Paul – Page 6 – Bowls Academy

If you are thinking of taking up bowls, or indeed just starting out, then a fair question is what to wear when playing. First of all you don't want to stand out, but also, you won't want to go to lots of expense when you first try the sport. The most important thing that you need to wear when playing bowls is flat-soled shoes, which are designed to give you the support you need whilst also protecting the carpet or lawn that you are playing on. You will find that as you start you may well be able to play in just your socks if inside, but you will soon find that bowls shoes are the first thing you will need to buy. But don't over spend on these until you are confident that you will continue playing after the first couple of goes. Bowls clothing in previous years When I started back in the 1980's, bowls clothes were very much a smart affair. League games were played in grey tailored trousers, and white shirts with a collar. White polo shirts were allowed, but the majority of players used what I would call a work shirt. Club matches were played in white tailored trousers, white "work" shirt and club tie. I remember fondly the tie awkwardly hanging down as you adopted your stance. Before and after the game navy blue blazers, with club badge, must be worn, only being removed for dinner if the home captain allowed. And it was even worse for women! I've heard stories of skirts being measured to ensure the correct length. Certain coloured tights had to be worn not to mention the hats and sometimes neck scarves. And not forgetting some stories of travelling in one regulation white skirt and having to change into another to avoid creases! Thankfully times have changed and bowls administrators have realised the need to relax dress codes, with an eye on making it more appealing to new, younger members. Bowls clothing in the 2020's Most clubs have now adopted a coloured club shirt. Too many, in my opnion, are still white based, with just a coloured trim, but there are other clubs that have really embraced colour and design to stand out from the crowd. These clubs will generally speaking also be at the forefront of recruitment and keeping a thriving club. Many clubs now have a relaxed attitude to what clothes you can wear whilst playing, especially when rolling up or practising. But not all of them, so it is important to double check what the rules are for the club you have joined. Hopefully, your club will be one of the relaxed ones, and whilst you learn the game you will be allowed to wear anything casual and comfortable fitting - you need to be able to move, so tight fitting clothes may well be restrictive. My own club, The Angel, is one of these, and we welcome new members to feel relaxed by wearing whatever they feel comfortable in. What we do say is obviously no muddy clothes - we don't want to damage the carpet by treading in dirt. Even established members can wear, whilst practising, t-shirts and jeans or shorts. We do prefer them to have a collar, and most people are comfortable with that, but we don't enforce this rigidly. There are still some that will stick rigidly to grey trousers and white polo shirt even for practise matches, and that is good too. What clothing do I need to wear when I start playing in leagues? Again, each club will have their own set of rules for dress code in their internal leagues, so do check out what your club's rules are. But most clubs will adopt similar rules to The Angel's - grey or black trousers, collared bowls manufacturer shirt, or white based polo shirt. This covers a wide variety of options for everybody, so you should be able to purchase some cheap polo shirts to start with and as you progress maybe invest in a bowls manufacturer's shirt. I want to play in club matches against other clubs - what do I wear then? Most club matches against other clubs involve wearing the club shirt, and either grey or white trousers. Or other coloured trousers, if that is what has been registered by your club - black is now becoming more common. So a little bit of expense to purchase the club registered colours is required - a club shirt should be in the range of £20-£30, and trousers a similar amount too. Conclusion - what do you wear when playing bowls As we have seen, the traditional image of bowls is starting to change, with more colour coming into the sport and less formality. Whilst some clubs have embraced this new way of thinking, not all are so relaxed, but thankfully it is becoming more of the norm. Out with the ties, and in with coloured shirts and shorts. But you don't have to spend a fortune to start playing; once you are fairly certain that you like the sport, invest in a pair of bowls shoes and as long as you adhere to your club's dress code, just enjoy playing until you are hooked!