LAWN BOWLS

For reference purposes the General Rules of Play are as determined by Bowls Australia, which can be accessed at http://www.bowlsaustralia.com.au/Get-Involved/Officiating-Laws/Laws-of-the-Sport

Zone Conditions of Play

• Competition matches will be played in the traditional Fours format.
• Teams consist of 4 players – Lead, 2, 3, Skip
• If, for some reason, a Team can only field three players for a game, then, by agreement of the Coaches, the Lead and No.2 for the team will deliver 1 Bowl each in the place of the No.3.
• As per the Zone rules, players are only allowed to play in one match per day. If this rule is breached the offending player will create a forfeit in the lower grade/age match.

Prior to Start

• Teams, if time permits, may practise, BUT such practice must be on a rink which is not the Match Rink.
• Teams will toss to determine who has control of the mat for the first End.
• Teams agree on either a one (1) or two (2) End Roll-up for Trial practice, which is conducted on the Match Rink, with players alternating as per normal game.
• Scorecards, with players nominated in order, should be exchanged prior to commencement of match.

During the Game

• The Lead, in control of the mat, will deliver the Jack to determine the length of the End.
• If the Jack does not come to rest in a legal position, the opposing Lead has the right to reposition the mat and deliver the Jack, BUT, does not have control of the mat for the first bowl.
• If the Jack is still not legal, then it is to be positioned on the centre line closest to a legal position.
• Play then continues with alternating shots thus:
• Team A Lead – 1^st Bowl Team B Lead – 1^st Bowl
• A Lead – 2^nd Bowl                    B Lead – 2^nd Bowl
• A No.2 – 1^st Bowl B No.2 – 1^st Bowl
• A No.2 – 2^nd Bowl B No.2 – 2^nd Bowl
• A No.3 – 1^st Bowl B No.3 – 1^st Bowl
• A No.3 – 2^nd Bowl B No.3 – 2^nd Bowl
• The two Skips will then move to the mat for their turns, while the rest of the teams move to the Head end.
• A Skip – 1^st Bowl B Skip – 1^st Bowl
• A Skip – 2^nd Bowl B Skip – 2^nd Bowl

Please note that, in order to maintain integrity of the Head, players should not walk through the Head when swapping.  Only the No.3 Bowlers for each Team should remain on the green to advise and direct their Skips.

A Bowl which comes to rest in the ditch should be removed from the ditch before the next Bowl is delivered with the exception being a Bowl which is a toucher.

Any Bowl which comes to rest outside the playing area is to be removed from the green.

Scoring the End

• The No.3’s for each team then confer on the result of the End.
• The Bowl closest to the Jack will be the Shot Bowl and then removed from the Head. Counting continues until a Bowl of the opposition comes into consideration, at which point counting ceases.
• The result of the End should then be declared to the No.2 who will record it on the scorecard and adjust the scoreboard appropriately.
• The team winning the End will then have control of the mat for the next End.
• Play continues following the sequence outlined above till seven (7) Ends have been played.
• If, at the conclusion of the 7^th End, scores are level, then the Team which has won the most Ends will be declared the winner.
• If the number of Ends won is equal, then an eighth (8^th) End is to be played to determine the winner of the match.

Rain Interrupted Matches

• A Match is not “live” for a result to be determined until the completion of the fourth (4^th) End.
• If scores from completed Ends are level, when rain intervenes, then the Match will be declared a Draw.
• If the 4^th End has not been completed and no further play is possible, by agreement of the Coaches, then the Match will be declared a Draw.
• If no play is possible at all the Match is abandoned and a Draw is recorded.

Semi Finals and Final

In the semi-finals if no play is possible or less than 4 Ends have been completed, the winner will be the Team which finished the regular season higher on the points Table.

In the Final if no play is possible or less than 4 Ends have been completed, the two teams will be declared Joint Winners.

In Conclusion

We are indebted to the Host Clubs for the opportunity to use their facilities.

Lawn Bowls is a game of good sportsmanship and players should always conduct themselves with a competitive spirit which does not bring discredit to themselves or their Schools.