How to Play Indoor Bowls
A Guide to the Basics
Indoor bowls, sometimes referred to as Carpet Bowls, has been played in Australia since the 1930’s. The game is played in a similar way to lawn bowls although there are differences between the two, for example Indoor Bowls is played indoors on felt-like carpets 6 foot (just over 1.8m) wide x 24 foot (around 7.3m) long.
One of the attractions of indoor bowls is that it can be played by all ages, including men, women, juniors and seniors. People of all abilities can play, including wheelchair users and blind bowlers.
It is not just about serious play; it is also a social game and offers a way to meet new people and make friends. And, like many sports, it is healthy too, with older people who play bowls being more active as they get into their late 80s. People playing in their 90s is not uncommon and they all say the same thing; bowls has kept them moving, which has kept their joints free of stiffening up.”
How is it Played?
The game can be played as singles, pairs, triples and four player games. Its purpose is this: you must aim your bowl as near to the white ball (called the jack or kitty) as you can.
The game starts with the toss of a coin and the lead player rolls the jack which is moved to the centre of the mat.
Bowlers take it in turns. Once all the bowls have been played, one team gets a point for every bowl landing closer to the jack than their opponents nearest bowl. Once the score has been declared, that end is finished and the next end starts from where the last finished.
The Sport’s Rules
Any bowls that go off the mat are disqualified for that end. If the jack rolls off the mat it is replaced at the point where it left the mat. The end continues until all bowls have been played. If you knock an opponents bowl off the back of the mat it could be a penalty depending on where it was before being hit and where it left the mat.
How is it Scored?
The scoring system depends on the type of competition. Some games are scored by how many ends each team won, while others are scored by the actual points won. The system for scoring will always be nominated at the start of the competition. There are 12 ends in a game.
Bowls Equipment & Clothing
Players are not expected to provide any equipment, as all Indoor Bowls Clubs or Associations own their mats and bowls. Players are only required to wear flat soled shoes so as to not damage the mats.
Finding a Bowls Club
Indoor Bowls Clubs can be found in many towns, however not all are affiliated with the Queensland Association. Many over-50’s villages have their own mats and bowls also, as do many Churches and RSL’s.
Joining
The membership fee to join the Queensland Association is $20 per person (current as at 2023) and you would normally have joined a local club or association first. That body is responsible for registering players with the state association.
When you play at your local club, there will be green fees to play. If you choose to play in Queensland run events there will be green fees for the various events.