Etiquette and Sportsmanship:
1. Good sportsmanship in bowls is simply, the practice of good old-fashioned etiquette.
2. Read the “Laws of the Game” and be conversant with them.
3. Start by shaking hands with your opponents at the beginning and end of a game.
4. When playing in Pairs, Triples or Fours and you are not the Skip, always remember it is a team game. There is only one person in command, so mould your play to their wishes. Pay attention to the Skip’s instructions. Four players, no matter how good, playing their own games will never be a really successful side.
5. Skips and the third person should also remember that it’s a team game and involve the Lead and Second.
6. Having delivered your bowl, do not wander onto the adjacent rink in order to watch the progress of your bowl.
7. When playing Lead or Second in a four, encourage your third person and Skip, but do not let your enthusiasm run away with you to the extent of becoming a nuisance. Remember the third person and Skip are in control and other players should keep well back where they can still take an interest without interfering and confusing the issue.
8. When the third person is measuring for shot, the first and second players should stand well back and refrain from comment unless invited to do so by the third person.
9. When an Umpire is called on to measure, as an expression of good manners, move away from the head and back to the bank. Remember, as the Umpire’s decision is final, any distraction can only make his task more difficult.
10. No game is so important that it should prevent you from congratulating both your own players’ and opponents’ good shots.
11. Never applaud an opponent’s bowl, which unfortunately gives away shots, or fails to achieve its intended objective.
12. When walking down the rink always keep to the centre. Consider bowlers on adjacent rinks.
Etiquette & Sportmenship