Etiquette is simply good manners, treating others with respect and consideration at all times.
• Always be on time and ready to start, dress correctly, shoes clean, measure, chalk, coin, etc.
• Never walk up the green in front of a player on the mat.
• Walk in the centre of own rink when changing ends-don’t stop. Stay at head if consultation is necessary.
• Everyone gathers in bowls.
• Be on good terms with opponent.
• Always be ready to take your turn on the mat.
• Always line bowl from behind rink peg.
• Don’t talk when on bank – watch play at all times.
• Be meticulous on etiquette and fair play.
• Always encourage – never criticise.
• Be ready to help opponent with a long measure.
• Just prior to delivery of your bowl, make sure that the path is clear, check the next rink in case a player is about to deliver their bowl.
• Do not talk or move about (if on the head) when a member of your team or the opposition is about to deliver their bowl.
• Place the skips bowl on the mat prior to changeover.
• Take an interest in the game – follow how the head is building up, you should not have to ask the skip the position of the head.
• Do not walk around talking to other players on the green, they might not be
interested, especially if they are concentrating on their own game.
• Remember it is only a game and must be played in the best spirit of the game, this does not mean you should not have the determination to win.
• If beaten, take it sportingly – congratulate the winner and really mean it.
• Skips – all eyes are on you, do not become engrossed in conversation with the opposing Skip showing lack of interest in the game.
• Only the No. 2 in triples and No. 3 in a fours game is responsible for measuring.
• Let them do their job, do not crowd them.
• Warn players on adjoining – rinks that a drive is about to be played on your rink with the risk of disturbing bowls on their head. Endeavour to prevent this happening by guarding the side boundaries.
• There is no need for improper language. It is out of place on a bowling green.
• Do your share of marking for singles matches as you will appreciate it when someone marks for you.
• Thank the marker after a match – also thank the umpire after they have given a decision.
• At the end of a game shake hands with the opponents.
• Enjoy.