LAWN BOWLING ETIQUETTE

Etiquette is separate from the Rules of Lawn Bowling or other regulations regarding Conditions of Play which are mandatory. Following good etiquette shows good form in promoting civility and friendship and true sportsmanship. It is a sign you respect the game and the players. By following the few simple principles listed below, you can help to maintain the sportsmanship and courtesy that has characterized the game of bowls for centuries.
Simply defined, good etiquette is good sportsmanship.

• Before the Game:
  • Keep current on the Laws of the Sport of Bowls
  • Be on time by arriving at Club with enough time to get ready to play. 
  • Always follow the dress code and wear the correct foot wear on the green
  • Greet your teammates and opponents at the start of the game with a friendly handshake, and end the game with the same.

 

• During the Game:
  • Always play as a team and be supportive of all team members.
  • Pay attention to the game. Nothing can be more frustrating to your teammates than to have them feel that you are not giving your full attention and best efforts to the game.
  • Never criticize the Green, your team mates or your opponent, especially when visiting another club. If you can't say something positive, don't say anything. Criticism should always be constructive and given privately.
  • Never - give an unsolicited “lesson” in the middle of a game. (Coaching is the job of the coaches.)
  • Always appear to be enjoying the game.
  • Be sure to compliment a good shot from either your team or an opponent.
  • Admit a fluke with grace. 
  • Stand still when a player is on the mat and wait quietly behind the collection of bowls and be prepared to take your next turn.
  • Watch your position on the Green to avoid obscuring boundary pegs, rink plates or rink markers for other players.
  • Do not talk or make noise behind the mat when a player is about to deliver a bowl. A bowler delivering his/her bowl should not be distracted by noise or movement.
  • On sunny days be aware of your shadow. Do not let it mask the jack or fall in front of the mat when a player is about to bowl.
  • Protect the green, your own and your hosts. Do not bounce or lob bowls.
  • Always remember that as soon as your bowl has come to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
  • Show leadership as a Skip and do not comment negatively to team-mates.
  • Warn your team that you will be making a drive shot so they can alert others on adjacent rinks.
  • Unless you have been delegated to decide the shots at the completion of an end, do not interfere in any way with this process. Remain quiet and still on the green behind the head and away from sideline markers until the score has been agreed upon by both teams.
  • Wait until the result of the end has been decided before raking the bowls.
  • If you are responsible for keeping the score, compare your card with that of your opponent at regular intervals. If score boards are in use, make sure they agree with your card and the card of your opponent.
  • If an umpire has been called, stay well clear of the head until a decision has been made by the umpire and always accept and respect their decision(s).

 

• After the Game:
  • Always remember to be a gracious winner and a good loser.
  • If you have lost the game, remember to congratulate your opponent.
  • Assist in putting the equipment away and be considerate of those still playing in other games.