CRAMLINGTON MINI LEAGUE

1.  Proposal
   To create and run an internal mini league played weekly throughout the season

2.  Intention
   To further enhance the beginners class coaching sessions. It is hoped by playing regularly in a friendly informative but challenging environment any feelings of anxiety players may foster will reduce, and their confidence increase to such an extent that they will feel at ease when stepping onto the mat to represent the club against high quality opposition. Over the season members will play in every position on a rink in so doing it is hoped that they will gradually gain the necessary skills they require and recognise what they need to do and when to do it in the games they take part in. In other words, playing becomes second nature to them. Perhaps some of our more established players may wish to take part and practice their delivery techniques and regain the competitive edge they once had and have lost due to the jumbles sessions closing.

3.  When
   The mini league will be held on Monday evenings at the same time or after the coaching sessions for the beginner’s class has concluded.

4.  League
   This will be a 3 wood triples team competition played initially over 7 ends. Teams will be selected by the league officials. Bowls etiquette will be in play from the start of the game and each team player e.g. Lead, No2 and skip will rotate their position on the rink on a weekly basis subjecting all players to the various situations which they may encounter in a typical league game.
   Lead will correctly place the delivery mat a minimum of 2 meters from the ditch to the front of the delivery mat then send the jack up the green a minimum distance of 23 meters. On our green the jack must reach or go beyond the flags placed at the side of the green. Of course, there will be many positions for the mat and numerous lengths for the jack but this is about getting the basics right and not handing the opposition an opportunity which would allow them to place the jack in a position more suitable to them. Once lead has delivered his / her bowls their contribution to the end / head is complete and will take up a position at the back of the head at no time is he / she involved in any discussions regarding scoring of the end just played.

   No 2 is in charge of the head and will converse with the No2 of the opposition, he must be able to read the head offer advise to the skip and measure and agree with No2 of the opposition the score of the completed end.

   The skip will read the head and offer advice to his team regarding placing of the delivery mat, length of jack and which hand to play (either forehand or backhand) He must also be able to spot when a player is not performing up to normal standards and offer advice in a quiet encouraging way either on a one to one basis or group whilst passing each other on the green.

5.  General play
   Regardless of the jack position and condition of the head. The first bowl played by each player will be delivered subject to the bowls bias either forehand or backhand, the second bowl will be played to the opposite hand of the first bowl. The hand of the third bowl will be the choice of the player or on advice from the skip. Players will concentrate on the circumstance they face on their rink and their rink alone. They will offer advice and encouragement to their team mates at all times this should be done so that it does not attract attention from players on other rinks. It should be remembered that players do not want to bowl badly, everyone can make a mistake how many times has the wrong bias been played. Some players will accept criticism during the game others will not and it may affect how they play. Hopefully all these issues will be dealt with in the mini league.

   Rules
   Finish with a question and answer session