The culture of Bowling.

The aim of this page is to provide new bowlers with an insight into the conduct, relationships and protocol expected within Willowbank and other affiliated clubs in Scotland and indeed, the world of Bowling at large.

Bowling - Breaking down barriers in society.

Bowling is a social sport open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, background, disability , employment status or other limiting factor. The sport prides itself on its etiquette - a set of rules which promote sportsmanship, equality and respect for each other. Whether you are 6 or 66, when you step onto the green as a player , you are treated as an equal , capable of participating and contributing to the sport from day one.

Motivation

The coaching manual for the Scottish Bowling Association (SBA) states the purpose of the sport of bowls is to enjoy yourself. At Willowbank, we endeavor to ensure that this principle remains paramount and encourage all visitors to try the sport.

Equality - The mindset of bowling.

When introducing the sport to new players, the author always starts with equality on the green. While on the green you are - first and foremost - a bowler. This implies you are an equal amongst fellow players and entitled to be treated with the utmost respect. You are encouraged to make a full contribution to your team (and club) and in return be fully supported by your fellow bowlers - which include your opponents.

When you leave the green, you are a bowler, when you enter the clubhouse, you are a bowler, when you leave to go home, you are a bowler and expected to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner. If we then develop this argument, you start including bowlers from other clubs, counties and eventually across the world. This implies that if you are a bowler in any club, you should be welcomed and if appropriate, invited to participate at that club.

The importance of friendship

Friendship encompasses the vision of equality and is at the heart of everything we behold at Willowbank. To illustrate this issue the author would like to share his experience.

Although the principle aim of the game of bowls is to win, this principle does not supersede friendship. I was made aware of this point in my very first competitive match . My skip (team captain) was berating me down the rink and disturbing everyone on the green. After a number of ends, I concluded that if this was how bowlers conducted themselves on the green, bowling was not for me.

My opponent at the time was a very experienced bowler from Kilmarnock Portland BC called Peter McColl. Peter had a great respect and friendship for my skip but on this occasion , decided that I needed his full support and help. He promptly told my skip to refrain from any more abuse and proceeded to coach me until the game finished. That was over 20 years ago and to mark his lasting friendship, my opening game of the season is always at Kilmarnock Portland. This year (2010) Portland celebrates their 150th anniversary and Peter is their longest serving member (47 years). These are some of the past presidents at Portland.