16/10/2026
MEYERTON BOWLS CLUB
DO'S AND DON'TS DURING CLUB MATCHES
1. BEFORE THE MATCH
DO'S
- Arrive on time and be ready to play.
- Make sure you know which rink you are playing on and which position you will play.
- Wear the prescribed bowls clothing and suitable footwear.
- Make sure your equipment is in good condition.
- Greet your teammates, opponents and officials in a friendly manner.
- Make sure you understand the format of the match and the applicable rules.
DON'TS
- Do not arrive late without informing the responsible person.
- Do not let your teammates down unnecessarily.
- Do not create conflict before the match begins.
- Do not assume that you are always correct about the rules.
2. RESPECT AND SPORTSMANSHIP
DO'S
- Treat all players with respect, regardless of their age or playing ability.
- Encourage beginners and experienced players alike.
- Acknowledge good play by your opponents.
- Accept victories with humility and defeats with dignity.
- Remember that you represent your club.
DON'TS
- Do not belittle or humiliate other players.
- Do not insult opponents or teammates.
- Do not boast about your achievements at the expense of others.
- Do not continue personal disputes during matches.
3. CONDUCT ON THE GREEN
DO'S
- Follow the correct order of play.
- Remain quiet when a player is preparing to deliver a bowl.
- Give players enough space to concentrate.
- Be aware of players on adjacent rinks.
- Follow the instructions of the authorised match official.
- Treat the green and equipment with care.
DON'TS
- Do not walk in front of a player when they are ready to deliver a bowl.
- Do not disturb other players' concentration.
- Do not deliberately distract other players.
- Do not touch bowls or the head before the rules permit you to do so.
- Do not put the safety of other players at risk.
4. THE JACK AND THE HEAD
DO'S
- Follow the correct procedure when the jack is delivered.
- Handle the head in accordance with the applicable rules.
- Ask the marker or umpire for assistance when there is uncertainty.
- Follow the correct procedure if the head is disturbed during play.
DON'TS
- Do not deliberately move the jack to benefit your team.
- Do not alter the head before following the applicable procedure.
- Do not disturb an opponent's bowl or the jack and then conceal what happened.
5. THE MARKER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
DO'S
- Remain impartial and professional.
- Keep an accurate score.
- Mark the head and relevant positions according to the rules.
- Answer reasonable questions about the score.
- Follow the correct measuring procedure.
- Refer disputes to the umpire when necessary.
DON'TS
- Do not favour one player over another.
- Do not give tactical advice to one player.
- Do not record incorrect scores.
- Do not attempt to settle a dispute that falls outside your authority.
- Do not behave impatiently or rudely.
6. SCORING AND MEASURING BOWLS
DO'S
- Award points according to the applicable rules.
- Confirm the score before the next end begins.
- Use the correct measuring equipment.
- Ask an authorised person for assistance when players disagree.
- Record the result accurately.
DON'TS
- Do not move bowls before the correct procedure has been followed.
- Do not change the score without a valid reason.
- Do not insist on using your own measuring method.
- Do not accuse other players of cheating without sufficient grounds.
7. CONDUCT TOWARDS TEAMMATES
DO'S
- Encourage your teammates.
- Communicate positively and clearly.
- Respect each player's role in the team.
- Discuss tactics at the appropriate time and in accordance with the rules.
- Help maintain team morale.
DON'TS
- Do not blame teammates for poor play.
- Do not argue with them during the match.
- Do not make negative comments that undermine their confidence.
- Do not humiliate or dominate other players.
8. CONFLICT AND DISPUTES ABOUT THE RULES
DO'S
- Remain calm when you disagree with a decision.
- Listen to the other player's explanation.
- Explain your point of view politely.
- Ask the umpire for assistance when necessary.
- Use the correct procedure to report a complaint.
- Give everyone involved a fair opportunity to present their side.
DON'TS
- Do not shout, threaten or intimidate others.
- Do not use personal insults.
- Do not attempt to win a dispute through aggression.
- Do not pressure other members to take sides.
- Do not spread unfounded accusations.
9. EMOTIONS AND FRUSTRATION
DO'S
- Accept that everyone makes mistakes.
- Regain your composure before continuing to play.
- Concentrate on your next bowl.
- Encourage yourself and your teammates.
- Treat poor performance as an opportunity to learn.
DON'TS
- Do not throw your bowl in anger or strike anything with it.
- Do not swear or intimidate other players.
- Do not take your frustration out on people or equipment.
- Do not blame your opponent for playing better than you.
10. ALCOHOL AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT
DO'S
- Follow the club's alcohol policy and competition rules.
- Behave responsibly.
- Maintain good judgement and concentration.
- Respect other players' right to a safe environment.
DON'TS
- Do not play under the influence of alcohol or other substances if your ability or safety is affected.
- Do not pressure other players to consume alcohol.
- Do not behave aggressively or abusively.
- Do not drive if you are not safe to do so.
11. SAFETY ON THE GREEN
DO'S
- Be aware of players on your own and adjacent rinks.
- Wear suitable footwear.
- Handle bowls carefully.
- Report hazardous conditions to the greenkeeper.
- Follow all safety instructions.
DON'TS
- Do not deliver bowls in a dangerous manner.
- Do not throw bowls towards other people.
- Do not move backwards without checking where you are stepping.
- Do not ignore hazardous conditions.
- Do not obstruct the movement of other players.
12. RESPECT FOR CLUB OFFICIALS
DO'S
- Listen to appropriate instructions from responsible officials.
- Ask politely when you are uncertain about a decision.
- Use the correct channels to report problems.
- Provide constructive feedback.
- Respect the responsibilities of the club captain, greenkeeper, marker and umpire.
DON'TS
- Do not insult or intimidate officials.
- Do not deliberately obstruct their work.
- Do not spread rumours without establishing the facts.
- Do not assume that officials are above criticism.
- Do not put club politics above sportsmanship.
13. SOCIAL MEDIA AND CLUB COMMUNICATION
DO'S
- Share results and news respectfully.
- Acknowledge players, organisers and helpers.
- Keep criticism professional and factual.
- Use the correct club channels to report problems.
- Make sure information is accurate before sharing it.
DON'TS
- Do not humiliate players on WhatsApp or Facebook.
- Do not fight personal battles in club groups.
- Do not spread unfounded accusations.
- Do not share private messages to embarrass someone.
- Do not use club communication to create division.
14. AFTER THE MATCH
DO'S
- Thank your opponents and officials.
- Confirm the final score.
- Accept the result with dignity.
- Help put away equipment where necessary.
- Acknowledge good play.
- Discuss problems calmly and constructively.
DON'TS
- Do not ignore your opponents because you have lost.
- Do not ridicule the losing players.
- Do not argue about every decision after the match.
- Do not spread rumours about players.
- Do not damage club equipment.
15. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
DO'S
- Give every player a fair opportunity in accordance with the approved rules.
- Ensure that the match format is clearly communicated in advance.
- Follow the established procedures for scores and results.
- Respect the impartiality of organisers.
- Use the correct procedure for lodging objections.
DON'TS
- Do not attempt to influence a result through intimidation.
- Do not expect preferential treatment for certain players.
- Do not discourage beginners from participating.
- Do not change the rules to favour a player.
- Do not bring personal disputes into championships.
16. HANDLING OFFENCES AND MISCONDUCT
DO'S
- Explain minor misunderstandings calmly.
- Address repeated disruptive behaviour appropriately.
- Report serious misconduct to the authorised official.
- Record incidents as objectively as possible.
- Follow the club constitution and applicable disciplinary procedures.
- Give everyone involved a fair opportunity to present their side.
DON'TS
- Do not declare someone guilty based on rumours.
- Do not impose disciplinary measures yourself without the necessary authority.
- Do not ignore serious complaints.
- Do not use an incident as an opportunity to attack someone personally.
CLOSING MESSAGE
Bowls is about more than winning and losing. It is about respect, honesty, cooperation and good sportsmanship.
Every member has a responsibility to contribute to a friendly and safe club where players feel welcome and have the opportunity to improve their game.
We can be competitive without being unfriendly. We can disagree without disrespecting one another. We can maintain discipline without tearing people down.
MEYERTON BOWLS CLUB
Respect one another. Play by the rules. Promote good sportsmanship.
