In the sport of lawn bowls, the term “Member” describes a bowl that stops in a strategically useful position, even if it isn’t the closest one to the jack.
Players use this term to acknowledge a shot that contributes to the team’s overall “head” (the arrangement of bowls around the jack).
Key Characteristics of a “Member”
- Strategic Placement: A member usually sits behind the jack or in a position that makes it difficult for the opponent to score multiple points.
- Protection: It acts as a “guard” or a “back bowl.” If an opponent hits the jack and moves it backward, a member is already there to catch it or remain the closest bowl.
- Team Support: In team games (pairs, triples, or fours), a lead or second player often aims to “get a member” to build a foundation for the skip (the team captain) to work with later.
Why Bowlers Value a Member
While every player wants to be “shot” (the bowl closest to the jack), a member provides a safety net. Coaches and skips prize members because they reduce risk.
| Term | Meaning |
| Shot Bowl | The bowl currently closest to the jack. |
| Member | A bowl that is “in the count” or tactically well-placed to score or defend. |
| Short Bowl | A bowl that fails to reach the head (rarely called a member). |
The Bottom Line: When a teammate says, “That’s a good member,” they mean your bowl is actively helping the team’s position and puts pressure on the opposition.