ETIQUETTE 

A code of behavior (written and unwritten) whereby we treat others as we expect to be treated ourselves. Acceptable behaviors in one culture may be an etiquette breach in another.

LAWN BOWLING ETIQUETTE

Bowlers come from wide cultural backgrounds with differing community norms. Lawn bowling etiquette reduces the potential for tension, by providing a common code of respectful behaviours. The culture of respect within lawn bowling adds to the charm of the sport. Each game starts and ends with a greeting of "good bowling" and a gesture (eg handshake, tip of the hat, etc.). During the course of the game, everyone claps for well-delivered bowls.

On joining the North Delta Lawn Bowling Club, new members are issued copies of the following  handbooks:

• The Laws of the Sport which form the framework for the sport; and

• Bowlers Handbook - 2017 , from Bowls Canada Boulingrin, which provides basic information on many aspects of the game and includes an outline on etiquette which is posted below.

The Lawn Bowlers Handbook - Lawn Bowls Etiquette

1. Dress correctly for all games.

2. Compliment your opponent on a good shot.

3. Admit a fluke with grace.

4. Stand still when a player is on the mat.

5. Do not talk or make a noise behind the mat when a player is about to deliver a bowl.

6. Remain behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your turn to play. Always remember that as soon as your bowl has come to rest possession of the rink passes to your opponent.

7. Keep to your own rink. Do not become a wanderer and distract other bowlers. Walk down the centre of your rink when you are changing ends.

8. On sunny days be aware of your shadow: Do not let it mask the jack nor permit it to fall in front of the mat when a player is about to bowl.

9. Try to avoid obscuring boundary pegs, rink plates or rink markers.

10. Never criticize your opponent, the greens, or your own team  members. If You cannot say something  positive, don’t say anything at all.

11. Pay attention to the game. Nothing can be more frustrating to your teammates than to have them feel that you are not giving your full attention and best efforts to the game by your lack of concentration. Save your socializing until after the game.

12. Always appear to be enjoying the game.

13. Stand well back from the head when drive shots are about to be played and warn others on adjacent rinks.

14. Greet your own team members and opponents at the start of the game and congratulate or compliment them at the end of play. Shaking hands before a match and at it’s conclusion is part of the fine tradition of the game.

15. Learn the Joint Laws of the Game and abide by them.

16. Be a gracious winner and a good loser.

 NDLBC CLUB ETIQUETTE

• Members and prospective members are encouraged to attend the Open House sessions held in the spring. The executive team  meet and greet members and provide information concerning club rules and customs, fees, and attire.

• Members should remember that club officials are elected volunteers who willingly give their time for the benefit of fellow members. Officials generally act in good faith but sometimes make mistakes. Members are entitled to question decisions of officials that affect them, but in those circumstances, not only the members but also the officials themselves should resolve matters in contention in a courteous way. Members should be silent when officials are making special announcements.

• Greens keepers are employed by the Corporation of Delta. In no circumstances should NDLBC members attempt to give them directions. Concerns with the greens are communicated through the NDLBC President to the Director of Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre.

• Members should pay club membership fees when they are due. Membership fees include coverage for affiliation fees (Bowls BC, V&D, Bowls Canada and World Bowls) and sporting insurance.