Upshot - September 2010

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

THE OFFICIAL BOWLS NZ eMAGAZINE

THIS SHIRT

IS NOT A PAY CHEQUE page 5

Follow the Black Jacks at the 2010 Commonwealth Games at www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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TEAMWEAR

BOWLS NZ sign new deal with LEGENDZ Teamwear!

Bowls NZ are proud to announce a 4 year partnership with LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR that will change the way you can buy your white wear and teamwear.

The partnership will enable clubs and their members to purchase white wear and teamwear in their local Postie store and be rewarded for it!

Every sale generates an annual cash rebate to your club of 5% Postie has 81 stores nationwide. When your club officially signs up with LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR as their supplier, a range of white wear personalised with your club logo can be stocked locally.

White wear stock will be arriving in store in November.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR CONTACT William Locking Regional Account Representative DDI: 09 820 4409 Mobile: 027 224 2944 Fax: 0800 802 820 william.locking@legendz.co.nz

www.legendz.co.nz

See www.postie.co.nz for store locations

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

this

issue 1982 – The First NZ 1906: ‘All Whites’ First NZ International Bowls Team Tackled Australia 04 LEGENDZ is also the new official teamwear supplier for the Black Jacks, and will support them in their journey over the next four years in their quest for Commonwealth Games and World Cup glory.

LEGENDZ Teamwear is an exciting New Zealand based grass roots apparel company.

With LEGENDZ you can create your own teamwear online, or select from a number of stylish teamwear options. We can cater for all your teamwear needs!

This Shirt Is Not A Pay Cheque

05

First Women’s Commonwealth Games Team

06

Bowls NZ Staff Profile: Kerry Clark

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Criteria For Selection To National Teams

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Black Jacks Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games Player Profiles 10-13 2010 National Bowls Awards Player of the Year Young Player of the Year Media Award Official of the Year TOWER Club of the Year Volunteer of the Year Coach of the Year Administrator of the Year Green Keeper of the Year

MIB: Want To Fill Your Greens This Season?

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ClubCheck: Waikanae Bowling Club 22 ClubCheck Gold Award Criteria Tightened Club Scene

TEAMWEAR

www.legendz.co.nz

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23, 25

Bowls NZ Launches New Website

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Facebook Like

27

Myth Busting

29

The Necessity of Financial Management

30-31

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

A MOMENT IN

BOWLSHISTORY 1906: ‘All Whites’ First NZ International Bowls Team Tackled Australia

By Crispin Anderlini In the days when moustaches were obligatory, and if you lost by a large margin you were “passed through the mangle,” New Zealand’s first international bowls team, the All Whites, crossed the Tasman for their first-ever international event. It was October 1906, and the 35-man squad made their way across the ditch to mark the beginnings of a rivalry that has lasted more than a century.

Despite rough weather, large crowds filled the stands as NZ kicked off the tour by playing South Brisbane and East Brisbane. Victorious against both clubs, the All Whites went on to give a good account of themselves in the inter-state match against Queensland the next day; they won by 16 points, and treated the Australian side to a victory haka.

Four more inter-state matches, and three Commonwealth matches, followed for the squad as they went from Queensland to Tasmania. It was an extensive itinerary that took seven weeks and 26 games to complete, exposing the New Zealanders to the overwhelming hospitality of the

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The 1906 ‘All Whites’ Squad.

Australians. By the end of their journey, the fondly named ‘Maori Islanders’ had weathered the severe heat and handsomely knocked out Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia. New Zealand won the entire series on points, and W McLaren was also victorious in the Australia Singles Championship.

Although the tour involved a great deal of travelling, and plenty of bowls, time was always made to visit local attractions. It was a bowling expedition of sorts, that was conducted in a spirit of good sportsmanship and good neighbourly relations - an atmosphere that pervades Trans-Tasman bowling events to this day.

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

THIS SHIRT

IS NOT A PAY CHEQUE

By Dave Edwards Unlike other sports, and other athletes, our BlackJacks, those individuals that represent us on the world stage, don’t get a pay cheque for putting on the Black Shirt. They strive to be the best; they put in the extra hours, take time off work, all for the love of our sport, and our country.

They represent the ideals of all that we love about sport.

If you ever get the chance to talk to one of our BlackJacks the one impression you are left with from the conversation is how proud they are to represent New Zealand, how much pride they have in the black shirt. One of the quotes by a BlackJack that has stuck with me is “If I am going to die of heat in India, I am damn well gonna die in my black shirt.”

The BlackJacks path to the Commonwealth Games began late April after the Eight Nation’s event in India. The buildup began with individual plans formulated for all

the players to ensure there were no obstacles off the green that could inhibit performance on the green.

You truly begin to understand what it means for our BlackJacks to represent New Zealand when you realise most of the time required for the buildup to the Games has been taken from their jobs as leave without pay.

The first playing challenge came for the team when they took on the Aussies in the annual Trans Tasman clash in May. This once again was a very close and intense battle and gave us a benchmark from which the team needed to develop. The team then came together at a camp held at the Pukekohe indoor stadium at the beginning of August. The focus at this camp was getting back on the greens, checking techniques and laying the foundations for the rest of our campaign.

To understand the change in speed of the greens and the adjustments required, when at home in New

Zealand our team have had to practice on Croquet greens, as this has been the only way they have had to practice on carpet that is as slow as what they will face in India.

The next stage of the plan involved a two week camp in Fiji. This helped the team to become acclimatised to the hot conditions they will face in Delhi, gave them a chance to play on greens with a similar speed,and the team got some tough match play. The next stop was Malaysia. This represented the final stages for the teams to really test their development, and ensure they were on track for India.

This has been a huge buildup for the players and they have all shown a massive level of commitment to delivering results in India. Now it’s time to show our support, to get in behind them, and let them know how much we appreciate all they have sacrificed.

Send your messages of support to info@bowlsnz.co.nz or follow their progress on www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

A MOMENT IN

BOWLSHISTORY 1982 – The First NZ Women’s Commonwealth Games Team

By Crispin Anderlini The year was 1982, and there were many firsts around the world. There was the release of the Commodore 64 computer, the release of the first CD player by Sony, and Time Magazine named The Computer as the person of year – the first time a non-human was named. For New Zealand though, there was a more important precedent set: New Zealand sent it’s first women’s bowls team to the Commonwealth Games in Sydney.

Representing your country in a sport is certainly achievement enough, but to be the first women’s team to ever compete at an event is momentous.

World-class bowler Jennie Simpson was there, along with the late Pearl Dymond and Joyce Osborne. “It was probably the biggest moment of my life,” she recalls with wonder, “that was really something. I can still remember the Queen watching us from the pavilion while we played.”

Having been bowling for only eight years, Simpson was still somewhat green in the game and admits it was “quite an achievement at that stage of life.” She had consistency, and despite not having

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Joyce Osborne, Jennie Simpson, Team Manager Hazel Harper and Pearl Dymond. won any national titles, was a highly talented bowler who had reached many national finals. “I was ecstatic [when I was chosen] and it was brilliant being part of the team. I had never even been overseas, not for anything, so it was that little bit more exciting to leave the country and play in the Games.”

Once they reached Australian shores, it was time to focus and prove that New Zealand had some of the best female athletes in the sport. Initially,

Simpson was “dumbfounded by it all - all the people and all the countries,” but put that aside and “got onto the job” of playing bowls. “It’s always on your mind, being the first time in the Commonwealth Games, but you’ve just got to focus and play the best you can.”

And that’s what the team did, winning silver in the Women’s Bowls Triples event and making their name on the international stage at the largest event in the bowling world.

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

bowls nz staff profile

KERRY CLARK

by Nicole Fearon With a Commonwealth Games gold medal under his belt, along with 10 years of managing and coaching New Zealand teams, Kerry Clark would rival anyone for the status of a life member of the sport.

Kerry’s involvement in bowls began like many of the sport’s members; out on the green. He first started in 1960 when he went down to the local bowls club with his parents. From that point Kerry’s passion for the sport grew as he progressed and took on numerous roles within and above his club, as well as becoming an exceptional player.

Kerry’s dedication has taken him from success to success as an administrator and player. His proudest and most memorable moment in the sport was winning a gold medal in the men’s fours at the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

During this time he played many of the sport’s top players, including David Bryant and Willie Wood. The game Kerry enjoyed most was against Doug Watson during the 1976 World Bowls in South Africa. Kerry lost on the last bowl and placed fourth overall, with Watson going on to place first.

Kerry’s time as an elite bowler on the International stage stands up with the best of the sport and places him in the ranks of our best bowlers, yet in his quiet way he denies this and happily highlights many of the players he

quick facts Cap: #48 Favourite movie: Officer and a Gentleman Time in bowls: 50 years Favourite food: Fish Dream job: this was! A role in sport Dream destination: Hoyann in Vietnam and Honolulu

played alongside, against, or coached as worthy of recognition before him.

After hanging up his New Zealand uniform he began to manage and coach the New Zealand teams. His passion to “introduce new players to the game and see them succeed” fueled his love of this role which he held for ten years, covering three Commonwealth Games and three World Bowls. The teams Kerry mentored returned to New Zealand covered in glory with multiple medals, in arguably what was the golden era of our sport.

When asked what the most significant changes to the sport have been since he first started Kerry responds “the move towards amalgamation, the acceptance of youth players and the introduction of different types of bowls”. These are factors which have completely changed the sport and held large personal impacts for Kerry, as he also took an active role in the development of the regulations for bowls manufacturing.

Kerry’s commitment in our sport is unsurpassed. He has been a gold medalist player, Coach and manager of gold medal teams, International Technical Official at five Commonwealth Games, CEO of Bowls New Zealand, World Bowls Board Member, and Past President and Life Member of the International Bowling Board. Kerry is respected and recognised as one of the most competent sports administrators in the country.

Kerry’s belief that “it doesn’t matter what level of the sport you are playing at, there is always a way you can become involved” has helped him progress through the sport. He has moved from his roles on and alongside the green to being the CEO at Bowls NZ, where he uses his knowledge and passion to improve the sport now and into the future.

Below: Commonwealth Games 1974; Bottom image: World Bowls 1972, England.

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

CRITERIA FOR

selection TO NATIONAL TEAMS The National Selection Panel is subject to the Bowls New Zealand Selection Regulations in determining the selection of players to a National Team.

The National Selection Panel may consider the following factors in determining the selection of Players to a National Team as follows: (a) the performances and results of the Player at national and international level over the two year period preceding the selection including: (i) if a member of the High Performance Squad, the performances (including during training) in the High Performance Squad; (ii) performances and results obtained, especially those at international level, (iii) consistency of performance/results, especially those at national and international level; (iv) versatility of the Player in their ability to play in a number of positions; ie singles and within pairs, triples and fours; (v) ability and versatility in the range of shots;

(vi) ability to adapt to different playing surfaces; (vii) technical and tactical ability and mental aptitude; and (b) Whether the Player demonstrates any one or more of the values and behaviors outlined in the table below.

In addition, the following attributes are taken into consideration: (a) adequate fitness; (b) regular attendances at domestic and national tournaments and competitions; (c) evidence of a positive attitude to training and commitment to the squad as displayed in previous teams and squads; (d) demonstrated compatibility with other players; (e) neatness in appearance; (f) demonstrated compliance with the Laws of the Sport, the Bowls NZ Constitution, Regulations and policies of Bowls NZ; and (g) willingness to promote and advocate participation in bowls and to promote Bowls NZ.

Values

Behaviour

Personal ownership/ responsibility

1.

Identifying development needs and acting on them

2.

Organised commitment to the task

3.

No blame no excuses

1.

Respect of agreed team ethos

2.

Etiquette

3.

Assessment of other’s abilities

4.

Acceptance of agreed team behaviours

1.

No excuses

2.

Looking self in the mirror rather than looking out the window

1.

Helping each other in all situations

2.

Preventing cliques/factions

3.

Being there for the team mates on and off the green

1.

Pride in personal team performance

2.

Pride in heritage and tradition of those before you

3.

Appearance and positive body language

1.

Commitment to preparation and the Squad programme

2.

Commitment to Squad programme values

Respect

Honesty Support

Pride

Commitment

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Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games Meet our BlackJacks, this is our team who proudly represent us at this year’s Commonwealth Games. They each have undertaken a huge commitment to pull on the black shirt and silver fern to undertake an unsurpassed level of expectation in terms of time, training and fitness required to ensure they can meet their goals and ensure we are the best bowling nation in the world.

Many of you would have played against them, they are genuine people, who represent the ideals of traditional athletes, they hold down full time jobs, train their hearts out, and are proud to be Kiwis. They don’t play for money, but to represent all of us, to represent this great country, show your support.

Val Smith

Ali Forsyth

Women’s Singles

Men’s Singles

DOB: 29th July 1965 Home: Nelson Best performance: World Championships – Gold medal in singles and pairs Coach: Dave Edwards

DOB: 11th December 1979 Home: Sylvania Waters, NSW, Australia Best performance: World Bowls Bronze in Singles and Gold in Team Trophy.

Coach: Dave Edwards

Summary of achievements: 2010 Bronze medal (singles), 8 Nations event, Delhi; 2010 Winners Australian Open (triples), Shepparton, Victoria; 2010 Winners National Fours, Wellington; 2008 Gold medal (singles and Pairs), World Championships, Christchurch; 2008 Runner up, World Indoor Singles, Warilla, Australia; 2007 Gold medal (singles), Silver medal (pairs), Asia Pacific Games, Christchurch; 2007 Semi finalist, World Indoor Singles, Warilla, Australia; 2005 Bronze medal (pairs), Asia Pacific Games, Darebin, Melbourne; 2004 Bronze medal (Triples), World Bowls, Royal Leamington Spa, England; 2003/04 Winners National Pairs, Christchurch; 2003 Gold medal (fours), Asia Pacific Games, Brisbane; 2003-2010 Member of NZ Team.

Summary of achievements: NZ Singles Winner 2002/3 and 2003/4; World Champion of Champion Singles Winner 2004; Asia Pacific Singles Winner in 2007 and 2009; Asia Pacific Triples Silver in 2009; World Bowls Singles Bronze 2008 and Leonard Trophy Winner (Team Trophy) 2008.

Val is the most experienced member of the New Zealand Women’s Team – with her greatest result being winning the World Championships Singles title in Christchurch in 2008. She intends to repeat this result at the next World Championships in Adelaide in 2012. She enjoys being part of a successful team and contributes as a leader for the newer players. Val is very committed to achieving at the highest level, as can be seen by the consistent results she has achieved since first being selected for New Zealand.

Ali has always been a specialist singles player and has succeeded on the world stage many times. His best performance was in winning the Asia Pacific singles in 2009 – no one else in the event came close to him. He has also been selected in team events, winning the triples title at the 2009 Asia Pacific Games.

Ali is the kind of player who always goes for gold. He gives it his all, and with his unique style you never know when he is going to pull a phenomenal shot out of the bag.

When watching Ali, you never know if you’re going to be jumping for joy or biting your nails.

For the latest Commonwealth Games results, go to www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

Andrew Todd

Shannon McIlroy

Richard Girvan

Men’s Triples (Lead)

Men’s Triples (Second)

Men’s Triples (Skip)

DOB: 16 December 1966 Home: Sydney, Australia Best performance: Gold 2008 World Bowls Fours Coach: Peter Belliss Summary of achievements: Gold 2008 World Bowls Fours; Silver 2010 8 Nations Triples; 2010 NZ National Singles Winner; 2009 Champion of Champions Pairs – Port Macquarie Winner; 2009 Burnside Pairs Winner; 2007 NZ Open Singles Winner.

Andrew (Toddy) has a best result of being a team member of the winning fours team at the World Championships in Christchurch in 2008. He is also a consistent winner in singles events, winning the National Singles title in 2007 and 2010.

Toddy is a natural leader within the Black Jacks, he is calm, efficient and ruthless on the green. He represents the professional ethos of this team. When the pressure is on he steps up, you know what you’re going to get; a leader who thrives on competition, loves to win and won’t let you down.

DOB: 05 January 1987 Home: Tahunanui, Nelson Best performance: Winning all my singles matches against Australia in the Trans Tasman test 2009 Coach: Dave Edwards Summary of achievements: North East Valley 10,000 singles champion 2006/2008; Asia Pacific Championships, silver medalfours 2007, silver medal-triples 2009; World u25 singles runner up 2007/2009; Australian open singles semi-finals 2009; National fours champion 2006; numerous club and centre titles.

Shannon has been a consistent winner in bowls since his talent was identified when he was still at school. His best result as an individual was as the World under 25 singles runner up in 2007 and 2009, but as a team member his best results are silver medals at consecutive Asia Pacific Championships in the fours and the triples.

DOB: 30 December 1973 Home: Home will always be Auckland. I currently reside in Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia Best performance: 2008 World Championships, Gold Medal Men’s Fours.

Coach: Dave Edwards Summary of achievements: Domestic: 2009 – Won NZ Open Singles; Won NSW State Triples; Won Newcastle Champ of Champ Singles; 2006 - Won Helensvale Grand Prix Singles; Won Helensvale Grand Prix Pairs; 2005 - Won NZ National Fours. International: 2010 – Eight Nations India, Silver Medal Triples; 2008 – World Championships, Gold Medal Fours; 2007 – Asia Pacific Games, Silver Medal Fours; 2006 – Commonwealth Games, 5th Triples; 2005 – Asia Pacific Games, Gold Medal Triples.

Richard (Girvo) is a very experienced New Zealand team member. His best result was to be part of the winning fours team at the World Championships in Christchurch in 2008. He lives in Newcastle, NSW and plays his bowls in Australia now. He has had great success over the last couple of years, and is hopeful of repeating this success at the Commonwealth Games. He also is very keen to defend his World title at the next World Championships in Adelaide in 2012.

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

Genevieve Baildon

Dale Lang

Karen Coombe

Women’s Triples (Lead)

Women’s Triples (Second)

Women’s Triples (Skip)

DOB: 21 December 1985 Home: Hamilton Best performance: Winner World Junior Cup 2009 Coach: Dave Edwards

DOB: 16 March 1971 Home: Wellington Best performance: Trans Tasman 2010 and reaching a National Pairs final Coach: Sharon Sims

Summary of achievements: 2009: NZ Trans Tasman test team; Winner World Junior Cup; Winner Hong Kong Classic women’s singles; NZ Asia Pacific games team; 2010: NZ Trans Tasman test team; Runner-up World Junior Cup; 8-nations championship team; Commonwealth Games team.

Genevieve is at the head of a group of younger players coming into the NZ team and performing at a high level immediately. She won the World Junior Cup in 2009 and was runner up in 2010.

She already has a reputation for being a calm, consistent and talented player.

Summary of achievements: Represented NZ at the Asia Pacific Games 2009 and the Trans Tasman; Reached the final of the pairs and semi-final of the fours at the 2008/2009 NZ nationals.

Dale is a new team member – she competed at her first international in August of 2009. She is however a long time player of indoor bowls and has transferred into the outdoor game and been identified as a talented and committed player.

Pictured from left: Genevieve Baildon, Val Smith and Dale Lang.

DOB: 6 April 1959 Home: Wanganui Best performance: 7 Wanganui titles in one season Coach: Dave Edwards Summary of achievements: 2 NZ Singles Titles; 31 Wanganui Centre Titles; Represented NZ at Commonwealth Games in 1998 Kuala Lumpur; Represented Wanganui for past 15 years, the last 13 years as their Singles representative.

Karen has long been one of New Zealand’s most successful bowlers in the domestic game. She did represent New Zealand at the 1998 Commonwealth games and has now been selected again to compete as the skip of the triples team.

Karen’s father was a major part of why Karen took up bowls, he was her biggest fan and mentor. When her father passed away she laid him to rest with her Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games blazer, as a sign of how much he meant to her.

The Delhi Games gives Karen another opportunity to live the dream her father was so proud of. She will replace that blazer with a Delhi 2010 one, and stride onto the greens to make this country, her friends, family and beloved father proud.

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

Richard Collett

Danny Delany

Manu Timoti

Men’s Pairs (Lead)

Men’s Pairs (Skip)

Women’s Pairs (Lead)

DOB: 2 April 1980 Home: Nelson Best performance: National Singles winner 2009 Coach: Dave Edwards

DOB: 04 March 1978 Home: Onehunga, Auckland Best performance: Gold medal at 8 Nations 2010 Coach: Marlene Castle

DOB: 16 April 1978 Home: Whangarei, Northland Best performance: Gold and Bronze 2008 Asia Pacific Championships Coach: Ann Muir/Dave Edwards

Summary of achievements: Hyundai National Open Championship Pairs 2010; NZ club pairs 2009; NZ Club triples 2008.

Summary of achievements. Numerous club titles; 9 Centre Titles; 1 NZ Intercentre Development title; 1 Gold medal – 2008 Asia Pacific Championships; 1 Bronze medal – 2008 Asia Pacific Championships; 3rd equal World U-25 Indoor Singles Championships.

Summary of achievements: 2010 Gold 8 Nations Pairs; 2010 National Interclub Champions; 2009 National Singles Winner; 2009 Gold Hong Kong Classic Pairs.

Richard is in his first year of selection for New Zealand, however, he has had 2 major successes already – by winning the 2009 Hong Kong Pairs with Andrew Kelly and the 8 Nations event in 2010 with Danny Delany.

Danny was first selected to play for New Zealand this year – for the Commonwealth Games trial event, the 8 Nations. At this event he and Richard Collett won the gold medal in the pairs event, knocking out the current world champions from Australia.

He has won 3 national titles which are considered the hardest national titles to win in any country; such is the depth of competition in New Zealand.

Pictured from left: Ali Forsyth and Richard Girvan.

Manu’s introduction to International Bowls was when she placed third equal in the World U25 Indoor singles title, she also had great success at the 2008 Asia Pacific Championships winning a gold and a bronze medal.

Jan Khan Women’s Pairs (Skip) DOB: 25 April 1958 Home: Christchurch Best performance: 2000 World Bowls Fours Gold Medal Coach: Dave Edwards Summary of achievements: Commonwealth Games 2002 Fours, Bronze; Commonwealth Games 2006 Pairs, Bronze; World Bowls 2000 Fours, Gold; World Bowls 2008 Triples, Bronze; Asia Pacific Games Fours, Gold; Triples, Bronze; Australian Open 2010 Triples Win; National Titles 7 Wins; Centre Titles 16 Wins; Club Titles 22 Wins.

Jan comes from an illustrious family of bowlers and certainly continues this tradition. She already has two Commonwealth Games medals, two World Bowls titles, two Asia Pacific medals, and this year won the triples at the Australian Open.

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010 NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS

player of the year

YOUNG player of the year

LETT L O C D R A H RIC

LLY ANDREW KE

Following in the footsteps of the likes of world number one Val Smith, Richard Collett has returned the Player of the Year award to Nelson after a year of bowling highlights.

Still in his first year of selection for NZ’s Black Jacks, Collett has spent the past year building on his biggest success to date – 2009 National Singles winner. And being new to the international scene hasn’t slowed him down at all. From NZ Singles winner in 2009, the 30-year-old bowler capitalised on the success and took his winning game overseas to win the Hong Kong Classic Pairs that same year. At the 2010 National Interclub Championship the Stoke Men’s Division One Team took the title, and Collett then teamed up with Danny Delany at the 8-Nations event in Delhi to win gold in the Pairs.

Community Development Officer Steve Smith says, “Since he won the National Singles in 2009, he has not only grown to be a bowler who can compete at the highest level, but has matured into a young man who demonstrates a high standard of sportsmanship and respect for his colleagues and opponents.”

In this age of fair play and sportsmanship, commendations like this are of prime importance; after all, a true champion is one who plays hard but plays fair.

It should come as no surprise then that he has been selected to roll beside Danny Delaney as lead in the Pairs at the October Commonwealth Games, and chances are the pair will be bringing home a medal from the searing greens of Delhi come mid-October.

Whatever the outcome of the Games, this savvy, technical and top-notch NZ bowler has a long and illustrious career ahead of him.

Tall, rangy and confident, Andrew Kelly cuts an impressive figure among New Zealand’s finest players, and has now been honoured for the past year’s achievements by being named Young Player of the Year. And what a year it has been for the 22-year-old Cantabrian. Beginning in August last year, when Kelly won the PBA Ranking Singles Tournament, the rising star has moved from strength to strength.

Kelly then teamed up with 2010 Player of the Year Richard Collett to win gold in the Pairs at the Hong Kong Classic. It was a monumental win for any player, and augured well for the young bowler from Canterbury Bowling Club.

Kelly was chosen for the NZ Triples team attending the 8-Nations invitational event in Delhi. The team routed the competition before being handed the silver after a finals loss to England. Winning a Singles gold in a blazing, lossless, clean sweep at the Junior World Cup, Kelly has impressed on the international and national scene with his skill and attitude. 8-Nations team mate Jan Shirley is just one of those watching the bowler with respect: “Andrew’s commitment to the game is outstanding and his personal growth has certainly shown in his achievements on the green over the last year....and he has displayed a mature attitude in both games he won and lost.”

Endorsements like these go a long way towards revealing the character of a player, and in Kelly’s case it is the sign of a champion on the move.

Going into the Commonwealth Games as a new member of the New Zealand team (Men’s Reserve) then, is just one more step in what promises to be a long and successful career for Kelly.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010 NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS

MEDIA AWARD

official of the year

cMURRAN M R I A T S I L A

LARD L A T S N E L E H

Without the media there’s no publicity, and without publicity a sport languishes in the dark. It’s a non-stop job promoting a sport, and this year’s Media Award winner, Alistair McMurran, has done more than his bit to boost the profile of bowls.

McMurran, a veteran sports journalist for the Otago Daily Times, has been providing comprehensive coverage of bowls in Dunedin for nearly 35 years, and has already won the Media Award three times in the past. Looking over a selection of his work during the 2009-2010 season, his commitment to providing full and varied coverage and his passion for the sport is obvious. From grassroots bowlers to Black Jacks, stalwart veterans to the greenest of young bowlers; McMurran has covered them all with the same attention to detail and understanding of the sport.

The broad scope of his articles include all aspects of the sport, and the people involved, in accurate and interesting pieces that have provided invaluable publicity for one of New Zealand’s most popular sports.

With Dunedin being a centre for competitive bowls in the country, it is fortunate indeed that a sports journalist of McMurran’s calibre and experience is right there on the ground, covering the newsworthy events and personalities that are part of the bowling world in New Zealand.

President of the Auckland Bowls Umpires Association, Appointments Officer for Auckland Bowls, Kittyhawk Regional Qualifiers convener and umpire, convenor of the Bowls NZ Umpires Committee, and selected as a Technical Official for Delhi 2010; Helen Stallard has been awarded the Official of the Year award.

An accomplished official is invaluable on the green, and Stallard has excelled as a trainer of other officials, as an umpire and convener of major competitions, in her organisational skills, and in her contribution to the sport of Bowls.

By all accounts, attendance at Umpires Meetings in Auckland has improved markedly since the St Heliers club member took the reins as president, and they are now wellorganised with interesting speakers. In the same vein, social tournaments between umpires are treated with the same degree of organisational flair that Stallard applies to club, centre and national events.

This highly commended official is known for her knowledge of the game, and can always be relied on to run a tournament with smooth finesse; while also ensuring that her chartwork is exemplary, calls are made without prejudice, and that updates are always on time.

As one of the Bowls NZ Examination panel members, and a part of the Auckland reaccreditation panel, Stallard has a strong and beneficial involvement in the selection and training of suitable umpires. With the kind of involvement and effort that Stallard invests in Bowls, it is more than appropriate that she can now claim the title of Official of the Year in 2010.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010 NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS

CLUB of the year

M A H N E BECK B U L C G BOWLIN For the second year in a row, it is Beckenham Bowling Club in Christchurch that has earned the title of Club of the Year at the National Bowls Awards. The award, following closely on the heels of earning Bowls New Zealand’s first ClubCheck Gold Award (for the highest standards of club best practice), may come as no surprise to those who are familiar with the club’s history of innovation and success. For almost a century, Beckenham has been innovating on and off the greens: it was the first club in Christchurch to have a women’s bowling section, for example.

The many changes, strategies and programmes the club have made include: promoting bowls as a sport for all ages through involvement with Intermediate to High School-age pupils; promoting community social bowls; and the development of New Zealand’s first formal Club High Performance Programme. This last innovation is of particular interest in achieving the club’s goal of on-green excellence, and in retaining promising players like Jan Khan (NZ representative for the Commonwealth Games). Club member Adele Greenfield was also selected as a NZ representative at the Games; in

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16

addition to a page-long list of regional and national successes that include a National Singles winner.

“Beckenham’s club members are rightly proud of what they...have achieved as a club both on and off the green,” says Bowls NZ Community Development Officer Vince Roper.

“They exemplify excellence in everything they do and are the

quintessential role model club. In my experience of working with over 45 bowling clubs... I have never dealt with any club which comes close to matching Beckenham for the quality of it’s thinking, it’s depth of capability across the executive, it’s understanding of the concept of pursuing excellence, and it’s commitment to structured implementation of its plans.”

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010 NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS

volunteer of the year

coach of the year

graham lowery

OR WILMA ENN

Volunteers are the lifeblood of sporting organisations like Bowls NZ, and this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Graham Lowery, is the quintessential volunteer.

The list of his contributions to the running, maintenance and organisation of the Burnside Bowling in Christchurch is as long as your arm, and lends a glow of the invaluable to this fantastic volunteer. Lowery’s dedication, practical skills, efficiency, and enthusiastic motivation to improve and maintain the club has made an immense impact on its standing; allowing it to host such world-class events as the 11th World Bowls Championships in 2008. Lowery won the Fendalton-Waimairi Community Board Community Service Award in 2008 for his work before and during the successful event. Lowery also received personal thanks from Bowls NZ CEO Kerry Clark for his “fantastic contribution” in playing a “pivotal role in the smooth running of the tournament each day” - a testament to one committed volunteer who is a role model for all people interested in contributing.

Burnside Bowling Club’s president Neil Cornelius does not treat the assistance lightly, “For the past 16 years, almost single-handedly, Graham Lowery has carried out [numerous] tasks for the club in a most efficient and professional manner.” Those tasks include everything from maintaining the club’s facilities, to mobilising large teams of volunteers to help with international events like the 2008 World Bowls Championships and the 2005 World Singles Champion of Champions.

Graham Lowery has shown what one person can do to make a difference to their local club; events like World Bowls 2008 would not be possible without the efforts of volunteers like this.

This year it is Bowls Taradale’s Youth Bowls Co-ordinator, Wilma Ennor, who has had her coaching skills and successes recognised by being named Coach of the Year. With the importance of youth development being better understood and emphasised, it would be difficult to find a better candidate for the title than Ennor.

“Having Wilma as a coach is very helpful,” says promising young bowler Tessa Hocking, “the environment she creates is always positive with a good mix of technical play and game play. She has introduced many testing practice drills which have undoubtedly improved my skills.”

Hocking won the plate, along with Malia Begley, in the Girl’s Pairs at the 2007 National Secondary School Championships, then rolled with style in the Kittyhawks competition, and was selected to travel to Australia in the NZ team. National Secondary School Singles double-champion (2008 & 2009) Mandy Boyd has also benefitted from Ennor’s blend of technical drills, competitive and fun exercises, and self-analysis programmes.

Doing her part to foster the game of bowls, the Hawke’s Bay coach’s training sessions have even become part of the NCEA curriculum in the form of eight-session programmes at some high schools. This kind of proactive introduction to the game, and development of skills, is the future of the sport and the best way to ensure that NZ continues to rank as a world-class bowling nation.

A coach to be emulating: Wilma Ennor.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

17

The perfect partnership.

AS OFFICIAL VEHICLE SPONSOR OF BOWLS NZ, HYUNDAI IS PROUD TO OFFER ALL BOWLS NZ MEMBERS THE FOLLOWING OFFER*: • $25 WOF checks at any Hyundai NZ dealership.

• $ 250 to your local bowling club for any Hyundai purchased from a Hyundai NZ dealership.

• $ 250 to the sport of bowls for any new Hyundai purchased from a Hyundai NZ dealership.

• U nique Bowls NZ/Hyundai key ring for every test drive taken at your local Hyundai dealership.**

* Offer is valid until 31st March 2011. **Specialised key-ring offer is available only while stocks last and is valid until 31st March 2011.

Bowlers MUST identify themselves as a Bowls NZ member before purchase or test drive to qualify for each offer.

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010 NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS

ADMINISTRATOR of the year

GREEN KEEPER of the year

TERY T A L S D R A R GE

ART W E T S L E A H MIC How does a small country bowls club like Wakefield, near Nelson, double its membership in just two years? The answer lies with Michael Stewart, president of the Wakefield Bowling Club, this year’s Administrator of the Year, and recipient of the Don Manson Memorial Award.

Stewart works with Bowls Nelson producing a yearly programme, negotiates for club-sponsored tournaments, and is a driving force in the recruitment of new members for his club. Through letter drops, SPARC ‘Way2Go’ sports days, and a ‘Wake up to Wakefield Day’, membership has almost doubled. This has allowed the creation of new roles within the club, and the leadership skills of the president to shine through.

Named “the best little bowling club in NZ” by CDO Vince Roper, the club’s “growth and achievement under Mike’s leadership over the last 2-3 years are unparalleled. I have frequently used Wakefield as a role model club for others to learn from.”

The club was awarded with the Bowls NZ ClubCheck Essentials Award, and is the first of its kind to be awarded to a rural club.

“It was not until he became president that the club had clear goals set that were achievable,” says Vice President Gordon Hope, “the results speak for themselves. If it was not for him, the club would still be a small, struggling country club.”

A good green keeper needs to understand fertilisers, sprays, grass types and growing conditions. But a great green keeper understands the most important aspect: bowlers need to have good bowling greens on which to ply their skills. And this year Gerard Slattery, green keeper and president of the Waitoa Bowling Club, Thames Valley, has been named the best green keeper in New Zealand.

It is an honour that the Waitoa resident has worked hard for: he spends many hours maintaining the Waitoa green, and many more talking to and helping others with their greens. In fact, in addition to being the president and green keeper of the Waitoa Bowling Club, Slattery is also president of the Thames Valley Green Keepers Association. After reestablishing this organisation in the area, the exceptionally keen green keeper and bowler has reinvigorated the local green keepers and poured time and effort into training and assisting new green keepers.

Having worked with Slattery over the past six years, Waikato Sports Turf Agronomist David Ormsby has been privy to the local bowler’s great work. “Gerard has done a great job as a green keeper (sic)... such that it [Waitoa Bowling Club] is now a highly regarded playing surface within the Thames-Coromandel Region. “[He] has done a great job in making meetings informative...whilst raising the profile of the region’s green keepers. Gerard has been an enthusiastic green keeper who is continuously trying to learn and improve his green keeping skills.” This is true to such a degree that club members believe “it can be said that Gerard shows more than a commitment to his role, it is an obsession and a very important part of his commitment to bowls.”

Glowing endorsements like these have been following Slattery for years, and it is testament to his hard work and enthusiasm for the art and science of green keeping that he has been named the 2010 Green Keeper of the Year.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

19

Bowls Bias Trajectory

Alpha

BOWLS BIAS TRAJECTORY

Alpha ABT-evo Tiger II Classic II

Choice of Champions

Val Smith World Number 1 Winner singles & pairs World Champs 2008

Approved 15/09/09 Alpha is a full fit bowl with a unique non-slip grip to provide bowlers with superior hand Bias chart is a relative guide only. comfort. Alpha has a Performance holdingcharacteristics line forwill ‘up shots’ and an even draw to the jack, especially vary due to different surfaces and playing conditions for dead draws, allowing it to perform to perfection on weighted shots. A combination of precision engineering and advanced design has given Alpha its superior stability in windy conditions.

Tiger II

A mid biased bowl with an even and predictable trajectory. The predictable line of the Tiger II makes it very easy to adjust to for experienced and new bowlers alike. The Tiger II provides comfort in the hand, control on the delivery, and consistency in results.

Classic II

The well established, traditional and popular wider drawing bowl, with a “hook” finish, well suited on greens with a speed of 12-16 seconds

ABT Evo

A full bodied bowl providing on green stability, giving maximum performance on fast running greens. A true holding line to maximise accuracy and results on run shots.

For information on Henselite Lawn Bowls, Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories Vist:

www.henselite.co.nz

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

WANT TO

SOCIAL SUMMER LEAGUE

By Nicole Fearon The bowls season is fast

R U O Y L L I F GREENS THIS SEASON?

Then all you need to do is use it!

Community Development Officers

approaching and with it brings social

(CDO’s) will also be on hand to help

leagues and an opportunity for your

with the process and make sure it is a

club to make an extra buck as well as

success at your club.

have some fun.

Mates In Bowls social league does just that. The series allows nonbowlers the opportunity to ‘pay for

All of this makes getting people onto your greens easier as well as making your club money!

This year a change has been

play’ at participating clubs, bringing

made to the programme. If your club

new players and their wallets into

signs up to a 3 year contract, the

your club. Your club gains members,

contribution to Bowls NZ for the first

revenue and exposure from a social

year will be only $1.50 per person per

league. Bowls New Zealand has the

night! In the 2nd year it will be $1.75,

systems already set up, and all you

and in the 3rd year the contribution

need to do is implement it. MIB is also

will be $2—which is still less than the

fun to run! It helps to build club spirit

$2.50 that has been going towards

and is designed so your volunteers can

covering the cost of the marketing

focus on what they love and are good

support used to promote the club and

at, having a laugh, meeting people

the programme.

and showing people how to play.

Mates In Bowls has been made

Clubs that run a second series will also have the opportunity to win cash

super easy for your club to run. All

prizes, and ten lucky volunteers will

marketing material is supplied to

have their club membership paid for

participating clubs, limiting the work

the year.

you have to do. Bowls New Zealand

To sign up for Mates In Bowls

will provide your club with:

contact your local Community

l Personalised posters

Development Officer (CDO).

l Signs l Coverage on the MIB website l Postcards l Email template l Fax and postal drops to your local area

To sign up for Mates In Bowls contact your local Community Development Officer (CDO).

Region 1: Steve Smith 021 966 016 Region 2: Steve Beel 021 966 017 Region 3 & 4: Paul Cavanagh 021 966 177 Region 5: Vince Roper 021 966 263 Region 6: Jim Scott 021 966 010 or Rob at Bowls New Zealand on rob@bowlsnz.co.nz

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

21

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

ClubCheck

anae k wai bowling club

Waikanae Bowling Club President Brian Cuff is enthusiastic about Bowls New Zealand’s strategic planning and Club Check process.

Moments after receiving the club’s Gold Award certificate in the presence of Kapiti Coast District Mayor Jenny Rowan, Cuff said Club Check had prompted the club to do what it should have been doing years ago.

“It provided the incentive for us to look at our standards; to make something happen. We’re absolutely delighted with the results,” he said.

As an example, under the strategic and operational planning procedures which led up to the Club Check assessment, the club looked at the role of House Manager. They developed a job description and redeveloped policies and conditions associated with the hiring of clubhouse facilities.

“These policies have been transferred to our website in the form of an outstanding slide show display, with an excellent response from community users,” Cuff said. “None of that would have happened had we not gone down the Club Plan path.”

Cuff said that even the club’s new and highly successful website could be traced back to the strategic plan.

“We got a website because Bowls NZ said we had to have one under Club Check, and what a success it’s been in keeping our members and the local community in touch with what’s happening at the club.”

Cuff also praised Bowls NZ in promoting Club Plan and Club Check as a means of encouraging clubs to

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22

raise their standards.

“It gave us great confidence to know that we could ring our Community Development Officer and get a Club Plan template on something like a volunteer management policy sent to us straight away.”

He said the process had given the whole club a renewed confidence, an ‘it will happen’ attitude, and a confidence that it could achieve whatever it wanted.

President Brian Cuff and Jenny Rowan, Kapiti Coast District Mayor.

CLUBCHECK

D R A W A D L GO CRITERIA TIGHTENED A recent change has been made to the ClubCheck criteria for Gold Awards.

Bowls NZ believes that clubs achieving our sport’s highest recognition for best operating practice should reasonably be expected to be supporting most, if not all, of the nationally branded ‘game growth’ products Bowls NZ promotes.

Accordingly for the Gold award an additional requirement is that the club will need to achieve a rating of at least 4 out of 5 in the social/ casual bowls category, AND will need to be supporting and delivering the Bowls NZ products of MIB, Have a Go and Christmas bowls, AND will need to be collecting and sending to Bowls NZ the name and email details of participants in any social bowls series (other than one off corporate type events) being conducted by the club.

The ratings towards bronze and silver awards will take into account the degree to which a club supports MIB, Have a Go, Christmas Bowls and Squad 6, but at present these are not bronze/silver award prerequisites.

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

club scene

Canterbury Earthquake Crumpled asphalt and a deep half metre gash running across the carpark towards the facilities gave early indication of the catastrophic damage to Kaiapoi Riverside’s artificial green, which became misshapen with erupted silt and slumping in many places. One end of the clubrooms had dropped away and wide trenches had appeared around its foundation. It was an unwelcoming sight for the members from unaffected parts of town who later turned up in their whites for the opening.

The extent of the damage and the possible permanent loss of the club at its existing location have been devastating. The outcome is heartbreaking for President Gary Bodger, his executive and the large base of willing members who have worked hard over the years to make the friendly club a year round success, both competitively and socially. “We’ve had wonderful response from fellow clubs since the news broke about us. We are so lucky in one way to have such wonderful clubs in this most special game. Our feelings go out to other clubs who have suffered as well”.

It’s the true leaders who show through during times of adversity and Gary and his team are already thinking about the club’s short term options and longer term future. “We may be in the worst situation but we are very committed to recover on the same site”.

Greens in some other Canterbury clubs have also suffered damage, mainly from cracks, mounds and silt eruptions where the pressure has broken the green surface. Clubs affected are Elmwood, Burwood , Christchurch, Richmond, Tai Tapu, and Sydenham, where some greens may yet be lost for the rest of this season.

Special recognition goes to those members of the Canterbury Greenkeepers Assn who quickly worked their way around the clubs to clean up the greens and remove loose silt before it became even more of a problem.

Ricoh Apology To our clubs who experienced delays in receiving their Ricoh printers I want to pass on my personal apology for any inconvenience this caused.

Ricoh unexpectedly got swamped by several large orders happening at the same time, which caused significant delays in some of our clubs receiving their printers. For any inconvenience caused by this I would like to pass on my sincerest apologies. Michael O’Keefe, Marketing and Communications Manager, Bowls New Zealand.

Hawke’s Bay Volunteer Luncheon Bowls Hawke’s Bay Board members demonstrated their appreciation of the efforts of many volunteers, by providing a luncheon and get-together for coaches, match committees, umpires and greenkeepers at Bowls Heretaunga on Monday 13th September.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

club scene

Bowls Canterbury Under 26 Singles Tournament Friday 1 October to Sunday 3 October 2010 at Burnside Bowling Club, 330 Avonhead Road, Christchurch Come and see some of New Zealand’s brightest youth lawn bowlers in action. Spectators welcome admission is free. Any queries to Bowls Canterbury on phone 03-351 2070.

August Upshot Correction A photo appeared in the August Issue in the Review of the Capability and Performance of Bowls NZ Section with an incorrect caption.

The correct caption should read “Mates in Bowls team from Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti playing at the Gisborne Bowling Club.

Photo by Maurice Allan.”

Forms In our continued drive to bring more sponsors, grants, and external funding to our sport our inability to accurately count and define our participants has become increasingly apparent.

This simple truth that we cannot accurately count or segment our sport’s participant base is not only making it increasingly difficult to link organisations in a meaningful way to Bowls, but is putting all our existing funding sources at risk. So as a result we have had to establish a system by which we can record all those that participate in our sport at all levels.

Clubs will be receiving forms which all casual and youth bowlers must fill in when playing bowls. The participant fills in the white copy which registers on the pink and yellow, the white copy goes to Bowls New Zealand, the Pink stays with your club, and the yellow to your Regional Service Centre. Simply send in the white forms when you have a pile for us to process.

By having your help to initiate this system we will be able to ensure we can deliver on what our funders expect, which will help us to maintain their sources of revenue ongoing and will be a major factor in enticing other supporters to the sport of bowls. This will be a significant factor in our ability to keep membership fees under control.

So we need your help to ensure everyone who participates in the sport is recorded, when you need new form books just email us on info@bowlsnz.co.nz and we will have them sent out ASAP.

Bowls New Zealand AGM This year’s Bowls New Zealand AGM was held at the Hutt Bowling Club on Saturday the 11th of September.

At the AGM, Bowls Clubs and Centres were represented by their selected delegates who voted on a range of motions and amendments. The key achievements of the year were overviewed such as the signing of Wellington and Canterbury as Regional Service Centres, and the achievement of a financial surplus even with large unforeseen extraordinary expenses. Highlighted throughout the AGM were concerns over the values and changing standards of members within the sport and the need for the sport to review itself in face of a history at club and centre level of turning a blind eye to such activity. The board agreed to investigate the opportunity of an under 10 year national tournament, the Board has instructed Bowls New Zealand Staff to ascertain costs and models by which this competition could be run within our calendar year.

The AGM was followed by Wellington Centre hosting an overview and review of their transition into a Regional Service Centre which provided insights for all concerned as to how the RSC’s will be able to aid in delivering coaching, youth, Umpire, and Green Keeper services to their community. The AGM and Forum was held in a spirit of cooperation and with a feeling that the sport is moving in the right direction and that the future holds great potential.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

25

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

LAUNCHES NEW

E T I S B E W

Bowls NZ is proud to announce the launch of our exciting new website.

Because the old website is fast becoming out of date we felt it was time for a fresh new look – and our website providers Sporting Pulse have created a fantastic new site with great new features.

As part of this year’s objectives for the marketing team we have reviewed our technology and Website strategies.

The key factors considered were: the ease of use of our existing website, future proofing our needs, suitable solutions for clubs, and integration capabilities.

With a simple layout, and many interactive features, finding out what’s going on in the bowling world will be easier than ever before. You’ll be able to give your opinion on polls and forums, browse photo galleries, get information on upcoming events, play online bowling games, take quizzes, and follow the Black Jacks on their road to Commonwealth glory. The new site will also include classifieds, green keeper’s information, coaching, and umpire information. Results from all our competitions will be online, and you’ll be able to look up clubs and coaches in your area. The site will also feature all the tools needed to get your club started on ClubCheck and Mates in Bowls, so go have a look and see what’s there!

The new site will feature all you need to know about the Bowls NZ

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26

constitution and rules of the game, so all your technical questions can be answered.

If you are looking into creating a site for your club you can do this using website providers ALLTEAMS. ALLTEAMS will set up your customised websites for free, and you can use the site to manage registrations, keep your members up to date on club news, start a photo gallery, and attract new sponsors. To find out more visit www.allteams.co.nz. AllTeams did some base work on our ideal solution of a totally integrated platform for all

aspects of our organisation. Allteams understand our strategy and the future direction we want to head in and are investigating solutions so that we can deliver this to our community in the future, while maintaining a free platform option for our clubs now.

We are excited by our new website and the opportunities available to clubs. We look forward to your feedback and encourage everyone to have their say on the various forums and polls now in place. To take a look at the new site visit: www.bowlsnz.co.nz.

www.bowlsnz.co.nz – for your latest bowls news and results

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

Like You have 5 new notifications, including two friend requests, one new comment to a post on your wall, you’ve also been tagged in a friend’s photo album and Sally likes your most recent status update.

If this really doesn’t make sense to you, then chances are you’ve grown up in an offline world. “Facebook” is one of the most well known and mainstream ‘online social media networks’ and with over 500 million registered users, it is the largest.

Bowls NZ has recently launched itself online, to grow interest in bowls by Kiwi kids and youth. http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Youth-Bowls/131417323572974?ref=ts

So what exactly is Facebook and what is the big deal?

Facebook is an online network of people, connected by friendships and related interests or associations.

On Facebook, every user has a unique profile page, which is customised by the user to display their personality and interests. A profile will typically include photos and a stream of ‘activity’ which is posted on the

How is Bowls NZ utilising Facebook?

Bowls NZ has created an officially dedicated page, targeted towards the youth bowls market. By creating this page, it is intended that Bowls NZ is able to communicate directly with youth to promote and grow the sport of bowls and enable youth to have a ‘voice’. Content relevant to youth will be posted here and people can give feedback using the various options that Facebook presents. An album of photos from the Bowls NZ National Secondary Schools could be uploaded and youth bowlers would ‘tag’ themselves in the photo (this means

can be set depending on how much information you’d like to share and it is encouraged that you become ‘friends’ with actual people that you know.

How do I get on Facebook?

Visit www.facebook.com and set up your own profile, it is free.

Ensure that you read and review your personal privacy settings. Next search for your friends online and send them a friend request. Finally, monitor your page, upload photos and comment on your friends’ walls. If you’re a youth bowler search for the Youth Bowls page and click “Like this”.

caption the photo with their name, if they are in it) and post comments about how much fun they had. Others who agree with the comment click on “Like” and the news spreads. All of this ‘activity’ is posted on the profile wall, where friends see it and then will follow the action, raising the profile and awareness of bowls in the youth community.

I’ve heard that sharing information online is dangerous for youth?

profile ‘wall’. Without getting too

Facebook is constantly updating

technical, the best way to describe

and revising how it operates to ensure

how Facebook works is to think of a

that privacy concerns are met. Users

profile page as a scrapbook of your

should be aware that anything posted

life, which you share on the internet

online is potentially in the public

with all of your friends. It seems like

domain and everyone is encouraged

everyone is on Facebook, from the

NOT to publish private information

Prime Minister of New Zealand to the

such as contact or personal details.

All Whites and musicians.

Privacy settings on a person’s profile

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-Bowls/131417323572974?ref=ts www.bowlsnz.co.nz

27

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At Corporate Traveller we believe that it’s our people that make the world of difference. We offer a unique combination of expert advice, local personal service and global negotiating strength of Flight Centre Ltd to maximize your savings.

We will save your business money by accessing the best prices and greatest range of product available, but not at the expense of the service you deserve.

As part of this exciting new relationship let us help you… have you booked your flights, accommodation and car hire to Dunedin for the National Secondary Schools Championships and National Open Championships?

All team members are fully briefed on your business, so they have the knowledge and skills to provide you with all your travel arrangements.

Call Corporate Traveller Greenlane 09 579 3860 or email: mark.richards@corporatetraveller.co.nz

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

myth busting Bowls NZ, in the interest of transparency, is introducing a “myth busting” segment, specifically dedicated to busting some common “myths” with the facts.

Let’s look at…

MYTH #2:

Our sport is in decline.

Participation Statistics from 2003 to current 120,000 Total Full

100,000

Casual 80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

2003

2004

What many people have failed to understand or grasp when viewing our sport is that it isn’t in decline - that the number of people who are participating in our sport is on the increase as shown in the graph.

In 2003 participation was at 72,139 and today participation numbers are 99,850.

Key Fact: Due to the changes in lifestyle, time and family pressures,

2005

2006

2007

most people can no longer afford to spend their entire weekends playing sport.

Key Fact: People in most sports are moving away from traditional membership and are moving towards casual participation or participation in short format competitions.

Key Fact: For bowls to survive we have to address this issue of changing

2008

2009

trends in regards to participation within our sport and work to find a financial solution that incorporates the casual bowler. If we don’t address our financial structure, membership fees will continue to climb.

Key Fact: Our sport isn’t in decline, we have just failed to ensure we generate revenue off the growth market within our sport.

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ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

the necessity of

FINANCIAL T N E M E G A N A M and boards I believe it is absolutely

read board reports that talk about

critical that the issue of financial

the issue of operating deficits and

management is raised nationally and

continually reducing reserves as being

is a topic for open discussion, and

an unsustainable practice, and yet in

that all members are aware of what is

the same report the executives show

happening around them.

no planning or foresight to address this

I have been overwhelmed by the

bordering on financially unsustainable

seen that show clubs and centres

positions, and it is outrageous that our

operating to significant deficits over

members aren’t crying foul over these

an extended period of time, spending

practices. Bowls as an organised sport

more than they are earning, and dealing

will not be in existence in ten years if we

with this by decreasing club and centre

do not demand that we get proactive

savings, selling off assets, or in the worst

and rectify this issue at all levels of our

of the cases simply ignoring the problem

sport.

and hoping it goes away.

This poor financial management

Financial sustainability is simple; we have to run to break-even budgets. Our

is one of the biggest issues facing our

clubs and centres have to run budgets for

sport, and is one aspect that every

each aspect of their operation, from the

member of our sport will be affected

bar, to tournaments. We have to know

Mike O’Keefe, Bowls NZ

by. What happens if your club closes?

what revenue we have coming in, and

Marketing Manager.

What happens if your club can’t maintain

where it’s being spent. Ask yourself, does

its greens? Do you know your club’s

your club have a budget for the next

It is of real concern that in this day

financial position? Do you know what

tournament you play in? Can you easily

and age, in an economic environment

plans are in place to ensure the club is in

see how much revenue was generated?

where corporate, governments, and an

existence in ten year’s time?

How much the tournament cost? If not,

individual’s finance is top of mind that many of our clubs and centres refuse to recognise their financial responsibilities for ongoing survival.

Even though clubs operate independently with their own executive

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

30

issue. Some of our clubs and centres are

number of club financials that I have

Now I ask these questions for a reason.

I have seen a number of financial

why not? We have to be able to track and record that expenditure so when abnormal instances occur we can identify

reports from clubs, and a significant

them and rectify the problem. What is

portion show clubs making annual

unacceptable is the number of clubs and

deficits in the tens of thousands. I have

centres that are not running even the

ISSUE 14 SEPTEMBER 2010

most basic budgets.

Simply put we can no longer put

investment ends”.

Clubs and members have to face a

disrespecting the hard work of all those gone before them. It is my personal

our heads in the sand, if we have learnt

reality that revenue has to increase for

opinion that this is a slap in the face of

anything from the financial crisis that

clubs to survive, so membership subs

has encompassed the world, it is that

and bar charges have to be reviewed

all those individuals who have poured

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT HAS TO BE

unemotionally in the cold hard light

TRANSPARENT AND REALISTIC to be

of day. We are investing in Community

effective.

Development Officers for a reason, so

Clubs and Centres are facing

use them! Seek their advice, look at the

their hearts and souls into a club so that it could be there for the enjoyment of the next generation of bowlers.

As members and stakeholders of this

financial difficulties and are hoping that

ClubPlan planning modules, and ask, can

sport we have to demand that those

their operational programmes will be

this help your club?

we have appointed to run our sport at

funded by grant funding, and finding

This sport has a history, over a

all levels take it on their shoulders to

themselves with significant problems

hundred years of people building

manage this sport so that it is here now

when applications are declined. A

a platform and infrastructure for

and in the future. We have to shout

recent commentary on gaming trust

our enjoyment of bowls. Our club

from the roof tops, we have to make our

funding states “As the era of easily

base is extensive, the quality of our

available gaming funds continues to

greens world class, our volunteer base

voices heard! We have to say, “I don’t

fade, organisations are now examining

extraordinary and we have world leading

business models that have core business

development programs for our officials,

matched by sustainable revenue.

but now we are putting it all at risk. I

Gaming funds will remain a significant

find it shocking that there are people

part of the landscape but will be best

and clubs out there who are proactively

make sure this club, this centre, this

used for projects that drive change,

and intentionally reducing their clubs

sport, is here for the next generation?

deliver demonstrable benefit and leave

reserves to zero to keep membership fees

We can’t be the ones who destroy this

an organisation stronger when the

to nil for their current members. They are

history we have built.

care who you are or where you come from, but that type of management is unacceptable.” We have to decide how do we survive? What has to change to

NOTE: This is an opinion piece, written by Mike O’Keefe purely based on his own personal experience and opinion. It does not necessarily represent the official views, policies or opinion of Bowls New Zealand.

For feedback on this opinion piece email mike@bowlsnz.co.nz

www.bowlsnz.co.nz

31

BCG2 GRA0024 LAPS Approval all No: N 1529

GRANT’S CORNER 2 CORNER TOURNAMENT Join in the fun and get a different angle on our favourite pastime. me.

From November 2010 to April 2011 at participating clubs.