At the start of the game
- Shake hands with the opposition
- Remember your opposite number’s name
- Know who your team is
- Never use bad language
- Be polite, bowls is a game for gentlemen and ladies
- No mobile phones during the game
Once the game has started
- Concentrate on the game – if trial ends, watch every wood
- If lead, be ready with the mat
- Stand well behind the mat (ensuring that you are not in the bowler’s eyeline)
- Be quiet whilst people are bowling
- Watch so you know which woods are your team’s
- Control of the head passes to the other side as soon as the bowl stops
- Be ready to bowl
- Help anyone who is having difficulty, e.g. picking up woods, placing the mat, etc.
When all players have finished bowling an end
- Walk down the middle of the rink
- Stand at least 1 metre behind the head
- Do not obscure the rink edge markers or the rink number
- Ensure your shadow is not over the line or the jack
- Stand still
- Be quiet whilst the skips are bowling
- Be aware of players on the rink(s) next to you and never interfere with their play
- One the end is completed, help to kick the woods back
General rules of conduct
- Enjoy playing, but know your actions can affect others
- Never clap or praise a wood that wicks into an advantageous position
- Never offer false praise
- Acknowledge good woods played by both sides
- New players, leads and number twos should only offer advice when asked
- Scorecards must be held at the same end of the rink
- Always observe the rules of bowls
