Bowling Etiquette & Good Manners

Etiquette/Good Manners

There is a lot of confusion regarding etiquette and the Laws of the Game, and whether this is the responsibility of the coaches, the Umpires or the club itself to introduce them into the game.                                                                                                                                                              So just what is the difference? Laws are laid down in a small law book €2.50 from the club committee. Etiquette or to put the subject into context, good manners within the game is a list of conventions.

Normally on club notice boards you will find pinned up a list of etiquette. Depending on where the list has come from you will find that it varies.

The main reason etiquette exists is to allow the game to run smoothly without disturbing the concentration of the player on the mat.

Unfortunately, quite often bowlers do not know the difference between laws and good manners. Possession of the rink is a law.  So is where you are obliged to stand both behind the mat and the head, when each bowl is bowled and has come to rest. Foot faulting is another law

Etiquette can be summed up in a short sentence “Do not do unto anyone anything you do not wish done unto you”.

Still confused, ask an Umpire or Coach/Instructor.

If all else fails read the etiquette leaflet on the board.