Gelli Park Bowls

BOWLS ETIQUETTE

(Guidelines for Players and Spectators)

Dress Code

It’s essential to dress appropriately and follow the specified dress code for each game or match. Arrive early to allow ample time to prepare and change before the game begins, as punctuality demonstrates respect for your teammates and opponents. Representing Gelli Park Bowls Club at another venue? Remember, you’re an ambassador for the club—always behave professionally and courteously.

 

Players must wear the official club top accompanied by tailored trousers or approved shorts in the designated colors (white or grey). Socks should also adhere to the club’s dress code in either white or grey.

Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the green. If you need to smoke, please do so on the banks.

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.

 

 

Understanding and applying these principles will not only earn you greater respect as a bowler but also help maintain a friendly atmosphere, enhancing the enjoyment of the game for everyone, both on and off the green.

Always Remember – Good etiquette and courtesy create an enjoyable experience for all and come at no cost.

 

Bowling Match Markers: How to Do It Right

 

When singles season gets busy, markers are key to keeping things running smoothly. If you can, why not volunteer to be a marker? We’ve all been there—playing an important match without a marker can be super frustrating. Gelli Park has always been known for stepping up and having markers available, but recently, more games have been running without them. Let’s keep our reputation solid and show some support!

Sitting on the sidelines or hanging out in the clubhouse while someone’s out there without a marker? Not the best look. If you’re around and free, jump in and help out! It really makes a big difference.

Never marked before? Don’t stress! Just keep these tips in mind:

  • Once a player rolls the jack, your first job is to center it properly. Then, take a step back and stand to the side so the rink markers are visible to the players.
  • Only answer specific questions from the player who's got control of the rink. Don’t offer extra info unless they ask for it. If they do ask, point out which bowl(s) you think are in the shot position.
  • If you’re not sure about something—like which bowl is closer—don’t just guess. You can share your opinion, but make it clear you’re not 100% certain.
  • Mark any touchers as soon as they stop moving. Wipe off chalk from non-touchers, and if the players are good with it, remove any dead bowls from the rink. Also, make sure to mark the spot of touchers or the jack if they end up in the ditch.
  • Don’t move any bowls until the end is finished and both players have agreed on the score.
  • Ready to measure a close one? Only do it if the players ask you to. And again, no moving bowls until everyone’s on the same page.

 

Follow these tips to keep things fair and running smoothly. Your support as a marker makes a big difference—seriously, thanks for pitching in!