Grampian Games ’24 – Grampian Lawn Bowls Championships

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Grampian Disability Sport, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport are delighted to invite entries from across Scotland to the Grampian Disability Sport Bowls Championships. Entry is £5 per person.

The event will be taking place at Westburn Park, Aberdeen. This will be the location forthis years SDS National Lawn Bowls Championships later in the Summer, so this is a great opportunity to play the greens that will host the National Championships.

SCHEDULE:

Saturday 13th July 2024

• Male Bowlers with a Learning Disability
• Female Bowlers with a Learning Disability
• Bowlers with Down’s Syndrome
• Wheelchair Bowlers
• Bowlers with a Physical Disability
• Bowlers with a Visual Impairment

Registration will open at 10am and the championships will begin at 10:15am sharp on each day. The schedule and draw will depend on the number of entries and will be completedin the days before the event.

DRESS CODE:

Competitors should dress appropriately for the championships. Grey/black trousers and white top or club colours. All players must wear flat soled footwear.

ONLINE REGISTRATION:

Registration is completed through Eventbrite with entry payment made through the system.

Grampian Disability Lawn Bowls Championships Rules 2024

he event will be run under the rules of the Bowls Scotland with the following amendments:

1 Introduction

The championships are organised on a multi-disability basis. The rules relating to an individual entrant’s governing body will apply e.g. use of string for blind/visually impaired bowlers.

2 Eligibility

This is open to wheelchair users, bowlers with a learning disability, bowlers with Down’s Syndrome, bowlers with a visual impairment/blind and bowlers with an ambulant physical disability of all ages.

3 Aids and Adaptations

3.1 Wheelchair users should use approved wheelchairs. However, to encourage new players, regular wheelchairs are permitted, provided play is from the protective covering over the green. No regular wheelchairs will be allowed on the grass. If both players use an approved chair, they will play from alternate ends. If one or both players have a regular wheelchair, they must restrict themselves to the protective covering and will bowl from one end only. Bowls will be returned after the completion of each end. Wheelchair players are permitted an assistant to lift bowls and push the chair, but the assistant is not allowed to give any tactical advice.

Powerchairs are not permitted as their weight can cause damage to the green. Contact the event organisers for support.

1. 2 Visually impaired bowlers can use any form of assistance necessary, including having an assistant /director and having a white breakable string placed up the centre line of the rink. A caller/marker at the head end will advise using the clock system on the layout of the head after each bowl is played. Players will receive advice on the situation at the head after each bowl and this will not break the laws on rink possession. The assistant/director advises the player on the situation and layout at the head. The player then in consultation with the assistant/director will decide the next shot selection.

3.3 There are a number of approved aids for disability players to use. The full list can be found on the Bowls Scotland Website. These include Approved Wheelchairs, Bowls lifters, Bowls Launcher, Bowling Arm, knee pads, and walking stick/crutch with 76cm round base. Bowlers using normal walking sticks/crutch cannot use the stick/crutch on the green, except where a protective covering is used.

4 Competition Format

Each section of the competition will be organised on an initial round robin then knockout basis. Each tie will be played for the lesser of 21 shots or a time limit of 30 minutes.

All matches will play to the conclusion of the end after the 30-minute time limit.

The round robin matches will determine who plays the knockout or medal match stage.

Please note: Sections may be combined depending on number of entries.

5 Officials

a) Jury of Appeal – Three representatives shall be appointed to act as a jury of appeal to deal with any disputes concerning eligibility to compete, use of aids and adaptations, and all other matters related to the disability aspect of the championships.

b) Umpires – An appropriate umpire shall be appointed by Grampian Disability Sport to perform the duties as laid down in the rules of Bowls Scotland.

c) Markers – Markers shall be competent playing members of clubs affiliated to Bowls Scotland. In the event of an insufficiency of such markers, other persons experienced in bowling competitions may be appointed to act.

6 Equipment

Competitors must use outdoor bowls. It is the responsibility of bowlers or escorts to ensure that the correct equipment is used for the start of a tie. Players are asked to turn out appropriately dressed. Correct footwear (without heel) is essential.