Club Etiquette Marking and Scoring

Bowls etiquette is about behaviour on the green and around the club. Some basic ones are:

Before the game 

1.     Be ready and on time for the start of each game and help with getting ready for play (scoreboards, mats, jacks, etc). 

For Mandeville Club days, we need to be at the Club by 12:30 pm to get the draws sorted.Text Box:

2.     Bowlers always start and finish a game with a handshake.

3.     Make sure visitors are always made to feel welcome.


During the game

4.    Hand the jack to the opposing lead when he/she has placed the mat and have their first bowl ready to hand to them. This           friendly gesture sets the tone for the game

5.   When ready to bowl, check the next rink both ways to see if another bowler is about to bowl which helps avoid bowls colliding.

6.    If you are up next, have your bowl in your hand by the time the opposing player has delivered theirs.

7.    After your bowl has come to rest (or even a bit before) move back from the green to allow the next player to bowl as they have the right.

Both 6 and 7 above help speed up the game and allow for more bowling time.

8.     Always keep on your own rink to avoid holding up any play beside you.

9.     Keep quiet, still and behind the mat when another player is about to bowl.

10.  Always show good sportsmanship by acknowledging a display of good skill by another bowler.

11.  Admit a lucky shot with good grace and avoid any criticism of others. 

12.  Do not linger around the head. All players should stand back on the bank while the skips bowl, except for the player who is giving the skip directions. 

13.  Leads and twos should remain behind the head or mat when not in possession of the rink and should not crowd the head or offer advice when bowls in contention are being measured – this is the job of the Three or the Two (if triples).

14.  Always take an interest in the game to follow how the head is building.

15.  Stay behind a player who has just delivered the last bowl to be played as they have the right to see how their bowl has landed.

16.  Walk quickly when changing ends and stay within the confines of your own green.

17.  Bowls should be left alone until the result is declared. Then help return the bowls to behind the mat. 



The Role of the Marker


  1. Markers are neutral and must be completely impartial during a game – Sorry…no applauding or encouragement should be offered to any player (even if you feel like it).
  2. The Marker maintains the Score Card after each end, keeping players informed of the score and updates the Score Board on a regular basis. 
  3. Have a reliable flexible measure, pen or pencil, chalk and score card with support which ensures the scores are written more clearly.  Put players names on the board as per the card.
  4. When the jack has been delivered, the marker should centre it and stand back and to the side, ensuring they are not in the line of vision of the player or casting shadows over the head. 
  5. Watch for signals and listen for questions from the player in possession (on the mat), and answer all questions of fact briefly. Short precise answers are all that is required, such as, ‘’yes you are’’ or ‘’no you are not’’. Don’t answer a question if player is not in possession of the rink.
  6. If asked “What is the position” you are able to advise the number of shots up or down. If you are unsure you may offer your opinion about who is holding but make them aware you are unsure.
  7. All touchers should be marked immediately the bowl comes to rest, and marks should be removed from non-touchers. 
  8. Prevent a bowl from an adjoining rink from disturbing the head by stopping it and hand it to the marker on that rink.
  9. Keep clear of the head while players determine the result, and record the score on both the scorecard and board every  end.
  10. Measure only if requested.  Player so requesting forfeits the right to measure that end.  Do not remove any shot bowl.
  11. Gain approval of the players before removing or allowing removal of any dead bowls from the rink.
  12. The marker should protect the head from bowls encroaching from other rinks.
  13. No bowl on the rink should be moved until the end is completed and the number of shots awarded is agreed by the players. 


Score Boards/ Score Cards


FOURS:           The Second of the team that loses the end records the score on the scoreboard. The opposing number 2 should always check  the scoreboard. The Skip holds and completes the scorecard.

TRIPLES:        The Second of the team that loses the end records the score on the scoreboard. The opposing number 2 should always check   the scoreboard. The skip holds and completes the scorecard.

PAIRS:            The Lead of the team that loses the end records the score on the scoreboard. The skip holds and completes the scorecard.

SINGLES:       The Marker records the score on the scoreboard and completes the scorecard.