Equipment
Lawn bowling does not require an extensive list of equipment. Clubs prescribe the clothing that is to be worn, but daily bowling is typically done in normal street attire. Flat-soled footwear (e.g., tennis shoes) is required at all times to avoid damage to the playing surface. Personal and club items are listed below.
Personal Items
| Shoes | When you become a more serious and regular member, you will want to have a pair of specific bowling shoes. But for all beginners, and many others, all you need is a pair of smooth soled shoes so that you do not damage the green. Tennis shoes, for example, are ideal, as are many walking shoes. If you are buying a new pair, choose white ones so that you don't need a separate pair for white days. As a real newcomer, this is the only must-have equipment item. |
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| Clothing | All white, or cream-colored clothing is required for tournaments. This helps preserve the old traditions of the game - though, of course, many of us wear shorts in summer (even for tournaments) which the old Scots never would have done. On all other occasions, any comfortable clothing will suffice. Because of the heat and glare, a hat or visor is definitely a necessity for most bowlers in many parts of the USA. |
| Bowls | For beginners and visitors, most clubs maintain a stock of bowls you may borrow (or rent). But as you play more regularly, you will want your own personal set that you can enjoy, maintain and roll predictably. See the Links section, or contact your club chairman for catalogs and prices. In the USA, there are only a few sources, but they are the same international quality suppliers. Each set of four has a unique logo or pattern on them so you can identify your own during a game. One set of bowls will last you ten or more years with minimal maintenance and proper storage in their carry case. |
| Measure | Special tape or sting measuring devices exist to resolve close calls. They resemble normal retractable tape measures, but are designed to meet the specific needs of lawn bowling. |
| Chalk | Regular or spray chalk is used to mark bowls that touched the jack. Keep these small items in your pocket, especially when you are playing Vice. |
| Name Badge | All members of the club are issued personal name badges. Most of us wear them on our hats, visors or shirts. While we might know you well, newcomers and visiting club players appreciate them. |
Club Items
| Jack | That little white ball we roll first and spend all our efforts chasing. |
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| Locker | Free lockers are available at most clubhouses to store your equipment. |
| Mat | A 600mm x 360mm surface placed on the green. It's the starting point for every roll of a bowl. |
| Scoreboard | Traditional as it is, we all enjoy putting the scores up on old-fashioned chalkboards. |
| Rakes | Special devices for collecting the bowls at the conclusion of an end. |
| Flags | On tournament days, you may see flags showing the minimum distances for jack placement (the "hog line"). |
| The Green | The approximately 120' square surface on which several games may be played . |