Player roles and duties

Lead – the first player to play. Places the rectangular delivery mat down at the start of each end. Makes sure all bowls are behind the line . The lead’s role is to deliver their bowls as close as possible to the jack. A good lead will be able to consistently ‘draw’ to different jack positions.

No. 2 / Second – waits for both leads to bowl their woods. Receives instructions from the Skip and bowls accordingly. The No. 2 usually takes charge of updating the scoreboard after each end, when appropriate. As well as drawing to the jack, the second may be asked to move a bowl in or around the head. ( In a Triples game the No. 2 fulfils some of the duties of the No. 3 in a Fours game )

No. 3 / Third – could be required to play any type of shot and should have a full range of shot-making abilities. The Third provides information to the Skip from the head end when the Skip is about to bowl, if asked. The Third usually takes responsibility for agreeing the final result of an end with the opposing Third. ONLY ONE PERSON FROM EACH TEAM SHOULD BE ON THE MAT TO DECIDE THE SCORE FOR EACH END. If either person is in doubt about the score, measure.

Bowls should only be moved once the score has been agreed and only by the conceding player. All other players should stand or sit quietly beside the mat while the score is being decided.

Skip – the Skip is the leader of the team, providing instructions to other team players and deciding strategy. They are usually the most experienced player and must have the ability to play any shot that may be required to win an end. The Skip usually manages the scorecard, unless they choose to delegate it to another of their team.