Lawn Bowls Etiquette

Many older bowlers will say that 20 or 30 years ago more attention was paid to etiquette than is today. However although the way we approach the game today is different it should not mean that we do not observe etiquette in the game. This can be done without it seemingly taking preference over the actual game.

When playing in a game at whatever level you should always ensure that you are correctly dressed. You should always arrive on time and show respect to your opponents. If you are representing your club at an other club you should always remember that you are an ambassador for your club.

Always enter the rink that you are about to play on at the correct end, introducing yourself to your opponents and shake hands with them. Also remember to shake hands with them at the end of the game whatever the result.

During the game you should not move around or talk when your opponents have possession of the rink. You should observe Law 36 which briefly says “players of each team not in the act of playing or controlling play shall stand 1m behind the head and away from it, or 1m behind the mat”.

Remember that you should not do anything that could distract other players.

Some players like to see the boundary markers or the rink number. Be careful not to obscure these and on sunny days ensure that your shadow does not fall across the jack.

Spectators too should also behave in a manner as not to distract the players. Remember even if you are playing, once you leave your rink for whatever reason you too become a spectator to the other players.

If after you have delivered your bowl you wish to follow it up you must be Behind the Head when the bowl comes to rest. In other words you must beat it to the head and get behind the head.

Remember that you are not allowed to follow an opponents bowl up the rink nor is your opponent allowed to follow up yours. You or your opponent should remain behind the mat until the bowl comes to rest.

There will be times when you have possession of the rink and your opponent who has followed their bowl up the rink will then walk back. This is not allowed and you are quite within the Laws to ask your opponent not to do this.

Finally

Although it is an accepted tactic to play off another bowl, or to strike your own bowl(s) to improve your position, it is unacceptable to verbally encourage an opponents bowl to “knock yours up”. Remember that whilst your opponents have possession of the rink you should not speak.

If such an occurrence happens you should not make remarks or gestures. It is totally unacceptable to applaud or thank an opponent when this happens.

If this were to occur in a competition where there is an umpire present your opponent could ask the umpire to take action against you under the Laws of the Sport of Bowls.