02/04/2026
Some interesting reading! 👀 👓
🚨The "Unwritten" Rules of the Green: A Gauteng Bowler’s Guide to Not Being That Person
Lawn Bowls - The Basics of Etiquette👇🏻
Listen, we all know lawn bowls in Gauteng is 20% skill, 30% "reading the green," and 50% making sure you don't accidentally annoy Ouma or the Skip.
🌞While the sun is blazing over the Highveld, there’s a legendary level of sociability we have to maintain.
If you want to keep your reputation as "gracious" rather than "that one who lofts their bowls," here is the ultimate 29-point breakdown of the Code of Bowling Etiquette.
🕒 The Basics: Don't Be Late, Don't Be Loud
✔️1. Know the Laws of the Sport. "I didn't know" doesn't fly when a shot is on the line.
✔️2. If you're probably going to lose the shot, do the measuring. It’s the polite way to admit defeat.
✔️3. Be punctual and look the part. Yes, the whites (or team kit) matter.
✔️4. Enter the mat from the left, exit to the right. It’s like a roundabout, people!
✔️5. Silence is golden. Stand behind the mat and keep still while others are delivering.
🤝 The "Gauteng Gentleman/Lady" Vibes
✅️6. If you’re the one raking the bowls, you’re the one marking the scoreboard.
✅️8. (Yes, we skipped 7, keep up!) Stand still at the head. Don’t be the person gesturing like a maniac while someone is mid-bowl.
✅️9. Your Skip is the boss. Wait for their instructions.
✅️10. Be ready! Have your bowl in hand before it’s even your turn.
✅️11. Give the team with possession full access to the head. Don't crowd the jack.
🍀 Luck, Flukes, and Karma
☑️12. Don’t clap or moan about "lucky" shots. The bowling gods even things out eventually.
☑️13. If your opponent messes up and it helps you, don't say "thanks." That’s just cold.
☑️14. Never shout at your opponent’s bowl to miss. We aren't playing football here.
☑️15. If you get a "fluke" (a lucky wick), admit it with a smile.
📏 The "Pro" Moves
✔️16. Learn to be a good marker. A bad marker is a quick way to lose friends.
✔️17. Compliment a good shot—even if it’s your opponent's.
✔️18. If the Umpire is called, walk away. Let them do their magic in peace.
✔️19. Help collect the bowls when the end is finished. Don't just stand there looking pretty.
✔️20. Changing ends? Walk close to the center of the rink so you don't distract the neighbors.
🌱 Respect the Turf (and the People)
✅️21. Respect the green. No dropping, no lofting, and only walk on it when you’re actually playing.
✅️22. Going for a "comfort break"? Tell your opponent before you vanish.
23. Be a good loser. Don't blame the Gauteng wind, the heat, or the grass.
✅️24. Shake hands, congratulate the winners, and stay humble. You might lose tomorrow!
✅️25. Be the legend who stays to help put the equipment away.
❤️ The Heart of the Game
☑️26. Thank the marker. They’re volunteers, and your "thank you" is their paycheck.
☑️27. Thank the event admins and umpires before you head to the bar.
☑️28. Skips: Remember your team is trying their best, even when they’re narrow.
☑️29. Above all: Enjoy it. We’re here for the fun, the fitness, and the friendships.
🚨Pro Tip: If you follow Rule 29 (having fun), the other 28 usually fall into place!
📢 Stay Connected with the Best:
🌐 Website: gautengbowls.co.za
📧 Email: [email protected]
Credits Jane Malan
