AN INTRODUCTION TO BOWLING AT JED BC
INTRODUCTION
When you first come to a Club or organisation there are always things you want to know and it’s the same when you first start playing bowls.
Often new bowlers may be apprehensive, fearing that they are not good enough or that they may let the team down, and that they may upset more experienced players.
We have all been new bowlers at some stage and remember what it was like when we first started and how grateful we were to members who helped and encouraged us.
The purpose of this section is to provide you with some information about the Club; how to start playing; and what bowling activities are open to you.
We think that our Club has a lot to offer, and after playing bowls and socialising with other Club members, we are sure you’ll feel the same way.
We have five different kinds of membership to suit everyone.
Details of current membership fees are available on the separate Memberships and Fees page.
Full Membership
This entitles you to bowl all the year round, enter leagues, competitions etc, and play in matches, all home or away, you may use the facilities of the Club at any time and have full voting rights in any club AGMs or EGMs
New Player Membership (1st year only)
Gives the member the same privileges as a full member but with half price fees to help them set up with equipment costs
Regional Membership
This entitles someone from out with the TD postcode to join with full membership benefits and play whenever they visit the area
Social Membership
Social Membership entitles members to use the facilities of the Clubhouse at any time and VERY limited green play. (social nights etc).
Junior Membership
Members must be under 18 before the date of the clubs Agm ( Mid March) and allows the member to use the clubs on and off green facilities excepts for areas designated by the clubs alcohol licence operating plan.
We also have a dedicated Child and welfare protection officer in place.
Members Guests
Members guests are allowed to play but green fees are in place and must be paid before entering the green
When can I visit the Club to bowl or use the facilities?
The Season starts in mid April and ends mid September, when you pay your membership you are entitled to a clubhouse key (small fee applies) This means that unless the green keeper or fixture card dictates otherwise the green will be open for play and you can gain entry to the clubhouse to access your locker and equipment.
No extra fees are charges for normal play but club competitions and league games do have various small charges,
The Green is available providing it is not closed for maintenance or a specific tournament is scheduled to be played ie. league matches.
The green is divided up in to equally proportioned sections of play called 'rinks' these are numbered and the green keeper will advice which rink has to be played on and in what order so that the green is evenly played on. this will be clearly notified on the wall outside the changing rooms. It is worth noting that the green keeper may declare individual rinks unplayable this will be notified by the numbers (rink markers) on the green being turned off. No play is permitted on this rink if that is the case.
Certain rinks can be pre-booked in advanced for ties in the rink booking form which is to be found on the bar. this is to be checked before play.
The Lounge is always available but the bar will have dedicated operating hours. Tea and Coffee facilities are available and operate with an honesty box.
I am new to bowling – can I get any help learning how to play?
Yes, of course – the members will be delighted to show you the basics, contact the club or pop in and we can arrange some practice sessions. We also have a few official Bowls Scotland coaches within the club that will arrange for you to have free lessons. Free sessions to non members can also be arranged with no obligation to join.
Do I need to wear anything special?
This varies depending on what you are doing.
While being coached or having a fun game we only ask that you to wear sensible clothing for the occasion, Flat shoes/ trainers are required for new players but the appropriate bowling shoes should be purchased once you take the game up. A club member will be able to point you in the right direction to buy equipment,
The official club dress for both men and women is Club top, provided through the club (fees apply), and black trousers
Official club dress will only be required if you are representing the club, ie, playing in leagues or inter club competitions , against other clubs or if you qualify for finals day. Open competitions and free play does not require club dress. white waterproofs are also a must for those rainy days.
Club Tops, Jackets ,shoes and bags can all be sourced through the club or online, just ask a member for advice.
OK, I would like to play – how do I book a rink?
Members of the Club only need to book a rink if they have arranged to play a tie (championships etc) Rinks are not required to be booked for friendly (known as bounce) games.
If you do require to book a rink , this can be done by filling the in the form which can be found next to the bar dictating the rink no required, the name of the people playing and time the game is due to start.
THIS IS ALL WELL AND GOOD, BUT I DON'T OWN ANY BOWLS!
That’s ok, now that you have decided to give it a try and start playing do not need to purchase any bowls without first trying different sizes and models. The Club has a stock that you can try and see what suits you, and please feel free to ask advice from our coaches or experienced members.
WHAT FOOTWEAR DO I NEED?
As the green is a delicate surface we do require that all members wear specifically designed bowling shoes. The club does have a stock of old shoes that can be borrowed or if there is nothing that fits we advise just wearing flat soled trainers to start with.
DO I NEED ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT ?
As a beginner the only equipment you need are the bowls and shoes that the club can provide. As you progress there is a large array of other equipment you can invest in. These can include, A Bag with bowls carrier, Measures, Spray Chalk, Hand warmers, Drying cloths and gripping gels. although most of these can be borrowed from members in the short term.
IS THERE ANYWHERE TO KEEP MY EQUIPMENT AT THE CLUB?
Yes - the club has both Ladies and Gents locker rooms and a locker will be allocated for you to store your equipment. (There is a small returnable deposit for your key).
There is a lot for you to choose from but it depends on how involved you want to get. As you gain experience and your confidence grows you may wish to become more involved. There are various options available to you.
Club Casual Sessions – or ‘Bounce Games’
You can play on any vacant rink for what we call a ‘Bounce match’, which is a casual practice session. You can do this on your own or with a group of other members, up to a maximum of eight people per rink. We also run organised ‘Hat nights’ on specified evenings where you turn up at a stated time and you name goes into a draw to see who you may be playing with and in what position in the team. This gives you the chance to play with new people and try out in different positions within the game. Open to all abilities
INTERNAL COMPETITIONS
These are split into two categories.
1. One Day Competitions
These competitions are in many different formats ranging from the amount of players in each team to the amount of bowls each player gets to play per end. These competitions are advertised on the notice boards and fixture cards and are open to all members. They are designed to be played under relaxed conditions. You enter by placing your name on the designated sheet on the notice boards. Trophies are played for.
2. Seasonal Competitions
These are the main titles that can be won that are played throughout the whole season such as the Club Singles and pairs championships. They are played under different formats and drawn out of the hat at the start of the season. They are open to all and are a usually more competitive than the one day contests. Matches are arranged between players as they appear on the draw.
Open Tournaments Away from Home
As a member of the club this entitles you to play away from home at other clubs open tournaments. You enter these by contacting that club direct and putting your name down.
Friendly Inter Club Matches
These are games organised between two clubs and are usually open to all. These are a great way to meet new friends and play and practice under league formats but under no pressure. You put your name on the designated sheets on the notice boards for Selection.
Inter-Club Leagues
The local clubs all play in weekly league matches both home and away. This is a great way to meet new friends and sample some other greens at other clubs. The Ladies, Gents and Seniors (over 60s) all have separate leagues played on different days and nights. These are usually played under friendly conditions but are very competitive. Selection for the teams is made made the relevant club selectors
Inter District Club Competitions
These competitions include qualification for the Bowls Scotland National Championships and the Border Championships. These are highly competitive games of different formats. Entries to these events are chosen by the club selectors
Regional Leagues
This gives the more accomplished players the chance to represent the District. You can earn selection for this in a number of ways. By playing well in the inter club league, the club may put your name forward, you can also put your own name forward or a District selector may approach you. Playing at this level may lead you to a National trial and or Call up.
HOW DO I GET SELECTED.
Club competitions can be entered by placing your name on the appropriate sheets on the notice boards. For some competitions you may need to find a partner/s. Simply ask any member if they would like to play likewise a member may approach you.
The team game and representative game selections are decided by the club selectors.
Jedburgh Bowling club elects a team of Selectors at the AGM, 3 for the Gents, 3 for the Ladies and 3 for the Seniors.
The club has a policy that if you are a fully paid up member of the club this makes you instantly available for Club selection. It is not an opt IN policy but rather an opt OUT policy.
Oh - I Haven't been picked - does this mean I'm not good enough?
No, absolutely not! Don't be disappointed if you don't make the team or get left out. Keep practicing and entering competitions and the selectors will take note.
Lots! The Club is a friendly and welcoming place to spend an evening with friends or to use to pop in for a coffee and biscuit during the day.
Car Park
We have a car park for members to use when visiting the Club. with a separate parking bay for blue badge holders
Kitchen
The Kitchen is open on days when we have all day tournaments on and supplies a variety of different meals and snacks. It is staffed by member volunteers.
Bar
We have a well stocked bar that has draught and bottled beers as well as a wide range of other soft and alcoholic drinks, all at very competitive prices. The bar is staffed by club volunteers and has specific opening hours
What else does the Club offer apart from actually playing? What other social activities do you offer?
Throughout the year we organise various social events. Fun days, BBQs, live music evenings, Scots nights , Gin tasting and themed nights etc take place. The lounge is also available to hire for small parties, wakes, and Dinners.
Weekly Lottery Draw
The club run a weekly lottery draw at a cost of £1 per ticket. Pick 3 numbers between 1 and 21 and every Monday evening at 7pm the committee will make the draw. A minimum cash sum can be won outright or shared each week. when the prize pot reaches £1000 we keep drawing the names un till a winner/s is found. Tickets for for this can be bought at the bar or by contacting any club member.
POSITIVES
● Show consideration and respect to other bowlers, as you would expect them to do to you.
● Keep quiet and still when players are on the mat. Stand well behind when your opponent is on the mat.
● Walk close to the centre of the rink when changing ends to avoid distracting the adjoining rinks, and consult at the head and not halfway down the rink.
● Be ready to play when it’s your turn.
● When an end is completed and you are at the mat end, assist with the collection of the bowls.
● Accept your skip’s instructions as to the hand he/she wishes you to bowl, unless they give you the option.
● Be a good loser; don’t blame others on the rink.
● Shake hands with your opponent before and after the game.
● Remember that possession of the rink belongs to your opponent when your bowl has come to rest and you should either be behind the mat or the head.
● Stand well clear of the head – not in it.
● If you decide to fire/running bowl, warn those at the head.
NEGATIVES
● Do not walk across other players’ rinks – enter and leave the green from your rink.
● Do not drop your bowls – place them on the rink.
● Do not deliver your bowl before the previous bowl has come to rest.
● Do not cheer or applaud lucky or unlucky bowls – accept them graciously.
● Do not complain about your opponent’s lucky bowls – you will have your fair share throughout the season.
● Do not waste time – if the result of the end is in doubt then measure.
● Never be heard to criticise the green, or your opponent.
● Watch your language - Expletives can happen but we ask members to respect others around them and refrain from using bad language …
● Food and Beverages are allowed outside the Clubhouse and NEXT to the green. They are not permitted to leave the club grounds or on to be consumed when on the playing surface.
● When walking past ongoing games it is considered good practice not walk behind/in front of the bowler who is standing on the mat preparing to bowl at either end of the hall.
● It is always expected that any Championship singles match has a marker in so offering to mark a tie should always take precedent over playing a bounce game.
