11445 232 Street Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3R3 604-467-0755
Maple Ridge Lawn Bowling Club Association
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Lawn Bowls, and how do I get them?
- What is the format of the game?
- How do I learn the basics of how to play?
- How do I learn more in-depth?
What are your fees?
A Yearly membership costs $180 for 2026. The preferred payment of fees is by etransfer to - mrlbc.treasurer2025@gmail.com - allowing unlimited access to club facilities, Winter Games, voting rights, and the ability to enter competitions at all levels.
For Junior Members 20 years old and under the fee is $25.00, but no voting rights.
New to Lawn Bowling Member (includes lesson package fee $25.00) the fee is $155.00.
For new to lawn bowling members joining after 31st July of the current year the fee is $ 90.00.
The fees include the affiliation to the Vancouver & District Lawn Bowling Association, BC Bowls and Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
We also have a $25 Social Membership , which allows access to all winter activities which currently includes cards and floor curling, but no voting rights, and no access to the bowling green.
Each organized event also costs a nominal fee consisting of $5.00 for single-day competitions, which includes refreshments for the day For Women's Morning Aggregate, Men's Morning Aggregate and Social bowling bowling on a Thursday evening those members can purchase light refreshments at $3.00.
What attire is required?
Footwear - flat soled shoes with no heel (that have not been worn as regular street shoes)
Clothing - For club Tournaments, light colored top and bottoms or light colored bottoms with club shirt. For casual and league play, any attire is acceptable
What are Lawn Bowls, and how do I get them?
Bowls are manufactured by three main companies out of a solid composite substance. They are almost spherical, with two opposite sides slightly flattened and one side more rounded than the other, so it will turn towards that side when rolling. They come in several sizes to fit comfortably in your hand, and several "biases" which determine how much and how quickly they curl.
For the first year bowls will be supplied by the club. It is important to test sizes and weights so you can find what is most comfortable for you before you buy a set on your own. Our coaches and experienced players can assist you with this. If you remain with the club longer than a year or attend a lot of out-of-club tournaments, you are encouraged to purchase your own personal bowls.
Frequently there are used bowls for sale either within this club or other local clubs by people who have retired from the sport or replaced theirs. These ones will frequently cost approximately $100.00 to $150.00. This is the most common way for new bowlers to obtain their first set.
Should you desire a brand new set there are a couple local companies that have stock to choose from if you are flexible on colour and design. A new set (of 4) costs between $700.00 and $800.00 and may be completely customized as to design and colour, in these instances they are all created overseas and can take anywhere up to a couple months to arrive.
What is the format of the game?
Games are played by two teams of players. Each team will have the same number of players, which will be either 1, 2, 3, or 4. These games are called respectively: Singles, Pairs, Triples, and Fours.
Players in Singles and Pairs will use 4 bowls. Players in Triples will use 3 bowls, and players in Fours will use 2 bowls. This means the total number of team bowls for Pairs, Triples, and Fours is 8, 9, and 8 respectively. The number of bowls used however could be changed to suit the Conditions of Play for the event.
Games of Pairs, Triples, and Fours will consist of a certain even number of "ends". An "end" consists of all players from each team playing all their assigned bowls in the same direction.
Games of Singles will instead play to a certain number of points (Usually 15 or 21). Once again this could be varied depending on the Conditions of play for the event
How long does a game last?
The length of a game is determined by the number of ends played (or points in Singles).
A typical casual game of 10-12 ends will take approximately 2 hours.
Singles games may be shorter or longer depending on the calibre of the players. Scoring is to a total of typically 15 or 21 points versus a game based on number of ends played.
How do I learn the basics of how to play?
You can come and watch any time the green is occupied, and there will usually be people watching with you that can explain everything that is going on.
More formally, lessons by our coaching staff are available for a fee of $25 for up to 5 lessons, and this will be applied toward your membership fee should you choose to join.
How do I learn more in-depth?
Workshops are often available throughout the year organized by our clubs Head Umpire, which includes Rules Clinics, Measuring Clinics and Markers Clinics.
Rulebooks available for purchase through the club.
When can I play?
Effectively any time. Check the calendar for times. As we have an artificial green rather than the usual grass, it is less affected by weather and seasons, so it can be played on whenever it is not soaked or covered in snow.
You may practice or play a casual game with other members whenever the green is not in use for an official event. For a more social experience, you can play in any of our many drop-in games and aggregate leagues. We have a number of other league play available both during the day and in the evenings, please refer to our calendar
As a member, you may also enter any of our club competitions, which are usually held on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays. (Typically, no more than one per weekend).
Your membership also allows you to enter inter-club, District competitions which are held at other bowling greens with the Vancouver and District. You will also be entitled to enter Provincial events which are held throughout the province. The winners of the Provincial events qualify to play in the Canadian Majors.
