English Bowls Youth Development
	All the National Governing Bodies are receiving greater support for their competitions which have been arranged for young bowlers.
	The Scheme seeks to identify and support as many opportunities which promote bowling for young people as is practical and within the resources available.
	We are indebted to our main Sponsor Henselite who have supported the Scheme in a number of ways including the supply of 1000 pairs of new bowling shoes. These have been made available to many clubs and County Coaches throughout the country.
	Further support has been forthcoming from Sports Match, Awards for All, Mitsubishi Motors and Clegplan. We again express our thanks to those concerned.
	A Scheme Development Plan is now in place and subject to the resources being available; we aim to vigorously pursue the activities that have been identified.
	The Scheme is now set to embark upon a Club Accreditation programme. This is aimed at identifying and supporting clubs who can provide the facilities and arrangements which meet predetermined high standards as set by authorities such as Sport England for their Active Sports Initiative.
	We regard the opportunity for children and young people to play the sport of bowls through facilities provided in schools with the support of local clubs and coaching services as an important part of the Scheme plan. A pilot arrangement is currently being developed with a school in Kent which we expect to provide a case study to be used by many counties. Our branding for this activity is "BowlsLink" and we expect this to take a high profile during the next few years as bowls moves very much towards being a sport with a high level of participation among young people.
	The National Council for School Sport has duly recognised the Scheme and granted Associate membership. This will enhance our standing when local contacts are being established between schools and clubs.
	The Scheme is shortly to announce arrangements which will encourage bowls to be a featured subject in the attainment of credits for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
	We are now able to offer advice and guidance to clubs when considering setting up Junior Sections. One of the major topics to be addressed is the issue of "Child Protection". The National Governing Bodies in conjunction with the Scheme and specialist Authorities, have issued guidelines to all affiliated clubs to enable them to set up appropriate procedures and to adopt best practice when working with children.
	One of the fundamental features of the Scheme has been to recognise that as a "precision sport" it is necessary for those taking part to be able to develop their skills in all key generic elements of the game. This approach has become the basis for our Regional Schools of Excellence and we plan to encourage more of this through the coaching that is afforded to children and young people through the school and club facilities.
	As a means of providing additional support to this approach, a dedicated Coaching Programme has been developed and will be published in due course.
	A range of merchandise is now available including Lapel Badges and Bag Tags.
	There is no doubt that the introduction of the Scheme has clearly shown that bowls can provide a sporting opportunity for children and young people through which they can enjoy themselves, have fun, experience good social wellbeing and partake in self development.
	For further information, please contact the Chairman:
	Pat Ostler "Copperstone" 19 Milton Road Bloxham Nr Banbury Oxon OX15 4HD Tel: 01295 720531 (Home) 01295 720531 (Fax) Email: patnrod19@aol.com
	English Bowls Youth Development - Club Accreditation
	We must first understand what "Accreditation" means and secondly we need to appreciate why "Club Accreditation" is relevant to the English Bowls Youth Development Scheme (EBYDS).
	To be "accredited" simply means to be officially recognised but the term brings with it some important considerations such as being "generally accepted or believed". In our everyday lives we seek care and advice from people who we regard as "professional" and to achieve this recognition they are required to hold certificates and appropriate qualifications. In other words, they need to show us that they are "accredited" to an acceptable standard within their profession. With "accreditation" comes "credibility".
	The EBYDS was set up to establish itself as a highly credible operation fully capable of providing opportunities for children and young people to participate in the sport of Bowls. There are many sporting opportunities on offer but we need to ensure that our sport is made as attractive as possible thereby providing a balance choice with respect to many other sports.
	We need to demonstrate to parents and all authorities concerned with the welfare of children and young people that the sport of Bowls offers a safe environment and a structured approach with respect to its activities which is capable of satisfying the developing needs of those concerned.
	This is why the EBYDS has chosen to adopt a process of "Club Accreditation".
	HOW DOES ACCREDITATION WORK?
	The first stage of any accreditation process is concerned with the recognition and establishment of the requirements which are appropriate for the intended purpose. This is regarded as being the creation of "standards".
	After extensive research and consultations, the EBYDS has now recognised the standards that should be adopted by those clubs who wish to deliver the activities being promoted by the Scheme.
	Clubs applying for "Accreditation" will be required to show that they are satisfying the standards or are in the process of doing so.
	Once the submission made by the club has been accepted by the EBYDS Steering Group, a Certificate of Accreditation will be awarded.
	The certificate will initially be valid for three years.
	To renew the certificate, the club will be required to show that they have continued to maintain their compliance with the standards.
	From time to time, the EBYDS will find it necessary to add to or amend the standards for a range of reasons including changes in legislation and improved understanding.
	WHERE WILL ACCREDITATION TAKE OUR SPORT?
	Sport England has set up what is termed an "Active Sports Programme" focused on what was regarded as the ten most popular sports for young people. Substantial resources are being made available to support the programme.
	Unfortunately at this time Bowls is not included but if we work hard and objectively towards showing that our sport has much to offer, then when the programme is reviewed at some time in the future, it is possible that we will be included in a new listing.
	As a consequence our potential to receive support from publicly funded resources should be much enhanced.
	WHAT DO THE STANDARDS CALL FOR?
	There are five main groupings for the standards.
	1. Creating a responsible club
	2. Creating a safe club
	3. Managing the people involved
	4. Developing for the future
	5. Promoting your club
	In each of these groups there are statements setting out the standards expected and it will be necessary for evidence of compliance to be provided in the form of a portfolio.
	WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?
	A number of templates for key documents are available from the Secretary along with general advice. The EBYDS aims to identify the application of good practices and will endeavor to share appropriate details with clubs who seek accreditation.
	AS AN INTERESTED CLUB - WHAT DO I DO?
	Contact the EBYDS Chairman for an Information Pack and an Application Form
	Pat Ostler "Copperstone" 19 Milton Road Bloxham Nr Banbury Oxon OX15 4HD Tel: 01295 720531 (Home) 01295 720531 (Fax) Email: patnrod19@aol.com