TRAINING NEWSLETTER

Training Update
There have been a number of recent changes to the training process that members should know about. These changes are fairly minor and have been implemented as part of the continuous development of umpires.

Many people have stated that the change process is one of evolution not revolution which all fits within the 5 year development plan agreed by our executive just over 2 years ago. Big steps have been taken to support both our existing members in their continuing development and our new members in the initial learning phase.

Courses
The most significant change has been a lengthening of the courses! Don’t be alarmed as it has been done with the comfort of both the candidates and the tutors in mind. All courses are now run over a 2 day period, commencing a little later to allow for travelling and encompassing a shorter day. Effectively we have increased the length of all training courses by approximately 2 hours but added no extra content. What we have achieved is more quality time for practical examples and participation.

Coupled with this - and only on a trial basis at the moment, subject to the results - we have incorporated the exam process in the afternoon of the second day - thus ensuring that by attending the course, you leave having completed all elements and hopefully with your exam “in the bag”. This is currently being tested in the Midlands and South Central areas and I know both the tutors and examiners will be looking at the results.

Manuals
With the effects of our initial sponsorship coming to an end, the association have purchased a good quality printer and are now producing our own manuals. Yes there is a higher cost than before - no outside sponsorship - but we are able to maintain the quality of the original product and produce required numbers without too much difficulty. 

An updated manual has been produced incorporating the new “Laws of the Sport of Bowls” (by kind permission of World Bowls Ltd.) together with a new set of specimen Questions and Answers based on the new laws.

The manual in full colour can be obtained directly from me at a price of £12 & pp £3 = £15. If you have a copy of the original manual - updates comprising Q & A’s and the Laws is available for £3 & pp 60p = £3.60p

My address is contained within the website.

Ongoing development
There are many thoughts and processes currently being considered. If you have any comments, thoughts, proposals that you think may be a good idea, then share them with either me or any of the tutors - you will be listened too.

National Training Officer