We have drawn up this guide to help playing bowls as enjoyable as possible for both members and visitors alike:
Dress correctly for all games and be punctual.
Please do not drop or throw woods on to the green.
Greet your own team members and opponents at the start of the game and congratulate or compliment them at the end of the game. Shaking hands before a match and at its conclusion is part of the fine tradition of the game.
Compliment your opponent on a good shot. Do not try to talk your opponent's bowls out of the head. Call your own bowls in by all means.
Stand still behind the mat, when a player is on the mat.
Do not talk or make a noise behind the mat when a player is about to bowl.
Remain behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your turn to play and keep still. Always remember that as soon as your bowl has come to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
Admit to a fluke with good grace, not applause. Do not complain about lucky bowls they tend to even out at the end of the season
Every player at the mat end should help collect the bowls when the end is complete. The scorecard can be marked when the bowls are back.
Keep to your own rink; do not become a wanderer and distract other bowlers. Walk down the centre of the rink when changing ends.
On sunny days be aware of your shadow. Do not let it mask the jack or allow it to fall in front of the mat when a player is about to bowl.
Try to avoid obscuring boundary pegs, rink plates or rink markers some players like to use these as a guide.
Never criticise your opponent, the green or your own team members, if you cannot say something positive, don't say anything at all.
Pay attention to the game. Nothing is more frustrating to your team-mates than to have them feel that you are not giving your full attention and best efforts to the game by your lack of concentration. Save your socialsing until after the game.
Always appear to be enjoying the game.
Stand well back from the head when driving/firing shots are being played and warn others on adjacent rinks.
Learn the laws of the game and abide by them.
Be a gracious winner and a good loser
The Players Roles in Team Games.
The Skip shall have sole charge of his team, and other players should play the shot directed by the skip even if they don’t agree with it. With the opposing skip he shall decide all disputed points. Decides whether woods are on/off the rink.
The Second The second player directs the skip, measures if necessary, agrees the end result with the opposition second and usually keeps the score card and the rink score board updated. Helps collect the woods.
The Lead The lead places the mat and delivers the jack ensuring that the jack is properly centred before playing his first bowl.Helps collect the woods after score has been agreed.