Please note that a new rink booking timetable has been implemented.  This results in two shorter afternoon sessions; for some
games, it might be appropriate to book both afternoon sessions to make sure you have time to complete your game.

All afternoon games must be completed by 17:45.

When booking and selecting rinks, the following order of priority should be observed at all times.

1. National;
2. County;
3. NWEBA;
4. CMBL League;
5. CMBL Competitions;
6. Club Internal Competitions.

These general priorities apply at all times with the following qualifications:

Monday night roll up, Wednesday night NWEBA League, and Friday night Avian League take priority over anything other than FIXED DATE competitions.

A 7th Rink can be made available in certain circumstances, but please do not rely on this and check with the Club Captains and Greenkeepers before requesting.

Please note that normal access to the Club is restricted to between 8:00 and 23:00 daily during the season.

The intruder alarm will be automatically activated between 23:00 and 8:00.

Always use the left-hand door at the main entrance to enter the clubhouse. You will always require your security fob to enter, and if the bolt inside has not been engaged, you will also need the key located in the security box to the left of the door to gain access. If the key was required to gain access, make sure it is returned to the security box.

When exiting the building, use the same door through which you entered, and press the green exit button on the office wall to your left to release the lock.

If you are the last person to leave the building, make sure all lights are switched off and all fire doors are closed (including the changing rooms, etc.) and the bolt on the back of the main door is disengaged, regardless of the time of day.

You are expected to return all green equipment used after a match or roll up to the equipment shed. Please keep all equipment in a tidy state, especially the playing mats, which are easily damaged if not stacked neatly.

If you are the last person accessing the shed, then you must also ensure that the shed is locked and the key returned to the hook at the side of the bar.

HOW TO FIX GROUNDSHEETS.

Use 5 pegs down each side.

DO NOT PUT PEGS ACROSS THE FRONT EDGE OF THE MAT.

Deliver your woods by rolling across the groundsheet – do not bounce your woods.

It is essential that after play, you remove the mat and COUNT AND RETURN 10 PEGS FOR EACH SHEET.

DO NOT LEAVE ANY PEGS ON THE GREEN.

The full new Club kit should be worn in the following circumstances:

• Representing Braintree Bowling Club in any Inter-club game;
• Playing in any National, County or Area competitions and games; and
• Club finals day.

During roll-up, club competitions and many of the more relaxed Club events, you may wear grey below the waist with a predominantly white top.

Smooth flat sole bowls shoes must be worn at all times on the green.

The above also applies to those members who are marking Internal and External Competitions.

Please remember it is a requirement of the laws of the game that all members of a team wear the same uniform during a competitive match.

While we hold a small amount of stock, please be aware that we have to place bulk orders for kit; therefore, the lead time for new items can be quite long.

Generally, an order is placed twice a year and will be advertised by email.  Please consider your future requirements and take advantage of these times to avoid issues down the line.

All visitors to the Club who are not members must sign into the visitors’ book to comply with the Club’s insurance policy. This also includes members’ partners who are not paid-up members.

Visiting clubs and representative teams may be signed en bloc by the visiting captain with an exact head count to comply with fire safety regulations.

New and existing members who belong to one or more bowls clubs listed in the appropriate County Handbook must declare their multiple memberships on joining or rejoining Braintree Bowling Club before any payment of subscription fees.

If a member has declared multiple memberships, they will be required to confirm, in writing, for which club they intend to play National and County competitions.

Any member not entering these competitions through Braintree Bowling Club will not be permitted to enter any internal Club competitions, the winning of which results in an entry as the Club’s National or County representative the following year. Nor will they be selected to represent Braintree Bowling Club in any County, NWEBA or CMBL representative competitions.

Names of members not eligible will be posted on the Club notice board to ensure they are not used as substitutes.

Lawn bowls etiquette centres on respect, sportsmanship, and protecting the green.

There are many rules and regulations, traditions and opinions on the subject of etiquette, but follow the advice below and you will not go far wrong.

All players should familiarise themselves with the “Crystal Mark Laws of the Sports 4th edition”. This can be downloaded from Bowls England or the World Bowls Organisation.

Be polite and courteous: Be punctual, meet and greet your opponents, shake hands before and after the game, acknowledge good shots whoever played them and never clap and cheer for lucky bowls!

Be aware of your surroundings: While the laws of the game are very clear on where on the rink you should be standing and when, there are often multiple rinks in use at the same time. Never walk behind other rinks while there is a player on the mat; clapping, cheering and sudden movements can distract adjoining rinks and consider whether the line of your bowl could clash.

Conduct yourself in the manner you would expect of others and enjoy the game in a way that allows others to enjoy theirs too!