Can a coach give advice during a bowls game?
A · Advanced · Irregularities, officials and conduct · 7 of 8A named coach, one at a time, may advise from outside the green while their side has possession of the rink. Spectators stay off the green and must not disturb or advise players. A player who deliberately seeks an unfair advantage can be reported within 24 hours. Competitions may put a slow team on the stopwatch.
How it works
- The coach: named to the umpire before the game; one person at a time; only when their side has possession; from outside the green.
- Breaking this: the umpire asks the coach to comply, then refers it to the controlling body.
- Spectators: outside the green and clear of players; no disturbing or advising.
- Betting: not allowed within club grounds.
- Deliberate unfair acts: may be appealed to the controlling body within 24 hours of the game.
- Slow play: where the conditions allow, a slow side is put on the stopwatch: two minutes per end for all its bowls, or 2 minutes 15 seconds in fours.
- Over time: bowls not delivered in time are forfeited.
- Footwear: flat-soled shoes for players, umpires and markers.
- Clothing: colours and types may be set by World Bowls or national bodies.
The glossary has the coach, the umpire, the controlling body, the conditions of play and domestic regulations, the possession of the rink and the side game.
Tricky cases
Can a coach walk on to the green to talk to the skip?
No. Advice must be given from outside the green.
A slow pair is put on the stopwatch. What does that mean?
They have two minutes in each end to deliver all their bowls; any left are forfeited.
Why must bowlers wear flat shoes?
To protect the green. The laws require flat-soled footwear.
Can a spectator tell a player where the jack is?
No. Spectators must not advise players.
Why the rule exists
Allowing coaching only at set moments keeps it from interrupting play. The stopwatch rule gives a slow side a clear limit without stopping the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Coach | Advice from outside the green | WB Law 44 |
| Spectators | Off the green | WB Law 45 |
| Slow play | Stopwatch, if adopted | WB Appendix A.5 |
| Dress | Flat soles; colours set by bodies | WB Appendices A.2, A.3 |
From the rule book
World Bowls, Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition (August 2022), Laws 36, 44 and 45 and Appendices A.2, A.3 and A.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls.