Tips For Skips

You are in charge of your team as director. You must decide, with your opponent, any dispute or refer it to the umpire if applicable. Sign both score sheets at the end of a match, and act as scorer in a pairs match.

It is important to remember that as the director of your team, your attitude towards your teammates and the game will often make the difference between a loss or win. The purpose of the game is to enjoy yourself, make it enjoyable for others and win if you can. But, when your team is down and the breaks seem to be all going against you, even the most naïve should recognize that encouragement of your team may accomplish what caustic criticism or languishing on the bench when the Lead or No3 is on the mat can never, never accomplish. You may not win the game, but your popularity will increase immeasurably.

It is part of your job to instruct your No2 and No3 as to how you want them to play their shots with the best chance of producing a score for your team (your Lead will already know to draw two to the Jack!). Should one of your teammates fail to make the shot called for, don’t be critical. Remember, the player knows without being told that it was a bad shot.

Stand still, don’t move around the head. This can be quite distracting to other players.

When your opponent delivers the last bowl at the conclusion of an end, it is your responsibility to remove the mat.

Laws of the Game

• The Skip shall have SOLE charge of their side and their instruction must be obeyed by all their players.
• With the opposing Skip they will decide all disputed points or shots. When both Skips agree their decision shall be final. If they cannot agree, either one will call the Umpire who will then arbitrate and whose decision shall be final and binding. In the absence of an official Umpire, any person mutually agreed by both players will act as the Umpire and their decision will be binding.
• Whilst at the head they will be responsible for marking all touchers or removing the marks from any non-touchers. They will be responsible for removing any dead bowls from the rink mat. They will decide on any line bowls with the other Skip and any other matters or will call the Umpire to adjudicate.
• They may remain at the head end until it is their turn to bowl. They may visit the head when in possession of the rink mat.

Some guidance…

• Skips should decide which hand plays best and stick with it if possible.
• Build each head safely. If you must lose an end, it should be by a low score.
• When you have the shot, bowl for position. When you’re down a shot, draw.
• Do not call for position bowls that will give your opponents a chance to wick in or rest on.
• Try to cover all positions that jack would take if wicked.
• Know when your team is in a position to make a big score.
• The drive is both an offensive and defensive weapon. Use it to nullify an end, move the jack, or push a bowl up.
• Blocks are very difficult to make. Practice block shots with opposite hand.

Please note these are the thoughts and inspirations collated by the author from web articles, accredited on the previous page as shortcuts, and may not represent the opinions of the GSMBA