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Bowls Etiquette

A GUIDE TO BOWLS ETIQUETTE

Generally, etiquette can be defined as formal manners that are followed in a social or professional sport and is said to be unwritten rules or customs to uphold respect and fairness. In the game of bowls, etiquette is the simple common sense rules which, when correctly applied, ensure that the game can be played in a sporting and friendly manner.                                                                                                  

TIMEKEEPING:  The oldest courtesy, plus you don’t have to rush.

STAND STILL:  Avoid moving around unnecessarily, stand a meter away from a player playing, beware of your shadow, do not obscure rink markers.

ADJACENT RINKS:  Be aware of other matches in play.  Walking through a player’s eye line is disturbing.

RULES OF POSSESSION:  You are in charge of your rink when you are on the mat; you lose control once you leave it.

THE GREEN:  Dropping bowls onto the green can damage the surface, avoid sitting on the rink banks and do not kick the bowls, it hurts.

THE MAT:  When it’s your turn begin by entering from the left and leaving from the right, avoiding congestion.

SIGNALS:  Communication between players is often by signals or spoken words, there are many, so take time to learn, and deliver spoken words in a manner which does not lead to shouting.

THE END:  Be magnanimous in victory and defeat, shake hands and when victorious, buy the beer!

This guide is complementary to the code of conduct included in this website and printed in your fixture handbook.