The etiquette of Bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability and are designed to promote the friendliness and sportsmanship of which the sport has rightly earned. Be conversant with the Laws of the Game, Etiquette and observe them. Also, most breaches of etiquette are unintended.
All Players
1. Don’t drop bowls from the bank to the green, respect the surface of the green.
2. Keep quiet and still while players are on the mat.
3. Stand at least 1 metre behind the bowler on the mat.
4. Don’t prattle- watch all bowls and know their positions. Keep your mind on the game, be ready with your bowl in your hand when it’s your turn.
5. Don’t step onto the mat and indicate which way you want to play. Wait for the Skips instructions.
6. Don’t ear bash your opponent about your previous successes.
7. All at the head assist in kicking bowls.
8. Don’t complain about the skips’ bowls, they have only two bowls and the rest of you have had six.
9. Take an interest in the skips bowl when it is their turn.
10. Don’t query the skips instructions.
11. Acknowledge good shots from your opponents and thank them if they do the same to you.
12. Don’t applaud unlucky bowls, or urge their bowl through.
13. Don’t deliver your bowl until the previous bowl comes to rest. (Playing prematurely).
14. Walk close to the centre of the rink when crossing over and with a minimum of delay.
15. If you lose, be a good loser, don’t blame your loss on other people, the green, weather etc. Always thank your opponents for the game. Be a good winner. Don’t be too taken with your win the position could be very well reversed tomorrow.
16. Offer your opponent a drink after the game; don’t forget the marker in singles.
17. Do not walk in front of the last third to bowl they have a right to see where their bowl finishes, and it is against the law.
18. Be punctual to commence play (at least 15 to 30 mins prior to commencement of game) and be correctly attired
19. Laws of the game demand that you inform your opponent if you wish to leave the green.
20. Learn to be a good marker. Stand behind the head and to one side. Don’t sit on the bank or in the ditch.
21. Respect the position and decision of umpires.
Lead (Note this player is Lead not leader)
1. Try to roll the jack to the skips’ feet, unless told otherwise.
2. Loser of the mat- locate your opponent bowl and place near the mat.
3. At completion of the end, winner to place the mat so the players know how far to kick the bowls.
4. Loser to hand the jack to the lead if the third has not already done so.
5 Keep out of the way of the third while shots are being measured. Show interest but don’t interfere.
Second
1. Second should confirm score on the completion of each end.
2. Update score board when at the score board end.
3. Keep out of the way of the third while shots are being measured. Show interest but don’t interfere.
Third
1. Don’t instruct the lead and second with their bowls that’s the skips job.
2. Don’t criticise your skips bowls or instructions.
3. Only give advice when asked, except when the head has been changed by the opposition bowl.
4. Don’t instruct the skip on the crossover. They have just left the head and have their own plans.
5. If your skip has first bowl put it on the mat before crossing over.
6. Don’t speak to your skip, or step into the head after their bowl has come to rest – it’s not your mat- unless it is the last bowl.
7. Watch for bowls from adjoining rinks and be ready to lift a bowl or stop a bowl that will upset your head.
8. Never go onto the next rink to lift or stop a bowl they do the lifting or stopping.
9. Don’t wave your opponent’s bowl through, or applaud if they knock their own shots out.
10. Remove chalk marks from opponent’s bowls. Chalk marks that have not been removed are removed by the opponent.
11. Signal the score clearly after confirmation with the opposition third to your skip.
12. Anyone can measure but usually the loser goes first.
13. The losing third to pick up the jack and hand to the winning lead.
14. If the umpire is called to measure stand back so they can do their job.
15. Dead bowls are removed by the opposition after agreement.
Skip
1. Wish your opponent good bowling.
2. Encourage your team; never be caustic of their efforts.
3. Praise your team’s good bowls and acknowledge those of your opponent.
4. Give clear concise instructions – don’t write a book.
5. Don’t talk to your player or jump into the head after their bowl has come to rest. (Not your head).
6. It is a courtesy to consult with your third on the crossover. At least occasionally.
7. Don’t complain about your team to the opponent.
8. Don’t wave your opponent’s bowl through or applaud bad bowls.
9. Watch for bowls from other rinks. Be ready to lift or stop a bowl if likely to disturb your head.
10. Never lift bowls from the next rink to let your bowl pass.
11. Your dead bowls are removed by the opposition after agreement, also chalk marks.
12. Remove the mat and place on the bank after your opponent’s last bowl.
13. Keep the score card and change the score board if you are the loser of that end.
14. After the welcome introduce the team as you now keep the score card. Above all enjoy the game for its pleasure and the lasting friendships it.
Conclusion
1. Familiarise yourself with the “Laws of the sport of Bowls”.
2. Leave your bad bowls on the green. Tomorrow is another day.
3. Please indicate on the sheets provided near selection board if your unavailable to play or you are going directly to the game.