Proper Etiquette for the Sport of Bowling
Four House Rules Most Recreational Bowlers Don’t Know
Aug 19, 2009
For the average person who bowls only occasionally it might come as a surprise to know that there are some guidelines regarding proper bowling etiquette. Now this doesn’t mean that recreational bowlers can’t have fun and enjoy a good time with their friends; however, it is important to remember that there are people who bowl for more than just an excuse to drink a beer and whoop it up on the weekend.
With that in mind, weekend bowlers might want to keep these four house rules in mind next time they decide to put on a pair of rented shoes and pick up a glow-in-the-dark bowling ball.
Finding the Proper Bowling Ball
This is one of those things that many recreational bowlers never consider: what bowling ball should they choose and how do they find the right one?
Bowing alleys provide a wide range of bowling balls that weigh anywhere from 8 to 16 pounds, though lighter balls for children are available behind the front desk. Just ask.
Bowling balls are generally shelved in plain sight and distinguished by a sign (look overhead) indicating how much they weigh. Because house balls are pre-drilled, the difficulty usually is in finding one at the right weight that will fit without sticking or sliding off the bowler’s hand.
Since the average league or pro bowler tends to throw a heavier bowling ball, weekend bowlers would be wise to start lighter and work their way up. However, keep in mind if the ball is too light (say, eight pounds) there may be a tendency to fling the ball high because it is too light.
Food and Drink on the Bowling Lanes
Most recreational bowlers are just out to have a good time and that includes eating and drinking while they bowl. It’s important to keep in mind that food and drink spilled on the floor can get on the bottom of bowling shoes and be tracked all around including onto the approach. When this happens, it becomes dangerous to bowlers.
The bottom of bowling shoes are meant to slide and wet or oily spots on the bottom can diminish their ability to do so and wind up causing the bowler to fall. That’s why it is important to keep food out of the main bowling area. Plus liquids spilled on the console can damage the computer which operates the scoring equipment.
Beware of Bowling Malfunctions
Weekend bowlers who are goofing around or not paying attention have been known to toss a bowling ball just as the arm (called a sweep) has come down on the back end (or deck) of the bowling lane. When this happens, the bowling ball may slam into the sweep and bounce back onto the lane.
Bowlers should NEVER step onto the bowling lane. Bowling lanes are oiled regularly to condition the wood and to aid in the movement of the bowling balls. When anyone – even the bowling mechanic – steps on a lane, they risk contaminating the surface with dirt as well as getting oil on their shoes. Remember what oil can do to the bottom of bowling shoes?
Recreational bowlers who need help with scoring or retrieving an errant bowling ball should contact someone who works at the bowling alley for assistance.
Courtesy to Other Bowlers
Bowling alleys are not libraries. They are loud because of the equipment used and the bowlers who enjoy the sport. However, when bowlers joke around, push and shove each other, or play in groups on the approach, it affects bowlers around them. And horseplay can become dangerous.
There is a one-lane courtesy rule in every bowling house. This means that when a bowler is on the approach ready to throw a ball, the approach for the lanes on his immediate left and right should be empty. There are several important reasons for this.
First, it allows the bowler to focus on his shot and not be distracted by bowlers on either side of him. Second, a bowling ball can become a weapon in the wrong (or even the right) hands. Surprise someone who is about to throw their bowling ball and that ball may just land on someone’s unsuspecting toes. Finally, there isn’t a lot of room on the approach. And having two bowlers side by side may result in a collision.
Bowling is a great sport and a wonderful family activity. And it’s even better when bowlers know the proper bowling etiquette.
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