4. 150 mm spring Callipers.
Now we are getting serious. But is it spelt Calipers or Callipers? These are superb in a tight situation and very visible comparisons can be made to all concerned. Limited to 150 mm, extremely accurate and fill the short fall that folding umpires measures have at close range. A must for all serious players, but, a word to the wise. Keep well lubricated to avoid the sudden opening of the callipers. Moving the jack when measuring is embarrassing, firing it on to the next terrain is unforgivable.
5. Folding umpires measure.
The top choice for the top players. The sliding extension and unfolding steel sections cover all distances from 12 cm up to 1 metre. Clever isn't it? Favoured by umpires because it is a very visible method of measuring to show both teams. Care must be taken to extend away from the jack to avoid moving it as above. Can be used as a set of callipers when folded to a V. These measures come in steel or fibreglass. Both are equally accurate and the choice of material is the users preference.
6. Comparison measure with scorer and callipers.
All singing all dancing piece of equipment. 2 metre comparison steel strip, some are marked both sides in mm and imperial or just a comparison strip. They all have an automatic lock system. The Pointer on the end of the strip allows accurate measurement to boule. Integral callipers measure up to 9 cm and dial scorer add to this items attraction. Do not lend this to anybody.
7. 30 Metre tape measure.
Most club houses would be incomplete with out one of these argument resolvers. We have all seen teams pacing out a jack thrown close to ten metres. The average pace is not 1 metre as most would have us believe and the error over a 10 metre pace can be considerable. Usually most teams can agree by pacing it out however 12 -0 down 1 cm can be worth arguing over. Remember a jack over ten metres is illegal until both teams have thrown a boule. Before that the team who have not thrown the jack can challenge the length if they are not happy. So there we have it, the comprehensive guide to measures. Most people survive happily with one of the above but a combination of the above will tackle all eventualities. I myself settle for a 3M tape, Folding umpires measure and the spring callipers. OK I sometimes use a 20M tape.