10/10/2005 - Rick Wright on Dress Code

Firstly let me say that I think your new  “bowlers forum” is a super idea and I wish it every success.

I would like to say at the I am all for Spain taking part on the international stage and support this venture fully. However being realistic, playing for Spain will only ever concern a very small minority of bowlers.  I imagine those who wish to play bowls at international level (with all that it entails, cost, time etc.) are far outnumbered by ordinary club bowlers. Bowling for the vast majority here in Spain is a mixed sex sport and in my opinion this should be reflected at the Spanish Nationals our most prestigious competition. Selection for the National teams is not tied to the Spanish National Championships therefore I see no reason why we the majority should be subjected to the single sex disciplines as we were this year. Many of us started our bowling on moving to Spain and do not need to be governed by the somewhat archaic rules that are now out of date even in U.K. As far as single sex competitive practice for our National teams is concerned there may be some merit in looking at the CBBA “Provincial” games format.

This years Spanish Nationals competition though played to a successful conclusion required more than the published number of greens because of the massive local entry. It has now been confirmed that next years competition will be held in the same area. This initially seems to be a good idea as the greens/facilities are available. However it brings with it a headache that I feel will need to be addressed. There has always been a large entry from the host area, but the numbers of bowlers in the South Alicante area seems to be increasing dramatically each year. I feel sure that many of the entries from that area would not bother to enter if they had to travel.

There was a feeling among many this year that the Nationals were not as enjoyable as in previous years. Many felt this was because there was a ladies competition in one area and a gents one elsewhere. Certainly the Ladies finals did not get the recognition or support they deserved. However it is comforting to know that the FEB has accepted that they got it wrong, and aim to put it right in 2006. 

Besides the logistical and transport problems it brings, the single sex format does not reflect bowling in Spain. Mixed triples and rinks worked well at the Nationals in the past and I believe the mixed format deserves looking at again at Federation level However in my opinion triples and rinks teams should be mixed, not with the choice of all men, all ladies or mixed as it was in 2004. 

 Separate competitions like the proposed F.E.B.mixed pairs are not the answer, already the bowls programme for most clubs is becoming more congested, and we do not need as F.E.B. members to be patronized to satisfy someone’s ego.

The above are my thoughts and I am sure not everyone will agree with me. However they may bring some interesting comments into your “bowls forum” facility.

Yours in bowling

Rick Wright (Indalo bowling Club)