A few notes for bowlers on Bowling etiquette

 

1 The most important thing and one that annoys a lot of bowlers is people moving when a bowler is preparing to bowl. You must stand still the moment a player is on the mat. Do not collect the pusher until all woods have been bowled. Do not chalk woods while a bowler is on the mat.

 

2 The rules say you must stand at least 1m BEHIND the mat when someone is bowling. If anyone does not comply with this when you are about to bowl, ask them politely to move back. This rule applies even if the next rink is empty. This also applies to walking slowly down on an adjoining rink when someone is bowling. If this happens put your wood down and wait for them to finish their walk and ask them not to do it again.

 

3 There are accepted roles for players depending on their positions:

 

3a Leads place the mat and bowl the jack. They should not get involved in deciding the shots or guiding the skip (see 3c for exceptions to this). The lead for the side losing an end usually gets the pusher and pushes back the woods. However in our leagues this is quite flexible but you should be prepared to do your share.

 

3b Twos in Rinks only bowl, and may score (see below), but could help with the pushing role. (See 3c for Twos in Triples).

 

3c Twos in Triples and Threes in Rinks. These decide on shots and guide the skips. However this role can be handed over to another player. If this is done, it is important to make it clear to your opponents at the start of the game and then the other person must not involve themselves in these tasks.  There can only be discussion between one person from each team about shots. This is very important so if one of your team or the opposition do not comply, ask them politely to stop.

 

4 After you have walked down to the played end, take a quick look at the head as you pass and then stand well back from the bowls around the jack. Never stand in front of the jack to see the head. The position just behind the jack belongs to the person calling the head of the team about to bowl. After a bowl is bowled this person also steps away to make room for the opposition 'guider'. Everyone else stands away; do not try to approach the head after every wood or you will disturb the next bowler.

 

5 If you are not the person deciding the shots be very careful about moving woods before the shots have been agreed. It is best not to move any woods, but if you do, only move those that are obviously not in the count. Be especially careful when the count is large because woods a long way from the jack can be significant. Do not be in too much of a hurry; this part of the game is very important.

 

6 Who scores? The Skip has overall responsibility but will often ask another player to do the scoring. In the Derwentside League (Monday and Tuesday afternoons) there is an understanding the twos will score. New bowlers should learn to score as soon as possible, it is not very difficult.

 

7 The rules! To read the full rules of bowling search the internet for 'Laws of the Game of Bowls', Crystal Mark 4th Edition, which can be downloaded. You can search for specific subjects you are interested in. You can buy a copy if you wish but we also have a copy in the pavilion to consult if an issue arises. Do not assume all experienced players know all the rules.