Lawn Bowling Etiquette

Etiquette is about the customs and rules that govern social interaction within any specific environment.
For bowlers it is about behavior on the green and in and around the club.

A dictionary definition of etiquette is:
"The unwritten or conventional laws of courtesy between players."

Some of the unwritten guidelines are:

• Be ready — always be on time for the start of play and for the start of each game.
• Bowlers tend to start and finish a game with a handshake.
  
• Visitors are always made welcome.
• When ready to bowl, check with the next rink to see if another player is ready to bowl, so that you don't bowl at the same time.
• First names are used on the scoreboard, club names if playing a visiting team.
• Make sure that the path of the bowl is clear to avoid hitting another bowl.
• Do not encroach on an adjoining rink when delivering your bowl.
• Do not talk when another player is about to deliver a bowl.
• Do not criticize bowls — either from your own team or the other.
• Remember that your opponent has possession of the rink as soon as your bowl comes to rest; do not linger in the head and thereby obstruct the skips first bowl.
• Take an interest in the game; follow how the head is building up so you don not have to ask other team members.
• Do not walk around talking to bowlers participating in other games; allow them to concentrate on their own game.
• Do not pass or walk in front of the player who was last to play  — they have the right to see how their bowl progresses.Help clear the head after the result has been determined.
• Show a good spirit — win well and lose well.
• Walk quickly when changing ends and walk within the confines of the rink on which you are playing.