Can you help us?
Do you want to put something back into our wonderful sport and help keep it going into the future? Can you spare any time during the day to pop along and assist with a junior school bowling session after Easter? We could really do with some new volunteers, even if you can only come along to just one session. Set out below are the answers to some questions you may have if you would like to help out as a volunteer.
What sort of commitment is there - I don't have a great deal of time to spare and might not be able to come along very much?
Even if you can just come to one hour long session that would be helpful – come to as many or as few as you like – no commitment is necessary. Even if it turns out that you cannot make any sessions don't worry - you might be able to do it next year instead! At least the thought was there.
I won't know anyone there and am a bit worried about turning up by myself
Come with a friend if you wish – you don’t need to be a member of any particular club. You will probably know someone there anyway and we are all quite friendly (we don't bite!).
I don't know the first thing about teaching kids to bowl - how will I know what to do?
There will always be at least one trained instructor present who will do all the organising and do the initial instruction and demonstration to the children. Your role is simply to be an extra pair of hands. Usually the children will be split into groups of four and will be asked to bowl in straight lines across the green, to get the hang of finger/thumb, length, and other basics. After a few ends They will then start a pairs game. Your role will be to stay with one group (possibly with an instructor or another volunteer) and give them any advice where necessary or correct them if they are going wrong.
But I'm rubbish at bowls - how can I possibly help others?
You are not there to play - as long as you know the difference between finger and thumb you will be ok - remember most of the children have never picked up a bowl or seen a bowling green in their lives so you will know more than they do! Believe me some of the instructors are not that good at bowls themselves!
Where are the sessions and how long do they last?
Sessions likely to be held at the Windmill, Ormskirk Park, Cockbeck, Halton Castle and Dog & Gun. Details of when and where the sessions are to be held is held on the Schools Timetable for 2009 page of this website (or click on this link). If you can go just turn up. Occasionally the instructor may ring to see if you are available or if you are intending to go as we have to ensure there are enough people there to help Don't worry if you can't make it though.
Sessions will usually last about 1 hour - but believe me the time just flies!
Are the children well behaved or can I expect some problems?
So far we have had no problems whatsoever with behaviour. The children will be at junior school (so are under 12) and teachers are present. Indeed the children we have coached to date have been extremely enthusiastic and both the coaches, volunteers and children have all really enjoyed the experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The session will be cancelled. We will put the number of the relevent coach on this website so you will know who to ring if unsure.
As we are working with children will we need special checks and won't these be difficult to sort out?
As we are working with children we do have to be careful - this is as much to protect you as the children. For your first session you can complete a very short form and read the Child Safety Code provided by the British Crown Green. This can be given to you when you arrive by the Instructor.
If you enjoy your first experience you will need a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)check done. This is free. It is not we don't trust you - it is a British Crown Green requirement. The form will be virtually filled out for you - we only need name and address details and to see three forms of ID (eg driving licence, passport, birth or marriage certificate). This is all done on a confidential basis. Ian Gill will visit you or arrange to meet you to sort this out - this will only take about 5 minutes. If you have any previous convictions they should be declared but they will not bar you from being a volunteer if they are not child related.
Please don't let this put you off - this only for the safety of the children and to cover yourself. All the current Instructors and volunteers have had CRB checks done on them.
If you have had a CRB check done through another organisation you will still need another one done to assist with the bowling sessions.
Why is this important - why bother with all this?
This is important because we need to revitalise and raise the profile of bowls and get more young people playing to sustain our teams. We have already seen the closure of two local greens recently. Do you want this to continue? If you want bowls to survive into the future and grow as a sport please help - don't assume someone else will do it for you. Just give it a go - don't assume someone else will do it for you...and you may just enjoy it!!
Who can I speak to if I want further information?
If you would like to help out, or would like more details, please contact Ian Gill on 01695 575 141 (evenings)