Officials

 

Umpires

Cardiganshire Short Mat Bowls Association has one of the lowest number of active Umpires in Wales and have received special dispensation from the WSMBA to 'self-umpire' when an Umpire is not available at a league game. This is not an ideal situation but with so few Umpires available as most of them play for their clubs too, there is little choice.

Most players will agree that by having an Umpire present encourages a better standard of etiquette and provides guidance on any decisions that may have to be made during an evening.

If you are interested in becoming an Umpire you do NOT need to be a player but obviously an interest in the game is advisable. The examination is divided into two parts, theory and practical. The theory paper consists of 40 questions which need to be answered fully but the WSMBA rule book may be used so it's not as bad as it seems! Providing that over 80% of the questions are correct, the successful applicant will then be asked to take the practical part of the examination showing an understanding of the equipment used. This is usually carried out within the participant's own club.

A copy of the questions is available on request from Bill Jones or by email from the webmaster. Please telephone Bill for more information about becoming an Umpire.

The English Bowls Umpires website has further information on the subject http://www.ebua.org.uk

 

List of current Umpires 2008-2009

Bill Coombs (Aberporth) 01239 615114
Bill Jones (Llechryd) 01239 810904
Jan Wallace (Aberporth) 01239 614440
Jean Jones (Penrhiwllan) 01559 370898
Michael Martin (Llandygwydd) 01239 712730

 

Coaching

Do you enjoy bowls but would like to learn more about the game and learn how to help others? Then maybe coaching is for you.

Ceredigion County Council recently ran a Coaching Course in association with the WSMBA at Llandysul Leisure Centre and provided an excellent way of learning how to break down the game into stages so that the different shots can be taught to beginners. To qualify as a coach, an individual would need to attend one of these coaching courses and then be recommended to take the further examination. This would consist of taking the theory examination required by Umpires and, if over 80% is achieved, a practical examination held at the club to ensure that the person has remembered how to teach the various shots!

Cardigan currently has four qualified club coaches at three clubs: Aberporth, Manordeifi and Rhydlewis. Please check the individual club pages if you would like to find out more or maybe receive some help with your game.

Being a coach doesn't necessarily mean that they are the best player - merely that they are someone who can teach the theory of the game to players and hopefully help with teaching particular shots or advising on where someone is going wrong.