Page 27 - Summer 2017

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eD, The problem with the rules over the decades is that various Umpire’s Directors and 27
others in control have forced their own beliefs on Umpires even if they were incorrect in
some way. Originally, we had an Umpires Association that discussed rule problems and arrived
at a general consensus. We also had our own AGM and could discuss any ESMBA AGM rule
proposals before the AGM and highlight any problems with the proposals.
Unfortunately, a desire by the then committee or possibly at least one person who wanted
to control absolutely everything came into force and I think the Umpires Association was too in-
dependent for the person concerned so it sadly ceased to exist. Despite a change of person-
nel, the ESMBA still control everything, which marginalises our Umpires and in my view the
dictatorial attitude continues to thrive.
Dear Ed,
Having read your comment in Short mat chat regarding certain
players always winning club events, it has been (quietly) noted
at our Club that while it was great fun to run singles, pairs etc
Handicap! competitions, it was almost certain that the outcome was easily
Handicap!
predicted. Nothing against those more gifted players and good
fortune to them, but could there be a way to give everybody an
equal chance?
Has anybody been able to consider a "handicap" system
(as in golf) and is it possible to adapt a similar system to bowls?
This would provide those newer or less able players to be in-
cluded in the count.
AL

Ed - It is surely not beyond the wit of man to come up with a system for handicapping winners
who enter the same event the following season. I have certainly come across this outdoors in
my Crown Green clubs. I’m sure it operates in Flat Green as well, so why not Short Mat bowls?
With the same players winning year after year (or mostly), it must be a disincentive for some
players to enter an event. So readers, does your club have a system for handicapping players?
If so why not share it with others as it may help.

BROAD OAK TRIPLES
BROAD OAK TRIPLES
Eighteen Triples Teams from Clubs in East Sussex con-
verged on Broad Oak Village Hall, near Heathfield Town,
East Sussex, taking e part in its Annual Triples Tourna-
ment which has run from 2006.
There were 105 Raffle Prizes organised by host
Chairman Andy Jefferies and his wife Anne. Some
prizes were purchased but a large number had been do-
nated by members. The Profit made helps to improve
facilities at the Club.
This year's Winners were PEVENSEY represented
Runner-up Eric & Madeline by Jenny Mathews, Chris Escott and Peter Winter. Run-
Runner-up Eric & Madeline
Beeney & Trevor Rees ners Up were HORAM GUNNERS. A big thank you goes
Beeney & Trevor Rees
to all who made this such an enjoyable day.
Ray Cassidy

Ed - apologies, as this article should have been included in an earlier edition of the magazine
but it was put to one side waiting for more photos but these never materialised and the article
was on hold and then passed over. From time to time I do miss items or put them to one side
for one reason or another, so, I am only human and there is only one of me compiling the
magazine. I do try, or I am very trying depending on your viewpoint!