Rookies

What is the Rookies?

The Rookies is the ideal competition for new lawn bowlers looking to test their skills and compete for a State title. Played in two exciting formats—Singles and Pairs—it’s open to all ages and abilities, making it the perfect starting point for aspiring bowlers! If you started bowling in the last two years, this could be for you!

In 2025, over 1420 players competed in the Rookie Singles and Pairs qualifiers. From young to old, the Rookies is a competition that brings together participants of all ages and backgrounds!

How does it work?

Format:

Rookies is played in two formats:

Singles

Pairs

Qualifying event:

Players will first compete in a regional qualifier, where the top 32 Singles players and 32 Pairs teams will secure their spot in the State Finals.

Event dates

Rookie Singles Qualifying: 1-2 August

Rookie Pairs Qualifying: 26-27 September

Rookies Pairs & Singles State Finals: 3-6 December 2026

Competition Details

Eligibility

To participate in the 2026 Rookies, Players must not have been a bowling member of a club (anywhere in the World) before 1 April 2024 and must not have played in more than one year of Rookies Competitions in previous years. (May have played in one year only of Rookies in 2024-25 or 2025-26). Previous State Winners are ineligible to enter in that discipline.

Singles Players & Pairs Teams must enter qualifying within their own Region.

State Finals Host Venue

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