As we launch into the 2025–2026 season, Bowls Auckland has refreshed the General Conditions of Play to help competitions run more smoothly and consistently across the region. These changes reflect our latest player and club survey feedback and include updates designed to speed up match play, complete more events within a weekend, and align with national-level changes.

We encourage all players to familiarise themselves with both the General Conditions of Play and the specific Event Conditions of Play before stepping onto the green.

Here’s what’s new this season: 

1️⃣   Player Code of Conduct – Clearer Rules

The alcohol guideline now clearly states: “no alcohol is to be on or in the immediate surroundings of greens during play.” While this may vary by venue, we generally define it as staying behind the bench seating – clear from ditches and walkways. Players can sit on benches with refreshments, but should be fully off and away from the green.

2️⃣   New Start Time – Faster Match Scheduling

Any round can now start early if all players agree. Start times must be logged with the umpire, on the scoreboard, and on the scorecard. The first round will now begin at 8:30am to allow for four rounds in a day in relevant centre events, and allows earlier finishes for interclub. Refer to the Scheduling and Signals section.

3️⃣   Extra Ends & Dead Ends Simplified

• Dead-end clauses are now part of the Extra Ends / Draws section, streamlining rules around tied games and re-spot jacks.
• Re-spotting jacks will come in for all non-pathway events to help speed up play – this and the ‘killed ends’ rule have moved to the specific event conditions of play.

4️⃣   Qualifying Criteria

Players or teams now need three out of four wins in relevant events to progress to post-section play; this will increase the chance of completing more events in the same weekend.

 5️⃣   Substitutes Made Simple

Non-pathway events: can be approved on-site by the umpire.
Pathway events: approved by the Controlling Body with clear guidelines in Appendix 4.

Additionally, declined substitutions will now include a reason. In all cases, substitutes should be a player of equal or lesser ability, unable to play as skip, and should not strengthen the overall ability of a team.

6️⃣   Clothing

Following Bowls NZ guidance on tightening of uniform rules, all teams must wear the same design and principal club colours. 

7️⃣   Communicating Wet Weather Updates

Weather-related changes will continue to be shared via social media, the Bowls Auckland website, Bowlshub, and via email to players (where possible).

📄 You can view the 2025-2026 Conditions of Play.