Where must players stand while others bowl?
A · Advanced · Touchers, dead bowls and the jack · 3 of 8The side whose bowl is being played has possession of the rink until the bowl stops. Players at the mat end stand at least 1 metre behind the mat; at the head, behind the jack. Bowling before the previous bowl stops, or distracting the bowler, brings a warning and then dead bowls.
How it works
- Possession: with the side whose bowl is being played; it passes when the bowl stops, after time to mark a toucher.
- At the mat end: stand at least 1 m behind the mat.
- At the head, possessing side: behind the jack.
- At the head, other side: behind the jack and away from the head.
- Jack in the ditch: stand on the surrounds, or well clear.
- After directing play: a player in front of the jack must move back once the bowl is delivered.
- Neighbouring rinks: do not enter one in play, or walk along one while an opponent is bowling.
- Bowling too soon or distracting: a warning, then the offender's last bowl is declared dead.
- Walking up: competitions may limit when players can walk to the head.
The glossary has the possession of the rink, the position of players, the rink, the head, the skip and the umpire.
Tricky cases
The skip stands in front of the jack to direct play. Is that allowed?
Yes, while directing; they must move back behind the jack as soon as the bowl is delivered.
A player bowls before the opponent's bowl has stopped. What happens?
A warning the first time; after that, their bowl is declared dead.
Can the non-bowling skip stand right behind the jack?
They must stand behind the jack and away from the head.
Can a player walk across a neighbouring empty rink while their opponent bowls?
No.
Why the rule exists
Bowls is played at close quarters on narrow rinks. Fixed places to stand stop players from distracting the bowler or blocking the view.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Position of players | Behind the mat or jack | WB Law 12 |
| Possession | Passes when the bowl stops | WB Law 13 |
| Walking up | May be limited | WB Appendix A.4 |
From the rule book
World Bowls, Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition (August 2022), Laws 12 and 13 and Appendix A.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls.