Is Lawn Bowls Dangerous? | A Complete Guide

People of all ages sometimes worry about taking up new physical activities in case they get hurt. Lawn bowls is celebrated as one of the safest sports in the world, but it is not completely without risk. Let's take an evidence-based look at what the injury data really says and how to protect yourself on the green.

Before taking up any new pastime, it is sensible to understand the physical demands and potential risks. Many novice bowlers want reassurance that bowls won't aggravate previous injuries or cause accidental harm.

Is lawn bowls dangerous? No, lawn bowls is extraordinarily safe compared to almost all other competitive sports. While tongue-in-cheek lists sometimes rank bowls among "dangerous sports" because of participant age demographics, hospital epidemiological data shows that genuine trauma is rare. The vast majority of bowling injuries are minor trips, soft tissue strains, or temporary fatigue that can be easily prevented.

Can Lawn Bowls Cause Serious Injuries?

Serious injuries can occasionally happen around a bowling green, but they are almost always accidental slips or environmental mishaps rather than inherent hazards of rolling a bowl.

Common hazards include:

• Tripping over a stationary bowl or delivery mat
• Stepping down awkwardly into the perimeter ditch
• Being struck on the foot or ankle by a weighted firing shot
• Losing balance on a slick grass green during a delivery lunge

"Epidemiological research confirms that the most common lawn bowling injuries requiring medical attention are fractures, sprains, and strains—predominantly resulting from falls around the rink."

Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) Lawn Bowls Fact Sheet

In the unlikely event of an accident, clinical data shows that the hips, knees, ankles, and wrists bear the brunt of the impact. Fortunately, adhering to basic court etiquette and using proper footwear virtually eliminates these risks.

Common Lawn Bowls Injuries Explained

The 4 primary injury categories in lawn bowls are:

• Falls: Tripping over stationary bowls or stepping into the ditch.
• Overexertion & Heat Illness: Playing in high summer temperatures without adequate fluids or shade.
• Repetitive Movements: Cumulative tendon irritation in the shoulder, lumbar spine, or knees.
• Being Struck by a Bowl: Deflections from high-speed driving shots.

Falls and ditch awareness

Tripping is the leading mechanism of bowling injury. Bowlers frequently converse with teammates near the head while looking down rink, failing to notice woods clustered around their feet. Stepping backward without looking can lead to an ankle twist or fall.

Overexertion and heat exhaustion

While bowls may appear physically gentle compared to collision sports, competitive matches commonly last 3 to 4 hours under direct summer sun. According to the NHS Heat Exhaustion Guidance, older adults have reduced thermoregulatory efficiency and are more prone to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, and intense fatigue.

Repetitive movements

Bowls is a sport of repetition. Over an intensive weekend tournament, a player might execute 100+ delivery lunges. On slow or heavy greens early in the season, bowlers tend to muscle the bowl with excessive shoulder torque, which can inflame rotator cuff tendons. Ensuring your front knee stays behind your toes and maintaining a smooth pendulum arm swing keeps joints protected.

Being struck by a bowl

When an opponent or skip plays a fast drive shot, a 1.5 kg composite bowl travels at speed. If it glances off a head bowl, the deflection can strike an unsuspecting player standing near the ditch. Always stand behind the head and keep your eyes on the bowler on the mat whenever a drive shot is signaled.

For an in-depth clinical analysis of healing timelines, explore our detailed guide on the 4 most common injuries in lawn bowls.

How to Stay Completely Safe When Playing Bowls

Staying injury-free comes down to basic planning and good habits:

• Wear certified flat bowling footwear: Shoes with smooth, flexible flat soles provide stable footing on slippery grass without damaging the green.
• Warm up before play: Spend 5 minutes on dynamic leg and arm swings. Follow our guide on the best warm-up and stretching exercises for lawn bowls.
• Hydrate consistently: Drink water or electrolyte drinks before you feel thirsty, and wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunscreen.
• Use delivery aids if needed: If bending strains your back or knees, modern bowling arms allow you to deliver cleanly while standing upright.

Conclusion

Lawn bowls is one of the safest, most accessible sports in the world. By taking simple precautions against sun exposure, staying aware of ditch boundaries and head bowls, and following sensible warm-up routines, you can enjoy competitive bowls in complete safety throughout your lifetime.