HOW TO BEHAVE ON THE GREEN
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 the extras and are designed to promote social ability and the excellent reputation for friendliness and sportsmanship the game of bowls has rightly earned.
1. Be conversant with the Laws of the Game and observe them
2. Respect the decision of the umpire.
3. Be punctual to commence play at all matches and come to each game correctly attired.
4. Keep quiet and refrain from moving when players are on the mat.
5. Stand behind the mat while your opponent bowls
6. 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.
7. Always allow your opponent the right to the head as spelt out in the Laws of the Game, failure to do so decreases the enjoyment of the game.
8. Walk close to the centre of the rink with minimum delay when changing ends, as you could distract play on the next rink.
9. Do not delay play, Always play your bowl with minimum delay.
10. Never deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.
11. Keep track of play, Be ready to bowl when it comes to your turn.
12. Every player at the mat end should assist in collecting bowls when the end is completed.
13. Always pay your skip the respect of waiting for their decision. Don't step on to the mat and indicate which way you intend playing, wait for the skip's instructions.
14. Never applaud lucky bowls - accept them gracefully.
15. Never complain about lucky bowls - they tend to equal each other out over the season.
16. Respect the green surface at all times .Do Not i) drop bowls on to the green ii) stand on the edge of the green iii) stand on the bank iv) walk in the ditches. Always take care to protect and conserve the green at all times.
17. Always inform your opponent and skip if you wish to leave the green.
18. If you lose be a good loser, don't blame your loss on other people, the green, weather conditions etc.,
19. Win or lose, always shake hands with your opponents and thank them for the game. If you have won, don't be too taken with your win – your opponents will be feeling down – respect their feelings.
20. Offer your opponents refreshments after the game.
21. When playing singles whether you have won or lost, be sure to thank the marker and offer him or her refreshments. Remember that they have given their time to assist in your game. You can repay him or her by being courteous in return.
22. It is polite to thank the umpire of the day before leaving the club.
23. Learn to be a good marker. When offering your services, remember a marker can make or break a game. Obtain a copy of the ‘Duties of a Marker'.
Above all, enjoy the game of bowls for the pleasure it gives and the lasting friendships it provides.