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Playing on the green

Playing on the green

Etiquette in Bowls

What is Lawn Bowls Etiquette?

Lawn bowls etiquette refers to guidelines which control the way ‘responsible players behave when bowling’. They are simple, common-sense rules which can be followed easily. ‘Bowling etiquette’ is about good sportsmanship, common sense and good manners.

 

  1. BE ON TIME
  2. DRESS CORRECTLY
  3. PRIOR TO THE GAME

Introduce yourselves to your opponents by your first names, and exchange handshakes before the game, with perhaps a friendly comment such as ‘Enjoy your game’, or even ‘Have a good game’.

  1. DURING THE GAME

a) WHILST AT THE ‘MAT END’

Do not move about and make disturbing noises whilst an opponent is on the mat, nor stand in a position where you might be in your opponent’s line of vision, or in sunny conditions allow your shadow to cause distraction to the bowler. (The Laws of the Sport say a player should stand at least 1 metre behind the mat.)

Once it is your time to bowl, come into the mat from the left side and once you are done bowling, step off from the right side of the mat.

b) WHILST AT THE ‘HEAD END’

  1. WHEN AN OPPONENT IS ON THE MAT TO DELIVER A BOWL:

Do not move about - in or near the ‘head’ - as it can be a distraction to the one about to bowl. Do not gesticulate and wave your arms around.

Members of the opposing team should stand well behind the ‘head’ (generally six feet to two metres) when an opponent is on the mat, and if the jack is in the ditch, stand on the bank behind the "Head".

In sunny conditions avoid allowing your shadow to cover the jack or the area close to the jack.

Avoid obscuring rink centre or boundary markers.

ii) ONCE THE BOWL HAS BEEN DELIVERED

‘Members of the opposing team’ - should - REMAIN well behind the ‘head’ whilst the wood is travelling up the green and should ONLY GO NEAR THE HEAD - once the wood has come to rest and they assume control of the rink; Only Skips and Seconds are allowed to visit the head to give instruction.

‘Members of the team that has just delivered a wood’ - should - once their wood has come to rest - immediately retire well behind the head. THEY SHOULD – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES - ENTER THE HEAD TO CHECK TO SEE WHO HAS THE SHOT - and may only enter the head to mark a toucher.

NB: These appear to be two of the most common failings of etiquette that players need to be made aware.

  1. Players at the head end should be ready to stop deflected bowls from crossing into the adjacent rink and interfering with neighbouring games; likewise, be alert to prevent bowls from adjacent rinks from messing up your own head. Pay attention!

c) AT THE CONCLUSION OF EACH END

  1. Unless you are the player responsible for measuring and agreeing shots scored, keep well away from the ‘head’ and do not under any circumstances ‘kick away’ or otherwise move any bowls in the head until the score has been clearly declared.
  2. The lead from the team who has won the end should proceed to pick up the mat and the lead from the team that has lost the end should use the pusher to round up the woods. The other players should move the woods into the centre of the rink to be collected by the lead with the pusher and someone should pick up the jack and pass to the lead of the team that won the end. This keeps the game flowing. The second on the home side should update the scoreboard when at that end.

Pay attention to the game on your rink, it is very frustrating to your team-mates if they feel that you are not giving your full attention to the game by, for example, frequently leaving the green or chatting to players on another rink.

5. BE ALERT AS YOU WALK AROUNG ADJACENT RINKS

If you are walking around the green or along the banking for any reason, ensure that you do not walk across the end of a rink where a player is on the mat and about to bowl towards you. Wait until the bowl had been delivered and then cross the rink. Do not walk across rinks that other people are using.

  1. AT THE END OF THE MATCH
  1. It is good sportsmanship to shake hands before and after a game, and introduce yourself when necessary. After a game, it is tempting to leave immediately, especially after losing. Always ensure that you shake hands and it is also customary for the hosts to buy a drink for the opposition. The opposition would normally reciprocate.
  2. All home players should assist in clearing the equipment for the rink after a game. In a team game score boards should not be moved until all rinks have been completed.

HOW TO HANDLE WRONG DOING OR POOR ETIQUETTE

Unfortunately, even with several rules of propriety, behaviour contrary to the rules will arise once in a while. Whether deliberate or, as a result of a mistake, a breach can be dealt with using the following framework.

Politely ask the player to stop breaking the rules. If necessary, explain which laws they are breaking through their behaviour. Be careful not to use insulting or vulgar language as it will only escalate the situation.

If necessary report to the team manager or Umpire.