Essential Competition Entry Information: A Guide for First-Time County & National Competitors

Welcome to the exciting world of competitive lawn bowls!

If you’re entering County and National competitions for the first time, congratulations! We’re thrilled to have you on board. To help you navigate the process and avoid any potential pitfalls, we’ve put together this guide answering some of the most common questions and providing key details you’ll need to succeed.

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1. Find Everything You Need on the Kent County BA Website

The Kent County Bowls Association (KCBA) website is your go-to resource for competition rules, regulations, and essential contact details. Here's how to find everything:

• Competitor Register: The register contains contact details for your opponents. It’s password-protected to respect privacy concerns. To access it, simply reach out to your County or Divisional Secretary for the password.

• Competition Details & Dates: All match schedules, competition stewards, and Divisional Finals locations are listed on the website. To find the relevant info, go to the “County Competitions” section, select your Division, and look for the specific file you need.

2. Got a Question? We’re Here to Help!

If you ever have a question about your match, don’t hesitate to contact your Competition Steward or Divisional Secretary. Their contact details are available on the website, and they’ll be more than happy to assist you with any queries.

3. Update Your Results Promptly

After each match, please send the result to the Competition Steward as soon as possible. We’ll need the following details:

• Your section and registration number

• Your name and the match result

• In team events, include the name of all players and any substitute players (note: only one substitute per team is allowed)

Once the results are in, the draw will be updated within 24 hours. Be sure to check the website for the next round details, or reach out if you’re unsure about who or where you’re playing next.

4. Fixed Dates, but Flexible Scheduling (Sort Of)

While the dates for each round are fixed, you may be able to rearrange your match earlier by mutual consent with your opponent. Just keep in mind that no games can be played before 1st May. Many competitors participate in multiple events, so rescheduling can sometimes be tricky. To avoid any potential issues, try to schedule your match as planned—requesting date changes can be awkward for both you and your opponent.

And remember, if you win, your next match will always be on the same night of the following week.

5. Returning Cards & Ensuring Eligibility

For team events (Pairs, Triples, Fours), make sure that all your players are confirmed, and only one substitute is used. Card Submission: For all events, return your scorecard to the Competition Steward or keep it safe until they ask for it.

6. Dress Code and Attire

Please remember that there are specific rules regarding playing attire for County competition matches. Ensure that all your team members are aware of these guidelines, especially when playing team events.

7. Home Games: Make Sure Your Green Is Ready

If you’re hosting a home match, make sure a rink is available, and if you’re playing in the Singles, you’ll need to arrange for a competent marker to officiate your game.

8. Eligibility Check

Only bowlers who are affiliated with KCBA and Bowls England are eligible to compete in County competitions. To avoid any surprises, we recommend confirming your affiliation with your Club Secretary before your first match. Competition Stewards and Divisional Secretaries will be checking to ensure all participants are properly registered.

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We’re Here to Support You

We know it can be a lot to take in, but don't worry! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the game, we’re all here to support you. The key is to stay organised, communicate clearly, and always refer to the KCBA website for the latest updates.

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on the green!