What should the umpire do when a lead claims the jack is off-centre after the first bowl is delivered?

When a lead claims that the jack is off-centre after the first bowl is delivered, the appropriate course of action is to allow the game to continue without interference. In bowls, the positioning of the jack at the beginning of the end is crucial for the subsequent play, but once the first bowl has been delivered, the game dynamics change. At this point, the focus shifts to the bowls already in play, and the claim regarding the jack's positioning should not disrupt the flow of the game unless there is a clear and valid reason supported by the rules.

The rules governing bowls indicate that once the first bowl is delivered, players are expected to play on with the end as it stands, regardless of any claims about the jack's position. Allowing the game to continue promotes fairness and respects the natural progression of play. Furthermore, moving the jack back to the centre or voiding the end could lead to unnecessary confusion and disrupt the game, whereas seeking input from both teams may create disputes rather than providing clarity.

Thus, permitting the game to proceed without interference maintains the integrity of the competition while adhering to the established rules.