Bowling Étiquette

As members of Market Bosworth Bowling Club, we kindly ask that players and spectators can adhere to some of the sport's lesser-known rules and customs. Knowing that these rules and customs can be daunting to new players, we have provided a comprehensive guide to help avoid any awkward faux pas!

These forms of etiquette show respect for the players, the sport, and the spirit of the game itself. If you are ever unsure, more experienced members are always happy to help, but please remember the aim is to have fun!

Before the Game

• Dress appropriately and ensure you know the dress code for each game or match you are playing in. If you are not sure, ask the captain.
• Do arrive on time, ensuring that you allow time to change and prepare.
• As silly as it sounds, make sure you have the right amount of woods with you!
• Give respect to the captains by paying attention and listening to their opening remarks on the green.
• Enter or leave the rink without crossing another player's rink, and do not sit on the banks when waiting to play. This risks damaging the green and could disrespect your opponent.
• Do not roll your woods across other rinks to get to yours, and don't throw your woods onto the green from the bank.
• Introduce yourself and shake hands with your opponent(s) and teamate(s) at the beginning and end of the match.
• Observe local rules on smoking, making sure to dispose of cigarettes and matches, etc in designated bins.
• Try to deliver your woods smoothly without bumping or taking divots out of the green.

During the Game

• Do not move around the head when someone is about to deliver a wood. Stand well back from the head and keep quiet to minimise distractions.
• If you are at the same end as the player delivering the bowl, stand behind the mat and out of vision to minimise distractions.
• Bear in mind that some players like to see the rink markers or numbers; try not to obscure them.
• The rink 'belongs' to the player on the mat, do not shout instructions to your team or interfere in the head when your opponent is there.
• It is bad manners to verbally wish an opponent's bowl to miss or wreck. It is also bad form to applaud, cheer, or otherwise congratulate a fluke.
• Know the duties of your position in the team and only offer advice when asked.
• Only the number three (two in Triples) agrees the shots with their opponent. DO NOT move any woods in head until the shots have been agreed.
• When delivering a bowl, you must either be behind the mat, or behind the head when the bowl comes to rest, not in between.
• After delivering your wood, or when walking up your rink, stay in the middle to avoid distracting adjacent rinks.
• Congratulate good shots (your or theirs), and offer support and encouragement to your teammates. Be positive and enjoy the game!

After the Game

• Shake hands with the opposition and congratulate/commiserate with them as appropriate.
• It is customary to offer to buy a drink if you have won the game or if you're the home team.
• If you are the away player and have to leave early, it is customary to either stand your round or to decline the drink offered by your opponent.
• In a singles match, it is expected that the winner should also offer to buy a drink for the marker.
• If leaving early, you should apologise to your opposing skip during the match and still pay for your meal (if provided by the host club), leaving the money with another member of your team.
• Be polite and listen to the speeches. You may have heard them before, but enjoy the camaraderie and cherish the sport!

Spectators