January 20, 2010

I notice that the temperature was recorded as 41.1c at 2:25pm on Tuesday - the first day of play in the State Fours.

It was sure hotter than 40c when I went to have a look at Osborne Park for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. In fact the Bureau of Met. web-site recorded the Perth temp as 40.8c at 2:30pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm.

But the only 'delay' in play that I saw was about 10mins between the second and third sectional games when the players replenished their fluids at the Bar.

This was despite the C.O.P specifically stating:

"Heat Rule

...

If the temperature reaches 40 degrees or above during play, play will be delayed. The controlling body will determine if/when play is to resume.\"

It is not clear to me who has the responsibility (on behalf of Bowls WA - the Controlling Body) to make this determination.

Is it Bowls WA officials, through contact with the B of M, who would then contact all venues?

Is it the Umpire's of the day at each individual venue (and how do/would they determine when the temperature reaches 40c)?

It looks like the Heat Rule is is only there to show that "we care", but not to be implemented if it might interfere with the running of a State event.

(And PS John Sherro - I didn't realise that you were so young!)

Dave Scott