THE GAME

The Bowl – (not a ball), is slightly radially asymmetrical and has a small emblem and ring on one side, a large emblem and ring on the other. Always keep the small ring on the inside of your delivery.

Who can play

The popularity of lawn bowls lies in its unique appeal to people of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities. Although traditionally played by senior citizens, the sport has been rejuvenated in recent years and the average age of participants in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia has dropped sharply. The 2002 Australian movie ‘Crackerjack’ introduced a new generation to the sport and has significantly boosted casual bowling participants in Australia, with clubs offering social and unstructured ‘barefoot’ bowling sessions. The average age of many national representative teams is now significantly younger than that of other sports against which lawn bowls generally competes for the younger demographic, such as cricket and golf. The bowling green Is a four sided area of grass or synthetic playing surface surrounded by a ditch.It is divided into playing areas – rinks, with a chalk line marking the centre of the rink. 

The mat

Is either rubber or plastic, is the area from which you deliver the bowl. The mat end is called the rear ditch and the end to which you are bowling is called the front ditch.

The Scoreboard

Is situated at the end of each rink. It displays the opponents names or team colours, the score for the current match and the number of ends played.

The bank

Is the vertical wall of the outer edge of the ditch above the surface of the green. The plinth is the edge of grass which adjoins the ditch. The rink marker is the white disc and number situated on the top of the bank.