Bowls is a friendly game. Here are a few tips which may help you, and those with whom you play, enjoy the game to the utmost:
- All bowlers should have an understanding of the LAWS OF THE SPORT OF BOWLS. Copies are available from the Chair of Umpires.
- Bowls is a friendly sport (so be a good sport) and should be played in a good spirit. Remember that your attitude can often be a reflection on the Club.
- Always conform to correct attire for play. Club shirts are essential for play in Pennants competitions and Association events such as Club Championships; these shirts are available from the club. Club shirts, cream or white shirts can be worn for social play. Mufti can be worn when “rolling up” and designated mufti days.
- Rolling up is encouraged, but must not be undertaken on a green where there is regular play in progress, or if there is a sign on the blackboard such as “No play on green No. 1 as it has been sprayed”. Make sure to roll up on the boundary pegs.
- Be punctual for all games. Cards are called 15 minutes before play commences.
- The greens are our most valuable asset. Do not drop bowls on the green or stand on the edges of the green. Step sideways when getting on or off the green, keeping your feet at least 150cm (6 inches) away from the plinth. NEVER put your foot into or near the ditch when retrieving bowls from the ditch. Take care to protect and conserve the greens at all times.
- Players of each team not in the act of delivering a bowl or in control of the head should stand a minimum of 2m behind the mat or the head, as the case may be, or on the bank.
- Immediately the end has been declared, the lead of the team which has won an end should:
- place the mat ready to deliver the jack,
- assist the other bowlers at the head in moving the bowls back behind the mat. Always take care to move the bowls so as not to scuff the green, and
- take care to move the bowls safely.
- Don't delay the game. Be ready to play when it is your turn.
- Before delivering a bowl, look to see if the skip wants a particular shot.
- Don't argue with the skip on the shot to play.
- Give full support to the skip and other members of your team. Keep still and silent whilst other members of your team, or your opponents, are on the mat.
- If you are the director of the head, don't wander around or move about the head when a player is about to deliver a bowl, and particularly do not stand on the centre line or in line with a boundary peg.
- Don't offer directions to the skip unless the position in the head has changed since he has left it.
- Applaud good shots by both your own team and your opponents – it displays good sportsmanship and makes for a pleasant game.
- Always watch the play. Take an interest without interfering.
- Play always for the team and not for individual success.
- When watching a match always observe strict neutrality. Advice or criticism must not be given.
- Advise the Bowls Coordinator, your skip (or opponent in singles) if you are unable to keep an appointment for any championship game.
- Don't develop mannerisms which indicate displeasure at indifferent play by your team members (such as a skip sitting on the seat). Remember no-one deliberately puts down a bad bowl or plays poorly.
- Don't follow a bowl up the rink further than the rules allow.
- Do not stray onto an adjoining rink after delivering a bowl.
- If your opponent has possession of the mat, do not walk past the mat when changing ends until your opponent’s bowl has come to rest.
- When changing ends, walk as a group to the other end without delay, staying as close as possible to the centre line of your rink, so that you do not interfere with play on adjoining rinks.
- Don't have excuses for bad play, and readily accept praise for success.
- Don't dispute the umpire’s decision.
- Don't abuse the privileges of the Club.
- Don’t wear your hat inside the Club.
- If time permits, stay and have a drink with your teammates and opponent.
Prepared 2/2/2017