Greens Protection Policy

Rationale

This policy acknowledges that greens are a core material asset of BBC and inherently expensive to repair and replace.   They therefore need to be protected over the long term.  Whilst damage may not be visibly apparent (especially in the case of artificial surfaces), any bowl which is delivered in such a way as to cause an audible ‘thud’ is likely to cause damage to the substructure.   This policy also acknowledges that through remedial practices, most bowlers should be able to continue to enjoy social and competitive bowls. 

Guidelines

What is a dumped bowl?

A ‘dump’ is defined as a bowl, that when delivered, is likely to cause impact to the bowling surface. Bowls likely to cause impact are those that leave the hand in a downward motion in excess of 15cm or 6 inches from the surface of the green.

All members of the club are valued and respected.  However, if a player has been identified as dumping their bowls, a member of the Bowls Committee, after consultation with a Club Coach, will approach the player to discuss corrective options.  To assist the player for optimum result, this process will involve

1. Gaining an understanding as to how or why the player is causing damage to the green
2. Asking a Club Coach to contact the player and provide suggestions and advice
3. If appropriate, helping the player modify his/her delivery
4. Discussing options such as transitioning to a bowler’s arm

Guidelines if a Player is ‘dumping’ bowls during a Competition/ Championship

According to the Laws of the Sport, Crystal Mark 4th Edition, April 2023, the process for a player who is causing undue damage to the green is as follows:

• If by observation, the Controlling Body or deputised representative, considers a player is causing damage to a green, the player will be warned;
• The skip and manager must be alerted to the warning given to the player;
• If in the opinion of the Controlling Body the player continues to damage the green, the player must be required to retire from the game but may be allowed a substitute player as per DR2.4;
• If the player fails to leave the green the player will be considered to be a defaulting player and forfeit the game to their opponent as per Law C2 and Law C10, and no substitute will be allowed.
• The Controlling Body must advise the home club of the player concerned so that appropriate assistance can be offered the player.