This version created: 25-04-16T14:54
Issue 0.1, 2025-03-06, Dave Pawson
Players Positions and their Duties
The player's positions and their duties are outlined in the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Third Edition, which are common to both the Indoor & Outdoor "Association" versions of the game. This handout on the subject not only embodies the information in the 'Laws' but is also augmented with extra information and etiquette to assist you in this area.
The person who plays first in pairs, triples and fours (rinks). After winning the toss, or the previous end, the lead (under guidance of the skip) will place the mat in accordance with laws of the game. (Law 6.1.1'.... the player to play first must place the centre line of the mat lengthwise along the centre line of the rink, with the mat line at least 2 metres from the rear ditch and at least 25 metres from the front ditch'.
The lead must then deliver the jack to a legal distance (taking into account any preference of the skip as to the desired length) and have it centred on the centre of the rink.
The lead should concentrate on bowling on one side of the rink only in order to gain/maintain consistence (unless otherwise directed by the skip). Remember the lead is the foundation on which the team will build a head each end. Its role is thus as equally important as that of all the other positions in the team.
The second is the player who plays second in a triples or fours game. In a triples game (three players) the second can perform the same duties as the third in respect of measuring disputed shots and directing the skip.
They should wait for the skip's instructions before playing shots and supplement or augment play as required. Remember it may be necessary to play to a position other than near the jack in order to cover where the jack may be moved to in play. The Second must pay attention to the game at all times and be aware of the position of all bowls as 'heads' are built. When at the scoreboard end the 'Home' second should ensure the scoreboard is kept up to date.
[Only in a fours game. ]
Must concentrate and always know the position of all bowls. Be in charge of the head when the skip is bowling and give clear instructions to the skip if the head changes. Be aware of what information needs to given and when to give (or not give) that information.
Support and encourage all team members; act as a link between the front end (No.1 & No.2) and the skip.
Measure for shots and be prepared to call the umpire. (Law40.2 ... The third can measure any and all disputed shots.... The third can tell the skip the number of shots scored for or against their team as each end is completed.)
The Skip is the leader of the team. He/ She must know all the other members of their team; what their bowling abilities are, and how to get the best out of them. Be realistic in shots requests! Be positive, encouraging, supportive, and have player's confidence
Gives clear instructions when in possession of the rink. (Law 40.1.1. The skip will have sole charge of the team and all players in the team must follow the skip's instructions.)
Must concentrate and always know the position of all bowls. In a team game (i.e. more than 1 rink playing) be aware of the overall position of the game and make decisions accordingly.
The Skip is responsible for keeping the scorecard / scoreboard up to date and ensuring the score is checked each end with his opposite number. At the end of the game record the time the game finishes and sign both their and the oppositions card. If an umpire is present let the umpire have the cards (Law 40.1.7). Exceptionally both skips can delegate the keeping of the score card to another as long as it is kept by players in the same position of play (Law 40.1.9).
Together with the opposition skip decide on questionable points as long as the decision reached is in accordance with the Laws of the Sport (Law 40.1.2). If a decision cannot be reached between the two skips or the matter requires special expertise to reach a decision, call on an umpire or if not present call on a competent neutral person to make a decision (Laws 40.1.3, 40.1,4, 40.1.5 & 40.1.6).