When is a bowl considered dead concerning the side boundary of the rink?

A bowl is considered dead when all of it is outside the boundary. This definition aligns with the rules of bowls, where the entire bowl must completely pass beyond the side boundary of the rink for it to be deemed dead. The rationale is to ensure clarity in determining the status of the bowl during play, as a bowl still partially within the boundary remains in play and may affect the outcome of the end or the game.

In terms of play, if any part of the bowl touches or remains within the boundary, it is still active and can affect subsequent plays or scoring. Therefore, understanding that a bowl remains alive (active) as long as any part of it is over the boundary line is crucial for players and umpires. The distinction is vital for ruling decisions and strategic play during a game.