Lawn Bowls is a sport that involves rolling biased balls, called "bowls," across a grass or synthetic surface towards a smaller target ball, called the "jack." The objective of the game is to roll the bowls as close to the jack as possible, and score points based on the number of bowls that are closer to the jack than your opponent's bowls.

Lawn Bowls can be played individually or in teams, and is a game that requires precision, strategy, and patience. It is typically played on a flat, rectangular or square-shaped lawn, known as a "green," which is divided into sections called rinks.

The sport originated in the UK and is popular in many countries around the world, particularly in Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and can be played for fun or competitively in local and national tournaments.

The History of Lawn Bowls

Lawn bowls, also known as "bowls," is a sport that has been played for centuries. The game is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, with evidence of a similar game being played by the Greeks and Romans. However, it wasn't until the 13th century that the game became popular in Europe, particularly in England.

In the early days of lawn bowls, the game was played on natural grass surfaces, with the bowls themselves made of stone or wood. The rules were simple, with players taking turns to roll their bowls as close as possible to a target called the "jack."

Over time, the game evolved, with new materials and equipment being developed. By the 19th century, lawn bowls had become a popular pastime in England, with the first national championship being held in 1845.

In the 20th century, lawn bowls continued to grow in popularity, with the game being introduced to new countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The International Bowling Board was formed in 1905 to govern the sport worldwide, and the first World Bowls Championship was held in 1966.

Today, lawn bowls is played in over 40 countries, with millions of people participating in the sport. The game continues to evolve, with new technology and innovations being developed to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Lawn bowls is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Here is a basic guide on how to play lawn bowls:
Equipment:
* Lawn bowls: These are the spherical balls that players use to roll towards the target. Each player has a set of four bowls, which are colour-coded for identification.
* Jack: This is the small white ball that serves as the target for the game.
* Mat: This is where the players stand to deliver their bowls. It is placed at one end of the rink.
* Rink: This is the rectangular playing surface where the game takes place.
Rules:
* The game can be played by two individuals (singles), three individuals (triples), or four individuals (fours).
* The game starts with the jack being rolled to the other end of the rink by a player from the team that won the coin toss.
* The first player then delivers their bowl, attempting to get as close to the jack as possible.
* The opposing team then takes their turn to deliver their bowls, attempting to get closer to the jack than the previous team.
* The game continues in this manner, with each team taking turns to deliver their bowls until all the bowls have been played.
* The team with the closest bowl to the jack scores one point. If they have more than one bowl closer to the jack than any of their opponent's bowls, they score one point for each additional bowl that is closer.
* The game is played over a set number of ends (usually between 7 and 21), with the team that scores the most points at the end of the game being declared the winner.
Delivery:
* Players must stand on the mat to deliver their bowls.
* The bowl must be rolled along the ground, with the aim of getting as close to the jack as possible.
* The player can use a variety of delivery techniques, such as a backhand, forehand, or a draw shot.
* Players can also use different types of bowls, which have different characteristics that can affect their delivery. You must decide what set to use and they cannot be changed after the match begins.

Etiquette:
* Players must always be courteous and respectful to their opponents and fellow players.
* Players must not disturb other players while they are delivering their bowls.
* Players must not touch the bowls or the jack while the game is in progress.
* Players must follow the instructions of the umpire or referee.
Lawn bowls is a sport that requires skill, strategy, and concentration. With practice and patience, anyone can enjoy the game and become a proficient player.

To play lawn bowls, you will need the following equipment:

1. Bowls: These are the balls used to play the game. They are available in different sizes, weights, and colors, and are made of various materials, such as wood, rubber, or composite. (To start you off supplied by your club)
2. Bowls bag: This is used to carry your bowls. It can be made of canvas or synthetic materials and comes in various sizes.
3. Bowling mat: This is used to mark the position from where you will deliver your bowl. It is usually made of rubber or synthetic materials. (Supplied by your club)
4. Scorecard: This is used to keep track of the score during the game. (Supplied by your club)
5. A measure, when you cannot decide who's nearest to the jack by eye.
6. Chalk or a chalk spray, when a bowl needs to be marked. Can be white or a coloured one.
7. Footwear: Lawn bowls can be played in either flat-soled shoes or specially designed lawn bowls shoes that have a non-slip sole.
8. Clothing: There are no specific clothing requirements for lawn bowls, but players usually wear white or cream-colored clothing. It's essential to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
9. Sunscreen: Since lawn bowls is an outdoor sport, it's important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
10. Hat: A hat can also be helpful to protect your head and face from the sun.
11. Towel: It's always handy to have a towel to dry off your bowl or wipe your hands during the game.
12. Water bottle: Lawn bowls can be physically demanding, so it's important to stay hydrated during the game.