Etiquitte on the Green

Etiquette on the green

The game of lawn bowls, whether competitive or social, is to be played in an atmosphere of fellowship and sociability, with its roots in common courtesy. Sportsmanship, as defined in the Oxford dictionary, is conduct characteristic or worthy of an athlete. Etiquette is simply good manners, treating others with respect and consideration at all times. Some rules of etiquette are part of the sportsmanship all are expected to exhibit.

• Always be on time and ready to start, appropriately dressed with flat soled, clean shoes. 

• Shake hands (or fist bump) at the start and at the end of the game.

• Always be ready to take your turn on the mat. Possession of the mat passes to you as soon as your opponent's bowl has come to rest.

• Think of a counter-clockwise rotation for when it is your turn to bowl.  Pick up your bowl on the right where the bowls have been gathered together, wait behind the bowls or mat until other bowler has exited, step onto the mat on the right side and leave the mat on the left side once your bowl has come to rest.

• Take an interest in the game - follow how the head is building up - you should not have to ask the skip the position of bowls in the head.

• Refrain from unnecessary movement and talking when a player is about to deliver their bowl.

• Warn players on adjoining rinks that a drive is about to be played on your rink with the risk of disturbing their bowls. Those players will try to prevent this happening by guarding the side boundary.

• Remain at least one meter behind the mat when it is not your turn to play.  Similarly, when it is not your head remain at least one meter behind or away from the head or other players. Remember as soon as your bowl has come to rest possession of the rink passes to your opponent.

• Place the skips bowl on the mat prior to changeover.

• Walk down the centre of the rink when changing ends for the good of the green and to decrease distraction to the other players in the adjacent rinks.

• Do not talk or move about after the changeover when a player is about to deliver their bowl.

• 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. The team conceding shots should measure and remove shot(s) when the count is clearly more than one shot. A small towel should be carried so the measured bowl(s) can be placed upon it. Wait until they have determined the score before moving any bowls that may be in the count. If a measure is in doubt or you have questions regarding the rules, consult the umpire or tournament coordinator.  Thank them after they have given a decision.

• Everyone gathers in the bowls at the completion of the end. 

• Always encourage - never criticize. Compliment your opponent as well as your teammate on a good shot. Do not say thank you if your opponent gives the shot away.  If you must say anything say “bad luck”.  Do not grumble, but keep quiet if your opponent gets a good result from a fluke shot.  Be a gracious winner and a good loser. 

• Skips - all eyes are on you, do not become engrossed in conversation with the opposing Skip showing lack of interest in the game.

• Practice tolerance for new players who don't know the rules and for others who have been misinformed on the rules.  

• Remember - lawn bowls is a game of skill, concentration, patience, fitness and luck (in that order).

• Be kind, courteous, and enjoy the game and help others to as well!

Code of Conduct 

Members and guests at the Royal are expected to be familiar with and abide by the Bowls Alberta Code of Conduct.