Disability Sport Development Conference An Introduction to Disability Bowls
What is Bowls? A game played with heavy bowls, the object of which is to propel one's bowl so that it comes to rest as close as possible to a previously bowled small ball (the jack). Bowls is played chiefly out of doors (though indoor bowls is also popular) on a closely trimmed lawn called a green. Source: Oxford English Dictonary 2015.
Opportunities to play 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Boccia Bowls PF1: This denotes a player who has highly significant levels of physical difficulty which affects their overall performance. The areas of assessment include; Postural control. Head control. Driving skills, where particular attention is given to ; o Reflex activity. o Fine motor control. o Gross motor movement pattern. o Fluency of motor skill movements. PF2: This denotes a player who has moderate to mild levels of physical difficulty which affects their overall performance. The areas of assessment include; Postural control. Head control. Driving skills, where particular attention is given to ; o Reflex activity. o Fine motor control. o Gross motor movement pattern. o Fluency of motor skill movements. Quadriplegic (Tetraplegic), Triplegic Severe Hemiplegic Moderate (asymmetric or symmetric) quadriplegic or severe hemiplegic in a wheelchair with almost full functional strength in unimpaired upper extremity. Athletes with severe hemiplegic can propel a wheelchair independently. Diplegic Moderate to severe involvement Good functional strength with minimal limitation or control problems noted in upper limbs and trunk B5: - Moderate involvement, spasticity grade 2-3 - Involvement of both legs which may require orthotics/splints for walking - Asymmetric Diplegia or double hemiplegic: Involvement on both sides, Lower limbs more affected than upper - Dystonia: Lower Limbs more affected than upper B6: Athetosis / Dystonía / Ataxia / Mixed CP or Related Neurological Condition Moderate involvement in all four limbs Ambulates without assistive devices but might require orthotics/splints Athetosis, dystonia or ataxia is typically the most prevalent factor but some Athletes can have problems with athetosis or ataxia mixed with spasticity; Athletes with dystonic athetosis in all four limbs belong in this classification unless the impairment is minimal. B7 Hemiplegia: Spasticity 2-3 in one half of the body Walk/run with a limp/clearly noticeable Hemi gait pattern 2, 3 or Good functional ability in the other side of the body B8: May appear to have near normal function when running. Must demonstrate a limitation in function to Classifiers based on evidence of spasticity (increased tone), ataxia, athetosis or dystonic movements while performing on the field of play or in training. The Athlete may walk with a slight limp but runs more fluidly.
How to play The aim of the game is simple. Get your bowls as close as possible to a small ball (jack). It might sound easy, but the fact that the bowls do not travel in a straight line creates a challenge. Bowls can be played indoors or outdoors, the rules are the same, with top stars from both formats coming together to play lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games.
Rules The jack must travel at least 23 metres to be in play and is moved to the centre of the rink once it comes to rest. The players then take turns to bowl, with points being scored by each bowl that is closer to the jack than the opponent s closest bowl. Bowls that fall into the ditch are disregarded however close the jack may be to the ditch, unless they happen to touch the jack before going into the ditch.
Equipment To play the sport you need: Bowls A bowl is designed to travel a curved path because it is weighted one side. Green Indoor/Outdoor/Short Mat Bowls can be played on a variety of different surfaces including Indoor Greens, Outdoor Greens and Short Matts.
Equipment Jack A small bowl (without a bias) that is the target to aim for. Mat This is where the bowls are played from Shoes A particular style of shoe must be worn to protect the surface of the green and to make sure the path of the bowl is not interfered with.
Equipment Adaptive equipment can be used to make the sport accessible and help develop the skills needed to play the game. New age bowls. New age bowls are a lightweight foam ball, with a bias. They can be used on any surface and are ideal for players that struggle to hold or grip a bowl. Bowls Buggies/Wheelchairs These are wheelchairs that have been specially adapted by having wheels that can be used on bowls greens
Equipment Targets These targets which come in a variety of different styles can be used to create an alternative object to aim for and increase the chance of success. Scoring Wedge A scoring wedge introduces a different game but also helps develop the skills needed in a game of Bowls.
Things to be aware of Players may need to play from a non-transferrable wheelchair. If this is the case the club that they wish to play at will need some boarding or other protection to place on the surface so that is does not get damaged. Players in wheelchairs or bowls buggies will need to gain access to the green via ramps. This is a process that will need support from coaches/enablers.
Things to be aware of There are additional factors to consider when working with players with a disability to ensure a safe environment and coaching practice. Players with a disability may: Tire more quickly and so need shorter work intervals with longer rests. Find it harder to concentrate - for example visually impaired players in a noisy green. Experience poor balance and co-ordination and so may be prone to injuries from dropping objects or knocking against things. Need extra safety considerations for emergency evacuation as well as for access (e.g. there should be visual warnings as well as auditory ones for fire or bomb warnings).
Time to have a go!!
Scoring Wedge
Scoring Wedge Space A playing area on a bowls green/mat. The distance to the target can be varied depending on ability and success rate. Task Trying to propel the ball towards the scoring wedge to score as many points as possible. Equipment Bowls. Scoring Wedge. Cones if required. People This can be played in singles/pairs/triples/fours. What you need. Bowls (various sizes/equivalent). Scoring Wedge. How to Play Place the scoring wedge between the edge of the rink and the Bowls Mat. Player take it in turns to aim at the scoring wedge and try to score the highest amount of points.
Ball Blast
Ball Blast Space A playing area on a bowls green/mat. The distance to the target can be varied depending on ability and success rate. Task Trying to propel the ball towards the Ball on the target in order to knock the ball out of the target area. Equipment Bowls. Floor Target. Large balls. Cones if required. People This can be played in singles/pairs/triples/fours. What you need. Bowls (various sizes/equivalent). Floor Target. How to Play Place the scoring wedge between the edge of the rink and the Bowls Mat. Players take it in turns to aim at the ball on the target, to try and knock the large ball out of the target area.
Noughts and Crosses
Noughts and Crosses Space A playing area on a bowls green/mat. The distance to the target can be varied depending on ability and success rate. Task Trying to propel the ball towards the correct area of the board to get three bowls in a row. Equipment Bowls. Floor Target/ ribbons that can be used to make the grid. Cones if required. People This can be played in singles/pairs/triples/fours. What you need. Bowls (various sizes/equivalent). Floor Target. How to Play The aim of the game is to get 3 balls across, down or diagonally. If players wish to take over a square occupied by an opponent they must knock their ball out of that square.
Reaching you potential- Pathways Bowls pathways for disability has always been unclear. Original Pathway (integrated): Local Club County Play for Country Disability Pathway: Local Club Relevant Group (BWBA, CP Sport, EALABE, VIBE) Disability Bowls England Source: DBE 2015
Pathways Source: DBE 2015
Cerebral Palsy Sport For further information regarding bowls and other sporting opportunities: Cerebral Palsy Sport Unit 5, Heathcoat Building Nottingham Science and Technology Park University Boulevard Nottingham NG7 2QJ 0115 925 7027 www.cpsport.org