Possession of the rink is the quiet rule behind good bowls etiquette. It tells everyone whose turn it is to deliver, communicate and control play—and when the opponents should be still and clear.
Who has possession?
Possession belongs to the player or team whose bowl is being played. It transfers to the opponents after that bowl comes to rest, allowing time to mark a toucher.
A player must not deliver before the previous bowl has stopped and possession has transferred. The pause protects both concentration and the developing head.
Where should players stand at the mat end?
Anyone at the mat end who is not delivering should stand at least 1 metre behind the mat. Stay still, avoid conversation that carries down the rink and keep equipment out of the delivery line.
Where should players stand at the head?
Members of the team in possession who are not controlling play stand behind the jack.
Members of the team without possession stand behind the jack and away from the head.
If the jack is in the ditch, players stand on the surrounds where possible.
If the surrounds are not available, stand well clear of the head.
A player controlling play from level with or in front of the jack must move to the correct position as soon as a bowl is delivered.
Respect neighbouring rinks
Do not step into a neighbouring rink while its game is in progress. Even an unused neighbouring rink should not be used as a walkway while an opponent is about to deliver or is delivering. On an outside rink, the same courtesy applies to the strip between the boundary and side ditch.
What counts as interference?
Movement, noise, advice, shadows or screen activity can distract the player in possession. An umpire can warn an offending player; repeated interference can lead to the last bowl being declared dead, with further options if the head was disturbed.
Using a phone without slowing play
Prepare the scorecard between deliveries, then put the phone away from the line while an opponent has possession. For a close-head camera check, wait until the end is complete and both sides are ready to decide the score. Technology should support the rhythm of the game, not interrupt it.
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.