USBC Beginner Bowler Etiquette

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 1/2/14; Updated: 5/8/21

Simple, common sense etiquette when learning to bowl goes a long way to helping you and others bowling near you enjoy our great game.
The Rules and governing body for the sport of bowling, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), sets forth the following simple etiquette guidelines which are easy to follow and demonstrate sensible courtesies when you are on the lanes.
Here are points of etiquette put forth in the USBC Rulebook to help make your bowling
experience more pleasurable:
1. Be ready to bowl when the pins are set, but wait until the pinsetting machine has completed its cycle and the sweepbar is raised to make your delivery. Throwing a ball before the machine is ready may damage the ball or equipment.
2. Observe one-lane courtesy. The bowler on the right should bowl if both reach the approach at the same time. Stay off the approach while you wait.
3. Taking too long to aim or get set up when you are on the approach delays the game.
4. Try to remain in your approach area while delivering the ball.
5. Step off the approach once you have delivered the ball.
6. Good bowling requires concentration. Have fun, but keep in mind excessive movement or noise could be distracting when others are up to bowl.
7. Excessive “lofting” hurts your game and damages the lane. Get permission to use another player’s ball.
8. Refrain from using abusive language or obscene gestures.
9. Play the game to win, but be a gracious loser. Good sportsmanship is always the key to a
successful game.

10. Wet shoes are a safety hazard. Watch where you are walking.
Since everyone wishes to have fun while bowling, following these simple guidelines to good etiquette on the lanes is something we must all keep in mind.
If you are learning to bowl, simply inquire at the bowling center control desk if you are unclear about bowling courtesy or about the rules of the game. Knowing the rules is an important part of learning the game.