Bowls is the game that takes a second to learn – but a lifetime to master. It is a precision sport in which the aim is to roll bowls (slightly radially asymmetrical balls) closest to a smaller yellow/white ball (the “jack” or “kitty”). It can be played indoors or outdoors on grass or artificial surfaces.
Bowls is usually played on a rectangular, level manicured grass or synthetic surface known as a green, which is divided into parallel playing strips known as rinks.
In a singles competition, one opponent flips a coin to see who commences a segment of the competition (known as an “end”), by laying the mat and rolling the jack to the other end of the green to serve as a target. Once it has come to rest, the jack is aligned to the centre of the rink and players take turns to roll their bowls from the mat towards the jack and thereby build up the “head” (the cluster of bowls around the jack).
Bowls may curve outside the boundary of the rink, but must come to rest within the boundary to remain in play.
Bowls falling into the ditch (at the end of the green) are dead and removed from play, with the exception of when one has made a connection with the jack (known as a “toucher”). “Touchers” are marked with chalk and remain alive in play even if they fall into the ditch.
Similarly, if the jack falls into the ditch it remains alive, unless it is beyond the side boundary. When a jack goes outside the boundary it results in a “dead” end which is either replayed (or depending on the rules of the competition, the jack may be “re-spotted” and the end continues).
Once each competitor has delivered all bowls, the distance from the jack to the closest bowl(s) is determined, and one point (called “shots”) is awarded for each competitor’s bowl which is closer than the opponent’s closest bowl to the jack. For example, where a competitor has three bowls closer to the jack than their opponent’s, they are awarded three shots. The exercise is then repeated for the next end, across a designated number of ends.
New to bowls?
Bowls is a fantastically fun, low impact sport that can be played by practically anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender or physical ability. Whether you’re searching for a fun and friendly pass-time or an outlet for your inner competitor, bowls may be the sport for you.
By far the easiest way to get involved is to drop in at your local club and organise a couple of coaching sessions. You will find bowlers are friendly and quick to offer advice on playing the sport, while the club coach will be happy to explain the basics, before taking you through your paces on the green.
If, however, you would like to do a little online research before making your first foray into the wonderful world of bowls, we have put together some interesting and informative resources for newcomers.
The History of Bowls offers an insight into the evolution of the sport, from its humble beginnings as a stone-rolling game in ancient Egypt to the highly-developed Commonwealth Games sport enjoyed by millions around the world today. Bowls 101 provides information on the basics of bowls, including the objectives of the game and some of the terminology in use today. Etiquette gives a brief rundown of the dos and don’ts of bowls, both on and off the green, while Bowls Queensland’s Beginner’s Guide is a wrap-up of all the information you will need to successfully begin your bowling career.
And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Bowls Queensland on: (07) 3354 0777
The Beginner’s Guide to Lawn Bowls is a great resource that clubs can obtain to hand out to prospective and new members.
The booklet contains general introductory information about the game of lawn bowls.