AGGREGATES These normally take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting at 1.45 pm.  A draw is held before play commences to decide on the teams. A green fee of £1 is due for each session.

MATCHES We play matches throughout the season, either friendlies or league fixtures, where a sheet is displayed in the clubhouse for those non available to enter their names. Our selectors then selects the team and endorses times and where to attend, along with refreshments when required.

All members are urged to enter, regardless of experience or ability.

Where a fixture is ‘away’ players share transport.

DRESS For aggregates, white shirts, grey trousers or skirts and flat soled shoes of any colour should be worn.

For mid-week friendlies, club shirts, grey trousers or skirts and flat soled shoes of any colour should be worn.

For weekend games club shirts, white trousers or skirts and flat soled shoes of any colour should be worn.

EQUIPMENT Bowls are the major cost of our sport, where a new set can be around anything up to a couple of £300, depending on make. Always take advice before investing to decide the best size, weight etc. There are various types available to try at the Club and second hand sets are preferable in the beginning.

Regulation brown, white or grey shoes will be preferable, along with ‘club’ shirt for representative matches and, later, jackets or ‘wet’ suits are desirable.

Bowls is amongst the friendliest of sports and long may it remain so.

This is due to the conventional rules of courtesy established over the years and here are some of the acts of sportsmanship that enhance the game.

· The game is always begun with introductions, handshakes and wishes for a good game.

· Players stand still behind the mat or head during play so as not to distract a player delivering a bowl.

· Always commend a good shot, whether from team mate or opponent with a clap or a ‘well bowled’.

· Accept flukes with good grace (there is much luck in bowls but it usually evens itself out).

· Finish as you started with a handshake and, remember to congratulate your opponent on a game well played, whatever the outcome.

The etiquette of lawn bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability.

These courtesies are best described as the unwritten laws of the game and are extras designed to promote and enhance the excellent reputation for friendliness and sportsmanship that the game of bowls has rightly earned.

“Be familiar with the laws of the game and any variations that might specifically apply to the Club or to any Tournament in which you may be playing”

· Ensure you are correctly attired as dress code for matches or competitions can vary. If in doubt consult your Captain or Secretary.

· Ensure that you know the correct starting time of the game and arrive in sufficient time to change and be on the Green ready to start at the appointed time.

· Display the correct stickers on your bowls (Club/District/County, as appropriate.

· Support your Club by entering your name on non-availability sheets whenever possible. (If unsure how to do this, consult your Club Coach, Captain or Secretary).

· If for a good reason you have to withdraw after selection, please notify your Captain as quickly as possible.

· Play your part in assisting with the smooth running of your Club and support it’s officers. Check to see if you are scheduled to help with catering or with preparing equipment for the Pavilion or Green or any other duties. Should you be unable to fulfil your designated tasks, notify your Captain or Secretary without delay.

· Law 37 defines the duties of players when playing as a rink (Four players with 2 bowls each)

1. The ‘skip’ shall have sole charge of his/her team.

2. The ‘third’ may be deputised to measure any disputed shots.

3. The ‘second’ may keep a record of all shots for or against his/her team.

4. The ‘lead’ shall place the mat, deliver the jack and assist with centring it before playing the first bowl.

· Enter and leave the green by the designated routes (do not cross the rinks)

· Respect the green surface at all times – do not drop bowls on the green.

· Do not stand on the edge of the green or walk in the ditches.

· Do not drop litter on the green or in the ditches (Use the bins provided.)

· Always respect possession of the rink. Remain still and quiet, whether at the ‘mat’ end or at the ‘head’ whilst others are delivering their bowls.

· Never deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.

· Keep track of play and be ready to bowl when it is your turn.