Etiquette
is a combination of manners, sportsmanship,
and sociability. The “rules” of
etiquette in the past were referred
to as the unwritten
Laws of the Game. Observance
of these cannons both sustain and
promote Bowls’ outstanding
reputation for friendly, enjoyable,
and good spirited competition. |
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| 1. | Be conversant
with the Laws of
the Game and observe them
at all times. |
| 2. | Respect the decisions
of the umpires. Thank them after
any game they officiate. |
| 3. | Honor your Club
by being punctual and coming to
each game correctly attired. |
| 4. | Happily introduce yourself to the people you are
playing with. |
| 5. | Stand well behind
the mat when someone is bowling – be
quiet and keep still. |
| 6. | If you’re
at the head when a player is about
to bowl – be
quiet and keep still. |
| 7. | When your opponent
has possession
of the rink, graciously
move out of their way. |
| 8. | Walk close
to the center of the rink when
changing ends – not the edges,
and do
not walk to the other end of the rink until all
players are ready to move. |
| 9. | The use of profanity is, of course, unthinkable. |
| 10. | Keep track of
play and always
be ready when it
becomes your turn. |
| 11. | All players except
the lead who will deliver the jack
should assist by kicking
in the
Bowls, then follow his/her directions. |
| 12. | Always give
your skip plenty of time to re-evaluate
the head and perhaps signal
you a change of hand or request a specific
shot. |
| 13. | Don’t applaud your poor bowls with lucky results – accept
them graciously. |
| 14. | Likewise don’t
complain about your opponent’s
lucky but undeserved results –
they’ll equal out in time, and luck
is part of the game. |
| 15. | If you lose,
don’t blame your loss on
anything except the fact that today
was a day
you got out-bowled. |
| 16. | Shake hands before
and after every game. Offer your
congratulations if they won. |
| 17. | If you won, remember positions could be reversed tomorrow. |
| 18. | Take care to
protect the surface of the green at all times. Never drop or loft
bowls. |
| 19. | After a game
of singles, be sure to thank the
marker. |
| 20. | Do not use gamesmanship in any form. Win by your skill
and thoughtful strategy. |
| 21. | Take care to
prevent your shadow from being
on the jack. |
| 22. |
Do not criticize the greens or the play of those in your game.
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Enjoy the game for the challenge, the pleasure
|
|
….from an article written by David Phillips and published in the July, 1997, issue of “BOWLS International” magazine. |
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Courtesy SWLBA Intermediate Bowls Workshop, Conrad Melton, Chairman |
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