Could you please confirm whether it is permissible to level out the playing service eg by filling in a large number of holes, channels etc. between ends.
My understanding is that article 10 specifically prohibits this excessive "gardening", although I believe it is permissible to erase the circle just used, and also to fill in a hole (ie one) before throwing your own boule.
Players in our league seem to think this is permissible and I think article 10 could be clearer on this point.

The current rules allow the filling in of ONE hole before playing, i.e. you are NOT allowed to smooth out half the terrain, remove all stones, etc, etc, before playing.

Whilst some players seem to think that petanque is played on a perfectly smooth, flat billiard table, devoid of any features or obstacles, remember that petanque is MEANT to be played on a natural, unprepared surface.

Part of the skill of the game consists in 'reading' the terrain and having a range of different shots depending on the terrain.

HTH

Regards,

Ray

Just an afterthought - this seems to be a common misunderstanding but you should NOT erase the circle you've just played from.

Article 6 includes:
The team that is going to throw the jack must erase all throwing circles near the one it is going to use.

Again, this seems to arise from those who think you should play on a 'billiard table'. The only time you are allowed (required) to erase circles is to avoid confusion over which circle to use.

As an aside, if you use plastic circles, such confusion should never arise.

Regards,

Ray

Agree with Ray; this said a reservation when it comes to the Surface. As we have the only International listed court in Thailand, the rain our first ENEMY!Our surface consists of 1/2 m. of different qualities nincluding drainage facilities.
When the heavy rain stops, it takes less than 5. minutes, and the court dry. Regards,
Petanque.Th