Bowls

Bowls match

British bowlers (HS85-10-17553)

Lawn bowls, Central Park

Drumoak and district bowling green

Swifts creek bowls club

Bowls is a sport that involves rolling a ball so that it stops close to a smaller ball called a "jack" or "kitty." It is played on a bowling green which may be flat (for "flat-green bowls") or convex or uneven (for "crown green bowls"). It is a popular game across the world, with variations played in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others.

History

The history of bowls dates back to the 13th century, with evidence of the sport being played in England. It has evolved over the centuries, with different forms of the game being developed. The oldest surviving bowling green is the Southampton Old Bowling Green, which was first used in 1299.

Gameplay

The objective of bowls is to roll balls so that they stop close to a smaller ball. The balls used in bowls are not perfectly spherical; they are biased, meaning they travel along a curved path. This adds a strategic element to the game, as players must account for the bias when aiming their shots.

Players take turns to roll their balls towards the jack. The distance between the ball and the jack is measured, and points are awarded based on the proximity of the balls to the jack. The player or team with the closest ball to the jack scores points for each ball that is closer to the jack than the closest opponent's ball.

There are several variations of the game, including singles, pairs, triples, and fours (also known as rinks). The rules and scoring can vary slightly between these formats.

Equipment

The main equipment used in bowls includes the balls, the jack, and the bowling green. The balls are typically made of a hard plastic material and come in different sizes and weights to suit players' preferences. The jack is smaller and usually white, making it distinguishable from the balls.

Competitions

Bowls is played competitively at various levels, from local club competitions to international championships. The Commonwealth Games and the World Bowls Championships are among the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.

Variants

There are two main variants of the game: flat-green bowls and crown green bowls. Flat-green bowls is played on a flat, rectangular green, and is the version of the game commonly played in international competitions. Crown green bowls is played on a convex or uneven green, adding an additional challenge of dealing with the terrain.

Cultural Impact

Bowls has a significant cultural impact, especially in the countries where it is most popular. It is often seen as a social sport, with clubs providing a community for players to gather and compete. The sport is also known for its etiquette and sportsmanship.

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