by Melissa Gilbert

Created on: August 24, 2009

Bowling can be a fun game for everyone. I have seen my share of accidents and I have had some close calls. I have actually fallen at least once while trying to bowl. Sometimes near the foul like because of other bowlers it can be sticky or slippery. If it is sticky, then it is usually because someone walked into soda pop without realizing it. The other one could be from water or because the previous bowler put something on their shoes. Both can be a source of a safety hazard.

The other safety hazard has to do with the ball return. This is the one that really does freak me out a bit. I have been around bowling so I know what I am doing. As a kid, I had learned the hazards that come around the ball return. I know to be very careful when bowling. Never poke your head in the return as a ball could hurt you. If the ball is stuck in there, don't try to force it out. You could really seriously hurt your hand. If a ball is stuck, always get the bowling attendant to help you. Sometimes they may just shut something down to get it safely and then turn everything back up. Also never pick up your ball with the fingers in your ball. We all do from time to time not thinking that you could hurt yourself especially when another ball comes through the ball return.

Another thing, bowl with shoes that fit you. If you bowl with a shoe that is too big, you could sprain or hurt your foot more. Bowl with a bowling ball that is the right weight for you. If you bowl with something to heavy, you could really hurt your muscles. Bowling with a ball that is to light is not good as you can fling it down the alley and it could go places you may not expect. Don't throw the bowling ball down the gutter just to get the bowling pin out of the way. Ask an attendant to take care of it. You could harm you bowling ball. Don't throw the balling ball when the gate goes down. You can harm your ball that way to. Once in a while, I have seen the gate go down after I have thrown the ball and there is nothing you can do when that happens.

Follow proper bowling etiquette is also helpful. Don't eat or drink on the approach area. Bowling is supposed to have fun, but you also have to remember to stay safe and follow the rules of the bowling alley. They are there for a reason. If you are having a problem, get help. That is what the employees at the bowling alley are there for. Most of all, you are supposed to have fun when bowling.

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