A Year in the Life of a Games Secretary

Bowling News

Earlier in the week there was a posting on what it takes to be a good team captain. Comments received liked the piece so much they asked for more and suggested the role of a Club Secretary would be a good model to follow.

Martin Holt has put together a piece based on his 10-years in such positions primarily at the Sowerby Bridge Hillcrest Club.

Following on from the post regarding the requirements for a secretary I thought I would do a piece about a year in the life of a Games Secretary. The club has a General Secretary to oversee the smooth running of most aspects on a day to day basis with the Games Secretary in charge of the sports side.

Jan/Feb/March

Attend several league meetings (spread over x no of nights) to pick up relevant paperwork for the upcoming season. Also attend YCGBA meeting one Saturday afternoon.

Pay all league/association dues and demands inc proof of liability insurance.

Ensure all players are registered with the appropriate bodies

Apply to both BCGBA & YCGBA for permission to hold “open competitions”

Liaise with the greenkeeper about an opening date

Once most if not all fixtures have been sorted try and plan the club competitions calendar. When the club comp dates are sorted then comes the really difficult task of deciding individual handicaps. I think plaiting fog might be an easier option

Arrange the pre-season meeting to distribute fixture lists, scorecards etc. elect captains if needed, select teams and discuss any rule changes

Usually contact any sponsors both current and prospective. If they are not familiar with the club give them an invite to “sell the benefits” to them.

April – September

Publish a monthly “What’s on the green calendar”

There are about 128 league games, 12 club comps (Sunday), 13 heats of the Classic, 9 heats of another open event in whatever format (both held Saturday evenings) besides various league comps & YCGBA cup ties to fit in, phew.

Deal with the “why haven’t I got a game” or “wrong handicap” complainers. Oh the joys.

Submit player entries for league comps and collect monies and pass it on

Await phone calls from captains re players withdrawing usually at the last minute and who can we get. More phone calls to make or step into the breach yourself (usually easiest option)

Trying to re-arrange any postponed fixtures with extremely limited free dates and options available

When hosting finals or open event heats ensure catering is in place

Take responsibility during inclement weather re postponing matches

Constantly have dialogue with the greenkeeper and sorting out any issues that may have occurred

Try to explain to members about the maintenance of the green the whys and why nots. Every club must have several master greensmen amongst their ranks. I must admit I had an advantage with being in the sports amenity business for 20+ years.

Report to the management committee (every 2 weeks)

October-December

Check the dates on the Jacks and get them updated if needed

Collect outstanding team levies

Work out averages easy now Bowlsnet is in place

Arrange end of season presentation night

Make sure all trophies have been engraved and returned to the club.

Arrange a darts evening - Oh and sorting the handicaps again

2 snooker comps to be held although the snooker players sort themselves out to be fair

Oversee the table maintenance twice a year.

And that’s about it apart from doing general chores around the club to make sure it is presentable at all times.

Thank you Martin, very comprehensive and an eye-opener for many I am sure. If anyone would like to add to that list of experiences or suggest another topic for discussion then please use the Comments facility at the foot of this posting.