About the Sport of Lawn Bowls
Lawn bowls is sometimes described as "curling on grass" - an apt description because the scoring is precisely the same as that of curling. Furthermore, lawn bowls, like curling should be played on a meticulously manicured surface.
Unlike many sports, lawn bowls does not require a participant to commit to a specific day and time. Come and bowl in draws at your convenience.
Unlike many sports, lawn bowls does not require a participant to commit to a specific day and time. Come and bowl in draws at your convenience.
Players and their Duties
Players duties mostly taken from Crystal Mark Fourth Edition - https://www.worldbowls.com
The Skip:
The Third or Vice (second in triples):
The Lead:
Other Duties:
- The skip will have sole charge of the team and all players in the team must follow the skips instructions.
- The skip must decide all disputed points with the opposing skip, making sure that nay decision reached is in line with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls.
- The skip must be responsible for the score card supplied by the Controlling Body while play is in progress; make sure that the names of all players of both teams are correctly entered on the scorecard; record, on the scorecard, all shots scored for and against both teams as each end is completed; compare and agree the scorecard with that of the opposing skip as each end is completed (tournament only); and at the end of the game, record on the scorecard the time that the game finished and then sign their own and the opposing skips scorecards (tournament only).
- Skips can, at any time, delegate their own powers and any of their own duties to any other members of the team as long as they tell the opposing skip immediately.
The Third or Vice (second in triples):
- The third can measure any and all disputed shots.
- The third tells the skip the number of shots scored for or against their team as each end is completed.
- *The third on both sides helps push/kick bowls to centre for the person raking.
- *The winning third marks score if the scoreboard/card is located at the end the skip is not on.
The Lead:
- Delivers the first bowls for their team.
- Before delivering their first bowl, the lead of the team to play first in an end must:
- place and centre the mat;
- deliver the jack; and
- make sure the jack is centered (with the help of the skip).
- The lead of the losing end rakes bowls towards the ditch.
- Bowls are to be placed on the left side facing the ditch and 3 feet from the risk marker.
Other Duties:
- Along with the duties mentioned above, players can carry out any other duties assigned to them by their skip.
Laws
Crystal Mark Fourth Edition - https://www.worldbowls.com
Etiquette and Playing Tips
Arrive on time - a minimum of 25 minutes before draw time to get your name tag in to the drawmaster.
Name tags are located on the board in the locker room. Place tag on the drawmaster's desk. If no tag, write your name on a piece of paper.
Shake hands or fist bump before and after a game.
Acknowledge skillful bowling and encourage all players.
Stand still at the head when someone is about to bowl.
Be ready to roll your bowl when it's your turn.
Be alert as you walk to the opposite end. Stay in your rink, but on the edge and do not cross other rinks.
Observe the rules of possession. Stay on the mat until your bowl comes to rest. There is always something to learn with each bowl rolled.
Don't drop your bowl.
Wait until the mat is free before approaching.
Step onto the mat from the left or from behind, step off the mat to the side.
Pay attention to your skip. Sometimes even the opposing skip attempts to gain your attention, so please acknowledge you heard them.
Observe the pace of the game. Don't dawdle when coming down to the head end. Glance at the head as you walk by, and then get behind the head as your skips do want to play their bowls.
Observe which team has possession of the mat/rink. Opposing vice must step away from the head.
Name tags are located on the board in the locker room. Place tag on the drawmaster's desk. If no tag, write your name on a piece of paper.
Shake hands or fist bump before and after a game.
Acknowledge skillful bowling and encourage all players.
Stand still at the head when someone is about to bowl.
Be ready to roll your bowl when it's your turn.
Be alert as you walk to the opposite end. Stay in your rink, but on the edge and do not cross other rinks.
Observe the rules of possession. Stay on the mat until your bowl comes to rest. There is always something to learn with each bowl rolled.
Don't drop your bowl.
Wait until the mat is free before approaching.
Step onto the mat from the left or from behind, step off the mat to the side.
Pay attention to your skip. Sometimes even the opposing skip attempts to gain your attention, so please acknowledge you heard them.
Observe the pace of the game. Don't dawdle when coming down to the head end. Glance at the head as you walk by, and then get behind the head as your skips do want to play their bowls.
Observe which team has possession of the mat/rink. Opposing vice must step away from the head.
