If there is a 'marker' available, this person provides a really valuable service by being at the 'head' and calling back the position of each bowl as it comes to rest using the 'clock' system. (See 'Markers Guide' on the VIBE website: ) A helper (often called a director) may accompany a VI player on the green and may give the player information and advice on what shot to play. The director may also visit the head (with or without the player) as any sighted player can. The VI player may use a monocular (off the mat and not in line with the string) to see woods are in the head. It will not always be the case that all VI bowlers require all the aids above – but they are entitled to use them, if desired. For VI people new to the game, a Club - with experience of coaching VI players - should ideally take the novice through the basics of the game. Some VI bowlers might benefit from 'front coaching' and Visually Impaired Bowls England will be pleased to provide 'Coaching for Coaches' on request and subject to being able to make mutually convenient arrangements. If your club is looking to get VI players involved in the game - and assuming you have a Bowls Development Alliance-registered Coach - there may be funding available through the BDA to run introductory or 'taster' sessions for VI (or players with other disabilities). For more information, contact the BDA via their website (www.playbowls.org). Again, if you require coaching support for such an event, please contact Visually Impaired Bowls England and we will do our best to help. If your VI bowler is looking to enter a tournament (be it VI-only or Open), they might well benefit from having a dedicated 'director'. Ideally this person will be well-known to the player and will have worked with them over time to develop joint understanding and trust. At National and International level, most bowlers have their own dedicated Directors - some of whom are highly experienced in coaching the visually impaired.
If there is a 'marker' available, this person provides a really valuable service by being at the 'head' and calling back the position of each bowl as it comes to rest using the 'clock' system. (See 'Markers Guide' on the VIBE website: ) A helper (often called a director) may accompany a VI player on the green and may give the player information and advice on what shot to play. The director may also visit the head (with or without the player) as any sighted player can. The VI player may use a monocular (off the mat and not in line with the string) to see woods are in the head. It will not always be the case that all VI bowlers require all the aids above – but they are entitled to use them, if desired. For VI people new to the game, a Club - with experience of coaching VI players - should ideally take the novice through the basics of the game. Some VI bowlers might benefit from 'front coaching' and Visually Impaired Bowls England will be pleased to provide 'Coaching for Coaches' on request and subject to being able to make mutually convenient arrangements. If your club is looking to get VI players involved in the game - and assuming you have a Bowls Development Alliance-registered Coach - there may be funding available through the BDA to run introductory or 'taster' sessions for VI (or players with other disabilities). For more information, contact the BDA via their website (www.playbowls.org). Again, if you require coaching support for such an event, please contact Visually Impaired Bowls England and we will do our best to help. If your VI bowler is looking to enter a tournament (be it VI-only or Open), they might well benefit from having a dedicated 'director'. Ideally this person will be well-known to the player and will have worked with them over time to develop joint understanding and trust. At National and International level, most bowlers have their own dedicated Directors - some of whom are highly experienced in coaching the visually impaired.
Sighted%20Clubs%20Guide.docx