Player Etiquette

Lawn Bowls Etiquette

  • WHAT IS LAWN BOWLS ETIQUETTE?

  • Lawn bowls etiquette refers to guidelines which control the way responsible players behave when bowling. Proper Etiquette displays good sportsmanship, respect for your opposition and the game itself.

    To ensure players know the basic rules the following is a list of rules and handy tips to assist you in displaying appropriate etiquette on the green.

    Further information regarding Possession of the Rink, Declaring the Result of an End and Duties of Players are important Laws found within the Laws of the Sport of Bowls available for purchase from the Tuggeranong Vikings Bowls Club or Bowls ACT.

    Please note:  the list provided here is not a definitive list of rules. For further information when playing bowls your Club Coach can assist in expanding on appropriate Etiquette when playing a game.

    • Wear appropriate footwear (flat soled or as listed on the Bowls Australia footwear policy).
    • Wear clothing as required or requested for the event that day.
    • Seats at the end of rinks are for “sitting on – NOT for storing bags”. When you go onto the green your bowls bags should be placed behind or beside seating. (Players often need a short sit-down for fluids etc.!)
    • Be aware of starting times at social and competition games and be on time. Players arriving more than 30 minutes late for a championship may cause a team to be disqualified. Rules apply!
    • Shake hands at the start and end of the game. Be courteous at all times.
    • Do not sit on the rink edges.
    • Never stray onto neighbouring rinks – even if it is vacant. (There is also a law for this!)
    • Avoid distracting players whilst a player is on the mat preparing for delivery.
    • Do not divert the attention of a player about to deliver a bowl. This applies not only to players on the green but also relates to players and spectators in line of sight of the bowler. Talking loud enough for the player to be aware is also a diversion
    • Do not clap “unlucky bowls” by the opposition that result in a shot for you
    • When you play against an opponent on your own Green, remember you are the host and must treat that player and his/her team as guests. Be sociable at all times and display a friendly manner.
    • Respect players and officials on and off the green and do not use offensive language or behaviour. All players must adhere to the Clubs Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is available on the Tuggeranong Vikings Website
    • When an umpire is requested to decide a measuring situation, indicate the bowls in dispute and all players must then retire to the bank.
    • Always be gracious in defeat and humble in victory.
    • Collect all mats and jacks after a game and return to the distribution point.

    Tuggeranong Vikings Bowls Club

  • Code Of Conduct