Etiquette
Good bowls etiquette helps keep the game enjoyable, respectful, and fair for everyone. Whether you're new to the sport or a long-time member, following a few simple guidelines ensures a positive experience on and off the green. Below, you'll find the key points of conduct that reflect the spirit and sportsmanship of our club.
You will pick this up as you play with others; you don't need to know it all when you start playing. The etiquette of the game of bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability. These courtesies are best described as the unwritten Laws of the Game.
They are designed to promote social ability and the excellent reputation for friendliness and sportsmanship the game of bowls has rightly earned.
Be punctual to commence play at all matches and come to each game correctly attired, and especially, in purpose-made bowling shoes.
Be quiet, calm and considerate of your fellow bowlers.
Turn your phone off.
Stand at least one metre behind the mat, i.e. out of the eyeline of the current bowler.
Always stand still at the head when a player is about to bowl. Movement around the head can be distracting, and you risk touching a bowl on the head, which is serious.
Do walk close to the centre of the rink with minimum delay when changing ends.
Do not delay play; be ready to play your bowl with minimum delay.
Never step onto the mat to deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest; you do not have possession of the rink.
Player number 3 in a ‘rinks’ game will do the measuring.
The Skip is responsible for the scorecard.
All players will assist in collecting bowls only when the end is confirmed as completed.
Always pay your Skip the respect of waiting for their decision.
Never applaud lucky bowls – accept them graciously.
Never complain about lucky bowls – they tend to equal each other out over the season.
Respect the playing surface at all times. Do not drop the bowls onto the mat.
Always take care to protect and conserve the mat.
Always inform your opponent if you wish to leave the green.
Be a good loser, do not blame the green.
Win or lose, always shake hands with your opponents and thank them for the game. Do not be too taken with your win today; the position could be reversed tomorrow.
Above all, enjoy the game of bowls for its pleasure and the lasting friendships.
