This version created: 25-04-20T18:44
To provide information to assist those members new to bowls and Stamford bowls club (SIBA) integrate into the club, by providing guidance, information and pointers to people and existing information
At SIBA, where new bowlers come through the official SIBC coaching programme, they will be supported by Bowls England qualified coaches. During their coaching programme, the club will try to ensure each bowler has the same coach throughout their coaching programme providing them with a ‘key contact’ should they have any further questions once their programme is complete.
Suggested this be introduced towards the end of coaching and/or prior to joining a league, e.g. December and March.
For team captains
Q: How do I enter a team in one of the club’s leagues?
A: Complete a “Team captain’s notice and entry form” (which can be found in the leaflet holder opposite the reception desk) and hand the completed form to reception together with the team registration fee (presently £6).
Q: Is there a limit to how many players I can have in my team?
A: Yes, a maximum team of 8 for triples and fours teams and a maximum of 6 for pairs teams.
Q: What happens after I have entered my team?
A: The League Secretary will email you a copy of your team’s fixtures for the season and a list of the other teams in your league with contact details for the other captains in the league. You may need to contact them regarding postponed and rearranged matches .
Q: How do I create a team fixture schedule?
A: This is basically a 'who plays when', which a team captain must determine in conjunction with team members. A spreadsheet or paper will suffice, listing the dates when your team is playing and which team members will play on that day. Please take account of your teams planned holidays or other dates not available to play. You may need to revise this but please make it clear who is responsible for finding a substitute for the team member unable to play.
Q: Can I add and/or remove players from my team after the entry form has been handed in?
A: Yes, players and be added to your team (provided you don’t exceed the maximum players allowed) or removed from your team at any time before or during the season by emailing the League Secretary the details of any changes.
Q: Do all members of the team have to play the same number of matches during the season?
A: No. It is advisable to give players roughly the same number of games during the season although as team captain you decide who plays when. You do not have to play every match.
Q: What happens if I haven’t got enough players from my team to play in a particular match or I need to cancel for another reason?
A: You should initially look for a substitute. There will be a list on the noticeboard opposite the reception desk which contains the names and contact details of members who are available to play as a substitute in various leagues. You should contact any member who has indicated that they are available to play as a substitute in your team’s league. Substitutes cannot play as skip nor can play in more than 3 matches for the same team in any one season.
Q: What happens if I cannot find a substitute for a game and hence need to postpone it?
A: As soon as it becomes apparent that you need to postpone a game you should contact your opponent’s team captain and the League Secretary immediately. The League Secretary will take the match out of the diary to free up the rink. You should then (within 7 days) agree with the opponent’s captain a time and date for the match to be rearranged. It can be any time or day that the club is open provided it is not a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning (which are reserved for roll-ups only). You should notify the League Secretary of the time and date of the rearranged match and he or she will move the match to that time and date in the club diary. Only the League Secretary can move a match in the club diary. The onus is on the team captain who instigates a postponement to rearrange it.
Q: What do I do after a match has finished?
A: The result of the match should be recorded on one of the iPads on the wall behind the seating area immediately after the match. It can be done by any member of the team. This is done by (i) Tapping the screen to waken from sleep mode (if necessary) (ii) enter your four digit membership number after which the screen will show the league in which you have just played. (iii) Select the game just played and a list of team members will appear. (iv) record who played and in what position (lead, skip etc) and press “continue”. (vi) Record the score on the next screen. If the apposing team agree and have entered their scores, then press submit score.
The score needs to be agreed by a member of the opposing team.
If, when you log in to use the iPad, you find that the score has already been recorded by a member of the opposing team you just need to agree the score – assuming it is correct. If the score is not correct press the “Dispute” button.
The scorecard (which does not need to be signed) should then be placed in the basket outside the office window near the exit to the club.
Q: Who do I notify when cancelling a fixture?
A: The team captain of the opposition and the League Secretary as soon as possible.
Q: If I cancel a fixture as the ‘away’ team on the fixture list, do I have to rearrange it or does the ‘home team’?
A: The onus is on the team who cancelled to rearrange it with the oppositino captain.
Q: Can I move a fixture to a different date/day/time?
A: Fixtures should be played on the day and at the time specified on the fixtures schedule. However, if this is not possible for any reason, you can reschedule the fixture as for a cancellation.
Q: What's a league? How many are there?
A: A league is a series of matches between self-selected teams of club members. See the notice boards for a list of leagues.
A: Yes, Subject to Club League Rules
Q: Are some leagues top level, others closer to novice level?
A: League teams are formed from all levels of players from novice up to those representing the club at higher levels.
Q: How do I form or join a league?
A: See this question, above
Q: Do they run Jan - December?
A: Yes, but are more accurately split into summer and winter 'leagues', April to September and September to April (approximately).
Q: Who should I ask to join a league?
A: The leagues are advertised at the club a couple of months before they commence. If you can find enough players to join you then just complete a team entry form which can be found in the leaflet holder opposite the reception desk and follow the instructions on the form. Alternatively add your name to the list on the noticeboard opposite reception indicating which league(s) you would like to play in.
Q: Does the club provide coaching for beginners?
A: Yes. Coaching is provided by the club’s qualified coaches on Saturday morning during the winter season which is September through until April.
Q: I don’t feel confident enough to play league bowls at present. When is the club open and when can I go along for roll-ups?
A: During the winter season (approx. mid-September to mid/late-April) the club is normally open from 9.30am to 8.30pm weekday and from 9.30am for less hours at weekends. During the winter season Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings are kept free for roll-ups and there are opportunities at other times of the day to book a roll-up.
During the summer season (approx. mid/late-April to mid-September) the club is open less hours. It is suggested you visit the club’s website here giving access to the club diary which provides full details about when the club is open.
A: There are 2 ways you can book a roll-up. (i) Firstly on-line. Go onto the club’s website. Click on “DIARY/BOWLR (external site)” then click “Book a Match”. Then log in with your 4 digit membership number and your password (which is your initial and surname (in lower case) followed by your membership number). You can then click on the booking guide which provides details of how to book a roll-up. (ii) Alternatively you could telephone the club and ask the volunteer on reception to book a roll-up or (iv )ask the volunteer on reception to book one when visiting the club.
Q: How many leagues does the club run?
A: During the winter season the club runs a large number of pairs, triples, fours and Aussie pairs leagues in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. In the summer season less leagues are played. Full details of the leagues can be found on the club’s website.
Q: Are there any leagues suitable Novices like me?
A: Yes, we run a Novices 3 bowl triples league in both the winter and summer seasons. To be eligible to play in a Novice league team a member cannot have played indoor or outdoor bowls for more than 2 years before the start of the season. The novice leagues are designed to give newer, less experienced bowlers a taste of league bowls. Some of the winter morning and afternoon leagues have 2 divisions – A and B. You may be interested in playing in a team which plays in Division B in one of these leagues when you are unlikely to come up against the club’s best bowlers. Novices are also welcome to play in Friendly matches against other clubs which are normally played on a Wednesday morning. You will need to add your name to the list opposite the bar at the club indicating you wish to play in a Friendly match.
Q: How do I go about joining a league team?
A: The leagues are advertised at the club a couple of months before they commence. If you can find enough players to join you then just complete a team entry form which can be found in the leaflet holder opposite the reception desk and follow the instructions on the form. Alternatively add your name to the list on the noticeboard opposite reception indicating which league(s) you would like to play in.
Q: If I play for a team in one or more of the leagues do I need to know the rules of the leagues?
A: Yes, it is advisable. The Club League Rules can be found on the club website. Click on “Club Leagues” and then “Club League Rules”. A hard copy can be found at the club opposite the bar. The Rules are quite detailed though it would still be worthwhile reading through them.
Q: Are there any other competitions I can enter?
A:Yes. Usually in November/December the club will advertise various knock-out competitions for club members to play in during the winter season. They include Novices triples and pairs competitions which may be of interest.
A: SIBA (the building is owned by South Kesteven District council). A board of directors and a management committee manage the club with the board of directors predominantly being responsible for the financial aspects of the club. See the officers for the current people holding the various positions
Q: Who is on the management committee?
A: Inside the doors of the club, on the left, are photographs of some of these people.
Q: Who are the people doing the day-to-day work at the club? Desk maintenance, league fixtures etc?
A: All work is either done by club members - you and I, or by sub-contractors paid for by the club (e.g. daily cleaning, stretching the carpet, electrical work). Most of the work is coordinated by members of the management committee.
Q: Can I become a member of the management committee?
A: Yes, At each AGM, 4 playing members can be proposed and seconded by other members to join the management committee for the next year, as defined by the club's constitution.
Q: What are all the notice boards for (near the desk, round the corner by the bar etc)
A: The notice boards near the bar show details of county games individuals can enter as well as SIBC county fixtures in which the SIBA teams play. The notice board opposite reception contain notices about the club leagues and other club events.
Is anything happening in the evening? At weekends? How to find out?
A: The club bar is open most evenings during the winter season from approx. 6:30pm until 8:30pm. Social events such as Bingo, Quiz nights and parties are held some Friday & Saturday evenings.
SIBA (the building is owned by South Kesteven District council). A board of directors and a management committee manage the club. See the officers for the current people holding the various positions
Inside the doors of the club, on the left, are photographs of some of these people.
Q: Who are the people doing the day to day work at the club? Desk, maintenance, league fixtures etc?
All work done for and by the club is either done by club members - you and I, or by sub-contract paid for by the club (e.g. daily cleaning, stretching the carpet, electrical work). Most of the work is coordinated by members of the management committee.
Q: What are all the notice boards for (near the desk, round the corner by the bar etc)
An odd name? Perhaps, but we use it to view and make bookings for the various games and matches that are played at SIBA. The website is here, you need to log in with your membership number and password given to you when you joined the club.
The diary pages show which rinks are booked on what dates. League matches are listed as are competitions. If you wish to contact another member re a forthcoming match, you can find contact details under the 'members list' heading.
All members have access to it. If you book a rink for a roll-up through the Bowlr system only you or one of the volunteers on reception can add further names to the booking. You will only be able to book a rink through the Bowlr system if the rink heading in the club diary is white i.e. it does not have a coloured heading. You can book a rink for only 1 hour if you wish. During the winter season the Monday morning roll-ups and Tuesday and Thursday morning Organised roll-ups can only be booked through reception at the club – either in person or by telephone. League matches in the club diary can only be moved by the League Secretary.
Members can view league matches and check times - if you have forgotten!
Q: Can I book a rink to practice?
Yes, up to thirty days in advance, subject to availability
Q: Do we have to book in twos or fours?
As mentioned above, only one name is allowed on bowlr for a particular time, the expectation being that the person booking that time is doing so for others (even if you are practising by yourself).
Q: What are the rules of bowls?
Like many sports, the basics are simple, but become more tricky the further you dive into them!
Definitively the rules are to be found here - a PDF document that takes some reading and even more to fully understand. These are known as the Crystal Mark laws (the link is to the fourth edition, current at the time of writing - they are likely to be updated to a fifth edition) Bowls England have a basic introduction, including the 'jargon' used in bowls.
A Google search will provide the basics should you need them.
There are variations to play outside the scope of this document.
Q: Are the rules the same indoors and outdoors?
You will find within the laws mention of specifics for outdoor play.
Q: Are there local (club) rules?
Our website lists the club competition rules.
Q: What dress code applies when?
The dress code is displayed in the club, near the door.
Members may buy club shirts. They are intended to be worn by teams representing the club in matches against other clubs.
Q: What is bowls etiquette? Is it written down? Where?
Etiquette plays a major part in the sport of bowls and has done since the game’s inception. Simply put, bowling etiquette is a code of behaviour that bowlers around the world adhere to, both on the green and in the clubhouse. First and foremost bowlers should remember to the old adage, “Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you”. This site lists some basics. Consideration for other bowlers with whom you share the green is at the heart of it. Another site is a little more expansive. This site also covers strategy.
Q: Explain about different bowls? Weight, bias, borrowing, buying, trying them.
Bowls for indoors vary in weight and are marked from 000 to size 6. Further divisions may be made, e.g. size 3 heavy. The weight varies from roughly 1200 grammes up to 1580 grams, The English bowls coaching site explains the details.
Bowls are specially designed to follow a curved path because of their bias. Previously, this curved path was achieved by inserting weights in one side of the bowl. Bowls world explains this further.
The club holds a wide variety of bowls which may be borrowed by club members and returned after each session. New members are advised to use these to determine which size and style of bowls they prefer.
he club has a selection of second hand bowls for sale and details can be obtained from Keith Rippin. In addition there are cards on the notice board opposite the door to the office from existing and former members of the club advertising bowls and other equipment for sale.
The club has sellers who visit the club when bowls may be tried. Alternatively Shotbowl is our nearest bowls shop, in Market Deeping.
Q: Can I come to the club for a meal? Do I need to book? Open every day?
We have caterers on site Monday to Thursday and Saturday during the day, and at other times when asked, for competition support and other events.
Our caterers do require you to book full meals in a timely manner, though drinks and snacks are available.
Q: Is anything happening in the evening? At weekends? How to find out?
Q: I have a question about the club and its operation, who can I ask?
A: Our management committee should be the first point of contact. Look at the notice board just to the left of the entrance for their names photographs, please ask at the reception desk if you're unsure.
Q: I want to play for the club against other clubs, how can I? Who should I talk to?
A: There are two opportunities to play against other clubs. The first is on an informal basis. On the noticeboard opposite the bar, to the left of the gents changing room door are details of competitions against other clubs. A few weeks before each fixture, a list will be put up asking for players names. The second opportunity is to play for the club in County fixtures, either at home or at other Lincolnshire clubs, so be prepared to travel! These fixtures are published on the opposite wall with teams being picked by the respective team captains.
I have a disability, how can I play bowls at Stamford? Who to talk to?
A: Yes, SIBC have a number of aids including modified wheelchairs and pushers to name but two. Please ask at reception if you have any questions.
Q: Where is the book / website / something that explains all this please? On the internet, Currently here
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