HOW TO PLAY

Our staff will run you through an intro when your session commences.

In the meantime take a look at this guide to get the edge on your opponents.

The Basics:

AIM: The aim of the game is to get your bowls closer to the Jack than your opposition.
RINK: The area in which the play takes place.
JACK: The small white ball your aiming at, you want your bowls the closest to it.
BOWLS: Balls used by the player, weighted on one side causing it to curve as it rolls.

HOW TO BOWL:

- Stand on the mat, feet together.
- Hold the bowl in your preferred hand.
- Use the finger grips on either side to line the bowl up in your hand.
- Step out with the opposite foot to your bowling hand.
- Bend down and take a small and gentle back swing.
- Roll the bowl along the ground (don’t throw or drop your bowl from the waist - we don’t want to hear any thuds or see any airtime!).
- Roll it out at an angle - to the right or left.
- The weight in the bowl will turn it back towards the Jack as it begins to slow down.

HOW TO SCORE:

- The team who has their bowl or bowls the closest to the Jack wins.
- Points are awarded by how many bowls that team has closest to the Jack.
- The count stops when an oppositions bowl comes into play and cuts off any other winning bowls.
- Players can judge and agree on the distance and number by eye. If in dispute - we have tape measures for groups to use or you can use the measuring app on your smartphone.
- Any bowls that have stopped outside the rink or landed in the ditch do not count, they are out of bounds.
- If the Jack goes outside the rink or in the ditch it should be placed back on the "T".

THE RULES:

Fun is always the number one priority, however we do have a few rules to ensure that everyone can have a safe, fun and enjoyable experience with us at Rock 'n Bowl.
Our friendly staff will be there to remind you of the rules so don't stress too much. However, please note that repeated infringements of any of the guidelines below will result in the non-refundable cancellation of your session.

- Although it’s Barefoot Bowls, shoes can be worn however they must be completely flat soled.
- Only 1 person per rink is allowed on the green at any time.
- Groups are not permitted to walk down the middle of the rink when changing ends - you must bowl end to end and use the pathways around the greens perimeter.
- No dropping or throwing lawn bowls (this damages the greens).
- No eating, drinking or smoking permitted on our greens, there are tables at the end of each rink to leave any food/beverage before its your turn to step up. Smoking is permitted in our smoking areas which will be pointed out during your bowls introduction.
- No driving (fast bowling) permitted.
- No sitting on the banks of the greens.
- Our staff members are here to help you have a good time, please be respectful of them at all times.

TIPS

- Keep your bowling arm as straight as you can.
- Watch your bowl until it stops.
- Use an aiming point on the green or bank for more consistent results.

If you have any further questions feel free to come up and ask any of our friendly Rock 'n Bowl staff members.