Bowls Havelock North

1. President’s message

Welcome to our friendly Havelock North Bowling Club. I hope you are going to thoroughly enjoy being a member. We have excellent all year round facilities for playing the game and also for enjoying the social side of bowls. Please make yourself ‘at home’. This information pack should help you get up to speed quickly with most of the things you need to know – either as a new member transferring from another club or as a brand new bowler.

As President I am there to guide you, answer your questions and generally ‘look out for you’ in your first season in the club.

Please feel free to call me, (Phone 021 674019). Also available is our Secretary Heather Leyland Phone (06) 877 3353 and our Club Captains Ray Borlase 0272 459438 or Gay Anderson 027 4234880.

I look forward to your company at Havelock North Bowling Club.

Sincerely,

Mike Eagle

President

2. Download the Sporty App

We encourage members to download the mobile Sporty App - it’s an add-on to our website and gives you immediate notification of newsletters, group alerts, reminders of upcoming events, cancellations, and more. We are finding that more and more of our members are using the App as their main form of communication with the club.

Instructions are as follows:

For Apple I Phone users go to the App Store (app is on your phone)For Android Phone users go to the Play Store (app is on your phone)
Type Sporty NZ into the search bar and once found click download
Once downloaded, open the Sporty NZ app and enter Bowls Havelock North in the “Search by name bar"
The Bowls Havelock North logo and name will come up, tap on it and then your app is loaded and you will see the Bowls Havelock North logo and the buttons to access all section of the app.
The app will be loaded into your apps pages, you may want to move this to one of your main screens so it is easy to find, simply click and hold on the Sporty NZ app button and it will come up with “move to home page”, click on this and it will appear in one of your main screens.
To ensure you get notifications you can go to “settings”, “notifications” and check notifications are on for the app, but this should happen by default.
You're all set.

If you need support bring your phone to club roll ups and we will find someone to assist with getting you set up.

3. Security

Your Coach or Club Captain will show you where to find keys to the locker rooms and equipment you may need. Please ensure that you follow good safety procedures with the club’s property, making sure you lock up again as you leave. The club rooms are open when tournaments and club days are held. Other times the club room is locked and has a security system operating. Only committee members have keys to gain access at times when the club is closed.

4. Your Junior status

When you start playing lawn bowls and join a bowling club for the first time as a full member you are automatically classed as a Junior bowler – note that it has absolutely nothing to do with your age – whether you’re a college player or a retiree you start as a ‘Junior’. This system applies at all clubs affiliated to Bowls New Zealand. You will be a Junior bowler for your first five years. Juniors are very lucky because they get to play in their own Junior – 5 years and under – events in our club, at other clubs, and also in the Bowls Hawke's Bay Centre Junior championships. There are 11 bowling clubs in our B H B Centre. Please note that Junior bowlers can also play in the Open events if they wish – and once you have learnt the basics of the game it is excellent experience for you to do this. Of course, you may not want to be what we loosely call a ‘competitive bowler’ at all and you may decide to only play ‘social’ bowls and enjoy regular ‘roll – ups’ and that’s fine too. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to decide about just how competitive you want to be. Get in and give things a good go in your first year and see how you go! Many bowlers actually play a mix of social / ‘roll-up’ bowls and some competitive competitions as well. The main thing is – ENJOY YOUR BOWLS!!

5. Getting sorted with your bowling gear

Bowls:

By far the most important purchase you will make will be your choice of bowls. At first glance it appears to be a fairly simple choice, but when you have played a few times you will understand that there is much to be considered.

Firstly there is the make of bowl. Each manufacturer produces a range of models unique to them. Each model within the range has slightly different characteristics and an individual bowl line. Lawn bowls are biased causing them to travel in a parabola. Some take a narrower parabola and some a wider one. Some follow a more even parabola and some have more of a distinct hook at the end of their travel.

As well as bias there is size and weight to be considered. Bowls range in size from size 00 (smallest) to size 7, and there will be a size that is correct for your hand. It is very important that a bowl feels comfortable in your hand using your preferred grip. Bowls can be either medium or heavy in weight (with some makes / models also offering extra heavy in some sizes). They can be regular or slim in their diameter (‘profile’) and this has also an effect on the size bowl you can manage. Some bowls have ‘dimples’ on the side to assist your grip and others are smooth. It’s a personal choice as to what feels best. Every set has its own individual colour markings / motif. With some manufacturers you can pay a little extra and order your own personal motif. Obviously you will then have to wait a few months for them to be made in Australia and shipped over. Most people are happy to ‘buy off the shelf’.

Our club has many sets of older club bowls (located outside the men’s locker room). The coaches can also lend you a set of newer coloured bowls purchased especially for learners. As a new member we encourage you to experiment with and practice with our club bowls (for free) for quite a few months before you decide to buy your own set of bowls. Brand new bowls cost anywhere from around $400 to around $800 (average probably around $600) – with coloured bowls usually being more expensive than black bowls. You need to be sure you have made a good choice before buying either new or second hand bowls. Coaches can advise you if second hand bowls in particular are a good choice and fair price.

Manufacturer’s websites you can check out for specs and info on stockists:

Henselite bowls – www.henselite.co.nz

Taylor bowls – www.hunterbowls.co.nz

Aero bowls – www.aerobowls.com

Drakes Pride bowls – www.bowlsdirect.co.nz

Please feel free to talk to our coaches, read up about the manufacturers and generally take your time before buying. Some manufacturer’s agents have sets of trial bowls available – and it’s well worthwhile to trial if you can before you commit. Remember, even experienced, successful bowlers are very unlikely to have personally used all makes and models and bowlers have a natural tendency to recommend what they use! Some bowlers inherit a set of old family ‘heirloom’ bowls - beware – it is unlikely they will fit your hand properly and the bowls being made today are definitely superior in handling and running characteristics. Like all sports gear, bowls move on and improve! Beware of buying second hand bowls which may not be a good buy, or suitable for you.

When you find a set that suits you – cherish them. A well looked after set of bowls should last you many years. Dry them thoroughly after use and apply a sparing amount of bowls polish regularly to help protect them from scratching and marking. A few marks on your bowls won’t affect their performance but over time as the bowls wear and get progressively scratched it does affect their bias and run on the green. A bowls polisher is located in the men’s locker rooms. Please feel free to use this - it is very simple to operate.

Bowls bags:

Look around at what other members are using. Bowling bags that hold a complete set of four bowls, plus compartments for other gear, run from around $60 up to $200. (new)

Many bowlers are now using the ‘glide’ type of bag, with wheels so,that you can easily pull along, rather than lifting. Bags are typically made in tough vinyl or fabric. Again check around before you purchase. Check the quality of the zips – that is very important. To start, you may opt to use a cheaper, older, second hand bag and that’s OK – as long as it protects your bowls properly.

Measures:

You won’t need a measure as soon as you start (you can ask to borrow someone else’s) but it’s definitely something you will want to own eventually. Henselite and Taylors both make measures. They are surprisingly expensive, around $45 plus, so you will want to name it, look after it and keep it in a safe place in your bag. Perhaps you can suggest to your family or friends that it will make a good Christmas or birthday present – becoming a bowler opens up a whole new range of possibilities for presents!

Bowling Shoes:

It is important to have comfortable, good fitting bowling shoes, when you are spending all day on the green, especially in the hot summer months. Sneakers are fine for the first few weeks while you are learning but you cannot play any serious competitions in these. The rules state shoes or sandals for bowls should have a flat sole, no heel and can have an abrasive sole to stop you slipping. There is a great range of makes and styles available and a wide range of prices. Look on the notice board and ask around where you can buy these. A tip to make your bowling shoes last longer – change into them just before you play and keep them for bowls only. If you walk around the shops and on concrete surfaces with your bowling shoes on they will wear out much faster!

Apparel:

Your club captains or Heather Leyland can give you help and advice on this. However, in general you will need a pair of white /cream , black or navy trousers (Men) – full length or shorts . Women can wear black, white or navy blue - again full length, ¾ or shorts. Members generally have these at home anyway from other sports, and the Havelock North club shirts can be ordered through Heather Leyland. To stay warm, you may also need a suitable pullover (vest or long sleeves), or jacket. All Havelock North apparel, including shirts, caps, jackets and vests can be ordered through Heather.

While we all take pride in wearing our club uniform, its not essential in your first few weeks or so. Wearing white, black or blue shorts or long trousers with a white shirt is absolutely acceptable. Later on, when you are fully emersed in club days, or playing in competitions then it’s important to be wearing our club uniform.If you are playing in a Havelock North team the rules say that you must all be wearing the same colour / design shirt. Of course you can all opt to all wear plain white but, if your team is playing in a Bowls Hawke's Bay Centre competition, it is great if you all choose to wear the club’s colours at it reflects directly on the club.

When you have been playing for a season or two and / or you are starting to play in a lot more competitive games you may want to consider buying yourself some wet weather bowling gear. No hurry for this (it hardly ever rains at the Havelock North Bowling Club. Yeah, right!).

Shower proof jackets are also available as part of our own uniform.

6. Lockers available

These are available free in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Please talk to the club captain or any club member and they will allocate you your own locker. The lockers can store gear you may want to leave at the club.

7. Getting coaching

Like any game, bowls is more enjoyable and you will progress faster with some qualified guidance. Although bowlers all naturally develop their own individual ‘trademark’ style, it is important when you are starting out to get the basics right - your grip, stance, swing, rhythm, transfer of body weight and your follow through. In addition to some group coaching arranged from time to time you can approach one of our club coaches at any time for some one on one coaching. However, Lois Stewart generally coaching players brand new to bowls.

Our accredited club coaches are listed in the handbook or you can click here to see the coaching page.

Don’t be shy – they are all ready to help you!

Etiquette on the Greens

It is important for all bowlers to have a good understanding of Green etiquette to provide a enjoyable and fun experience for all. Your coach will assist you with etiquette but here are a few tips to get you started and as a reference.

Offer your hand, elbow or foot (whichever makes you comfortable in this Covid era) to all players on your green before play starts. The usual greeting is "good bowls".
As a Junior you will generally be leading and it is Skips who usually toss for the mat but if your skip has not done so, it is up to you and the other lead to toss to see who gets the mat. This can be done with a coin toss, or a roll of a bowl sideways calling big or little rings before it stops.
If you have won the toss you have the option to place the matt or you can give the matt to the opposing team. If you decide to take the mat on winning the toss, you get to place the mat and throw the Jack/Kitty. When laying the mat down ensure you are facing the short end where you and your bag are. A funny rule but it means you are not sticking your bum in the face of your opponents.
Never deliver the Jack until you have placed the mat down.
The longest the mat can be is the front edge touching the 2 metre mark "T".
If you deliver the Jack incorrectly (ie: out of bounds or in the ditch) the opposing skip can place it in roll ups, but in a competition, the rules of the day will apply which means the opposing lead throws the Jack again and also has the right to move the mat in both cases.
All players should be at least 1 metre behind the mat when the player on the mat is delivering their bowl.
Chat and banter is fine but be aware some players don't want you talking to them as they bowl or to have you walk up on them while they are bowling. They have the mat until their bowl comes to rest so you have no rights to the mat until then.
If you are playing 2-4-2 you will find yourself at the head during the match. If your opponents are on the mat or bowling, you have no rights at the head and must be away from the head and behind the jack. Once their bowl stops, you have the right to the head and they do not, so you can then enter the head and advise your partner who holds shot etc. You have the right at the head right up until your teams bowl stops, then you have no rights. You cannot walk into the head and see who holds shot once your bowl stops, as all rights then go to your opposition.
Stand still on the head when someone is about to bowl. Any movement can distract the bowler.
Avoid walking on adjacent rinks - this can distract/obstruct other players and is unlawful. The same is true of stopping to speak to someone partway down the rink.
Negative or disparaging remarks directed at the opposing team is not good sportsmanship.
Never kick bowls from one end of the rink to the other.
We encourage you to ask fellow players about the do's and don'ts on etiquette, but you are not expected to know it all - never be afraid to ask or clarify, overall ENJOY.

9. Roll-ups and social bowls

In many ways social bowls are the ‘life and soul’ of the club.

By participating, you will able to practice and improve your bowls, and you will quickly meet a lot of other members and start to enjoy all the benefits of membership.

During the summer season (which starts early September) we have a roll-up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, commencing at 1pm. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are tidy mufti clothing, and Saturday is our main club day of the week, and everyone wears club uniform.

On the wall in the men’s locker room you will see your name tag. You will need to

put your name tag on the locker-room bench, just inside the door, before 12.45 p.m. to be included in the draw. If you are going to be a tad late you can ask someone to put it in for you, or ring the club and ask them to put your name in.

The person arranging the teams for the games (usually the club captain) will place you in a friendly team (usually, but not always, playing triples or pairs) and as a new player you will find most players will go out of their way to help you enjoy yourself. Don’t worry that you haven’t played much – nobody will worry. The skip, or others, may also provide some quiet guidance, especially in terms of etiquette – this is done to help your introduction to bowls and is not meant as a criticism. Roll-ups are played in good humour, with lots of talking and laughing and often a bit of friendly banter.

Roll-ups usually finish around 3.30pm, with a break in the middle for afternoon tea on Saturdays. Players pay $1.00 per person at the afternoon tea break as a token to help cover some costs.

As stated earlier, the following is the dress code for roll-ups:

Tuesday and Wednesday – tidy mufti
Saturday – club uniform, although in your first few weeks blue/black/white shorts/trousers for men; and full length, ¾ or shorts for women, with a white shirt is absolutely acceptable
In addition, as a member, you can come down and make up your own games at any time – provided it doesn’t clash with competitions set down in our club calendar (see Club Handbook)

Competition play is always in club uniform.

The winter season starts in May, and the dress code is always tidy mufti. We have club roll-ups on Wednesday and Saturday as well as a “Winter Pairs” competition every Friday starting at 1pm. When the time comes you will see the competition drawn up on the blackboard beside the men’s locker room. It’s a weekly draw and you and your partner put your names in from week to week. You can also put your name on the board as a reserve – you will almost always be picked up to fill in for someone.

In winter mufti is usually worn.

10. Practice procedures

Practice as much as you can as it helps you get a flying start with your ‘bowling career’ – and it’s also a very good habit to get into no matter how long you have played. Your coach will suggest suitable practice routines

To get out the mat and jacks for practice you need to know how to locate the keys and open the shed. Ask an established member to show you how the system works – and please don’t forget to put all the gear away and, if you are last on the green, lock up when you are finished.

11. How to enter club championship and other club competition events

Club championships are defined as the separate men’s and women’s events (singles, pairs, triples and fours) that go on to the champion of champion Bowls Hawke's Bay Centre play-offs. Other Club events are open to men and women in teams. If you read the club Handbook thoroughly you will see the programme of events and the conditions of play. Entries usually close two days before the event is to be played. There may be a small cost to enter these club events. To enter write your name – or the names of your team – on the entry forms underneath the notice board inside the club rooms. If the event conditions say ‘single entry’ this means you enter as an individual player and the Match Committee, or the tournament organizer, will place you in a team. Draws for all events are done prior to the competition.

As a Junior player you will want to play in all the Junior events – men’s and women’s singles and pairs. There is a colt’s competition for men, and fillies for women. (First and second year players) You only get a couple of chances to play in this so do have a go! If you are having a bit of trouble organizing yourself into a team don’t worry – talk to the coaches or club captains, or anyone on the Match Committee, and they will try hard to match you up into a team. Alternatively, write your name at the bottom of the entry sheet with ‘wanting a game’ alongside.

Read up our club Handbook and you will see that, depending on the number of entries, club championship events will either be played under a two-life system or a round robin system. Other Club events may be played under other systems that will be decided by the Match Committee on an event by event basis. You will quickly get the hang of how the various systems work – and any member can help explain things.

A word of caution about entering events. Don’t commit yourself and enter without checking the follow up date or dates for playing the event – meaning that if you survive the opening day games you also have to be available for subsequent play. Of course, if you happen to be ill or there is some other compelling reason why you become unavailable later, everyone will understand and you will be able to try and arrange a substitute or replacement (for team events but not for singles).

Juniors can enter open events as well and you enter in the same way as described above.

12. Entering Bowls Hawke's Bay Centre competitions

The first thing is to make sure you get a free Bowls Hawke's Bay Handbook

(Available from mid September at our club). This Handbook has all the details about entering Centre competitions – playing dates, playing formats and conditions of play, closing dates for entries and, importantly, the actual entry forms for each event. You fill in your entry, attach a cheque and post it to the centre in good time. When you play in Centre events you are playing to win a Centre title – something that all bowlers value highly.

Note: Champion of Champion Events

Club championship winners in Junior singles and Junior Pairs at Havelock North automatically qualify to represent the club in the Centre champion of champion play-off . If you have qualified for a champion of champion event, our club will take care of the entry form and entry fee.

13. Inter club competitions

Our club selects and enters teams in various grades of the Bowls Hawke's Bay inter club. There are separate competitions for men and women. Inter club is open to all players including Juniors and is played on specified weekend dates and Mondays. If you get the chance to play interclub – grab it – its good fun and camaraderie and great experience playing as part of a team at other bowling clubs in the Centre. See the clubs selection policy – its on the notice board.

14. Mid week tournaments

If you’re a student or working a full time you won’t be much interested in these tournaments, but for ‘retired’ bowlers there is a very active mid week tournament schedule in Bowls Hawke's Bay. Our club runs tournaments usually on a Thursday or Friday and they are always very popular. Bowlers support their own club tournaments and then they often also play regularly at nearby clubs in their “open” tournaments. Enter our club tournaments the usual way but to enter open tournaments at another club you ring the contact name listed in the Centre Handbook. Junior bowlers are frequently asked to play in teams being entered by experienced bowlers – but there is also nothing to stop you entering your own ‘all -Junior’ team. Again, good fun and good experience – especially learning to play on different green surfaces other than Havelock North’s excellent carpet greens.

15. Other Junior events

Havelock North Bowling Club runs a junior 2 x 4 x 2 tournament and a mixed pairs. Other clubs also have dedicated junior Tournaments. Lot’s of fun. Look in the Bowls Hawke's Bay Handbook for the complete programme of events. Bowls Hawke's Bay pick separate men’s and women’s Junior teams from time to time to play against the representative teams from other centres. If you show good, consistent form in the Bowls H B Junior events you might get selected in the squad!

16. Club social events

The club is very social on a Friday night from about 4 :30p.m. to 5 :30p.m. This is a good time to come and meet other members. Business house bowls is played in the evenings in January/February and is lots of fun. You can also bring along non member friends to try out the game..

17. Club newsletter

Newsletters and members updates are regularly sent out via email to our members.

18. The club website

www.sporty.co.nz/hnbowls or via the Sporty App on your Smartphone

Google it and it should come up OK. If you have downloaded the Sporty App to your smartphone, you will have direct access to the Website via a button in the app. You will find there’s lots of good information about the club. The website is aimed at prospective members as well as our existing members. If you click on ‘Club news’ you can access all sorts of information on our club. Don’t forget to go to the ‘Gallery’ section and see a lot of interesting photos of club activities.

19. Members Card

Every financial member of the Havelock North Bowling Club receives their own credit card - sized Members Card, as we are affiliated to Clubs New Zealand. This card enables you to sign in to other chartered clubs in New Zealand and Australia, so is handy when travelling. It also enables our members to enter the Chartered Clubs Bowling Tournaments held each year.

20. Using our car park

We are fortunate to have good off street parking in the heart of Havelock North. We also own the brick building next door which is rented out to the dance studio, which gives our club some very welcome income! There are usually plenty of parks for everyone. We do remind our members that they should be extra vigilant as young children are dropped off for lessons in this dance studio and hence we have a speed limit applying to avoid accidents.