Etiquette at Braintree Bowling Club

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Braintree Bowling Club Lawn Bowling Etiquette

Twenty or thirty years ago much more attention was paid to etiquette on the green however this attention is now dwindling and needs to be re-instated even though  lawn bowls remains one of the few sports where etiquette is still prevalent . We should be proud of this and in order to make the game as enjoyable as possible bowling green etiquette should be promoted to new and old members. Etiquette is mainly common sense but there are some main rules to follow:

• Dress appropriately and ensure that you know the dress code for each game or match in which you are participating. Do not show disrespect for your opponents by arriving late, ensure that you leave sufficient time to change before the game. 
• If you are representing the club on another green you are an ambassador for Braintree Bowling Club so make sure that you act and behave appropriately. 
• Do not walk across rinks that other people are using and do not stand or sit on the banks while waiting to play. 
• Introduce yourself and shake hands with your opponents both before playing and after the game is finished. 
• During the game do not move around the head when your opponent is about to deliver his bowl. Stand well back from the head, keep quiet and do not do anything that could distract your opponent . Wait until the bowl has been delivered before moving. If you are at the same end as the player delivering a bowl you must stand behind the mat, staying out of the bowler's sight. 
• Some bowlers like to see the rink markers and the center number while playing so make sure that you are not obscuring them. 
• When it is sunny make sure that your shadow does not fall on the jack. 
• Spectators who are in the bowler's line of vision should also keep still while bowls are being delivered and they should not distract bowler's on the green.  For example if you need to arrange a tie with another member don’t try to do this while he is playing someone else!
• Don’t drop your bowls on the green and ensure that your delivery is not causing damage to the green. 
• Observe the rules for possession of the rink!  Possession of the rink belongs to the team whose bowl is being played. The players in possession of the rink for the time being should not be distracted in any way by their opponents. As soon as each bowl has come to rest, possession of the rink is transferred to the other team with time being allowed for marking a toucher.
• If you want to follow your bowls progress you must beat it to the head.  If you don’t go to the head you must be behind the mat as your bowl stops. This is self explanatory but unfortunately many players, including many of those who should know better, do not follow the rule, showing disrespect for their opponents.  If your opponent is guilty of this you should ask them to stop it.  

10 Bowling Etiquette Hints For Beginners

1. Bowls should not be dropped on the Green. 
2. Do not stand on the edges of the green. 
3. Matches, cigarette ends, etc., should be placed in the tins at the end of each rink. 
4. Bowls should not be moved until the shot has been decided. 
5. After delivering a Bowl, a bowler should stand behind the mat or behind the head. They should not take up a position in between. 
6. Don’t delay the game. 
7. Don’t wander around or move about the head when a player is about to deliver a Bowl. 
8. Bowling is a friendly game and all players should show courtesy and good sportsmanship. 
9. All Bowlers should know the rules as laid down by the E.C.W.B.A and E.B.A. 
10. Mobile Phones should not be used on or around the green.

After the Game you should once again shake hands with your opponent(s) and congratulate or commiserate them appropriately. It is also tradition to offer to buy them a drink if you have won the game. Where a marker has been involved in a singles game you should also offer them a drink.  Knowing the above will make you a more respected bowler, keep things friendly and will contribute towards the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved, both on and off the green. 

Roles in Team Games

In all team games it is the skip’s job to direct the play. Other players should play the shot directed by the skip even if they don’t agree with it . In fours games the number three should direct the skip when required to do so or they feel that the skip is going to play the incorrect shot.. In triples or pairs the number two or lead may do this. Other players should not interfere unless invited to do so.  

One thing that a lot of players forget, even the ones that should know better, is that the head must not be disturbed by any player until the shots have been finally agreed. When the number threes or skips are deciding the shots the other player should stand well back from the head and give them the space to do so. 

During the game encourage your team mates, do not criticise them. Congratulate good shots and learn to accept that flukes are a part of the game. Sometimes they go for you, sometimes against. 

Etiquette for Markers

During the season, we are always involved in single ties, so markers are generally required every evening. Please make yourself available as a marker whenever you can. If you have the time get out there and mark.  Here is some guidance on what a marker should and should not do:

• A marker is always serving two people.
• When a player has delivered the jack the marker should center it and then stand back to one side of the rink, making sure that all rink markers are visible to the players. 
• They should answer any specific questions from the players about the situation at the head. They shouldn't offer any additional information that has not been asked for.  
• If they are unsure of the situation, for example you cannot decide who is lying, don’t guess. You can offer an opinion but make sure that the player who is asking the question is made aware of this. 
• The marker should mark all touchers immediately after they come to rest.  They should also remove any chalk on touchers that players have forgotten to remove.  
• They should remove dead bowls from the rink with the player's agreement.  They should also mark the position of touchers and the jack, if they are in the ditch. 
• The marker should not move any bowls until the end is complete and the players have agreed the number of shots. 
• They must measure disputed shots when required but once again they should not move the bowls until the players have agreed the shots. 
• If an Umpire is available then they may be called upon for a decision. Where no Umpire is available the marker may select one. Both players may also agree that the marker should make the decision. 

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