If a player accidentally moves the jack with the measuring tape, what is the correct procedure?

In the scenario where a player accidentally moves the jack while using a measuring tape, the correct procedure involves returning the jack to its original position by an opponent. This is based on the principles established in the rules of lawn bowls.

When the jack is moved unintentionally during a measurement, the emphasis is on maintaining the integrity of the game. It ensures fairness by allowing the opponent to have the responsibility of placing the jack back, as they can verify the exact location before it was moved. This helps maintain the flow of the game and respects the competing interests of both players.

While other procedures might seem reasonable, such as allowing the player who moved the jack to replace it or stopping the game for a review, these do not align with the standardized practices that prioritize quick resolution and fairness in gameplay. Therefore, the protocol of having the opponent return the jack to its original position is the most appropriate and correct course of action.