Bowling Green Etiquette

At Gelli Park Bowls, we strive to create a friendly, competitive, and enjoyable atmosphere for both players and spectators.

Lawn bowls is one of the rare sports where courtesy and etiquette remain integral. We take great pride in this tradition and encourage members—both new and experienced—to uphold these values. While many aspects are simply common sense, the following guidelines ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience on the green:

• Introduce yourself and shake hands with opponents both before and after the game.
• Refrain from walking across rinks in use. Avoid sitting or standing on the bank/verges, as resting feet on the edge of the green can cause damage.
• Never drop bowls onto the green.
• Remain still and quiet while your opponent is delivering their bowl. Stand well back from the head and avoid causing distractions. Move only after the bowl has been delivered.
• If you’re at the same end as the player delivering a bowl, position yourself behind the mat, out of their line of sight. As per the rules, players not actively participating should stand behind the jack or at least 1 meter behind the mat.
• After delivering a bowl, step behind the mat or walk to the head—don’t linger in between.
• Be mindful not to block rink boundary markers or the center pin, as some players rely on these for alignment.
• On sunny days, be cautious of your shadow. Ensure it doesn’t obscure the jack or fall in front of the mat when another player is preparing to bowl.
• Encourage and support your teammates. Lawn bowls is a team sport, and success comes from collaboration and positivity.
• Avoid excessive applause for fluke shots and acknowledge lucky shots graciously.
• Never criticise your opponents, the green, or your own team. If you can’t offer something constructive, it’s better to stay silent.
• Compliment your opponent on good shots—it’s a reflection of good sportsmanship.
• Wait until the shot has been decided before kicking in the bowls.
• Win or lose, always remain gracious and sportsmanlike.
• When walking around the green, avoid passing too close to another rink’s head when a player is about to bowl.
• Mobile phones should remain off or on silent mode and should not be used on the green.
• Drinks are not allowed on the green. Please consume them off the playing area.
• Dispose of rubbish, such as cigarette ends or matches, in the bins provided—not in the ditches.
• Refrain from using foul or abusive language on the green.
• Only wear appropriate footwear specifically designed for bowling on the green.
• At the end of the match, shake hands with your opponents and offer congratulations or commiserations as appropriate.
• It’s a common courtesy to offer to buy your opponent a drink after the game. If a marker was involved in a singles match, extend the same courtesy to them.