INDOOR BOWLS
WOMEN'S BOWLING
LAWN BOWLS
WOMEN'S INDOOR BOWLING
INDOOR BOWLS IN ENGLAND
Background
For many years, bowls has had the reputation of being a sport for the
elderly but this is no longer the case. More and more young people
are playing the game and winning the major titles. Many people might
be surprised to learn that the average age of the England Men's Indoor
Bowls International Team last year was just 32 years, not much higher
than the England football squad. Like many other sports, bowls is
attracting young people who don't have the physique needed to play football
or rugby, but who still want to play a competitive sport. Discovering
a natural talent whereby one finds it easy to perform regularly to a high
standard is something that we all crave and this is how many of today's
indoor bowls stars began their career.
Benefits of Participating
The opportunity to represent ones country at any sport is probably the
ambition of most young people and given the numbers of players involved,
young people with drive and determination can achieve International status
much easier in this sport than in many others. Bowls is a highly
competitive and tactical game that is played by individuals and teams
of two, three and four. It is also a very social game and provides
the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and a game at which
ladies play on equal terms to men.
A National Youth Development Scheme is currently being created with the
assistance of Sport England and this will increase the opportunities for
young people to develop within the sport.
Contact Details
English Indoor Bowling Association
David Cornwell House
Bowling Green
Leicester Road
Melton Mowbray
LE13 0DA
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WOMEN'S BOWLING
Background
Competitions are organised throughout the counties affiliated to the EWBA.
The finalists in singles, pairs, triples, fours and two-wood singles are
eligible to compete in the National Championships held in Leamington Spa
at the beginning of August each year.
History
The English Women's Bowling Association was formed in 1931 and now has
35 affiliated counties - a membership of over 53,000. Internationals
and British Isles Championships are held each year hosted on a rota basis.
Commonwealth Games, Women's World Bowls Championships are held every four,
Atlantic Rim Games every two years, also the European Games.
Facilities and Equipment Required
A player must be a member of an affiliated club. Coaching is available
to all newcomers. Bowls equipment, shoes, dress, etc must conform
to requirements of the national governing body. No age limit.
Benefits of Participating
Bowls is a very friendly game and can be played by all age groups.
Every encouragement and help is given to the younger members. Junior
internationals and Junior British Isles Championships for under 25s are
played each year.
Variations of the sport
Competitions, as stated above. In addition, over 55s single and
pairs, under 25s singles, mother and daughter pairs, Champion of Champions
singles, Travelsphere Top Club, inter-county Johns Trophy and Double Rink,
under 31 Double Rink, so all age groups are catered for.
Contact Details
English Women's Bowling Association
EWBA office
Archery Road
Leamington Spa
CV31 3PW
Telephone:
Fax: |
01297 21317
01297 21317 |
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LAWN BOWLS
Background
Members belong to outdoor bowls clubs and the season runs from mid-April
to the end of September. Played by all ages — from cradle to grave
— although younger players would normally not join clubs until they are
ten. The sport offers friendly roll-ups in addition to numerous
competitions at club, county and national level. The Federation
also stage indoor competitions for members of affiliated outdoor clubs.
History
The Federation quicker game, based on two bowls, developed during the
last century to cater for miners, factory workers and farm workers who
had limited free time to play during evenings. It developed along
the eastern seaboard and in Northern England. The Midlands and East
Anglian Association was inaugurated in 1926 and in 1945 joined Northumberland
and Durham Clubs and was renamed the English Bowling Federation.
The English Women's Bowling Federation was inaugurated in 1957.
Each has its own identity but operate under a single administration policy.
Facilities and Equipment Required
Most bowling greens are now standard size although there are still a few
non-standard greens. Bowling greens can be public, private, or works
greens used by one or more clubs with their own committee. The basic
equipment consists of bowling shoes, which have flat soles, and a set
of four bowls, as some Federation game now offers two, three and four
bowl matches. Many clubs keep sets of spare bowls for use by beginners.
The clubs provide all other essential equipment, including mats and jacks.
There is a range of other personal equipment, which includes measures
and waterproofs, which you may also need if you intend to play the game
on a regular basis.
Benefits of Participating
This is a healthy, relatively inexpensive sport to be enjoyed by all ages.
It does not require outstanding athletic ability to be proficient.
Participants usually enjoy the social aspects of the game and make lasting
friendships. They also get many opportunities to play against the
top players.
Variations of the Sport
The Federation, through its principle of Single Administration of the
English Bowling Federation and the English Women’s Bowling Federation,
encourages the concept of mixed clubs and offer singles, pairs triples
and team matches for men and women in addition to mixed pairs, mixed triples
and mixed team matches. At club level, many local leagues are open, which
means teams may be mixed, all men or all ladies.
Contact Details
English Bowling Federation
Mr John Heppel (Secretary)
84 School Road, Beighton
Sheffield
S20 1EH
Telephone:
Fax: |
01142 477763
01142 477763 |
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WOMEN'S INDOOR BOWLING
Background
A white jack is rolled down the green and each person playing must get
as near as possible to that jack with their own biased bowls to score
either as a team or individually.
History
The Association was formed in 1951 as the popularity for indoor bowls
for women increased. All the clubs are privately, membership or
council owned properties with a flat artificial green bowling surface.
There are approximately 54,000 members who play at 323 clubs all over
England. National Championships are held annually and International
events with Scotland, Ireland and Wales, including Under-25.
Facilities & Equipment required
A set of 4 bowls are required together with a uniform of grey or white
skirts and white tops and flat soled bowling shoes in grey, white or brown.
Benefits of participating
Females of all ages and abilities can join a club and meet with other
people and either play casually or competitively on a club, County or
National basis.
Variations
Bowls can be played in singles, pairs, triples and fours or as a team
which can be however many rinks are available at clubs.
Contact Details
English Women's Indoor Bowling Association
Mrs Margaret Ruff, Secretary,
3 Scirocco Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6AP.
Telephone:
Fax: |
01604 494163
01604 494434 |
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