Greens Protection

Protection of Greens Policy: Elimination of Dumping and Dropping Bowls 

Policy adopted by Port Vincent, Stansbury and Warooka Bowling Clubs 

Rationale

Many clubs across the country have implemented a bowls dumping policy. Bowls Australia has a Greens Protection Policy and Bowls SA has also issued a Damage To Greens Policy to assist member clubs. 

Dumped or dropped bowls can damage a synthetic or grass green. On a synthetic surface in particular, such an action may cause permanent compaction of the material immediately below the playing surface. Creating depressions in the green’s surface can reduce its life expectancy and potentially negate any relevant warranty. 

Synthetic and grass greens are valuable club assets that need to be protected from the dumping or dropping of bowls. It is in the interests of all clubs in our Association to adopt such a policy. This should not be seen as a means of penalising a player considered to be dumping. Rather, it is a genuine attempt to minimise damage and maintenance costs, and to prolong the useful life of the greens. 

Definition of a dumped or dropped bowl 

Bowls that, in the delivery action are: 

• repeatedly dumped or dropped from a height of more than 30cm above the playing surface of the green; or 

• delivered in an upward motion that causes them to pass above a point that is more than 30cm above the playing surface before landing on the green. 

Proposed Management of Policy Compliance 

Each club should appoint a panel to identify bowlers who appear to be non-compliant with the definition of this policy. Panel members may include the greens managers, coaches or umpires. 

All club members, visiting bowlers and social players utilising the greens are subject to the requirements of this policy. It will apply in individual practice sessions, pennant practice games, social games and all other events conducted by the bowling club. 

Those managing this policy are asked to utilise an empathetic, common sense approach when called upon to adjudicate. 

Authority to apply the policy during pennant games, club championships or other events can be delegated to a Bowls Australia accredited umpire. 

The umpire of the day appointed for pennant games, club championships or other events has the responsibility to act in accordance with the Bowls Australia Greens Protection Policy and the Laws of the Game. 

Identification and support for bowlers affected by this policy 

A bowler’s delivery technique will need to be modified to comply with the requirements of this policy to ensure he/she has continuing access to the greens. Individuals who are identified as having difficulty delivering their bowl smoothly onto the playing surface, in accordance with the definition of a dumped or dropped bowl, will be approached and asked to choose from the following options: 

Option 1 – That the bowler seeks coaching support to correct their delivery: 

• by changing their technique so the delivery of the bowl is compliant with the policy; 

• by using a supporting stick, with an approved rubber base (or similar), to assist with balance so the delivery of the bowl is compliant with the policy; 

• by using an approved bowling arm. 

Option 2 – If the bowler does not exercise any of the choices presented in Option 1 he/she will be required to use a dumping mat for every delivery, placed at the estimated point of impact of the bowl on the green. 

Option 3 – If the bowler chooses not to take either of Options 1 or 2 he/she will not be allowed to play in any future format. 

Please Note: The Bowls Australia Greens Protection Policy states in part “that through remedial practices, the vast majority of bowlers should be able to continue to enjoy and compete in bowls, and that bowls will continue to be a sport for life.”