First-Time Bowlers

Come Out and Try Lawn Bowling!

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.

Welcome to the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club!

Dear New Member,

Thank you for becoming a member of the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club! We are thrilled to have you join our community and look forward to seeing you out on the greens. Whether you’re brand new to lawn bowling or returning after a break, we’re here to support you as you learn, practice, and improve your game.

Our coaches are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to approach them during practices or games!

For more information, please visit our website or feel free to reach out to any of the executive members. www.vernonlawnbowlingclub.com/executive

Phone 250-549-4100            E-mail vernonlawnbowling@telus.net

For further information about the sport of Lawn Bowls, here is a link to BowlsBC, our governing body. bowlsbc.com

We are also part of the ILBA, Interior Lawn Bowling Association, which includes the following cities: Salmon Arm, Kamloops Riverside, Kamloops MacArthur Island, Kelowna, Penticton, and Osoyoos.

Understanding the Social Bowling Schedule

You may notice on our schedule that a time such as 1:00 for 1:30 is listed. This means that games begin at 1:30 PM, but your name must be on the draw-master’s table by 1:00 PM. We recommend arriving 45 minutes before the game start time to ensure there’s enough time to organize the teams and prepare the draw.

Bowling Times by Season

April to June:

• Afternoon Social Bowling: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
  1:00 for 1:30 start (Arrive by 12:45 PM)

• Evening Bowling: Begins Wednesday, May 27th
  Wednesday & Thursday evenings – 6:00 for 6:30 start
  (Arrive by 5:45 PM)
  These sessions are more relaxed and are a great time to practice!

July and August:

• Morning Bowling: Wednesday and Friday
  9:00 for 9:30 start (Arrive by 8:45 AM)

• Evening Bowling: Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings
  6:00 for 6:30 start (Arrive by 5:45 PM)

• No Sunday afternoon bowling during July & August 

September:

• Return to afternoon social bowling on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
  1:00 for 1:30 start (Arrive by 12:45 PM)

Social Events & Club Fun

Each month, we host a fun social event with a different style of game to build your skills and connect with fellow bowlers. These usually include a meal for a minimal fee. Sign-up sheets are on the clubhouse bulletin board—don’t miss out!

Competitive & Novice Events

We also host in-house competitions that are a bit more competitive but still a lot of fun.

As a bowler with less than 2 years of experience, you are considered a Novice, and we have several great events just for you:

• Novice Singles One-Day Event
  Saturday, August 15th

• ILBA Regional Novice Tournament
  Saturday, July 18th in Vernon
  (Compete with Novices from around the region. Ask a coach for details.)

• The Masters Challenge – May 30th
  For members aged 77 and older—just for fun!

Sign-up sheets for all events will be posted in the clubhouse.

Extras & Club Information

• Name Tags:
  Sign-up sheet is on the wall between the washrooms.

  • Magnetic tag: $8

  • Pin tag: $7

• Club Shirts:
  Photo and details are on the bulletin board.
  You can order it directly from Amazon or sign up to have us order for you.

• Bike Parking:
  Please use the bike rack or the space between the two sheds.

• Personal Belongings:
  Store purses, backpacks, etc. in your locker or inside the clubhouse.

• Refreshment Breaks:
  All morning and afternoon games have a break after 6 ends.
  Cookies, coffee, and juice are available for $1 each—great time to socialize!

• Player Positions:
  Occasionally, you may be asked to play a different position. Don’t worry! This means we see your potential. Take it as a chance to grow your skills.

• Bowls Rentals

Bowls are available to rent for $50 per year.  The bowls need to remain in the designated bowls area and not to be placed in lockers.

• Out of Town Events

For those planning on attending out of town events where you require bowls, club bowls are available to be used. There is a sign out book in the bowls room that needs to be filled out.

Need More Coaching?

Your initial lessons were just the beginning. If you’d like more support, join us on Thursday evenings, where a coach will be available to help fine-tune your game.

We’re so glad you’ve joined us and we can’t wait to see you on the green. Whether you're here for fun, friendship, fitness, or friendly competition, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome aboard and happy bowling!

Warm regards,
The Vernon Lawn Bowling Club Executive & Coaching Team