When is a Toucher Not a Toucher?

Lately I've had one or two questions emailed to me about the rules which apply to touchers in a game of short mat bowls; and I've also noticed that this is an area that generally gets talked about on a fairly regularly basis.

So in an attempt to play peacemaker and resolve all of those arguments (and to also save me from typing out any more email replies ), here is the issue that people are debating and the official ruling which applies.

To summarise the basics, any bowl which comes into contact with the jack is classed as a toucher and should be marked with chalk. This enables it to still be counted as a live bowl even if it finds it's way into the ditch during the end.

The part of the rule that seems to bring about a difference of opinion is whether a bowl must touch the jack directly in order to be counted as a toucher or whether it can be deflected off another bowl and still count.

The official ruling states that any bowl which touches the jack whilst in motion and before it comes to rest is classed as a toucher. This includes any bowl that deflects off another and also if the jack itself is sprung, causing it to touch the running bowl, provided that bowl is still in motion.

So there you have it. I'm hoping that puts an end to this debate and that I've prevented any more fisty cuffs that may have been occurring during all those heated exchanges!