Chairman / Hon. Div. Sec. Maidstone

   Kent 

   ME16 0AP

      01622 758203 

Mob: 07753264022

Re: County Competitions (Revised Program)

Following ongoing discussions with Divisional Secretaries and Officers I feel there is agreement for us to review the County program with the aim of moving away from playing quarter and semi-finals on a weekday. The evidence of 2019 and more recently 2021 has highlighted the problems that players can face with having to take time off work. We should not be faced with competitors having to concede games or make such comments as, “I will have to go sick”. Whilst we will not be dictated to by Bowls England (BE) it is stated these games should be evenings or weekends and this causes debate amongst the players and in other Counties. We must also recognise qualifiers on the whole are becoming younger and their working environment is important to their futures with not every employer being understanding.

With this in mind I have with regard to 2022 looked at the critical dates surrounding the Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy and Home Counties League (HCL) and there is a window whereby games can be played at weekends. The split of the HCL into two divisions has helped and with the dates for 2022 already published conflicts can be avoided but should they arise they can be managed. Once established I am satisfied the program can be followed through in subsequent years. It is not known how BE intend to run the Middleton Cup but if the 2019 format is reinstated the quarter final would be on Saturday 16thJuly 2022 but should it not and a later date is chosen we would have the ability to arrange our quarter and semi-finals accordingly around those qualifying, particular if the shortened format of the game is to remain. With this in mind and having noted the other competitions I would propose for 2022 the weekends of the 23rd & 24th (Week 29) and 30th& 31st July (Week 30) are set aside for the competition quarter and semi-finals and at the appropriate time the Competition & Match Secretary works alongside the Administration subcommittee to finalise the program. The county finals could be Sunday 7th August or if felt appropriate it could be delayed until completion of the National Finals although I note for 2021 some national finals go well into September. Divisions would be expected to complete their finals by the end of the first week in July. Evening play for these games is not considered an option having regard to the travel involved between divisions.   

It is important these changes are agreed ahead of the competition entry forms being issued, early September, as I am aware with some player’s entry is dependent on changes being made as they no longer feel able to commit if we continue with weekday play for the quarter and semi-finals. I would therefore propose each Division takes the proposals to the AGM for agreement as this should ensure a smooth passage through the appropriate committees. It will also be necessary for the Administration subcommittee in conjunction with the Competition & Match Secretary to draw up a list of clubs considered suitable for hosting these games.

Geoff Chapman – August 2021