27/06/2006 - Rick Wright - Answers Graham Marlow & Tony Winterton

I read with interest the article by the Assistant Director for Bowls in Spain and also the article he asked Tony Winterton to compose.

Graham mentioned a 12 month season in wall to wall sunshine (not sure where the sunshine was during the recent Andalucian Championships). Yes there is the possibility of a 12 month season but it does not always pan out that way. At the Indalo B.C.and I am sure we are not alone, our competition season appears to be geared to start soon after the English season ends and end shortly before the next English season starts. Many of us have a life outside bowling but have to put that on hold if we wish to take part in the club competitions, as we seem to be permanently on the green from October to the end of March.  I realise that this is not the case at all clubs and  I am glad to say that it is at last being addressed at Indalo.

With regards to the Spanish Nationals, to say that the organisation is now more professional is simply unfair. The Nationals have certainly grown as have the number of bowlers here in Spain. However the Nationals were always both professionally presented and well attended during the John Dugdale era. The introduction of regional qualification for the singles became necessary to maintain some sort of manageability and will have to be applied to other disciplines in future years (though I think the grouping needs looking at). Taking into account travel and accommodation costs, the Nationals now fall into the category of being very expensive games of bowls.

As far as comments and suggestions for improving the sport and making it more enjoyable. These are quite often disregarded as they do not fit into the NEC's perceived idea of bowling in Spain. Out comes the soapbox again, bowling in Spain is a mixed sex sport. We recently had the Andalucian Championships and although I would like to have seen mixed triples, the format of single sex singles & pairs but mixed rinks was great and was well received by all participants. I should add that mixed rinks meant exactly that, teams had to consist of two male and two female bowlers.  Mixed events do much to enhance the social side of any tournament whilst at the same time retaining the competitive element.

We are told that as sports clubs we have to operate under the required statutes, it is good to know however that these statutes differ from Province to Province. These statutes do not prohibit clubs from producing their own rules regarding dress,  behaviour, discipline  etc. It is not the job of the NEC to dictate what rules clubs can or cannot have.

Lastly a comment regarding getting involved in the politics of the sport.  Alas I feel there is a necessity for member orientated members to be involved, the reason for this is that many are involved for their own benefit rather that that of the members they are elected to serve.

Rick Wright. Indalo Bowling Club