Etiquette As Important As Rules In Game of Indoor Bowls

Chronicle (Levin), 14 July 1949, Page 9

Etiquette As Important As Rules In Game of Indoor Bowls

"Drawshot")

(By

Having tried to deal with the various positions of the j members of teams and their duties, I hope that the observaI tions I have made have been helpful to all clubs in clearing up some of the points which have hitherto been misunderstood. This week I would like to mention some general points, which really come under the heading of etiquette.

E'iquette means the carrying out of those little niceties which make for a better order, and there are a few "do's and don't" which can make all the difference in any club. A person plays bowls primarily for the purprsa of enjoying himself, ?nd he will derive much more pleasure if he is mindful of his opponent and always acts with courtesy to others. If it is the opponent's turn to fhrow the jack you can pick it up and hand it to him. When your opponent takes up his position to i^ay, you shou'd stand clear and g. /e him a fair chance, being careful to keep behind his line of vision so you won't distract him from what he is doing. • Don't talk just when your opponent is delivering a bowl, or when anybody is for that matter. Remember that whoever takes up the position to bowl practically ownsi the mat for the moment. Be careful not to butt in on someone else's job, but leave-it to hinn e Don't carry your bowl up to the other end when you go up to inspect the head. Just think what might happen if you were leaning over the head and you dropped the bowl in your hand. It is just not done, so leave your bowl at the playing end? o When you have an inter-cffib match, tournament or club cham-|

pionship match. on, you should refrain from practising or rofing up prior to starting time on any of the mats on which you are likely to play. This practise1 may be considered as an unfate advantage to your opponents, so it is not done. • It is good taste to mention especially good shots played by your opponent, but critical and sarcastic remarks and allegations' of flukes are definitely pffensive. We know that these things happen on both sides at times, but it is better to recognise the good shots pnd pass over the bad ones without comment. After all, one must be a sport. b • Don't place some high rating on yourself as a player and don't think that you cannot be beaten, for if you do you will never become a champion (all champions are beaten) . Providing you can do your job at the game, your standing as a player will soon become apparent to others and your rating will come from them, which is where i ' should come from, without any self recommendation. o Always endeavour to conduct yourself in a seemly manner. Never lose your temper. Remember, it is just a game and everybody can't win. Take your losses the same as your wins. The purpose of any game is to teach us to be good sports.