Behaviour

ETIQUETTE AND BEHAVIOUR ON AND OFF THE GREEN

1. Dress Appropriately - Ensure that you know what to wear, and if you aren't sure, contact one of the members. You also must wear flat soled shoes, preferably bowling shoes.

2. Be On Time - Make sure that you aren't late for your game. It's best to be early so that you can get ready for the game, and set everything out.

3. Stay Still When Somebody's About to Bowl - Bowls is a game with a lot of concentration. If you are with the person that it about to bowl, stay out of their line of vision, and don't speak. When you can, stay at least 1m behind the mat. If you are at the head, try not to move at all.

On sunny days, ensure that your shadow is not cast upon the jack. Likewise, if you are in white shoes, avoid standing behind a white jack because your shoes will interfere with the player’s vision.

4. Be Alert - When you walk around or on the green, be aware of what's happening. Be careful of the woods that are being bowled as they may hit your feet. Also, when you are walking around the outside of the green, be aware of the bowlers that are delivering, and that you don't put them off.

5. Acknowledge Others - Even though bowls can sometimes be a competitive game, acknowledge others for a good shot. Congratulating them, can make that person feel better, especially if something bad is happening elsewhere.

6. Do NOT Drop That Bowl - When you drop bowls or woods, it can seem impolite. As well as that, it can significantly damage the green, costing you, and the club or organisation lots of money.

7. Enter and Leave The Mat on the Right Side - You should normally enter the mat on the left side, and leave on the right-hand side. This makes it easier for you, and for the next bowler.

8. Shake Hands - It's good sportsmanship to shake hands before and after the game. It can be easy to forget when you have lost a game. It is also customary to buy the other bowler a drink after the game.

9. Keep Complaints To Yourself - It is always best to not complain about things, especially the opposing team and, if you are playing at an away game, the green and clubhouse if there is one.

10. Have a Good Time - Bowls is a game to enjoy, so please be polite to everybody on and off the green. Finally, have fun.