The Para Bowls Long Term Development (LTD) Framework

The Para Bowls development framework aims to enable the optimal participation in the sport of bowls for every child, youth, and adult with any type of sensory, intellectual, and/or physical impairment.

Terminology 

“Para sport” and “para bowls” is a term used to describe sport that is primarily aimed at persons with diverse abilities and comes from the idea that it is parallel to sport for able bodied participants and players as the sport has adapted equipment or rules to make the game fun and accessible for everyone.

Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) chooses to use the term “para bowls” to describe the sport and “para bowler” to describe the player for ease of language and to streamline communication with other nations who are collaboratively developing the sport of bowls for persons with diverse abilities.

To access and download the PDF: Para Bowls Long Term Development Framework for Players with Diverse Abilities 

 

Learn to Para Bowl: First Involvement & Getting Started

The purpose of First Involvement is to ensure everyone has a positive first experience of an activity and remains engaged. Accordingly, organizations need to train coaches and develop programs that provide suitable orientation for any and all prospective participants, consulting them or their parents/caregivers about their interests and needs, helping them to feel confident, comfortable, and safe in their surroundings, and welcoming them among peers and training personnel.

Once someone knows about a sport or activity and decides they want to try it out, their first experience with that activity becomes critically important. A positive first involvement is likely to bring people back to continue.

Good programs are developmentally appropriate Well run by good people Good places are safe and inclusive
  1. Participant centered 
  2. Progressive and challenging
  3. Well planned 
  4. Designed with meaningful competition
  1. Trained coaches, officials, instructors, and teachers 
  2. Knowledgeable parents 
  3. Supportive partners 
  4. Responsible leaders 
  1. Accessible 
  2. Welcoming 
  3. Fun 
  4. Fair 
  5. Holistic 
  6. Safe 

Train to Play: The Club Para Competitor

The main objective of Train to Play is to encourage bowlers to improve their basic skills and begin to learn and use elementary tactics during competition. Bowlers should be introduced to some physical requirements that are needed to improve their individual performance. Bowlers at this stage may compete in leagues, jitneys, or local tournaments. It is important that the players learn the necessary skills needed to progress to the next level while having an enjoyable social experience.

Participants with diverse abilities may operate in a sport environment in which there are participants not found in able bodied sport. Some participants with diverse abilities require personal care support, interpreters, and other personnel not found in able bodied sport.

Life Skills  Developing autonomy, self-esteem, and self-motivation by improving skills, fitness, and performance. Para bowlers learn planning, preparation, and implementation of goal setting. 
Competition & Classification  Competition may be integrated regardless of bowlers’ impairments. No classification is required at this stage. 
Physical Focusing on a variety of aerobic training, strength (resistance) training, gross motor skills and flexibility for player’s overall health and wellness. 
Psychological  Experiencing, understanding, and enjoying sport experiences with positive attitude towards social and competitive environments. Developing and having the opportunity to become a positive role models. 
Technical & Tactical Skills are developed progressively and in conjunction with the goals of having fun, satisfaction, and engaging in competition

Train to Compete: The Provincial & National Para Bowler

Para bowlers at this stage are now eligible for classification according to Bowls Canada Boulingrin Classification Guidelines for visually impaired & physically disabled athletes. At this stage, para bowlers can play under pressure. Many national championship competitors are found in this stage. Para bowlers are more likely to apply advanced strategies and techniques at this stage. Training is very specific and there is an increased emphasis on mental preparation and game focus.

While many para bowlers in this stage have a goal of competing at the international level, many also transition into the Bowling for Life pathway.

The principles of training for individuals with diverse abilities are similar to that of able- bodied individuals unless there is some accompanying cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular or metabolic disturbance. Athletes with diverse abilities may operate in a sport environment in which there are participants not found in able-bodied sport. Some athletes with diverse abilities require personal care support, interpreters, and other personnel not found in able-bodied sport.

To find more information on the classification please visit our Para Bowls Classification page. 

Life Skills  Developing autonomy, self-esteem, and self-motivation by improving skills, fitness, and performance. Para bowlers learn multi-year planning and goal setting for personal and para bowls success. 
Competition & Classification  No classification is required for Provincial Competitor. Competitors at National Championships must be classified. Para athletes may also be considered for National Squad. 
Physical Focusing on a variety of aerobic training, strength (resistance) training, ancillary skills (optimize tapering and peaking skills) and flexibility for player’s overall health and wellness. Implementing rigorous testing, planning and monitoring to meet or exceed standards.
Psychological  Experiencing, understanding, and enjoying sport experiences with positive attitude towards social and competitive environments. Finding one’s Ideal Performance State and strategies to recreate it.
Technical & Tactical Skills development matrices are in development at this time. 

 

Train to Excel: The International Podium Para Performer

Para bowlers in the Train to Excel stage aspire to be international champions. Significant time is devoted to further the development of tactical and technical playing skills. Players are striving to reach the highest pinnacles of bowling success in this stage. Therefore, the training is much more specialized to meet their needs.

The principles of training for individuals with diverse abilities are similar to that of able bodied individuals unless there are some accompanying cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular or metabolic disturbances.

This stage is integrated with our High Performance Team Program and is overseen by Bowls Canada Boulingrin’s High Performance Committee.

Life Skills  Developing autonomy, self-esteem, and self-motivation by improving skills, fitness, and performance. Balancing sport versus non-sport while continuously revaluating progress. Para bowlers learn multi-year planning and goal setting for personal and para bowls success. 
Physical Focusing on a variety of aerobic training, strength (resistance) training, ancillary skills (optimize tapering and peaking skills) and flexibility for player’s overall health and wellness. Implementing rigorous testing, planning and monitoring to meet or exceed standards.
Psychological  Experiencing, understanding, and enjoying sport experiences with positive attitude towards social and competitive environments. Finding one’s Ideal Performance State and strategies to recreate it.
Technical & Tactical Skills development matrices are in development at this time. 

Para Bowling for Life: A Sport for Life

After learning basic bowls skills in the “Learn to Bowl Stage,” and once the joy of playing is discovered, the player will likely pursue bowling as a recreational and social activity for life. The Bowls for Life stage is open to all ages inclusive of all abilities and impairments (sensory, intellectual, and/or physical). Youth or adults can participate in this context, participating in local, regional, or intra- or inter club play. This long-term approach to bowler development promotes personal success in bowls to ensure bowlers remain happy and enthusiastic about the game.

Life Skills  Developing autonomy, self-esteem, and confidence in try new experiences and learning new skills. Para bowlers develop self-awareness for their own needs while communicating them as necessary. 
Equipment & Classification Playing with others with diverse abilities including able bodies players or players with adapted equipment. No classification is required at this stage. 
Environment  Creating and contributing to positive social and competitive environment regardless of outcomes. 
Physical  Focusing on a variety of aerobic activities for player’s overall health and wellness. 
Psychological Experiencing, understanding, and enjoying sport experiences with positive attitude towards social and competitive environments. Developing and having the opportunity to become a positive role models. 
Technical & Tactical Skill progression as well as player goals of fun, satisfaction, and competition (as desired by individual)