Report into the European Region Lawn Bowls Seminar held over the weekend of Friday 29th April 2016 – Sunday 1st May 2016 at the Lorne Hotel, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.
Attendees: Ten of the regional countries were represented at the seminar. They were accompanied by representatives from:-
The European Bowls Union
Welsh Bowls Federation
British Isles Bowls Council
Bowls Development Alliance
Bowls International
Thomas Taylor Bowls
Aero Bowls
Hunter Johnstone
Organising Committee and attendees from WB:
Andy Ewens, European Regional Director and seminar facilitator
John Bell, President World Bowls
Gary Smith, CEO World Bowls
Roger Black, WB administrator
This report is supported by the presentations given by each of the speakers during the seminar. The presentations come in two formats – written Microsoft Word documents or Powerpoint presentations. All documents and presentations can be downloaded from the World Bowls website and permission has been obtained from all authors to utilise their information as required.
During Friday 29th April delegates attended at the hotel for registration and an evening dinner hosted by World Bowls
Saturday 30th April:
Opening of seminar:
The delegates were divided up into five equal tables with a balance of MNA size, experience and involvement in the sport.
Andy Ewens opened the seminar. Having covered domestic and housekeeping issues, he explained the programme and format of the weekend, introduced all delegates and asked that all present played a full and cooperative part in discussions and debate. He then handed onto:
John Bell - President World Bowls
Presentation available from WB website
John started by thanking everybody that had attended the seminar explaining that the initiative to host the seminar was an important part of the World Bowls Board’s Development Strategy which has been formulated to redress the problem and barriers that are hindering the wellbeing and development of our sport worldwide. The President believed that an event like this was long overdue. The fact that it had attracted the best and most influential minds, and positions, in European Bowls clearly shows that it was a very positive step forward and created a platform for the sharing of ideas and learning from all present on what we could do to effectively develop our sport across Europe and indeed the world.
There was encouragement to all delegates to actively participate in an open and honest environment for the benefit of all.
Exercise Delivery - All delegates were asked in their tables to identify their expectation of the seminar and what they both personally and organisationally wanted and expected to achieve. This was recorded on flipcharts and posted on the walls of the seminar room (appendix a).
Day one morning
The morning session was dedicated to the image, promotion and marketing of the Sport of Lawn Bowls. Sadly, due to illness Mel Evans MBE who provided the live streaming coverage of the Atlantic championships held in Cyprus during December 2015 was not able to attend. Referral was made to the most poignant of his slides, especially the astounding viewing figures both during and following the event.
A very thought provoking session that discussed issues such as the use of the media, written, interactive and social media all evidenced what could be achieved by anybody – but there had to be a commitment to produce results and all processes had to be treated as “live” as old news is no news. If we are to brand and promote our sport, it has to be lively, appealing and interesting.
Presentations on the WB website are from:
Jay Johnstone and Clare Leonard from Hunter Johnstone Marketing Solutions
Tom Hamilton – Bowls Scotland, Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication
Sian Honnor - Editor of Bowls International
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Mel Evans MBE.
Day one afternoon:
The afternoon session was split into two halves concentrating on events and coaching.
Events were opened by looking at the profile of our sport in staging International events, competitive bowls for the “less well established nations” through the European Bowls Union and an open tournament (Dutch Open)
All three presentations were delivered “from the heart” and concentrated the mind on what there was in the bowling world, what support MNA’s were providing to help stage and develop events across the region, the difficulties that could and indeed would be encountered and the ongoing work to provide competitive bowls throughout the region.
Gary Smith’s presentation is available through the WB website.
Eddie Williams and Tom Keenan (EBU) along with Corrie Windle (Organiser of Dutch Open) provided speeches from documents that are not available
The later part of the afternoon received evidence of the fantastic work that has been undertaken by Bowls Scotland in the development of Bowls Coaching at grass roots and High Performance levels. Colin Hutchison identified the work that had been taken since an audit of coaching within Scotland before he came into office. It became very transparent from his presentation that the issues experienced by Scotland several years before were replicated across the region.
Tony Allcock MBE (Bowls England) supported Colin’s presentation by telling the delegates that he had recently gone through the Level 1 coaching programme in England. He had coached bowls for many years. Undertaking the structured programme with the support provided had evidenced to him the value of what was happening in Scotland and indeed England.
Rhona Howie MBE supported Colin’s work and that of Bowls Scotland by then delivering a presentation on High performance coaching, asking what High performance meant to the delegates and then clearly identified the processes that had been applied within her own programme in Scotland. All delegates were very grateful to Colin and Rhona for sharing their knowledge, skills and experience and some of their trade secrets. It was a fine way to conclude the formal section of day one.
During the evening Bowls Scotland hosted an evening meal and visit to the nearby St Vincent’s Bowls Club who provided excellent hospitality and for some a first visit to their magnificent trophy room.
Presentations on the WB website are from:
Colin Hutchison – Bowls Scotland National Development Manager
Rhona Howie MBE – Bowls Scotland High Performance Manager
Day two morning
The day started with a review of the presentations and issues raised during the previous day, comparing the expectations listed at the start of the seminar and the progress so far.
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Ellen Falkner started day two by describing her personal thoughts on how a Bowls club could be managed, how initiatives for recruitment could be made, how to portray a club within a community and a superbly managed section of live play that highlighted two different ways to capture the interest of a person new to the sport when they cross the threshold to a club.
It was a recurring theme throughout the whole weekend that the image, warmth and commitment of clubs and their members to really promoting our sport as an interesting and welcoming activity was a message we all had to take away.
Who looks at and captures the skills and experience of members away from the bowling green? Have you got accountants, teachers, caterers, publicans etc. etc. amongst your members all of whom could bring their experience and feel more welcome than two or three members being the willing volunteers every time!
Paul Humphreys from The Bowls Development Alliance, a body within England that has been supported by Sport England, Bowls England and the English Indoor Bowls Association for all kinds of Bowls across the country, Flat Green, Crown Green, Para, Short Mat – you name it they do it. They have a programme similar to that used in Scotland as described by Colin Hutchison the day before.
Providing new initiatives, coaching standards, publicity material, avenues of funding, sport partnership hot spots across the country have all provided a real impetus into recruitment across all age groups and abilities.
Evidence presented to the meeting identified real progress in the recruitment and retention of new personnel into the sport.
To conclude this first session, Alistair Hollis identified what Bowls England were doing from their HQ to create effective relationships with counties, clubs and members. Their strategic intentions include the increase in participation in outdoor flat green lawn bowls, support of counties and clubs and the provision of leadership and direction.
Advice, campaigns, communication, participation, support, funding were all matters that Bowls England has provided to their members to support the sport.
The latter part of the morning was started by Gary Smith who introduced a written paper on the importance of creating a solid foundation for development.
Drawing upon many years experience it was reiterated that any country seeking support from WB needed to be able to evidence a strong administrative foundation to achieve effective progression. World Bowls cannot and will not support initiatives on a whim and without evidence of commitment and ability from requesting countries.
The right people with the right skills in the right positions was a good start, the ability to support coaching and officiating initiatives and the opportunity to “train the trainers” and then allow WB to withdraw whilst still supporting MNA initiatives was essential.
The presentation gave a lot of advice and warnings about getting the foundations right stating that authorities should not attempt to “run before they walk” a problem that has been evidenced in places throughout the world over time.
The morning concluded with a real “start from scratch” story and followed the introduction of the sport of Lawn Bowls in the Lyon and Ardeche regions of France. The Fédération Française de Lawn Bowls is the culmination of years of hard work by a group of French volunteers who have a passion and drive to establish our sport in France in partnership with
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the Bowls Sports League, a vision that combines the sport of Bowls, Petanque, Raffa Volo and Boules Lyonnaise.
There is a total belief that Bowls is more than a sport – it is a way of life and has “social chic”. The applause and response given to the presenter and Chairman of FFLB Mr Patrick Duvarry who delivered in perfect English and his French colleagues was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Presentations on the WB website are from: -
Ellen Falkner – former sports development officer, CEO Aero Bowls UK
Paul Humphreys – Development Manager, Bowls Development Alliance
Alistair Hollis – Operational Service manager, Bowls England
Gary Smith – CEO World Bowls
Patrick Duvarry – Chairman FFLB
Day two afternoon
If the previous session had captivated the audience, the first delivery of the afternoon mirrored the effect and brought back memories from virtually all of the audience.
Ozkan Akar from Bowls Turkey gave a factual and humorous account of his move from Martial Arts sports to becoming a recognised bowler on the world stage.
Starting from flicking through Eurosport channels and seeing Lawn Bowls played for the first time, experiencing cultural and recognition difficulties in his own country, throughout the European and across the World Bowls stage, Ozkan’s experiences were all too familiar with things we had all seen yet perhaps done nothing about to allow others to learn from our experiences.
The culmination of Ozkan’s travel through bowls development has to be the remarkable achievement of a rink of ladies from Turkey who, through his coaching and guidance, have successfully qualified and earned the right to play at the World Championships in New Zealand in late 2016.
The final presentation of the weekend came from Andy Ewens who drew upon considerable experience as one of the leading umpires in the world. He identified to the audience the work of the WB Laws committee, dispelling some of the myths about the “North / South” divide and gave a plea for the MNA’s and other bodies present to make use of and support the officials that give their time freely to ensure that the sport runs freely.
At the World Junior Championships held in Australia during March 2016, Andy was given permission to speak with the Australian squad on their perception and understanding of the umpiring and marking role. Their feedback, along with that of their National Coach Steve Glasson was reproduced verbatim within the presentation.
Presentations on the WB website are from: -
Ozkan Akar – Bowls Turkey
Andy Ewens – WB Laws Committee / Regional Director (Europe)
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Following a short break Andy Ewens provided a brief summary of the seminar, once again looking at the expectations flip charts and drawing feedback from the audience. It was stated that the presentations would be circulated to all delegates
(NB. Following the seminar it has become too big a task to circulate all of the presentations especially with the size of some. It has been decided that all presentations will be available through the WB website.)
Closing remarks:
In thanking all of those involved with the first ever World Bowls development seminar President John Bell highlighted the exceptional quality of the presentations given to the seminar. He was in no doubt they contained a huge range of advice, information, and initiatives which could be applied to the individual situations of all the attendees’ national associations. It was of paramount importance however that the thinking, learning and application did not stop at the end of the seminar. Action is the watchword if we are to arrest the decline in memberships and raise the profile of our sport. He also outlined some of the other initiatives undertaken by World Bowls in recent months, including assistance for India, France, Samoa, Niue, Fiji and the Cook Islands, the application for IOC recognition, along with the development of the new website. He reminded those present that this had been done on the back of a secure but limited financial platform, which emphasises the need for our global bowls community to work together and cooperate with each other to achieve maximum benefit. He concluded by reaffirming that the World Bowls Board is determined to be proactive in addressing and resolving the problems and barriers that are preventing our sport from developing. Its organisation of this successful seminar bears strong testament to that aspiration.
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EUROPEAN DEVELOMENT SEMINAR: GLASGOW April 30th/ May 1st
On behalf of WB it is my pleasure to formally welcome you to our very first European Development Seminar, which I hope will provide both an enjoyable and enlightening experience for us all.
I would also like to take this opportunity to provide you with a very brief background into how this weekend’s event was conceived.
Before our current Board first sat down to determine its priorities for action it sensibly resolved to undertake a worldwide survey of all its bowling nations to determine what is TRUE condition our sport world wide. It soon became evident that the vast majority of nations desperately needed help to create and improve many aspects of their bowling infrastructures, things that are taken for granted by our larger members.
Add to this that very little positive action had been undertaken to assist the development of the new and emerging bowling nations ALONG with the global lack of profile of our sport
SO on MY PRESIDENTIAL WATCH WE at WORLD BOWLS were determined to take positive action to address these problems. At the forefront of this action was the production of our DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – unashamedly aimed at our smaller and emerging nations – (AND UPGRADING of our WEB SITE)
Focusing on providing effective and practical assistance for
COACHING,and OFFICIATING COMPETENCE, ADMINISTRATIVE and OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES AVAILABILITY and QUALITY of BOWLS EQUIPMENT IMAGE MARKETING and COMMUNICATION
Early successes include dedicated assistance packages for Fiji, Samoa and Nuie, India and assistance for France in setting up their new Federation. Planning is underway to form an Oceania Bowling Association and realign the African bowling nations with the African Sports Federation to give all their bowling nations a higher profile in their sports region.
This seminar is very much part of our DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY . Originally aimed at the EUROPEAN emerging and developing countries then the more we discussed it the more we felt the issues involved affected everyone. whilst WB not technically directly responsible eg for recruitment and some of domestic events WB is responsible for the overall well being of our sport and as such we think it only right and appropriate that we bring as many European bowling nations as possible together so they may contribute their views, experience and maybe together we come up this weekend with some ideas and proposals or create constructive partnerships which can give our sport a major boost in some way or another. It is my belief that an event like this is long overdue there are some of the best and most influential minds and positions in European bowls here to contribute. This then gives us a unique opportunity to examine in detail many key issues which have a major impact on the wellbeing and future development of our sport Everyone can and should contribute to the weekend and benefit from it.
I expect the presentations to be informative, but searching and provocative as well Image/Promotion What sort of image does our sport have - our world wide survey suggests it is not a strong image - why - Do we help ourselves - our survey research suggests not. We by and large run our sport but we don’t market it. Profile is clearly linked to sponsorship/advertising income – no exposure no major income What can we do - How can we improve our image/ profile We have Much to discuss
Events - need to examine in detail how events can best promote our sport. No doubt top events act as shop window for our sport AND give something for every country's best bowlers to strive to compete in. No world events - no world profile for the sport. BUT we need as many nations as possible to participate or their effect is weakened.
Equally cannot just run events because we have always run them. Must serve a purpose to benefit the needs of each MNA.This is an opportunity to look at the events we have both domestically and internationally and assess how they can best serve everyone's interests It is an Opportunity to look at the north South divide - how can northern hemisphere compete with the cash rich clubs of Oz and NZ when bidding for events. Is it time to consider a joint bid Or is there no will to bid. Now is your chance to give your views.
Other key factors which are fundamental to the well being and development of our sport –, clubs and their crucial role in breathing life into our game, infrastructure and administration, officiating and coaching and performance – are all here for scrutiny and discussion
OUR Discussion groups should ensure everybody has their chance to comment and influence the feedback on all the topics SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO I hope you all can go away wiser and indeed refreshed by your experience.
Bowls has not the best of records for wanting or liking change but if we are to move Forward We Are Badly In Need Of Enthusiasm Not Scepticism, Innovation Not Indifference And Cooperation Not Parochialism. This event gives all of us the opportunity to create a new framework for both thinking about the way we do things, and how to take effective and positive action to benefit us all.
I thank you all again for attending –WB is proud to be staging this event – no one can say we don’t care or are doing nothing – this seminar is the first of its kind in our sport and the outcomes will hopefully assist in improving its overall well being. I sincerely hope you enjoy the proceedings. Thank you.
John Bell President World Bowls Image of Bowls A Presentation to European Bowls Development Seminar
30th April 2016 Hunter Johnstone Marketing
Jay Johnstone Claire Leonard Managing Partner Director Creative Director Hunter Johnstone Marketing
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Our Observations
In the desktop research we undertook and in discussions with the World Bowls Board, we identified that there was -
· inconsistency in the messages and amount of promotion of the sport in the UK
· a lack of knowledge and understanding of the sport to those who had never been exposed to it
· a tremendous opportunity to develop and promote the sport in Europe to both new recruits but also to existing players World Bowls Objectives
‘World Bowls Development Strategy; Addressing the global needs for improvement of image, marketing and communications.’
Who are we talking to? What do we want them to do? Why should they do it? World Bowls objectives
Who are we talking to? Bowling orginisations globally.
What do we want them to do? Utilise the resources provided by World Bowls to engage with bowls clubs, in order to engage with club members and potential players.
Why should they do it Consolidate and grow the sport. How will this be delivered
World Bowls Website Marketing & Advertising Tools You Tube Digital Communications Social Media Website Website
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30th April 2016 Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Tom Hamilton: Director of Marketing Branding & Communications Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology What is Modern Technology……………..? Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Modern Technology hasn’t significantly changed in 100 years relative to Bowls Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Can Modern Technology help develop a sustainable & viable sport for next 100 years Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology What is Modern Technology……………..?
INTERFACE DEVICES USER APPLICATIONS OR “APPS” • Computers • Digital Online “Publication” • Laptops • Email, DM, Messenger or Skype • Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIN • Android Phones • Instagram or Snapchat • I Phones and I Pads • “You Tube” Video Channels • X Box and Playstations • Website’s and Live Streams • SMART TV’s • Blogs • Satellite and Cable • I Tunes • Wi Fi Enabled Cameras • Periscope Live Feed’S • Apple Watch • Bespoke User Interface Apps Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Who are the “people”, engaging which “audience” and what is the “message” In the last 7 days ….. Try Bowls Recruitment Campaign Greenkeeping Seminars STV Trick Shot Challenge Appeal Under 25 Regional Academies Scottish Super Series Competition Club Opening Day #Bowlfies Open Ranking Competitions Introduction to Bowls Coach Award Senior Ladies and Gents BIBC Trials World Bowls #EDS2016 Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Who are the “people”, engaging your “audience” and what is the “message” Is bowls an EMERGING or REGRESSING sport in your country = THE CHALLENGE
• General Public – Raising the profile of the sport and create a positive sport brand image • Potential or “Future” Bowlers – Increasing participation, membership & creating a sustainable future • Existing Bowlers – Communication, getting information “out there”, competitions, good news & hard facts • Member Clubs – Support at grassroots level, new initiatives and modernising practice • Club Volunteers – Creating volunteer development opportunities including skills and training in all areas • Regional Academy & Development Squad – Promote the development pathway & nurture emerging talent • High Performance – Supporting our athletes and celebrating World Class performances with public engagement • NGO’s & Government Stakeholders – Promoting the sport’s profile & awareness at a national/international level • Sponsorship & Media – Investment in Bowls, maximise potential “media” coverage ……CHANGE THE PICTURE Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Who are the “people”, engaging your “audience” and what is the “message” Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Who are the “people”, engaging your “audience” and what is the “message” Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Who are the “people”, engaging your “audience” and what is the “message” Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Create Unique “Engagement” Opportunities – The #Bowlfie Campaign • Launched in 2014 • Uses the Twitter App • Interactive Twitter Q&A • #Bowlfie concept • 2014 CWG Campaign • Player Participation • Radio 5 Coverage • #Bowlfie Campaign • Featured at 2014 Venue • Winner from Japan Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology #Bowlfie @BowlsScotland Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology 2 Years on #Bowlfie 2016 – Increased Club Engagement Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Supporting A Development Strategy – The Try Bowls Campaign Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Supporting A Development Strategy – The Try Bowls Campaign Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Supporting A Development Strategy – The Try Bowls Campaign Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Increased Online Presence Creates Wider #TryBowls Opportunities Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Supporting A Development Strategy – The Try Bowls Campaign Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Bowls Scotland: The Facts and The Figures
• Over 2,600 followers on Twitter • 964,150 views of Results Web Page • Over 8,700 “Tweets” since 2012 • 42,718 viewers over 163,771 sessions • 5,210 “Followers” on Facebook • 24.95% being new sessions • 82% access via mobile devices • 697,617 views of Home Web Page • Over 370,000 Views in 2015 • 89,562 viewers over 283,791 sessions • Over 9,000 Facebook “Likes” in 2015 • 30% being new visitors to Website • 12,346 people reached in last 7 days • 38 Videos on our “You Tube” Channel • 32,600 reaches in previous 2 weeks • Nationals Live Stream Recordings • 27,658 engagements previous 2 weeks • Over 114 000 Stream Views since 2014 Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology Theory in Practice - #EBDS2016 Getting People To Engage with Bowls: Capitalising on Modern Technology The End ……….. or is it the beginning?
This is Jack. Jack is 7 years of age. Jack has been playing bowls for 3 years. #TryBowls #BowlsRevolution #GetUpOffYourGrass European Development Seminar-Glasgow 30 April/1 May 2016
Events-The showcase of our sport
Presenter-Gary Smith, World Bowls Chief Executive & Tournament Director World Bowls Events
As has been said this morning one of the first things the current board resolved to do when they were appointed in 2014 was to survey all of our Member National Authorities. You have already heard what the results revealed in terms of image and marketing of the sport, in these areas the results were generally very negative evidencing that much more needed to be done to raise the image and profile and improve the marketing of our sport across the worldwide bowling community.
The survey also highlighted the importance of world/international events to our members and of course your members.
World/International events are not only vital to showcase our sport but also to meet the aspirations of our most talented individual members.
World Bowls events are vital for the World Bowls brand and raising the profile of our brand.
I am lucky enough to have had a long and, I would like to think, very successful international career and I well remember the first time I received a call to advise me I had been selected to represent my country, England at that time of course, in the Home International Series. The thrill it gave me, my family, my club is a feeling that has stayed with you for life and I am sure the same applies to some of our colleagues in this room. As my international career blossomed I was lucky enough to win World and Commonwealth medals and to play with and against the best players in the world, some sat in this very room.
We are lucky enough to have with us at the seminar Rhona Howie MBE, who reached the pinnacle of achievement in another sport, an Olympic Curling Gold Medal. I certainly remember watching her final stone when I was glued to the TV late into the night. Never was there a more graphic example of showcasing a sport and raising the profile of the sport of curling in the eyes of the world.
The opportunity to play in world and international events throughout the world, in different environment, playing conditions and on different playing surfaces certainly made me a more complete and rounded bowls player.
As an under 25 selector in my own county and with an increasingly popular juniors section in my own club, I now pass on to the next generation of bowlers that enthusiasm and love of the game and highlight the increased opportunities that now present themselves for our young bowlers to represent their country in world and international events like Commonwealth Youth Games and our own World Junior Championships.
At this point, it needs to be said that the lack of representation at our World Junior Championships especially from some of our larger members is not only disappointing but results in many adverse comments from other nations, host authorities and host clubs. We question how any effective player development pathway can exclude the ultimate aspiration for our youth players to represent and hopefully win medals for their country at world level.
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We all appreciate that financial considerations greatly affect the ability of some national authorities to send representatives to all World Bowls and other World Bowls sanctioned international events but all I can say is that does not apply to all our members and we at World Bowls consider that representation at ALL World Bowls events needs to come up the priority ladder. As we have quite clearly demonstrated improving the image and marketing of our sport is the major priority. Events showcase the sport, they send a message to broadcasters, media, sponsors, funding agencies and indeed all stakeholders. What message does it send about our sport when major bowling nations are missing from a world event or indeed as we are currently experiencing when countries who qualified for the World Championships withdraw from disciplines for which they qualified. If our members cannot value and support their own World Championships what message does that send?
Late withdrawals from any of our events cause major issues and headaches and are a major concern. They are unacceptable except in extreme cases.
We obviously appreciate the financial situation faced by many of our members but all I can say as a Club Chairman is that my club would raise the money to send one of our youngsters to a world event if they were ever selected and I know most parents would move heaven and earth to raise money to support their children if selected. Let’s not deny any opportunities presented to send representatives to these events.
This takes me on nicely to some very positive news regarding International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition for our sport. World Bowls was required to wait until IOC completed a review of their recognition criteria, which they completed in December 2015. Having received those criteria a couple of months ago we have now formally started the process to apply for IOC recognition. The next step is to complete and and submit our IOC Recognition Application file. Here is the 40 page questionnaire that I need to complete and submit to IOC with a host of documents by 31 August 2016. The IOC will then consider our application at their IOC Executive Board meeting 6-8 December 2016. If we are successful in becoming recognised it obviously does not necessarily mean that bowls will be on the Olympic Games Playing Programme in the near future but we know for a fact that such recognition will bring benefits to many of our Member National Authorities opening up avenues for funding.
However, I would say that one of the criteria our application will be judged on is whether we run events for youth so just another important reason for supporting our World Junior Championships which you will be interested to learn that we have resolved to rename as the World Youth Championships. It has been highlighted that this was required not only to aid marketing of the event but also to align with IOC and Commonwealth Games terminology.
Sticking with positive news. Lawn Bowls (including Para Lawn Bowls) will remain a core sport on the Commonwealth Games sports programme in each Games up to and including 2030. I can tell you that World Bowls has an excellent relationship with the Commonwealth Games Federation fostered very much by our Technical Delegate Kerry Clark OBE and myself. We are in a very good place as a sport within the Commonwealth Games movement, we are very highly rated. There was no doubt that the Glasgow Games further enhanced that image and the profile of many players.
I was in New Zealand recently and requested to make a speech to Howick club members. It was interesting to note that the biggest round of applause I received was when I repeated an increasingly common view that if an experienced, older player is still motivated and committed, fit and playing well enough age should not be a barrier to international selection. That reaction reflects the vibes I have picked up over a period of time in my World Bowls role that I consider worth passing on to you
2 for your own considerations when it comes to player pathways/player development. That is the feeling amongst many players that whilst youth development, identification of youth talent are vital for the future health of the sport it is not the be all and end all and care is required not to over promote players of a younger age and alienate or even write off experienced, committed and still capable players just because of their older age.
I hear too often for my liking ‘they are only interested in the youngsters’ Whether it be true or not, it is not something any of us can afford to hear especially if we want to attract those retiring from other sports but still keen to compete at the highest levels they may attain nor do we want to drive our better older players away from the game because they can’t see the point anymore if their continued commitment and ongoing successes are not being recognised.
It is not only the World Junior Championships where lack of representation from some of our larger nations causes adverse comment and raised eyebrows.
One of the questions we are often asked is ‘why are all the events in the southern hemisphere’
Frankly, the answer is simple, in recent years those countries are the only ones who bid to host them. The lack of hosting bids from European countries in particular is an issue of great concern to World Bowls and we consider that this must be addressed by the major European national authorities so that they take their take their turn. It cannot always be somebody else’s role to host events that you need to participate in. Is it too much to ask that say once every twenty years, if not longer, a major nation with all the required facilities hosts their World Championships? In some cases should joint bids be considered where say all the home countries contribute to the World Championships being hosted in one of those countries? Surely you would actually save money with a local hosting.
Think positively, not negatively, think about what hosting a world event could do to raise the profile of the sport and promote the sport and bring legacy benefits for the future health of the sport in your country or countries..
Don’t simply throw away requests for expressions of interest to host events in the ‘too hard basket’
Of course it takes commitment and organisation to host events but that comes firstly by actually positively desiring to host events and World Bowls needs you desire to host these events.
I would conclude by saying as Tournament Director for World Bowls events that I am very proud of our record of delivering well organised, smooth running events, providing an instant results service on our website, and the excellent relationships we have with host organising authorities and venues. We continue to enhance those events with live-streaming where it can be done to a good standard of broadcast and where financially viable.
It is time for Europe to come to the party for the sport we all love and utilise the opportunities to host World Bowls events to raise the profile of our sport.
Thank you, I trust that you have found this presentation thought provoking and I am sure we can count on you all to provide positive feedback.
Gary Smith
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Chief Executive & Tournament Director of World Bowls Events.
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LIVEBOWLS tv
WORLD BOWLS EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
GLASGOW – 30th APRIL 2016
MEL EVANS MBE and LYNN PRITCHATT AGENDA o Aims of the session o Live Streaming – The Beginning o Product Development o Globegig TV Live Streaming & Webcasting o Marketing Opportunities/Sponsors o World Bowls Atlantic Championships o LIVEBOWLS tv o Future Live Streaming Opportunities AIMS OF SESSION o To demonstrate the benefits of Live Streaming o To identify ways of marketing the sport to a world wide audience o To demonstrate how live streaming can enhance the enjoyment and participation in the sport of Bowls o To showcase the successful World Bowls Atlantic Championships LIVE STREAMING – THE BEGINNING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT o B.C.G.B.A engagement o Partnership formed with Globegig TV Live Streaming and Webcasting PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT o Growth of BCGBA productions o 2010 – 700 viewers o 2011 – 4,123 viewers o 2012 – 11,892 viewers o 2013 – 18,257 viewers o 2014 – 25,183 viewers o 2015 – 39,102 viewers o Re-surgence of Crown Green Bowls on terrestrial television PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT o Website development o www.globegig.com/crowngreen o Sponsorship opportunities o DVD manufacturing ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS o Format of the successful live streaming o Statistics – 95 hours of live streaming o Live viewing figures:- o Circa 100,000 viewers o 12,298 hours viewed (equivalent of 512 days viewing) o Live streaming attracted viewers in 145 countries ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS o Atlantic Championships repeat viewing statistics to date:- o 10,081 viewers o 1,881 hours viewed (equivalent of 78 days viewing) o Repeat programmes attracted viewers in 113 countries ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS o Social Media o Twitter – Livebowls twitter account attracted 1,025 followers. Over 900 tweets during the championships from around the globe. o Facebook – 2,062 followers LIVEBOWLS tv o LIVEBOWLS tv o Services available o LIVEBOWLS tv have invested in state of the art equipment to provide high quality coverage of bowling events o Instant highlights service available o Future live streaming opportunities LIVEBOWLS tv ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME Laying the foundations to create an effective coaching structure and grow our sport Colin Hutchison – National Development Manager Development Team
“Support and develop Scottish bowling clubs to increase membership in the sport” • National Development Manager • Coach & Volunteer Education Officer • Regional Development Officers x2 • Administration Officer Laying the foundations to create an effective coaching structure and grow our sport 1. Bowls Scotland – background information 2. Laying the foundations for the governing body (coaching focus) • 2010 – the challenges • Coaching in 2011 • Assessing our needs and establishing the facts • The way forward 3. Helping to create the right foundations in our clubs 4. Coaching in 2016 5. What can you learn from our experience so far? 6. Questions Bowls Scotland 859 member clubs 64,000 registered playing members 5 Regions 32 Districts for competition purposes 14 members of staff Key volunteers oBoard oDistrict Secretaries oRegional Development Coordinators oRegional Coaches Laying the foundations for the governing body (coaching focus)
Bowls Scotland 859 clubs 64,000 playing members 5 Regions 32 districts for competition 14 staff Key volunteers
oBoard oDistrict Secretaries oRegional Development Coordinators oRegional Coaches 2010 – The challenges
• Declining membership • Lack of support for clubs from the governing body (leadership) • Lack of investment in the governing body • Limited staffing resource • Resistance to change • Lack of knowledge on the people playing our sport • Outdated coaching qualifications • Limited knowledge of coaching activity in the sport • Lack of control over the delivery of coach education Coaching in 2011 – key questions
• How important is coaching to growing our sport? • Why is it important? • What impact is it having on our sport currently? • Who are these people and what do they do? • How is coaching perceived by clubs and their members? • Can we better educate and support these key volunteers to help secure the future of the sport? Coaching Audit Why? oWhat are the facts? oMaking informed decisions oBring partners on board oHelp others see the need for progression External consultant appointed What the coaching audit told us? • 1170 qualified coaches that are “actively” coaching • 65% of clubs identified active coaches in their clubs • Total number of coaching hours being delivered = 50,000 • 75% of coaches are over 60 years old • 74% are retired or not seeking work • Practice is predominantly directed to teaching of beginners • 98% are motivated to coach to help their clubs • 50% of those delaying a further qualification were doing so because there was no incentive or requirement • 86% have never undertaken any continuous professional development The way forward Maintain an active register of coaches Implement a Coaching Action Plan Establish a Coaching Development Group Introduce a new coaching qualification structure Establish a high quality coach education team Create a Continuous Professional Development programme Identify deployment opportunities for coaches Helping to create the right foundations in our clubs • Good governance o Compliance o Direction o Leadership • Who will be responsible for coach education and recruitment? • Trained coaches with the appropriate level of qualification • Implementing structured coaching and social bowls programmes • Understanding their existing members • Actively promote their clubs and identify opportunities to recruit new members • Providing a positive experience for all • Consider the product they are offering and who it is targeted at Coaching in 2016
• Introduction to Bowls Coaching Award • Pathway for coaches – coach qualification structure • Making our coaches great • Deployment opportunities o Try Bowls o Regional Academies o High Performance • Has the culture of coaching changed? Revolutionising coaching in our clubs http://factoryeleven.com/ @factoryeleven
PETER GRAY [email protected] 07764 612 261 What can you learn from our experience?
You are probably hearing from the minority Gather the facts and get to know your clubs – make sure your decisions are informed Remove obstacles Get the right people around the table and link with key partners Accountability – who will lead Take your time to get it right Invest in your coaches Qualifications don’t create great coaches Qualified coach educators Never stop progressing – what’s next? Coaching is critical to growing membership Enjoy it! Lead from the front – be the governing body! • Coach and volunteer education • Try Bowls • Bowlsparc • Club services • Competition & events Make it all about the clubs! Colin Hutchison – National Development Manager [email protected]; 0783 445 1651 HIGH PERFORMANCE Rhona Howie High Performance Manager Bowls Scotland Performance Programme
• Why?
• To prepare players to perform under pressure on the World Stage
• Performance Pathway
• Culture Change
Physical
• Physically fit • A singles player who has 2 games a day - 4km a day and 168 lunges Pre Match Warm Up
Reduce Performance Decrement Promote Performance
Prevent Injuries
The goal is to promote peak performance from the first end, eliminate performance drop-off over match duration, and promote consistent performance throughout tournament Mental State “People say I have a great talent, but in my opinion excellence has nothing to do with talent. It is about what you choose to believe and how determined you are to get there. The mind is more powerful than anything else”
Michael Phelps. 2009 Mentally Fit
• Mentally Strong-control the controllable • Binning bad shots/performance • Team Dynamics
Practice
• Technical Tactical Sport • Repetitive Drills • Adaptable in all positions Training
• Creating a challenging environment • Responding to setback • Provide feedback • Providing opportunities for ownership Competition
• Travel • Jet lag • Accommodation • Food • Fluid Snacks • Medicines • Clothing Feedback and Data
• Data Analysis-trends on forehand/backhand • % success rate on different weighted shots • Performance v Time of Day Alcohol
∙ Possible decreased strength output ∙ Dehydration ∙ Reduction in core temperature and impaired thermoregulation (especially in colder conditions)
The picture can't be displayed. ∙ Decreases blood glucose The picture can't be displayed. ∙ Reduced glycogen storage ∙ Impaired muscular repair ∙ Decreased aerobic performance ∙ Reduced function of visual-motor co-ordination ∙ Hypersensitivity to outside stimuli ∙ Weakens pumping force of the heart ∙ Injury rate – drinkers (at least once per week) 54.7%; non-drinkers 23.4% Building a successful Team to Perform under pressure
• Common Goal • Respect Each Other • Roles and Responsibilities • Dealing with Setbacks • Listening to others –constructive feedback • Self Awareness • Skill set of Individuals • Support Practice to Perform What makes a successful club?
Ellen Falkner Club v Team
What’s the difference? A successful club has…. a clearly defined purpose A successful club…. knows and understands its members A successful club… promotes itself effectively A successful club has… …the right people in the right roles A successful club has… … fit for purpose facilities A successful club is… … fair & inclusive A successful club is…. ….financially sustainable What can you do?
• Connect with clubs – find out their needs • Support clubs – legal, advice, guidance • Educate clubs – education and training • Value and reward clubs – funding, awards and recognition • Promote clubs – website, give tools • Consider model of differentiation – focus clubs Recruiting and retaining membership
Paul Humphreys (Development Manager) Bowls Development Alliance Session aims
• Who are the BDA?
• What we do
• Does it work?
• What challenges remain? The BDA – an umbrella organisation The BDA
Susan Cooper Development Director
Paul Humphreys Chris Parkin Amanda Scriven-Purcell Development Business Support Coaching Manager Manager Manager
Brett Crowhurst Jon Hart Casey Robson Development Development Business Support Officer Officer Officer The work of the BDA
• Targets of: • 10,810 new participants aged 55+ • 2,800 new disabled participants aged 16+
• Creation and implementation of Coach Bowls • First nationally recognised coaching system for bowls
• Safeguarding the sport of bowls • Working with all five NGB’s of bowls within England Key delivery achievements since 2013
Achievement Impact (to date)
Internal Gross Participation Increases (55+) 8,805
Internal Gross Disabled Participation Increases (16+) 1,963
Packages awarded (Hot Spot packages ongoing) 733
Affiliated clubs engaged with per unique visit 554
122 across 57 Just Bowl projects delivered organisations Delivery Strands
55+ and Disability Delivery Strands
CSP ‘Hot Spots’ Areas Packages Community
8 CSP Hot Spot areas Focused key club Just Bowl development Impact of Delivery Strands
3,528 new regular participants over the age of 55
1,200 sessions of 861 new regular recruitment activity disabled held to date participants over the age of 16
Delivered through 15 CSP Hot Spots Impact of Delivery Strands
4,338 new regular participants over the age of 55
1,709 sessions of 191 new regular recruitment activity disabled held to date participants over the age of 16
432 Packages completed totalling £127,718 invested directly into clubs Impact of Delivery Strands
869 new regular 122 projects, from participants over 495 new regular 57 organisations, in the age of 55 disabled progress or participants over complete the age of 16
13 bowls clubs providing 61% post-project 137 Just Bowl sustainable project purchase rate Leaders support (up from 25% in Feb ‘15) Impact of Delivery Strands
619 Qualified 1,456 Coaches 489 Coach Bowls Level 1 Qualified members Coaches
130 102 Attended Level 2 Qualified Safeguarding 24 Qualified Tutors Coaches 176 Attended Play Bowls Activator 98 Attended WDB Marketing and Promotion Marketing and Promotion • Play Bowls Road Show o Total run: 81 o Total attendance: 9,867 • DVD’s o Bowl Up & Shine o Play Bowls – aimed at disability bowls participation • Websites: o Play Bowls (www.playbowls.org) o Safeguarding in Bowls (www.safeguardingbowls.org) o Coach Bowls (www.coachbowls.org) o Just Bowl (launch May 2016) • Social Media: o Facebook (www.facebook.com/bowlsdevelopmentalliance) o Twitter (@BowlsDA) Engaged vs Unengaged Clubs
Impact of engaging with the BDA on cumulative club membership
Bowls England Year Engaged Unengaged (247) (2,253) Year 1 1.5% -3%
Year 2 1.48% -2.45% Engaged vs Unengaged Clubs
Impact of engaging with the BDA on cumulative club membership
English Indoor Bowling Association Bowls England Year Engaged Unengaged Engaged Unengaged (74) (220) (247) (2,253) Year 1 -2.19% -2.09% 1.5% -3%
Year 2 1.09% -2.61% 1.48% -2.45%
Year 3 -0.8% -6.83% Affiliation Trends
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Bowls England EIBA What challenges remain? • Developing the right culture
“Culture is everything. It’s what you do, it’s who you are, it’s how you behave, it’s why you succeed and it’s why you fail.
Unless your culture is aligned with what you are trying to achieve, you won’t achieve it. Get the culture right, and you’ll get everything right”
Anonymous What challenges remain? What challenges remain? • Developing the right culture
– Setting the right examples
• What are our priorities?
• What type of conversations are we having?
• What messages are we promoting?
• What plan are we following? What challenges remain? What challenges remain? • Developing the right culture What challenges remain? • Developing the right culture
– Setting the right examples
– Promoting the core values Positive
Resilient Pro-active
Sympathetic Clubs Innovative
Generous Modern Positive
Resilient Pro-active
Sympathetic Clubs Innovative
Generous Modern
What challenges remain? • Developing the right culture
– Setting the right examples
– Promoting the core values
– Taking the lead
European Development Seminar-Creating a solid foundation for development
When I was invited as Chief Executive by the board to provide my input to the World Bowls Development Strategy I drew upon my 15 years of experience as Chief Executive of World Bowls dealing with our members, especially our smaller developing nations, to advise the directors of the need to include assistance in the area of administration. This is a pre-requisite to ensure firstly that any authority seeking development assistance from World Bowls has in place a solid administration foundation including effective communications systems with their own member states/provinces and their sports authorities from which to effectively move forward to develop the sport throughout the nation. They should also have defined a clearly detailed strategic plan and development strategy.
Just as a tree grows tall and strong and remains stable in all conditions because it has good roots the same applies to any bowls organisation.
So what is a solid foundation and in terms of development why is it such a vital requirement?
In simple terms, unless the authority concerned can firstly ensure that it is well structured, with the right people with the required skills in the right places and that it has clear and effective communications systems in place with its members and potential members and has clear priorities then the ability to effectively deliver development initiatives in wider areas of the sport such as coaching, technical official development does not exist. There is no solid, respected leadership platform from which to move forward effectively.
Development initiatives in wider areas of say coaching and technical official development must be designed to furnish the authority with the capabilities to become self-sufficient. In other words our development programmes need to ensure that individuals are trained or up-skilled to be able to be left to deliver effectively what is required on an on-going basis in that nation. We need to provide the training and tools to those who will then be responsible to train others in these areas.
Authorities cannot run before they can walk.
We must provide the fishing rod not simply keep throwing fish when providing development assistance or we will simply be faced with ongoing demands to keep going back to do the same thing year after year with all the financial implications that entails.
That is why the constitution of the authority is so important. For new member applications we receive they must be accompanied by the authority’s constitution, we need to be assured that the terms of the constitution demonstrates effective administration and committee structures.
Myself at World Bowls headquarters and others within our Laws & Constitution Committee have had many years’ experience looking at and indeed writing constitutional documents and indeed assisting new membership applicants to ensure that not only do the terms of their draft constitution meet our requirements but provide the framework to administer their authority effectively in a transparent manner.
How often do our smaller authorities especially review their constitutional documents to ensure they provide or continue to provide the framework for effective administration of their authority?
The presentations this weekend have clearly demonstrated the need and benefits of good, effective communications with your membership be that by newsletter, website or social media.
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Having in place a detailed Strategic Plan and national Development strategy, which are reviewed and updated regularly with clear national targets are vital.
Ensure that you fully engage with not only your members but just as importantly your national sports authorities and potential funding agencies.
In conclusion, I would just like to return to a subject I highlighted in my presentation yesterday on events i.e. forward Planning and indeed financial forecasting. It is evident that in some cases our smaller authorities leave it too late to consider their potential financial requirements to participate, as they would wish and should be aiming and planning to do, in major world and international events. It is no good waiting until the last minute to plan and forecast for say the 2019 Atlantic championships which, wherever they may be held, will be your qualifier for the 2020 World Championships, which we do all already know will be on Gold Coast, Australia. Start planning and forecasting now and start on the basis that you hope to qualify in all disciplines i.e. the worst possible financial scenario. Engage with sports authorities and potential funding agencies and sponsors now. It is never too early to start the process.
We at World Bowls are here to assist you, do not hesitate to call upon our considerable experience and knowledge resources.
Gary Smith
Chief Executive
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PRESENTATION F.F.L.B
Slide 1
Company: French Federation of Lawn Bowls (FFLB – logo)
CAN WE CREATE A FEDERATION FROM SCRATCH … AND DEVELOP IT QUICKLY … ALL OF THIS IN FRANCE?
Glasgow – 29th-30th April and 1st May 2016
Slide 2
Presentation plan
■ Who are we?
■ How did this idea come up?
■ How will we work it out?
■ Why do we believe in it?
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Good morning everybody,
I am Patrick DUVARRY, and as you have probably guessed … I am French. I am here today as I have a real passion for Bowls Sports and I had a very pleasant meeting with the Bowls World managers... I am convinced a wonderful human adventure is ahead of us…
More precisely, I am here to answer the question John Bell asked me:
CAN WE CREATE A FEDERATION FROM SCRATCH … AND DEVELOP IT… QUICKLY … ALL OF THIS … IN France?
All my presentation comes from John Bell’s question.
First I am going to introduce who we are; I will then explain how the idea of creating a Federation of Lawn Bowls came up. Finally, I will tell you how we will work it out and why we believe so strongly in it.
Our presentation is axed on Lawn Bowls… of course You will hear me many times talking about Bowls Sports. Bowls Sports for us are the three main bowls games in the world: The Lawn Bowls The Raffa Volo The French Bowls with Pétanque and Lyonnaise
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1. Who are we?
I am not going to talk about us for hours I would like to introduce us through three angles: The roles of Volunteers in a Federation starting from scratch Our vision of Bowls Sports Our story in Bowls Sports
1.1. What is our vision of volunteering when you create a Federation from scratch?
If you want to develop a sport quickly in France, you must have strong skills in: ‑ Sportive management ‑ Marketing and communication
Follow your scheme; respect the aspirations and values of your sport!
Don’t expect anything from French subsidies… look for private funding!
You must work hard, always for free, and love what you’re doing. And above all never forget to have fun: that’s the priority!
1.2. Our vision of Bowls Sports Bowls Sports are more or less elegant and chic. But we think that Lawn Bowls is especially elegant and social chic. It is more than a sport… it’s a real way of life. On the other hand, this social-chic image rimes perfectly with the French touch, gastronomy and luxury à la Française.
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1.3. What is our story in Bowls Sports?
1.3.1. Who am I? - President of the Fédération Française de Lawn Bowls - President of the club « Pétanque des Canuts », the most titled club in France for the last three years - President of ACIES Consulting Group, a consulting firm in improvement of performance, in research and innovation with a stff of 100 people (for 25 years, 13M€ turn over). - President of PULZ, the only agency specialized in Bowls Sports events. My conviction: Bowls Sports’ international development is only possible with a new attractive and media image.
Pulz created the BSL in 2015. The Bowls Sports League is the first programme schedule dedicated to Bowls Sports. It is a private tour of professional competitions, revolutionary and spectacular. Each event is broadcasted all around the world on TV and web, and our programs are distributed by very famous partners.
Concerning the calendar of the Bowls Sports League: -First competition in 2017: RAFFACUP -Objective by 2020: organising a Bowls Sports CUP, which will be the meeting of the 3 Bowls Sports during a spectacular competition. Let’s meet at the First RaffaCup at the beginning of 2017!
Why do we believe in the Bowls Sports League? In October 2015, we went to Sportel in Monaco (The World Sports Content Media Convention), and we presented the BSL to professionals from all over the world. We had the confirmation there is a place for: - A spectacular TV schedule - Another category of social chic sports - A new image of Bowls sports, and thus attractiveness for sponsors. - A larger public means a larger viewing so more sponsors.
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1.3.2. Who is Bernard CHAMPEY?
– Vice-President of the Federation Française de Lawn Bowls – Leader of the French Federation of Raffa Volo – Member of the managing committee of the International Federation of Raffa Volo – World Champion at 17 in French Bowls Lyonnaise (the first of his 4 Champion titles) – Ambassador of PULZ for two years – Bernard CHAMPEY : Ambassador of BS in the world for more than thirty years He set Bowls Sports fields all over the world, especially in China, but also in San Francisco, Cuba, Louisiane…
■ Bernard’s amazing experience in China
The Chinese say «where Bernard puts his foot down, a field comes out»
Bernard introduced the Raffa Volo in China in 1985, the Lyonnaise in 1998 and the Pétanque
China: the first country for bowls sports: ► The Chinese Ministry gathered the 3 Bowls Sports in one entity ► Today millions of Chinese practice BS. ► Chinese universities have sumptuous boulodromes. ► Today Chinese women are World Champions in Lyonnaise and Raffa Volo…
■ Bernard’s conviction: Lawn Bowls will be the first bowls sport in China!
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2. How did this idea come up?
« Such an adventure always starts by meeting the right people. »
We met John and his team several times during the last 12 months: ► Edinburgh in April 2015 ► Leamington in August 2015 ► Edinburgh in January 2016 ► Monsec (first club of Lawn bowls of Perigord, France) : in March 2016
All of us were touched by the hospitality, the British open-mindedness, and the elegance of Lawn Bowls.
During the first meetings, I immediately noticed: ► How serious and professional the World Bowls is. ► How clear and ambitious their strategy is. ► How wise and endless their advice is. ► How high their competition spirit is.
As a conclusion, it is a real honour for us to represent World Bowls in France. Once again, our main objective is not only to promote Lawn Bowls. For us, Lawn Bowls is more than a sport; it’s a real way of life! Besides, Lawn Bowls matches perfectly with the French Touch.
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3. How will we work it out?
Once again let me ask you the question:
CAN WE CREATE A FEDERATION FROM SCRATCH … AND DEVELOP IT QUICKLY … ALL OF THIS IN France?
To answer this question, we made two statements:
3.1. First statement: let’s be lucid about the French context! We all know France is not a model for its administrative functioning!
The French associative model of Bowls Sports is slowed down: ► Instead of looking for private funds, associations rely on subsidies ► The main income comes from pump rooms. This stops sponsorships and attracts only patronage. ► More than seventy percent of licences’ incomes are used for federal expenses. Do you think it’s normal? I don’t!
My conclusion is: we must invent a new model!
3.2. Second statement: the problematic of our sport image. The goal each sport wishes to reach is simple:
« HAVE A FAIR AND ATTRACTIVE IMAGE OF OUR SPORT AND ITS VALUES TO DEVELOP A WORLDWIDE NOTORIETY »
The main objective is not only to have audience but to have audience AND sponsors. A telegenic, attractive and media image is necessary. A better image attracts new audience, and sponsors on TV and on the web. My conclusion is: we must focus on the image and dedicate our investments to communication! (Between 60 and 90 percent!!!)
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First the statement, now the action:
3.3. How different we are from other sports?
Lawn Bowls and Bowls Sports in general, are not major sports. We don’t have the same budget and we are not really sure of being sports. This is where we are different. Once again, we are not a sport; we are a way of life!
To show our difference, this is our catchphrase/slogan:
« Play Lawn Bowls, share our way of life »
3.4. What is our development model and who for?
(« If you wish to reinvent yourself quickly, don’t try to create but rely on what exists ».)
We need private funding and quick development. This is the reason why we won’t create clubs only dedicated to Lawn Bowls. We will implement in existing establishments in other social chic sports, such as golf, tennis clubs, spa, hotels… Each of them will pay an annual subscription. The FFLB will only certify the clubs following the standards.
What are the advantages for them? - Attracting a new British public - Being visible on the FFLB website - Enlarging their offer by offering their members another sportive and social-chic practice.
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3.5. Invest in priority on communication Most of our budget will be dedicated to communication.
We will create several communication tools: - A website (now in progress) - A brochure - A monthly newsletter - An account in all the main social networks - A launching party with a press conference
4. Why do we believe in it?
4.1. Our assets Our team . Anne-Lise DUVARRY . Elodie DUVARRY . Charlotte MONGIN . Patrick DUVARRY . Patrick LAFAYETTE . Bernard CHAMPEY . Claude PICOLET prestigious headquarters An agreement in principle to build the first Lawn Bowls field in a luxurious guest house in Ardèche) A first sponsor to get communication funds: PULZ ( about15K€)
4.1. An ambitious but realistic schedule?
Concerning our schedule, it’s very simple: JUNE 2016: our website will be put on line (fflb.fr)
We will then launch emailing information and we will communicate to the media to officially launch the FFLB.
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OCTOBER: the commercialisation phase of the offer will start, before a launching party which will take place in our headquarters in Lyon.
DECEMBER We would like to certify 2 to 5 member clubs by the end of 2016. Though, 2 places will be built to play Lawn Bowls in France.
4.2. A climate propitious to success
We are so glad to be in a really harmonious and nice climate with the WorldBowls. Our friendly and professional relationship really makes us want to achieve this goal.
Page 10/10 Andy Ewens Officiating – creating the framework for events to operate successfully
The role of the umpire and WB Laws Committee. Why have an Umpire?
Do you really need us?
What is the game without the official?
95% + can do without us because everybody knows the laws don’t they? How many instances of a "dead" bowl can you list? 1 - bowl in ditch not a toucher, 2 - bowl outside boundary, 3 - bowl less than 14m from mat line 4 – non-toucher rebounds from bank 5 - on a wrong bias passes over the boundary 6 - bowl on original course displaced by own player 7 - bowl declared dead after a warning for foot faulting 8 - bowl declared dead after a warning rink possession How many trial ends can be bowled?
Law 5.1.1 one trial end must be played in each direction
A jack rebounds up the rink of play. What distance must it be from the mat?
Law 19.1.4 -20m measured in a straight line from the centre of the mat Enforce the laws of the sport?
43.2.5 The umpire must make sure that all aspects of play are in line with the Laws of the Sport Volunteers? A person who works for an organization without being paid. (Oxford English Dictionary) Human? Unlike bowlers they have on occasions been known to make mistakes Why not? Development
Cyprus Atlantic Championships Wales ITO qualification England Growth of 12% in last 2 years
All positive for little or no cost
Train the trainers TO’s
ITO’s
WB’s website – www.world bowls.com
Depository of Information – what do you want to see? Worldwide accreditation and qualification? How many of you use your umpires when writing your competition rules?
How many of you use your umpires at your competitions?
What is a competent person? Laws Committee
Southern Hemisphere dominated – Not true
South Africa Australia Scotland Canada England
Chaired by Kerry Clarke New Zealand Consider requests for law clarification or interpretation submitted to World Bowls by MNA’s We will not consider individual concerns
Review laws of the sport every 4 years but have the ability to implement change if and when it is thought necessary
Examples – USA - omit to deliver bowl England - groundsheets WB’s - timing at Atlantic Championships WB’s umpires and Markers training DVD
WB’s website
Support programme through Development Strategy
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Thanks for giving the Aussies a chance to comment on their thoughts re umpires, etc.
Below is some feedback from the group. I have not edited in any way so you will see their thoughts ‘straight form the horses mouth’ so to speak.
1. I think some younger markers as in under say 50s they seem to obviously hear better, quicker moving, know when to enter the head
2. I feel that people are hesitant to call umpires in critical times due to the umpires making mistakes such as moving jacks
3. Sometimes it takes a while for umpires to come and measure or such because they can't hear or aren't readily available (already occupied) so perhaps more at an event. Or having umpires that know the rules (been in some situations where the umpire has no idea on rulings) 4. I personally believe; The elderly love marking and umpiring, some individuals find it hard to play bowls or simply don't want to because they just love a game of social bowls. All individuals make mistakes and sometimes these things can't be prevented. I don't quite understand how the umpiring system works (how to get a qualification) but I think all umpires should be made to renew their certificate so they are up to date with new rulings etc..
5. I'm quite happy calling an umpiring, if a mistake happens so be... But in order to prevent these from happening further training may be required.. Also depending on the event maybe more umpires are required.
6. I reckon with some umpires these days I am more confident measuring myself then getting old umpire come out and make a mistake at crucial time in game
And with that said and seeing you wanted some ‘younger opinions’, I’m guessing you wanted mine too….. Ha ha In brief… string measures should be banned. (Particularly by umpires) Umpires and markers should use more common sense and not get involved if not needed or called upon. Eg. Markers getting in the head to decipher who is shot when a player is ready to play…. It’s infuriating! Markers/umpires need to relax…. Often they are incredibly nervous and make simple errors.
The match is about the players…. Not the officials. The best officials have this philosophy and carry it out extremely well. Players need to have confidence that thhe official are confident and professional….. not nervous or unsure of rules. Often International fixtures such as Com Games have some of the worst officials.
I could go on but that’s just a couple of points. Please note, I don’t tar all officials with the same brush but it’s fantastic when you get a really good one.
I hope it helps and good luck with the forum.