ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
THE OFFICIAL BOWLS NZ eMAGAZINE
What will the next 100 Years of Bowls look like? Your National Bowls Awards Finalists Announced HOW TO:
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
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BOWLS D N U F T N E M P O L E V DE Has your club ever used the TOWER Bowls Development Fund? Did you know that there is funding available for the benefit of your club and all you have to do is apply for it? When any member of your club signs up for TOWER Plus Bowls insurance it generates a rebate that is used to help our sport continue to thrive. These rebates go towards three areas.
l The TOWER Bowls Development Fund - a fund which supports initiatives that enhance our sport at club level! l Marketing of our sport as whole to the wider community, l Training costs to upskill volunteers, executives, coaches, umpires etc
The TOWER Bowls Development Fund is available to clubs for initiatives that attract new members or new target audiences to our sport, for things like events aimed at attracting new participants, projects that will generate income, and plans that increase utilisation of facilities. The TOWER Bowls Development Fund also funds projects aimed at up-skilling of volunteers, executive members and personnel. Up-skilling members can be through attending recognised training programmes or official conferences, which will provide immediate benefits to the governance, administration or operations of the club. The rebates generated do not ever go towards the High Performance programme or Bowls New Zealand’s staff salaries. The rebates are purely for the furtherance of bowls as a sport and to provide funds for the development of the club and club membership. Because the money for the fund comes from rebates when club members sign up for insurance with TOWER, the more members you have signing up the more money is available to use. So encourage your club members to move to TOWER and sign up for TOWER Plus Bowls cover!
To apply for a grant from the Development Fund or for more information please see www.bowlsnz.co.nz or contact your local Bowls NZ Community Development Officer Thinking about insurance? Talk to TOWER first free call 0800 477 466
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issue Bowls New Zealand Staff Profile – Rob Pidgeon
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Why do we sell Ourselves and our Sport so Cheaply? 4-5 Can your Club afford to lose its Liquor Licence?
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Bowls New Zealand Membership Project 2010
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Review of the Capability and Performance of Bowls New Zealand
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Myth Busting
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Kiwisport to support Squad6 in Auckland Club Scene
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Rotorua East wins ClubCheck Silver
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Redcliffs achieve Silver Award
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North Island Greenkeepers Seminar
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The South Island Seminar 16 Examination Routine for Registration as an Umpire, Law Umpire or Measurer 17 A moment in Bowls History
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The Long Road to Commonwealth Gold begins in Mt Eden
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Indian Commonwealth Games
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Bowls New Zealand Judicial Process and the Aftermath of a Recent Hearing 24-25 A Surge and Merge for Barrington
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National Bowls Awards FInalists
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
bowls nz staff profile
rob pidgeon Rob is the first point of contact for many of our clubs, being a critical link in the distribution of information and helping to answer many of our clubs questions regarding new initiatives and support. Rob joined Bowls New Zealand in 2007 as a Massey University practicum student. After completing his required 160 hours of (unpaid!) work he had managed to impress the Bowls New Zealand staff so much that they offered him a job as the Marketing and Communications Assistant. His job involves working with the Marketing and Communications Manager on a variety of tasks. He manages the website, oversees the production of UpShot and the Annual Report, works on sponsorship proposals, helps to ensure that the annual marketing and communications plans are successful, and has been a vital part of the development of the Mates in Bowls programme. He is also the one that is responsible for most of the communication with the clubs, when you receive an email about the latest issue of Upshot or the Black Jacks playing in an event he’s the one sending it. Rob’s greatest frustrations is based around trying to build the quality of media coverage the sport deserves in the national media organisations, and keeping Mike his new marketing manager under control. Rob is a dedicated member of United North Piha Lifeguard Service and serves as an executive of that club. Rob spends most of his weekends over the summer patrolling the beach, saving lives, and working with young surf life savers helping to grow their confidence and skills. Rob is so dedicated to this service he even has a lifesaving personalised plate on his car! Rob is also working towards completing his post graduate
diploma in marketing part time, sometimes coming in to the office to study on weekends to get away from distractions. On top of all this Rob has just been appointed to the development position on the board of Sport Waitakere RST and has a bright future within the New Zealand Sporting environment. We are lucky to have such a dedicated and skilled individual working for the benefit of Bowls. Rob plays in a social rugby team in the little spare time he has, and despite numerous injuries and constant grief received from the rest of the office over the years he is still playing between injuries to his ear, leg, shoulder, and the rest of his body. How to contact Rob: Email rob@bowlsnz.co.nz Phone 09 571 9954
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
WHY DO WE SELL OURSELVES AND OUR SPORT
SO CHEAPLY?
Mike O’Keefe, Marketing & Communications Manager, Bowls NZ Simply put, if price was the only statement behind why people play casual sport, no social cricket, netball, soccer, touch rugby, squash, badminton, etc would survive. I go every Thursday to play indoor cricket. Every Thursday I pay my $12 willingly. Simply put I am not there because it’s the cheapest option, I am there to play a game I love, to be competitive, to be with friends I enjoy, and to get out of the house. Ask your casual players, and I bet you, their reasons for playing aren’t that much different. I believe it is important when a person writes an opinion piece to state their biases and positions so that others can form an understanding of the logic, so that individuals can base their own conclusions on fact not hearsay. I don’t have a long history of playing bowls; most of my time has been in playing
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cricket, from the early age of four when my first club game was on a mown strip of grass and the wickets an old beer crate. Over the years I have played at competitive junior and senior club level, in indoor, twilight and social teams. In all that time not once would I have expected someone else to pay for my participation, not once would I have expected to pay for someone else to have the privilege of participating. I have had to pay my own way to tournaments and nationals, to training camps and for additional coaching, this is how I have been acclimatised to sport and that to participate I needed to be able to pay my own way. I have been the marketing and communications manager with Bowls New Zealand for the last four months and believe my role is to add value to the organisation and to the clubs that make this sport possible. What amazes me the most since I began with Bowls is that many people out there believe it is ok that they pay for two other people to participate in the sport almost free of charge. What is worse in my opinion is that many people don’t realise that they are paying so that two others don’t have to. What many clubs have done is bastardised the membership categories to give a category of player cheap playing rights to our sports at the expense of the traditional member. What do I mean by this? Many clubs have utilised the social member category to give players a cheap option of participating in our sport. The social member category was designed for non players who wanted to participate in the Club, who were friends, family, wives, and husbands of members who didn’t want to, or couldn’t play bowls but wanted to be an active part of that club. This category never had playing rights, now many clubs have decided to use this for
players. What it has meant is that the full members are subsidising these individuals; these so called social bowlers are given in many instances unlimited access to greens and playing rights for a fraction of the cost to the traditional full member. Many of these social players will play up to five times a week for a token $30, while our traditional member struggles to play once a week for $150, where is the fairness in that? I look at our sport and it feels unfair compared to what I have experienced in the past in other sports. It feels like the people who do all the work, the members, the volunteers, and the executives have to bear the burden of all the costs involved in the sport. As a social player in multiple sports I happily pay my fees, I expect to, I don’t know of anyone I have played with who hasn’t expected that. We don’t care where the money goes, our expectation is that when we turn up to play, there are adequately
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trained officials, the ground we play on is better than average, and that there are the facilities and equipment we need to participate. I am unsure why in bowls we feel it’s ok to put the entire burden on those that do the most work. Now you may think I am exaggerating so here are the facts: That there are only 37,000 paying members, and currently they have to support up to another 88,000 players of bowls, these figures are based on recent membership and Nielsen survey data. In the five months since I started with Bowls New Zealand I have read time and again peoples’ issues over membership fees. Never once has the issue been raised of a fair distribution, of those stalwarts of our sport having to bear all of the cost, not once has a casual participant raised concern over the potential of their contribution to the infrastructure of the sport, why? We, they, don’t care, as a social participant I am there to play, to participate, to enjoy the sport, and to go home. I expect to have everything I need to play when I turn up, and I am smart enough to realise some of that is to ensure the sport I love has the infrastructure to deliver that base expectation. More focus is going on sports clubs with Liquor Licensing authorities looking closer at the actions of clubs, most of our clubs are operating in a ways that breach the current laws. Can your club afford to lose its Club license; can you afford not to have that revenue coming in? So people why aren’t we affiliating our casual bowlers? Why aren’t we having them link into the infrastructure of our sport? Doing this, registering them, linking them into our payment models, ensures this sport can survive. Many sports I have participated in are doing it, and it’s one of the few areas bowls truly lags behind in. I don’t think it’s fair that those people who happily pay their membership fees, believe in and value the club, who represent the heart and soul of the club, who help out the club where they can, are the ones also burdened with subsidising casual bowlers. It’s an aspect of our sport that confounds me, that I personally struggle with. I bet all of you who have or do play other sports never consider it, so why is it such an issue in ours? 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
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5* *conditions apply
At Kalua Holiday Apartments, at Maroochydore, on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, you are only minutes from 5 bowls clubs, major shopping centres, golf clubs, clubs, restaurants, medical centres and our famous beaches. Our comfortable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom self contained apartments are all air-conditioned and face north. The only decision you need to make now is, when to come over! info@kalua.com.au | P: 61 7 5443 4914 | www.kalua.com.au
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can your club afford to lose its
liquorlicence? With the increased media coverage around alcohol related issues and the government’s continued focus on excessive alcohol consumption, underage drinking, breaches of license requirements, and the availability of cheap alcohol we thought it was prudent to take this opportunity to discuss and highlight the legislation under review by the government around the supply of alcohol and club liquor licenses. As a significant part of the operation of clubs revolves around the management, running, and revenue generated from the Club’s bar, it is important we all understand our obligations and the nature of the potential changes our clubs face. The Club “needs to be aware that a license is a privilege and not a right. It is not guaranteed profitability, and it’s holder acquires certain responsibilities” (Decision, Ocean Focus Limited LLA PH 579/2004). It is important that a club understands that a club liquor license is based on the fact that a clubs sole purpose is for the administration and participation of bowls and that the bar is an established privilege for the clubs members. Promoting free or cheap SOCIAL memberships is most likely to land your club in hot water with the District Licensing agency as you will be in breach of the conditions attached to a club Liquor License. In 2007 the Liquor Licensing Authority provided this explanation around who can access the bar facilities of a club, “The Act gives privileges to a club but expects scrupulous behaviour in return. The basic rule is that members of the public are not sold liquor at a club, unless there is a special license in force. Or unless they are in the company of a member as a guest.” Guests must be accompanied by the member, and leave before or at the same time as the member. District Licensing Agencies’ require clubs to maintain a register (visitor book) to ensure compliance with this regulation and prefer a limit to
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the number of guests allowed on the premises at any point in time. The member needs to ensure the guests behaviour and that they act in accordance to the law and the clubs regulations. Everybody else is to be treated as a member of the public and therefore requiring a special license. The Sale of Liquor Review has made 151 recommendations for the government to consider. Areas of concern brought to their attention around clubs and Club Liquor licenses included: Clubs not abiding by the conditions of their licenses and not being subject to as much scrutiny from licensing inspectors and police. The Committee recommends that the rules relating to clubs should be enforced more rigorously. In, addition, the new act should require “increased supervision of the sale of alcohol in clubs.” Where the risk of alcohol related harm is high… there is much less justification of different treatment for clubs as opposed to other onlicenses. There was particular concern in relation to sports clubs because of the occurrences of sales to minors and sale to intoxicated people. The New Zealand police advise that some clubs are operating as de facto onlicenses by selling to members of the public as defined under the law or by promoting the consumption of cheap alcohol.
How does this impact your club? Your club needs to ensure its policies around member categories align with the law and your constitution. There have been instances where social membership categories have been created by clubs which have breached the intent of the law, and sports clubs have had their licenses suspended or renewals held up while clarity is sought regarding the categories of membership and the numbers in each category. Remember that the prime purpose of a bowling club is to promote the game of bowls
and that the club license is ancillary to this purpose and is granted for the use by club members. Clubs need to determine when the general public is going to be on the premises and they need to get a special license to ensure they do not breach the law. The advantage of a special license is that you can apply for multiple events on one application so look to your planning, try and apply for as many events as possible under one application so the club isn’t burdened by excessive costs and the time required for this process. No matter what happens and what changes to the Liquor Laws are implemented all sports clubs are going to face increased scrutiny by District Licensing Authorities and police to ensure the basic legal requirements are being adhered to, so be proactive. A simple question is, can your club afford to lose its club liquor license? If it can’t, then look at obligations and systems within the club, make sure you have your systems right, ask the District Licensing Inspectors to assist, talk to your Community Development Officers around best practice, Join SCANZ if you are not already a Member –they are experts in this field. They can be contacted on 0800 655 889 or e-mail CEO Bob Clark at bob.clark@sportingclubs.org.nz , postal address P.O. Box 1080, Dunedin 9054 and they have a website www.sportingclubs.org.nz
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bowls new zealand
membership project 2010 As part of the ongoing review of the financial viability of our sport, a working group has been established with the intention of researching alternative models from which the sport can continue to grow, and ensures a fair distribution of the cost of managing the infrastructure of our sport in a fair and equitable manner across all participants. The broad aspects of the project are detailed below:
Background One of the areas considered during the Task Force deliberations of the One Bowls: One Vision project included our present membership categories as well as the funding base of our sport. The Task Force recommended that further study be done into this aspect of our sport. The Board of Bowls New Zealand considered the Task Force reports and decided to commission a separate project to consider the options for membership of Bowls New Zealand into the future.
Structure of Project The project will start with a “clean sheet of paper”, and will be conducted in four stages, with a consultation approach to be a critical element of the process. l Stage 1. Establish what structures other sports and similar organisations have – what works and what does not. Request submissions from the bowls population as to options they see taking bowls into the future. Determine which examples are applicable to the Bowls NZ situation. l Stage 2. Establish a selection of options which should be considered by Bowls NZ Board and communicated for discussion within the wider Bowls community l Stage 3. Bowls NZ Board to determine which option to adopt. l Stage 4. Prepare any necessary amendments if any to the
Constitution and inform membership. To ensure that this project and the workgroup understands the perspective and values of our clubs and centres, in the first stage of this project we are asking for submissions by individuals, clubs, or groups on potential options for consideration on how the membership structure should be maintained, developed, or adjusted to best meet the needs of the sport now and in the future. Closing date for Submissions October 31 2010 Submissions can be emailed to info@ bowlsnz.co.nz Posted to: Bowls New Zealand PO BOX 62502 Kalmia St Auckland 1544
Objective of Project To recommend a membership structure that will serve the sport of bowls into the future. The features of the proposed membership structure are that: l It reflects the participation base of the sport into the future. l It enables a fair and equitable contribution to the infrastructure costs of the sport. l It is simple and has a low compliance cost. l It is self-regulatory.
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review of the capability and
performance of bowls new zealand Bowls New Zealand, along some issues in ensuring the with 10 other National game is delivered by strong Sporting Organisations, sustainable clubs, with recently underwent a support provided by capable comprehensive review of its regional bodies. The issue is capability and performance well-known and understood using an Organisational by Bowls NZ, who is in the Development Tool process middle of a well researched, developed by SPARC. The defined, and managed project tool uses a scoring system to devise and implement the modelled on the Baldridge right solution to address. Criteria for Performance Bowls New Zealand CEO, Excellence (the world Kerry Clark, comments that recognised standard and used this review is a very satisfying by the New Zealand Business result for both the Board Excellence Foundation) and and Management who have sets high standards. worked diligently over the Bowls New Zealand last few years to put in place achieved an overall score of systems of governance, 70 out of 100. This score put planning and management the organisation in the High which are based on best A team from SPARC enjoyed playing Mates in Bowls Performing scoring band practice. at Khandallah Bowling Club last year. (70-89%). A High Performing What we want to do now score indicates the organisation’s is develop a similar approach for every strategic and annual planning, Sport performance is embedded enabling level of our sport and the Regional Delivery- in particular the sections it to consistently meet or exceed Service Centre Model is the first step on Marketing and Communications, operational needs and stakeholder along that path. Event Management and Competition expectations. There is evidence of We are committed to working Management, and Sport Managementcycles of improvement. There are six with our community to achieve the in particular the sections on financial scoring bands being World Class, High community sport investment priorities management, financial sustainability Performing, Sustainable, Developing, that SPARC, as a result of this review, and risk management. Initiating and Absent. The covering have invested in us for the next three The report states that this is memo from SPARC states that scores years –they are: an impressive result for Bowls NZ in the sustainable band are strong 1. Developing a collaborative sport placing it firmly in the top band of results and scores above this are delivery model organisations assessed to date. As uncommon. Many sport and recreation 2. Developing the capability and such the bulk of the recommendations organisations are scoring in the capacity of organisations and relate to areas in which Bowls NZ are Developing and initiating band during people involved in Regional Sports already performing well, but could their first assessment. Organisations and Clubs be improved by some additions or Areas in which Bowls New Zealand 3. Developing and supporting the amendments to established processes. displayed High performing scores were: volunteer base for bowls The health of the sport at the Leadership- in particular the sections 4. Enabling more opportunities regional and club level is the most of Direction, Governance and CEO for young New Zealanders to significant issue facing the sport performance, Planning- which includes participate in bowls. of bowls. The sport of bowls has
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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 #1:
Bowls NZ uses my annual membership fee to pay for high performance athletes and exorbitant staff salaries. This graph shows: 1%
4%
17%
How the Annual Membership Fee of $27.54 will be spent for 2010-2011
11%
Membership Fee Allocation 2010-2011 Season
5% 3%
17%
13% 5% 15%
How the Annual Membership Fee of $27.54 will be spent for 2010-2011 season. Key Fact: The membership fee accounts for 38% of the Bowls New Zealand income, so for every $1 the membership contributes to the infrastructure of the sport; Bowls New Zealand raises a further $1.50 Key Fact: No aspect of the High Performance Program is funded from the membership fee. The High Performance Program runs to a separate breakeven budget based on
9%
n One Bowls, One Vision (17%) n Salaries (17%) n Administration (5%) n Governance/Board (9%) n Marketing and Communication (15%) n Development (13%) n Coaching (3%) n Competitions (5%) n Greens Turf Culture (11%) n Umpires (1%) n World Bowls Levy (4%)
the allocation from our funders e.g. SPARC. The membership fee is designed to support the infrastructure of our sport and not to finance the High Performance Program. Key Fact: Bowls New Zealand employs 11 full time employees (FTE) and 5 part time employees (PTE). 5 FTE and 2 PTE are based at the National Office. 5 FTE Community Development Officers regionally, based working with Centres and Clubs. High Performance: 1 FTE National Coach in Christchurch and 1 PTE Program Leader
in Auckland. 1 PTE National Coaching Coordinator and 1 PTE Event Manager regionally based working with Clubs, Centres and Bowls NZ. The average salary is $43,062 per annum. Salaries account for 17% of the expenditure attributed from membership fees. Bowls New Zealand has developed relationships with outside funders so that significant portions of the salary component are funded by their contributions rather than membership fees.
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Kiwisport to Support Squad6 in Auckland By Amy Williams Bowls is a fast growing sport for youths and the recent approval of Kiwisport funding by the Regional Sport Trust Alliance is a step towards more young people playing the sport. The Regional Partnership Fund is aimed at encouraging partnerships between schools, clubs, local and community groups to get more young people involved in organised sport. Kiwisport’s support will grow bowls participation numbers and membership base, and help to ensure the future of the sport. Squad6 was run as a trial programme over the last year, and the funding from Kiwisport has led to a confirmed 600% growth in expected participation numbers for the coming year. Squad6 is a structured 4-6 week competition where students compete in teams of 6. Squad6 is aimed at students that have never played before, and is a great way to introduce young people to the sport. It is intended to be a stepping
stone in the process of getting young people involved in Bowls, and will lead to students moving into full club memberships and high performance teams. Auckland Bowls Collegiate Committee Chairman Howard Sandler has been instrumental in the success of Squad 6 in Auckland, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that students enjoy their first introduction to bowls. Riki Burgess, Harbour Sport’s Sport Development advisor says that Squad6 is a fantastic programme for college kids, particularly having a big impact on kids that are not interested in the more physical sports. He says the way the sport and social components of the programme interact are great, and it is a programme that has good pathways to lead into high performance. Working with Regional Sports Trusts will help the sport of bowls beyond just youth membership. Building a successful partnership will help to ensure that Regional Sports Trusts view bowls as a sport that is worth investing in in the future. We
are grateful to The Regional Sports Trusts for their support, and look forward to working with them in the future for the success of bowls and the health of Kiwi kids. Burgess thinks that the regional approach is a particularly effective model, and is a great example of bowls working with RSTs to bring benefits to the community. Delivering Squad6 also involves cooperation between clubs and Auckland Bowls, as well as with Kiwisport. Auckland Bowls is responsible for introducing the concept to schools but it is club volunteers that actually run the programme. These volunteers are chosen because of their enthusiasm for growing bowls as a sport and their ability to deliver the programme in a fun, structured environment. Their support is invaluable for the success of the programme and many thanks go all our volunteers. Pictured below: Students enjoy Squad6 in Northland.
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CLUB SCENE
congratulations
Bob Moore (right) receives his long service award from Norman Cowie.
Congratulations to David Ormsby and Bob Moore for their Greenkeeping Awards for services to the industry. Congratulations also go to Norman Cowie, Martin Christensen, Harry Hopping, Ann Dougal and Warwick Graham who also received awards during recent greenkeeping seminars. David Ormsby received a Merit Award for his 21 years of service. Starting out as an Agronomist in Hamilton in 1989 David has become a respected member of the community for his contributions to greenkeeping for local bodies, golf clubs and bowling clubs in the area. During his time as an Agronomist there has been a marked improvement in the playing fields in the area, including the field of the “best rugby stadium in New Zealand”. Bob Moore was the recipient of a long service award for his services of an astounding 36 years! Bob’s dedication to greenkeeping is remarkable, and Tinwald Bowling Club are exceptionally lucky to have him. He always puts the greens first, and takes every opportunity to increase his knowledge and expertise. David and Bob are outstanding members of the Bowling community and their contributions have helped to guarantee that bowling clubs continue to have highquality greens in the future.
jacobson hyundai performs on and off the green Grant Jacobson, Director of Jacobson Hyundai, Tauranga and Bowls NZ CDO’s Steve Beel and Steve Smith were part of the “sponsors team” at the recent Fat Snapper tournament held at the Tauranga South Bowling Club in Tauranga. Jacobson Hyundai are a principal sponsor of the Tauranga South club and when the club was holding their marquee tournament it was too good of an opportunity for Grant and Bowls NZ to miss. Steve Beel organised the entry, arranged for Steve Smith to bolster the talent and for Mark Reid, the required junior of the team, to play – plus spend time with Grant to coach The “Sponsors Team” – Beel, Jacobson, Reid & Smith. him in preparation for the event. Team Hyundai shirts were arranged, Bowls stickers proudly showing the Hyundai brand were sourced and the team was ready to do battle. Whilst the weather was the winner the team did perform both on and off the green. Grant also had cars on display as well as other promotional material and plenty of people were interested. The bowling highlight was Grant having his first ever “bowls drive”. The initial problem was ‘the drive’ was something Grant had only seen and not tried before, anyway in a fairy tale like fashion Grant lined up the ‘fast drive” shot, let fly at the target and without fear of contradiction never looked like missing the target from Jacobson lines up the drive. the time it left his hand. So Hyundai was a great drive on and off the green.
have a go day
sunday october 10 Over 85 Clubs have signed up Register your club online and download templates at www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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club scene
hyundai @ fieldays Black Jack Genevieve Baildon stopped in to see the Hyundai Fieldays stand at Mystery Creek recently. Hyundai had an impressive display featuring their range of quality vehicles. Don’t forget to get your $25 WOF Test at your nearest Hyundai dealership. See p.12 of Upshot or www.bowlsnz.co.nz for more information.
upshot email promotion We received a number of entries for the Upshot Email Promotion. Thank you to all Club Secretaries who submitted entries on behalf of their Clubs. Congratulations to the following winning clubs: l Green Island Bowling Club - Millennium Hotels and Resorts Prize l Mairangi Bay Bowling Club – Henselite Bowls Prize l Beckenham Bowling Club – National Interclub Entry Fee paid for 2010-2011
life membership for allan griffiths Janis Reynolds (Secretary Stoke Bowling Club) reports that Allan Griffiths was made a life member at the AGM of Bowls Nelson. He was also elected President of Stoke Bowling Club recently. Congratulations Allan.
Michelle Hurley-Scotson (Hyundai New Zealand Sales and Operations Manager) and Genevieve Baildon at Fieldays.
6th international deaf lawn bowls championship A team of 12 New Zealanders will compete at the International Deaf Lawn Bowls Championships in Perth, early next year. New Zealand has placed well at the previous International Championships, placing bronze overall at the last event. This time, NZ is very determined to win gold but, they need your help to get there. Deaf Lawn Bowls NZ is requesting assistance with fund raising efforts. If you can help, please contact Treasurer Joan Richards, email: grajo@ihug.co.nz; 1/210 Mangorei Road, Merrilands, New Plymouth; Fax (06) 758 1669.
A NEW GREEN FOR LEVIN BOWLING CLUB After many months of planning, fund raising and negotiation President Paul Skilton and Dales NZ Director Tony Pellet signed the contract for the construction of a new artificial green for Levin Bowling Club. The signing of the contract represents the culmination of many months of hard work by a small team dedicated to the concept of a better artificial playing surface for their club.
Do you have a story of interest that would be suitable for Upshot? Email your article and high resolution photos to info@bowlsnz.co.nz
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ClubCheck
Pictured above: Stu Wibley and Bowls NZ CDO Steve Beel. Photo courtesy of Greg Gould Photographics. By Amy Williams Congratulations to Rotorua East Bowling Club who have been presented with their ClubCheck Silver Award. Led by Club President Stu Whibley, a dedicated team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to win the award. The club now has plans in place to ensure their success in the future, and they are on their way to making the necessary changes to grow and survive in the future. Mary Solomon has been the driving force behind the adoption of the Mates in Bowls programme,
rotorua east wins clubcHeck silver which has been an integral part of their Club Plan success. Steve Beel, Rotorua East’s local Community Development Officer says “The Rotorua East team has been great to work with. It proves that if you get the leadership right, with a can do attitude, glass half full outlook then anything is possible. The results being achieved are proof that the Bowls NZ programmes of Club Plan coupled with Mates in Bowls is the way of the future.“ For the Club to gain the Silver award in such a short time is testament
to the key volunteers in the club and is a excellent example to other small Bowling clubs in New Zealand. The volunteers at Rotorua East understand that improvement is a continuing journey and that, while compromises may have to be made, the club will continue to grow and thrive because of their dedication to the Club Plan Process. If you are interested in getting your club started on the Club Planning Process please contact your local CDO, details are on www.bowlsnz.co.nz
redcliffs achieve silver award By Vince Roper A vision for something different was what stimulated Peter Hyland to throw his energies into a club development role at the Redcliffs Bowling Club over the last couple of years. The Club and members ‘took on board’ the need to become more responsible for their own future. The early focus was on the clubrooms which underwent a major refurbishment and modernisation. The initiation of a new women’s invitation tournament, development of a recipe book, increased sale of signage and sponsorship, and active exploration of all revenue streams have had a positive effect on the culture and pride of the
club members. The club is proactive in seeking ways to attract players at all levels. The community linkage has been reinforced with the running of the ‘Mates-in Bowls’ (MIB) model designed to increase the bowler numbers in the sport. Redcliffs was the first Christchurch club to embrace this concept when it was launched nationally. The facilities are now also being used more by community organisations for meetings and functions, and tai-chi and pilates sessions are held on a regular basis. Redcliffs efforts were also channelled by the Bowls NZ Club Plan processes which outline the areas a progressive club should be working on, ie planning, people, the club and the game. “We found the resources
from Bowls NZ very helpful and easy to adapt” says Peter, “and having things like proper job descriptions and documented operating plans gives us a much clearer focus on what is going to be done around the club and by whom”. Don Simpson, club president, believes the club is on the right track and the plans now in place help to show members the way forward. “We find it is becoming easier to shoulder tap people to give a hand when they can see what the club is trying to achieve” says Don. Proud of the Silver ClubCheck Award, “There’s work to do yet”, says Peter, and the club’s vision is to convert the club’s adjacent paddock back into a fully utilised green.
Pictured left, Peter Hyland and Bowls NZ CDO Vince Roper.
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
FOCUS ON GREENKEEPING
North Island Greenkeepers Seminar Tauranga, 21-22 June 2010 By Norman Cowie The Bay of Plenty Greenkeepers hosted a very successful North Island Seminar at the Tauranga South Bowling Club. The seminar included a comprehensive array of workshops, open forum discussions, information about greenkeeping training, and discussions around green evaluation forms, Bowls New Zealand’s contract with NZSTI and Bowls New Zealand’s strategic plan. Among the highlights at the gathering was the enthusiastic manner
in which prominent expert agronomist, David Ormsby, dispensed his wide knowledge to the eager audience. Other workshops included mower setting by Evan Ford, verti drain in action by Parklands Turf, and reading product labels by Prebble Seeds. In addition to the main workshops there were several speakers giving lectures about a variety of issues that face greenkeepers today. Martin Christensen received a Greenkeepers Long Service Award from
Bowls New Zealand Greenkeeping Association President Norman Cowie, a fitting reward for 26 years of service in the greenkeeping industry. Congratulations must also go to Harry Hopping and Ann Dougal who were presented with the Merit Award Plaque for 12 and 10 years of service respectively. David Ormsby, who is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most expert greenkeepers received a Merit Award for his outstanding 21 years of service.
The South Island Seminar Ashburton, 6-7 July 2010
By Norman Cowie The excellent programme started with a welcome from Ashburton Mayor Mr Bede O’Malley, and Norman Cowie. The topics covered were similar to the North Island Seminar, and included discussion about organic matter management, legislation and risk management, drainage, and planning machines. The speaker line up for the event was exceptional, and the comment and involvement from the floor during every talk and paper was outstanding. Bob Moore received a Long Service Award for his amazing achievement of 36 years in service. A Life Membership was also presented to Warwick Graham for his services to the association since 1988. The New Zealand Greenkeeping Association held its Bi Annual General Meeting on the evening of the 6th and the following officers were elected: l President – Ron Sabin (Canterbury) l Vice President – Norman Cowie (South Canterbury) l Secretary – Maurice Symes (Canterbury) l Treasurer – Warwick Graham (Canterbury) Committee l Marty Webb (Northland) l Evan Forde (Auckland) l Murray Adamson (Hamilton) l Stu Dally (Canterbury) l Roger Gibson (Otago)
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
FOCUS ON UMPIRING
EXAMINATION ROUTINE FOR REGISTRATION AS AN UMPIRE, LAW UMPIRE OR MEASURER (ACCREDITATION) AND RE-ACCREDITATION Accreditation The 2010 examination routine for new umpires is well underway and the results to hand so far are again very pleasing. We have had only one failure so far this year and that was in the practical aspects of the process, where the candidate had been unable to attend the tutoring sessions, so once again, we are seeing that candidates are easily achieving the required 90% pass rate, provided that they have attended the tutorials and training sessions. Let’s attempt to dispel those myths and misconceptions that still exist about the examination routine for umpire candidates, particularly amongst those members of Centres that have not participated in the training and examination schemes that have now been in place for two years. In 2006, Bowls NZ decided to use the examination papers and practical exercises set by World Bowls and one of their directives is that the examining officer(s) must come from the National Authority’s Umpires
Committee. Bowls NZ also directed the Umpires Committee to put in place a standardised training routine and ensure that all Centre CEOs and all Umpire Associations received copies. Whereas in the past, a pass mark of 80% was required, the new routine called for a pass mark of 90% in both the laws and practical sections. Subsequently, several Centres and Umpire Associations expressed their disapproval at this new higher level and also at not being able to conduct their own examinations. After the first two years of this ‘new’ routine, these fears have proved unfounded as over 97% of those candidates who have been tutored both through the 10 unit Umpires Training Course and the fifteen exercise practical course, have bettered the 90% mark with several obtaining 100%. All this means that the tutors have been well satisfied with their success, the candidates have been ‘chuffed’ and the standard of the new umpires coming through has been
Bowls NZ Umpires Committee Pictured from left - Helen Stallard (Chair), Martin Christensen, Reg Briggs and Ray Hunt.
markedly improved, putting them on the first rung of the ladder to their greater success that will come from the experience they gain and further self training. Any concerns you still harbour concerning the new routine and the required 90% pass mark are unwarranted as it is proving highly successful, so join the throng and restart the flow of new umpires in your district.
Re-Accreditation There is appears to be some confusion in some Centres/Association about the Re-accreditation requirements. Re-accreditation is required every four years and the recommended process is that the umpires concerned are brought together and by mutual participation in a relaxed local atmosphere, answer at least ten questions on the current laws and Domestic Regulations, (drawn from the fifty questions provided by the Bowls NZ Umpires Committee), and complete at least six of the practical exercises from the fifteen exercise routine used in the annual accreditation routine. On completion, the Centre/ Association records should be altered to show the new expiry date and this should also be noted in the annual return to the Bowls NZ secretary reporting on currently active umpires.
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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The perfect partnership.
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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. Only one key ring per member.
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
A MOMENT IN
BOWLSHISTORY and Elizabeth Ulmer of Wellington. Recognising the national importance of the item, Bob was keen to return the badge home to New Zealand after 89 years and it was his friend Barry Flavall from Outram who forwarded it to Bowls NZ. Upon receiving the badge, CEO Kerry Clark acknowledged its historical significance and sent it onto the TSB Bank Bowls NZ Museum in New Plymouth for display. Teena Foreman is the curator of the museum and she picked up the trail, trying to track down the original owner of the badge. The booklet held at the museum titled “The Dominion Of New Zealand Bowling Team 1921 – a record of the tour of Great Britain and Ireland” has the matches listed and the players of both sides included with their scores. After scouring through the records it was found that no one by the name of Ulmer was part of the official tour
Silver Fern Returns after 89 Years In May, a small, tarnished and fragile Silver Fern badge, wrapped carefully on a bed of cotton wool and encased in a sturdy plastic container arrived in the post at the Auckland based office of Bowls NZ office. After some investigation, this small trinket revealed a small yet remarkable bowls story dating back to 1921 when the Dominion of New Zealand Bowling
Our sport is rich in history and the TSB Bank Bowls NZ Museum in New Plymouth is where our national bowls treasures and memorabilia are being preserved. The museum was established by Bob Vinsen, who is a dedicated bowls enthusiast, in his garage and then it was moved to its current location on the grounds of the New Plymouth Bowling Club. Currently Teena Foreman is the curator who has her work really cut out for her! With archiving, upkeep of displays, as well as research history requests, it’s a big job keeping on top of it all. If you’re interested in preserving the great history of our sport and have a few hours to volunteer, weekly or even monthly, Teena would love to hear from you. Contact Teena Foreman on; 06-758 0284 or bowlsnzmuseum@ xtra.co.nz
party. Teena sent Bob a list of names from the tour and it was found that the Hills were the link. Bob reflects, “on my Mother’s side of the family we had two sets of cousins in New Zealand - the Ulmers in Wellington and the Hills in New Plymouth. We were closer to the Hills because they sent us regularly throughout the Second World War wonderful parcels of tinned food that were quite absent from the shelves
Team embarked on a tour of Great
of our pretty bare shops in England.
Britain and Ireland.
I lived in Chessington, Surrey about
The badge was discovered in
TSB Bank Bowls NZ Museum
14 miles from the centre of London.
England by Bob Langton, as he was
My father insisted that all four of our
sorting through his mother’s effects.
family got together at the ceremonial
Bob assumed that the bowlers badge
opening of the food parcel from
was given to his mother during the
Cousin Emily - and we made the
1921 visit to England by George
contents last as long as possible!”
Wanted Do you have copies of the NZ Bowler magazine from 1960-1969? The TSB Bank Bowls NZ Museum is missing magazines from this era and would like to complete their collection. Contact Teena Foreman on; 06-758 0284 or bowlsnzmuseum@xtra.co.nz
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
BLACK JACKS
The Long Road to Commonwealth Gold Begins in MT Eden By Crispin Anderlini After a six week hiatus from the pressures of international bowls, the Black Jacks are back with a vengeance. The Mount Eden Bowling Club was the site chosen to kick off the first week back in training, and under a sharp, wintry blue sky New Zealanders’ trust in medal success looked well-placed. From now until the Commonwealth Games begin in October there will be fitness training schedules to adhere to, international matches to attend, and of course hours of time spent on the greens for these world-class athletes. Tight-knit and comfortable as they appear, every one of the 12 bowlers has had to balance full-time jobs, families and training to get to where they are. It’s not an easy schedule to keep, but having the opportunity to represent your country is well worth the sacrifice. In line with this busy schedule, the Black Jacks are heading to Fiji this month “to simulate the heat and green speeds they’ll get in Delhi,” explains NZ National Coach Dave Edwards. “Half the time between now and the Commonwealth Games will be spent overseas acclimatising and practising.” So how are the Black Jacks dealing with the pressure and the build up to the Games? Women’s Singles: Val Smith (Women’s Singles world number one): “I’ve done it before (competed internationally) many times, but it’s always different. I wasn’t sure about getting back into it after the break from bowls, but now I’ve started I’ve fallen back into it easily, and we’re getting a real buzz in the team as we prepare for the Games.”
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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Men’s Singles: Ali Forsyth (Men’s Singles world number four): “I’m looking forward to going back to Delhi and playing against the world’s best. It won’t be as hot this time and it’s what we’ve been training for. I think we’ve got a great chance to go all the way at the Games.”
Women’s Pairs: Jan Khan & Manu Timoti: “We’re a new pair,” says Khan, “and we’re going great. Maybe it’s the Maori in us – the aroha between us that works to make our team strong.... It’s fantastic to be back training for this event, and after spending the break with family I think we’ve all come back fresh. You need a break from the sport once in awhile because it requires a lot of commitment and sacrifice to reach this level and stay there.”
Men’s Pairs: Danny Delany & Richard Collett: “We’ve been training like greyhounds racing around a track,” says Collett. “Three or four times a week we’re doing fitness training; it’s high on the agenda and we’re ahead of schedule on the fitness tests,” confirms Delany, “I have to lose 10 kilograms before October, but it’s fine. It’s the biggest event in the world for bowls,
so it can’t hurt to go to the gym a bit. We’re also going to be having longer days than last time (8-Nations event).”
Women’s Triples: Genevieve Baildon, Dale Lang & Karen Coombe: “It’s been a bit strange not flying around the place for bowls (during the break),” reports Baildon. “I was settling into life, but now it’s time to focus on fitness and I’m throwing everything into training. Having that fitness on you helps in high heat and humidity, so I’m spending five days a week in the gym and four on the greens. I think we took some confidence from the recent TransTasman results, so we’re on form.”
Men’s Triples: Andrew Todd, Shannon McIlroy & Richard Girvan: “I was blown away really when I found out I was selected,” explains McIlroy. “It’s the pinnacle of our sport and you’re playing against a contingent of 300 bowlers; it’s quite special. I’m lucky to be playing with these guys. They’re both world champions, so that increases our chances of winning, but we also believe in ourselves. I think we have a good chance of winning gold medals and there’s a good chance of us all picking up medals. But there’s a lot of training to be done, and from now until the Games everything’s going to go really fast.” Photos by Crispin Anderlini – www. crispinanderlini.com
ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
Indian Commonwealth Games Team Looks to NZ in Bid to Become Bowls Powerhouse By Crispin Anderlini A newcomer to international greens, the Indian Commonwealth Games bowls team landed on NZ shores last month in an effort to gain experience and learn from some of the sport’s heavyweights. Having initially been turned away by Australia because of an embarrassing immigration wrangle over player incomes, the team was welcomed by Bowls NZ and stepped next door to get a taste of the level of play to be expected at the Games. After warming up with local Auckland clubs, the fresh-faced Indian side began their learning curve at the Pukekohe Bowling Club with their first unofficial test against the veteran Black Jack team on July 15. Putting everything they have learned from Indian Commonwealth Games Coach Richard Gale into practice, the visiting
team proved they were primed and ready to roll against the best. Despite losing all but one match against their more experienced hosts, confidence was brimming and spilled over into some highly charged and closely contested games. “Experience is the difference between winning and losing,” observed 28-year-old Women’s Triples player Pinki, “that’s what we need to improve. They’re [NZ] good, but we’ll be better.” Gale agrees with the assessment, predicting that by 2012 they will be “a force to be reckoned with”; if they can get the experience they need to improve. “It’s a major problem for us and that’s why we’re here,” says Gale. “Some of the players have only been playing for 14 months, but we proved ourselves at the 8-Nations and we’ll definitely win more than we lose at
the Games.” Looking to the 8-Nations for an idea of where India is at as a bowling nation is a good indicator of the level they have already reached in their two year-old quest for dominance. The Men’s Pairs, for example, came searingly close to toppling golden boys Dan Delany and Richard Collett when the match went to a tiebreaker that the NZ team just won. Interestingly enough, the same situation was repeated at Pukekohe with NZ losing on the tie-break in the first game and winning the tibreak in the second. “The men are no slouches,” confirms Gale, “but the Women’s Triples are our strongest team.” A word of warning to our toprated women bowlers: India are not a side to be taken lightly when it comes time to don the colours and roll for their country. Pictured from left: Danny Delany, Indian Women’s Pairs, Val Smith and the Black Jacks and India Teams. Photos by Crispin Anderlini www.crispinanderlini.co.nz
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 deal with LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR that will change the way you can buy your white wear and teamwear. The partnership will enable every club, and their members, the opportunity to purchase white wear and teamwear in their local community POSTIE Store, and be rewarded for it! LEGENDZ is also the ofcial teamwear suppliers for the NZ BLACKJACKS. LEGENDZ Teamwear is part of PPGL Group. POSTIE has 81 stores nationwide, which will enable a tailored solution for your local club via the closest POSTIE store. When your club ofcially signs up with LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR as their supplier, a range of white wear polo’s personalised with your club LOGO can be stocked locally.
So how will this work? We need your feedback to get the best solution possible. • In mid-August LEGENDZ will send a questionnaire out to get you feedback on what your requirements are. BOWLS NZ are also organising focus groups, in selected locations. • Promotional signage and catalogues will be sent out to individual clubs, supported by a number of visits by LEGENDZ representatives throughout the country. • From October of this year all 81 POSTIE stores around the country will have Bowls white wear standard apparel. • If your club has signed up via the local POSTIE in your community, we can also have your club logoed stock in store. • When your members’ purchase Bowls white wear via POSTIE – your club automatically gets 5% cash-back for your club! (However - Your club must be registered to a Local POSTIE store to redeem this cash-back offer)
What are the benets for your club, your Members and your community? No more stock holding apparel at your club No more waiting for apparel with your club logo to be made A handy customer service number, with a LEGENDZ representative only a phone call away An easier process for clubs and members to purchase standard white wear apparel Cash-back rebate that generates income for local bowls clubs Competitive pricing and superior product A customised service for local clubs We are KIWI owned and employ over 800 Kiwi’s throughout the country POSTIE supports KIWI communities – to date we have given over $4 Million to local schools as part of our Schooltex school range.
So who are LEGENDZ Teamwear? LEGENDZ Teamwear is an exciting New Zealand based grassroots apparel company. With LEGENDZ you can create own teamwear apparel on line, or select from a number of stylish teamwear options. We can cater for all your teamwear needs! As part of the New Zealand owned PPGL group, we have access to over 81 outlets nationwide, with over 100 years history and experience in the retail and apparel industry. We are passionate about sport and the local community, and look forward to working with you.
A message from LEGENDZ teamwear about the partnership... On behalf of LEGENDZ and POSTIE, we want to let the Bowls fraternity know how proud we are to be involved with your organisation. The opportunity to work with one of NZ’s growth sports is very exciting, along with partnering the BLACKJACKS journey over the next 4 years in their quest for Commonwealth Games and World Cup titles. We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with all 650 clubs and its 100,000 members in the country – We believe that this partnership will be a WIN-WIN for both parties, and has potential to raise the awareness of BOWLS, and give the organisation a solid nancial growth. For this to work, we will need to get feedback from the Bowling community, which we will look forward to receiving over the next month.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LEGENDZ TEAMWEAR EAMWEAR CONTACT William Locking - Regional Account Representative entative DDI: Mobile: FAX: Email:
09 820 4409 027 224 2944 0800 802 820 william.locking@legendz.co.nz
WWW.LEGENDZ.CO.NZ See WWW.POSTIE.CO.NZ for store locations
ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
S S E C O R P L A I JUDIC During the last twelve months there has been a spotlight on Bowls New Zealand which has been driven primarily by an incident that occurred during the Asia Pacific Championships in August 2009. While the organisation and a majority of those associated with this incident wish to move on it is disappointing to record that there is still alive and well a “whisper campaign” circulating which questions the process involved in investigating and hearing this incident and labels the process used for the hearing as a “set up”. At a function held recently, a Bowls New Zealand Board Member overheard a conversation suggesting that the Judicial Review was a set up and that the players involved did nothing wrong etc.etc. The details of these proceedings are not intended to be detailed in this article but it will counter what is being said about the process used by Bowls New Zealand to investigate proceedings of misconduct and the rumour being circulated that the proceedings were a set up. Bowls New Zealand is fortunate to have a Judicial Committee with high credentials. All have been involved in numerous areas of law in their careers and are active players of lawn bowls. In their day to day working life this group of individuals have constantly dealt with inquiries where they were required to assess information in an objective manner, assess the demeanour of those making representations to them and then make decisions based on the evidence presented to them.
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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The innuendo now being raised about this case cannot go unchallenged as it is, without foundation, an attempt to slander the reputation of the Judicial Committee Members, the Board of Bowls New Zealand who made the decision to commence the proceedings and the Bowls New Zealand staff involved.
Commencement of proceedings The proceedings were commenced on the direction of the Board of Bowls New Zealand after they received a report from the National Coach on the incident in Malaysia. The substance of the National Coaches report was corroborated by separate statements from Athletes and the Team Managers from the Canadian Team taking part in the same Championship and from the World Bowls Officials who were the Tournament Directors. The National Coach reported a breach of the Players Agreement and Code of Conduct to the Board of Bowls New Zealand. All Players taking part in the Championships had signed the Players Agreement and the Code of Conduct which included the following obligations l To maintain at all times a high standard of sportsmanship and fair play l Always playing to the best of their ability and where appropriate to perform as part of a team l Abide by the Laws of the Sport, its Regulations, Conditions of Play and the Bowls New Zealand Constitution
and Regulations. The Board of Bowls New Zealand arranged for the National Coaches report to be investigated and, after investigation, referred it to the Judicial Committee for consideration. The Board considered that this must be dealt with by the Judicial Committee as the report constituted a breach of the Bowls New Zealand Constitution and the Values of Bowls New Zealand.
The hearing process It has been stated that this should have been dealt with in Malaysia by World Bowls and that it should have not come back to New Zealand. That is incorrect. World Bowls could have dealt with the matter under Law 54 if they had a complaint filed within the time frames but these proceedings involved more than Law 54. The Judicial Committee made the following observation regarding the commencement of the proceedings in their substantive decision – “in this case the Respondents i.e. the athletes who were representing New Zealand had signed Player Agreements in New Zealand prior to competition. By signing the agreement they agreed to comply with the Constitution and Regulations of Bowls NZ amongst other things. This was not a situation where the controlling body for the tournament i.e. World Bowls was appealed to in terms of Law 54 of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls. The time taken to deal with this case also came in for criticism. In their decision
ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
AND THE
AFTERMATH OF A RECENT HEARING
on penalty the Committee comments – “ We are aware from what has appeared in the media and elsewhere that Bowls New Zealand has been accused of protracting the prosecution and conclusion of this matter. From what evidence we have it is our opinion that once the Canadian complaint was referred to it, Bowls New Zealand not only proceeded with due expedition with the only course available to it but also was at pains through its counsel to provide all other requirements in a timely manner. The delays that occurred subsequently were to a very large degree brought about in an effort to make sure that the Respondents, at each stage of the proceedings, were not denied natural justice.” Throughout these proceedings all parties were legally represented as requested by the Committee. At the hearing in December 2009 all witnesses were available to be questioned by either party and by the Committee and Counsel for both sides were invited to make final written submissions and the Committee then reserved its decision. The process followed was exactly in accord with what the Bowls New Zealand Constitution and Judicial Regulations provided for. A disappointing aspect has been the one sided angle taken by the media. Throughout the whole process Bowls New Zealand took the view that the proceedings were sub judice i.e. before a Court or Tribunal for hearing
and therefore media comment was inappropriate. That wasn’t respected by all parties and resulted in a media frenzy based on opinion rather than fact. Decisions on the case were delivered early in the New Year, the case was then appealed to the Sports Disputes Tribunal when an agreement was reached in March 2010 between the parties when the Players withdrew their appeals and accepted the decisions of the Bowls New Zealand Judicial Committee. Bowls New Zealand agreed to waive the fines imposed by the Committee but all other findings and penalties were accepted.
What has happened since the hearings These proceedings and the action taken against our Men’s Fours teams at World Bowls 2008 have done reputational damage to Bowls New Zealand and teams representing New Zealand. There is no doubt that if faced by a similar situation the Bowls NZ Board would authorise a similar process to uphold the Constitution and Values of the Organisation. In his Annual Report to the World Bowls Ordinary General Meeting which will be held in Delhi in 2010 the President of World Bowls, John McArdle, states as follows – “However the one comment which as President I have to make is on the incident at the Asia Pacific games. Whilst the New Zealand Board are to be commended on their stance and the actions taken, the mere thought that an incident of
this nature should occur in our sport is unthinkable, and steps have been taken to ensure that this cannot happen in the future. The bad press which our sport endured during this period will take time to heal our reputation as a sport known for its fair play.” It is gratifying to see that our Commonwealth Games Side for 2010 have also addressed this issue at training camps held since March 2010. The following highlights what they are doing to regain New Zealand’s reputation in the International arena Since the mediation settlement the Athletes selected for Commonwealth Games 2010 which comprise some from the Asia Pacific Side of 2009 and some from the World Bowls Side of 2008 have met on a number of occasions. At their first meeting in March 2009 on the way to the Trans Tasman in Australia they recognised that this incident and the one in 2008 had been bad for bowls in New Zealand and that results in 2010 would be a chance for the team to redeem our reputation and move forward from there. The Commonwealth Side have come up with a charter that states - Other Nations looking at us and saying “I wish we could be like that” Their values for the campaign are Pride; Belief in what we are doing; One team, one culture; Enjoying the moment; equal; tight unit; respected role models. Good luck to them in Delhi and may they win both on and off the field of play.
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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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 13 AUGUST 2010
CDO
CONTACTS REGION 1 Steve Smith steves@bowlsnz.co.nz Mobile 021 966 016 Bowls Far North Bowls Northland Bowls North Harbour Auckland Bowls
REGION 2 Steve Beel steve@bowlsnz.co.nz Mobile 021 966 017 Counties/Manukau Bowls Waikato Thames Valley Bowls Bay of Plenty Bowls Gisborne/East Coast Bowls Hawkes Bay
REGION 3&4 Paul Cavanagh paul@bowlsnz.co.nz Mobile 021 966 177 Bowls Taranaki Bowls Wanganui Bowls Manawatu Bowls Wairarapa Bowls Wellington Bowls Kapiti Coast
REGION 5 Vince Roper vince@bowlsnz.co.nz Mobile 021 966 263 Bowls Nelson Bowls Marlborough Bowls Canterbury Bowls Buller Bowls West Coast
REGION 6 Jim Scott jim@bowlsnz.co.nz Mobile 021 966 010 Bowls South Canterbury Bowls Dunedin Bowls North Otago South Otago Bowling Centre Central Otago Bowls Bowls Southland.
ClubCheck
A surge and a merge for Barrington By Vince Roper Good things are happening these days at the Barrington bowling club in Christchurch. “It would probably be fair to say that until a year ago the club was drifting”, says Dave Thompson, who has taken a strong hands-on approach to putting the club’s processes on the right track. “While it was competitive on the green the club’s playing numbers were getting low enough to be a worry and it had no female members”. A decision was made at that time to utilise the Bowls NZ Development Officer to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the club. “That decision was a turning point for the club. Our Club Plan has been very much the catalyst for all of the positive changes the club has seen in the last year. We could see that without change our club was going to be under pressure within five years, both in membership numbers and financially. The Bowls NZ ‘Club Plan’ approach has been brilliant in providing us with the framework to shape up a club vision and lay out the areas we need to work on to make a difference”. The rapid progress Barrington has made in adapting the various templates and resources that are available has resulted in the club recently being awarded a Silver ClubCheck Award … a superb achievement in a short period of time. But wait, there’s more! … As pleasing as the award is, Barrington has achieved a double whammy with a speedy and successful merger with the United club to form Barrington United. An approach by Barrington with a formal offer to merge was welcomed by United which had also seen its numbers dwindling. Just
four meetings were needed to sort out all the detail needed to make the transition and about 20 United members will relocate this winter, the majority of them being women … good news all round. “Both clubs could see so many benefits in a merger and worked together positively to make it happen”, says Dave. The transition team used the merger material from Bowls NZ to assist with their thinking. Development Officer Vince Roper says it’s refreshing to deal with clubs that are prepared to work on ways to help ensure their own future. “A number of Christchurch clubs are struggling with declining membership or a lack of people with the skills, health and time to run the club. Those clubs would do well to follow Barrington’s example and start talking to some of their neighbours about what opportunities there might be from working in with each other” says Vince who is keen to help any club which may be interested. Pictured below: Bowls NZ CDO Vince Roper presents the Silver ClubCheck Award to Dave Thompson.
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ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2010
National Bowls Awards 2009 - 2010 AND THE FINALISTS ARE... Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for a National Bowls Award, being nominated is an honour in itself, that you should be very proud of. All nominees received an official acknowledgement letter from Bowls New Zealand and nominators received an official email acknowledging the effort it takes to put together nominations for those who make a positive difference to our sport. The following finalists for the 2009-2010 National Bowls Awards (who each receive an official framed certificate recognising their achievement) are ...
TOWER CLUB OF THE YEAR Beckenham Bowling Club, Birkenhead Bowling Club, Hutt Bowling Club and Woburn Bowling Club.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ali Forsyth (Havelock Bowling Club), Danny Delany (Onehunga Bowling Club), Richard Collett (Stoke Bowling Club) and Valerie Smith (United Bowling Club).
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR Andrew Kelly (Canterbury Bowling Club), Chris Le Lievre (Onehunga Bowling Club), Clare McCaul (Silverstream Bowling Club) and Mandy Boyd (Bowls Taradale).
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Graham Lowery (Burnside Bowling Club).
COACH OF THE YEAR Allan Smith (Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club), Tony Marinkovich (Browns Bay Bowling Club) and Wilma Ennor (Bowls Taradale).
“DON MANSON MEMORIAL AWARD” ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Kevin Smith (Browns Bay Bowling Club), Mark Reid (Woburn Bowling Club) and Michael Stewart (Wakefield Bowling Club).
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Helen Stallard (St Heliers Bowling Club), Margaret O’Sullivan (Petone Central Bowling Club) and Ralph Duke (Glenfield Bowling Club).
greenkeeper OF THE YEAR Gerard Slattery (Waitoa Bowling Club) and Stuart Dalley (Cashmere Bowling Club).
MEDIA AWARD Alistair McMurran (Otago Daily Times), Jim Fish (Southland Express) and Tony Jensen (Wanawatu Standard)
CENTRE OF THE YEAR *Note: Centre of the Year Award is not awarded for 2009-2010.
NATIONAL BOWLS AWARDS WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES SPECIAL ISSUE OF UPSHOT (Due online 30 September). Presentations will be made to the winners at a local or regional event TBC or if the winner is already attending the 2010-2011 Hyundai National Open Championships, they will be acknowledged at a special ceremony during the event TBC.
www.bowlsnz.co.nz
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