Glossary
Much of the terminology in short mat bowls is common to the game of lawn bowls and will be very familiar (with a few exceptions) to players or aficionados of that game.
BACKHAND:
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BIAS:
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BLOCK:
BLOCKING:
BOWL IN COURSE:
CONTROLLING BODY:
DEAD AREA:
DELIVERY LINES:
DELIVERY MAT:
DISPLACED OR DISTURBED:
DRAW:
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END:
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FENDER:
FIRING OR FORCING SHOT:
FOREHAND:
FOUR:
HEAD:
JACK HIGH:
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LEAD:
LIVE AREA:
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PAIR:
RINK:
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RINK MAT:
RUNNING WOOD:
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SKIP:
SINGLES:
TEAM:
TOUCHERS:
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TRAILING:
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TRIPLE:
WICK:
to the right handed player it is a delivery to the left of the block. To the left handed player it is a delivery to the right of the block.
the peculiar property of one side of the bowl, caused by shaping which enables it to follow a curved course.
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the obstacle which is placed midway between each end of the rink-mat on the block line.
covering the lying shot or jack with a guarding bowl in order to hinder an opponent.
a bowl from the time of delivery until it comes to rest.
the organisation having immediate control of the conditions under which the match is played.
the section of the rink-mat between the dead lines.
the markings within which players’ feet are restricted to deliver the bowl.
foot-mat upon which the stance is taken to deliver the bowl.
accidentally moved bowl or jack other than by a bowl in play.
delivering the bowl with sufficient impetus to reach its objective with the necessary green to allow the bias to take effect.
the placing and playing to the jack and the playing of all players’ bowls in the same direction on the rink mat.
the surround which encloses the ditch.
a bowl which is delivered at a very fast pace.
to the right handed player it is the delivery to the right-hand side of the block. To the left handed player it is the delivery to the left-hand side of the block.
four players on one side whose positions of playing are called Lead, Second, Third and Skip.
the jack and such bowls as have come to rest within the boundary of the rink-mat and are not dead.
that the nearest portion of the bowl referred to is the same distance from the dead line as is the nearest portion of the ‘jack’.
the player on each side who plays first.
the section of the rink-mat between the dead line and the ditch line, delineated by the edge of the half-inch marking.
two players on one side whose positions in order of playing are called Lead and Skip.
an alternative name for a team of four.
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the whole rectangular playing surface.
a bowl delivered with sufficient impetus to prevent the bias taking effect (used for removing a bowl or breaking the head).
the player who controls the play on behalf of his side on any rink mat.
one player competing against another.
any agreed number of players on one side.
the term applied to a bowl which touches the live jack while the bowl is in motion on the rink mat and before it comes to rest. It shall also be a toucher if the said bowl deflects off a bowl at rest or the jack is sprung to touch the bowl whilst it is still in motion or it falls and touches the jack before the next bowl has been delivered. The toucher shall remain in play until the end is completed, even when in the ditch... it shall be indicated by a chalk mark which should be placed on it before the next bowl comes to rest... if this is impractical because there is a danger of the bowl falling over or moving, it shall be nominated and chalked when the danger has passed.
contacting the jack with sufficient momentum to move it and follow it to a new position.
any three players on one side whose position of playing are called Lead, Second and Skip.
a glance off another bowl or bowls, altering a bowl's natural line of travel.