PLAYING POSITIONS
Everyone plays as a team. We play a game; so sociable competition, fun and friendly conduct always apply.
IF YOU ARE A LEAD:
You Are Responsible
- To place the mat (guidance from the Skip)
- To roll the jack to the distance where your Skip is standing.
- To deliver the first bowl for your team to start the end.
- To develop the head, with suggestions from your Skip.
- To help round up the bowls for the raker at the completion of an end.
A team is made up of two, three or four bowlers, with the Skip being the leader. Try and follow the Skip’s suggestions to the best of your ability with regards to: (a) the direction (or "hand") used to deliver your bowl; and (b) where to place your bowl. If for any reason you are unable to comply, at an opportune time, call your Skip aside and explain. Your Skip's leadership, instructions and encouragement are part of the strategy for your team to have success and enjoy the game.
Except when delivering your bowl or when raking bowls at the completion of an end, you should be well back from the area of play - preferably seated on chairs or standing still behind the ditch when playing with 3 or 4 bowlers. This is appreciated by all players.
Generally, (a) the losing Lead for an end shall rake the bowls, ensure that all bowls are on the proper side and behind the end of the mat. (b) the winning Lead shall place the mat and prepare to roll the jack.
When playing with 3 or 4 bowlers Leads should stay clear of the head at the completion of an end, allowing the Vice Skips to take sole responsibility for counting the score. In some cases, the Skips or a REFEREE may be required to determine the count.
IF YOU ARE A VICE SKIP:
As with the Lead, remember your team leader is the Skip. Try to follow the Skip’s instructions on the delivery direction and placement of your bowls. After the exchange of ends, your function is to report (signal) the status and progress of the head to your Skip and any other specific information regarding the position of the bowls the Skip may request.
Do not volunteer more than is required. Some Skips may give you general instructions preceding the game on the type of information required throughout the game. Good communication gives good results.
While the Skips are up, the Vice Skips in general, should stand at least six feet behind the head and on either side of it. Above all, stay still, excess movements cause distraction and are an act of discourtesy.
You are responsible for chalking or marking all touchers before the next bowl is delivered or before the next delivered bowl comes to a stop.
When an end is completed, it is the responsibility of both Vice Skips to determine the score count. Never signal the resulting score until you and your opponent have mutually agreed. The losing Vice Skip or Skip, depending on the score board position, shall record the score.
A Lead should leave the recording of the score to the Vice Skip. This is done to avoid duplication of entry.
Both Vice Skips should help the Lead raking the bowls at the end.
IF YOU ARE A SKIP:
You are the team leader.
It is a part of your job to guide your Lead and Vice Skip as to how you want them to play their shots, giving the team the best chance to win the end. Should one of your teammates fail to make a shot that was called for, do not be critical. Remember, the player knows they missed the shot and will try to take corrective action on their next bowl.
Before the game begins, take the time to explain your style and approach. During the game when you can get a private moment between ends, and when you have the mat, explain your strategy. Your team will perform more effectively when you communicate your strategy.
Stand still. Do not move around in the head. This can be quite distracting to players at the other end.
It is important to remember that as leader of your team, your attitude toward your teammates and the game will often make the difference between a loss or a win.
The purpose of the game is to enjoy yourself, make it enjoyable for others, and win if you can. But when your team is “down” and the breaks seem to be all against you, constructive encouragement of your teammates may accomplish what caustic criticism can never accomplish. You may not win your game, but you will earn the respect of your teammates.
