A bowls green looks simple from the clubhouse: one large rectangle of grass or synthetic surface. Look closer and it is a carefully defined playing space built around distances, ditches and boundary markers.
How large is a lawn bowls green?
For flat-green bowls, the playing surface is square or rectangular and the length in the direction of play is generally between 31 and 40 metres. Clubs divide that surface into parallel rinks for separate games.
Under the World Bowls specifications, an outdoor rink is normally 4.3 to 5.8 metres wide. An indoor rink is normally 4.6 to 5.8 metres wide. Member national authorities may set domestic standards, particularly for existing greens.
The ditch and bank
The green is surrounded by a ditch designed to receive bowls and the jack without damaging them. The standard ditch is 200 to 380 millimetres wide and 50 to 200 millimetres deep. A bank sits outside the ditch and carries the centre and boundary markers that define each rink.
The ditch is not simply out of bounds. A jack driven into the ditch can remain live, as can a correctly marked toucher. Their position still has to be within the side boundaries of the rink of play.
How a rink is marked
The centre of each rink is shown on the bank at both ends. Bright boundary pegs mark its side limits. A bowl may travel outside those imaginary side lines while curving, but it must come to rest within the rink boundary to remain live.
Because the pegs define an imaginary vertical plane, very close boundary decisions may need a boundary string and square rather than a quick glance from one side.
Distances players use every end
The front edge of the mat must be at least 2 metres from the rear ditch.
A delivered jack must travel at least 23 metres from the mat line.
Once centred, the jack must be at least 2 metres from the front ditch.
A delivered bowl must travel far enough to remain live under the Laws.
Why dimensions change tactics
A long rink rewards controlled weight. A jack near the front-ditch limit changes the value of back bowls and touchers. Rink width affects available hands and the way bowls enter a crowded head. Learning the geometry makes the sport easier to read.
When that geometry produces a close finish, WGTS adds a fast, shared camera-assisted view for everyday play. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Dimensions are summarized from the World Bowls framework; consult your national authority and venue for local standards.