Bowls: A Sport of Focus and Discipline

Bowls was first featured in the Paralympics at the 1968 Games in Israel. It was included in all Paralympic Games from 1968 until 1996, with the exception of the 1992 Games in Barcelona. Although no longer a Paralympic Games sport, bowls will now be included in the Commonwealth Games. In this article, Bowls Chairperson Bob Tinker tells more about the sport and shares his views on recent developments.

Although the exact origin of bowls remains uncertain it is undoubtedly an ancient game. The Romans may have brought it to England in 55 BC, and there are references to the sport in manuscripts describing accounts of the Crusades (1095-1192). The modern version of the sport was developed in Scotland in 1848. The sport became popular and evolved in Britain. As Britain established colonies throughout the world, many expatriates constructed bowling greens, and so the game spread to many corners of the globe. Today, although popular in many of the countries in which it is played, it is still mainly confined to those which were once British colonies. Australia has over 500,000 registered players.

Bowls is played on a level, grassed (or synthetic) playing surface 31 to 40 square meters and surrounded by banks. Called a green, the surface is divided into spaces called rinks, which can vary from 4.3 to 5.8 meters wide. To commence a game, a small spherical white ball, called a jack, is delivered and placed on the center line of the rink. Each player then delivers his or her bowl with the aim of finishing as close as possible to, or touching, the jack. After each player or team has delivered all their bowls, one point is scored for each bowl closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest bowl. This is termed the completion of an “end”. Play resumes on the rink in the opposite direction until an agreed number of ends (usually 18 or 21) is completed or an agreed number of points (21 or 25) is reached. The game is played between two competitors or teams consisting of two, three or four players. The skills required in bowls are similar to the skills of a golfer attempting a 35-meter putt across a sloping green. 

People with a disability have been competing with and against their able-bodied counterparts for many years, but the first recorded events specifically organized for people with a disability occurred in Johannesburg, South Africa, when games for groups of visually impaired bowlers commenced in the 1930s. Bowls is now played by all disability groups. At the elite level, bowls is a demanding and exacting sport, requiring hours of concentration. The bowler has to think, judge, concentrate and interact with others whilst developing the physical and mental skills the sport demands. As skill rather than strength is a dominant factor, it is an ideal sport for women and many participate. It can be played by people with any type of disability and all age groups. The sport has also enabled many people with a disability to participate in administrative positions in clubs, lead an active social life and achieve a fulfilling part in society.

New developments in bowls

“A great deal of work has been done on the development of a bowl which can be used on a basketball court, thus allowing the sport to develop into more countries without the high cost of building a specialized venue. Unfortunately, the extremely high cost placed on this product by the manufacturers will prevent future growth. 

In countries in which it is played, bowls is increasing in participant numbers. It enables athletes retiring from other sports to still compete at all levels, from social bowls to international competition. In other countries in which it is comparatively new, the growth has been tremendous. A Level 1 Coaching Accreditation course was conducted in Malaysia in September 1999; eight months later there were 105 entrants in their National Games, a result achieved because of the enthusiasm and dedication of the coaches. Our targets for the next few years are: closer ties with the international and national federations and the development of regional multidisability competitions on a regular basis.”

Personal involvement in the sport

“For those who enjoy a challenge, there is nothing like being elected chairman of a sport which has just been excluded from the Paralympic Games! This was the position I faced in Atlanta in 1996. I believe that there are other high-profile international events in which bowlers can participate, such as the Commonwealth Games and perhaps our own World Championships following World Bowls which is held every four years. I view my role as chairman to promote this philosophy of concentrating our efforts on achievable objectives; I also view it as my most challenging task. 

Being a member of the IPC Family strengthens and encourages one to achieve the best possible future for one’s sport, and the Sports Council meeting is always one of the highlights of the year. I regard my role in the development of the Trans Tasman Test Series between Australia and New Zealand, and the Tri-Nations Series (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa), as an achievement which has brought pleasure to many athletes and will continue to do so in future years. Perhaps the greatest highlight of all is the friendships which have developed over the years amongst athletes, officials and administrators whom I have been fortunate to meet, friendships which have become long-lasting and have enriched my life.”