Lawn Bowls Etiquette: Play with Respect, Confidence & Team Spirit

The Unwritten Rules That Keep Our Game Respectful, Calm, and Enjoyable

Lawn bowls is a game built on respect — for the green, the opposition, the officials, and your own teammates. While the Laws of the Sport tell us what we may do, etiquette guides how we behave while doing it. These unwritten guidelines ensure fair play, smooth pace, calm concentration, and the friendly spirit the sport is known for. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skip, understanding proper etiquette strengthens your game, your confidence, and the atmosphere on every rink you play on.

The Spirit of Bowls

Bowls thrives on courtesy, positivity, and self-control. Playing with respect ensures a friendly atmosphere for everyone.

Play with good sportsmanship at all times.
Avoid foul language, negative gestures, and blaming others.
Appreciate the company of teammates and opponents.
Treat every game — win or lose — as an opportunity to enjoy fellowship.

You and Your Club

Support your club through participation, respect for volunteers, welcoming new members, and protecting the club’s reputation.

Check noticeboards and honour your club duties.
Respect committee members; they volunteer their time.
Support social events, competitions, and fundraising.
Avoid cliques — welcome newcomers, especially younger players.
Be a positive ambassador for your club and its reputation.
Respect selection decisions and treat every position as an honour.

Club Officials & Responsibilities

Work cooperatively with the president, secretary, competition secretaries, selectors, and ensure club property is cared for properly.

Value the president’s leadership and resolve small disagreements among yourselves.
Keep the secretary informed of any personal changes.
Honour your commitments to competition secretaries.
Accept selectors’ decisions gracefully; do not gossip.
Treat all club property as if it were your own.

Respecting the Green

Use correct footwear, protect the playing surface, place bowls gently, keep bags off the green, and help with pack-up.

Use steps — do not jump on or off the green.
Place bowls gently; never drop them.
Move the mat to spread wear evenly.
Stay out of ditches (they drag sand onto the green).
Wear approved flat-soled shoes.
Do not sit on banks — it damages edges.
Keep bags and equipment off the playing area.
Assist with packing up if staff have gone.
Never blame the green for your performance — conditions are equal for both sides.

Before the Game

Arrive early, notify opponents if scratching, start and end with handshakes, and uphold courtesy from the outset.

Arrive early and never keep opponents waiting.
If withdrawing, inform opponents and officials immediately.
Home player tosses; visitor calls - use a coin.
Begin and end all games with a handshake and thanks.

Etiquette During Play (Leads & Seconds)

Stay engaged between shots, await the skip’s instructions, avoid signaling behind teammates, and support smooth end management.

Stay engaged after delivering your bowl; watch the head develop.
Offer encouragement and prepare mentally for your next shot.
Leads should await skip’s instructions before mat or jack placement.
After measuring, help gather bowls and place the opponent’s bowl respectfully if they won the head.
Seconds should wait for shot calls — do not decide independently.
Seconds place the third’s bowl on the mat when their team plays first.
Never signal behind the skip’s or third’s back.
Do not interfere in scoring — that is the thirds’ job.
Move to the head only after the final bowl stops.
Walk briskly up the rink, staying in your own rink lane.

Thirds: Tactics, Scoring & Conduct

Thirds guide communication, measure impartially, encourage their team, and help maintain a calm, disciplined head.

Speak only when necessary; a quiet, focused third is most effective.
Discuss tricky heads with the skip at the head, not while crossing.
Advise respectfully; do not control the skip’s decisions.
Agree on shots quickly — measure immediately if needed.
The opposition concedes shots.
Point out an overlooked opposition shot — fairness comes first.
Encourage lead and second at the crossover.
Mark touchers and remove dead bowls.
Place the skip’s bowl on the mat before going to the head.
Manage the scoreboard if you win the toss, or the scorecard if you don't.

Skips: Leadership & Example

Skips set the tone through clarity, encouragement, fair play, positive direction and strong team unity.

Lead with encouragement, clarity, and composure.
Avoid chatting with the opposing skip — stay alert.
Stand behind the jack when giving instructions; step aside once the bowl stops.
Give direction only when your team has possession of the mat.
Provide clear, positive instructions (what to do — not what to avoid).
Welcome useful comments from leads and seconds when appropriate.
Never show frustration with teammates' bowls.
Recognize good shots from both sides.
Offer small courtesies such as handing the opponent their bowl (if agreed).
Delegate measuring to the third; do not interfere.
Build unity — a happy team bowls their best.

Team Conduct on the Green

Show respect, avoid distractions, maintain correct positioning, celebrate good bowls, help disabled players, and avoid criticism.

Treat opponents and teammates with equal respect.
Avoid distracting conversations with people on the bank, or neighbouring rinks, or team members.
Keep still when a player is on the mat.
Maintain correct standing positions (behind the head -2m - or mat - 1m).
Avoid blocking rink markers, rink numbers or shadows on jack or delivery lines.
Never argue with your skip about shot choice.
Praise good bowls; ignore poor ones.
Assist disabled players respectfully.
Take responsibility — no excuses, no blaming the green.
Keep team disagreements off the green.
Follow your bowl without obstructing others’ view, and make sure you're behind the mat or head when it comes to rest.
Stay within the duties of your positional role.
Cross only when the final bowl has stopped, walk briskly, and stay centred in your own rink.

Singles Etiquette

Markers and singles players uphold special courtesies, including asking permission to visit the head and agreeing score before moving bowls.

Be willing to mark when asked — it’s part of the singles format.
Stand quietly behind your opponent; never distract.
You cannot consult the marker once your bowl has stopped.
Visit the head only when you have possession of the mat and request permission.
Stay behind the head or mat after your bowl comes to rest.
Do not move any bowls until both players agree to the score.
Share responsibility for collecting bowls.
At the end, thank the marker and officials. The winner offers refreshments.

Spectator Etiquette

Spectators may applaud but must not advise, distract, or interfere.

Spectators must never offer advice.
Applaud good bowls from either side.
Do not converse with markers while they are working.

Sportsmanship

Avoid verbal gamesmanship, loud distractions, negative body language, or any behaviour designed to unsettle an opponent.

Avoid verbal gamesmanship, sarcasm, or loud comments during deliveries.
Do not distract opponents by moving in the head or talking at critical moments.
Maintain calm composure even when decisions go against you.
Treat umpires and technical officials with respect — thank them after the game.

The Heart & Spirit of Bowls

Good humour, respect, fair play, and fellowship are the traditions that define bowls and make it a sport for life.

The more players on the rink, the more important etiquette becomes.
Teams with warmth and humour earn respect and enjoy the game more.
Every match, no matter how competitive, ends with handshakes and fellowship.
The true spirit of bowls is seen in the friendships that form on and off the green.

Ready to Take Your Game — and Your Team Spirit — to the Next Level?

Understanding etiquette is the first step. Applying it is what makes you a respected bowler, a valued teammate, and a joy to play with.
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