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Bowling Protocol & Etiquette The rules of bowling etiquette are simple and can be easily understood. The most important points of bowling etiquette are who bowls first and be ready to bowl.   Who Bowls First When there are two people in the lanes on either side of your bowler, the general rule is the first bowler up bowls first. If there are any questions as to who bowls first, the bowler to the right bowls first.   Be Ready to Bowl Once a bowler is lined up in his/her stance and ready to bowl — he/she needs to bowl. Bowlers cannot knock down the pins by staring at them. They have to throw the ball down the lane at them. It is easy for bowlers to get into their stance and take too much time in getting their feet, hands, knees and body in the exact position. Teach your bowlers not to rush into their stance, approach and delivery. However, it is important to teach them to get into their stance and deliver the ball as efficiently as possible. This will keep the game moving and not annoy other bowlers and teammates.   Be Considerate Keep it simple. Teach your bowlers to always be considerate toward their teammates and other bowlers in the lanes on either side and of them and in the bowling area. Once your athletes understand this concept, they will learn to respect their teammates, other bowlers and adapt an attitude of good sportsmanship that will remain with them throughout their bowling days.   Athlete Readiness While participating in bowling, the athlete will exhibit sportsmanship and etiquette at all times. Demonstrates competitive effort while bowling at all times. Takes turns with other team members. Selects and uses the same ball throughout the game. Waits for bowlers on adjacent lanes (one lane right or left of athlete) to finish before bowling. Bowls cooperatively and competitively; cheers fellow teammates. Maintains knowledge of own score. Helps teammates with their scores.   Demonstrates Etiquette Athlete puts forth maximum effort during games. Consistently obeys the rules of the game. Exhibits appropriate manners while bowling at all times. Ready to bowl when it is his/her turn. Avoids wasting time, standing on the lane. Allows bowler on the right to bowl first, if both bowlers are ready to bowl at the same time. Stays in approach area and steps back off the approach area after making the delivery. Stays seated until his/her turn to bowl. Insures that no bowlers are on the lane on each side before stepping onto approach. Uses another player's bowling ball, towel or resin only with permission. Controls temper at all times. Waits until the pin-setting machine has completed its cycle before rolling the ball. Calls for assistance if ball does not return or pin lies on deck. Always keeps refreshments out of the pit area. Observes common courtesy toward other bowlers at all times.   Coaching Tips Sit bowlers in pit area in proper sequence to make it easier for them and coach to know who is up next. If automatic scoring is available bowlers should be taught to watch the overhead screen for indication it is their time to bowl; i.e., name appears or is highlighted. Discuss bowling etiquette, such as congratulating opponent after each game, win or lose; controlling temper and behavior at all times; waiting for one's turn; and always using your own ball.

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