The evolution of the world and how our sport fits into it

The world as we know it has evolved quite quickly in the years following the initial COVID lockdowns, where we found our clubs closed for the best part of three months. Some of these forced changes proved, not only to the outside world, but to bowlers afraid of change, that change is not necessarily a bad thing.

The world learned about QR codes during this time, which were used for “checking into” licensed premises, health care facilities and many other places during the aftermath of the pandemic. I have seen clubs using QR codes for some quite clever reasons since, like becoming paperless and maintaining privacy around sign in sheets for barefoot bowls events. Is your club using QR codes for simple tasks, or are we still living in the 80s?

Another evolving practice is the use of Tap and Go resources, instead of cash. I visited a club in a small town that complained people weren’t spending much money at Christmas barefoot bowls functions. The club has no ATM or EFTPOS, and at time of booking there was no discussion about the business being cash only. The closest ATM is 800m away, so it was much easier for the club to enter an agreement for a tap only integrated EFTPOS service. All of a sudden, no one was excluded and revenue during these events dramatically increased. Has your club evolved to enabling card based payments?

Facebook and Instagram are great ways of promoting your club. In a previous life when I ran pubs and clubs, it was always great hosting functions and hosting pop up activations. By using a camera, you can easily promote function space over a few posts on either Facebook or Instagram.

Once you set up your function room, take a photo of the set up. It shows off your function skills and invites people to enquire about holding their event at your club. During the function, take a couple of tasteful, candid pics (with their permission). It shows people enjoying your function space. Take a photo of the bride and groom, this says it all. This can be used as a testimonial post!

Recently, there have been some club closures and clubs moving away from affiliation. There are many paths a club can take to remain viable. Juniors and younger members are where it starts. The club needs to have relationships with schools and needs to actively be speaking with schools. It is not your RBM’s sole responsibility to speak to schools.

Moving with the times and joining the 21st century can ultimately turn the whole scope of a club around.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to survive, it’s all about being appealing to people, becoming inclusive and allowing people to have a good time, with their friends and families.

If you need any support, your local RBM is only a phone call away (see contact details below) and we can and will assist.