BOWLING ETIQUETTE
   
  Etiquette is a code of behaviour whereby individuals treat one another the way they would like to be treated. Breaches of etiquette are sometimes wilful, and sometimes inadvertent. Particularly in the latter case, injured parties should avoid over-reacting, or else a breach of etiquette more objectionable than the original could occur.

Etiquette is an important part of Bowls and all clubs and their members should not only practice it, but inform new members what is proper and expected behaviour on the green and in the clubhouse. Thoughtfulness and common sense are the keys to etiquette.

 

 
 

Players and spectators at the head end should stand still and keep quiet
   
 

When it’s your team’s turn to bowl and it’s your mat and head, your opponents  should be away from both, if they are not ask them nicely to move.
   
 

Wait off the mat for your skip to tell you which shot you should play, keep up with play at all times.
   
 

There should be no trespassing into neighbouring rinks; this includes going to or from the clubhouse, moving to better see the jack, and particularly when walking from one end of your green to the other. Please be aware of others playing. If you are helping your team mate aim, do not infringe upon neighbouring rinks.
   
 

Walk up the centre of the rink with minimum delay, if it is not your team’s turn to bowl DO NOT STOP TO CHAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RINK, IT’S NOT YOUR MAT OR HEAD.
   
  After bowling each bowl, step off the mat to the right. As you approach the mat to bowl, do so from the rear left. Though not essential, this is a useful habit of convenience to avoid collisions
   
 

Always show good sportsmanship by acknowledging a display of good skill by another bowler.

   
 

Never applaud lucky shots, or lucky 'wicks' never complain about lucky shots, and admit a lucky shot with good grace. Do not say thanks for a bad shot that goes you way.
   
  Do not criticize the playing surface
   
 

Do not criticize the performance of colleagues. No one plays a bad bowl on purpose.
   
  Avoid delaying play by leaving the rink without the knowledge of the other players.
   
 

Avoid interfering with the head until the results of the end have been agreed upon by the vices.

   
  If an Umpire is called, move away, you’re done, their decision is final
   
  Bowlers should shake hands at the end of a game
   
  Be a gracious winner and a good loser, you will lose more games than you win as a beginner.
   
 

The green is fragile and should be treated with care. This   includes, but is not limited to, wearing proper footwear, not dropping or tossing bowls on the green, and not spitting or pouring liquids (water, coffee, etc.) on the green.

   
  Punctuality for all games is a courtesy to the other players
   
 

While standing at the head end waiting for the player on the mat to bowl, stand between the markers so the bowler can see and use the markers to aim.

   
 

Generally, the vice or skip at the head will signal the bowler on the mat the position of bowls in the head using hand signals denoting for and against.
   
 

Bowlers should assist by kicking the bowls into an approximate line if a pusher is available or pushing them back with their feet.

   
 

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!

   
 

No rules prohibit bowlers running after their bowl (enthusiasm nor youthful fitness is discouraged) but you must be behind the head before your bowl stops. Some clubs consider following your bowl up the green poor etiquette.
   
  All bowlers should remember to clear the equipment from your rink after your game
   
  No laws governing a sport can cope with every situation. Unusual situations not covered can arise. The Laws of the Sport of Bowls have been drawn up in the spirit of true sportsmanship. Common sense should be used when unusual situations not covered by the Laws arise.

All lawn bowlers should familiarize themselves with “ Laws of the Sport"

 

 

 
 

Many thanks to Nepean BC for the above.