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OPEN SINGLES CIRCUIT: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW |
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It's not too late to enter one of this season's remaining
tournaments, and each year more clubs around the country are
choosing to get a taste of the exciting format by hosting either a
one-day or weekend-long competition. This is also the perfect time to think about hosting an event at your club next indoor season and get ahead of the game in terms of boosting funds. The OSC also brings a tremendous financial benefit to a host club, with events attracting players from all across the country and footfall from spectators locally, regionally, and even nationally visiting to enjoy the experience. There will undoubtedly be a positive impact on your bar and restaurant facilities and the events bring huge potential of in-house activity to generate income. Egham IBC player Ian Jenkins regularly enters OSC events, which he says is brilliant for bringing in extra revenue for clubs.  "There's an opportunity to provide meals and snacks throughout the day and bar takings will be up," he said. "Club sponsors are happy as they get more exposure and if you have a shop on your site, it will also get more business. "The events that we have had at Egham have got really good feedback; the general feeling was that the members enjoyed watching the sets format as opposed to the regular 21 up that they see normally as it can lead to some exciting games and finishes. They liked watching different players from outside the area including some of the country's best players plus their own club members. "If an event is run and managed properly then the host club should benefit quite nicely." Ian says he continues to enter because he enjoys the chance to challenge himself on the greens of a range of different clubs. "The competition, the people and the social side all make for a great experience," he said. "The camaraderie is usually great amongst the competitors and spectators alike and these tournaments usually bring a family atmosphere with them. "What is most special about OSC events is the fact they bring players together from all areas and clubs and of all different standards. There are not many occasions in other sports where a novice could have a chance of playing one of the world's best. "Standard does not necessarily matter either; if you want to compete to win then being a higher level of player is obviously advantageous but if you want to enter for a great experience and to better your game and have a chance to play against some of the best then it certainly doesn't matter." Norman Coad of Torquay United IBC has been a regular at OSC tournaments for the past 15 years. "I just love it - you're part of one big family," he said. "As soon as you walk in the door people ask how you are and say it's nice to see you. It's improved my game so much. I am playing more and more sets and I have learnt to try to get second wood rather than attack heads. "Forehands used to be my weakness, but I have now had to play so many important bowls on my forehand and that's been great for my game." For Norman, playing sets has a big appeal. "Sometimes the games are good, sometimes they are bad but I can play against people that I wouldn't normally get to play against," he said. "Sets play means that you can win one by a lot and lose one set by a margin and then the tie-break is anybody's and I think that makes it more exciting both for players and spectators. "Long, traditional games can get a bit boring, we need to be more like in Australia with the razz-a-matazz and the music in the background. "Having lots of top players enter the tournaments makes it appealing for spectators too." So, let's take a closer look at what's involved... > Open Singles Circuit events consist of singles matches, with each player having four bowls and playing two sets of seven ends plus a three-end tie break if necessary. > The knock-out format could see successful players competing in multiple matches in one day or across a weekend, depending on the length of the event. > All players who enter an OSC event will gain ranking points with the top 32 players at the end of the season qualifying for The Grand Final at Potters Resort. > Prize money is awarded from the quarter finals stages onwards. Amounts depend on the numbers the tournament attracts but would be a minimum of £375 and a maximum of £1,000 for the winner. > Clubs pick how many players they want to host, which dictates the entry fee and the prize money. The EIBA is happy to talk through all the options, but for example: 64 entries @ £23 per entry 64 x £20 = £1,280 (paid to the club for the event prize pot) 64 x £3 = £192.00 (paid to the EIBA for administration) Minimum prize pot required for the event - £2,200.00 Winner - £1,000, R up £400, SF £400 (2 x £200), QF £400 (4 x £100) Minimum amount to be generated by the host club to comply £920 32 entries @ £18 per entry £32 x £15 = £480 (paid to the club for event prize pot) £32 x £3 = £96 (paid to the EIBA for administration) Minimum prize pot required for the event £835 Winner £375, R up £150, SF £150 (2 x £75), QF £160 (4 x £40) Minimum amount to be generated by the host club to comply £335 In January Martin Heitzman organised the first Falaise OSC event.  He said he didn't
realise previously the amount of work that went into the planning
but had been inspired to run a tournament next year given how
successful it was."The most difficult part was filling the event due to our location and clashes with other events on the same day," Martin said. "But in terms of what the club gained from the experience, it would be great to repeat it next year. "We held a race night on the Saturday evening, and it was the best night we've ever had in terms of income. We made £700 from tickets alone and £2,300 throughout the day and night on the Saturday with bar takings and food. "The atmosphere was great and everyone at the club who had negative preconceptions about holding the event, seemed to change their perception during and after. "For the players it was a great experience for members of our club to play better players." Falaise was able to secure £1,000 from a local business after the owner recently started bowling, plus a second sponsor who pledged £1,500. EIBA Performance Lead Carl Higgins has put together information on how to attract sponsorship for OSC events and can send organisers examples of letters and guidance for staggered corporate packages. He said: "I do appreciate that the commercial market is quite tough however I have years of experience in running events with £0 sponsorship and running successful events in the club. "Some examples of the activity I run internally to generate the finances required for our OSC events are bingo, race or Play Your Cards Right nights, raffles, football or blind cards and weekly bonus balls, which can bring in a generous weekly profit that can build up over the season. "On the day of the OSC you can run Smack the Jack of Spider events." Ideas to attract local sponsorship: > Becoming a club sponsor for 12 months > Presence at local / national events and the OSC event - with round announcements, literature around the club and displayed in programmes > Take part in the presentation formalities. > Regular mentions on club website and social media platforms > Reserved seating and hospitality package > Streamed events- can advertising boards be prominent? > Company banner to be displayed within the bowls club > Local bars, restaurants and accommodation may also benefit from the visitors - why not tap into this Additional ideas which are of benefit: > Invite local press > Send programmes / draws to local clubs and promote on social media platforms ( promotion of local / club bowlers & also International players would attract spectators) > Local radio station announcements For more information or if you have any questions, email carlhiggins@eiba.co.uk Sian Honnor We'd love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at enquiries@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Interview with Ruby Hill |
February 2024
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