Beginner's guide

Bowls - well, of course, but don't rush out and buy on impulse. There are so many available, differing in weight and size, never mind a myriad of colours, and they don't come cheap - so borrow some to start, use any the club has until you are happy that they are comfortable to handle, the weight and bias correct. Try as many as you can, then make your investment.

Clothing (dress code) - bowling shoes are a must, please do not travel to and from the club in them. There are a wide selection of shoes on offer, from slip-on to trainer style. Until you get a club shirt, a white top is acceptable for friendly games. Unless otherwise stated, grey trousers (or skirts for ladies if they wish) are the norm for weekday games, whilst white is worn at weekends. Shorts are now widely accepted. Formal shorts for friendlies and competitions. Waterproofs are a sensible addition to every bowler's bag, given our unpredictable weather.

Equipment - as you progress, chalk and a measure will become a part of your game, but not essential from the start.

And again, once you become more familiar with the game, you will learn as you go along. The aim of this guide is not to clog you up with facts but just to get you started. You won't be expected to know everything, and most bowlers are only too glad to help those starting out, so if you are not sure, just ask.

And remember, our coaches are on hand to offer free advice and invaluable coaching.

MAKE SURE you check the notice boards. Put your name down for any game you would like to participate in. The club captain will select the teams for friendly (mixed) matches, the captain/vice captain for competitions/leagues and the ladies captain for ladies friendlies and competitions. Don't be afraid to enter internal competitions - it's all good experience.
You can keep abreast of goings on within the club, plus fixtures and team sheets on this website. The club will also from time to time email or text with items of interest.

A BOWLS MATCH

Be ready and suitably attired (see dress code). The captain will call players to the side of the green, after a brief welcome to the visiting team, both captains will name their sides in rink order. On reaching your rink, introductions will be made before the game commences. Shake hands. Normally, two trial ends will precede the game, each player will bowl two woods per end. This should give you an idea of how the green is running. Occasionally, the trial ends will be waived and the game will start straight off, but with only one shot counting on the first two ends, then the game will proceed normally. If playing triples (18 ends) it is normal to play straight through. If rinks (21 ends) some clubs will take a refreshment break approx. halfway through, this is at the home club's discretion.

At the end of the game, shake hands with your opponents. Once in the clubhouse, it is customary for the home players to offer their opposite numbers a drink. A meal will follow, tables will be numbered to correspond with rinks. If you do not wish to stay after a game, please inform either your captain or the catering staff beforehand. Most clubs hold a raffle and again, it is customary to take part. After the meal, both captains will make a short speech. You are then free to leave or stay and socialise. If you have a change of clothes, now is the time to change. While in the clubhouse team colours are worn. but you may change from whites to greys for the meal if you so wish.

Take a look at the following basic guide to etiquette and enjoy your bowling!

Please DO wherever possible, use the steps when going on and off the green
DON'T sit on the sides with your feet on the edge of the green (the edges are very susceptible to damage)
DON'T drop bowls onto the green
DO keep one foot on or over the mat when delivering your woods
DO stand behind the mat while other's are delivering woods
DON'T move about in the head when a player is about to deliver a wood
DON'T walk across another bowler's line of sight i.e. on the bank or to and from the clubhouse/smoking areas
DON'T deliberately waste time
Although we encourage team involvement DO let only one player measure or question the shots if necessary
DO try and gain a working knowledge of the rules and always ask if unsure

and in general

DO avoid dropping litter into the ditches/using mobile phones on the green
Bowling is a friendly game, DO shake hands with your opponents after the game, whatever the outcome. It is also customary to offer to buy your opposite number a drink (this works in reverse at away games)

and finally

DON'T criticize your team mates but show encouragement. Accept that flukes are a part of the game. Sometimes they go for you, sometimes against

Dave

(This revision Sept. 2019)