How to measure bowls in pétanque: the official method explained

1.When are you allowed to measure?

First fundamental rule, often forgotten: you do not measure during an end. The FFPJP regulations are clear — measuring takes place when a team has played all its bowls or when there is doubt to decide who must play the next bowl. A team that gets the tape measure out after every bowl to "check" is in the wrong, and an umpire can penalise this practice.

In practice, you measure in two cases: during an end to determine which team must play (article 27 FFPJP — the one that does not have the point), and when the end is over to count the points scored by the team holding the point. Any untimely measurement is considered a waste of time.

Quick reminder: the regulations also provide for a playing time of 1 minute per bowl (article 16 FFPJP). Measuring too often means wasting everyone's time and risking an official warning. Measure only when it is useful for the decision.

2.Who should measure according to the regulations?

Second key principle: "the one who disputes measures". The official regulations specify that it is the team that played the last bowl that measures first, or more generally the team with an interest in doing so. If one team claims to have the point and the other disputes it, it is up to the challenging team to prove it by measuring.

In practice, in an official tournament, an umpire is called as soon as a disagreement persists. The umpire is the only one authorised to decide: their decision is final. In friendly play, the two teams can agree on a neutral player to carry out the measurement.

3.The authorised official tools

The FFPJP regulations only authorise "suitable" tools for measuring. In practice, here is what is officially recognised on tournament terrains:

The rigid or tape measure

The basic tool. It must be rigid on its useful portion to avoid bending that distorts the measurement. A flexible fabric tape is tolerated in free play but not recommended: it stretches and gives imprecise results. Prefer a short metal tape measure (2 to 3 metres is enough).

The pétanque callipers

Specialised tool made up of two adjustable points. Ideal for very small gaps (a few millimetres) that the tape measure cannot read precisely. The callipers are the reference tool of official FFPJP umpires.

The straight edge or flat ruler

For bowls that are touching or very close, a straight edge is used, slid between the bowl and the jack. If the straight edge passes between the two: no contact. If it catches: the bowls are touching (carreau).

Invest in a real pair of pétanque callipers (15 to 25 € in a specialist shop). It is the tool that prevents 90% of disputes over gaps of a few millimetres. A tape measure alone is no longer enough once you start playing seriously, even in club play.

4.The official method step by step

Here is the exact FFPJP procedure, in order, to follow to avoid any dispute:

Step 1 — Stability of the terrain

Before any measurement, make sure the bowls concerned are marked on the ground (a line with the finger or with the heel in front of each bowl). This is compulsory if an intervening bowl has to be moved to measure. Without marking, in the event of accidental movement, the bowl is lost for its team (article 13 FFPJP).

Step 2 — Identifying the two bowls to compare

Clearly identify team A's bowl and team B's bowl closest to the jack. If a third bowl gets in the way of the tape measure, move it after marking.

Step 3 — Measuring bowl A then bowl B

Measure the distance between the edge of the bowl and the edge of the jack (not centre to centre). Note the distance of the first bowl, then measure the second without altering the tape measure if possible.

Step 4 — Announcement and agreement

The person measuring announces the result. Both teams validate it. In case of doubt, start again with another tool (callipers if the tape measure was used).

5.Summary table of tools

Which tool to use depending on the situation? The table below summarises the official recommendations:

6.In the event of a disagreement or an impossible measurement

What happens when the measurement does not allow a decision, or when both teams dispute the result? The FFPJP regulations provide for several levels of resolution.

First recourse: redo the measurement with a more precise tool (callipers if the tape measure was used). Second recourse: call an umpire, whose decision is final. Third recourse, in the absence of an umpire and if the measurement remains impossible: the end is void (article 28 FFPJP), no team scores, and you start again by picking up all the bowls.

7.Common mistakes to avoid

Here are the pitfalls that turn a measurement into a source of conflict:

Measuring without marking the bowls — any bowl moved accidentally and unmarked is lost for its team. Touching a bowl before the decision — merely brushing a bowl to "adjust" can be considered a deliberate movement. Measuring centre to centre — the official rule is edge to edge. Using a flexible tape — it stretches and gives variable results. Refusing the umpire — in a tournament, the umpire decides, and refusing them is liable to a penalty. To go further, check out our little-known rules and our free tools.

To point so close to the jack that no opponent will come to contest the measurement: lob, half-lob, ground reading and millimetric precision. The complete guide for the pointer who wants to make the difference.

FAQ — Your frequent questions

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Article based on the official FFPJP regulations for pétanque. To be adapted according to local club customs, which may add clarifications without contradicting the federal rules.