Blaby Bowling Club

Club Officers

Management Committee

Officers — Men's Section

Officers — Ladies' Section

Team Captains & Selectors

Fixtures

Other Fixtures & Events

Club Structure

Dates for Your Diary

Hiring Facilities

Dress Code

1. All legwear must be black in colour.
2. Trousers and shorts must have a 'tailored style' — nothing too casual.
3. Regulation Bowls England trousers and shorts would be preferred, however they are not compulsory.
4. For club comps, players must wear club colours.
5. Denim jeans or denim shorts are not acceptable.
6. 'Cargo' trousers or cargo shorts are not acceptable.
7. Appropriate flat-soled sports shoes are essential.
8. For casual play / 'roll ups' there is no preferred kit.

General Playing Information

1. Bowls are referred to as bowls or woods.
2. When bowling, the width given is referred to as "green". You can be "tight" (not enough green) or "wide" (too much green).
3. A 'wick' is when a bowl hits another bowl and deviates its course. It is not good etiquette to praise or clap a 'wick'.
4. There are lots of different groupings for games: singles, pairs, triples, fours (rinks) and team games.
5. In a four, the person bowling first is the 'lead', followed by the 'second', the 'third', and the 'skip'. The last to bowl is always the 'skip'.
6. The 'lead' sets the mat, delivers and centres the jack. Possession of the jack is initially decided by a coin toss, then won by the team winning each end.
7. The mat line (front of mat) must be set at least 2 metres from the rear ditch.
8. The jack must be at least 23 metres from the mat line and not closer than 2 metres to the front ditch.
9. National and county competitions have priority for booking rinks.
10. Enter all games in the electronic rink book on the podium in the corridor or on your device — including casual play.
11. No play is allowed on the green before 12 noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to allow for green maintenance.
12. Ensure all kit is put away, and doors, shed and gate are locked before leaving the club premises.
13. When measuring, only the number 3s in fours, number 2s in triples, and leads in pairs should decide the result of an end — all others should stand clear.
14. There are various team sheets on the selection notice boards — ask any existing club member to explain these.
15. If your name is on any team sheet and you are unable to play — please let the respective team captain know verbally.
16. A gate key can be bought with a deposit — ask the bar staff. You will then have access to the bowling green, changing rooms and garage.

Etiquette

1. Dress in club colours for all representative games and appropriately for the clubhouse.
2. Greet your own team members and opponents alike at the start of the game, and congratulate and compliment them at the end of play.
3. Compliment your opponent on a good shot.
4. Admit to a fluke with good grace.
5. Stand still when a player is on the mat.
6. Do not walk or make a noise behind the mat when a player is about to deliver a bowl.
7. Remain behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your turn to play. As soon as your bowl has come to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
8. Keep to your own rink. Walk down the centre of your rink when changing ends.
9. On a sunny day, be aware of your shadow. Do not let it mask the jack or fall in front of the mat when a player is about to bowl.
10. Try to avoid obscuring boundary pegs, rink plate or rink markers.
11. Never criticise your opponent, the green or your own team members. If you cannot say something positive — say nothing at all.
12. Pay attention and concentrate on the game. Socialise after the game.
13. Always appear to be enjoying the game.
14. Stand well back from the head when drive shots are being played, and warn others.
15. Learn the laws of the sport and abide by them.
16. Be a gracious winner and a good loser.
17. Where meals are provided, it is essential to pay for said meal even if you are unable to partake. Inform your captain of any special dietary requirements as early as possible.
18. At the end of club games, if the bar is open, it is the norm for the home player to offer your opposite number a drink.