, I was trailing 19-20 and the marker had said that the two bowls were a measure. The decision of next bowl (last bowl) was important as if my opponent had shot, than game was over unless I attempted to remove Andy's bowl. If I drew for shot then it would be only 20-20 score and if I missed the tap-back of his bowl or even worst removed mine own bowl, Game over.
Walking to the head, and with the use of the experience of the below mention system of measuring, I was able to see that I had shot and only need a draw for 2nd shot to win the game. After the draw, the bowls in question were measured and it was close as I thought (within millimeters) but my evaluation of having shot was correct and I went on to the finals against Johnny, who eventually won and represented Quebec in that years Nationals Championships.
" How do you measure two bowls when rules prevent you from using a measure before the end of the game ?"
Finger Measure I know you have all seen those crossed fingers at the chest as the skip walks around the head measuring the bowls. How accurate is this method, one would ask. Well first it is important to understand how it work, and then I will explain why I believe my Center-to-jack system (below) is better. For accurately knowing the shot before the bowls are measured at the game end can be of a major important in game play of that last bowl.
Using the "Spread fingers at the chest" method requires that the Fingers be placed at the inside of the first bowl to be measured and the jack. Now without moving the hands position which is sitting on the chest moved to the next bowl and jack and repeat the same verification. It is important to learn to use a perspective vision of the bowls. (Remember that your two eyes see the bowls differently)
Center to Jack measuring system This measuring, comes from the french Bowls game of Petanque. Because, in Petanque, you must play again if your last played ball does not capture the shot; the player can measure which bowl is shot when ever they want to know who has the point and anytime in the game. But imagine how long a game would be if every time we were to question who has the point. We would be always measuring. As a Captain, you learn to be extremely precise making this decision on which petanque ball is shot and if still in doubt, then because it is Petanque we can kneel and with tape and measure the balls.
Over the years of Petanque (every winter I still play) I have worked at developping confidence in this measure system and you can also with practice have that confidence too.
First, let us start with basic math. Geometery and the right-angle triangles says that when two triangles are placed with the common side together the opposite sides are of equal distance. So if the Jack is at the top (or apex) of the diagram (as in the bottom part of the photo); the two bowls at each opposite end are at equal distance from the jack.
There is an important part of this photo. This apex of the triangle and line of the 90 degrees, up from the base of the triangle, indicates equal when it runs through the "Exact center" of the jack. (if there is the least little difference of this 90 degree line running through the center of the jack, then the ball which is closest to the center side of the jack is the shot, even if a few millimeters. (look at the below example photo of the foot below)
Secondly, To have this method work accurately it is necessary to find the "exact" middle between the two balls or Bowls if you are measuring in a Lawn Bowls game. (not a guess of the middle but with exztreme confidence that the space on the left and right of your foot are the same distances. (Photo 1 below) Find the Middle point between the two bowls even if you must cover the jack with your hand. If done properly, you will be moving your foot left and then right as you evaluation of the left and right bowl distance from the middle of your shoe. (I wear a black felt mark line on my white bowls shoe for this reason)
Once the middle point between the bowls is found, you move your heel left or right as you point the toe line (toward the jack) at exactly 90 degrees. It may seem difficult but forgot about the jack and think of the line between the two bowls and 90 degrees outward from you.
I am going to mention a problem at this point because it is important. In the sport of petanque the balls are completely round but in lawn bowls the bowls may not be round in the way the bowl is sitting. But if the bowl is sitting against the Bias you must find the point on the bowls which represents the closest point of that bowl to your jack. (ofcourse this is where the umpire will be measuring it. ( and not your 90 degree line looking toward the bowl). Although you may, like in photo 2 (below), find it necessary to use different parts of each bowl for your measurement (because of the bias the final measure by the unpire will be that side of the bowl closer to the jack . (Update May 2017 to add photo of Claire Johnston of Scotland during her 2017 Indoor Mixed Pairs Semi-Finals as she is checking which bowl is shot with her foot and this method of measurement. (as it was Game over, the Umpire was called following her verification during this indoor game)
In the pictures below we see that the bowl on the right (measurer left) is closer because one notices that more of the jack is on that side of the 90 degree line. I have learned that, in time and practice, you can see which bowl is shot to within fraction of a jack (In the photo (3) the 90 degree line passes to the left of the centre of the jack, this is the difference in the measure. (1/4 jack width for the bowl on the right) . Remember, the closer the 90 degree line passes to the center of the jack the closer the measurement will be or the distance will be the same)
When the bowls are both on a straight line which passes near the jack, your evaluation will be easy. .However, the weakness of the method is when the bowls are farther apart and especially when they are at an angle on like with a clock hands at 10:15. (opposite side of the jack ) When practicing this method and for learning, use bowls that are sitting flat so you can better see their positions. In time you will also know how to evaluate those standing bowl and it not affect you when use for the eye to find the mid-distance point of the bowls.
So to review.
Three different steps are required to accurately use this method of visual bowl measuring.
1 - You must move your foot to the location which is half way between the two bowls to be measured. Take the time to find this center point as it is important. (because of leaning bowls always use the bowl's centre. Maybe even cover the jack with your hand if seeing the jack is a distraction during your find the mid-point.
2. - You then fine tune your evaluation , finding this center point take time to refuse it and re-evaluate it again as you move your foot left and right until you are confident that you have the exact center.
This center point will show you which bowls side is nearest. Known as the Center Point (CP) between the two bowls. This is also the clostest point to the jack. (experience and mistakes here will eventually fine tune your judgement )
3. - Having found the point, now look straight up (a 90 degree on that line between the bowls) toward the jack. I myself use a small black marker spot on the toe of my bowling sneakers or a white spot on my black bowls shoes. to find the exact mid point of my toe when I am looking toward the jack.. As you get extremely good you can see the center line passing to the left or right of the center of the jack and have confidence in such a fine measure.
Practice this measure method in a non-game situration and even use the above triangle of right angle triangles. (take two right handed drawing squares (plastic) and tape the short sides together). The number along the lower side will help you find the half way point. This tool should be only used at the beginning to develop you confidence in your foot placement (in the middle between the two bowls). Using this tool is only suggested to help you to know where to put your foot (mid-way) and verify your method of fine tuning. (moving your foot left and right until you have the ability to find the center point and see the 90 degrees. Always, when practicing this measurement measure the bowls afterward to know you were correct on your evaluation and decision.
I've added the stats (left) for this blog. After 5 years and over 20,000 views, this blog has been the most popular each week. (was written 11 March 2013) (Later Updated with photo of stats of 2017)
1.After finding your midway point between the two bowls use the tool to verify how accurate you have found the midway point as you use it at wrist high like the finger measurement.(above top photo) Without looking at the jack or the point of the tool toward the jack. place the marked side of the square on the Closest point (CP) of each bowl. Your taped joint should arrive at the place of your shoe and your marked toe spot.
2. After you have decided which bowl is closer, to verify how accurate your are, use the practice tool to check how the 90 degree line compares to your 90 degree to the jack. The tool is only suggested to allow you to have confidence in your judgement. It is by using this practice tool that you will fine tune your ability.
3. Measure the bowls to jack with a Bowls tape and find that you were correct on the closest bowl.
Combined Finger/ Center of Jack Measure
The center to Jack method described above is rather difficult to use when the bowls are on opposite side of the jack, As you see (below) the fingers are too close for a good finger measure; but a combination of the finger measuring and the center to jack method is suggested, as using the above system is helping you develop your confidence .
Using the above NZ Bowls Photo.and bowls to be sighted here I have attempted to modify the photo to show how it is possible to have a combined sighting method (finger and center of the jack sighting).
Walking to the head, and with the use of the experience of the below mention system of measuring, I was able to see that I had shot and only need a draw for 2nd shot to win the game. After the draw, the bowls in question were measured and it was close as I thought (within millimeters) but my evaluation of having shot was correct and I went on to the finals against Johnny, who eventually won and represented Quebec in that years Nationals Championships.
" How do you measure two bowls when rules prevent you from using a measure before the end of the game ?"
Finger Measure I know you have all seen those crossed fingers at the chest as the skip walks around the head measuring the bowls. How accurate is this method, one would ask. Well first it is important to understand how it work, and then I will explain why I believe my Center-to-jack system (below) is better. For accurately knowing the shot before the bowls are measured at the game end can be of a major important in game play of that last bowl.
Placing the left (or right) finger on the inside of the bowl, then check how the other finger appears toward the jack. Now here is the trick to proper measurement. Use the left eye when checking the left finger touching the bowl and similarly for the right side when touching the jack. Yes it works quite well. (At this Blog's end is a suggestion for the photo above from NZ photo collection). It is a combination of this finger measurement and my "Center to jack" measurement explained here. Not having used this finger method of measurement I appreciated the readers comments on my suggestion at the end of this blog. He states "I think the finger method needs the toes halfway between the bowl and jack and aligned with an imaginary line. The reason for this is to reduce the variables when you move to compare the next measure.")
Over the years of Petanque (every winter I still play) I have worked at developping confidence in this measure system and you can also with practice have that confidence too.
First, let us start with basic math. Geometery and the right-angle triangles says that when two triangles are placed with the common side together the opposite sides are of equal distance. So if the Jack is at the top (or apex) of the diagram (as in the bottom part of the photo); the two bowls at each opposite end are at equal distance from the jack.
There is an important part of this photo. This apex of the triangle and line of the 90 degrees, up from the base of the triangle, indicates equal when it runs through the "Exact center" of the jack. (if there is the least little difference of this 90 degree line running through the center of the jack, then the ball which is closest to the center side of the jack is the shot, even if a few millimeters. (look at the below example photo of the foot below)
Secondly, To have this method work accurately it is necessary to find the "exact" middle between the two balls or Bowls if you are measuring in a Lawn Bowls game. (not a guess of the middle but with exztreme confidence that the space on the left and right of your foot are the same distances. (Photo 1 below) Find the Middle point between the two bowls even if you must cover the jack with your hand. If done properly, you will be moving your foot left and then right as you evaluation of the left and right bowl distance from the middle of your shoe. (I wear a black felt mark line on my white bowls shoe for this reason)
 | |
| 2017 Indoor S.Finals |
I am going to mention a problem at this point because it is important. In the sport of petanque the balls are completely round but in lawn bowls the bowls may not be round in the way the bowl is sitting. But if the bowl is sitting against the Bias you must find the point on the bowls which represents the closest point of that bowl to your jack. (ofcourse this is where the umpire will be measuring it. ( and not your 90 degree line looking toward the bowl). Although you may, like in photo 2 (below), find it necessary to use different parts of each bowl for your measurement (because of the bias the final measure by the unpire will be that side of the bowl closer to the jack . (Update May 2017 to add photo of Claire Johnston of Scotland during her 2017 Indoor Mixed Pairs Semi-Finals as she is checking which bowl is shot with her foot and this method of measurement. (as it was Game over, the Umpire was called following her verification during this indoor game)
In the pictures below we see that the bowl on the right (measurer left) is closer because one notices that more of the jack is on that side of the 90 degree line. I have learned that, in time and practice, you can see which bowl is shot to within fraction of a jack (In the photo (3) the 90 degree line passes to the left of the centre of the jack, this is the difference in the measure. (1/4 jack width for the bowl on the right) . Remember, the closer the 90 degree line passes to the center of the jack the closer the measurement will be or the distance will be the same)
When the bowls are both on a straight line which passes near the jack, your evaluation will be easy. .However, the weakness of the method is when the bowls are farther apart and especially when they are at an angle on like with a clock hands at 10:15. (opposite side of the jack ) When practicing this method and for learning, use bowls that are sitting flat so you can better see their positions. In time you will also know how to evaluate those standing bowl and it not affect you when use for the eye to find the mid-distance point of the bowls.
Three different steps are required to accurately use this method of visual bowl measuring.
1 - You must move your foot to the location which is half way between the two bowls to be measured. Take the time to find this center point as it is important. (because of leaning bowls always use the bowl's centre. Maybe even cover the jack with your hand if seeing the jack is a distraction during your find the mid-point.
2. - You then fine tune your evaluation , finding this center point take time to refuse it and re-evaluate it again as you move your foot left and right until you are confident that you have the exact center.
This center point will show you which bowls side is nearest. Known as the Center Point (CP) between the two bowls. This is also the clostest point to the jack. (experience and mistakes here will eventually fine tune your judgement )
3. - Having found the point, now look straight up (a 90 degree on that line between the bowls) toward the jack. I myself use a small black marker spot on the toe of my bowling sneakers or a white spot on my black bowls shoes. to find the exact mid point of my toe when I am looking toward the jack.. As you get extremely good you can see the center line passing to the left or right of the center of the jack and have confidence in such a fine measure.
Practice this measure method in a non-game situration and even use the above triangle of right angle triangles. (take two right handed drawing squares (plastic) and tape the short sides together). The number along the lower side will help you find the half way point. This tool should be only used at the beginning to develop you confidence in your foot placement (in the middle between the two bowls). Using this tool is only suggested to help you to know where to put your foot (mid-way) and verify your method of fine tuning. (moving your foot left and right until you have the ability to find the center point and see the 90 degrees. Always, when practicing this measurement measure the bowls afterward to know you were correct on your evaluation and decision.
 |
| Update May 25 2017 Stats |
I've added the stats (left) for this blog. After 5 years and over 20,000 views, this blog has been the most popular each week. (was written 11 March 2013) (Later Updated with photo of stats of 2017)
1.After finding your midway point between the two bowls use the tool to verify how accurate you have found the midway point as you use it at wrist high like the finger measurement.(above top photo) Without looking at the jack or the point of the tool toward the jack. place the marked side of the square on the Closest point (CP) of each bowl. Your taped joint should arrive at the place of your shoe and your marked toe spot.
2. After you have decided which bowl is closer, to verify how accurate your are, use the practice tool to check how the 90 degree line compares to your 90 degree to the jack. The tool is only suggested to allow you to have confidence in your judgement. It is by using this practice tool that you will fine tune your ability.
3. Measure the bowls to jack with a Bowls tape and find that you were correct on the closest bowl.
Combined Finger/ Center of Jack Measure
The center to Jack method described above is rather difficult to use when the bowls are on opposite side of the jack, As you see (below) the fingers are too close for a good finger measure; but a combination of the finger measuring and the center to jack method is suggested, as using the above system is helping you develop your confidence .
 |
| One hand hides the jack while the other hand (finger) finds cehter. Foot placed so 90 deg passes along line. Hand to see how jack fairs to line. |
1 - Place one hand to hide the jack and then sight the centre of the two bowls with your finger without seeing the jack. (a small finger helps)
2 - Placing your foot where the center passes between the two bowls (can even have your mate stand on opposite side of jack and be second position of 90 degree line.
3 - Now remove the hand which is hiding the jack and see how the 90 degree centerline to jack passes through the jack. (or even through the jack..
You should be able to see how the 90 degree line passes to the left or right of the jack. (or even through the jack)
To the left of center mean the that the right side is closest to the jack. (largest half of the jack)
The idea of the center to jack method is to find the center of the two bowls and see how the 90 degree line pass through the jack. But in the photo it is clear you can not put the foot half way between the two bowls to be sighted. So do the next best thing. Place it back away and use an "mind image" of the above mention tool to find the half-way point.
Hope this suggestion helps with skip measuring during game play, but to use the center to jack method requires fine tuning your ability to see that center line. If you use finger measure all the time and then try this at other times, it may not work because you must fine tune your eye to see the center to jack line.
Good luck , have fun. Re-written Aug 2024
To the left of center mean the that the right side is closest to the jack. (largest half of the jack)
The idea of the center to jack method is to find the center of the two bowls and see how the 90 degree line pass through the jack. But in the photo it is clear you can not put the foot half way between the two bowls to be sighted. So do the next best thing. Place it back away and use an "mind image" of the above mention tool to find the half-way point.
Hope this suggestion helps with skip measuring during game play, but to use the center to jack method requires fine tuning your ability to see that center line. If you use finger measure all the time and then try this at other times, it may not work because you must fine tune your eye to see the center to jack line.
Good luck , have fun. Re-written Aug 2024
You said "Maritimes Canada has 4 provinces". That is incorrect. Maritimes Canada has three provinces. Newfoundland is one of four Atlantic Provinces.
ReplyDeleteVewwy interesting. But I think the finger method needs the toes halfway between the bowl and jack and aligned with an imaginary line. The reason for this is to reduce the variables when you move to compare the next measure. My other suggestion for bowlers who do not want to get down for an official measure is to use chopsticks instead of fingers. Slide the chopsticks apart to get the visual distance the same as fingers.
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