Category Archives: Official Rules

In response to a couple of questions earlier this week, please note the added bold type in the two laws shown below from the BCGBA Laws of the Game 2022. 5.7       A player may retain possession of the footer until that player’s bowl has ceased running. If a player has taken up the footer afterContinue reading “Laws of the Game #13”

Ian models a bowls scoreboard. Where’s ours? Remember the very first “Rules of the Game” on our website last September? Here’s a reminder of that Rule 3.4:  The result of the end shall be clearly indicated, by the winner, to the two markers, except at competitions at which an official marker for each game hasContinue reading “Ian Scores”

02 THE GAME 2.5       At the commencement of a game the footer must be placed by the leader, within three metres of the entrance to the green, on either the left or right side and one metre from the edge but no more than two metres from the edge. Click Here to read all theContinue reading “#12 Laws of the Game”

5.11       If a player has taken up position on the footer and a bowl falls from that player’s hand, even by accident, and travels more than 3 metres, from the centre of the footer, in a forward direction, it shall be deemed to have been played. Source: British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) P.S. ItContinue reading “Occasional Item #11 Rules of the Game”

9.9         If, during the course of a game, it becomes so dark that the jack cannot be seen distinctly from the footer, the player may request to have a light exhibited at the jack, or may appeal to the Referee, whose decision shall be final, for the game to be suspended. 9.10       In the eventContinue reading “Occasional Item #10 Rules of the Game”

6.4         A player must not endeavour to affect the running of any bowl, nor follow it up in such a manner as to obstruct the view of the opponent. For a first offence, involving the player’s own bowl, that bowl shall be forfeited. In the case of a further offence, the game shall be awardedContinue reading “Occasional Item #9 Rules of the Game”

BYE-LAW 15 – PLAYERS DRESS1. Suitable footwear must be worn. Hard, block-heeled or open-toed footwear must not be worn whilst on the green in any match played under the Association’s jurisdiction. Source: British Crown Green Bowls Association (BCGBA)

D5         An END: commences when the leader delivers the jack, is concluded when the last bowl finishes running and is completed when the score is agreed. Please note that the score has to be agreed between the 2-players.

If you recall our Occasional Series of Official Rules on this website, #2 on our list referred to Rule 5.3 where the foot must be kept on the footer (mat). As you see in this photo, Dave H demonstrates how to break that rule and gain a few inches of advantage. (Official Rules courtesy BCGBA).

5.8         If the leader’s first bowl has been forfeited, the leader’s remaining bowl shall be played, followed by the opponent playing two bowls consecutively. 5.9         If the first bowl of the leader’s opponent has been forfeited, the leader’s remaining bowl shall be played, followed by the opponent playing the last bowl. DEFINITION: D3   A FORFEITED BOWLContinue reading “Occasional Item #6 Rules of the Game”