A popular game for thousands of Canadians
Some form of the lawn bowling game, also known as “bowls,” can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt. In the land of pharaohs and pyramids, archaeological findings suggest that a bowls-like game using rough stone balls was played there nearly 7,000 years ago. Eventually, adaptations of the game spread across the globe to Greece, Italy, China, France, Britain and eventually across the pond to North America. In Italy, the sport became known as “bocce,” and it was popular in Rome during the days of Julius Caesar. In France, its early version of the game of boules ultimately received the name pétanque, by which it is known today. Over time, the game evolved and grew. Stones originally used in play were eventually replaced by hardwood balls and, later, the hard resin balls of today. Games advanced from original play on dirt and gravel to manicured grass… from which the name lawn bowling was derived. By the 12th century A.D., bowls-playing had become deeply established in Britain. However, it is Scotland that is credited with organizing the first uniform code of rules and regulations that, today, remain the worldwide basis for the sport’s governance. Compared to Europe, lawn bowling was much slower to appear in Canada. It was first brought here in 1734 by British garrison officers who petitioned to have a small area of the fort at Annapolis Royal, N.S. turned into a bowling green. Slowly, interest in the sport grew and, today, there are 200 active clubs across the country.
Over time, both in Canada and elsewhere, lawn bowling developed a reputation for being a sport almost exclusively played by older people. For the most part that has been the case, with seniors typically representing the face of the game. Historically, men and women “of a certain age,” conspicuously dressed head-to-toe in “whites,” has generally characterized them as bowls players. Change, however, appears to be on the horizon. According to Britany Gordon, head of Bowls Canada – the country’s Ottawa-based governing body, the association is spearheading an active push to increase age diversity in the sport. In addition, the outreach plan to achieve greater inclusiveness and increased participation is currently being extended to both the visually and physically impaired. “Working with clubs across the country, we are striving to build a foundation for the game where all are welcome from new players to youngsters, the handicapped and the racially diverse demographic,” she said. Gordon revealed that while it’s early yet, the new game plan seems to be showing positive signs. She noted that changes such as relaxing the all-white dress code are chipping away at the “older player” stereotype and the impression that it’s a class-restrictive, non-inclusive game. “We also have an exciting junior program,” she said. Only time will show the results of the new Bowls Canada undertaking but, in the meantime, it’s expected that the men and women “of a certain age” will continue to enjoy the game as they always have. Moreover, it’s important to note that when the summer season of bowls-playing ends here at home, play doesn’t have to stop for snowbird enthusiasts. Lawn bowling opportunities abound in 57 countries around the world, including winter sunshine destinations such as the southern U.S. states, Hawaii, Bermuda and various Caribbean islands.
In its simplest terms, the sport of bowls is a little like alley bowling where players roll balls toward a target. Except for the rolling of balls, the similarities end there. In lawn bowling, the target is a single, small white ball called a “jack” and the bowls-playing surface, called the “green,” is typically a 120-foot square of smooth, manicured grass. The green is divided into playing areas called rinks. Each rink, lying side by side, is divided into parallel path areas allowing several games to take place simultaneously. Games are played between opposing teams composed of either singles, doubles, triples or fours. The four-player team composition is much like in curling with a lead, second, vice-skip and skip. In whatever format it’s played, competition is based on getting close to the target “jack” and accumulating score points. Accurately rolling a ball to the target is tested by the fact that the ball’s shape is biased, meaning that it is not perfectly round and consequently takes a curved path upon release. Consequently, mastery of path judgment involving precision and accuracy is at the heart of the game’s challenge. Not only is this mastery tested during local club play, it is also put to the test in regional, national and international competitions.
Another variation of the sport is short mat bowls, an all-year version of the game unaffected by season or weather conditions. Played indoors on 40- to 45-ft. long, rubber-backed mats that are transportable and easy to roll up, the game is generally set up in all-purpose venues such as community halls, sports clubs and schools.
While lawn bowls is classified as a low-intensity sport, health professionals say that it’s an excellent game for people of all ages from 10 years to over 80. The health benefits they cite include improved muscle strength, flexibility and endurance. Also pointed out are improved co-ordination, social connectivity and the sport’s stress-relieving capability. More about lawn bowling’s health benefits and the game itself, together with Bowls Canada’s strategic plan for inclusiveness and diversity, can be found online at: bowlscanada.com.