LAWN/ INDOOR BOWLING

It seems quite incredible that the numerous governing bodies controlling lawn and indoor bowling are at a loss to understand why bowling clubs throughout the country are suffering from a declining membership. If bowling club officials really want to know the answer they should look in a mirror.

One of the leading bowling commentators recently published an article in “Bowls International” which claims to be “The World’s No. 1 Bowls Magazine”. He highlighted the declining membership and how many bowling clubs are struggling and even on the verge of closing. He had the perfect solution. If a number of high profile people took up the sport thousands of people would be encouraged to follow. He suggested someone like David Beckham. That is of course true. But hang on a minute, in your wildest imagination, can you visualise David Beckham walking onto the green wearing a white shirt with “Co-operative Funeral Care” emblazoned on the front in very large letters? If you ever get to play for England in the World Match Play Championship, that could be your dress for the match.

The back cover of the same magazine featured a kindly motherly looking woman wearing purple lapels on her black jacket and a purple tie. She is admiring a floral tribute above which reads, “We’re with you every step of the way – Co-operative Funeralcare.

Is the guy who wrote that article from another planet or what? He was so serious and enthusiastic about his revolutionary idea it seems a shame to put a damper on it.

Players who fail to reach the dizzy height of playing for England are not neglected. “Golden Charter” offers their funeral plans via their major sponsorship to many bowling clubs for lower grade competitions. If you are offered a free information pack at such events by someone wearing a purple shirt and a sombre expression guess where they are from. Funeral reps spend most of their time hovering around the most feeble sickly looking people present, looking for a quick return on their investment. However good you feel, if one offers to become your new best friend, go for a medical check up fast! Whatever you do, do not attempt to joke with them. They do not appear to have a sense of humour. I once asked if they were offering two funerals for the price of one. The only reaction I got was a look that seemed to say that he hoped I would become his next customer. Trying to cheer them up and make them happy is a complete waste of time unless you are prepared to drop dead on the spot, which would seem to be a bit extreme.

Add to all of this the outdated; dull as dishwater dress code for matches and even practice sessions, it is inconceivable that anyone could be left wondering why younger people have no interest in the game.

The truth is that the national, county and local club governing bodies would be appalled if hordes of young members occupied their greens and brought more fun, vibrancy and modern ideas to the sport.

The game of bowls suffers from a “Zimmer frame” image that conjures up a picture of old people playing what can only be an old peoples game. That unjust image partly reflects the truth because at the present time older people mainly play it. Many of the older players would love to see the game brought into the twenty-first century. They would welcome young members. Any such modern ideas get shouted down by the old fogies who control the sport at national level and condoned by county and local officials who play follow my leader like a flock of sheep. They all genuinely believe that they have pulled off a masterstroke by getting funeral company sponsorships. They cannot see that they were led by the nose into accepting a monetary pittance by companies who must have thought that Christmas had come early.

The next question is, if more modern and progressive people replaced the existing national and local governing bodies and the funeral sponsorships were buried, could the game become of interest to younger people?

The most likely answer is a resounding yes. With the heavily ingrained image that exists today this may be difficult to believe and even laughable. Bowls is however a very skilful, tactical and absorbing game. There are matches to suit the individual player who prefers games of one on one and a variety of team games [pairs, triples and fours]. However good a shot is played the next player will attempt to get closer to the jack or knock the holding bowl away. Playing blocking shots to prevent opponents from scoring requires considerable skill. It is only necessary for someone to play the game once to realise how good it is and it does not take long to become addicted. Most players will tell you that they wish they had taken up the game years before but they were put off by the image.

There are ample opportunities for players, both male and female, of all levels to play in club and inter club matches and to progress and play for their county.

Compared to many other sports bowls is relatively inexpensive. Most clubs offer free lessons and even have a selection of bowls for new members to use until such time that they decide which type suits them best. Most bowls retailers carry a good supply of second hand bowls and competitive prices on new bowls, bowls clothing and other bowling accessories. Club membership fees are low and represent excellent value for money. The social side within most bowls clubs is excellent. Many hotels at home and abroard offer attractively priced bowling breaks and holidays. Most bowls clubs are offered very special holiday bargains throughout the year.

There is no question of pushing out older players. There is ample room for both young and old. Competitions are geared to suit all ages and abilities, as they are with other sports e.g. golf and tennis etc. Older experienced players are always more than willing to pass on good advice.

Club players are not the problem. They are a great crowd of people who enjoy the competitive nature of the sport, the great camaraderie and the many social activities. The Zimmer frame image is quite wrong. The game is far less sedentary than people imagine. As with most sports the fitter you are the better player you will become. Even very fit beginners are always surprised at how much they ache after playing 21 ends. It does not take long for them to discover that it will take several seasons before they are able to compete with some of the older players.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Retire the old fashioned, boring, set in their ways fuddy duddies who currently control the sport. Bring in young and forward thinking older people with the talent to re vamp the image. Say thank you and goodbye to funeral company sponsorships. Among the membership there will be people with a variety of up to the minute skills including marketing, PR and advertising. New sporting minded company sponsors are out there. It just takes people with some gumption and fire in their bellies to bring them on board.

The overriding message to the majority of those running the sport now must be – get back to playing the game and step aside and allow more capable people to breathe some life into the sport. They have doubtless done their best but they are out of their depth and killing a great sport.

Will it ever happen?

I hope so. The sport deserves a better deal and thousands of people are missing out on so much pleasure for all the wrong reasons.

Just in case you are wondering if I am one of the young radicals whose nose has been put out of joint by the establishment, I am not. I am well into my seventies and fed up to my back teeth with the establishment. I long for the game to be brought out of the dark ages. What do I do about it? Sorry but I just moan and groan and get on with enjoying the game.