This version created: 25-04-16T14:54

2025-04-01 Revision 1.0 Dave Pawson 2025-04-02 Revision 1.1 Dave Pawson, RC additions

Courtesy of Bourne Town Bowls Club

BOWLS ETIQUETTE

In addition to the rules of bowls there is a required amount of etiquette to be followed

Etiquette refers to the manner of how we play the game to ensure the enjoyment of everyone and to allow players to perform to their best ability. The guidelines offered here should be noted by the beginner and experienced bowler alike. They are all based on common courtesy

BEFORE THE GAME

  1. Ensure you know the rules of the game or competition you are playing.
  2. Know and wear the correct dress applicable.
  3. Do not arrive in bowllng shoes to avoid contamination of the green.
  4. Be early to welcome visitors and opponents.
  5. Assist setting up of rinks i.e. jack, mats, scorecards etc.

FOR BOWLERS & SPECTATORS

  1. 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 and then move.
  2. It is not good etiquette to interrupt other players when they are on the green.
  3. Respect and protect the carpet, the clubs most valuable and important asset.
  4. Do nothing in your actions, words or appearance that will reflect badly on your club.

DURING THE GAME

  1. When a player is due to bowl next they should have their bowl in their hand ready to step on the mat immediately the preceding bowler steps off the mat to retain momentum.
  2. Enter and leave the green by your rink number and use the side walks. Do not walk across the green
  3. When you walk to the other end of the rink move in the centre of the rink and do it quickly enough to maintain the continuity of the game. Remember that others have yet to bowl.
  4. When all bowls have been delivered, if it is not immediately apparent which bowl is shot the appropriate players should measure without delay rather than procrastinate, standing around discussing who might or might not hold shot.
  5. Never complain about any rink, including your own.

POSSESSION OF THE RINK

  1. Possession of the rink shall belong to the team whose bowl is being played. The players in possession of the rink shall not be interfered with, annoyed or have their attention distracted in any way by the opponents.
  2. Stand 2 metres behind the head or mat, keeping quiet and still whilst others are delivering their bowls.
  3. Questions, information, or instructions should only be exchanged whilst you have possession of the rink. As soon as your bowl comes to rest possession of the rink is passed to the opposing player or team.

POSITIONS

  1. 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.
  2. Standing directly behind a white jack whilst wearing white shoes can make the jack difficult to see.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Follow the directions given by the skip, no matter whether you agree or not.
  2. Remember that the directions for the skip are only given by the number three in fours matches or the number two in triples. Other players should not interfere unless asked.

RESULTS OF AN END

  1. The result of each end (including measuring where required) is determined between the threes (or twos in triples). Other players should not be involved.
  2. Remove scoring bowls by hand (never by foot) onto a bowls towel before disturbing the head.
  3. Do not disturb the head until the result of the end has been agreed.
  4. Encourage rather than criticise - no one delivers a bad bowl intentionally.
  5. Avoid stating the obvious but provide help by indicating where a bowl is relative to the jack.
  6. Call or shout in a reasomble manner or volume at your own bowls but do not call for your opponent's bowls to go though gaps, get wrecked or to promote your own bowls. Wishing misfortune on your opponenl's bowls is unsporting as is over exuberance of your own good fortune.
  7. Commend good deliveries by all participating players.
  8. Lean to accept lucky shots, both for and against you. They will even out in the long run.

AFTER THE GAME

  1. Shake hands and thank your opponents and team
  2. At the end of the match leave the mat on or near the T with the jack on the mat in readiness for the next session.

© Copyright Alfie Hynes, Dave Pawson & Roger Clarke,