Bowls Glossary

In team games, a manager is appointed for each team, whose role is to fill in the scorecards, agree the match up of rinks between teams, tally the total scores of all rinks at the end of a game, and submit the result to the governing competition association.

The manager may have other duties depending on the domestic regulations in place for a particular competition, and can include being the point of contact for a team in relation to decisions to stop play should adverse weather conditions affect play, but does not normally include adjudicating on the rules of bowls, which is handled by a designated umpire.

Is the target or object that bowls are aimed at. In bowls the mark is the jack (a.k.a. kitty).

In a game of singles, a non-playing bowler will assist the players by aligning the jack on the centre line after it has been rolled, answer questions asked by the players about the state of play, chalk bowls that become touchers, and keep the scorecard and scoreboard up to date during a game.

A rectangular piece of material, which designates the point from which bowls must be delivered for a particular end.

A bowl that sits next to or near an opposition bowl in the head.

The maximum distance possible between the mat and the end of the rink, designated by a spot or mark, usually the 2-metre mark.

A small pocket sized hand held tape measure used to judge the distance between the jack and one or more bowls at the conclusion of an end, which will determine the number of shots held by a player or team (distance) If at the conclusion of an end of bowls, the number of shots held by a team or player cannot be determined by agreement, the designated measurer will use a tape measure to determine the result – “Call for a measure”.

Minimum length the minimum distance allowed between the mat and the jack.

In the Crystal Mark edition of rules, the minimum length of an end is 23 meters. Some domestic regulations can vary this minimum length.

The minimum distance allowed between the mat and the jack. In the Crystal Mark edition of rules, the minimum length of an end is 23 meters. Some domestic regulations can vary this minimum length. For example, in Australia, the minimum length is 21 meters. Most greens have a mark on the plinth of the ditch to indicate the minimum length point from the 2 meter mark.

A custom designed instrument used by umpires to determine if a jack or bow is within the boundary of the rink during play. Often used in conjunction with a scope when making judgements from one end of the rink to the other.

Refers to plain or ordinary clothes, especially when worn by one who normally wears a uniform.