Mt Gravatt’s new undercover green surface

Mt Gravatt Bowls Club recently had the base, underlay and carpet replaced on the undercover all weather green, which was a very welcome rebuild. We must thank the Lord Mayor for approval of a grant under the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant, as without the grant, the work would not have been possible. Thank you to BQ President, Peter Williamson and BQ CEO, Brett Wilkie for attending the event.

The work has restored the green to first class quality and assists the club to provide an excellent community facility. Mt Gravatt Bowls Club now has two, high quality synthetic greens to offer to bowlers and the community.

An official opening was held on June 1, 2023 to celebrate the occasion. Firstly, there was a sit down lunch at which Club Chair, Graham Chattin, welcomed members and guests, to which Cr Steven Huang, Councillor for Macgregor Ward, representing the Lord Mayor, responded. This was followed by an unveiling of a plaque, cutting of a ribbon and the roll of a bowl by Cr Huang. A two end demonstration by our youngest male and female bowlers and presidents of Men’s and Ladies’ sections then took place.

We can now offer an excellent quality surface coupled with the knowledge of being all weather, so rain is not an issue. LED lighting adds to the player enjoyment.

Etiquette in lawn bowls - Part 1 of 2

Now that the first half of the year is over, the coaching committee thought it would be a good time to discuss etiquette on the green. This article is Part 1 of a two part series, and will cover general codes of conduct as well as ways to display good sportsmanship at the beginning of a game. Next month, we will focus on behaviours specific to during and after the game.

While the laws of the game and Conditions of Play control the playing of the game of bowls, there are many unwritten codes of conduct and expectations that make the game enjoyable for all players.

These are known as the etiquette of bowls and, while they are not enforceable by an umpire or controlling body, contribute to the game’s flow to make it enjoyable for all.

So, what does ‘etiquette’ really mean? The dictionary definition tells us it is “the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular group”.

Etiquette is where “treat others as you would want to be treated” applies and simply means displaying good sportsmanship. This is achieved by knowing what behaviour is acceptable in the game and applying it using common sense, honesty and fairness.

Below are some examples of etiquette for us all to follow.

• Be on time;

• Be prepared and have all your equipment with you;

• Ensure your bowls bag and personal gear is placed neatly away from the bank so as not to interfere with any players;

• Always respect your opponent/s and treat them appropriately.

Beginning of game:

• Introduce yourself to opponent/s, shake hands and wish everyone good bowling;

• Turn off your phone and put it in your bowls bag;

• Skips to toss and communicate result to their team and carry all equipment (mat etc.) to the other end;

• Remember that how you speak and act can, and does, affect all other players on the rink and sometimes the green. Abusive language and behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable.

The “Beginners Guide to Lawn Bowls” and “Coaching Basics and Etiquette of Bowls” can be purchased from the BQ website under “Forms” in Stock Requisition.

ECKA’S

Tip

Sound preparation is all about preparing yourself to control the controllable and limit the influence on the things you cannot control.

It’s vital you have awareness of the things you can control and the things you cannot.