Highlights
Introduction:
Coaching is one of the most common things people ask for — whether they’re new to bowls or have played for years and are simply looking to improve.
You will go to many clubs where the oldest or most experienced player is affectionally known as ‘Coach’. While the nickname may be fitting, to be able to call yourself a true ‘Coach’ for the sport, you need to pass accredited courses, hold safeguarding certification and adequate insurance to formally teach the game.
This doesn’t prevent anyone from buddying up with a more experienced club colleague and informally learning the nuances of the game or the features of your own crown bowling green, and in truth I’d suggest 99% of the current bowling community learnt this way.
So is there a benefit of a more formal approach?
While it’s obvious that a coach might help you improve your game by correcting bad habits, suggesting ways to improve techniques and build your confidence, you might pick up similar tips from an experienced bowler and fellow club member.
The major benefit of a formal ‘Coach’ is the ability to engage with new bowlers via organised programs, such as Open Days and Taster Sessions in the knowledge that all legislation has been covered by their inclusion.
Such larger more structured groups, with specific activities built into organised programs, especially in the early days can put you at your ease within a group, rather than a one-to-one session with a seasoned player.
This is even more relevant to groups of children or vulnerable adults, where a qualified Coach is a must.
There are a number of ways to find Coaches and Club Events such as Open Days.
If you don’t have a club perhaps start with the BCGBA ‘Find a Club’ search engine and enquire if your local clubs run Open Days or Taster Sessions.
If you draw a blank, each BCGBA County has a ‘Development Officer’ who is a wealth of information about local clubs. They will have information about Coaches in their area and potentially when clubs are holding events.
All County Development Officer contacts can be found in Regional Information.
Most will embark on the coaching journey to help try to develop their club with a view to increasing membership, while helping others to enjoy bowls.
Qualified Coaches enable clubs to:
No. You don’t need to be an expert player — just someone who wants to help others enjoy and learn the game. The courses will guide you through everything you need to know. In fact, coming in with fewer ingrained habits can sometimes make it easier to learn and deliver the correct techniques from the start.
The best place to enquire is with the County Secretary or the County Development Officer. If they are unaware speak to the National Development Officer via email: nationaldevelopment@bcgba.org.uk
The Level.1. Coaching Course includes
Full details are available on the Coach Bowls website.
While not essential for basic advice, having a qualified coach helps ensure sessions are safe, structured, and effective. From an insurance perspective, Coaches have their own personal liability cover to ensure that everything is done correctly.