Guidance for new members
SHALDON BOWLING CLUB
Guidance For New Players
CONSTITUTION - All members should familiarise themselves with the club constitution and rules. A copy of which is on the notice board and the club website.
RULES OF BOWLS AND GREEN ETIQUETTE – All members will be expected to be fully conversant with the rules of Bowls, a copy of which is in the club house or can be purchased on line, and be aware of green etiquette. There is a copy of the etiquette guidelines posted on the notice board. It is important to be aware of what other players are doing and to play the game in the correct manner. Basically this means understanding the rules and etiquette of bowls, especially standing behind the mat or head when it is not your turn to play so that you do not interfere whilst others are bowling.
DRESS CODE – Members will be expected to always wear the correct clothing for their games or roll ups, white or club shirts, bowling shoes and white or grey trousers/skirt depending on the match. If selected for any competitive or friendly club match members are expected to purchase a club shirt. Wet weather and other outdoor clothing should be predominately white.
GREEN DUTY - All new members should be aware that it is a condition of our lease that the green be available for use by the public and therefore “green duties” have to be undertaken by members which means being at the green at the allotted time and also includes making tea for when matches are being played (this is for both men and women). A list of the green duty rotas are displayed on the notice boards.
WOODS – A selection of woods are available for use by visitors and people new to the game but all members are expected to own their own set.
LAYING UP OF THE GREEN - All members are expected to know the location of the equipment used to set up the green and how to lay them out. Jacks, mats, scoreboards, rink numbers and jack and wood markers are in the pump cupboard next to the door, scorecards and wet weather mats are in the hut, bowls pushers are in the outside store. The rink playing colours are changed daily and members should not move these.
ROLL UP TIMES – Members may play any time after 10.00am but organised roll ups for men are on Tuesday morning, for ladies on Wednesday afternoons and for everyone on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Competitions take priority over rollups.
GENERAL - All members should make sure that they leave the club hut as they find it. Assist all the club officials/committee members at all times. Be aware of the wet weather mats, when they are needed and how they are put down. Look after the state of the green. Only use the designated entry points to the green. There is a no smoking rule within club grounds. The use of mobile phones whilst playing is strictly prohibited.
All members are entitled to enter club competitions at different levels of ability. There are special competitions for newer, less experienced, members that they will be encouraged to enter.
Shaldon Bowling Club 2018
BOWLS ETIQUETTE – SPORTSMANSHIP AND SAFETY
The etiquette of the game is a combination of good manners, sportsmanship and sociability, these courtesies are best described as the unwritten laws of the game.
Be conversant with the World Bowls “laws of the Sport of Bowls”.
Arrive for matches in plenty of time and correctly dressed. Shake hands and introduce yourself before the game starts.
Compliment your opponent’s good shots. Never applaud “lucky” Shots – accept them graciously.
If your opponents have bad luck and give you the shot never cheer your luck.
Stay at least 1 metre behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your turn to play. Always stand still when a player is about to bowl. Do not distract the bowler.
When your bowl comes to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
Never bowl your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.
If you follow your bowl off the mat a short distance, remember you must be back behind the mat when it comes to rest.
Concentrate and be ready to bowl when it is your turn. You should have your bowl in your hands ready to step onto the mat as soon as the last bowl has come to a stop.
Always pay your skip the respect of waiting for his decision. Do not step on the mat and indicate which way you intend playing – wait for the skip’s instructions. If you are No 1 either place the jack where your skip wants it, or if they have not expressed any preference then try and see which length the opponents like and do the opposite. If you are No 2 your main job is to fill in any gaps around the jack your No 1 has missed.
Keep to your own rink. Do not wander and distract other bowlers. When changing ends walk closely to the centre of the rink to avoid distracting players on the next rink. Walking 4 abreast down the rink is a distraction to bowlers on adjacent rinks. Avoid having conversations half way down the rink.
Do not stand obscuring boundary markers or rink numbers, as many players use them legitimately in their bowls delivery.
Pay attention to the game to keep up your concentration and encourage your partners.
Stand well back from the head (at least 1 metre) when shots are being played.
If the jack is moved to within 1 metre of the ditch, you should move off the green onto the bank.
Home side player should update scoreboard.
All players at the mat should assist in collecting the bowls on completion of an end. They should be moved into a group at least 1 metre behind and to left or right of the back of the mat for safety.
Appear to enjoy the game whether winning or losing. Be a good loser and do not blame your loss on other people or the green.
If you are planning to put down a weighted or firing bowl, first indicate your intention to those at the head.
Respect the green surface at all time. Do not drop your bowls on the green.
Respect the opinion of the umpire. Move away from the head when the measure is taking place, and if you are not measuring don’t distract/interfere with those that are making the decision.
Always inform your opponent if you wish to leave the green.
It is accepted convention, that home players offer hospitality to their respective opposite number.
Shaldon Bowling Club 2018