March 1999 Volume 80 Number 3 "serving the protectors"
Bowls
By Peter Baehnk

41st Annual Carnival of the Australian Police Bowling Association.

We are close to the end of another local club season, which signals the start of final preparations for the Australian Police Bowling Association Carnival to be held in Perth from 18 to 24 April inclusive.

The local team actually represents SAPOL at this carnival and consists of serving and retired police officers (of all ranks) and some associates. They take part, not for personal glory, but to keep that spirit of camaraderie between police officers alive.

Included in the team are:

Singles:

• D. Dahlitz.
• T. Gregory.
• L. Yeo.
• N. Zuvich.

Pairs:

• J. McKnight/R. Peters.
• F. Holden/B. Dowling.
• A. Martin/I. Matters.
• R. Allen/N. Marriott.
• H. Herde/M. Powell.
• P. Baehnk/I. Doering.

Fours:

• I. Doering/D. Fitzgerald/H. Herde/N. Zuvich,
• D. Dahlitz/A. Martin/R. Peters/J. McKnight,
• T. Gregory/M. Powell/E. O’Leary/L. Yeo.

The players in each category play off against the selected representatives of each of the other States - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. Lindsay Yeo won the singles title at the last carnival while Trevor Gregory won the Plate in the singles competition.

You too could be a member of such a team. This Club, which provides the team members, is not a retired commissioned officers’ club, nor is it elitist in any way. Membership is open to all police officers, past and present, of all ranks and any age.

Common Questions About Trying Lawn Bowls

From an article by RSABA development officer, Andrew Smith

I like the game. What do I do now?

You now need to decide what level of participation you want in the game, and we have lots of options to offer you.

Night Owls:

Is a social-based intra-club competition designed around an indoor cricket style format played in the twilight hours and under lights. You can enter a team or enter as a single entry and the club will find you a team to participate in triples or fours competition over a period anywhere from eight to 16 weeks. Dress is casual, although many teams develop their own T-shirts, and the club will provide equipment. Night Owls is a good way to introduce yourself to the sport in a fun, relaxed and semi-competitive way. Not all clubs provide this type of competition so you will need to make enquiries at clubs in your area.

Social/Associate Member:

All club constitutions provide varying levels of membership which allow varying levels of participation. Generally, however, they provide you with the opportunity to practice at all times greens are available and to participate in all social competitions available at your club or other affiliated clubs around Australia.

M.E.L.B.A.:

Is a mixed electric light inter-club competition where teams are made up of participants of varying levels of ability. This provides the newer player the opportunity to experience competition with and against higher level players than the night owls concept will produce and will allow the participant to represent his or her club. Dress and other rules are still relaxed although it is likely participants will be at a level where they have purchased their own equipment such as bowls and shoes.

Full Membership:

Full members are entitled to play in all club championships, all events arranged by the State or National bodies including pennants, State championship events and all other social and open events at all affiliated clubs throughout Australia.

Check the “Links to our clubs” section on website http://www.bowls-sa.asn.au/rsaba.htm