Bowls Etiquette & Rules | Shoreham Bowls Club

BOWLS ETIQUETTE - SHOREHAM BOWLING CLUB

The etiquette of the game of bowls is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability. The following is a list which may assist;

• Be conversant with the Laws of the Game (Crystal Mark Third Edition) and any Rules of the competition and observe them.

• Be punctual to commence play at all matches and be properly attired.

• Introduce yourself and shake hands with your opponent(s) both before play commences and after the game is complete.

• Always stand still at the head and keep quiet when a player is about to bowl-movement at the head or talking at the mat end is very distracting. At the moment of delivery of the jack or bowl, a player must have all or part of one foot on or above the mat. (Law 7.1)

• Never deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest. (Law 11.2)

• Players at the mat end who are not delivering a bowl must stand at least 1 metre behind the mat and away from the head but between the markers. (Law 12.1.1) and (Law 12.1.2.2).

• Always acknowledge your opponent’s right to the head. Possession of the rink shall belong to the team whose bowl is being played. (Law.13.1)

• As soon as the delivered bowl comes to rest, possession of the rink will transfer to the opposing player or team, after allowing for marking a toucher, (Law.13.2)

• The players in possession of the rink shall not be interfered with, annoyed or distracted in any way by their opponents, (Law 13.3) thus any comments must wait until your team next has possession of the mat i.e. when the next player is on the mat and ready to bowl.

• Every player, except the lead, should assist in collecting bowls when the end is complete.

•Do not delay play; keep track of play and have your bowl in hand and ready to play immediately the previous player steps off the mat.

• Walk close to the centre of the rink with minimum delay when changing ends; you could distract play on the next rink. Do not stop and chat in the middle of the rink!

• Any player intending to “fire” should inform the players at the head.

• “Touchers” must be chalked as soon as it comes to rest or before the next bowl stops.(Law 15.1)

• No bowls must be moved until the opponents have agreed the shots. (Law. 22.2)

• Always inform your opponent when you wish to leave the green. (Law 33.1)

• When deciding shots on completion of an end, it is the player conceding the shots that should take out the bowls and place them on a cloth. If either wants a measure, then either or both can do so.

• The skip will have sole charge of the team and all players in the team must follow the skip’s instructions. Thus await instructions regarding playing the next bowl. (Law 40.1.1)

• Never applaud lucky bowls, just accept them graciously and even apologise to the opposition.

• Respect the green at all times. Do NOT:

a.Drop bowls onto the green.

b.Stand on the bank.

c.Wear bowls shoes coming to the club. Always change into bowls shoes on arrival.

• Win or lose, always shake hands with your opponent and thank them for the game.

Bowls Etiquette & Rules

RULES OF PLAY - RINK GAMES (four players)

LEAD

Places the front edge of the mat not less than 2m from the ditch and delivers the jack to a length preferred by the skip ensuring that the jack is centred before playing the first wood.

A good number one should be able to deliver at least two woods very close to the jack, ideally on or just behind it. Try to avoid placing a wood in front of the jack as this could impede subsequent shots by fellow team members. The lead has the advantage of being able to select either hand to play.

Whilst the remaining players are gathering the woods together the Lead shall place the mat on the centre line and be ready to deliver the jack. After delivering the woods the lead takes no further part in subsequent play for that end.

NUMBER TWO

Should be a skilled player at any length and should play according to the Skip’s instructions. Aim is to place woods near the jack if the lead has failed to do so. Competent no twos should be able to play both forehand and backhand shots as directed by the Skip.

THE THIRD

The number 3 needs to be a skilled, versatile, player, competent on either hand, able to protect a leading position, draw close to the jack or, indeed, play any shot as directed by the skip.

As Vice Skip, the number 3 is responsible for indicating the current position during play via hand signals to the skip, making recommendations for play. Before the skip plays the next bowl, if asked, the no 3 will indicate to the skip by hand signals tapping on shoulder or leg the result of the last end and may offer advice as to the direction of play the skip might wish to take.

With the opposing no 3, agrees the score at each end, measuring the distance of woods from the jack where necessary. Only the no 3s shall be involved in measuring and scoring. Other players must not offer their opinions, however well-meant and, if possible, stand well away from the head.

When all players have played their woods, before changing ends to allow the skips to play, the no 3 shall place on the mat the wood of the winning skip of the previous end

THE SKIP

The skip decides tactics and strategy of the team and the game and will toss for opening play.

Needs to be a skilful and accomplished player, able to play all shots including forceful play when necessary. Has sole charge of the rink and the players must obey his/her instructions.

The skip maintains the score card and decides disputed points with the opposing skip.

Plays last and issues directions to the team by hand movements.

It is essential that the skip encourages his side and maintains good spirit at all times.

There is no benefit to be gained from over instruction or reprimand. After all no one plays a bad shot on purpose!

The skip should be generous in defeat and constrained in victory.

RULES OF PLAY -TRIPLES GAME

LEAD

Places the front edge of the mat not less than 2m from the ditch and delivers the jack to a length preferred by the skip ensuring that the jack is centred before playing the first wood.

NUMBER TWO

Should be a skilled player at any length and should play according to the Skip’s instructions. Aim is to place all woods nearer the jack than the opponents and, if required by the Skip, play blocking shots to protect good woods.

In a Triples match updates any external score boards. With the opposing no 2, agrees the score at each end, measuring the distance of woods from the jack where necessary.

The number 2 needs to be a skilled, versatile, player, competent on either hand, able to protect a leading position, draw close to the jack or, indeed, play any shot as directed by the skip.

The number 2 is responsible for indicating the current position during play via hand signals to the skip, making recommendations for play. Before the skip plays the next bowl, if asked, the no 2 will indicate to the skip by hand signals using fingers or tapping on shoulder or leg the result of the last end and may offer advice as to the direction of play the skip might wish to take.

When all players have played their woods, before changing ends to allow the skips to play, the No.2 shall place on the mat the wood of the winning skip of the previous end.

Only the No.2’s shall be involved in measuring and scoring. Other players must not offer their opinions, however well-meant and, if possible, stand well away from the head.