The Sport of BOWLS

Jerry Flaman    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The English-speaking world calls the game BOWLS. In other locations around the world it is known by various names. The Mediterranean form is known as Bocce. Indeed it may have been the Roman Legions who introduced the game to the British Isles. Historical evidence suggests that some form of Bowls evolved simultaneously in many parts of the world over the centuries of human development. Thinking back to one's childhood there were always games with stones, rocks, balls, walls or some other type of target to judge one's accuracy and competence. Rules were made up as the game progressed. One just did not want to be bored! Whether it is played on manicured greens, artificial surfaces, mats or sandy beach, bowls is truly the sport for all. It's easy to learn, affordable, social and FUN! The sport is The Sport For All -- The Sport for Life! Bowls in Canada can be likened to the familiar sport of curling. Heavily weighted stones, launched down a defined course, rolling toward a defined (though stationary) target only to be removed as a counter by a more accurately delivered rock launched by an opponent. There are significant differences between the games but the similarities of what amuses us in none-confrontational sport are inescapable. The game of lawn bowls takes place on a closely cut pitch called a green. A green is divided into 8 rinks. Similar to Curling the game is made up of a predetermined number of ends that consist of the playing of all the bowls of both sides in one direction on the rink. First, a small white ball called a "jack" (piccolo in Bocce) is delivered down the surface of the green. Then, standing on a mat and bowling alternately, players roll their bowls with the aim of having their bowls come to a stop as close as possible to the "jack". The trick is that the bowls are un-balanced and, therefore, do not roll in a straight line. Rather they curl (hopefully) towards the "jack". A player must decide where the bowl should come to rest and then deliver the bowl (ball) along this visualized line of sight. The surface of the green dictates the weight with which a bowl should be delivered. The target is not fixed (as in curling) and therefore the "jack" can be bumped to another position on the playing surface by a bowl skilfully delivered by an opponent. Each subsequent movement of the jack changes not only the character of each end but also the outcome of the game. We are fortunate to have The British Columbia Lawn Bowling Association to promote and monitor the game. The Association's main activities are the promotion, financial support of, and participation in bowls competitions at the provincial and national level. Bowls BC has undertaken and is monitoring various projects in an effort to increase membership; increase participation, and increase communication between members clubs. To find out more about bowls go to: http://www.bowlscanada.com/ (Go directly to the Club Directory to find out more of where to Bowls in BC) http://www.bowlsbc.ca/ http://bowlsbc.ca/assndetail.html?3          2005-04

 

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