Burlington Lawn Bowling Club – Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about lawn bowling, membership, equipment, play formats, etiquette, and club operations. Definitions of bowling terminology appear at the end of this page.

🟩 1. Getting Started With Lawn Bowling

Is it easy to learn lawn bowls?

A novice can learn the basics in about half an hour — and spend the next 50 years mastering it.

Is lawn bowling just for seniors?

Not at all. Many top competitive bowlers are in their twenties. The sport relies on precision and strategy rather than strength, making it enjoyable at any age.

Do I need to be physically fit to bowl?

Lawn bowling is low‑impact and suitable for most fitness levels. Many people with limited mobility enjoy the sport.

Is lawn bowling safe for people with knee or back issues?

Yes. Delivery aids and modified techniques can make the game accessible. If you have concerns, speak with an instructor at an Open House.

Is lawn bowling like curling?

The scoring is similar, but bowls curve because of their built‑in bias, the jack can be moved, and there is no sweeping.

Are there videos where I can learn more?

Yes — the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association (How the game is played - Ontario Lawn Bowls Association) and Bowls Canada (Learn to Bowl – Bowls Canada Boulingrin) offer helpful instructional videos.

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

Yes! Attend a free intro session. We’ll help you choose the right size bowls, give you basic instruction, and get you playing right away. Our Open House week for 2026 runs from Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14 from 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm and Friday, May 15 to Saturday May 16 from 1-3 pm. Just bring your enthusiasm and some flat shoes! (Open House Afternoons) (Open House Evenings). During the season, you can also come on Wednesday Evenings.(Newcomers & Novice Instruction & Bowling)

Can I bring a friend who wants to try bowling?

Yes. Guests may visit up to three times before joining. Bring them on a Wednesday evening for the best experience. (Newcomers & Novice Instruction & Bowling)

How long does it take before I can play in a league or jitney?

Most new bowlers participate comfortably after a few introductory sessions.

Can children or teens bowl at BLBC?

Yes. We have smaller bowls available and welcome youth participation.

🟦 2. Membership & Joining the Club

What is the cost of membership?

• Full membership: $240

• Social membership (no playing privileges): $40

Do I have to live in Burlington to join?

No. Many members come from outside Burlington because of the club’s highly regarded greens.

Does BLBC offer instruction?

Yes. Start by attending Open House on Wednesday evenings (weather permitting). (Newcomers & Novice Instruction & Bowling)

How do I join?

Click New Member Sign‑Up on the website’s home page and complete the online form (New Member Sign-up)

I’ll be away for two weeks in July. Is that a problem?

Not at all. If you join a league, a spare can fill in for you.

Is there a discount for joining mid‑season?

This depends on the time of year; contact the Membership Chair for details.

Are there additional costs beyond the membership fee?

Optional costs may include tournament entry fees, name tags, lockers, bowls rentals or special events.

Can I upgrade from social to full membership later in the season?

Yes — upgrades are available.

🟨 3. Equipment & Clothing

Do I need to buy bowls?

No. You can start with club bowls — we have about 50 sets in various sizes which can be rented for $30 per year.

Do I need special equipment?

Only flat‑soled shoes to protect the greens.

Should I wear white?

Only if you like the look. There is no dress code except for proper footwear.

Why do bowls curve?

Bowls are not perfectly round and are weighted on one side, creating a natural curve called the bias.

How are bowls identified?

Each set has a unique insignia and may come in various colours.

Can I store my bowls at the club?

Lockers are available, for an annual fee of $10.

What size bowls should I use?

Instructors can help you choose a size that fits your hand comfortably.

Can I use coloured bowls in tournaments?

Yes — coloured bowls are widely accepted.

🟧 4. Bowling Formats, Teams & Positions

What types of teams are there?

Singles, pairs, triples, and fours. Formats can be Men's, Women's, Mixed or Open.

Do I need to form a team?

No. For open bowling and jitneys, the drawmaster creates teams.

Why do new bowlers often play lead?

The lead focuses on consistent draw shots — the foundation of the sport.

What is 4‑3‑2‑1 lawn bowling?

A fun individual format where points are awarded for the four closest bowls.

What is Australian Pairs?

A 2‑4‑2 format where leads and skips alternate positions mid‑end.

How do I improve my game?

Practice regularly, attend coaching sessions, and participate in jitneys.

Does the club offer coaching beyond Open House?

Yes — instructors are available, and skill‑development sessions may be offered.

What is the difference between a draw shot and a take‑out shot?

A draw shot aims to reach the jack; a take‑out shot aims to remove an opponent’s bowl.

🟪 5. Playing at the Club: Open Bowling, Jitneys & Practice

How often can I bowl?

As much as you like — some members bowl five times a week.

How long is a game?

A typical 12‑end game takes about two hours.

Can I practice on my own?

Yes, during open bowling when rinks are available.

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

Open bowling is casual; jitneys are structured events with more than one game and with prizes (based on $2 entry fee).

How do I participate in open bowling or a jitney?

Arrive 20 minutes early, grab your bowls, and place your tag on the drawmaster’s desk. The drawmaster will the put together the teams.

Why are draw tags different colours?

Yellow = lead, green = vice, orange = skip.

Do jitneys or open bowling require pre‑registration?

No — just show up about 20 minutes before the draw.

Can I arrive late for open bowling?

Late arrivals can’t be added to the draw but may practice if space allows.

Can I bowl on my own outside of open bowling hours?

If the club is open and greens are available, yes.

🟫 6. Season, Weather & Facilities

How long is the season?

Outdoor season runs from early May to Thanksgiving.

What happens if it rains?

Light rain may not stop play; lightning requires immediate evacuation.

Are the greens ever closed due to maintenance?

Yes — closures may occur to protect the playing surface or for maintenance (cutting fertilizing, etc.)

Is there parking at the club?

Yes — parking is available on‑site.

Are washrooms available during all bowling times?

Yes, the clubhouse washrooms are open during scheduled play. We have an accessible washroom as well.

🟥 7. Leagues, Tournaments & Competitive Play

Are there leagues?

Yes — leagues fill quickly and usually involve fixed teams.

What competitive opportunities exist?

BLBC hosts tournaments and members may enter OLBA events as well as events at other clubs throughout the province.

Do I need experience to join a league?

No — many leagues welcome beginners.

How do I find a spare for my league team?

Each league maintains a spare list; contact your skip or convenor.

What is the difference between club tournaments and OLBA tournaments?

Club tournaments are local; OLBA tournaments follow provincial competitive structures.

🟦 8. Etiquette & Rules

Are there customs or expectations I should know?

Yes — bowls etiquette emphasizes respect, pace of play, and safety.

What rules govern lawn bowling?

BLBC follows OLBA Conditions of Play and the international Laws of the Sport. (SECTION 5 -THE GAME)

What happens if I accidentally disturb the head?

The skips or vices will restore the head as closely as possible.

What should I say (or not say) during a game?

Encourage good shots, avoid criticizing mistakes, and don’t distract bowlers.

Can I use my phone on the green?

Phones should be silenced and used only when necessary.

🟩 9. Club Governance, Volunteering & Communication

How is BLBC governed?

A volunteer Board of Directors elected for one‑year terms along with many Committee Chairs.

Is BLBC affiliated with other clubs?

Yes — BLBC is a member of the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association.

How can I volunteer at the club?

Speak with any board member or check the website (Volunteering Info)— volunteers are essential to club operations. You will also be asked about interest in volunteering on the registration form.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Membership, league, and tournament contacts are listed on the website.

How does the club communicate with members?

Primarily through email, the website, and clubhouse notices.

🟫 10. Accessibility & Inclusivity

Is the club accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes — the facility is designed to be accessible.

Are adaptive delivery aids allowed?

Yes — bowling arms and lifters are permitted.

Is BLBC an inclusive environment?

Absolutely. We welcome members of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

 

Green	The playing surface, grass or outdoor carpet, where the teams play. Each game is played on a portion or lane of the green called a rink.
Mat	The small mat on which a player stands when delivering a bowl
Groundsheet	A large mat placed under the small mat to help protect the green during the delivery.
Jack	A small solid ball rolled down the rink that acts as the target.
Hog line	The minimum distance that the jack has to travel for the end to be valid. Generally indicated by markers on either side of the green.
End	The sequence of play beginning when the mat is put down and the jack is delivered down the rink, until the last bowl has been delivered and the score for the end determined.
Head	The group of bowls that have come to rest close to the jack.
Bowl	A biased, almost round, ball which varies in weight and size, in order to accommodate different sizes of hand.
Drawmaster	The person who arranges the teams and organizes play during jitney or open bowling.
Rake	As a verb, the action of collecting all the bowls after the end has been played. As a noun, the tool used to collect the bowls.
Bias	This prevents the bowl from rolling straight on the green causing it to curve.
Speed	How long it takes a bowl to travel on the green. Weather conditions and/or the length of the grass can make the surface fast or slow on any given day.
Weight	The amount of effort required to deliver the bowl a certain length along the green (usually to the jack).
Skip	The person who directs play for the team. Stands at the far end of the rink to direct play. Bowls last for the team.
Vice	Advises the skip of any changes in the head. After the end has completed, measures any disputed shots and determines the count. In a triples game, stands with the lead and bowls after all leads' bowls have been delivered. In a fours game, they stand with the Skip, and go to the end to deliver their bowls after the Seconds have rolled all their bowls.
Second	Plays after the lead in a fours games. Stands with the lead.
Lead	The first player on the team. The lead sets the jack to begin play. The lead of the team that loses the end, rakes the bowls to the mat. The two teams alternate positional players until they have played all their bowls.
Toucher	A bowl which touches, and may move, the jack. The toucher is marked with chalk so that it remains in play if it happens to be knocked into the ditch by another subsequent bowler.