The uninitiated – namely, weekend bowlers – don’t always realize that even though bowling is fun and loud, there are still rules that need to be followed. Courtesy in the bowling alley is less about being loud and having a good time, and more about your safety and the safety of other bowlers around you.
If you’re not someone who bowls regularly in league or tournament play, you may not realize the effect you have on the bowlers around you.
Running Up and Down the Lanes
There are several reasons that running up and down the lanes is dangerous. Running onto another bowler’s approach or even walking into their seating area puts everyone at risk of collision and could wind up hurting you as well as bowlers around you.
It is also dangerous to walk or run out on the bowling lanes. Bowling lanes are oiled in order to condition the wood surface and to make a bowling ball roll easier. Running out there is dangerous and a distraction, not to mention against the rules of all bowling alleys.
If you have problems with your lanes or need to retrieve an errant bowling ball, ask someone at the front desk for assistance. And don't continue bowling until the assistant walks off the lanes.
Photography in a Bowling Alley
Many times when weekend bowlers head out to the bowling alley they take their camera to capture the fun. While it is all well and good to take pictures of your bowling escapades, keep in mind the effect your flash may have on others and the bowling lanes.
Shoot the camera in the wrong direction and the flash may temporarily blind an unsuspecting bowling. It’s not only rude, but it could be dangerous. In addition, in some bowling alleys the pinsetter is light sensitive. Throw the bowling ball down the lane and when it passes a certain point, it trips a beam that tells the pinsetter to re-rack. Your flash may inadvertently have the same effect.
Using House Bowling Balls
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 if you ask. Otherwise, you'll find racks of house bowling balls behind the lanes.
Sometimes when weekend bowlers go in search of the perfect house ball, they wander onto a lane that is already occupied by someone else. Other weekend bowlers might not mind. However, league bowlers bring their own bowling equipment. And if you wander onto their lanes and start messing with their personal equipment, it could get ugly. If you need assistance choosing a bowling ball, ask the employees at the front desk. That's why they work there.
Yes, bowling is all about having fun. However, you can have fun and still be considerate of those around you. For more information on bowling and bowling courtesy, check out “ Proper Etiquette for the Sport of Bowling ” and “What New Bowlers Need to Learn about Bowling.”
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
Join the Conversation