LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN MEAN A LOT IN BOWLS

The first duty of every member is to learn the basic rules of the game, and the club has several coaches who will be only too pleased to help.

In addition to the rules there are a number of do's and dont's which help to uphold the standards within the club. They are all common sense but..........?

For instance there is a dress code i.e. smart casual when using the clubs facilities whilst for those actually bowling the following rules apply.

Men will generally wear grey trousers with white shirts and jumpers etc. and probably a club tie. For afternoon matches and competition Finals day men wear all white. Ties may only be removed with the permission of the Captain of the day.

Ladies normally wear grey skirts, trousers or colottes with white above the waist for afternoon, weekend and league matches they wear all whites.

HATS-white only-SHOES. Only approved bowling shoes are permitted.

But always check the team lists as dress may be changed for some matches.

Do put your name on the match availability lists and so provide the Captain with a wide choice of players from which to pick a team.

Do give your Captain as much notice as possible if, for any reason , you have to withdraw from a match after being selected. Be punctual for all games. It is usual to arrive at the club at least twenty minutes before a game.

Help to set out, and bring in, all the equipment e.g. Mats, Jacks and Scoring Boards etc before and after a game.

Your Bowls should carry club stickers to assist identification during a game.

Do be ready to bowl when it's your turn but otherwise stand well behind the mat until it is your turn to bowl. Keep conversation quiet whilst the end is in progress. Noise is likely to distract other players and does nothing to help your concentration either.

Do not walk or move about behind the head when a player is on the mat preparing to bowl and in any case remember to stand well away from the jack especially if wearing white shoes and so avoid confusing the actual position of the jack itself.

Don't question your skip's instructions but recognise that he / she is at the head and has a completely different view from that which you will have from the mat.

If you are a three don't offer unnecessary advice to your skip when he / she is on the mat. A good skip will ask for advice if it is needed, for instance if the head has changed or perhaps it is thought their may be danger in playing the shot he / she has in mind.

Don't criticise other bowlers for their standard of bowling, you will have off days too.

At the end of a game always shake hands with your opponents first and then with your own colleagues. Do have the courtesy to offer your opposite number a drink after the game and stay for a decent interval afterwards. If you do have to make an early departure please make your excuses to your opponants and to your captain.

If you have any queries or complaints don't just grumble about it to others, but consult an officer of the club.

REMEMBER the coaches are always available if you feel your bowling could be improved with a little guidance.

                                   RINK DUTIES ON THE GREEN

The leads toss for the jack (if nescessary)

The number two sees that all the names are entered on the score card enter the score at each end. Home games-keep the scoreboard up to date.

The number three when each end is completed agree with your opposite number the total counting shots. measuring if necessary.

The three of the losing side of an end should remove the scoring bowls and place them in a group e.g. on a bowling cloth, to avoid confusion. Notify the skip of the score and also tell the number two so that it is entered on the scorecard.

The skip controls the play of his / her team and gives appropriate advice as to what is required from the player on the mat. any dispute is resolved in joint decision with the opposing skip. In the event of a difference of opinion - call for an umpire.

When an end is completed and the score is resolved all the players except obviously the skip and the lead who is placing the mat ready for the next end, should assist in taking all the bowls back beyond the mat.

ENJOY YOUR BOWLS!

                                          LIST OF CLUB COACHES

Trefor Jones, John Leigh, Paul Heath, Alan Burnhope, Alan Boyd, Jean Higgins