Thanet Bowls Club – Your Questions Answered
If you have a question that you think should also be addressed here, please send your request to the Club Secretary by email thanetbowlsclub@gmail.com
Q. Who are the committee members?
Committee members are voted into the various roles annually and therefore the names change from year to year. A list of the current committee members with names and roles may be viewed on the wall to the left of the bar.
Q. What is the role of the committee?
The overarching duty of the TBC Committee is to control the affairs of the club on behalf of the members. This includes ensuring fiscal control, efficient communications and the management of bar and catering operations, as well as ensuring opportunities for members to bowl in an open and welcoming environment. A more complete description of the individual roles of the committee members is included in the TBC “Constitution and Rules” which may be viewed on the TBC website. thanetbowlsclub.co.uk
Q. Who do I go to if I have a concern or a grievance I want to raise.
It depends on the nature of the grievance. If it is a concern about the way the club is run then it is probably best to approach a member of the committee who can discuss the issue, and where appropriate, raise it within the committee. If however the grievance is about how you are or a fellow member is being treated badly or unfairly it may be appropriate to approach the Safeguarding Officer Dave Adams.
Q. How do I access the club website?
To access the club website simply type thanetbowlsclub.co.uk into the search engine on your computer, tablet or smartphone. A few of the pages on the website, including the page which has the Members Contact Details, contain confidential information that we protect by password protecting them. The password may be provided to you by the club secretary upon request. Email thanetbowlsclub@gmail.com
Q. As a new(ish) bowler when should I put my name down for matches?
There is no hard and fast rule! However, many new bowlers choose to develop their skills and confidence initially by playing with fellow members on roll-up mornings. Typically the next step, when you want to compete against other clubs, would be to put your name on a 'friendly match sheet'. Friendly matches provide opportunities for the less experienced to compete and enjoy a match whilst gaining valuable experience of the tactics and etiquette of bowling with and against others in a bowls match. When you think you are ready to move on to more competitive matches have a chat with your Captain or Vice Captain who will advise which match options may suit you best at that time.
Q. How do I sign up for a match?
Match sheets are posted in the changing rooms two weeks prior to the match dates. Add your name to the list of any match for which you would like to be considered for selection.
Q. Who selects players for the matches?
The selection of match teams is the responsibility of the 'Club Selectors'. The selectors comprise the Men's and Ladies' Captains and Vice Captains plus a nominated men's selector and a nominated ladies' selector. The difficult task of this six person committee is to select teams for inter-club matches in accordance with the club selection procedure. For further details refer to the Team Selection Principles which may be viewed on the TBC website.
Q. How do I know how to find distant or unfamiliar away venues?
Many of the away venues are also in Thanet and may be familiar to you. Other venues, however, are further afield. There is a page on the Thanet Bowls Club website which shows the maps, postcodes and “what3words', for all of the venues that we visit frequently.
Q. Are coaching sessions available?
Coaching for potential new members is available and encouraged before joining TBC, or very soon after joining. The nominal fee involved is refunded from the membership fee if you subsequently choose to join TBC. In addition there are other very useful sessions dedicated to particular aspects of our sport, (e.g. reading the head, marking skills etc), which are valuable for all bowlers and are delivered at no charge. For more information or to request a particular coaching session, please talk to our head coach David Golley.
Q. When will I be ready to enter County Competitions?
There is no hard and fast rule as to when you will be ready to enter County Competitions. In the early rounds there will be other competitors who asked themselves the same question, “Am I ready for this”, as well as the more experienced players. Playing against experienced opposition is a good way to improve your game and gain experience and therefore you are encouraged to enter county competitions.
Q. I don't have a car. How do I arrange a lift to away venues?
We encourage you to share cars when travelling to away venues. The responsibility to secure, or to offer a lift, lies with individual bowlers. If you need a lift you can indicate this with 'L' beside your name on the match sheet. Similarly, if you are willing to provide a lift, put 'W' beside your name. There is no prescribed fee involved therefore it is for drivers and passenger(s) to agree any 'petrol money'.
Q. Do I need a club shirt and how do I get one?
You don't need a club shirt for roll-ups. However to play in club matches a club shirt should be purchased. The club holds a stock of shirts and jackets in various sizes and at reasonable cost. Please see either captain to arrange purchase.
Q. How do I get a locker?
Lockers are available in each changing room for an annual fee of £5.
To get a locker key ... for men's lockers, see Malcolm Boyle & for ladies' lockers see Annie Macdonald.
Q. What makes footwear suitable for bowling on grass?
The green at our or any other club is a very important asset and we must ensure that the footwear we use does not damage it. To be suitable it is not essential that you purchase footwear from one of the recognised bowls manufacturers. It is essential that your footwear has the same characteristics as purpose made bowls shoes. The sole of the shoe must be of a soft rubber material, must have no deep tread pattern and no raised heel. The colour of the shoe is entirely personal and not governed by any rules.