Etiquette of Bowls

ETIQUETTE OF LAWN BOWLS 

I was recently reminded about the etiquette of bowls and found this article in the Bowls Victoria magazine and reproduced it here for all our bowlers.

 Friendly and sporting acts towards your team-mates and your opponents should be appreciated and reciprocated.  We should all approach our bowls with enthusiasm, friendliness, good company and tolerance.

 Etiquette is relevant to attire, politeness and general behavior and adds to the feel of the game.

 Tips for Good Etiquette –

  • Be punctual and always welcome visitors
  • Be polite and friendly to your opponents including not using offensive language
  • Introduce each other at the start of play
  • Respect the laws of the game and the role of the umpire
  • Do nothing to distract the bowler on the mat and make sure you are not standing in front of the view of the boundary pegs
  • Do not move at either end of the rink where it may distract the player on the mat
  • Watch your bowl until it stops and learn from the shot
  • Concentrate on the game and the state of play
  • Commend your team-mates, and your opponents, when they play a good shot
  • Admit a fluke shot when you play one and remember it when your opponent gets one later in the game. Team members should not clap a ‘lucky’ bowl – remember it’s a poor bowl with a great result
  • Remain behind the mat and within the confines of the rink and walk up the green, after the player has left the mat and in a direction that allows the player to see the path of their bowl
  • Excuses for bad play should not be blamed on the condition of the green, wind or other weather conditions. These conditions are the same for all players
  • Keep silent while other are delivering their bowls and remain outside their gaze
  • Mobile phone (unless for emergencies) should be in your bowls bag turned off or on silent
  • If music is playing it should not impact on how the game is progressing
  • Not leaving the green and your opponent to have a cigarette
  • Offer refreshments at the end of your game
  • Remember that you get out of the game what you are prepared to put into it

 Carmelo Liistro