Etiquette is mainly a code of behaviour whereby individuals treat one another the way they expect to be treated themselves. Breaches of etiquette are sometimes wilful, and sometimes inadvertent. Particularly in the latter case, injured parties should avoid over-reacting. Otherwise a breach of etiquette more objectionable than the original transgression could occur.

Bowls is a sport accessible to enthusiasts through a network of clubs. Virtually no public bowls greens exist in Australia. Consequently there are two facets of etiquette. There is etiquette associated with the obligations and privileges of club membership. The proposer of a new member should take the responsibility of providing instruction on this subject. Also there is etiquette associated with participation of the game itself. The club coach should take the responsibility of providing instruction about that.

Club Etiquette

Nominators should act as mentors for new members they sponsor. They should provide information about clubhouse rules and customs, fees, and attire. They should introduce new members to club officials. They should also arrange to play with new members when they have their first game.

New members should remember that most club officials are elected volunteers who willingly give their time for the benefit of fellow members. Officials generally act in good faith but sometimes make mistakes. Members are entitled to question decisions of officials that affect them, but in those circumstances not only the members, but also the officials themselves should resolve matters in contention in a courteous way. Members should be silent when officials are making special announcements. Some clubs recognise the work of voluntary officials with privileges such as preferential seating arrangements in the club house and reserved car parking bays.

Employees such as green keepers and bar attendants are employed under industrial awards and contracts. Certain officials in the club have the authority to direct them. In no circumstances should other members attempt to give directions to such employees about their work.

Over the years the steadily rising cost of seasonal and daily maintenance of grass greens has always exceeded any amounts collected as green fees. The cost of preparing facilities for bowling has always been cross-subsided by revenues from bar trading, raffles, bingo, poker machines, etc. Consequently bowlers have a duty to give the club's fund raising operations their reasonable support.

They should pay club membership fees on or before the due date. Their membership fees may include amounts specified as capitation fees or affiliation fees. The club affiliates with both the district and state association. The total capitation and affiliation fees paid by the club are calculated on a per capita basis. However it is the clubs that are affiliated and liable for the fees, not the members. The amounts billed to members as capitation and affiliation fees are simply a mechanism whereby clubs achieve reimbursement of their liability to state and district associations.

Game Etiquette

Club coaches should act as mentors in game etiquette for new members. They should ensure the stability of members' footwear. They should explain the fragility of the plinth area and why sitting on the bank, spitting, and dumping bowls should be avoided. They should emphasise the need for punctuality for all games and for being properly attired. They should also endeavour to join with nominators in playing with new members when they have their first game.

Bowlers should give their support to teams representing their club by attending inter-club events. As spectators they should demonstrate sporting bipartisanship in the fluctuating fortunes of the event.

Cohesive teams are often successful teams. Bowlers should address one another by their given names during the course of a game. They should fairly share the task of kicking bowls after completion of an end. Bowlers should give the skip their loyal support and comply with directions. If the skip's bowl remains in the ditch from the previous end, team mates should dust it and place it handily near the mat before changing ends. In changing ends, players should avoid straying on to neighbouring rinks or otherwise distract play on them. Opposing leads should facilitate play by courteously handing the mat and jack to each other, as convenient. Players can similarly hand bowls to one another when convenient.

It is good sportsmanship to acknowledge displays of exceptional skill. Flukes are simply revelations of unrecognised opportunities. They balance out over time, so it serves no purpose to take too much notice of them.

The enjoyment of a game of bowls is diminished if either team indulges in gamesmanship. Inconsiderable distractions such as loud noises or conversation, visible movement of players, objects or shadows, impact of kicked bowls, etc should be avoided while a bowler is on the mat preparing for delivery. Bowlers should not delay play by leaving the rink without consent. They should not seek consent to leave the green when there is no reasonable necessity. They should not interfere with the head until the result of the end has been agreed. If an opponent has obviously not counted all the bowls the team is entitled to count, good sportsmanship should prevail.

Bowlers should shake hands at the end of a game. The graceful losers should congratulate the modest winners. Borrowed personal items such as tape measures should be returned to their owners with thanks. Mats and jacks should be collected and returned to the usual distribution point.

After games, players should sit with their opponents. Home team players should offer visitors refreshment. After domestic games, winners are normally the first to offer drinks. After single matches, markers should be included in the invitation. Courteous losers normally reciprocate in turn. They should avoid making excuses for their lack of success on the day a topic of conversation.

As indicated in the introduction, etiquette is mainly about treating one another the way bowlers expect to be treated themselves. Considerate thought and common sense are the keys to acceptable standards.