Lawn Bowls Rules

The lawn bowls competition will be conducted under the rules set down by Bowls Australia, except where modified below

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Event

Lawn Bowls is split into morning and afternoon events.

Morning

• Men’s singles,

• Ladies singles

• Open pairs

Afternoon

• Open fours

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Shield Points

The total Shield Points available will be based on the formula contained in the General Rules. The points allocated to each event will be distributed evenly.

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Format

The lawn bowls competition will be held over 4 days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday).

(i) No dead ends. If the jack goes out of play, it shall be placed directly behind the centre 2m mark. If a bowl prevents this, it shall be placed on the nearest available spot on the centre line towards the mat.

(ii) Speed of play must be reasonable and as a courtesy to opponents, players are to be ready to bowl when it is their turn.

(iii) Provided the jack has been delivered, the end may be completed after the “final end” bell.

(iv) Any disputed measures will be resolved by an umpire measuring with a standard tape.

(v) Any disputed length of end will be determined by an umpire (without measuring).

(vi) In Friday’s Finals, (iv) and (v) may not apply subject to the umpire’s discretion.

 

In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each player in singles matches or one bowl from each skip in pairs or fours matches. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

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Singles event – men’s and ladies

• Sectional matches will be played on Monday morning over 3 matches. Quarter and semi-finals played on Thursday morning. Final to be played on Friday morning.

• Matches are 8 ends. However, a bell on 40 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• Each player will bowl 4 bowls.

• Spare players act as markers.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each player in singles matches or one bowl from each skip in pairs or fours matches. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final eight determined by wins (ties counting for ½ win) then shots differential, total shots and then countback.

• Countback determined by the above criteria starting with latest match played and working back.

• Any byes receive a win and 10-0 scoreline.

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Finals (​Singles)

• Quarter and semi-finals will be played over 8 ends. However, a bell on 40 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each player in singles matches A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final played over 12 ends with no time limit.

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Open pairs event

• Sectional matches will be played on Tuesday morning over 3 matches. Quarter and semi-finals played on Thursday morning (time permitting quarter finals may commence Tuesday morning). Final to be played on Friday morning.

• Matches are 8 ends. However, a bell on 40 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• Each player will bowl 3 bowls.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each player in singles matches or one bowl from each skip in pairs or fours matches. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final eight determined by wins (ties counting for ½ win) then shots differential, total shots and then countback.

• Countback determined by the above criteria starting with latest match played and working back.

• Any byes receive a win and 10-0 scoreline.

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Finals (Open pairs)

• Quarter and semi-finals will be played over 8 ends. However, a bell on 40 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each skip. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final played over 12 ends with no time limit.

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Open fours event

• Sectional matches will be played on Monday & Tuesday afternoon over 3 matches. Quarter and semi-finals played on Thursday afternoon. Final to be played on Friday afternoon.

• Matches are 8 ends. However, a bell on 90 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• Each player will bowl 2 bowls.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each skip in pairs or fours matches. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final eight determined by wins (ties counting for ½ win) then shots differential, total shots and then countback.

• Countback determined by the above criteria starting with latest match played and working back.

• Any byes receive a win and 10-0 scoreline

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Finals (Open fours)

• Quarter and semi-finals will be played over 8 ends. However, a bell on 90 minutes indicates that the end in play is the last that may result in a match of less than 8 ends.

• In the event of a tie in any knock out round the match will be decided by a sudden death end of one bowl from each player in singles matches or one bowl from each skip in pairs or fours matches. A coin toss will decide who bowls first.

• Final played over 12 ends with no time limit.

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Rule Modification

Not applicable

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Equipment Requirements

Shoes with flat soles must be worn - preferably standard bowls shoes. Thongs are allowed to be worn as well as bare feet.​