Rink Possession
Players Roles & Responsibilities
The Fours format is the most popular version of the game, allowing up to eight players on each rink.
Each team has four players who work together to come up with a solid game plan, making it a fun team competition.
This format is widely used because it strikes a good balance between skill and teamwork.
Players focus on accuracy and teamwork. Each player gets to roll two bowls per turn, making every shot important.
Staying focused is key since each bowl can make a difference in the game.
A Fours team has four positions: Lead, Second, Third, and Skip, which players take in a set order. Players take turns rolling their bowls, and it's important to stick to this order.
Each position comes with specific tasks that require individual skill while helping the team as a whole. Here's a simple look at each role and what it involves.
The Lead
The Lead places the mat and delivers the jack at the game’s start. Before their first bowl, the jack must be accurately centered. The back edge of the mat starts 2 meters from the rear ditch. For subsequent ends, the back edge stays at least 2 meters from the rear ditch, and the front edge must be at least 25 meters from the front ditch, aligning with the centerline of the rink.
If the team won the previous end, the Lead can set the jack to their preferred length. They must skillfully deliver bowls at various distances, aiming to be as close to the jack as possible—ideally within one meter—and outscore the opposition. The Lead also follows strategic cues from the Skip, choosing between forehand or backhand deliveries based on the team's strategy.
The Second
The Second is the go-to person for keeping track of the official score for their team. They're in charge of making sure all the player names are on the scorecard, double-checking scores with the other team’s Second after each end, and handing over the finished scorecard to the Skip once the match wraps up.
Beyond just scorekeeping, the Second really gets into the strategy during the game. If the Lead manages to get a bowl close to the jack, it's the Second's job to protect that spot. But if the Lead’s bowl isn’t the closest, the Second needs to work on getting a better position by delivering some precise shots near the jack. Being adaptable and skilled at different types of shots is super important in this role!
The Third
The Third plays a crucial role in accurately measuring the distances between their team's bowls and those of the opponents during the game to determine who holds the shot.
This position demands a high level of skill and precision, requiring an experienced player capable of delivering powerful, controlled shots when necessary. Furthermore, adaptability to the evolving dynamics of the game is essential.
Strategic Communication
A key responsibility of the Third is to serve as the team's strategic liaison. Working closely with the Skip, the Third analyses game scenarios, offers insights on shot selection, and proposes tactical adjustments. Essential attributes like clear communication, the ability to accurately interpret the head, and maintaining composure under pressure allow the Third to make a meaningful contribution to the team’s overall performance.
The Skip
The Skip is the one who delivers the last bowls, and they’re key to figuring out what’s happening on the green. They help the team take advantage of opportunities and tackle any challenges thrown their way by the other side. But it’s not just about strategy; the Skip is also the cheerleader, boosting everyone’s spirits and keeping the focus sharp, especially when the game’s on the line. A good Skip not only leads the tactics but also brings the team together so that everyone feels confident and ready to play their best. Their leadership can really turn the tide of the game!
On top of all that, the Skip also teams up with the other Skip to sort out any disagreements that pop up during the match. If they can’t see eye to eye, they’ll bring in the umpire to make the final call.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for a Skip, as they must relay critical information and strategies to their teammates quickly and clearly. This involves not only vocal instructions but also body language and gestures that convey confidence and decisiveness. A skilled Skip will adapt their communication style to suit their team's dynamics, ensuring that every member understands their role and feels included in the game plan. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, the Skip can enhance teamwork, making strategic adjustments on the fly and ultimately creating a cohesive unit that thrives under pressure.
Player Positioning During Play
Control of the rink alternates between teams, with the team whose turn it is to deliver a bowl maintaining possession. Once the bowl comes to rest, possession transfers to the opposing team unless the delivered bowl is a "toucher." In such cases, possession remains with the delivering team until the toucher is officially marked.
Players not in possession must refrainfrom causing distractions or interfering with their opponents. At the head of the green, players should position themselves behind the jack and away from the head unless they are directing play, as is the case for the Skip or Third. At the mat end, only the player currently delivering a bowl may stand on the mat; all others must remain behind it.
Playing Out of Turn
Strict adherence to the prescribed order of play is mandatory. If a bowl is delivered out of sequence, the opposing Skip may: Stop the bowl during its delivery and request it be played in the correct order.
Accept the outcome if the bowl has affected the jack or another bowl, or request the end to be replayed.
Playing the Incorrect Bowl
If a player inadvertently delivers an incorrect bowl, it must be substituted with the correct bowl.
Changing Bowls
Players are prohibited from changing bowls during a match unless there is an objection under LAW II 3(c) or the bowl has sustained damage, rendering it unfit for play. In such cases, the umpire’s ruling is final.
Interruptions During Play
Should adverse weather or poor visibility disrupt the game, teams may mutually agree to suspend play. Upon resumption, the score remains as it was prior to the interruption, and any incomplete ends are disregarded. If a player is unable to continue the match, one substitute is permitted.
Determining the Result of an End
The bowl(s) closest to the jack determine the score for the end. In matches decided by winning ends, the team with the closest bowl claims the end and is awarded one point. In alternate formats, every bowl closer to the jack than the opponent's nearest bowl scores one point each.
Both teams are allowed up to 30 seconds to ensure all bowls come to rest before tallying the score. Bowls and the jack must remain stationary until the Skips agree on the score, except in cases where a bowl must be relocated for measurement purposes.
If the closest bowls of both teams are equidistant from the jack, the end is declared a "drawn end," and no points are awarded. Nevertheless, the end is recorded as played.
Final Game Decisions
In matches judged by the number of winning ends, the team with the majority of ends is declared victorious. In other formats, the team with the highest cumulative score prevails.