It is critical if we are to continue reversing the decline in bowls participation that our national competitions programme works as hard as possible to inspire new players and acts as a stepping stone for existing players to deepen their relationship with our sport.  To achieve this, events must be accessible, relevant to that person’s age and provide a fair test of their ability.  In short, competitions that truly deliver competitiveness.

Head to our Competitions Portal to enter

 

 

Participation Events
  • Mixed Pairs
  • Mixed Fours
  • Over 60 Singles
  • Over 60 Pairs
  • Over 55 Fours
  • Family Pairs
  • Foundation Pairs
  • Two-Bowl Singles

 

From 2025 the age limit in Over 60 Singles and Over 60 Pairs has been increased to 60 and over on 1 April annually.

This will create fairer, more enjoyable competition for players in this age group and increase entries from those who do not currently enter as they ‘do not think they are good enough’.

Our player survey showed the introduction of daytime events were particularly supported by those aged 60 and over and therefore matches in these events will be permitted during the day, which will free up rink space in the evenings for other competitions.

Format and Eligibility

Participation Event Players per side Bowls per player Ends & Scoring – Extra end to be played if necessary in all marked with asterisk Entry restrictions Notes
Men Two-Bowl 1 Two 21 ends*
Men Over 55 Fours 4 Two 18 ends*
Men Over 60 Singles 1 Four First to 21
Men Over 60 Pairs 2 Three 18 ends*
Men Foundation Pairs 2 Three Two sets of 9 ends; One end tie-break if one-set all
  • One player who has never played at national finals in listed events AND one player who has less that three years bowling experience;
  • One player who has never played at national finals in listed events AND one player aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
  • One player who has less than three years bowling experience AND one player aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
  • Two players with less than three years bowling experience;
  • Two players aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
Women Two-Bowl 1 Two 21 ends*
Women Over 55 Fours 4 Two 18 ends*
Women Over 60 Singles 1 Four First to 21
Women Over 60 Pairs 2 Three 18 ends*
Women Foundation Pairs 2 Three Two sets of 9 ends; One end tie-break if one-set all
  • One player who has never played at national finals in listed events AND one player who has less that three years bowling experience;
  • One player who has never played at national finals in listed events AND one player aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
  • One player who has less than three years bowling experience AND one player aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
  • Two players with less than three years bowling experience;
  • Two players aged under 17 on 1 April 2025;
Mixed Pairs 2 Three 18 ends*
Mixed Fours 4 Two 18 ends*
Open Family Pairs 2 Three 18 ends*
Aviva National Bowls Finals and Finance Information

Qualifiers at Aviva National Bowls Finals

Over 60 Pairs, Foundation Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Mixed Fours and Family Pairs – 8 qualifiers

Over 60 Singles – 16 qualifiers

Over 55 Fours – 35 qualifiers

Two-Bowl – 62 qualifiers

Time Limit (including trial ends)

Two-Bowl – 1 hour 15 minutes

Over 60 Singles, Over 60 Pairs, Foundation Pairs, Mixed Pairs and Family Pairs – 2 hours 30 minutes

Over 55 Fours and Mixed Fours – 3 hours 15 minutes

Entry Fee

Two-Bowl and Over 55 Fours – Entry fees are set by County Associations

Over 60 Singles – £5

Foundation Pairs and Family Pairs – £8

Over 60 Pairs and Mixed Pairs – £10

Mixed Fours – £20

Prize Money

Please find the 2025 National Bowls Championships Prize Money list here.

 

FAQs

 

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
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