We call coaches in Bowl Patrol ‘Lane Rangers’, they range the lanes helping kids enjoy learning to bowl using the Bowl Patrol curriculum session plans and activities.

Industry requested, in partnership with the National Sport Organisation – Tenpin Bowling Australia, programs were designed to address declining junior/teen participation rates and provide an inclusive pathway into more regular bowling; such as joining a league, becoming a world champion or aspiring to beating your bestie!

Bowl Patrol is Tenpin Bowling’s answer to other national junior sport products; AFL’s AusKick, Netball’s ‘Net Set Go’. By laying 9 metre, 6 metre and 3 metre carpet over lanes, participants develop correct technique starting closer to the pins.

Bowl Abilities is an adaptation of Bowl Patrol, to better include adults and teens of all abilities. In cooperation with Sport Australia’s ‘Move it Aus’ funding, this project aims to better equip coaches, support workers and teachers of secondary school ages with a program to enable people of all abilities to learn how to bowl in a truly inclusive environment. Learn how to be a Bowl Abilities Lane Ranger over on the Bowl Abilities website; bowlabilities.com.au/lane-ranger/

Learning to bowl should be available to every body, with a few easy tips and activities, teaching someone to bowl will be loads of FUN!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Please note, only accredited centres can run TBA’s programs inside a centre utilising the branded carpets and resources, this also ensures they have access to the correct equipment and program support. But… Bowl Patrol and Bowl Abilities can be adapted to almost any environment; school playground to community hall by a Lane Ranger!

All Lane Rangers have undergone this training to deliver the programs, are registered and have current government mandated checks in their respective state/territories (e.g. Working with Children, Vulnerable People, Teacher qualification, etc). Rangers enjoy a supporting relationship with their centre, state/territory coordinator and the national office. Lane Rangers are taught a hands-free approach to coaching; learning from demonstration, practice, the use of modifications, plus visual and verbal instruction. We discourage coaches having to physically touch the participant unless the participant is at sufficient risk of immediate injury (i.e. about to slip over on the lane, fall in a gutter, hurt another participant).

Tenpin Bowling Australia take the safety of all involved very seriously; the centre, staff including coaches, parents/carers and participants. We encourage your reading of our Child Safe Framework in addition to our Member Protection Policies at tenpin.org.au/about-tba/policies. Registered Lane Ranger delivering approved programs in registered TBA centres are covered by TBA’s insurance, as are the registered participants and volunteers.

If you see something, say something; report any incidents to centre staff, the state/territory coordinator and/or via email to [email protected] include the time/date/location and any details of the incident. We’re here to support you.

What have I learnt? The difference between Bowl Patrol and Bowl Abilities, and why these programs have been created.

NEXT: Ranging the Lanes