| Every
sport has its rules of etiquette. In golf, for example, one
does not talk or move while a player is shooting. In basketball,
the crowd is silent when a free throw is made. Even in such
a rugged sport as boxing, a man who has scored a knockdown
retires to the farthest neutral corner to allow his opponent
a chance to get up after a count. So it is in bowling. What
it really boils down to is courtesy, once you have an inkling
of the rules. Here are some points to remember:
1. Observe the foul line at all times.
This goes for practice as well as for tournament
or league play. You owe it to your teammates and to those
around you to refrain from any such action as fouling, which
would penalize your score and consequently that of your team.
Fouling frequently brings on loud and unpleasant grumbling,
in itself another breach of etiquette.
2. Never two-ball a pinboy.
By this, I mean don't fire another ball down
the lane before the first one has been returned to you. You
might injure the pinboy, and you are sure to make yourself
mighty unpopular with those around you, even if you don't
hurt him. Remember, if the pinboy should be injured, you might
find yourself liable for damages.
3. Don't mar bowling alley approaches.
If you have any slippery or gummy substance
on your bowling shoes (one should never bowl in street shoes),
get rid of it before you step onto the approaches. If your
shoes leave skid marks, remove the marks with steel wool.
Avoid excessive use of chalk. Do not mar the alley approach
or the alley bed with pencil, crayon, chalk or any such substance.
4. Remain on the bench until it is your turn
to bowl.
If you get up before your time you will interfere
directly or indirectly with those who are already on the approaches.
Give others the same common courtesy you would want for yourself.
5. There is no rule against body english.
Lots of bowlers, even the experts, are prone
to use it at times. But when you use it, remember that you
have the right to use only the space enclosed by the width
of your own lane. You are not expected to teeter or lean so
far that your body encroaches onto the next alley and bothers
the adjoining bowler. Try to cut down on your "body english"
in practice and you will use less of it in league and tournament
play.
6. Give the bowler on your right preference
at all times.
Because you swing your ball at your right
side, you have to be more careful of the man on your right
than the one on your left. Let him shoot before you do, if
you are both beginning at the very same time.
7. Eliminate dilly-dallying between shots.
Don't fall into the habit of going through
a dozen meaningless motions, such as scraping your feet back
and forth, wiping your hands on your clothing three or four
successive times, moving your ball back and forth or up and
down without moving your feet, or any such actions which not
only delay the game but serve to make you more tense than
before. Get into your starting stance, sight at the target
and roll the ball.
8. Don't distract or bother other bowlers.
Before going to the rack for your ball, make
sure that you will not interfere with other players. After
you have selected the ball, be careful not to back into anyone's
path. These are important safety rules as well as good bowling
manners.
9. Be ready to bowl when it is your turn.
Don't carry on long conversations with outsiders
or engage in activities not directly concerned with your bowling.
You owe it to your teammates and your opponents alike to keep
your mind on the game at all times.
10. Confine your remarks to those on the bench.
Do not talk to or attempt to gain the attention
of a bowler already on the approaches.
11. Control your temper - Be a good loser.
By that I don't mean that you should give
up easily, for everyone likes a real competitor. But once
beaten, take your defeat gracefully.
12. Don't give advice unless asked for it.
In short, simply do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.
Bowling
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