Canadian Role Model
Bowls Canada Boulingrin !!!
Check out a Worldly Sports writer, historian and
trivia pro :
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Here is a sport slowly being adopted in the United
States from our Northern Neighbors in Canada . The sport is
economical,and family oriented in that it is far removed from illicit
drugs,abuse and injury . Read on for
Bowls Canada Boulingrin .
CONTACT THEM FOR MORE INFORMATION
:www.bowlscanada.com
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Whether on manicured
greens, artificial surfaces or mats, bowls is truly the sport for all.
It's easy to learn, affordable, social and FUN! As we say here in
Canada:
The
Sport For All -- The Sport for Life!
There is historical
evidence to substantiate that Sir Francis Drake played bowls, but
whether the story of Drake finishing a game of bowls at Plymouth Hoe
in July 1588, while the Armada was sailing up the British Channel, is
fact or folklore is not known for certain.
Bowls in Canada presently can be likened to the familiar sport of
curling, which attracts large audiences of participants and viewers.
According to Stuart McLean at CBC Morningside radio: |
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"Lawn bowling is
going to sweep the country … it’s exactly where tennis and curling
were 15 years ago." |
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Object of Bowls
The object of the game is to roll the bowl
as close to the white jack
as possible. The jack is rolled the length of the green to start each
end. Where it stops, after being centered in the middle of the rink,
becomes the target for the balance of the end.The bowl is not
completely spherical, allowing it to curve toward the jack as momentum
is lost. The bowl curves either way, depending on which way it is held
during delivery.
Bowls involves offensive and defensive
strategy to play the game, and has the added challenge that the jack
is movable and can be displaced anywhere on the rink by a delivered
bowl. |
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Scoring the Game of Bowls
There are four basic games played:
In
Fours
Fours
there are 4 players per team (2 bowls per player)
In
Triples
there are 3 players per team (3 bowls per player)
In
Pairs
there are 2 players per team (4 bowls per player)
In
Singles
there is one player (4 bowls)
Positions parallel that of curling. In
Fours, the team consists of a Skip, Vice, Second and Lead, and it is
adapted for Triples and Pairs. Each player delivers a bowl alternately
with their counterpart until all bowls have been delivered.
This completes one end of play and the
shots for that end are counted. One or more points are scored by the
team whose bowls are closer to the jack than those of their opponents.
One point is scored for each bowl closer.
A game consists of an agreed upon number
of ends. In provincial, national, or international play, the number of
ends is set. Singles are played to a set number of shots per game (not
ends). |
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Equipment
A bowls green, which is 37 to 40 metres square and perfectly flat. The
green is divided into rinks, which are not less than 5.5 metres or more
than 5.8 metres wide, so several games can be played at the same time.
A set of bowls, which includes four (4)
bowls, and comes in several sizes to best fit the player’s hand. White,
black and brown coloured bowls are most often seen, however brightly
coloured bowls are becoming more prevalent. To help distinguish from
opponents bowls, coloured decals are often affixed to the bowls. A jack,
which is smaller, round and white, and used as the target.
A mat, which is 600 mm long and 360 mm
wide. One foot must be on the mat when a player delivers the bowl.
Flat heel-less footwear, so the greens
won't be damaged.
Comfortable clothes which are within the
club’s dress standards. This is usually is relaxed and comfortable, with
some uniform requirements once you enter higher level competitions.
For more information on equipment please
visit the following Bowls Canada suppliers: |
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Why Try Bowls?
This sport has something for everyone, we’re
sure that it will have a lot for you.
FUN
Fun - The sky is the limit as you enjoy the healthy outdoors on
beautiful, green, well-groomed grass. There is no better place to be on
a gorgeous spring or summer day or cool summer evening. Or what better
way to escape the winter doldrums by playing indoors, on short mat or
carpet bowling?
SOCIAL
Social - Bowls clubs offer a great place to meet people, and enjoy
friendly competition, social events and get-togethers.
ALL AGES
Age Group - Bowls caters to everyone from age 5 to 105. There are junior
and beginner programs available in most clubs.
COMPETITION
Competition - There are all kinds of club and local tournaments for
people at all levels. Mixed events offer men and women the opportunity
to compete in a fun and relaxed environment.
For those who wish to excel in bowls, there is an excellent competitive
structure including club, regional, provincial, national, and
international events.
Here’s what
else participants have to say about the game:
"Bowls is..."
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A game of skill and
strategy |
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Challenging and
rewarding |
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A community based sport
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A mixed activity where
both genders, no matter what age, can compete on equal footing
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Relatively easy to
learn, regardless of athletic prowess |
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Very sociable
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Outdoor or indoor
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Family oriented
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Far removed from
controversial issues such as the prevalence of
performance enhancement drugs, abuse and
injury |
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Affordable |
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Accessible and adaptable
to persons with disabilities |
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Can be very skilled and
highly competitive |
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