Introduction to Lawn Bowling

The game of lawn bowls takes place on a 120 ft. square of closely cut grass called a green. A green is divided into rinks 14-16 ft. wide, generally 8 rinks to a green.

Four types of games can be played:

• Singles: one player against another, each using four bowls.
• Pairs: a team of two against two, each playing using four bowls.
• Triples: a team of three against three, each player using three bowls.
• Fours: a team of four against four, each player using two bowls.

First, a small white ball called a "jack" is delivered down the surface of the rink and centered. Then, standing on a mat and going alternately, players deliver (roll) their bowls, the aim being to have their bowls come to a stop as close as possible to the "jack". The trick is that the bowls are biased (eccentrically balanced) and, therefore, do not roll in a straight line, but curl towards the "jack". A player must decide where the bowl should come to rest and then deliver the bowl along this visualized "line of aim". The "feel" of the green is another important element in the game and dictates the "weight" with which a bowl should be delivered: e.g., less weight for a fast green or short distance, more for a heavy green or long distance. The "jack" can be knocked and moved away (if lucky!) from the opponent and closer to one's own bowls.

The Game

The game is made up of a predetermined number of "ends" which consist of the playing of all the bowls of both sides in one direction on the rink.

The first player lays the mat and, standing on it, rolls the jack up the green where it is centred by the "skip" (or, as in singles, the "marker"). The player then rolls the first bowl which is followed by one played by the opposition until both teams have played all their bowls. When the last bowl of the end has been played, the players decide who has the winning "shot(s)", how many, and the number is entered on the scorecard.

A game generally lasts about two hours.

Lawn Bowling for the Visually Impaired

It is not generally known that blind and partially-sighted people can also enjoy the sport of lawn bowling.

The first thing a spectator will notice at a lawn-bowling tournament for the visually impaired, is that there is a white string running along the exact middle of each playing area. This string is a sight-line for those players who have some limited vision. Others, who have no sight at all, depend on total aid from sighted persons to make their shots.

Spectators will also notice more than the usual number of people standing on the green and participating in the playing of games. These "extras" are sighted people who are known as "Directors". They are engaged in quietly advising the players what has taken place after each shot and what must be done to win the particular end.