Do I need to have played Indoor Bowls before? Not at all! Beginners are encouraged to take part. We'll show you the basics and help you get started.

Do I need my own bowls or equipment? No. All equipment will be provided on the day.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes are recommended.

Is Indoor Bowls difficult to learn? Not at all. Most people can learn the basics in just a few minutes. It's one of the easiest sports to pick up and enjoy straight away.

Can I register on my own? Absolutely. Many participants join the Rainbow Games on their own. Indoor Bowls is a friendly and social sport that's a great way to meet new people.

I'm not very sporty. Can I still participate? Yes! Indoor Bowls is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels and sporting backgrounds.

Is the event suitable for people with disabilities? Yes. Indoor Bowls is one of New Zealand's most accessible sports and can be adapted to support participants with different abilities.

Is this a competitive event? The focus is on fun, inclusion and participation. There will be friendly competition, but beginners are welcome and encouraged to join in.

Will there be people there to help me? Yes. Experienced volunteers and Indoor Bowls players will be on hand to explain the game and help you feel welcome.

The draw and schedule will be released on 20 October 2026, one week after entries close and final numbers are confirmed. This will include notification about composite teams if you have registered as an individual.

All matches will follow New Zealand Indoor Bowls Laws unless otherwise stated. 

• Two-bowl triples - two teams of 3 players each deliver two bowls per end. 
• The first two bowlers (Leads) for each team take turns to bowl their bowls, then the 2nds from each team alternately bowl their 2 bowls, then lastly the Skips.   The same order at each end.
• A game is two sets of five ends (10 ends in total).
• Each team gets 1x Powerplay end per game (for double points on a win). 

The Powerplay is to be nominated before the first bowl of that end, and both teams may nominate the same end for their Powerplay. 

• No Powerplay permitted in the tie-breaker end.
• Toss (or paper/rock/scissors) to start, and the winner chooses which team bowls first. The winner of each end bowls first on the next end.
• If the jack (white ball) is knocked off the mat, the opposition team scores three shots. 
• Team with the closest bowl/s to the jack gets a point for every bowl closer than the opposition.

Keeping it fun

• Teams are welcome to all stay at the same end of the mat (no skips), but it’s easier to head off rogue bowls and advise on proximity to the jack if one team member is at the opposite end.
• Round-robin pools may be used before knock-out stages, depending on final numbers. ·
• The tournament draw and final schedule will be released approximately two weeks before the Games. 
• As outlined in the terms and conditions, the format and divisions may be merged or adjusted based on registration numbers.
• All bowling equipment is provided;. Please wear non-marking indoor shoes to avoid damaging the bowling mats.