04-13-2008, 11:06 AM
Before I offer an opinion on how to make the sport more accessible I'd like to give a bit of history:
I'm 28 years old and decided to start playing bowls at the end of last year. Partly because a knee injury has prevented me from continuing with rugby and partly because, well, what the hell, why not? I was really surprised to discover what a fun sport it is. It holds quite a niche in that it can easily be enjoyed on both a casual level, with friends and beers, and a highly competitive level such as league and internal competitions.
My first experience of bowls wasn't that great, though. I didn't know where to begin or who to approach in order to take part. I picked up a set of woods from a Cash Converters shop for a paltry R50 and began looking for somewhere I could get a lesson and a game. Searching online revealed practically nothing so I decided to just pitch up at a club and ask if I could play. I won't mention the club's name but they nearly succeeded in putting me off completely. I entered the clubhouse (read bar) and asked if I could have a practice. Something that looked like a biltong stand with bloodshot eyes eventually wheezed into life, exhaled a cloud of smoke and then moaned about having to organise me a jack. He then skinned me for R10 bucks "green fees", simultaneously handed me a form and a look of contempt and suggested I pay R700 bucks and join the club.
Fortunately my uncle, who plays bowls socially, suggested I try out his club in Morningside, Rivonia. I arrived midweek expecting something similar but experienced a complete contrast. The greenkeeper greeted me and told me to make myself at home. He ran off to fetch me some mats and a jack and looked almost insulted when I asked about green fees. He suggested I join them for social bowls on the Saturday and told me I was welcome to practice there any time I liked. Two weeks later the chairman was giving me a coaching lesson and shortly after that I was the one asking whether I could join as a member.
Based on my experience I think there are a few ways to make the game more accessible to 25 – 50 year olds. My main suggestion would be the creation of a midweek, evening social league in summer. Each club could have a Tuesday or Thursday night (TV is lousy on these nights) internal competition. Dress code would be casual, the atmosphere social and drinks made available. A sound system to provide some background atmosphere would be a bonus and if the club has lights that would be even better. No club membership would be necessary and participants would simply pay a game fee each time. Most clubs have an abundance of old, retired bowls. I would suggest we find a way to have them painted various colours and make them available to the midweek, social bowlers. Similar to the old putt-putt balls. People could enter as families, couples, friends or singles and a points log would be kept. The clubs could then pick teams from the participants and play the occasional friendly game against (only) nearby clubs.
Like most sports, some of the players would naturally start to become more competitive and take an interest in playing the game seriously. Youngsters (and older players) with talent could quickly be spotted and roped into the club's lower league sides to develop.
Whenever I've invited a friend to play a game of bowls with me they have always expressed surprise at how much fun the sport is. I think that by taking away the stigma of it being a serious sport for old people with very regimented dress codes people will be more willing to give it a go. These days most people are looking for something new to try. Let them.
I'm 28 years old and decided to start playing bowls at the end of last year. Partly because a knee injury has prevented me from continuing with rugby and partly because, well, what the hell, why not? I was really surprised to discover what a fun sport it is. It holds quite a niche in that it can easily be enjoyed on both a casual level, with friends and beers, and a highly competitive level such as league and internal competitions.
My first experience of bowls wasn't that great, though. I didn't know where to begin or who to approach in order to take part. I picked up a set of woods from a Cash Converters shop for a paltry R50 and began looking for somewhere I could get a lesson and a game. Searching online revealed practically nothing so I decided to just pitch up at a club and ask if I could play. I won't mention the club's name but they nearly succeeded in putting me off completely. I entered the clubhouse (read bar) and asked if I could have a practice. Something that looked like a biltong stand with bloodshot eyes eventually wheezed into life, exhaled a cloud of smoke and then moaned about having to organise me a jack. He then skinned me for R10 bucks "green fees", simultaneously handed me a form and a look of contempt and suggested I pay R700 bucks and join the club.
Fortunately my uncle, who plays bowls socially, suggested I try out his club in Morningside, Rivonia. I arrived midweek expecting something similar but experienced a complete contrast. The greenkeeper greeted me and told me to make myself at home. He ran off to fetch me some mats and a jack and looked almost insulted when I asked about green fees. He suggested I join them for social bowls on the Saturday and told me I was welcome to practice there any time I liked. Two weeks later the chairman was giving me a coaching lesson and shortly after that I was the one asking whether I could join as a member.
Based on my experience I think there are a few ways to make the game more accessible to 25 – 50 year olds. My main suggestion would be the creation of a midweek, evening social league in summer. Each club could have a Tuesday or Thursday night (TV is lousy on these nights) internal competition. Dress code would be casual, the atmosphere social and drinks made available. A sound system to provide some background atmosphere would be a bonus and if the club has lights that would be even better. No club membership would be necessary and participants would simply pay a game fee each time. Most clubs have an abundance of old, retired bowls. I would suggest we find a way to have them painted various colours and make them available to the midweek, social bowlers. Similar to the old putt-putt balls. People could enter as families, couples, friends or singles and a points log would be kept. The clubs could then pick teams from the participants and play the occasional friendly game against (only) nearby clubs.
Like most sports, some of the players would naturally start to become more competitive and take an interest in playing the game seriously. Youngsters (and older players) with talent could quickly be spotted and roped into the club's lower league sides to develop.
Whenever I've invited a friend to play a game of bowls with me they have always expressed surprise at how much fun the sport is. I think that by taking away the stigma of it being a serious sport for old people with very regimented dress codes people will be more willing to give it a go. These days most people are looking for something new to try. Let them.