Below is a list of the approved changes for 2026 Competitions at the last Bowls England Board Meeting
All events at National Finals (excluding performance) – to reduce the risk of overrunning
• If the time limit is exceeded and the end in play is killed, the jack will be respotted on the T and that end is played to its conclusion. Following this end, should the result of the match be a tie, ONE extra end will be played. Should this Extra End be killed, the jack will be re-spotted on the T.
Para Events – to create equity for our para bowlers
• The Para singles and pairs will be added to the Blue Riband competition category
White Rose and Amy Rose – to simplify and improve the player experience, avoid exam season and reduce the costs for Counties
• Age limit will be amended to under 25 on 1 April in year of competition so that we are not picking players for the British Bowls Under 25s who are ineligible for the White Rose and Amy Rose (the U24 Singles & U24 Pairs Championships are unchanged)
• Format of play will be pairs (3-bowl) and triples (2-bowl) only
• Format of play changed from sets to ends
• Amendment to scoring system o Qualifying rounds: Discipline – 2 pts for win; 1 pt for draw; match aggregate – 2 pts; total points per match = 6; o Final stages – retain match aggregate (as 2025); Extra end (triples) if scores tied at conclusion 4
• Amend date of play and utilise different dates for the two events
Balcomb and Walker – to reduce the time commitment for players and cost for Counties
• Amend format of play to pairs (3-bowl); triples (2-bowl) and fours (2-bowl) only
• Include preliminary round for those ‘groups’ with five teams in order that the regional event is held in one day
• Split the date of events to better meet the needs of ‘playing couples’
Performance events (all) – to mirror international events
• Dead end = re-spot jacks
Foundation Pairs – to increase the accessibility of the competition
• Increase the number of years for qualification from three to five for ‘new bowlers’
• Amend from gender specific to open
Middleton Cup/Johns Trophy & Mixed Over 60 Inter-County – to standardise four’s games across our sport in all events (except Performance events)
• Reduce number of ends to 18