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Bowls is renowned for its high standard of sportsmanship and etiquette. Etiquette is not a direct part of the laws of the game but is no more than good manners and showing respect for your opponent.

Here are a few guidelines that are considered to be good bowls etiquette.

• Be conversant with the "Laws of the Sport of Bowls".
• Don’t keep your opponent waiting and arrive for matches in plenty of time ,correctly dressed.
• Shake hands and introduce yourself before the game starts.
• Compliment your opponent's good shots. Never applaud 'lucky' shots but accept them graciously.
• If your opponents have bad luck and give you the shot never cheer your luck.
• Stay at least 1 metre behind the mat or behind the head when it is not your turn to play. Always stand still when a player is about to bowl. Do not distract the bowler.
• Respect the bowler on the mat, do not have loud conversations and avoid doing anything that will distract.
• When your bowl comes to rest, possession of the rink passes to your opponent.
• Never bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.
• If you follow your bowl off the mat, remember you must be back behind the mat, or the head when it comes to rest.
• Concentrate and be ready to bowl when it is your turn. You should have your bowl in your hands ready to step onto the mat as soon as the last bowl has come to a stop.
• Always pay your skip respect when waiting for his/her decision. Do not step on the mat and indicate which way you intend playing - wait for the skip's instructions.
• Keep to your own rink. Do not wander and distract other bowlers. When changing ends walk close to the centre of the rink to avoid distracting players on the next rink. Walking four abreast down the rink is a distraction to bowlers on the adjacent rinks.
• Avoid having conversations half way down the rink.
• Do not obscure boundary markers or rink plates as many players use them when bowling. Do not take offence if asked to move to one side.
• Pay attention to the game to keep your concentration and encourage your partners.
• Stand well back from the head (at least 1 metre) when shots are being played.
• If the jack is moved to within 1 metre of the ditch. you should move off the green onto the bank.
• Home side player should update the scoreboard.
• All players at the mat end should assist in collecting the bowls on completion of an end. The bowls should be moved into a group at least 1 metre behind and to the left or right of the back of the mat for safety.
• Appear to enjoy the game whether winning or losing. Be a good loser and do not blame your loss on other people or the green.
• If you are planning to put down a weighted or firing bowl, first indicate your intention to those at the head.

• Respect the green surface at all times. Do not drop your bowls onto the green.
• Respect the opinion of the umpire. Move away from the head when an umpire is called to measure.
• Always inform your opponent if you wish to leave the green.
• It is accepted convention that home players offer hospitality to their respective opposite number.