Norfolk Bowls Association Player Code of Conduct April 2026
Charter
Bowls is a sport that thrives on its traditions of fairness, respect, and camaraderie. It should be played not only in accordance with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, but also in the spirit of the game and the values of Bowls England: Collaborative, Adaptable, Responsible and Encouraging (CARE).
The responsibility for upholding these values lies with everyone involved – players, team managers, officials, volunteers, coaches and supporters.
This Code of Conduct reflects the County’s commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone – on and off the green.
These guidelines were agreed by our Executive Board and are designed to support a thriving community where everyone feels valued and inspired.
This Code of Conduct is specific to players participating in all events under the jurisdiction of Norfolk Bowls Association.
Purpose of the Code
This Code of Conduct is issued by Norfolk Bowls Association in order to ensure:
a) Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, umpires and spectators at all times – winning graciously and accepting that defeat is a necessary part of sport. b) Do not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on race, gender, religion, sexual identity or other personal attributes. c) Refrain from directing any words, signs or gestures towards opponents or officials that are understood in any language to have an obscene or offensive meaning. d) Accept decisions made by umpires, tournament officials and/or County officials with grace, refraining from arguing or showing dissent. e) Play with a spirit of fairness, avoiding unsporting behaviour such as cheating, intentional rule-breaking or non-participation in subsequent rounds of an event without good reason.
a) Be conversant with, and comply with, the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls and all Norfolk Bowls Association rules and regulations relating to events under the jurisdiction of Norfolk Bowls Association. b) Adhere to Bowls England Betting Integrity Guidance. c) Adhere to Bowls England Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy. d) Adhere to the Anti-Doping policies as set by UK Anti-Doping. e) Do not drink alcohol on the green or within two metres of the green, nor render yourself unfit to play in a match through alcohol misuse. f) Do not smoke (including e-cigarettes/vapes) on the green, surrounding banks or within two metres of any other player or spectator. g) Do not use mobile phones on the green (except in case of emergency, pre-declared medical reasons or other approved exceptional circumstance). h) Avoid engaging in any activities that may bring the sport into disrepute. i) Players must not seek or receive coaching during play except as permitted under the current Laws of the Sport of Bowls.
a) Represent your team and sport with pride, ensuring your actions reflect positively on yourself and others. b) Take responsibility for your actions on and off the green. c) Report any suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour or safeguarding concerns promptly.
a) Use social media responsibly ensuring posts and comments reflect the values of our sport – collaborative, adaptable, responsible and encouraging. b) Do not make inflammatory, offensive, or unverified statements online or in public forums. c) Players may make public comments or communicate with the media (including web-based and all social media e.g. Facebook, X) in relation to their personal performance provided that they do not make or endorse any public statement that has or may have a negative effect on the interests of World Bowls, Bowls England and Norfolk Bowls Association, other players, opponents or the sport of Bowls.
a) Violations of this code of conduct may result in immediate disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to suspensions, fines, or expulsion from an individual competition/event/the sport. b) By entering a competition or accepting a selection to play notice, you accept this code of conduct and the authority of Norfolk Bowls Association in addressing breaches of conduct.
