General Guidance for Members

The Club

The Club, operating as a limited company with a board of elected members, is split into two sections, Ladies’ and Men’s, each with its own elected committee. General meetings for each section are held in the spring and autumn with a Company AGM usually held in the winter. These meetings give members the opportunity to involve themselves in the running of the Club and everyone is encouraged to attend, as it is a chance to meet other members and the Committees.

It is hoped more members will attend the meetings and involve themselves, this ensures a healthy club.

Matches

The Club has a full and varied fixture list with both league and friendly games, Mixed, Ladies and Men, against other clubs. Ladies – Mid Surrey League and North Downs Mixed Triples League, Men – Sutton and Epsom League, Ton’s League and North Downs Mixed Triples League. Some reasons for playing in these league games are-

    • It encourages people to join our Club.
    • It gives the opportunity to play at different venues and meet some very nice people.
    • It helps to improve your game.

If we did not play league matches and could not arrange friendly games to replace them, all bowlers would be playing in roll-ups and there is insufficient green space to accommodate all the roll-ups. Fees would have to rise and the Club could lose members who wanted to play competitive games.

So please think about putting your name down on the lists indicating your availability for selection (starting with the friendly games if preferred for New Members). This would greatly help the Captains in selecting teams.

Competitions & Other Games

The Club organises a full range of competitions for both Ladies and Men. Entry forms are circulated with the request for payment of the annual green fees. The draw for each individual competition is conducted by the Competition Secretary together with the section captains in early in May. The competitions run through the season with a Finals Weekend in early September. The whole process culminates with a Presentation Dinner in November. Dates of the events are contained in the fixture list.

Other Events:-

    • President’s Day – A bowls fun event organised by the respective Presidents as a thank you for the support they have received from members during their time in office.
    • Captain v Vice Captain – A bowls match with a slight competitive edge organised by the respective Captains and Vice Captains. These matches are ideal opportunities for new members to advertise their skills whilst at the same time meeting fellow members.
    • Ladies v Gents and Gents v Ladies – Two very competitive bowls matches, highlight of the season for most, which are played for a shield. The games are followed by a meal organised by the host team. (Men with catering skills are welcomed with open arms!).
    • Mixed Triples League – An in-club competition consisting of selected teams playing games against each other throughout the season. Teams are selected using a handicap assessment of each player’s ability so that each team of approximately six players has an equal chance of success. Again, it is an ideal opportunity for new members to integrate themselves into the club. Involvement means approximately three games in the season.
    • Organised Club Roll-ups – These fun-bowling events run throughout the season on every day. Details of times and days are shown in the fixture list.

Coaching

The Club has qualified coaches, who are there to help and advise. General coaching has been introduced at the Wednesday morning roll-up. Coaches are, during their training, instructed not to approach players, however the Club welcomes players approaching the coaches and asking for lessons either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups.

This is the best way for ALL bowlers to improve not only their playing skills but also etiquette on the green and their enjoyment of the game of bowls

Bowling Etiquette

Whilst bowling should be viewed as a competitive game, a lot of consideration needs to be paid to ETIQUETTE ON THE GREEN.  Please read and think about the points identified below.  There is nothing worse than a roll-up or a match where people are talking, moving about and generally not concentrating on what is happening.  It spoils the game not only for you but also more importantly for others.  Your support in achieving a good etiquette on the green should be encouraged to benefit everyone who bowls.

    • Greet and shake hands with team members and opponents at the start of the game and shake hands, congratulate or compliment them at the end of play.
    • Dress correctly for all games.
    • Stand still when a player is on the mat and be ready to bowl when it is your turn.
    • Do not talk or make noises behind the mat or move at the head when a player is preparing to bowl.
    • Remain behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your team’s turn to play.
    • Always remember that, as soon as your bowl has come to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
    • Keep to your own rink. Do not become a wanderer and distract other bowlers.  Do not walk through the head and be aware of players on the next rinks.
    • Always help to clear bowls.  The only player not clearing is the player who is placing the mat.
    • On sunny days, be aware of your shadow.  Do not let it mask the jack or allow it to fall in front of the mat when a player is preparing to bowl.
    • Always appear to be enjoying the game.  Encourage and praise your team especially if a team member is having a hard time.
    • Never criticise your opponent, the greens or your own team.  If you cannot say something positive, do not say anything at all.
    • Avoid obscuring any rink markers, active bowls or the jack.
    • Do not walk past the end of a rink when a player is about to bowl towards you.
    • Compliment your opponent on a good shot.
    • Admit a fluke with grace.
    • Be a gracious winner and a good loser.
    • Learn the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and abide by them.
    • Ensure that protection groundsheets are used to mitigate damage to the green. See FAQ’s ‘What to do if I see damage to the green’.

Most of all make the game enjoyable so you want to play again very soon.

Further guides on Club Etiquette, Dress Code and Competition Rules are available in the clubhouse.