Strategic
Plan for the
Development of Bowls
as at February 2009
"Bowls
- A Sport for All"
1.0 Introduction
| 1.1 |
The responsibility to initiate, manage and bring
about change within the sport at national, regional and local
level is incumbent on the National Authorities. Our task,
therefore, is to encourage, influence, prompt and promote
necessary change.
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| 1.2 |
At this time there are 52 Full Member National
Authorities in 46 Member Nations, all properly constituted
and associated directly with World Bowls. There are some 23
countries that are presently examining the possibility of
introducing bowls as a recognized sport and affiliating to
World Bowls.
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| 1.3 |
All Member National Authorities need a programme
to raise the profile of the sport so that it is well known,
respected and recognised by the general public and government
authorities.
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| 1.4 |
Different criteria are to be applied by the various
National Authorities in the development of the sport. Most of
the National Authorities are required to embark upon a very
basic program for the general public to simply become aware
that such a sport actually exists |
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| 1.5 |
We must recognize the fact that the image of
bowls is not a very positive one. Too much opinion sees bowls
as a sport for older people rather than for all ages as can
be readily promoted by the television coverage of the sport. |
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| 1.6 |
We all have a common goal, namely, to get more
people to play the sport and to increase the retention rate
of players. In considering the development of our sport we must
look, inter alia, to: (i) awareness of the sport among the general
public; (ii) image of the sport; (iii) access and approach to
the "masses" in general, and to certain bodies in the community
in particular; (iv) introducing the youth; (v) maintaining existing
membership; (vi) making the sport more attractive; and (vii)
emphasizing the sporting, quality, leisure and social aspects
of the game. |
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| 1.7 |
If circumstances warrant it, World Bowls will
consider positively a request to send its "experts" to assist
National Authorities in their development |
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1.8
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Our core objectives, therefore, are to: (i) to increase the
participation rates of the sport on all levels; (ii) increase
the retention rate of players within the sport at all levels'
(iii) to change the image of the sport through marketing it
in all its ramifications as a vibrant, dynamic and exciting
leisure activity for all people; (iv) to make it easy for
new participants to establish contact, develop a relationship
and enjoy quality experiences within the sport; and, (v) to
develop a "communicating" plan.
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| 1.9 |
Since our initial Development Plan
introduced last year very many National Authorities have established
extensive development plans. |
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2.0 World Bowls Development Committee
("Team - Together Everyone Achieves More")
| 2.1 |
World Bowls recognises the importance of the
development of the sport of bowls in all the National Authorities
and to this end a Development Team has been created. The National
Authorities are now divided into five various areas, with a
particular individual Team member responsible for the National
Authorities under his/her domain. They appear at the foot of
this paper. |
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| 2.2 |
During 2005 and early 2006 World Bowls conducted very successful
"Workshop Conferences" for the development of the
sport at which 95% of all National Authorities participated.
If circumstances warrant, it is our intention to hold these
Conferences every two years.
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| 2.3 |
Any inquiries or communications relating to development
should be addressed to the relative Team representative with
a copy to the World Bowls Director responsible for the development
and to Gary Smith, Chief Executive of World Bowls. Their particulars
appear at the foot of this document. |
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| 2.4 |
A questionnaire was sent to all National Authorities and
the information gained therefrom proved most significant on
the development, or lack of development, embarked upon by
the National Authorities. A further updated questionnaire
will follow.
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3.0 Amalgamation
| 3.1 |
Most of the National Authorities have merged
their men's and ladies' separate bodies. We welcome the fact
that this matter is presently receiving the attention of many
more National Authorities. |
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| 3.2 |
We see the amalgamation of the men's and ladies'
sections of a National Authority as essential for the successful
development of the sport and we will continue to urge those
"separate" bodies to give this matter their urgent and serious
attention. We have experts in World Bowls who are ready to assist
in bringing this about. |
4.0 Ideas for Development
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It is fully recognised that different
principles and practical considerations apply in the different
National Authorities and in their clubs. The following are some
of the ideas presented to us and that we have created that may
assist National Authorities in their development process: |
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| 4.1 |
Awareness of the Sport:
This is perhaps the very start of bowls development and cannot
be too strongly emphasized. If the general public are not even
aware of the very existence of the sport, its development is
well nigh impossible. |
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| 4.2 |
Making the game more "attractive"
to play and to watch: What is meant here is more "enjoyable"
for the "grass roots" players" as most games of bowls are played
on a sociable level. Are 18 full heads absolutely necessary?
Perhaps sets? "Re-spotting the jack rather than have dead ends
re-playable? etc. The over strict attitude of some players to
other players in a game requires review. Relax and enjoy! |
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| 4.3 |
Attracting and absorbing new
members: Each Club in the National Authorities may have
its own policy relating to attracting new members, their coaching
and their absorption into the bowling fraternity. The following
examples may be useful: (i) a well advertised "open day" with
the local international or other "stars" in attendance; (ii)
coaching; (iii) engaging in a "buddy system concept", namely,
whereby every existing member introduces a new member and each
new member is "adopted" by an existing member until that new
member has been fully integrated into the sport; (iv) full or
part exemption from membership fees for a limited time; and
(v) arranging of competitions for novices. |
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| 4.4 |
Retention of members:
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of development.
Again each Club may have its own system of dealing with this
matter. Members must feel that they are wanted. Some Clubs adopt
a "telephone chain" system to ensure that every member is aware
of all the activities of the Club. Many Clubs today have their
members recorded with Email addresses and the activities of
the Club and of the National Authority are regularly reported.
A member absent from the Club for a prolonged period must be
contacted. Social activities are important in order to promote
and maintain a friendly atmosphere. |
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| 4.5 |
Dress Code: Too strict
a dress code for those introduced to the sport and for those
playing strictly "social" bowls may prove somewhat negative.
Clearly, once a certain level and club representation has been
achieved the uniform requirements become more formal and standardised.
Club shirts - even in colour - should be explored with sponsorship
emblems etc. |
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| 4.6 |
Public and media relations:
It is acknowledged that in very many of the countries, the sport
of bowls is either not known to the press and if known, hardly
recognized as a "serious" sport. National Authorities should
make every effort to change this attitude as there is no doubt
that public and media relations can contribute substantially
to the awareness and image. |
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| 4.7 |
International competitions
and relations: National Authorities are encouraged to
invite others to visit their country. The presence of international
visitors will contribute greatly to all aspects of awareness
and image as well as to the "seriousness" of the sport. Local
players will have the exciting opportunity of playing against
the visiting internationals with all that follows. |
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| 4.8 |
Local competitions:
National Authorities are encouraged to organise, promote and,
at national and local level, run competitions for all appropriate
groups and levels of competitiveness. |
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| 4.9 |
Marketing: The introduction
of "short mat" bowls at shopping malls and schools. |
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| 4.10 |
Sponsorship and commercial
revenue base: Clearly a must, but very difficult to
achieve by most National Authorities where the sport has little
commercial exposure. |
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| 4.11 |
Non Traditional Bowls Markets:
National Authorities are encouraged to investigate further growth
opportunities from non traditional bowls markets. |
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| 4.12 |
Operational Plan for the Development
of the Sport at Club Level: This Plan also appears on
the World Bowls Internet Website and, in addition to the matters
stated above, provides excellent material and ideas for the
development of the sport at Club level. |
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4.13
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Advantages of Affiliation: Many National Authorities
are faced with the fact that there are a great number of individuals
who play the sport on a regular basis but have no interest
to become a member of a Club. They call themselves "social
bowlers". There are even clubs that are reluctant in
being affiliated to its respective Division and/or National
Authority. We have prepared a short paper on the "Advantages
of Affiliation" that can be found on the Development
Section of the World Bowls Internet Site.
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5.0 Effective Administration
| 5.1 |
The sport of bowls is in the main administered
by dedicated volunteers. This notwithstanding, we must strive
to improve, support, and enhance the quality, efficiency, and
accountability of administration at all levels, and in this
regard National Authorities should provide, or assist in creating,
a comprehensive service for Clubs and their members. We must
work together with the National Authorities and the Clubs and
their group of volunteers in order to develop the latter's skill
and competency. |
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| 5.2 |
A network of "expert" administrators world wide
should be established and their knowledge and systems pooled
among all National Authorities. |
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| 5.3 |
World Bowls has developed a document encompassing
all the necessary information that should be included in any
constitution to conform to the regulations of World Bowls. This
document is available on request. |
6.0 Coaching
| 6.1 |
Every player in all sports and levels wants to
improve. Human nature tells us that. Accordingly, coaching at
all levels must be supported and developed. |
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| 6.2 |
Information has been gathered from many National
Authorities as to the matter of coaching in all its ramifications
including the qualification process and ongoing study of coaching
methods. |
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| 6.3 |
A "blueprint" should be created and distributed
among National Authorities. |
7.0 Newsletter/Website
| 7.1 |
Newsletter
It is intended to publish a simple Newsletter on the World Bowls
Website with information arising from the activities of World
Bowls and from the National Authorities. This will deal, inter
alia, with the various aspects of development and the progress
reached. |
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| 7.2 |
National Authorities will be encouraged
to make regular contributions to the Newsletter. We would welcome
contributions from clubs and players from all parts of the world
who have excelled in various aspects of our sport and not necessarily
only in World Bowls and like "mega" competitions. |
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| 7.3 |
Sponsors will be sought in the form
of advertising. |
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| 7.4 |
Website
Special templates will be created for use on the current World
Bowls website. These will include, inter alia, information on
the Development Committee and its activities, coaching, officiating,
marketing and the "happenings" in the National Authorities and
in the regions and clubs under their control. This material
will be reviewed and expanded on an ongoing basis. |
8.0 Bowls Materials/Resources
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The Development Committee will compile a list
of quality resources (pamphlets, videos, books, etc.) held by
bowls organisations around the world and will guide enquiries
to the relevant source. |
9.0 Youth
| 9.1 |
The introduction in 2005 of the indoor event for Under-25's
has proved a springboard for participation of young people
in our sport. It is an essential component to meet the IOC
requirements and a most valuable tool in the development of
the sport.
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| 9.2 |
The English Governing Bodies have created a most
exciting and challenging plan entitled "English Bowls Youth
Development Scheme".
This document is a "must" for all National Authorities who are
encouraged to contact the English Bowling Association to obtain
a copy.
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| 9.3 |
A National Conference was held recently in London by the
Central Council of Physical Recreation. The Conference wholeheartedly
supported youth sport in all its ramifications. The first
school games will take place in Glasgow with the aim to progress
such an event to School Olympic Status. Other countries can
follow suit and the sport of bowls can play an important role
in these youth activities.
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10.0 Presence of World Bowls Officials
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We sincerely care that each of the National Authorities
should succeed in its development and accordingly: (i) the presence
of a Director of World Bowls in the host country at each and
every international competition under the auspices of World
Bowls (and where possible, other international competitions
sanctioned by World Bowls) would be most helpful; and (ii) a
visit to the "newer" National Authorities by a World Bowls Director
would prove most positive. |
11.0 "Team World Bowls"
| 11.1 |
Nothing has proved more stimulating in the development
of the sport than the visit to a National Authority by world
class players including playing against the "locals". |
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| 11.2 |
"Team World Bowls" will also include
experts in coaching and administrative matters. Subject to our
finances so permitting, we intend to commence these visits at
an early date. |
12.0 Sponsors
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World Bowls will make every endeavor to encourage
financial and other support for development from manufacturers
and bodies "involved" in the sport of bowls. |
13.0 Budget and Development Assistance
Fund
| 13.1 |
It will readily be appreciated that the amount
available and allocated by World Bowls for development will
not allow the immediate implementation of all the matters detailed
in this Strategic Plan. Accordingly, a three year budget will
be prepared by the Development Committee, due regard being had
to the priorities. |
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| 13.2 |
The budget will include provision for a fund
to assist National Authorities in development and an application
form is available from Gary Smith, Chief Executive, on request.
It should be clarified that World Bowls are "partners" with
National Authorities in development and the National Authorities
are also expected to make a contribution. The funding will be
effected pursuant to the funding allocation policy and process
in force from time to time. |
CONTACT DETAILS
Gary Smith. Chief Executive
World Bowls
Email: worldbowls@btconnect .com
Europe - Barry Fleming
Fax:
Email: [email protected]
This area includes the current
member National Authorities in Cyprus, England, Guernsey, Ireland,
Isle of Man, Israel, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland,
Spain and Wales.
Africa - Debra Ferguson
Fax: +27 (0)11 463-3895 Email:
[email protected]
This area includes the current
member National Authorities in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia,
South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabw
The Americas - Margaret Fettes
Fax: +1 780 466 8399 Email:
[email protected]
This area includes the current
National Authorities in Argentina, Brazil, Canada and USA.
Asia - Stephanie Chung, Vincent
Cheung,
Fax: +852 2577 5621 Email:
[email protected]
Please ensure all communications are clearly marked "for the
attention of Vincent Cheung"
This area includes the current
member National Authorities in Brunei, China, Hong Kong China, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Middle East - Roy McCune
Email: [email protected]
Pacific - Tony Sherwill
Fax: +61 3 9819 0955 Email:
[email protected]
This includes the current member
National Authorities in Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand,
Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands.
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