Bowls, or lawn bowls is a sport in which the objective is to roll biased balls so that they stop close to a smaller ball called a ’jack’ or ’kitty’. Lawn bowls is played for the challenge and competition, personal enjoyment and the pleasure of spending time outdoors and for social interaction. It is also a low-impact, therapeutic form of exercise. When playing lawn bowls, members with a vision impairment are accompanied by their own sighted helper who are also a member of the club.
Lawn Bowls is a sport suitable for all people over the age of 12 – and low vision is no barrier when it comes to playing.
Rules and Equipment
All rules from sighted Bowls apply to people playing and competing in bowls with a Vision Impairment. The only differences is a small string down the middle of the Lawn in order to help the Bowlers to line up their shot, as well as the Bowler having a guide to assist them in their action.
Lawn
Blind Lawn Bowls can be played at any Local Lawn Bowls Club in your Local area, all places should be accessible to people with a Vision Impairment.
Guide
Having someone that you trust that understands the game of Bowls is good to have as your guide as they will be able to assist with lining up your roll.
Classification
Who is eligible to compete in Lawn Bowls?
Anyone with a Vision Impairment can compete in Lawn Bowls, however if you are just playing socially you have no need for a classification.
Pathways
For any local state membership enquiries with The Australian Blind Bowlers Association, please contact Jacky at abbaenquiry@gmail.com
Furthermore, contacting your local Bowls Club is a good pathway to playing and competing in bowls as you are able to play on most Bowling Greens.
Contact Information
Australian Blind Bowlers Association
Howard Dickinson, President
Dennis Wormald, Secretary
