World Bowls Performance Standards
for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Written and compiled by:
NZ Sports Turf InstituteWith technical assistance from:…

August 2008

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Disclaimer
The information in this standard is provided in good faith. The
publishers accept no responsibility for the use or misuse of theinformation herein.
ISBN …
© World Bowls 2008
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form without the prior written
permission of the publisher.

Printed and bound by ???? Print, Palmerston North

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Contents
Foreword

Part 1

1

Performance Standards for Flat
Green Bowls Surfaces

3

1.0

Scope

3

2.0

Normative References

3

3.0

Definitions

4

4.0

Classification

5

5.0

Dimensions

6

6.0

Performance8

7.0

Test Report

11

8.0

Essential Information

13



Methods of Test

15

WBB-01

Determination of Green Speed

16

WBB-02

Determination of Surface Draw

19

Part 2iWorld Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-03

Determination of Surface Evenness

WBB-04

Determination of Infiltration Rate Using a
Disc Permeameter
23

WBB-05

Wetting Procedure

26

WBB-06

Determination of Surfacing Cushioning

27

Part 3



22

Appendices

Appendix 1

Participating Organisations

29

Appendix 2

Optional Standards for Synthetic Bowls
Surfaces

31

Appendix 3

Manufacturers/Suppliers of Synthetic Bowls
Surfaces Procedure for Product Approval
33

Appendix 4

Conditions for Synthetic Bowls Surface
Product Endorsementii

35World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Foreword
This Standard has been prepared at the initiation of World
Bowls in conjunction with the Centre for Sports Technology(GB) and New Zealand Sports Turf Institute and in total
comprises a performance standard for flat green bowls
surfaces.
The Standard is primarily intended to be of relevance toclubs and local authorities requiring guidance whenpurchasing a synthetic sports surface for flat green bowls.
The performance requirements given in this Standard areintended to meet top level competition and club standards
but are also suitable for recreational needs.
Whilst this Standard details the performance requirementsof a synthetic bowling green, it does not address materials,
ageing and changes in performance, durability or
environmental characteristics for which appropriate national
standards may apply, or individual site requirements andmethods used during the construction of an installation.
The characteristics detailed in this Standard may be
influenced by the entire structure of a facility and not justthe synthetic sports surface. It is important when testing
surfaces or reviewing test results that the surfacing and its
supporting layers are representative of the entire
construction being considered.

1World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

A site should be investigated before a facility is constructed,
with a view to ensuring its suitability. The investigation
should include a measurement of existing site dimensions,site levels, contact with statutory services (gas, electricity,water etc) and for outdoor greens, determination of theground’s load bearing capacity, its ability to drain and thesoil structure. From this data, a design for the Green’s
construction should be drawn up. If expertise is not readily
available for this type of work, help should be sought fromtechnical experts.
Prior to the laying of the carpet or synthetic turf on a
bowling green, the base should be surveyed by anindependent third party to make sure that the green willmeet the surface evenness (Section 6.3), design level(Section 6.4) and dimensions criteria (Section 5.0) in thisdocument. The only way an engineered base of a bowlinggreen can be rectified once the carpet is installed is toremove the carpet (which can be extremely heavy in thecase of a sand filled green) and the surface re-levelled andthe carpet re-laid, which can be a very costly exercise.

2

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Part 1  Performance Standards for Flat
Green Bowls Surfaces
1.0

SCOPE

This Standard specifies requirements for flat green bowls
surfaces, in particular synthetic surfaces. The requirements
apply to the complete installation including the synthetic
surface, base, sub-base, sub-grade and drainage system.
Note: For the purpose of this Standard an essentiallycontinuous surface produced by a manufacturing processfrom a natural material (for example, coconut fibre) is
considered synthetic.
2.0

NORMATIVE REFERENCES

This Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference,
provisions from other publications.
These ‘normative’references are cited at the appropriate places in the text
and the publications are listed hereafter.
For datedreferences, subsequent amendment to, or revisions of, anyof these publications apply to this Standard only whenincorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated
references the latest edition of the publication referred toapplies.
World Bowls et al, Laws of the Sport of Bowls - Crystal
Mark Edition.

3

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

British Standards Institute, BS 903: Part A8:1990 - Method
for Determination of Rebound Resilience.
British Standards Institution, BS903: PartA26: 1969 Determination of Hardness.
British Standards Institution, BS7044: Section 2.2: Methods
for Determination of Person/Surface Interaction.
British Standards Institution, BS7044: 1991 Section 2.5:
Miscellaneous.
Netherlands Sport Federation, N/F5.1: Underfoot Friction.
3.0

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Standard, the following definitions
apply:
GreenThe playing area is defined in the Laws of
the Sport of Bowls - Crystal Mark Edition.

Rink

A division of the Green normally not morethan 5.80m or less than 4.30m wide.

Surfacing

Top layer or layers, including any shockpad or other shock absorbing or load
spreading layers, which directly provide
the sports performance and biomechanical response qualities.

4

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Green Speed

The number of seconds taken by a bowl
from the time of its delivery to themoment it comes to rest approximately
27.4m from the mat line.

Draw

A measure of the distance between the
trajectory of a rolling biased bowl and astraight line between its starting andfinishing points.

Cushioning

The ability of the surface to deflect andabsorb energy as a player walks on it.

Infiltration Rate

The rate at which water enters the green
surfacing.

Design Level

A comparison of theoretical and actuallevels of an installation at defined
locations.

4.0

CLASSIFICATIONIn this Standard, surfaces
performance characteristics.

areclassified

by

their

The Green Speed must be within the range of 10s to 18s.
Additionally, it is necessary for the purchaser to specify
whether the playing surface and supporting layers is to bepermeable or non-permeable.

5World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

5.0

DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of the Green shall be as detailed in theLaws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition, Section
2 – The green, ditch and banks, as published by World
Bowls:The Green The green should be either rectangular or square.
 The length of the green in the direction of play shall be
between 31m and 40m.
 The green should have a suitable level playing surface.
 The playing surface should be either vegetative or asynthetic surface approved by a Member National
Authority.
 For domestic play Member National Authorities candecide the standards for greens constructed in line withprevious editions of this law.
The Ditch The green should be surrounded by a ditch.
 The ditch should be:o Between 200mm and 380mm wide.
o Between 50mm and 200mm deep.
 The ditch should have a holding surface which is freefrom obstacles and made of a material which will notdamage the jack or the bowls.
 For indoor greens, only the end ditches in the directionof play should meet the standards mentioned inparagraphs 2 and 3 above.
6

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

The Bank The ditch should have a bank against its outer edge.
 The top of the bank should be at least 230mm above
the surface level of the green.
 The bank should be vertical and set at a right angle tothe surface of the green, or sloped at an angle of not
more than 35°from the vertical.
 The surface of the face of the bank should be made of,or be covered with, a material which will not damage thejack or the bowls.
 There should be no steps that could interfere with playeither cut into or positioned against the face of the bank.
5.1

Division of the GreenThe green shall be divided into sections called rinks, eachnot more than 5.80m, nor less than 4.30m wide. They shallbe identified in order (e.g. using numbers, letters, Roman
numerals etc) with the centre line of each rink being marked
on the bank at each end by a peg, disc or other suitabledevice.
The four corners of the rinks shall be marked by white orbrightly coloured pegs made of material which will notdamage the jack or bowls and fixed to the face of the bankand flush therewith, or alternatively, fixed on the bank nomore than 100mm back from the face thereof.

7

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

The corner pegs may be connected by a green threaddrawn tightly along the surface of the green, with sufficientloose thread to reach the corresponding pegs on the face orsurface of the bank, in order to define the boundary of the
rink.
6.0

PERFORMANCEThe surfacing shall comply with Clauses 6.1 to 6.5 of thisStandard as appropriate.
Unless indicated by the manufacturer or supplier, thesurfacing shall meet the appropriate parameters in all
climatic conditions in which it may reasonably be expected
to be used. In countries in which surfacing could be
expected to be damp for significant periods of the year,
tests shall be carried out on damp areas. In countries inwhich the surfacing could be expected to be dry forsignificant periods of the year, tests shall be carried out on
dry areas.
Note: World Bowls or their accredited laboratories shalldetermine in advance of testing which surface condition
should apply.
Before commencement of verification tests a facility should
be maintained in accordance with the supplier’s detailed
procedures to the satisfaction of the supplier and facility
owners/users.

8World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Greens shall be tested in locations detailed in each test
method. If the results obtained are variable or border-line,
the test officers shall use their discretion and selectadditional field locations to evaluate the whole green’s
ability to comply with this Standard.
If a green is only designed to be used in two opposing
directions the test locations for Green Speed and Draw
shall be adjusted accordingly.
If an installation is not designed as a full green but only
comprises one or more rinks, each rink shall be assessed in
the directions of play as appropriate.
6.1

Green Speed

The Green Speed of the surface when measured inaccordance with Test Method WBB-01 shall be in theacceptable World Bowls competition range of 10s and 18s.
The Green Speed obtained in each test location shall bewithin ±0.5s of the mean Green Speed.
For carpet-based systems the test location is limited to thedirection of tournament play which is across the seams. On
a carpet-based system the Green Speed obtained from thetournament direction locations shall be ±0.5s of the mean
Green Speed.
It is up to each Club and installer to decide what speed isappropriate dependent on the level (international, national
9World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

or Club level events) of use required and the expectationsof the end users (i.e. the bowlers).
6.2

Surface Draw

The maximum Draw, when measured in accordance with
Test Method WBB-02, of surfaces having Green Speeds inthe range 10s to 14s shall be greater than 750mm, whilst
the maximum Draw on surfaces having Green Speeds inexcess of 14.1s shall be greater than 1000mm.
The maximum difference between pairs of left and rightmaximum Draws shall be less than 40%.
6.3

Surface Evenness

Undulations found on the surface shall be no greater than
3mm, when measured using a 3m straight-edge inaccordance with Test Method WBB-03. Undulations of up
to 6mm are permissible providing they do not affect the
trajectory of a bowl, particularly as it rolls slowly.
Undulations greater than 6mm should not occur anywhereon the Green.
6.4

Design Levels

The green shall be level. The finished level of the green
shall not deviate from the design level when measured inaccordance with recognised civil engineering practice,using an optical or laser level, by more than ±5mm.
10World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

The difference in height between adjacent spot levels shallnot be greater than 3mm.
Note:
1. The design level of any point within a green should bereferred to a temporary bench mark.
2.

6.5

Finished levels should be checked against designlevels by taking levels referred to the temporary benchmark on a 2m grid.
Infiltration Rate

The green surfacing shall have an infiltration rate, at thetime of construction, greater than 100mm/hr when tested inaccordance with BS 7044 Section 2.5:1991 or WBB-04.
The locations of test positions are shown in WBB-04. Suchsurfaces shall be designated ‘Permeable’. The infiltration
rate of greens over 12 months old shall be greater than
50mm/hr.
Note: Comparative data between the two test procedures is
not available. Test data from one procedure should not becompared with test data from the other.
7.0

TEST REPORTThe test report shall contain the following:a.

The title and date of this Standard: World Bowls
Performance Standard for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces.
11World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfacesb.

Complete identification of the surfacing tested,
manufacturer’s reference and previous history.

c.

The ambient temperature of test(s) and relative
humidity, if tested.

d.

The values of Green Speed and maximum difference
between the Green Speed in each test location.

e.

The mean Green Speed.

f.

The values of maximum Draw and percentage
difference between left and right draws in each test
location.

g.

A plan showing all areas where the surface evenness
exceeds 3mm.

h.

The values of infiltration rate, if tested.

i.

The values of surface friction, if tested.

j.

The values of surface cushioning, if tested.

k.

A plan showing the finished levels of the Green.

l.

The designations Very Fast, Fast, Medium or Slow andPermeable as appropriate.

m. The individual test results, if required.
n.

Details of any deviation from the specified procedures.

o.

The condition of the surface at the time of the test, i.e.
wet or dry.

12

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfacesp.

The procedure used to measure infiltration rate.

Note: Meeting “World Bowls Performance Standard for Flat
Green Bowls Surfaces” on or in relation to a productrepresents a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, i.e. aclaim by or on behalf of the manufacturer that the productmeets the requirements of this Standard. The accuracy ofthe claim is therefore solely the responsibility of the person
making the claim. Such a declaration is not to be confusedwith third party certification of conformity, which may also
be desirable.
8.0

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

The following information shall be supplied by the
manufacturer to the purchaser. This information should
also, as far as possible, be included in any test reports.
a

Details of which types of paint and/or tape can beapplied effectively and without damage to the surface
or significantly affecting the sports performance andbio-mechanical response, or other making methods
available, e.g. inlaid or woven lines.

b

The method and substances to be used to carry out
regular maintenance or cleaning of the surface.

c

The details of any other periodic maintenance, e.g.
careduringnon-playing
season,pre-season
maintenance, storage, topping up the level ofparticulate infill and, where appropriate, the materials
that may be used.
13

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls SurfacesdAn assurance that the surface does not contain in its
finished state any substance which is known to be toxic
or carcinogenic when in contact with skin and that no
toxic or carcinogenic substance(s) will be released as avapour, dust or solution during normal use.

e

An assurance by the manufacturer that the surface iscapable of being disposed of in a safe manner at theend of its useful life.

14

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Part 2  Methods of Test

This part of the Standard outlines the test methodology for
determining the performance of flat green bowls surfaces,in particular synthetic surfaces. A full description of themethodology can be found in ‘World Bowls PerformanceStandards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces – Test
Methodology’.

15World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-01

1.0

Method of Test for the Determinationof Green Speed

SCOPE

This method is suitable for testing all types of sports
surfaces, both on test pieces in the laboratory and surfaces
installed on site. The results obtained give a measure of
the Green Speed of a rolling bowl on a sports surface.
2.0

PRINCIPLE

A bowl is made to roll along the surface under test by being
released down a ramp from a specific height onto thesurface. The distance the bowl rolls is measured and theGreen Speed calculated from a standard calibration curve.
3.0

APPARATUS

3.1

Bowl

An unbiased standardised test bowl of mass 1475 ±2.5g
and of diameter 125 ±5mm.
3.2

Bowl Roll Ramp

A ramp consisting of two parallel bars mounted a fixed
distance apart at an angle to the horizontal on a rigid frame,
down which a bowl may be rolled onto the surface under
test. At their lower ends the radius of curvature of the bars
must be sufficiently large and become tangential with theground to ensure that the bowl does not bounce when it
meets the surface.
16

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

The bowl roll ramp used for this test should be approved as
being fit for purpose by either World Bowls, New ZealandSport Turf Institute or Centre for Sport Technology.
3.3

Tape Measure

A tape measure, at least 30m in length graduated inincrements of 0.01m or smaller.
3.4

Wind Measurement

Means of determining wind speed to an accuracy of
0.1km/hr or equivalent.
4.0

TEST PIECE AND TEST LOCATIONS

For tests in the laboratory, a piece of surfacing of length
greater than the expected distance of bowl roll and ofminimum width 1m shall be used. Where information on
the expected bowl roll distance is not available, a piece of
surface 35m in length shall be used. The test piece shallbe taken in the directions of intended use. The surface
shall be seamed and attached to the supporting layers
using the recommended methods of seaming andattachment in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
When testing an installation, existing rink markings can beused for each direction of test but, in the case of any
dispute, the Green shall be divided into rinks of equal width
not less than the minimum permitted by the Laws of theSport of Bowls – Crystal Mark Edition ignoring the outer 2m
on each side of the Green.
17

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

5.0

CONDITIONING

For tests in the laboratory, condition the test piece for aminimum duration of 3 hours at the test temperature of 23±2°C. For tests on dry surfaces, where the material is
known to be sensitive to humidity, condition the material fora minimum of 88 hours at 50 ±5% RH at the test
temperature.
Tests on site shall be made at the ambient temperature andhumidity.

18

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-02

1.0

Method of Test for the Determinationof Surface Draw

SCOPE

This method is suitable for testing all types of sports
surfaces on both test pieces in the laboratory and surfaces
installed on site. The results obtained give a measure of
the Draw of a rolling bowl on a sports surface.
2.0

PRINCIPLE

A bowl is made to roll along the surface under test by being
allowed to roll down a ramp from a specified height onto thesurface. The trajectory of the bowl is monitored and theMaximum Draw and consistency of Draws calculated.
3.0

APPARATUS

3.1

Bowl

A standard bowl issued by World Bowls.
3.2

Bowl Roll Ramp

An inclined ramp as described in WBB-01.
3.3

Maximum Draw Measurement

Means of determining the value of maximum Draw during
the trajectory of the bowl to an accuracy greater than19

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces±50mm without causing the bowl to significantly deviate ordecelerate.
Note: The use of either six equidistant fine chalk lines (ormasking tape) or video analysis of the bowl as it passes
under six graduated markers, located in the anticipatedarea of the maximum Draw of the trajectory have proved
satisfactory.
3.4

Tape Measure

A tape measure graduated in lengths of 10mm or smaller.
3.5

String Line

String line, minimum 30m in length.
3.6Wind Measurement

Means of determining wind speed to an accuracy of
0.1km/hr or equivalent.
4.0

TEST PIECE AND TEST LOCATION

For tests in the laboratory, a piece of surfacing of minimum
length 35m and minimum width 4m shall be used. Test
pieces shall be taken in the directions of intended use. The
surfacing shall be seamed and attached to the supporting
layers using the recommended methods of seaming andattachment in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

20World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

When testing an installation existing rink markings can beused but, in the case of any dispute, the Green shall be
divided into rinks of equal width not less than the minimum
permitted by the Laws of the Sport of Bowls – Crystal Mark
Edition, ignoring the outer 2m on each side of the Green.
5.0

CONDITIONING

For tests in the laboratory, condition the test piece for aminimum duration of 3 hours at the test temperature of 23±2°C. For tests on dry surfaces, where the material is
known to be sensitive to humidity, condition the material fora minimum of 88 hours at 50 ±5% RH at the test
temperature.
Tests on site shall be made at the ambient temperature andhumidity.

21

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-03

1.0

Method of Test for the Determinationof Surface Evenness

SCOPE

This method is suitable for testing the surface evenness on
all types of sports surfaces. The result obtained gives ameasure of the extent of localised surface undulations that
may affect bowl roll behaviour.
2.0

PRINCIPLE

A 3 m long straight edge is laid on the surface. A
graduated wedge is used to measure the maximum gap
between the straight edge and the surface.
3.0

APPARATUS

3.1

Straight-edge

A straight-edge 3m in length.
3.2

Graduated wedge

A graduated wedge with a range of 0-30mm and a
resolution of 0.25mm.

22World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-04

1.0

Method of Test for the Determinationof Infiltration Rate Using a Disc
Permeameter

SCOPE

This method is suitable for testing most types of synthetic
sports surfaces, both on test pieces in the laboratory andsurfaces installed on site, that have a permeability rate ofless than 1000mm/h. It is not suitable for artificial materials
with impermeable backings where water movement takes
place through large perforations, unless the spacing of theperforations is 150mm or less in any direction. It is also notsuitable for installations with impermeable bases. The
results obtained reflect the permeability of the surface andbase layer.
Note: This method of test is due for review as it has beenfound unsuitable for carpet based green surfaces.
2.0

PRINCIPLE

Water is applied to the artificial surface under tension via asealed reservoir tube attached to a circular acrylic discusing a constant supply pressure less than, or equal to,zero. Contact sand is used to ensure that the base of thepermeameter is uniformly in contact with the surface.
Infiltration rate is calculated from the measurement of theunconfined three dimensional flow from the base of the
disc.

23

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

3.0

APPARATUS

3.1

Permeameter

A disc permeameter capable of supplying water atpressures of less than, or equal to, zero shall be used.
3.2

Contact Sand (for sand filled greens only)

Clean, rounded or sub-angular silica sand with a minimumof 90% of particles in the 0.125-1mm size range shall be
used. The sand shall have a minimum saturated hydraulicconductivity of 1000mm/h and an air entry pressure of 300mm ±5mm.
Note: Sand should not be used on a carpet-based green.
3.3

Stop Watch

An electronic stopwatch, recording to a resolution of 0.1
seconds.
4.0

TEST PIECE AND TEST LOCATIONS

Tests in the laboratory shall be carried out on a piece of
surfacing of minimum width 1000mm and minimum length
1000mm. The surfacing and supporting layers shall be
attached using the recommended method of attachment inaccordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Four
replicate tests shall be made on the one piece of material.

24World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Tests on installations shall be carried out at four locations
on a Green, each position being midway between two
corners and 6m in from the ditch.
5.0

CONDITIONING

For tests in the laboratory, condition the test piece for aminimum duration of 3h at the test temperature of 23 ±2°C.
The material and sub-base materials shall be in a wet
condition as outlined in test procedure WBB-05.
Tests on installations shall be made at the ambient
temperature. The material and sub-base materials shall bein a wet condition as outlined in test procedure WBB-05.

25

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-05

Wetting Procedure

The sample under test, or, in the case of on-site tests, anarea larger than necessary for the test which is to be
carried out, shall be saturated by the application of anexcess of water.
For laboratory tests, the application to the test piece of alayer of water of equal thickness to the sample will ensure
saturation. On site, a similar principle may be followed,
provided that information is available on the construction of
the facility. In the absence of any such information, thesurface should have 50L/m2 of water applied to the testarea with the test commencing within 5 minutes of fulldrainage of any surface water.

26

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

WBB-06

1.0

Method of Test for the Determinationof Surface Cushioning

SCOPE

This method is suitable for testing all types of sports
surfaces, both on test pieces in the laboratory and surfaces
installed on site.
2.0

PRINCIPLE

An indentor is dropped onto the test piece and thedeceleration during the impact monitored. The deceleration
profile is processed to give specific energy absorption data.
3.0

APPARATUS

0.5kg Clegg Impact Soil Tester.
4.0

TEST PIECE

Tests in the laboratory shall be carried out on a piece of
surface of minimum length 1000mm and minimum width
1000mm in conjunction with the supporting layers to be
used in service, using the recommended method of
attachment in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

27

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

5.0

CONDITIONING AND TEST TEMPERATURE

Condition the test piece for a minimum of 3 hours at the test
temperature except, where the material is known to besensitive to humidity, in which case condition for a minimumof 88 hours at 50 ±5% RH at the test temperature. Unlessotherwise specified the test temperature shall be 23 ±2°C.
Tests on site shall be made at ambient temperature andhumidity.

28

Appendix 1

Participating Organisations
WORLD BOWLS
SportScotland
Caledonia House
1 Redheughs Rigg
S. GyleEdinburgh
EH12 9DQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Mr G. A. Smith
Tel: 0131 317 9764 (National)+44 1 31 317 9764 (International)
Fax: 0131 317 9765 (National)+44 1 31 317 9765 (International)
Email: worldbowls@btconnect.com
Web: www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND SPORTS TURF INSTITUTE
163 Old West Road
PO Box 347
Palmerston NorthNEW ZEALAND
Contact: Mr K. McAuliffe; Dr A. Mitchell
Tel: 06 356 8090 (National)+64 6 356 8090 (International)
Fax: 06 354 0081 (National)+64 6 354 0081 (International)
Email: kmca@nzsti.org.nz; amitchell@nzsti.org.nz
Web: www.nzsti.org.nz

29

World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

CENTRE FOR SPORTS TECHNOLOGY
Unit 3
Greenwich Centre Business Park
53 Norman Road
LondonSE10 9QF
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Mr R.T. Froud
Tel: 020 8293 6655 (National)+44 208 293 6655 (International)
Fax: 0208 269 0440 (National)+44 208 269 0440 (International)
Email: b.froud@msc-global.co.uk

30Appendix 2

Optional Standards for Synthetic Bowls
Surfaces

In addition to the playing and construction requirements
detailed in this Standard, potential purchasers of synthetic
bowls surfaces may wish to consider the frictional andcushioning characteristics of the surfacing.

Surface Friction
The frictional characteristics of the surfacing may beassessed using one of three methods. These, together withsuggested requirements, are detailed in Table 1. Whenevaluating facilities the tests should be carried out in thelocations referred to in WBB-05.
Table 1 – Person/Surface Friction Values (Wet or Dry)
Method of Test

Friction Values

BS 7044 Section 2.2 Method 5

min 60-140 max

BS 7044 Section 2.2 Method 1

min 0.30-1.0 max

N/F5.1

min 0.3-0.9 max

All tests shall be carried out using a smooth rubber test
sole. If any of the BS 7044 tests are used the rubber shallmeet the requirements of Table 2.

31World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

Table 2 – Properties of Rubber Test Soles
Property

Test Procedure

Resilienceat 5°C
at 23°Cat 40°C

BS 903: Part A8
21 ± 2%24 ± 2%28 ± 2%Hardness

BS 903: Part A26

Physical Requirements

96 ± 2 IRHD at 23 ± 2°C

Surface Cushioning
The surface cushioning or hardness of a synthetic bowls
surface may influence players’ views of the surface’s
acceptability.
If this particular aspect of a surface
construction is considered important, the cushioning
characteristics should be determined using the procedure
detailed in WBB-05. Surfaces that have impact value ofless than 320 gravities are considered to offer a degree ofcushioning that may assist player comfort.

32

Appendix 3

Manufacturers/Suppliers of Synthetic
Bowls Surfaces
PROCEDURE FOR PRODUCT APPROVAL
1

A manufacturer/supplier should make application toan accredited laboratory to have the product tested
at its own expense at a fee to be agreed between
the laboratory and company.

2

Testing will only be carried out on a facility that is
between three and twelve months old.

3

Testing will be undertaken under either dry or wet
conditions as agreed between the laboratory andcompany in advance.

4

The product approval testing will include:








5

Green speed on one rink in two directions
Draw on one rink in two directions
Infiltration rate in two locations
Surface cushioning in two locations
Surface friction in two locations
Levels - survey of the whole green
Regularity - survey of the whole green

On completion of the test the laboratory will issue atechnical report to the company and a summary
report to World Bowls.

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World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls Surfaces

6

The company may then apply to World Bowls forinclusion on the approved list of products.

7

Approval will be valid for a period of 38 months.

8

Fee for approval of products - contact World Bowls
for the current fees.

9

At the end of this period a further facility will betested to ensure that the product still offers thesame level of performance.

See the World Bowls website for a list of approved
manufacturers/suppliers of artificial outdoor bowls surfaces.

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Appendix 4

Conditions for Synthetic Flat Green Bowls
Surface
PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT
An approved manufacturer/supplier will be permitted toappend the logo of World Bowls to both named product(s)and appropriate advertising material and to include
reference to such approval in any correspondence oradvertising material issued to prospective and actual
customers. Furthermore the said company’s product(s) will
be included on any list of approved products issued byWorld Bowls, provided that the company has fulfilled thefollowing conditions:

The manufacturer/supplier must have his product tested
and approved by an accredited laboratory and a valid
copy of the laboratory’s report must be lodged with theChief Executive of World Bowls.

The manufacturer shall supply a reference sample,
measuring 100mm square, to World Bowls, the test
laboratory of the surface and any under-layer.

The appropriate fee must be paid within one month of it
becoming due each year and following receipt of invoicefrom World Bowls.

The manufacturer/supplier must make his productavailable at any time for inspection by a representativeof World Bowls.
35World Bowls Performance Standards for Flat Green Bowls SurfacesThe manufacturer/supplier is expected to provide anappropriate after sales service to clients and to provide
written instructions on the care and maintenance of the
product.

Any complaint regarding World Bowls’ endorsement
must in first instance be directed in writing to the Chief
Executive of World Bowls. An appeal against any
decision will be considered by World Bowls provided
that it is submitted in writing within six months of its
occurrence.

36