Vernon Lawn Bowling Club

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR YOU...

Come Out and Try Lawn Bowling!

The lawn bowling season will soon be here, so we want to explain how the season looks for 2026. 

The season will start in early April, as soon as the weatherman allows. The season will include social bowling as well as competitive events. Social bowling has no set teams, with teams made using a random draw. Our social bowling games take about 2 hours to complete. There is a break for refreshments halfway through the game.

If you are new to lawn bowling, you will be required to take 2 lessons. Once completed, you will be approved to participate in both social bowling and competitions.

At the start of the season, lessons will be available prior to scheduled social bowling. When evening bowling starts, (approximately late June) lessons will be on Thursday evenings.

Cost is $15 per lesson. This fee will be applied to your membership once you join.

Please call 250-549-4100 or email vernonlawnbowlingclub@telus.net to register. 

Basic skills of lawn bowling

1. Fundamental Technique

• Bowlers will learn about the delivery, grip and stance required to deliver a good bowl. You’ll practice stepping forward with your opposite foot while releasing the bowl close to the ground to prevent it from bouncing. 

• Bowlers should be able to deliver bowls, within bounds, the complete length of the green and within 4 meters of the jack.

2. Understanding Equipment & "The Bias"

• Identifying Bias: You will learn to identify the "small circle" (or small emblem) on one side of the bowl, which indicates the weighted side. The bowl always curves toward this smaller circle as it slows down.

• Choosing Your Line: Because of this curve, you cannot bowl in a straight line. Lessons teach you to aim for a point on the grass (the "line") that allows the bowl's bias to bring it back toward the target. 

3. Rules and Scoring

• The Objective: The primary goal is to get your bowl(s) closer to the jack (the small white target ball) than your opponent.

• Scoring an "End": Once all bowls are played in one direction, the end is finished. You earn one point for every bowl that is closer to the jack than your opponent's closest bowl.

• Key Terms: You'll be introduced to specific terminology, such as the "green" (the playing surface), "rink", “jack”, "touchers", “raking” etc. 

4. Etiquette and Sportsmanship

Lawn bowling is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. 

• On the Mat: You'll learn where to stand when it’s not your turn (usually behind the mat or the head) to avoid distracting the active player.

• Traditions: Common practices include shaking hands with opponents before and after a game and using standardized hand signals to communicate with teammates.

• Care for the Green: Beginners are taught to use flat-soled shoes, walk carefully and avoid dropping or bouncing bowls to protect the finely manicured grass. 

If you do not have bowls, you can rent them for $50 for the season. The rental bowls are returned after you play and are first come first served, but we have enough bowls for all to use.

LOOKING FOR PICTURES OF COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS?  They're under Events and Activities so click on that!  

First Day on the Green April 5, 2025