Bowls - Information
Please read the articles below to familiarise yourself with our Club.
Etiquette in Bowls
Always be on time for the start of play. Be completely ready to play – bowls cleaned, duster and gripping material, clothing correct, and players that require chalk, measure, pen, or coin should have it with them.
Skips toss coin to start the game after introducing their teams to opposition. First names of team members should be placed on scoreboard on side indicated by scorecard if being used.
Fostering of team unity is assisted by the following team member to play handing the team member to play their bowl. That is second hands bowl to lead, three to second etc.
Once the opponent has delivered their bowl the rink remains their possession until their bowl comes to rest. When it is your rink listen to your skip’s instruction and THEN begin your delivery routine.
Take an interest in your game following how the head is building. You will then not have to ask the skip the position of the head. CONCENTRATE!
Listen to and follow your skip’s instructions whether you agree or not. Remember the skip is trying to build a head and requires the cooperation of all team members.
After you have finished delivering all of your bowls you should return to the bank.
As near as practicable, walk quickly down the centre of the rink when changing ends. Avoid stopping or straying on to an adjacent rink.
At the jack end, do not linger looking at the head. The skips are waiting to play their bowls. Players should ensure they are a minimum of 2 metres from the head preferably on the bank except for the thirds in fours or the seconds in triples.
ONLY the third (in fours) or the second (in triples) should advise or answer the skip, IF THE SKIP ASKS.
If measuring is to be done it is by the thirds in fours or seconds in triples – the remaining players should be away from the head and not interfering. The measurers should place scoring bowls on a cloth so that there is no confusion in the count.
At the completion of an end, players should position bowls behind the mat, at least one metre back.
The lead of the team that won the end should place mat straight away, so others know where to place the bowls.
In fours the seconds should look after the scoreboard – they are not needed to move the bowls. If there are scorecards these are looked after by the skips.
Always inform your team as well as your opponent if you have to leave the green and if you are getting a drink of water offer the same to your opponent.
Be conversant with the rules of the game and observe them.
Acknowledge good shots by both your own players and opposition. DO NOT CRITICISE ANY BOWLS. If you are having difficulty coping yourself quietly seek assistance from a team member in a manner that does not distract your team members from their tasks. DO NOT GO ON ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS. They will usually be evident to your team who should help you often without you having to ask.
Be a gracious winner and loser. This does not mean you should not have the determination to win. Always shake hands with your opponents and team members, and thank them for the game. A smile goes a mile.
Respond to any nastiness or aggression with calmness and good manners. Walk away if necessary and be with your teammates.
After the game, if appropriate, team should sit with their opponents and offer visitors a refreshment.
As a Skip you should set an example – don’t criticise, don’t wander off, don’t become engrossed in conversation with the opposing skip or spectators or people on adjacent rinks. CONCENTRATE!
Helpful Hints to Improve your Bowling
Attend coaching clinics.
Watch the video “Coaching Lawn Bowls – The New Zealand Way”
Main points made in the video that will lead to you becoming more consistent.
Pre Shot Routine off the Mat:
Bowl objective
Position the bowl in hand
Identify line and focus point
Visualise the shot to be played
Confirm the line and focus point
Move on to the mat with anchor foot on line
The Mat Drill:
Confirm the body is square to line
Check – how far? Think – how fast?
Re-establish the focus point
Delivery Routine:
Start the pendulum swing
Step straight forward along the line
Release bowl at vertical release
Complete arm swing, keeping head still
Move forward off mat
3. Practice and play:
The more you practice the better and luckier you get.
4. Watch
Others - at your club, at tournaments elsewhere, on television or on the internet
5. Read
Books written by successful bowlers e.g.“ Perfect Bowls with Peter Bellis and Hugh de Lacy”
6. Relax and enjoy!
Safety First
By taking basic precautions we can lessen the chances of injury to ourselves and/or others:
Close bowls bags properly and stow them and other property out of the way – not on the seats.
Take care when stepping off and on to bank. Do not be too bashful to ask for help. If available use steps at end of greens.
Always place the mat on the bank. Never throw it, perhaps with part of it overhanging the edge someone could trip/slip on it and have a serious fall.
All lifters, umbrellas etc should be placed on the bank out of the way when not in use.
Roll all bowls to the rear of the mat at the start of play and after each end has been completed.
Never step backwards – you could trip over bowls behind you or on the bank.
A player who is going to drive should notify bowlers at the jack end on his/her own rink and adjacent rinks. Players should stand out of the way preferably on the bank or in a position to protect the adjacent rinks.
Drink plenty of water before, during and after play to avoid dehydration.
Be careful when walking on wet surfaces while wearing bowling shows – their smooth soles can cause slipping. Particular care needs to be taken when stepping on to or off the bank AT ALL TIMES.
NEVER RUN AT ANY TIME – WET OR FINE.
Do not lick your fingers – chemicals, often quite toxic, are used to treat the grass surface.
LISTEN CAREFULLY TO ANY MESSAGES DETAILING PARTICULAR HAZARDS THAT NEED TO BE HEEDED ON THE DAY OF PLAY.