Connect With Us
Don't forget to Like us on Facebook!
BowlingShirt.com
Great products at everyday great prices. Check us out!
Bowling Courtesy & Etiquette
February 16, 2010
I don’t know how many times I have gone bowling and have been both a witness and a victim of poor bowling etiquette. Now in all fairness, many people just don’t know what is acceptable and what isn’t. Then there are the very few who just don’t care and are deliberately inconsiderate.
We can’t control how others will act on the lanes but we can control how we act. While common sense will cover most aspects of bowling, these basic tips will help will make the game even more enjoyable for everyone. These are not in any specific order (with the exception of the first one) and are
nowhere near a complete list but should be remembered any time you go bowling.
- The first rule in bowling is to never bother another bowler while they are in the process of bowling
Bowling requires concentration and focus so just as you wouldn’t want to be distracted, don’t disturb others that are trying to bowl. - Bowlers on the right hand lane has the right of way to bowl first
He/she can waive the right of way to the person bowling on the left most lane if they so choose. - Never pick up your ball from the return rack while another bowler is preparing to bowl and is in his/her starting position
Refrain from creating noises or movements that may be spotted out of the corner of their eye. For cases where another bowler constantly causes distractions while you are preparing to bowl, let them have the right of way. This way you can stay in control of your game and remain relaxed to take your shot. - Refrain from using obscenities or vulgar language
Bowling is and has always been a lot of fun for people of all ages. Be courteous to families by avoiding foul language in their presence. - After your shot, let others bowl
Every time you bowl, of course, you want to see the results of your shot, but allow others to bowl by making your way back from the approach as quickly as possible. - Wear proper shoes
Street shoes often bring debris and dirt to the lanes which can be a hazard to the approach and even to you. Keep these shoes off the approach and wear the proper bowling shoes. - Keep food and other refreshments off of the approach
Any spillage on the approach can create unsafe bowling conditions
on the lanes. - Remember, there are others waiting to bowl
By all means, go through your preshot routine but be aware of others waiting for their turn. - Above all else…have fun
Bowling is a sport that is supposed to be enjoyable so have fun but not at the expense of others.
so i have a question regarding lane courtesy. what if the bowler to your right is still on the floor and is taking their time (not on the platform) and im already on the platform. do they still have the “right of way”?
i bowl on a leg. and have been bowling for 24 years i was just told that i am to give 2 lane courtesy to each side of the lanes when i bowl … what i mean is i was told 2 lanes to my left and 2 lanes 2 my right is this true for leg. thanks mike
If I understand you correctly, then, no…they would not have the right of way because you are already on the platform. Since they are not ready and still on the floor.
Is it still considered a distraction or rude if you talk to the person before they step up on the approach – I know one team gets mad at me and said I shouldn’t talk to them at all before they even get up on the lane while others it doesn’t seem to bother them.
I’m assuming the approach is when you step up unto the lane or does it include waiting to step up onto the lane?
I just try to have fun while I bowl and be serious – but at the same time are they too serious? I can’t always remember that.
PLease advise
People are always going to be different. Probably as a general rule, though, if the person is stepping up to the approach to take their turn, it may be best to just wait to engage in a conversation until they are done. But I tend to side with you on not trying to take things too seriously. Bowling is a great sport and a lot of fun. Especially when the people around you are interested in doing the same thing.