Lawn bowls has a proud tradition of courtesy, respect and sportsmanship. While the formal rules of the game are published by World Bowls, the unwritten social code of the bowling green is equally important — and not knowing it can cause genuine embarrassment or upset during your first competitive games. This guide covers everything you need to know.
For any match or organised game, arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. The mat and jack need to be set up, teams agreed, and a brief trial end completed before play begins. Arriving late causes delays for everyone and creates a poor first impression with teammates and opponents alike.
Before any match it is customary to shake hands with or at least greet your opponents. This is not merely formality — it sets the tone for a friendly, sporting game. Use first names throughout the game regardless of competitive level.
For social games, smart casual is generally acceptable at most clubs. For competitive league and county matches, most clubs require white or club-colour attire. Always check with your club or the organising secretary before a match if you are unsure of the dress code. Arriving incorrectly dressed is avoidable and disrespectful to the occasion.
This is the most important on-green etiquette rule. When a player on either team is on the mat preparing to deliver, everyone else should be still and silent. Movement in your peripheral vision or nearby conversation is deeply distracting during a delivery and is considered disrespectful.
When it is not your turn to bowl, stand at least a metre behind the mat when your teammate is delivering, or stand still and quietly behind the head when the opposing team is delivering. Do not crowd the mat or the head.
Never walk across another rink while play is in progress on that rink. Wait for a natural break — between ends or while a player is walking to the mat — before crossing. If you absolutely must cross urgently, acknowledge the players on that rink with a brief apologetic nod or word.
When a measure is required to determine the shot, accept the result graciously whether it goes for or against you. Disputing a fair measure is very poor form. If you genuinely believe a measurement is incorrect, ask calmly for it to be repeated — do not argue.
Unless you are the skip, do not offer shot advice to teammates from the bank or the head during an end. Shouting instructions at your lead player, for example, is both distracting and undermines the skip's authority. Save all tactical discussion for between ends.
Be ready to bowl when it is your turn. Walk at a good pace between ends. Make your shot selection before stepping onto the mat rather than deliberating on it. Unnecessarily slow play frustrates teammates and opponents and, in competitive matches, can result in time penalties.
If you accidentally disturb a bowl or the jack while examining the head, immediately inform the skip of both teams. The bowl must be returned as closely as possible to its original position and both skips must agree the replacement position. Never quietly return a bowl without mentioning it.
Remain calm and suggest a measure immediately rather than arguing the point. In competitive matches call the marker or umpire if the skips cannot agree. The umpire's decision is final without appeal in formal competition.
Maintain your composure and positive attitude regardless of the score. Never show frustration with teammates, make discouraging comments or give the impression that the game is not worth playing out. In bowls as in all sports, heavy leads can be quickly overturned — and maintaining belief is essential.
After the final end, all players shake hands (or observe whatever the equivalent greeting is for that occasion). Thank your opponents specifically for the game: "Well played, thank you for the game." This is not a mere formality — it is the expression of a sporting tradition that bowls takes seriously.
In most UK clubs, the winning team traditionally buys a round of drinks or tea for the losing team after a match. Some clubs have more formal arrangements — check with your club secretary about local customs. This tradition is one of the most cherished in the sport and is an important reason why bowls has such a strong social reputation.
Ensure the scorecard is accurately completed and returned to the appropriate person. Both skips should sign the card. In league matches, accurate scorecards are essential for the league table and match records.