Lawn bowls is a wonderfully competitive sport, but it's also a game built on centuries of tradition and sportsmanship. I've been playing for over 30 years, and one of the things I love most is the sense of respect that underpins every match. It’s what makes the game so special! While the official rules tell you how to play, it's the unwritten rules—the etiquette—that show you how to be a bowler.
These aren't complicated regulations designed to catch you out. They are simple courtesies that ensure the game is enjoyable, fair, and respectful for everyone on the green. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player, a quick refresher on good etiquette is always worthwhile. It’s the oil that keeps the machinery of a friendly and competitive club running smoothly!
Before the Game Begins
Good sportsmanship starts before the first bowl is even rolled.
- Be on Time: Arrive at the club with plenty of time to change your shoes, get your bowls, and be ready for the start of the game. It shows respect for your teammates and opponents.
- The Handshake: Always start a game by shaking hands with your opponents and introducing yourself if you don't know them. It sets a friendly tone for the match ahead.
- Help Set Up: If rink markers or mats need to be put out, offer a hand. Many hands make light work!
On the Mat: The Zone of Silence
The mat is where a player's concentration is at its peak. Your behaviour can either help or hinder them.
- Stillness and Silence: When a player is on the mat preparing to deliver their bowl, you must stand still and remain silent. No chatting, no rustling your waterproofs, and definitely no walking about.
- Give Them a Clear View: Stand well back from the mat and ensure you are not blocking the player's view of the rink markers or their aiming line. Position yourself behind the player, never in front of them or directly in their eye line at the other end.
Rink Awareness: Respecting the Space
A bowling green is a shared space. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial for safety and courtesy.
- Stay Within Your Rink: Keep to the confines of your own rink as much as possible. Cutting across another rink where a game is in progress is a major faux pas.
- Walk With Care: When changing ends, walk down the centre of your rink. This avoids distracting players on neighbouring rinks.
- Behind the Head or Mat: At the head end, players who have already bowled should stand well behind the jack and out of the line of sight of the player on the mat. Similarly, at the mat end, players waiting to bowl should stand behind the mat.
Handling the Equipment with Care
- Bowls are for Rolling: Your bowls are precision instruments. When you get to the mat, place your bowl on the green gently. Dropping it from a height can damage both the bowl and the delicate playing surface.
- The Jack: The lead player rolls the jack to start the end. Let them do their job. Don’t rush to pick it up or interfere unless asked.
During the End: The Flow of the Game
Marking Touchers
When a bowl touches the jack during its original course, it becomes a "toucher."
- Mark It Promptly: If you're at the head, it's your responsibility to stop the bowl and mark it with chalk or spray before the next bowl comes to rest. Be quick but be careful!
- Communicate Clearly: Shout back to the player on the mat, "That's a toucher!" to confirm it has been marked.
The Art of Measuring
When an end is finished, and it's too close to call with the naked eye, it's time to measure. This is a moment for calm and precision.
- Who Measures?: In a team game, the "number three" from each team is typically responsible for measuring. In pairs or singles, the players agree.
- Don't Crowd the Head: Only the designated measurers should be in the head. Everyone else should stand back and give them space to work.
- Agree the Shot: The measurers should agree on the result before touching any bowls. If there is a dispute, don't argue! Call for an umpire or a neutral third party to make the final decision.
Pace of Play
Nobody enjoys a slow game. Good etiquette means being ready to play when it's your turn.
- Be Ready: Have your bowl in your hand and be thinking about your shot while your opponent is on the mat. As soon as their bowl comes to rest, you should be ready to step up.
- Don't Dawdle: After delivering your bowl, walk to the head at a reasonable pace.
Sportsmanship: The Heart of the Game
This is the most important rule of all. How you conduct yourself defines you as a player.
- Praise Good Shots: Always be ready to acknowledge a great shot, whether it's from your teammate or your opponent. A simple "good bowl" is all it takes.
- Accept Defeat and Victory Gracefully: At the end of the game, shake hands warmly, win or lose. Thank your opponents for the game. Congratulate the winners and commiserate graciously if you've lost.
- Welcome Newcomers: If you see a new member or a beginner struggling, offer a word of encouragement. We were all beginners once, and a friendly welcome can make all the difference.
In the Clubhouse
The game doesn't end on the green. The social side is just as important.
- Offer a Drink: It's a wonderful tradition in bowls for the winner to offer to buy the loser a drink after the game. It's a gesture of friendship that transcends the result.
- Dress Code: Be aware of your club's dress code. Some clubs may require you to change out of your bowling footwear before entering the bar or lounge area.
By following these simple, unwritten rules, you contribute to the fantastic spirit of our sport. You show respect for the game, the club, and your fellow players. Now get out there and enjoy your roll-up!