Can I borrow bowls from the club?

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There are bowls in the storage cupboard that members (or potential members) may borrow until they get their own. Members can also use them to try out different sizes if they are considering changing. Please do not remove them from the club (except to play in an away match) or put them in your locker as they should be available for all to use.

 

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When do selectors pick the teams?

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Usually on Thursday afternoon but may do so any time from Tuesday evening. To be sure of being considered you must have your name down by 5 pm on Tuesday afternoon.

 

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Is it possible to put my name down by email?

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If everyone did this it would be impossible for the selectors. However this is available for people living outside of Lanchester if they are not able to get their names down by other means (ie when playing a home match or via a friend). It could be used in exceptional circumstances by others. Please use the club’s email address shown on website. 

 

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What if I am going away on holiday?

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Put your name on the holiday list but remember to fill in the 'would like to be considered for' column. If this is not filled in you are unlikely to be selected. The selectors try to include people on that list but please forgive them if they forget. Alternatively (or in addition) get a friend to add your name at the appropriate time.

 

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What are the criteria selectors use when making selections?

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Monday team. Completely on merit. Where possible consideration is made about stable team combinations and players' strengths in certain positions. Aim to win the league.

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Saturday team. On merit but selectors will look favourably upon players that can for various reasons only play on Saturday. Consideration is made about stable team combinations and players' strengths in certain positions. Aim to do well and finish as high as possible.

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Wednesday evening. On merit but consideration may be made for a player not getting sufficient games. Consideration is made about stable combinations and players' strengths in certain positions. Aim to do well and finish as high as possible.

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Wednesday afternoon. Attempt will be made to provide balanced teams that will give players an enjoyable game. Players may be given the opportunity to try different positions of play. Aim to provide enjoyable bowling.

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Tuesday team. As far as possible players not getting sufficient games in other teams will be given priority. However teams will have to be balanced and not oversubscribed with inexperienced bowlers. Players may be given the opportunity to try different positions of play. Aim to provide games for new and developing bowlers supported by experienced bowlers.

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Knockout competitions. Completely on merit. Where possible consideration is made about stable team combinations and players' strengths in certain positions but making a strong team will take precedence over previous attendance in teams. Aim to win.

 

 

When selecting, will selectors contact people who have not put their names down for important games?

 

This happens rarely but it is possible.

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What happens if more players are needed at short notice?

 

The contact selector will call people who have put their names down but were not selected. For an important match they may contact someone who has not put their name down.

 

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Do selectors keep records of people not getting a game and are they taken into account when selection is being made?

 

Yes they do, but selection is a complex business and while they try to be fair they also have considerations of team strength. These records may be examined on request.

 

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Can I discuss selection issues with selectors?

 

Yes but we ask that this is done in a calm and considered way, not in a fit of pique. Please take time to review selection over a period rather than one single selection.

 

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Do I have to turn up as a reserve?

 

No, but we ask that you be available to be called at short notice.

 

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Can I decline to be a reserve?

 

Yes. Please tell the selectors in advance rather than withdraw after selection. Please note reserves do often get to play so if you choose not to be a reserve you will play less often.

 

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Is a reserve always named?

 

Not necessarily. If there are not sufficient names for selection a reserve will not be named. Selectors may prefer not to name reserves for important games in order to leave options open.

 

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Which club competitions should new bowlers enter?

 

The best advice is to enter them all as you will gain valuable experience, but if you prefer to limit your entry the Challenge and Handicap are designed to be more accessible to new bowlers. The pairs competition is for drawn pairs so it is perhaps not the best for a new bowler as you may feel you are hindering your partner.

 

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How are club competitions organised?

 

Competitors arrange matches and markers amongst themselves (except for finals day, see below). A date for completion of each round is written on the notice board. Please keep to those dates. If this is not possible for example because of a holiday finish your match as soon as possible on return. The club secretary may at his discretion award a match to a player or spin a coin if games are delayed beyond the designated date. In the event of possible conflict of interest the club secretary will arrange matches on finals day.

 

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I have been asked to mark for a club competition. What do I do?

 

Firstly do not move the woods. Leave it to the players to decide the shots and move the woods. Secondly do not say anything unless asked. If asked answer the question only, do not give any additional comments. Do not make any casual comments on play as it can upset players. Note if you enter competitions you should do as much as possible to assist others by being a marker for their games.

 

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Do finals have to be played on Finals Day?

 

No. If you will not be available on Finals Day, try to arrange the game if possible before Finals Day or soon after.

 

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Am I obliged to make the tea and wash up on Tuesdays and Saturdays?

 

No, but it would be greatly appreciated if you would help. Tea is a fine tradition in the middle of a game and we want to keep it going. We have in the past managed completely without anyone specifically making tea, players just muck in. A most important thing is to check the boiler as the games approach the midpoint and ring the bell, so if you only did that it would be a good help. Players can serve the tea and will wash up after the game if no one else does it, but if you are around a helping hand will not go unnoticed.

 

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Who cleans the pavilion and does maintenance jobs?

 

Members should all be willing to help out with these tasks occasionally.