Discover the essentials of proper lawn bowls etiquette in this informative video below. Learn the unwritten rules and customs that govern the game, from respecting your opponents to shouting a drink after the game. Understand the importance of etiquette in maintaining a positive and enjoyable experience for all players involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just starting out, this video will provide you with valuable insights into the traditions and expectations of the game. Get ready to improve your lawn bowls experience and become a more considerate player by learning what is proper lawn bowls etiquette.
The video discusses modern lawn bowls etiquette, noting that while some old rules haven’t changed, attitudes toward them have, and the host encourages discussion on the points raised.
Etiquette Topics Discussed:
- Riding Bowls (Running Commentary): The coach strongly advises against giving a running commentary on the opposition’s bowls or cheering when an opponent misses, calling it no longer acceptable, even if it was “back in the day”.
- Similarly, commenting out loud on an opponent’s shot or tactics (e.g., “I wouldn’t have done that”) is inappropriate and should be whispered to a teammate instead.
- Being Sociable During a Game: You are not required to be sociable to the opposition during a game. The coach suggests it’s acceptable to say, “Sorry mate, I’m not a big talker during a game but happy to chat with you afterwards.” Socializing is considered a personal preference .
- Walking Between Rinks: When crossing into a new rink, especially at higher levels, you should check if someone is on the mat ready to bowl. If so, stop for 5 seconds until the bowl is released before continuing, as a courtesy to fellow bowlers .
- Shouting a Drink: Buying your opponent a drink after the game is a very old etiquette rule that is still considered relevant .
- If you are playing at home, it is generally considered your shout. Offer a drink (even a Coke or bottle of water) regardless of whether they drink alcohol .
- Not offering a drink can lead to a reputation for being a “pr**k” .
- Calling Wicks and Applauding “Sh*t” Bowls: The coach argues this behaviour is extremely frustrating for many bowlers and should stop immediately.
- The word “Wick”: He asks people to remove the word “wick” from their vocabulary. If a shot is intended to use a bowl on the way through, he suggests saying “use it” instead of “wick, wick, wick”.
- Cheering bad bowls: Do not cheer a “sh*t bowl” just because it got a lucky result. The coach says if you put down a bad bowl and get a result, you should turn around and immediately apologize to your opposition with a simple “sorry mate”.
- He encourages calling out teammates who exhibit this behaviour. If an opponent does it, he suggests giving a subtle warning like, “Mate don’t be clapping crap bowls please”.
