Club and Bowls Etiquette
Etiquette Advice for All
As with most sports or games, bowls has its own set of Rules and Regulations that players need to be aware of, and depending on the level of play they can vary!
This short guide is to remind members of key aspects of ‘polite behaviour’ and ‘etiquette’ on and around the green.
Players – Before the Game
• Double check to see if we are wearing grey or white trousers, and do not arrive in your bowling shoes (stones could be carried onto the green).
• If we are the hosts, please check for any pre-game responsibilities. Help is always needed to get all of the equipment out (mats, jacks, markers, pushers, scoreboards).
Players – During the Game
• Enter and leave the green via the footpaths, do not walk across other player’s rinks. Whilst playing, please stay within the confines of your own rink.
• ‘Possession’ of the rink is with the team who are on the mat and delivering their wood. Possession remains with that player/team until the wood has come to rest. Never deliver your bowl until the previous one has come to a complete stop.
• When others are bowling, do not move around or talk loudly as this can be a distraction - this applies to both ends.
When waiting your turn, please ensure to stand well back behind the mat, and out of the bowler’s line of vision.
• When the skips are taking their turn, please make sure to stand well back from the ‘head’. It is also sensible to avoid standing in front of the rink markers, as some players like to use them as a guide.
• You should only ask your skip for help/instructions when you are on the mat ready to bowl.
• When you have delivered your wood, stay on the mat and watch where your wood finishes. This really does help!
• Rinks (4s) – only the number 3 should give the skip directions or help. Only the number 3s are involved in measuring.
• Triples – only the number 2 should give the skip directions or help. Only the number 2s are involved in measuring.
• No-one should disturb the head until the score has been established.
• Encourage and respect good shots, and accept that flukes and wicks are part of the game.
• At the end of the game, shake hands and offer to buy your opposite number a drink from the bar.
• Help to collect all equipment and store tidily in shed.
• Seating in the club house will be by rink, enjoy the refreshments and the company of your teammates and opponents.
• All clubs hold a raffle, please do join in and help to support us as well as our hosts when we are away.
Players and Spectators
• Please do not distract players who are bowling towards you by walking across the end of the rink. Simply wait until the bowl has been delivered.
• Do not interrupt other players when they are on the green, particularly during league and other competitive matches.
• Please be mindful of the use of phones – it would be appreciated if mobiles could be kept on silent mode.
• Strictly no smoking (this also applies to vaping) on the green. This is only permitted in the designated smoking area.