First, let me tell you that etiquette can be a difficult word to spell. It was so difficult that I almost called this article “bowling courtesy”, but I soon realized that I didn’t know how to spell it. Let me warn you that this article could quickly turn into a lengthy rant about respecting bowling. If you don’t feel like reading, scroll down and you can click around to find other articles. Let’s get started if you’re still interested.
My Dad was the first person to teach me how to bowl. It wasn’t about what ball to throw or how to throw it. It was called “lane courtesy.” He instructed me to keep my eyes open to see if anyone else was coming before I began to line up to bowl.
This type of thinking is not present in today’s game. It is common to see bowlers who don’t know the basics. It’s probably not their fault. They just likely didn’t learn. So, I am always unsure whether to sound snobby and try to educate or just to deal with it and try to sneak in my shots when I can. Sometimes I choose to do the former and other times, I prefer the latter. Which do you believe is the best thing to do?
Let’s talk etiquette. Webster’s dictionary defines etiquette …, this is not a research paper. Etiquette can be described as a fancy term that refers to the consideration of others. There are a few things that you should do when you bowl to avoid interfering.
If you’re bowling, stay off the approach. If it is not your turn to bowl, you can get off the approach. Get off the approach if your ball has stopped knocking over pins. You can mentally reset for any reason.
Who has the right to use the right-of-way? It is impossible to approach the bowler at the same speed as another person, much like when you pull up to a stop sign. The rule in bowling is that the bowler to your right has the right-of-way. If you think you can set up on the approach to bowl while you wait, refer to rule number 1. (OMG! Are you serious on the approach now!)
Some other great tips and, by tips, I mean rules.
Don’t let your shots run out. It is distracting to see people bowl right next to you. If you’re a complete idiot and have the right approach, you can do it.
You should not bring food or drinks near the bowling area. It will be inevitable that you spill it, which can lead to sticky situations. If someone falls from sticky shoes, it can be quite dangerous.
When it’s your turn, be ready to bowl. Time your trips to the restroom and snack bar according to your schedule (e.g. After you have completed your frame, start going to the bathroom and snack bar. Now if you gotta go, you gotta go. This rule doesn’t allow for any accidents.
Don’t use profane language. This is something I see a lot in youth league, especially when it comes from parents and kids. Although I curse sometimes like a sailor (typically not related to bowling), I have been quite good lately at controlling my anger. Do the same.
The spare ball should be kept off the ball return. Sometimes, the ball return gets clogged with bowling balls. Keep your spare ball away from the rack if you have more than one. This will prevent the ball return from jamming up.
Always be ready. Get up and ready to bowl when it’s your turn.
Shut up. Talk to someone who is bowling. Concentration is crucial at this time. They will falter if they are not able to focus on their bowling.
I hope you find it inspiring to share the rules of this game. I don’t mean foul lines, ball weights, scoring, but rules that go beyond those. I hope you will take personal responsibility for your actions while on the lanes. There are gray areas in bowling etiquette. We’ll talk about them in later articles. Have a “rule” for bowling that you would like to share with the world? Visit “The Bowling Approach” to leave a comment.