What are the key duties of an umpire in bowls?

The key duties of an umpire in bowls include ensuring that all equipment meets specific standards, which encompasses the requirement for visible stamps on the bowls and verifying the correct dimensions of the rink. This responsibility is crucial because it maintains the integrity of the game, ensuring that all players are competing under the same conditions and that the bowls used are suitable for play. Without these checks, the fairness and consistency of the competition could be compromised, making it essential for the umpire to uphold these regulations.

Other aspects of umpiring, such as managing player conduct and enforcing game tempos, while important, are secondary to the fundamental requirement of equipment compliance. Refereeing disputes and determining shot outcomes are also part of an umpire's role, but primarily ensuring that equipment standards are met is a foundational duty that directly affects the fairness and order of the game.