Bowls Etiquette

The etiquette of the game of bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability; these courtesies are best described as the unwritten Laws of the Game. They are designed to promote social ability and the excellent reputation for friendliness and sportsmanship the game of bowls has rightly earned.

 - Be conversant with the Laws of the Game and any Rules of the competition and observe them.

 - Be punctual to commence play at all matches and be properly attired.

 - Keep quiet and refrain from moving when players are on the mat.

 - Stand one metre behind the mat while your opponent bowls. – Law 12.1.1

 - Always stand still at the head when a player is about to bowl, movement at the head or talking at the mat end is very distracting.

 - Always allow your opponent the right to the head as spelt out in the Laws of the Game.

 - Walk close to the centre of the rink with minimum delay when changing ends, do not distract play on the neighbouring rink.

 - Do not unnecessarily delay play. Always be ready to bowl when it is your turn.

 - Never deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest – Law 13.4

 - Any player intending to fire should make sure players on that rink and adjacent rinks are aware.

 - Every player at the mat end should assist in collecting bowls when the end is completed.

 - Always pay your Skip the respect of waiting for their decision. Do not step onto the mat and indicate which way you intend playing – wait for the Skip’s instruction – Law 40.1

 - Never complain about lucky bowls, they often equal out over the game.

 - Applaud all good bowls no matter what side you are supporting and accept lucky bowls graciously.

 - Never say “thank you” when the opposition has unfortunately improved your position.

 - Respect the green at all times and stay in your rink– do not drop bowls onto the green, stand on the edge of the green or walk in ditches.

 - Should you wish to leave the green always inform your opponent – Law 32.1

 - If you lose, be a good loser, don’t blame other people, the green, the weather etc.

 - If you win don’t say how easy it was and win or lose always shake hands at the end of the game and thank them for the game.

 - When deciding shots at the end of an end, it is the player conceding the shots who should take out the bowls. If either want a measure then either, or both can do so.

 - Offer your opponent a drink at the end of the game and when playing singles remember to offer the Marker a drink.

If you follow these unwritten laws of the game, you will be a pleasure to play with, you’ll enjoy your bowling and be an asset to the club. ​