Shortly after this site was up online, it became apparent from the emails I have been getting,that there
are a lot of bowlers out there asking questions on a variety of bowling related topics, and you are not always
sure where to look or who to ask for the answers, hence this new page.

Now I am not setting myself up as an expert, but I will try and get you an answer, and or refer you to
another source of information more knowledgeable than I.

My first piece of advice to any bowler who hasn't already done so, is to purchase the new Blue Book,
as issued by the World Bowls Board. Joint Laws of The Game 2nd edition, Scottish ba's version,
which should be readily avaliable from your club and or Bowls/sports shops, priced £1.

I am also pleased to inform you that the SIBA have completed the process of creating their own website.
The site URL is www.bowls-siba.co.uk this is now permanent and will provide bowlers with another
valuable information data base to draw apon.

In my replies to your questions if it is covered by a law I will give reference to it, so that you can check it
out for yourself at a later date when you have completed your visit to this website.

FAQ ANSWER	aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa see laws 7. 23. 24. 25. & 26.	What size is the mat ? The mat is 360mm Wide + 600mm Long
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 10	What shoes do I wear ? Normally grey, brown or white Bowling shoes only.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see laws 2. 3. 4. 5. & 6	How wide is the rink ? Indoors 4.6m min to 5.8m max.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 22 (b)	Who should toss at the start of a team game? The Skips toss.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 74.	I have a disability, can I use any aids to help me ? Yes.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see laws 73 (a) 73(b	My friends like to watch bowls, are they restricted in any way. ? No, provided they behave in a curteous manner, all are welcome.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 51 (d)	I have been asked to lead, what is expected of me ? You must place the mat, deliver and centre the jack, play the first bowl.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 9. all sections.	I have been given an old set of bowls, can I use them ?. Yes, but only if they comply to the rules.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see laws 11. 21. all sections.	Over what duration does a game of bowls take place ? Normally 2 hours, but there are lots of variations.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 40.	When bowlers say that the jacks is "Dead" what do they mean ?. When the jack is completely outside the bounds of the rink.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 55.	If I am holding shot and have the last bowl, must I play it ?. No, but you must inform your opponent accordingly.
FAQ ANSWER	aaa see law 71.	I have been asked to mark, what does this entail ?. Quite a lot, so get reading quickly and make sure you feel confident.

THE PORTABLE RINK

During and since the recent BUPA Care Homes Open Championship I have had people ask if I had
any details about the rink that was being used. I am now able to give you some facts and figures courtesy
of the Official Programme, which are as follows.

Length = 35.4m x 7.3m
Weighs = 16 tons
Comes in 174 Pre made sections
Put together with 450 bolts, and 8000 screws
Covered with 180 sheets of plywood
Takes 10 men 2 days to install
And is levelled by laser to + or - 0.75mm

Supplied and fitted by :
Dales Bowls Floors, Sharpes Lane, Leverton,
Boston, Lincs PE22 OAR
Tel : 01205-761066

This has been my first attempt at playing the agony uncle, I hope you found it interesting, and
informative, so please keep those questions coming and I will do my best with the answers.

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