Glossary & Etiquette
BOWLS TERMINOLOGY
BIAS is the amount of curve that a bowl takes during its path to the jack.
DEAD END is when the jack has been moved outside the boundaries of the rink by a bowl in play. Dead ends will either be replayed or the jack placed on the “T” to continue the game depending on the rules of play for that competition.
DELIVERY is the action of rolling (releasing) the bowl.
DRAW refers to attempting to deliver the bowl as close as possible to the target (usually the jack).
DRIVE is when a player delivers the bowl with maximum force toward the target.
END comprises setting the mat, delivery of the jack and playing all bowls from all players in the same direction on the rink.
HEAD refers collectively to the jack and the bowls that have been delivered and stopped within the boundaries of the rink.
HEAVY is when a player unintentionally delivers a bowl past the jack or the intended target.
JACK is the small white ball that is the target in a bowls game (also known as “kitty”).
JACK HI means that the bowl and jack are level.
LEAD is the person who plays first in a game of bowls. The lead is responsible for setting the mat and delivering the jack to start the end.
LINE is the curved path the bowl takes to the jack.
SECOND is the player who plays second in a game of bowls.
SHORT is a bowl that doesn’t reach the jack or the target.
SHOT refers to the bowl that is currently nearest the jack.
SKIP is the captain of the team, is responsible for directing the play during an end and always plays last.
THIRD is the third player in a game of bowls and is normally responsible for deciding the result of an end.
TOUCHER is a bowl that during its course touches the jack before finishing within the boundaries of the rink. A toucher remains live even if it finishes in the ditch.
WEIGHT is the term used to refer to the power applied to a delivery, short or heavy.
ETIQUETTE
Etiquette of the game of Lawn Bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability.
Be punctual so matches can start on time, and wear correct attire.
Walk close to the middle of the rink when changing ends so you don't interfere with matches on either side of you.
Never applaud bad or unlucky bowls
Acknowledge a good bowl, even if it belongs to the other team
Keep quiet and still when other players are on the mat.
Stand well back while your opponent bowls.
Don’t delay play. Keep your mind on the game and be ready with your bowl in hand when it is your turn to bowl.
Always respect your skipper. Wait for their instruction before you bowl. They are in a position to see the head, and decide the best way for you to bowl to build the head.
Do not deliver your bowl until the bowl before yours has stopped rolling.
Do not start walking to the other end of the green until either the bowler who has delivered the last bowl starts walking or the bowl stops rolling.
On completion of an end. Wait until the players that are 3rd’s declare the result before helping to move the bowls back so the next end can start.
Respect the greens, don’t drop bowls onto the green and be careful not to walk in the ditch. You should also not sit on the side of the rink, this can damage the greens.
Smoking is not permitted on the green.
If you lose, be a good loser, it just as important as being a good winner. Win or lose always shake your opponents hands and team members hands and thank them for a good game.
Mobile phones must be turned off during games.
After games it is courtesy to sit with your opposing team, and if you are the home team you should offer to buy your opposite player a drink.