Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Note: Definitions of terminology used in these questions can be found at the bottom of the page. 

Is it easy to learn Lawn Bowls?

A novice can pick up the basics in half an hour – and spend the next 50 years trying to master it. 

 

How long is the season?

Our outdoor lawn bowling season is about 5 months -- from the beginning of May until Thanksgiving.

As an FYI, we also offer indoor short mat bowling during the winter months (November to mid April). The questions on this page refer mainly to outdoor lawn bowling. 

 

What is the cost of membership?

Our 2025 summer outdoor bowling membership fees are as follows:

Full membership: $230

Social membership (associate with no playing privileges): $40

 

Do I have to be a Burlington resident to be a member?

No you do not need to be a Burlington resident. In fact because BLBC’s greens are recognized to be among the very best in the province, the club attracts many members who live outside of Burlington.

 

Does BLBC have instructors to help me learn how to bowl?

Yes. The place to start is to come to one of our Open House sessions that are held every Wednesday night (weather permitting) during the bowling season.

 

I’ve never bowled. Can I try the game without joining?

Yes! Just come to the club for one of our free intro sessions. We’ll help you find a set of bowls that’s the right size for your hands—the club has bowls you can use, in a range of sizes. We’ll ask you to sign a waiver, give you brief instruction so you can play a game, and be there to answer any questions

 

Isn’t lawn bowling for senior citizens?

No!

Many top competitive bowlers are in their twenties.

However, because lawn bowls requires precision and strategy more than strength, it is a game that you can continue to play through your senior years and in fact many members have started to play after retirement

The sport is not gender biased in any way. Women can bowl just as well or better than men, and many do.

How often can I bowl in a week? 

It’s not far off to say as much as you like. With open or jitney bowling almost daily and league and tournament play accessible to all members, some keen members participate 5 times per week. For others it might be 3-4 times a month. 

 

How long is a game?

Typically, a single game of 12 ends usually takes about two hours. Saturday Jitneys are often 2 games of fewer ends and with a break and last three or four hours.

 

I have a friend who wants to try bowling—can I bring them to the club?

Yes! Club members can bring guests to the club. Bring them along on a Wednesday evening. This is best suited for introducing them to the game. Guests can have up to three free visits before we require that they become members. We’ll ask them to sign a guest waiver, and you are responsible for their behaviour at the club. 

 

 

I want to join, but I’ll be away for two weeks in July. Is that a problem?

No problem at all. Should you join a league, a spare can be found who will be glad to fill in when you are away.

 

Is lawn bowling like curling?

It is played and scored similar to curling, but there are differences. Each bowl is biased to curve in one direction as it proceeds down the rink. A small white ball called the “jack” (target) is bowled first and like curling, the closest bowls to the jack are counted. It is more interesting and challenging than curling in that the jack can be moved by a bowl, and that creates a new target for the rest of the bowls! Also, the team delivering the jack can send it a short way or long way down the rink. Unlike curling there is no sweeping. The grass used on the greens is similar to the grass used on golf putting surfaces.

Are there videos on the internet where I can learn more about lawn bowling?

Yes. For example, see those offered by the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association and Bowls Canada. 

 

Should I wear white when I bowl?

Only if it flatters your skin tone. There are no rules about what you wear, except for the flat-soled shoes that protect the green. Most running shoes or sneakers are fine. Sandals must have straps at the back. In tournaments or championship games, teams typically wear the same shirts (or same colour shirts at least).

 

Do I need to buy bowls?

No, in fact, we suggest you start by using “club bowls.”

BLBC has about 50 sets of bowls in various sizes, which you can borrow (they stay in the club for others to use). 

Bowls range in size from 00 to 5 with 00 being the smallest. We even have smaller bowls for children! We suggest you stick to club bowls until you are sure what size you are most comfortable with. When you are ready, used bowls can often be found or a new set can be purchased for about $800.

 

Do I need any special equipment?

No, the only requirement is that you wear flat-soled shoes to avoid damaging the greens. Sneakers and most running shoes are fine.

 

How do I join?

It's quick and easy to sign up! Simply click on the "New Member Sign-Up" tab on the blue bar on the Home page. This takes you to an online form to fill out. Payment is required at time of registration through our secure Moneris payment system. We'd love to see you on the green with us.

 

Can I practice on my own?

Yes, during open bowling when not all rinks are in use. Just tell the drawmaster you are there to practice so he/she is not expecting you to put in your tag and be part of a game that day.

 

What are the different types of teams?

Teams are made up of between one and four players. The games are designated as:

• Singles – One against one. Each player delivers four bowls.

• Pairs – Two against two. Each player delivers four bowls.

• Triples – Three against three. Each player delivers three bowls.

• Fours – Four against four. Each player delivers two bowls.

 

Do I need to get a team together to lawn bowl?

No, you can bowl as an individual. During the bowling season there is open or jitney bowling most days and/or evenings under the lights, where the drawmaster sets teams up from the members in attendance.

Why do the bowls curve as they roll? 

A bowl curves because of the way it is made, not because of the way it is delivered by the bowler. The bowl is not uniformly shaped and is weighted on one side, so it naturally curves in that direction. This is called the “bias.” Because the bowls are not completely round, they are NOT called balls.

How are the bowls identified?

Each set of bowls has a unique insignia or marking for easy identification. In recent years, they have been manufactured in many colors, such as blue, red, yellow, and pink.

 

 

What if it starts raining during a game?

In a casual jitney or during open bowling, we may play through a light sprinkle, but we don’t expect anyone to suffer through a downpour. Usually both skips will agree to halt the game for a few minutes to see if the rain passes or the drawmaster may ask you to pause play. In a serious tournament, however, rain rarely stops a game.

Lightning is a very different situation. If there’s any sign of lightning, no matter how serious or casual the game, you must come off the green immediately. You may not resume the game until there hasn't been any sign of lightning for a least 20 minutes.

 

Why do new bowlers play the lead position?

In most games, learning bowlers will often be asked to play lead—that’s when you’re the first person on your team to bowl each end. With few other bowls in play, the lead can concentrate on consistently delivering a draw shot (where your bowl simply comes close to the jack without touching other bowls). It’s the fundamental shot in any bowler’s skill set.

The lead is a very important player on any team. Your bowls set up the end for your vice and skip—you’re building the foundation for each end. A lead who can get closer to the jack than the opposing lead is a huge asset to any team.

 

What's the difference between Open Bowling and a Jitney?

In Open Bowling and Jitneys, whoever wants to play gives their draw card or tag to the drawmaster, who sets up teams of triples or pairs and determines the format of the game. With this type of play, you don't belong to a regular team, and you'll play with different people every time depending upon who shows up to play.

 

"Jitney" is a Canadian lawn bowling term for a pick-up game. In Burlington, we refer to games as Jitneys as those usually played on Saturday afternoons and special holiday events. At the jitneys, you play more than one game and each player puts in $2. At the end of the jitney, monetary prizes are awarded. On Saturday afternoons, there are two games with a break in between. Holiday jitneys are all day events with a lunch served mid-day (for a small fee). 

How can I participate in open bowling or a jitney?

It’s easy! Arrive at the club about 20 minutes before the start time, grab your bowls and drop your tag on the drawmaster’s desk. The tags are on the wall in the clubhouse. 

The drawmaster will create teams and place the tags in the draw racks. Once the drawmaster announces “the draw’s up,” you can check the rack for your card—by its position, you can see which rink you’re playing on and who’s on your team. 

Why are draw tags different colours?

In Burlington, the colour of your tag indicates your level of experience. Yellow tags are for novice or beginning players. Green tags are for those with more experience and they typically play the vice position. Orange tags are for the most seasoned players who typically act as skips for teams.

 

What is 4-3-2-1 lawn bowling?

This is a fun individual event for members of all abilities. 4-3-2-1 is scored by players individually and can accommodate up to 4 players on a rink. Order of play is determined by coin toss. Once all bowlers have bowled, 4 points is awarded for the closest to the jack, 3 points for the second closest, 2 points for the third closest and 1 point for the fourth closest, no other bowls count. Each end is a total of 10 points.
This is a great game to improve drawing skills, and develop ways of maneuvering the jack. 
At the beginning of the evening, bowlers will be divided into groups of 3 or 4 by random draw and the group winner will progress to the next group every 4 ends, so you will get to bowl with a variety of other members. 

What is Australian pairs? 

Australian pairs is a specific game that follows a 2-4-2 format. Each team has a lead and a skip. The skips of each team stand at the far end of the rink. The leads rolls 2 bowls each, then they switch sides with the skips, and the skips roll four bowls. They switch again, and the leads roll 2 more. In the next end, they swap roles. As a result of the switching of sides, there is more walking in Aussie pairs.

Are there any leagues?

Yes, there are several leagues. These are signed up for at time of registration and they do fill up quickly. In league play, you typically play with the same team and compete with others throughout the season. If you cannot play, you are expected to find a spare to take your place. The exceptions are 4-3-2-1 and the singles league where there are no teams. In the singles league, if you cannot play at the regular time, you must make up your game at another time during the week.

Are there customs or expectations I should know about?

Lawn bowling isn’t as stuffy as some non-bowlers believe, but there are unspoken rules of good bowls behaviour. For the most part, bowls etiquette is about being friendly and respectful to other players. 

* Before each game, shake hands (or fist bump) with the other players and wish them “Good bowling.” Shake hands again after the game. 

* Be ready to bowl when it’s your turn. When you’re on the mat, you can take a few moments to focus your concentration and get ready to deliver; at other times, keep the game moving at a reasonable pace.

* Don’t do anything that could distract the bowler on the mat.

* If the other team’s shot doesn’t go where intended or accidentally helps your team, don’t comment on it. It’s fine, though, to cheer a good shot by either team.

* If you’re raking the bowls, leave them behind and to the right of the bowler on the mat. Collecting the bowls in one consistent spot is a safety measure, making it less likely anyone will trip on a bowl.

* Stay on your rink, especially when you’re walking to the other end.

* When the skips are bowling, you must stand out of the head and not block the bowler’s view of any bowl on the rink.

* While the vices are determining the score after an end, you must also stand out of the head. It’s the vices’ job to determine the score.

 

What are the rules that govern lawn bowling?

In jitneys and tournament games, BLBC generally follows rules set by the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association (OLBA), also known as Conditions of Play . Those rules are based ultimately on the Laws of the Sport, which are set by the sport’s international federation, World Bowls.

 

What are the opportunities for competitive bowling?

There are multiple opportunities to bowl competitively. The club hosts several tournaments annually for singles, pairs, triples and fours, as do other clubs across the province. Your membership at BLBC allows you to enter tournaments across the province. The club also has annual club championship competitions for singles, pairs and triples. These are separated into novice divisions (5 years or less of playing) and open competitions. BLBC is part of District 5 and participates in weekly competitions with other District 5 clubs. Furthermore District 5 holds competitions novice bowlers leading to provincial championships.

How is the Burlington Lawn Bowling Club (BLBC) governed?

BLBC is a non-profit club that is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected annually at the fall general meeting for two year terms. There are also a number of standing and ad hoc commitees that do the work needed to run the Club smoothly. Members are encouraged to get involved as without this volunteer participation, there would be no Club. 

Is the BLBC affiliated with any other clubs?

Yes! In fact, the Burlington Lawn Bowling Club is a member of the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association (OLBA) and your membership allows you to play in tournaments at different clubs across the province. Entry fees apply. Tournaments can be found here: https://www.olba.ca/find-a-tournament.html