ETIQUETTE

Bowling rules are set out in the official ‘Joint Laws of the Game’ booklet. In addition, each league / competition may also have specific rules.

However, in addition to the rules, a certain amount of ‘etiquette’ is normally followed, in order to make the game as enjoyable as possible for everyone. These guidelines apply to all bowlers and all based on common courtesy, so they do become easy to remember.

General

Respect all players, both on and off the rink.
Encourage, rather than criticize – no one delivers a bad bowl intentionally.
‘Call’ or shout at your own bowls by all means – but do not ‘call’ your opponent’s bowls to go through gaps, get ‘wrecked’, or to promote your own bowls or clap when your opponents knock your bowl in. – wishing misfortune on your opponent’s bowls is unsporting.
Commend good shots.
Learn to accept lucky shots, both for and against you – they will balance out in the long run.

For Bowlers and Spectators

Do not distract bowlers who are bowling towards you, by moving or walking across the end of the rink. Wait until the bowl has been delivered, then move.
It is not good etiquette to interrupt other players when they are on the green, particularly during competitive matches. If you need to speak to a player, it should only be before or after their game.
Pay attention to the game and be ready for your turn. Conversation can distract you and others.
Respect and protect the green – the Club’s most important asset.
Do nothing in your actions, words or appearance that will reflect against your Club.

Before the Game

Make sure you know the rules of the game or competition you are playing.
Know the correct dress (it will differ for different types of games) and ensure you arrive correctly dressed, with time to spare.
Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are in place ready for the beginning of the game.
Please ensure mobile phones are switched off.

During the Game

Enter and leave the green by the banks and footpaths – do not walk across other players’ rinks.
Do not drop your bowls on the green.
Do not drop litter on the green or in the ditches.
Don’t sit on the bank – it causes unwanted wear on the edge of the green.

‘Possession of the Rink’ must always be respected.

As soon as a bowl stops, possession of the rink passes to the other team.
The players in possession of the rink should not have their attention distracted in any way by their opponents.
Stand well behind the mat or the head, keeping still and quiet while others are delivering their bowls.
Questions, information or instructions should only be shouted while you have ‘possession of the rink’ – as soon as your bowl comes to rest, ‘possession of the rink’ is transferred to the opposing player or team.

Positions

When at the head, bear in mind that some bowlers like a clear view of the rink markers. Stand behind the head, inside the rink markers, but not obscuring the central rink number.
When at the head in sunny conditions, or as the sun sets, avoid standing where your shadow is cast over the jack, making it difficult to see from the mat.
Similarly, standing directly behind a white jack in white shoes can make the jack difficult to see.
Players at the mat-end of the rink who are not delivering a bowl should stand at least 1 metre behind the mat.

Responsibilities

Follow the direction given by the ‘skip’, whether or not you agree.
Remember that the directions for the ‘skip’ are only given by the number three in rinks, or the number two in triples. Other players should not interfere, unless asked.

Results of an end

The result of each end (including measuring where required) is determined between the threes (or twos in triples). Other players should not normally be involved and should stand back.
Picking up the mat signifies there are no more bowls to be played.
Do not disturb the head until the result of the end has been notified to the skip and the cardholder.
Picking up the jack signifies the result has been decided and accepted.

After the Game

Shake hands. Congratulate the opposing team and offer to buy your opposite number a drink (after singles matches, your ‘marker’ should be included in the invitation and thanked for their help.). Remember that your opponent is a guest of the Club.
In leagues it is customary for the home team to offer the opposite number a drink.
With competitions the winner should offer to buy their opponent a drink. NB: This does not apply to Wednesday Evening / Friday Rollup, Meer’s cup, and club fun days.
Sign the scorecard.
Ensure that jacks, mats, scoreboards and other equipment are returned.

A knowledge of the above will make you a respected bowler and will contribute towards the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved, both on and off the green.