Forward-thinking
Some interesting ideas on how to extend the appeal of the WBT BY ALEX MARSHALL MBE
I
’ve been thinking lately about ways in which the WBT events could be improved. I asked a few people their opinions, had a bit of a brainstorming session and came up with some ideas. Some you’ll like, some you’ll dislike - with some probably better than others - but it will be interesting to see if any come to fruition and what the public reaction is.
So, what could we do? Well, I think a good place to begin would be TV. We need a revamp of the title that is run for the start of the BBC coverage. It’s been the same for many years with the same music and with Andy Thomson's well-worn shoes!
Another suggestion was that the players have their names on the back of their shirts. I think this is a good idea. It makes things feel more personal. Talking of personal, it has also been suggested that the players all have a signature tune, played as they enter. The idea is that the players should enter either through the crowd, waving and shaking hands, possibly handing out items from the sponsors or walk up the length of the green waving their country’s flag, all to their signature tune. This might encourage the crowd to get behind the players, cheer for them and create a more buoyant atmosphere.
It was noticeable at the last WBT event that, at the beginning of the tournament, there were quite a lot of free seats in the crowd. Why don’t we encourage the youngsters to get involved by offering local clubs, groups or schools free entry for children? Even if a few decide to give bowls a try it would be worth it. The youngsters could even wear sponsors’ merchandise to help with advertising. We could have more interviews with the players before and
maybe during matches. How about a wee chat between sets? I have been told that seeing players outwith matches gives the public a better idea of their personalities, so more of these interviews could be good. It is great to see friends and family in the crowd watching and supporting their loved one and supporting other players on the circuit too as they all know each other, and seeing their families also make the viewers feel they know the players better. The format of the WBT events that we play now has shortened the game significantly and is most definitely more exciting for the viewing public. We need to maintain that momentum and keep the bowls rolling. I think an idea would be to copy the format they have in Australia, where each shot is timed. How about 30 seconds for each of your first three bowls and 40 seconds for your fourth? Again, I think there should be a limit to the amount of times the head can be visited before the third bowl. This would encourage faster play and, hopefully, more excitement. How about the competitors get to select two sets of bowls before the match and play with one set, but be able to change them at the end of the set if they feel they are not suiting the green? I also wonder if crowd
participation would help raise the excitement. Could or would the crowd respond whenever a chalker is achieved? There could be special music played when a chalker is made. The crowd could have signs to wave with different slogans on them. You know, ‘chalker’, ‘great bowl’, ‘what a shot’, etc. I also think that music could be played when an end finishes up until the mat has been set for the next end. The Aussies do this and I think it is quite a nice break in the tension of the game. One thing I’m not so sure
about is wildcards. In fairness, and I can say this as I have gained entry as a wildcard in the past, I don’t think it is right. As I have said before, I feel that the winners of the national competitions should get automatic entry into WBT events. The wildcards that are picked are known bowlers, whereas new qualifiers bring fresh blood to the competition. In turn, this brings new family, friends and club support and, hopefully, new excitement. The crowds seem to love to support the underdog and that is what we
Filming Pairs matches would be a positive move
seating, with possibly a café/bar and maybe background music? This would mean supporters could chat without distracting the players. When it is silent, any noise can distract them and disturb their concentration, but when there is constant
background noise, the players can zone it out more easily. Filming more Pairs matches might help as there is more discussion on the green, which in turn makes it easier for people to shout out encouragement. Why don’t we introduce a new
We want the crowds to get behind the players, cheer them on, and make more noise
want for bowls. We want the crowds to get behind the players, cheer them on, make more noise and create the atmosphere that you normally get in a team game. If anyone has supported their country and gone to watch the Home Internationals then they will know what I mean. Everyone goes out to have an exciting day, watching nail-biting bowling, ready to cheer on their team and possibly have a drink or two! It would be great to bring this electric atmosphere to the WBT. What about more relaxed
tournament at the beginning of each WBT event which might last just a day. I am thinking of a Junior/Senior Pairs, with possibly the top-16 picking a junior to play with. If 16 kids were asked to play, think about the interest it could create, with up-and-coming talent getting the chance to play on the portable rink. Think, too, of the support they would bring with them! I think it could encourage many more people to come along and support all the players and, hopefully, make it a very enjoyable day out for everyone.
NationwideBowler 11
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