Safety
Some of the factors that can increase your risk of injury include:
- Incorrect technique - using the correct swinging action when bowling is an important factor in preventing injury. Poor delivery or balance, or incorrect grip of the bowl can lead to injury.
- Failure to warm up and cool down - warming up and cooling down is extremely important to reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries.
- Time spent playing - the repetitive movements associated with bowling can be associated with injury. Make sure you rest between games.
- Previous injury - lawn bowls can aggravate existing injury.
Some suggestions and tips:
- If you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years old or haven't exercised regularly, see your doctor for a check-up.
- Take lessons from a qualified coach to develop adequate skills and technique.
- Good preparation is important. Warm up and stretch before play to improve joint range of movement, promote elasticity of tendons and ligaments, and prevent muscular strain.
- Cool down after play to prevent stiffness and cardiovascular complications.
- Be sunsmart. Wear a 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin and a broad-brimmed hat.
- Avoid playing lawn bowls in extreme weather conditions.
- Drink water before, during and after activity to keep hydrated.
- Ensure correct technique - poor delivery or balance or incorrect grip of the bowl can lead to injury.
- Undertake balance training and exercises to strengthen the lower extremities, back and neck to help prevent falls.
- Use trolleys to avoid lifting the bowls bag.
- Ensure adequate rest between games.
- Carry a mobile phone, whenever possible, in case of emergency.
- Seek professional advice when you choose bowls to make sure they are the correct size. This will help to improve your technique and prevent injury.
- Seek professional advice when purchasing footwear.
- Change footwear to shoes with grip soles when stepping off the green.
- Use non-slip bowling mats with significant grip on the top surface to allow traction between the shoe and mat.
- Stop immediately if an injury occurs to help prevent any further damage.
- Seek first aid or prompt medical treatment of an injury. This is important for all injured players - no matter how severe (or seemingly insignificant) the injury is. At least one trained first aid person should be on duty at all bowls events.
- Make sure the bowls club has a well-stocked first aid kit, a telephone and emergency contact numbers on display.
- Don't resume play until you are completely recovered from any injury.
- Your doctor
- Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 911
- Ensure correct technique because poor delivery or balance, or incorrect grip of the bowl, can lead to injury.
- Seek professional advice when selecting bowls to ensure bowls are the correct size - this will help improve technique and prevent injury.
- Seek prompt treatment of injury. Early management will mean less time away from your sport or activity.
