For Beginners

The following introduction covers the basic aspects of the game, as normally played in the UK. It is not intended to be a complete definition of the game or the rules.

Like many games, the object of Bowls is essentially simple. It can be played by almost anyone, but to play consistently well demands determination, concentration and practice.
The game of Bowls is played on a 34 to 40 metre square of closely cut grass called the green. The green is divided into playing areas called rinks. Most clubs have usually six rinks.
Maximum length of the playing rink being 29 meters and minimum being 23 meters.
The green is surrounded by a small ditch to catch bowls which leave the green, and a bank upon which markers indicate the corners and centre--lines of each rink.

A bowl touching the jack when played is to be chalked to denote it as a Live wood a bowl reaching the ditch becomes a dead wood and is immediately removed. If the jack is moved into the ditch a marker is placed to indicate its position.

The rink positions are moved every few days to ensure even wear.

Players deliver their bowls alternately from a mat at one end of the rink, towards a small white ball called the jack at the other end. The bowls are shaped/ biased so that they do not run in a straight line, but take a curved path towards the jack. To be successful the bowl must be delivered with the correct weight, along the correct line. The bowl can be delivered either forehand or backhand. The Bias of the bowl is indicated by the smaller of the side rings, Forehand (for a right-handed player) would have the smaller ring towards the left, and backhand would have the smaller ring to the right side.  

                                                                                                                                    Forehand and backhand lines to the jack (for a right-handed bowler)

The object is to get one or more bowls closer to the jack than those of the opposition - one point is scored for each counting bowl. After playing all the bowls in one direction, and agreeing the score, the direction of play is reversed - the next end is played back down the rink in the opposite direction.

                                                                                 Holwell (Red /Yellow) have the nearest bowl and the second nearest, scoring two. No other bowls count.

Bowls can be played as singles, or in teams of pairs, triples, or fours (a team of four is also known as a 'rink'). In fours or rinks games, each team member has a particular role to play:

• The first, or lead, places the mat, delivers the jack and centres it before attempting to bowl as close as possible to the jack.
• The second or two keeps the score card and scoreboard up to date. The two will normally be required to improve or consolidate the position achieved by the lead.
• The third or three may be called upon to play different types of shots in order to score more, or to place bowls tactically to protect an advantage. The three also advises the skip on choice of shots, and agrees the number of shots scored, measuring if required.
• The skip is in overall charge of the rink, directs the other players on choice of shots, and tries to build the 'head' of bowls to his or her advantage.

• In Fours or Rinks play, the lead, two, three and skip each deliver two bowls for 21 ends.
• In Singles, the two opponents deliver four bowls alternately. The first to reach 21 shots is the winner.
• For Pairs, the players deliver four bowls each. The team scoring the most shots after 21 ends is the winner.
• In the Triples game, the lead, second and skip deliver three bowls each, for 18 ends.

Etiquette

• Do not distract bowlers who are bowling towards you, by moving or walking across the end of the rink. Wait until the bowl has been delivered, then move.
• It is not good etiquette to interrupt other players when they are on the green, particularly during competitive matches. If you need to speak to players it should be before or after their game.
• Respect and protect the green - the Club's most important asset.
• Do nothing in your actions, words or appearance that will reflect against your Club.

• Make sure you know the rules of the game or competition you are playing.
• Know the correct dress (it will differ for different types of games) and ensure you arrive correctly dressed, with time to spare.
• Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are in place ready for the beginning of the game.

• Enter and leave the green by the banks and footpaths - do not walk across other players' rinks.
• Do not drop your bowls on the green.
• Do not drop litter on the green or in the ditches.
• Don't sit on the bank - it can cause unwanted wear on the edge of the green.
• 'Possession of the Rink' must always be respected. Stand well behind the mat or the head, keeping still and quiet while others are delivering their bowls.
• When at the head, bear in mind that some bowlers like a clear view of the rink markers.
• When at the head in sunny conditions, or as the sun sets, avoid standing where your shadow is cast over the jack, making it difficult to see from the mat.
• Similarly, standing directly behind a white jack in white shoes can make the jack difficult to see.
• Follow the direction given by the 'skip', whether or not you agree.
• Remember that the directions for the 'skip' are only given by the number three in rinks, or the number two in triples. Other players should not interfere, unless asked.
• The result of each end (including measuring where required) is determined between the threes (or twos in triples). Other players should not normally interfere.
• Do not disturb the head until the result of the end has been agreed.
• Encourage, rather than criticize - no one delivers a bad bowl intentionally.
• Commend good shots.
• Learn to accept lucky shots, both for and against you - they will balance out in the long run.
  'Flukes are simply revelations of unrecognised opportunities'.

• Shake hands. Congratulate the opposing team and offer to buy your opposite number a drink (after singles matches, your 'marker' should be included in the invitation). Remember that your opponent is a guest of the Club.
• Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are returned to the store.
• Avoid making excuses for your lack of success the topic of conversation.