DUTIES FOR PLAYERS , ETIQUETTE AND
SPORTSMANSHIP FOR BOWLS
LEAD
Place the mat. Bowl the jack – the skip may have a preferred length. Centre the Jack.
TWO (RINKS)
Bowl to the skip’s direction. The home ‘2’ keeps the scoreboard at the rink end. Can also assist in pushing the bowls back.
THREE (OR TWO IN TRIPLES)
Will assist the skip by informing him/her of what is happening at the head. Responsible for measuring and agreeing the score at the completion of each end.
Normally the side claiming the shot should measure but please be prepared to give and take. Inform the skip of the shot/shots agreed.
SKIP
In charge of the rink and instructions should be observed by the team. He/she will agree with their opposite number any disputed points. In the event of no agreement, the decision of the umpire shall be final. The skip determines the tactics of the game but should be aware of comments from the team although his decision is final. Please remember Bowls is a Team game and teamwork is essential for a happy and competent rink.
Please note that the leads and 2’s in rinks do not interfere with the measuring or communicating the state of the head to the skip.
ETIQUETTE
Greet opponents with a friendly handshake
Do not clap a wick coming off the opponents bowls and giving your team the shot. Acknowledge a ‘fluke’ or a ‘lucky’ shot. Remember we all get them and suffer them.
Do not stand or do anything that will distract the bowler on the mat. This includes moving when you are off the rink e.g. on the bank/walking past.
Keep to your own rink by walking up and down the centre and NOT through the head. Do not wander off to speak with spectators or players on adjacent ink.
When a firing shot is to be played, the skip must advise the players on his rink and also players on adjacent rinks of his/her intentions
FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN HIS PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT THAT MAY OCCUR.
Remarks like ‘you’re short’ or ‘too narrow’ do not help. This is obvious. Likewise a skip should not tell an experienced bowler what green they should take but a new bowler could gain from this assistance.
Please note that the leads and 2’s in rinks do not interfere with the measuring or communicating the state of the head to the skip.
When a firing shot is to be played, the skip must advise the players on his rink and also players on adjoining rinks of his intentions.
FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN HIS PERSONAL LIABILUTY FOR ANY ACCIDENT, WHICH RESULTS.
Sarcastic remarks like ‘you’re short’ or ‘too narrow’ do not help. This is obvious.
Skips should always encourage his team by praise and action – nobody puts up a bad bowl intentionally. Remember we all have our off days – even Skips.
If you lose, lose gracefully. It is doubly pleasing to win against a poor loser who always seems to have a mass of excuses.
Be punctual. If you are going to be late – try and telephone
Do not practise on a rink the same day as you are going to play a competition. THIS IS CONTRARY TO THE LAWS OF THE GAME.
If you must leave the rink please be a quick as possible.
It is the custom to buy your opponent the first drink and they to reciprocate. Nobody likes a scrounger.
Please make yourself conversant with the ‘Laws of the Game’.
Remember ‘old stagers’ often get things wrong.
Do not drop your bowls from the bank with your feet on the edge of the green – it damages the green.
Be magnanimous in defeat and humble in victory
ABOVE ALL ENJOY THE GAME
Your opponent will often become a friend for life.