Introduction to
Lawn Bowls
“Creating Opportunities”
Presented by NBC Sports Club with permission of
Bowls NSW Development Team
Welcome to the game of bowls
NBC Sports Club is delighted to provide three 1st class bowling greens that offer the competitive lawn
bowler a premier location to enjoy this great sport.
We play in the Zone 10 competition and the club has enjoyed great success over many years.
Our head green keeper, Shannon White and his two greens staff ensure the tiff dwarf and two couch
greens operate at the best standard anywhere in metropolitan Sydney. Our bowls co-ordinator, Brett
Hughes and management team are fully experienced in all facets of the game of bowls.
This booklet will give you some basic information about the great game of bowls and we hope you
enjoy playing the game
Object of the game
To get your bowls closer to the jack (small white ball) than your opponent. The more bowls you have
close the more shots you score
Bowls requires very little equipment, all you need is bowls (usually 4), the jack, the mat and a space
on the green to play (called a rink)
Safety
Though bowls is not terribly dangerous you should always observe the following basic safety tips;
• Never stop speeding bowls with your hands or feet
• Never walk backwards to avoid stepping on bowls
• Never deliver the bowl at full speed towards a player
• Be careful not to drop bowls on your feet
• Be careful when stepping on and off the green
The grip and delivery
All bowls have a bias (not perfectly round) on one side, this means that the bowl will bend towards
the bias. The bias is defined by a small ring on one side of the bowl, the other side has a large ring.
The photos below show the large ring of the bowl. To grip the bowl spread your fingers evenly along
the bottom of the bowl, place your thumb resting off to the side of the bowl or wherever feels
comfortable so that the bowl does not fall out when you turn your hand over
To deliver a bowl is easy, both feet start on the mat, with your whole body facing the direction in
which you want the bowl to go. The preferred arm is swung straight back then straight forward rolling
the bowl
The bowl is not aimed at the jack (small white ball), instead to a path that will allow the bowl to arc
“draw” to the jack
Types of shots you can play in bowls, the “draw” shot and “running shot” (also known as the drive). To
begin with it is best to learn how to accurately “draw” to the jack. The diagram above shows a right
handed bowler playing a backhand shot, or a left handed bowler playing a forehand shot. The
“running” shot is used to remove an opponent’s bowl or the jack
Playing a game
A game can be played as singles, pairs, triples and fours. There are organised competitions if you are
the competitive type or you can play socially with your friends and other club members
ETIQUETTE
The following guidelines are an extract taken from a book written many years ago by the late J P
Monroe, BA (noted bowls historian and former Hon Secretary of the Royal Victorian Bowls
Association). They were kindly shared recently by Ken Bartlett and reproduced in part here to assist
bowlers at NBC Sports Club to appreciate the conventions that our game was built upon.
The conclusion notes are more recent and were written by Michael Kelly and equally express how the
unwritten rules of Bowls Etiquette should be applied.
Etiquette is not an explanation of the duties of bowlers, it’s the little extras that give the game its great
charm; that makes the loser feel like his efforts weren’t in vain. These acts of courtesy are the unwritten
laws of the game that we should strive to uphold.
There is an Etiquette to be observed toward our opponents; there is an Etiquette obligatory to and
from Markers and Umpires; there is an Etiquette observable between players and spectators.
YOUR OPPONENT
It’s a good gesture to commend a good bowl of an opponent and of a player in your own team. You
should find they will do the same for you.
If you have arranged to play a match (say a club championship) with your opponent, you must refrain
from practice on the green that day. No competitor in a Singles should practice on the green on which
he is drawn to play.
It is not Etiquette to follow your bowl with the clear object of obstructing your opponent’s view of the
run of the bowl. Distracting the attention of a player when he is about to bowl should not be done.
Do not deliberately keep your opponent waiting if a time has been fixed for the commencement of a
match. If prevented from being punctual, send a message as to the time you expect to be at the green.
No player should delay play in a match by leaving the rink without the consent of his opponent or of
the opposing Captain and then only for a period not exceeding ten minutes.
The Match Committee may set down separate rules for such events so be aware of these rules.
The loser of a game should be allowed the privilege of being the first to congratulate the winner.
ATTIRE
A standard of dress usually applies depending on the event being played so observe the dress standards
and wear the proper club uniform when required.
THE PLAYERS
The Lead – In tossing for the mat, it’s the home lead player who tosses the coin and the visitor who
calls. The lead who wins the mat will then roll the jack to the spot preferred by his Captain or skip. It
can be Etiquette for a losing lead to pass the jack to his opponent to start an end.
In a Pairs game, the lead will do the measuring for his team. It’s not Etiquette for the Captain to go to
the head and interfere.
The Second - if you are a Second in a Fours match, you hold your team’s card and compare scores with
the opposing Second at the conclusion of each end and at the conclusion of the match. If you’re the
home player, it is your job to attend the scoreboard during the match and at its conclusion. If you’re a
Second in a Triples match, you will assume the same role as a Third in a Fours match (see below).
The Third – When playing as a Third and it is a question of measure, allow your opponent the option of
measuring. If it is a long measure assist him by holding the other end of the measure. If your Lead or
Second draws your attention to a shot you’ve overlooked, thank him as it is the Team that is playing
and an overlooked shot may mean the loss of a match. If your opponent is overlooking a shot in his
favour, suggest that it may be in the count. This is a very generous interpretation of Etiquette and one
that should be appreciated as bowls is a game of good sportsmanship.
The Third should never tell the Captain what to do. He may advise him if the head has been altered but
should never control the play. The Etiquette in this case is for the Third to remain silent unless the
Captain asks for advice. It is the Third’s job to indicate to the Captain the result of the end by raising or
lowering a hand with a finger or fingers extended to show the number of shots won or lost. The gesture
of the Third recovering the Captains bowls from the ditch (or wherever they may end up) will be
appreciated. If it is your Captains turn to bowl, placing it on the mat will be helpful.
The Captain or Skip – when you’re the Captain, remember the players in your team are as anxious to
win as you are. It’s therefore poor Etiquette to remind any of your team that they have played a bad
bowl. He will know this fact equally as well as you and it’s unhelpful to remind your team mate by word,
action or grimace. All players (including Captains) play bad bowls from time to time. Cheap sarcasm or
disparaging remarks toward team mates or opponents are not expressed by good bowlers.
A Captain may confer with the Third at the crossover to discuss the shot options available. The wise
Captain will ask for advice from his Third if the head has been altered. It’s good Etiquette for the Captain
to commend the good shots of his players (and those of the opponents, without being too lavish about
it). It’s also correct for the Captain to indicate to his players at the mat end the position of the game
after the Lead, Second and Third have played their bowls.
THE TEAM
The Laws of the game and Etiquette require that the players at the mat end, other than the player
actually playing a bowl shall, wherever possible, stand a distance at least 2 metres (6 feet) from the
back of the mat.
When crossing over from the mat end to the head, be careful to confine yourself to your own rink.
Equally, when playing your shot, and following your bowl, you must reach the head before your bowl
comes to rest and be careful not to crossover into another rink and cause annoyance to other players.
Don’t argue with your Captain about the shot to be played. It’s appropriate to wait until asked to
express your opinion. If you’re the Captain, don’t butt in when the Thirds are measuring as it’s their
job to determine the shot/s. If you’re the Lead or Second, and the Captain asks the Third for the
position, or how many shots up or down, remain silent; it’s the Thirds job to answer those questions.
When at the head, the players, other than the Directors should stand at least 2 metre (6 feet) behind
the head. When a player is about to deliver a bowl, Etiquette requires that those at the head shall not
move about to cause a distraction to the player on the mat.
Excuses for bad play by bowlers should not be advanced. Good bowlers play bad games occasionally
and when defeated they don’t blame the greenkeeper. Generally, the better bowler has the better luck
and in any case the luck gets shared around.
If a disabled or handicapped bowler is playing against you, Etiquette demands you assist by picking up
bowls, or other aids which might be in use to ensure to ensure his game is as pleasurable as possible.
It should go without saying that it is decidedly bad form for any bowler to use foul language during a
match or elsewhere on the green. Bowls is a game of good sportsmanship.
If you’re selected to play for NBC Sports Club in our Zone pennant competition, remember you are
playing for your club and not for yourself.
BOWLERS GENERALLY
Every intending bowling member of a club will go through the routine of being nominated etc. Before
such nomination is submitted, the nominating bowler should ensure the nominee has sufficient
pecuniary information to make an informed decision about joining.
Such information might include but not limited to; joining fee, green fees, locker fees, cost of a set of
bowls, location of rooms, website, team sheets, lockers etc. The nominating member should then
ensure the member is properly introduced to his fellow members, the bowls coordinator, the president,
the directors etc. and explain what is required of a new member and what privileges are provided by
the club.
Upon appointment of membership the intending member should then be introduced to a club coach
to undergo qualified instruction in the basics of the game, bowls selection, bowling technique, shot
instruction and Etiquette when entering or leaving the green.
UMPIRES
If you call an umpire to decide a measure or any question, dispute, or difference which may arise in the
course of a game and a decision goes against you, Etiquette demands you accept the decision as a good
sportsperson.
If you’re not satisfied with an umpire’s decision and decide to appeal to a controlling body, the Laws of
the game and Etiquette require you to immediately inform the umpire of your intention to appeal.
SPECTATORS
Try to be bi-partisan, difficult as this may seem when you’re supporting your mate or team. By all means
applaud your team’s good shots but its bad form to be niggling or sledging your opponents.
DISTRACTING ATTENTION
It’s against the Laws of the game and Etiquette to distract the attention of an opponent who is on the
mat ready to bowl. Intentional movement by players at the head may also cause distraction and should
be avoided.
THE SUPERIORITY COMPLEX
Experienced bowlers naturally prefer to play among themselves to ensure an even contest. Whilst an
understandable trait, it’s not necessarily good for the development of all players within the club.
Equally, the friendliness of the game and the club isn’t advanced by the tendency to form cliques. This
is hostile to the best interests of the club.
MARKERS
If you’re drawn to play in a Singles match on a neutral green, but find it necessary to forfeit, Etiquette
requires that you notify the player (either direct or through the club) and the club on whose green you
were to play, so that the marker can be released.
In any club singles (championship) be ready to do your share of marking. Markers will make themselves
available for you so be prepared to return the favour.
A marker should be impartial. A marker must not applaud shots, wriggle or lean in the direction a shot
might be played or give advice to either player, except to answer questions accurately.
CONCENTRATION
It’s surprising that so many players ask so few questions during a match. And yet, on reaching the head
are frequently heard to remark on the position being somewhat different from what they thought!
Even if players have confidence in their marker they may become reluctant to ask a question if it
involves a walk to the head by the marker because of the time delay in getting an answer. It is therefore
essential that the marker be alert and adjacent to the head.
The only player entitled to ask a question of the marker is the one whose turn it is to bowl but he does
not have to be standing directly on the mat.
DO’s

Do become conversant with the Laws of the game. For a full copy refer to the below website
address. www.bowlsaustralia.com.au/Club-Assist/Laws-of-the-game

Do be aware of and definite on what is meant by the term Jack High. The definition states……A
bowl that is level with the jack on either side.

Do check before aligning the jack on the centre line, whether the mat has been correctly laid on
the centre line.

Do retire behind the head before the first bowl has been delivered.

Do keep accurate control of the scorecard after each end is declared and keep all players aware
of the score.

Do ensure the cards are correctly signed at the end of a match and returned to the appropriate
authority.

Do alter the score-board (when at that end) returning in time to observe whether the first bowl
becomes a toucher.

Do keep a measurable distance behind the jack at all times. The acceptable position is
approximately 2 to 3 metres behind the jack and approximately 2 metres to one side.

Do remain motionless at this chosen spot with your eyes fixed on the player in control of the
mat.

Do remove all dead bowls to the bank.

Do endeavour to mark each toucher taking care to ensure the bowl has come to rest and not to
move the bowl whilst using the chalk or touch marker. Should a bowl land on its edge where
you believe it might be moved when marking, call for the umpire for assistance.
DON’TS

Don’t answer questions being asked in an adjacent rink. Concentrate on the person on the mat.

Don’t say the shot is doubtful if it isn’t so. Experience in judging distance should be learned and
it’s disconcerting for a player to be told it’s up and down when in fact an opponent is holding 2
shots.

Don’t forget to immediately inform a player if a bowl falls over and alters the position after a
question has been answered or an inspection of the head has been made by the player.

Don’t give a misleading answer to a badly worded question. A marker is entitled to ask a player
to re-state or clarify a question to enable an intelligent answer to be given.

Don’t supplement your answer with information not asked for. Remember, every question is
common to both players and the questioner may not wish to gratuitously give information to
an opponent. For instance, if asked to indicate which bowl is third shot, do so, but do NOT say
whose bowl it is. Or, if asked if the player is lying second shot, just say “Yes” or “No”. Do Not
add that the player is also third shot or give such similar information. The game provides ample
scope for players to indulge in tactics to outwit each other and the marker must be careful not
to nullify their efforts.

Don’t forget to meet with the players before the match starts to get agreement on how touchers
will be marked, whether the marker carries the measure and any other requirements.

Don’t forget How to measure as distinct from what to measure if you’re asked to do so. Make
sure you measure A’s bowl then compare it with B’s bowl by using the same measure. On no
account give an immediate decision as an umpire may be called by either opponent.

Don’t invite a player to come and inspect the head. To do so implies an inability to give a
satisfactory answer.
AN ART
Whilst not a science, good marking is at least an art that can be acquired by any bowler who has the
desire to become proficient. In doing so you will be contributing to the enjoyment of the players and
spectators alike.
THE UNWRITTEN RULES
Newer bowlers (and some not so new) may not be aware of good manners and practices for playing
bowls that improve the running of a game and contribute to enjoyment of all players.
These issues are understood by experienced bowlers but are not always followed and newer bowlers
can inadvertently learn a few bad habits.
FLOW OF THE GAME
At the completion of an end the winning lead should place the mat in the general area on the centre
line as soon as practical so all players know where to kick the bowls back to.
All players at the mat end should help kick the bowls back at the completion of an end.
The skip with the last bowl should not have to pick up the mat. This should be done by the skip that has
no more bowls to play.
At the completion of an end the winning skip should indicate where he wants the lead to roll the jack
and centre it on the line. The other skip should be attending to the scoreboard.
At the completion of a game one player should put away the mats and jack. The rest of the team should
pull back shades etc. after the last game.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
Riding Bowls - It is not good practice for opposition player to ride an opponent’s bowl either by cheering
or encouraging the bowl finish in an unfavourable position. This is seen as wishing bad luck on an
opponent and is not necessary. If your opponent delivers a bowl and it does in fact give your side an
advantage, best to keep the joy to yourself, acknowledge the opposition’s bad luck or simply say
nothing and get on with the game.
Applauding a Lucky Bowl - It is poor form for a player to clap or cheer a bowl in his team which
unintentionally gets a lucky result, i.e. wicking or rubbing off a bowl or promoting a short bowl into
shot. Best practice is to take your luck, say nothing and get on with the game.
Applauding a Bad Bowl - It is also bad form for a player to clap or cheer a bowl delivered by their
opposition which results in the opposition player unintentionally giving the shot away. Keep your
thoughts to yourself, take your luck when it comes because your share of bad luck will come.
Indicating the change of head – When one of the above instances of luck occurs it is better to show
some restraint when indicating the changed position. By all means let the skip know that you now have
the shot but without rubbing the opponents nose in it such as shouting out the result or sticking your
fingers up as high or as quick as they possibly will go.
None of the above appear in the rules of bowls and you may see very experienced bowlers from time
to time committing these acts. They may be doing it in order to annoy or niggle their opposition.
However, you will rarely see the top bowlers in the game doing it.
You can of course do it yourself if it is part of your strategy but just be aware that it is considered poor
Etiquette.
This is not meant to have us all playing in silence. Cheering, clapping and encouraging your teammates
is very good form and congratulating them after of good bowl is a big part of the game.
If you want is to have a flowing and enjoyable game be mindful of these points.
Commonly used expressions
There are many different expressions used throughout a game of bowls and many of these
expressions will mean nothing to a new bowler.
This is a guide to help you understand these expressions and make sense of the bowls talk. There are
many more and they will vary from club to club
Expression and meaning
Draw on your forehand – to draw a shot down the right hand side of the green (example for a right
hander)
Draw a shot on your backhand – to draw a shot down the left side of the green (example for a
right hander)
Trail the jack, yard over, tickle it round the corner, rest that bowl, sit him out – these
are terms used when you are asked to disturb the head of bowls with minimum amount of weight
Too wide, who do you know out there, too much grass – when you have played your bowl
too wide of the intended line (be sure to use these in a positive manner)
You are, narrow, tight, skinny, under the head, not enough grass, don’t cross the
head – when you have played a bowl under the intended line (be sure to use in a positive manner
such as, ”you were narrow with your last mate, just a bit more grass” then a supportive clap)
Toucher – when the delivered bowl comes in contact with the jack
Mark it – a term used after a bowl has touched the jack (when a bowl touches the jack it must be
marked with chalk to indicate that the bowl is a toucher, if the bowl ends up in the ditch it is still a live
bowl)
Cover these bowls – you may be asked to play a bowl to a danger area on the green, this is an
area where you could drop a large amount of shots if the jack moves there
Swinger, controlled weight, ditch weight – these terms are generally used when you are
asked to disturb the head with slightly less weight than a full drive
Hit it, have a drive, have a run, smack it, rip him out, take it out, kill it – to have a
forceful shot using maximum weight comfortable to the individual
This bowler has just been asked to ‘smack it’
Personal requirements
Bowls requires minimal levels of fitness or strength but there is some degree of bending required.
There are devices called bowling arms to assist people with this, phone the Bowls NSW Development
Team to find out more
Clothing
Clean and appropriate clothing should be worn all at times. If unsure about your appearance ask the
bowls coordinator/secretary or staff member
Sun protection
As most greens are outdoors it is always advisable to wear a hat and apply sunscreen to your face,
arms and back of the neck. Long sleeve shirts are also a good idea
Fluids
Regular fluid intake during sport is very important, even know bowls is not very physically demanding
the body will still lose fluid and this should be replaced. Water is the best replacement however sport
drinks or soft drinks are acceptable. Alcohol is often associated with bowls but in reality will
dehydrate you
Bowls and other equipment
All bowling clubs will loan you a set of bowls if you don’t have your own. A set consists of 4 bowls.
These are usually an older style of bowl that will be very wide drawing. These are a great bowl to
learn with and you will have plenty of fun with them. Take care of these bowls as if they were your
own and return when finished. You should get your own set of bowls as soon as possible because
nothing beats playing with your own set of bowls