In recent blogs I have been talking about the rather long list that we have come up with for the Close Season to get Hampden ready for 2017. Wow scary statement - can you believe its nearing the end of November already?? On the list is Ian and I's wee plan to become coaches. Ian is already qualified following his course during the summer - he was well impressed by it and has being going to work on Jim Peden to get his motivations skills every so slight improved....
Well the opportunity came up from Laura at Bowls Scotland to attend a training session at Auckinleck Indoor Bowling Club on Positive Coaching. It was run by Jo from Sports Scotland who over a course of 3 hours explained all the different challenges, coaching tools, mindset and gave us an opportunity to discuss this with a number of different reps from clubs. Now you would think that a course in Auckinleck would only attract local clubs. We actually thought we were travelling but there were coaches from Kirkcaldy, Oban, Willowbank, Stamperland and Prestwick. It just shows how committed these people are. Inspiring.
It was another little insight into a great venture by Sports Scotland to try to improve the level of coaching across the country. The big take aways for me was the discussion. Its about creating the overall environment for people to have fun, let beginners make mistakes, nip problems in the bud from unruly behaviour and most importantly practice what you preach. In terms of what we can do there was some great ideas.
Our biggest failing has been that when beginners have come along to our open nights is that we rush them into playing bowls and teaching them all the things that we have learned in years of playing in their first 10 minutes. Really is that the way we learned? We need to focus on different elements of what they are doing and bit by bit teach them how to play - rather than all at once. So Ian and I got talking afterwards and we are going to have a night next year where we combine a coaching night, open night and a bit of competition - one idea for future blogs..
The second was a code of conduct that all the members create and sign up too. It was interesting hearing from the other clubs about some of the things that go on. Bad losers, bad sportsmanship, swearing, timekeeping and general disrespect for the club or the game. This is the minority but they can spoil it for others. A great is idea is a code of conduct with accountability given to all the members to enforce it is a great idea. One we'll have a go at.
And the last one. A buddy system. A great idea. And also not just to pair up people but thinking about it based on a number of factors - age, skill, experience to name but a few. This is a great way of getting people engaged in the whole club - not just the game itself.
So many thanks for Laura for letting us know (and encouraging us to go). Thanks to Jo from Sports Scotland - it was a fantastic training session and I know from talking to folk afterwards that everyone got a lot out of it. I know we did. To be honest the biggest thing is talking to like minded individuals from other clubs. Oh and some of them had heard about Hampden... Oh the wee message is getting out there!
Other stuff. One Yard Through lost this week in the indoor. We were properly stuffed on Monday night. Here's hoping tomorrow night we are a back to winning. Maybe the coaching might pay off :-) Hampden's indoor night is on Friday afternoon - should be a great afternoon as usual. A wee reminder to be there by 3.30pm :-)
Cheers
HBC Secretary
Well the opportunity came up from Laura at Bowls Scotland to attend a training session at Auckinleck Indoor Bowling Club on Positive Coaching. It was run by Jo from Sports Scotland who over a course of 3 hours explained all the different challenges, coaching tools, mindset and gave us an opportunity to discuss this with a number of different reps from clubs. Now you would think that a course in Auckinleck would only attract local clubs. We actually thought we were travelling but there were coaches from Kirkcaldy, Oban, Willowbank, Stamperland and Prestwick. It just shows how committed these people are. Inspiring.
It was another little insight into a great venture by Sports Scotland to try to improve the level of coaching across the country. The big take aways for me was the discussion. Its about creating the overall environment for people to have fun, let beginners make mistakes, nip problems in the bud from unruly behaviour and most importantly practice what you preach. In terms of what we can do there was some great ideas.
Our biggest failing has been that when beginners have come along to our open nights is that we rush them into playing bowls and teaching them all the things that we have learned in years of playing in their first 10 minutes. Really is that the way we learned? We need to focus on different elements of what they are doing and bit by bit teach them how to play - rather than all at once. So Ian and I got talking afterwards and we are going to have a night next year where we combine a coaching night, open night and a bit of competition - one idea for future blogs..
The second was a code of conduct that all the members create and sign up too. It was interesting hearing from the other clubs about some of the things that go on. Bad losers, bad sportsmanship, swearing, timekeeping and general disrespect for the club or the game. This is the minority but they can spoil it for others. A great is idea is a code of conduct with accountability given to all the members to enforce it is a great idea. One we'll have a go at.
And the last one. A buddy system. A great idea. And also not just to pair up people but thinking about it based on a number of factors - age, skill, experience to name but a few. This is a great way of getting people engaged in the whole club - not just the game itself.
So many thanks for Laura for letting us know (and encouraging us to go). Thanks to Jo from Sports Scotland - it was a fantastic training session and I know from talking to folk afterwards that everyone got a lot out of it. I know we did. To be honest the biggest thing is talking to like minded individuals from other clubs. Oh and some of them had heard about Hampden... Oh the wee message is getting out there!
Other stuff. One Yard Through lost this week in the indoor. We were properly stuffed on Monday night. Here's hoping tomorrow night we are a back to winning. Maybe the coaching might pay off :-) Hampden's indoor night is on Friday afternoon - should be a great afternoon as usual. A wee reminder to be there by 3.30pm :-)
Cheers
HBC Secretary