A lawn bowls scorecard should let anyone reconstruct the match at a glance. The safest routine is simple: identify the game before play, agree every end before writing it, and compare running totals often.
Complete the match details first
Before the trial ends, enter the competition, date, venue or rink, round, format and player names. Put each player or team in the correct column. Check the Conditions of Play for the number of ends, target score, sets format or time limit.
Record each end
Only one side can score shots on an ordinary end. Count every bowl closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest bowl. Enter that end’s shots in the scoring side’s column and a zero or blank—according to the card’s design—in the other.
Add the new shots to the running total immediately. Do not wait several ends and rely on memory.
How to record a tied or dead end
A tied end is a completed end with no shot scored by either side. Mark it clearly as a zero-score completed end and move to the next numbered end.
A dead end is different: it is not counted as completed and is normally replayed. Do not advance the scorecard’s completed-end number unless the event uses a specific re-spot or recording procedure.
Who is responsible for the card?
In team play, the skip is responsible for the card under the World Bowls laws. The skip records shots for and against, compares the card with the opposing skip after every end, and signs both cards at the finish. Domestic rules may transfer those duties to matching positions in each team.
In singles, the marker records the score after each end and announces running totals when there is no scoreboard.
Prevent the most common mistakes
Say the agreed score aloud before bowls are cleared.
Write the end score before calculating the new total.
Compare both cards at the end, not several ends later.
Check the card against the scoreboard regularly.
Never alter the head to “confirm” a score after bowls have moved.
Finish the card properly
When the game ends, confirm the final total and result. Record the completion time where required. The players or skips check names, sign the card and submit it according to the event instructions.
Paper or phone?
Paper is familiar and accepted everywhere. A digital scorecard can reduce arithmetic mistakes, preserve player history and produce a shareable record. WGTS supports Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours scorecards, running totals and completed-card PDF sharing on compatible devices.
Take a clearer view onto the green
WGTS brings camera-assisted bowl measurement and digital scorecards to your phone. Use it as a decision-support tool for social play and practice; for competition decisions, follow your club and event rules and call the umpire or use an official measure whenever required.
Download WGTS for iPhone or get WGTS on Google Play.
Rules note: this guide is based on the World Bowls Laws of the Sport, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition. Domestic regulations and a competition’s Conditions of Play can add to or vary some procedures. Check the rules for your event.