RULES & ETIQUETTE
In playing the game of bowls there is one clear and defining objective .... enjoy yourself!!
However in order for you and your fellow players to do that there are a small number of considerations to be observed, these are the "rules and etiquette" of the game of lawn bowls.
At Tweedmouth Bowling Club we have published the very basic principles from the governing bodies rules, as well as those rules local to Tweedmouth Bowling Club itself. The documents provided on this web site should enable you and your fellow bowlers to enjoy that afternoon knock about or one of the club competitions.
The documents are there as guidance, so if you are unsure of any aspect of them, just ask one of the coaches or your fellow bowlers ... they are friendly and don't bite but they will help to explain the sometimes strange language!!
Bowls must be one of the most social games that can be played – its very pace allows for friendships to be quickly established which are often enduring. To many, it is what gives bowls its special charm.
Bowlers observe a code of etiquette to ensure that in no circumstance does one bowler have an obvious unfair advantage over another. On the green, as in any competition, ALL players are regarded as equal. The guiding principle to all bowlers both old and new, should be never to do anything on or off the green that does not uphold the traditions of the game or your club.
BEFORE THE GAME
- Check that you know the correct dress code for the occasion, and wear it.
- Make sure you know the correct time for the start of the game and arrive in sufficient time to change your footwear etc. and be on the green at the appointed time.
- In a team game, be in time to welcome your guest, partner or fellow team members.
DURING THE GAME
- Enter the green by the steps or ramp provided.
- Shake hands with your opponent(s) before and after the game and follow any sanitisation protocols in place.
- Do not drop your bowls on the green at any time.
- Do not sit on the bank, steps or boundary wall.
- Do not drop litter in the ditches – use the receptacles provided and please remove any litter on leaving the green.
- Stand still and remain quiet when players on your rink are about to deliver.
- Do not infringe the laws of rink possession – be either behind the head or the mat when your bowl comes to rest.
- Pay attention to what is going on during the game, especially the skips instructions.
- Never openly criticise the green or other players. Despite misfortunes always try to appear that you are enjoying it. (Hard I know sometimes!!)
- Wait until the result has been decided by the nominated players before kicking away any bowls. (See "SCORING" below!!)
- Acknowledge a “fluke” and commend an opponent’s good bowls.
- If you have lost a game, remember to congratulate your opponent.
SCORING
- Only thirds (with four players playing “rinks”) or seconds if playing triples, determine the score. Skips may occasionally be invited to the head to help decide any disputed points. Unless you are delegated to decide the shots at the completion of the end, do not interfere in any way with the process. There should be only one member of the team at the head while the result is being decided.
- If you are a player responsible for keeping the score, compare your card with your opponent’s card at regular intervals. If a scoreboard is in use, make sure they agree with your card.
- If an umpire has been called, stay well clear of the head until a decision has been made.
SPECTATORS
If you are watching a match, do not allow your support for a player to become too vocal. Advice and criticism must not be given and barracking boisterously is bad form. Applause for good shots played is the usual practice. Being a spectator can be extremely useful in helping to improve your own game by paying attention to the selection of shots being played by the competitors.
Note: - Spectators come under the jurisdiction of the umpire when a competition is being played.
And please remember that foul or abusive language should never be used on the green or in the clubhouse
Finally, no code of laws governing the game has yet achieved perfection covering every situation. Sometimes rules don't cover unusual situations - hopefully common sense will prevail and find a happy solution to a knotty problem. Just remember that a game of bowls is about enjoyment, friendship, companionship but most of all having FUN.