BCB - British Corporative Bowling

BCB Present

Roles and Responsibilities

of the

British Corporative Bowling Committee Members

Overview

The British Corporative Bowling (BCB) Committee was created in the early 90’s to try and sustain and promote the sport of Tenpin Bowling into Companies and their employees.  Three main roles were created to organise the British teams in order to enter the Bowling European Corporative Championships and represent Great Britain in that event.

The roles created were non-paid positions and relied on the good will of those fulfilling those roles to absorb their own expenses thus leaving the BCB funds solely for the benefit of the players and to pay for the BEC Annual Registration Fees.

Executive Roles

Although these roles have never been advertised or the representatives voted in they have always been filled by those who have the interest of the players, the sport and put themselves out and go the extra mile to ensure the British Entry is at its best.  The roles are: -

BCB President

The BCB President is a figure head who ensures the current committee are acting in the best interests of the players and provides guidance on issues which arise.  They are also instrumental in attempting to get sponsorship for the British National Finals wherever possible and ensuring those funds go to the teams representing Great Britain at the European Finals.  For responsibilities include:

• Looking for and obtaining sponsorships
• Interactions between BTBA and BEC to further the exposure of Corporative Bowling
• Seeking opportunities to increase company participation
• Audit of accounts in conjunction with Treasurer
• Owner of the BCB Website and accountable for content.  Renewing registration of site at both registration of URL and hosting of web pages
• Guidance to the BCB Committee on all things BEC related
• Setting the participation rules in line with BEC eligibility rules

BCB BEC Representative

National Duties

The role of the BEC Representative is 3 fold.  The first aspect is the organising and running of the National Finals in order to discover the Great Britain entry for the European Finals.  This has several phases: -

Phase 1

• Set a date for the National Finals
• Arrange a suitable bowling centre which will maximise the number of entries
• Create the entry form and arrange distribution channels
• Set the entry fee (Lineage, Prize Fee, BCB Fee) in conjunction with the Bowling Centre Management
• Receive all the entry forms and notify Team Captains
• Schedule the event and inform all Team Captains of squad times
• Arrange with the Treasurer/BCB President prize monies and distribution
• Communicate with the team captains at all stages of the event (prior to, during and after)
• Ensure all UK trophies are available for the National Finals
• Be the tournament manager for the event and main point of contact
• Provide the scoring system to handle the format (handicap and scratch placings)
• Liaise with bowl management to ensure smooth running of event (all systems and equipment running – use a service level agreement where possible)

Phase 2

• This phase commences once the National Finals have completed and the UK order of entry is known.
• Confirm with all qualifying team captains of intent to participate in the BEC European Finals
• Disseminate all information about the BEC European Championships to all parties (information obtained at previous years AGM)

1. oHotel Information
2. oLocations
3. oSquad times available
4. oLocal Travel arrangements including public transport and arranged coaches
5. oParty details - menu and cost

• Make BEC Entry forms available online for those who are participating
• Receive all entry forms and check for accuracy (also that those participating comply with the current eligibility rules of BEC) – you are responsible to confirm this to the BEC Executive.
• Ensure Treasurer receives all BEC Championship entry fees
• Once Entry fee accepted send out any sponsorship monies for those who may have won this at the National Finals (sponsorship monies only go to those who participate in the BEC European Finals and are not redistributed if not taken up – goes back in the prize fund for the following year or sponsor does not have to pay the amount to BCB).
• Collate all entry forms and send to the Host Nation Organisation Committee – get confirmation of requested squad times and full entry received.
• Inform treasurer of number of teams going to the BEC Finals and how much should be paid in entry fees.
• Obtain a list of all players who will be attending the Players Party and inform the Host Nation of ticket requirements
• Ensure all party tickets are paid for up-front and monies forwarded to the Treasurer for onward payment to the Host Nation. Get confirmation from Host Nation of receipt and numbers.
• Inform Team Captains of final squad times provided by Host Nation.

Phase 3

• This phase is performed whilst at the BEC Championships
• Ensure all British players have turned up, registered and know their start times
• Make a note of which hotels all the players are staying in in case you need to contact them – Swap Yours and all Team Captains mobile numbers
• Sort out any issues the British players have throughout the Championships – any complaints must be made, in writing, within 24 hours of the occurance.
• Liaise with the Host Nation Organisation Committee for Opening and Closing Ceremonies requirements
• Attend the opening/closing ceremonies (if possible, if you are a player – you come first)
• Participate in any Host Nation Championship functions when required (example – meeting Mayors and dignitaries – does not always happen but be advised).
• Try to make contact with all teams during the Championships (not always possible but makes everyone feel part of the UK band)
• Ensure diplomacy at all times

International Duties

The next aspect is participation at the BEC AGM traditionally on the Friday morning of the Championships (if you are a player you must select a suitable squad time to keep your morning free and have adequate time after the AGM to get to the bowling centre in time for your squad).  The following duties are expected at the meeting: -

• Represent Great Britain interest during the meeting
• Be extremely diplomatic whilst performing BEC Representation duties
• Interact with all conversations (primary language is English – secondary is French).

1. oComment on current Championships experience thus far (any issues)

• Vote on any decisions which may need to be made during the AGM

1. oVoting is normally made on a 1 vote per country without any votes going to the BECIf the vote is on a major change to BEC ruling then the Executive will be invited to take part in the vote.  A democratic majority wins the vote.

• Obtain information regarding the next years venue including: -

1. oBowling Centre information
2. oHotel Information
3. oTravel arrangements – Coaches/ Public transport
4. oSquad times
5. oParty details
6. oAny other details released by the host country

• Bid for the number of Great Britain places required for the next year’s competition

1. oThis must be accurate or under bid (you may be able to request additional places which is better than letting the host nation down by over bidding)

• Raise any other business items that you wish to briefly discuss (round table discussion)

1. oIf something major then this should be sent to the General Secretary 1 month prior to the Championships for inclusion/acceptance as a topic in the Agenda.

Nation Hosting Duties

Final aspect of the position would be as Host to the Championships (god forbid we ever hold it in the UK again or even allowed to hold it in the UK).  Reference should be made to the hosting guide lines published on the BEC Website (BEC Representative log-in required).  Needs to be done 2 years in advance of Championships and includes but not limited to: -

Note: - This is the only time expenses are paid to the Committee as extra time is required during the Championships is required, however, these expenses are limited to the week of the Championships and not prior and include: Hotels and evening meals only.

• 2 Years before event begin planning
• Selecting a suitable location and bowling centre which is capable of: -

1. oBeing around in 2 years’ time
2. oCapacity for at least 90 Teams and a combination of 90 Ladies/Mixed Doubles
3. oIn a good location for players to explore during non-play periods
4. oIn a good location where players safety is at a high level
5. oGood public transport available
6. oGood levels of restaurants available in near proximity

• Select Official Hotels

1. oArrange discount based on expected numbers

• §Let hotels know they will be competing with on line booking sites
• §Need a selecting 2, 3, 4 and 5 star accommodations.

1. oPublish all details on web site
2. oEnsure players can book direct with hotels and not via you.
3. oHotels to be as close as possible to playing location
4. oBook rooms for BCB Executive only
5. oKeep liaising with hotels in lead up to Championships – they will need a cut-off date when any discounts are withdrawn.

• Set up and agree suitable Service Level Agreement between Bowling Centre management and the British Corporative Bowling committee (contract)

1. oEnsure all playing facilities are in working order
2. oAgree exclusive use of bowling centre during the Championships and opening times
3. oAgree linage based on projected figures (going rate for BTBA etc. – as low as possible based on the number of projected games)
4. oArrange and agree food capabilities at the bowling centre (Breakfast and Lunch priorities)
5. oArrange and agree on bar opening times and levels of stock (do not run out of beer!)
6. oAir conditioning availability and working status
7. oPins Condition – must be white and no old blackened pins or broken pins.
8. oLane conditions – Lane and approaches (avoid locations where outside shoes are permitted during open play) – Should be BTBA sanctioned if possible
9. oHand dryers working
10. oLane Oil Pattern required, capability of applying it and publishing graph on web site
11. oAgree staffing levels

• §Mechanics
• §Bar staff
• §Food staff
• §Management Staff
• §Cleaning staff and schedule for cleaning toilets

1. oToilet conditions and cleanliness
2. oCleanliness of bowling centre (carpet and playing areas in particular)
3. oChanging conditions for ladies
4. oBall park capacity and location (make note if stairs have to be climbed and no lift available and inform the Country Representative of what is available) – Security of area during the day and overnight.
5. oLocation for official BCB office (Scoring etc.) and ability to publish standing sheets
6. oPA System working and suitable for all requirements

• 1 Year before event

1. oPresent all the facts and figures surrounding the Championships as detailed below at theField any questions arising.
2. oArrange website to house all the details and ongoing information including interim results etc.

• Scheduling

1. oSchedule the tournament assuming max number of teams arriving
2. oEnsure same nation teams do not play each other and play against a different nation each squad.
3. oPublish details on web site
4. oOnce all entry forms accepted – reschedule the tournament with real numbers allocating squads and lanes to each team/doubles
5. oTry and ensure ladies doubles do not finish late (safety reason for ladies travelling to hotels)
6. oCommunicate schedules and lane draws back to the Country Representatives well ahead of time
7. oReschedule based on any change requests coming from Country Representatives
8. oBuild Scoring system to fit tournament format

• §Print out score sheets in advance with team members in order of appearance on entry forms – have the ability to reprint based on name changes that will come in.
• §Ability to print semi and finals score sheets with names
• §Ability to identify missing score sheets and lane association
• §Capable of working out Presidents cup results
• §Capable of working out individual awards
• §Build in the ability to print and publish running scores throughout the Championships

1. oEnsure contingency on lane breakdowns (rescheduling around lengthy outages)
2. oEnsure enough time is allocated to practice
3. oArrange music to fit time allocated for practice for Team and Doubles

• Individual prizes

1. oDecide on what prizes will be awarded
2. oDecide what type of prize will be given
3. oAgree budget availability
4. oEnsure purchase of prizes is done in time with appropriate engraving

• Arrange Opening and Closing ceremonies

1. oArrange wireless microphone for speakers
2. oOpening Ceremony

• §Format
• §When
• §Who from BEC is required (President plus others)
• §Any speeches from attending dignitaries
• §Arrange Country Flags and Country Name Banners for parade
• §Arrange music for opening ceremony

1. oClosing Ceremony

• §How it is to run, who does what and when
• §Table for medals and other awards
• §BEC Flag available
• §Podium if possible – enough to hold 5 people on each level
• §Flags for winning teams
• §Award individual prizes first followed by BEC Medals
• §Get results to President in time for Ceremony
• §National Anthems should be available – and a means to play them
• Arrange memorabilia for Championships

1. oShirts and other artefacts
2. oGet supplier to do at own risk – no cost to BCB
3. oArrange welcome bags for all players

• §Content
• §Numbers
• §Cost
• Arrange Location for AGM

1. oSuitable location near bowling centre or official hotel
2. oLayout of room
3. oFacilities in room

• §Coffee
• §Projector
• §Seating arrangement

1. oGifts for all representatives
2. oSpecial Gift for President
3. oArrange lunch after meeting (at expense of BCB)

• Players party

1. oArrange suitable location
2. oGuess at number of attendees (go by previous years)
3. oArrange minimum numbers with location, with finals numbers 2 days before event
4. oArrange menu for Dinner

• §Style (Buffet/ Sliver Service)
• §Ensure options available (Veggie/Vegan/Nut allergies etc.)
• §Request from BEC Representatives numbers of allergic people
• §Drinks package to be included

1. oArrange suitable entertainment throughout the evening

• §Live music
• §Disco

1. oStart and end times
2. oPublish all details on web site
3. oPay for all seats 2 days prior to event (BCB Treasurer involvement)
4. oBudget for BEC Committee members to attend free of charge and a selected number of helpers where provided exceptional assistance

• Supply Lane runners

1. oPeople to look for and report breakdowns/pin drops and scoring change requirements – approximately 1 per 4 to 6 lanes
2. oAssistants to the BEC Referee
3. oArrange sustenance for runners and other helpers
4. oMake sure you have enough to cover the day

BCB Treasurer

The BCB Treasurer is responsible for the BCB Banking Accounts, payment of BEC Fees and ensuring funds are only utilised for legitimate BCB reasons (no personal expenditure except when hosting a BEC Championships).  The following duties are required: -

• Control the income and expenditure of the BCB Accounts
• Receive entry monies from Teams
• Ensure all payments to BEC are made on time

1. oYearly BEC membership fee
2. oGB Entry fees
3. oGB Player Party fees
4. oPost Hosting Championships per-capita fees to BEC

• Agree budgets for any outgoings from the accounts (sponsorship, Bec fees etc.)
• Hold conversations with BCB President to inform them of account status
• Ensure all receipts are maintain for out goings
• Supply Invoice/Receipts to teams participating in the championships
• Receive any sponsorship funds
• Agree National Finals pay out schedule (based on entries and available funds) and publish with the GB BEC Representative
• Supply signed cheques for National Finals pay out
• Ensure BCB President receives statement of accounts on a periodic basis
• Manage the funds of any Hosted Championships

1. oReceipt of Entry fees
2. oReceipt of Players Party fees
3. oPayment to Bowling centre for lineage
4. oPayment of BCB Hotels fees
5. oPayment of agreed expenditure

• Ensure web site is maintained
• Ensure web site is registered OK and all hosting fees paid

BCB History

Founded in 1993 British Corporate Bowling (BCB) was formed to organise and run the British qualifying rounds of the Bowling European Corporative (BEC) Championships succeeding AMF who had both sponsored and run the event since 1970. Initially under the control of Jock Caie, a former AMF employee the mantle was passed to Jeff Davis when Jock was offered and accepted the role of General Secretary for the BEC itself. Jeff retained the role until he succeeded Jock as General Secretary on Jock’s retirement in 2005 where upon there have been a number of individuals who have held the Great Britain Representative to ensure the UK’s interests are fully represented within the European arena.

2018 see’s the BEC itself enter its 48^th year having begun life in Geneva on 7^th June 1970 where the first official meeting of the BEC Committee was held during a tournament organised by the international association of leisure. Attended by 6 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Great Britain the meeting set out the rules and policies that the organisation would follow, with the first European Championship for Corporative Bowling being held in Berlin a year later in 1971. Fittingly, the tournament will return to Berlin in 2020 when the organisation celebrates its 50^th anniversary year.

Members of the organisation from its inception, where the UK was initially represented by Mr Les WOOLLEY, Operations manager for Ambassador Bowling Limited, London, Great Britain has over the years played a huge part in keeping the competition and the committee alive supplying the organisations general secretary over many years as previously mentioned.

In the competition itself, the UK has also been fairly successful over the years with countless British Companies not only making the finals (top 12) at the BEC but also making the podium on numerous occasions. In the four person team 1975 saw the first UK winners, a team from Heathrow Auto’s taking the glory, whilst a team from Halifax Building Society repeated the event in 2005. In the Ladies and Mixed doubles Barclays Bank were the dominating force during the 1980’s winning that event consecutively in 1984 & 1985 with many other podium finishes in the surrounding years. The latter years have proved less successful in the way of podiums but with our continuance in getting a good number of teams into the finals each year the UK remains a strong and active member of the organisation.