What action does an umpire take the first time a player is foot-faulting?

When an umpire observes a player committing a foot fault for the first time, the appropriate action is to issue a warning. This warning is generally communicated to the player in a manner that ensures the skip, or team captain, is also informed. This approach helps maintain the spirit of the game by allowing the player a chance to adjust their behavior without immediately imposing a penalty.

Issuing a warning rather than applying a penalty acknowledges that foot faults can be unintentional and gives players an opportunity to correct their actions. This method aligns with the aim of encouraging fair play and learning within the sport, particularly for less experienced players.

In contrast, imposing a penalty or declaring the bowl dead is more severe, typically reserved for repeated offenses or more serious infractions, while ending the game is an extreme measure generally related to the severity of behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct rather than technical infractions like foot faulting.