What should I wear? Flat shoes without deep grips or ridges should be worn at all times, to prevent grass damage. For Monday and Friday Roll-ups/practice there isn’t a set dress code, just wear something comfy. For matches against other clubs, members should wear the Byfield Club shirt or a plain white sports shirt. For trouser colours either grey or white as highlighted on the fixture sheet Clothing Guidance Bowls England
Do I need my own equipment and bowls? The Club provides the jacks, mats, scoreboards and measuring sticks and don’t worry someone will explain about the equipment. There is an assortment of bowls you can borrow to get started. In time you may wish to purchase your own set.
What do I need to know about bias and the bowls turning? Bowls come in different weights, sizes and colours to suit everyone, the shape affects how much the bowl turns and is known as the bias. You’ll soon learn bowls don’t go in a straight line but travel in a banana shaped arch. You will be given some advice as to the best bowl for you. The aim of the game is to be the nearest ‘Shot’ bowl to the small ‘Jack’ the and over time you’ll become more skilled at getting the right amount of curve (green) and force (weight.) It will take some practice but its great fun and there’ll always be others who can help you, to start with. There are many companies that sell and advise on different types of bowls, one example is the Potters Bowls Shop who provide a useful chart Bowls Bias Guidance
Will everyone be better than me? Byfield welcomes and encourages all standards and members are expected to be patient, supporting less experienced players whilst sharing their knowledge.
Do I need to learn about specific rules to play bowls? There may be a few new words and terms to learn, as Bowls England have outlined in their Learn the Lingo and you can also read the most recent Laws of the Game If you have any questions please do ask us via our CONTACT US page.
Will I be expected to play in competitions? You can play bowls just for fun. Perhaps in time, after you become more confident and competent, there are different levels of competition that you can take part in, if you wish
Where can I find out about buying bowls, clothing and shoes? You can buy everything from the major bowls manufacturers, by searching some well-known brands such as Henselite, Taylor, Drakes Pride and Dek. However if you are just starting out, that can seem quite expensive and the high street and on-line stores provide good reasonable alternatives. Don’t forget when you shop on-line many companies will give us a donation, so don’t forget to sign up Easyfunding - Support Byfield Bowls ClubIf you have any further questions, you can always check with other bowlers, a Club Captain, or a Committee Member.
Useful Links: Clothing Guidance Bowls England Potters Bowls Shop
