The Rules of the Game

ame■ Objective & Scoring

• Deliver bowls as close as possible to the jack.

• After all bowls are played in an end, the side whose bowl is closest to the jack scores 1 point

for each bowl nearer than the opponent.

• Common formats: Singles (first to 21), Pairs/Triples/Fours (usually 18 ends).

■■ Basic Play Procedure

1. Mat & Jack – Winner of the toss places mat and rolls jack (must be 23m+ from mat and

centred).

2. Delivering Bowls – Players alternate, keeping feet on/over mat at delivery.

3. Touchers & Dead Bowls – Touchers (jack contact) remain live even in ditch; bowls out of

bounds or ditch (not touchers) are dead.

4. Dead End – If the jack is knocked out of bounds, the end is replayed.

5. Possession – Belongs to the player delivering; others must stay clear of mat/head.

■ Green, Rinks & Boundaries

• Green divided into rinks (approx. 4.8–5.8m wide, 31–40m long).

• Surrounded by ditch and bank to World Bowls specifications.

■ Dress & Etiquette

• Flat-soled bowls shoes required.

• Whites or club colours (check competition/club).

• Good sportsmanship expected – keep still when others deliver, applaud good shots.

■ References

• Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Fourth Edition (World Bowls).

• Bowls England Domestic Regulations.