A new world order

A new world order for marking bowls has been implemented following the introduction of a lilac spray chalk.

Following the rapid rise of coloured bowls, including the now wide-spread speckled, granite and white varieties, it became apparent that a solution was required for all players, with the traditional white chalk versions proving problematic.

As a result, Bowls Australia’s National Officiating Committee embarked on a much needed mission to find an alternative colour that would not clash with the current ranges produced by the world’s three bowls manufacturers.

Enter lilac, PMS 5165, which is clearly visible at a distance of 1.5 meters and able to be viewed across all current ranges.

According to Bowls Australia development manager Tony Sherwill, who is the convener of the NOC, the introduction of the lilac spray, which is now being retailed by Hunter Bowls with others soon set to follow, is a significant step forward for the sport.

"We believe the introduction of a lilac spray is a proactive move for bowls as a whole," Sherwill said.

"With a significant rise in the use of coloured bowls such as white, speckled, granite and mixed blends, a solution was required for our players and officiators, rendering white chalk all but obsolete.

"Manufacturers are therefore advised to only produce the lilac spray chalk from this point forward.

"This directive isn’t geared towards being heavy handed, but represents a common sense approach to the game we now play.

"Bowls Australia also requests that all manufacturers take into consideration the lilac spray chalk when manufacturing any new colour of bowl in the future, with it poised to replace white spray chalk at all levels of the game in Australia in the near future.

"Stick chalk may still be used at the appropriate levels of competition, but the NOC recommends the use of the spray chalk at higher levels of competition and is the only form allowable at events conducted by Bowls Australia including the Australian Open."

Following the recent introduction of the lilac spray to the Australian market, Bowls Australia has also sent a submission to World Bowls to request that it be applied across the sport.

Manufacturers wanting to know more about producing a lilac spray chalk can contact Tony Sherwill at Bowls Australia by phoning (03) 9480 7100.