Rules of bowling etiquette
Starting a new league season also means adding new bowlers. Many of these new players have never really bowled in a league setting, so going over the rules of bowling etiquette might be helpful for everyone.
First off, bowling is a sport, and like all sports there are some common rules of etiquette to follow. These bowling rules of etiquette are simple and easy to understand, and by following them the game will be more enjoyable for everyone.
One of the main points of etiquette is determining who bowls first, you or the person in the lane next to you. Generally, if both players in the lanes are ready to bowl at the same time, then the player in the right lane will bowl first. Be aware of your surroundings, make eye contact with the other bowlers, and respecting their game will also help.
Once a player is lined up in his/her stance and ready to bowl, then that player should bowl. Players should not retrace their steps once they are set to roll the ball.
Bowlers should also bowl as efficiently as possible, and not linger in the lane.
Although bowlers should not rush into their stance, approach and delivery, they should take the least amount of time to get into a stance and deliver the ball.
If players take their turns in a timely fashion, then the game will move quickly, and other bowlers can avoid the annoyance of waiting long periods of time between turns and will give the same courtesy in return.
Bowling rules of etiquette also dictate that you remain behind your fellow bowlers while they are bowling. Don’t push or crowd someone who is on the approach ahead of you or interfere with someone next to you. Bowling should also be confined to the specific lane assigned to players; it is not proper to move across into other player’s lanes. Bowlers should always be considerate of other bowlers and their teammates, as well as player in the lanes on either side of them.
The foul line should be observed, even in casual play, and players should always work to play fair. Good sportsmanship is a rule of thumb for many sports, and bowling is not an exception.
Poor sportsmanship should be and is frowned upon in this game. Showing good sportsmanship involves, taking your proper turn and respecting team member’s turns, having only one ball on the ball return and to remove it if you switch to another during the game, waiting for bowlers in the adjacent lanes to finish before taking your turn, and keeping your voice down when a player is on the approach ready to roll.
Remember also, in bowling, it is not good etiquette to use another player’s ball, or towel without permission. And by all means, never use rosin or easy-slide down in the pit area. While the approaches may be sticky or too slippery for you, they may be perfect for everyone else.
Other ways to practice good bowling etiquette includes staying in the approach area and stepping back from the approach area after making the delivery. Remain seated until it is your turn to bowl, and wait until the pinsetter has completed its cycle before rolling the ball.
And, absolutely essential to this game is controlling oneself during the competition. It is not proper for a bowler to lose his/her temper, or swear consistently throughout the game. Fighting is also strictly prohibited during a bowling match, and any belligerent bowlers could and should be removed and disqualified from the game.
Remember also, refreshments and any other paraphernalia should be left out of the pit area. Keeping them in the pit area is only asking for trouble.
Bowling shoes are provided for each bowler, and players should never play in street shoes. The shoes provided to the bowlers are specialized for the surface of the lanes, whether they are rental shoes or owned by a player.
Street shoes will only cling to the floor, and possible mark the approach, which could lead to someone not sliding properly and tripping or falling down. Playing the game is very difficult under perfect conditions. Let’s not add to the problem.
The bowling rules of etiquette for the game are simple to understand and all players should know them before playing. Proper etiquette is a key component in the game of bowling, and can be used to help players and those around them enjoy the game. Be smart in league, and even in open bowling. Follow the rules of etiquette and fair play. Always.
BOWLING NEWS
Uniontown resident Gary George writes a weekly bowling column for the Herald-Standard. If you have any bowling news, contact George, a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since 1997, via email at probowler48@aol.com or fax at 724-438-7290. Information is welcome from all area bowling establishments.