| The aim of the Gippsland Bowls Region (GBR) Junior Development Squad (JDS) is to enhance and develop a young person’s skills by providing specialist coaching and the opportunity to train and play with other young bowlers from the GBR as well as bowlers from other squads.
Squad members will represent the GBR in competition and when the appropriate skill level is reached, be provided the opportunity compete at the highest level and trial for a position in the Bowls Victoria U18 team. |
Playing a competitive sport such as bowls, enables the young person to develop physical and mental strength, help achieve personal goals and in doing so help him/her achieve personal goals and see the formation of new and lasting friendships.
The junior bowler will be mentored by the Australian Qualified bowls coaches of their club as well as the coaches of the JDS. Opportunities will be provided for coaches from BV to work with the GBR JDS members.
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On reaching an appropriate skill level, squad members will be invited to join the Gippsland Geckos, the Gippsland U18 Squad. This group of young bowlers will represent the GBR in competitions and be provided with the opportunity to compete in Bowls Victoria U18 tournaments, State Events, championships and ultimately trial for junior state representation.
Eligibility
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Communication
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To become a squad member the boy or girl must be:
- between the ages of 12 and 19 and
- a member of a GBR affiliated bowls club.
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Communication between the GBR JDS, Squad members and the parents/guardians will occur using the following media:
- Website – a dedicated page on the GBR website will have the season’s calendar and general information on the GBR JDS
- Facebook – to assist in keeping Squad parents/guardians abreast of what is going on with the squad
- TeamApp – an app the squad members (and their parents/guardians) are encouraged to install on their smart phone to allow quick and easy contact between the JDS Committee and/or coaches and the young bowlers. This medium allows instant spread of information to a select group.
- Email – when needed
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Player Commitment
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Code of Behavior
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Squad members are asked to:
- commit to the JDS for the entire season
- be available and punctual for all provided training sessions, tournaments and other activities
- display their commitment to being involved in all JDS training and competition
- remain at a venue for the complete session
- wear appropriate footwear and their club uniform to JDS training and the GBR JDS uniform when representing the Region
- respect the JDS coaches decisions in all matters including the selection of those to represent the GBR.
- remember that they are representing the GBR at all times and behave accordingly, respecting club and JDS coaches, team mates, other participants, officials and other bowlers of all ages
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Squad members asked to:
- participate for the enjoyment of the sport and comradery that is fostered through team sports
- follow the rules of the venue and the event, endeavoring at all times to behave in a fair and safe manner
- be encouraging to others, courteous and polite at all times
- accept and abide by the decisions of the coaches and other JDS and venue officials
- Respect and acknowledge the contribution of all the club and JDS volunteers who have worked to provide this opportunity
- not engage in practices that may affect their sporting performance and decision making including the consumption of alcohol and any other substance prior or during JDS sanctioned events
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The Gippsland Geckos
Membership of the GBR U18 Development Squad (The Gippsland Geckos) is achieved by the JDS members on recommendation of the JDS coaches.
The Gippsland Geckos is the squad that provides further advanced training to members of the JDS and is the group that represents the GBR at BV and Bowls Australia events.All young bowlers, on becoming a member of the JDS should aspire to being selected to join the Geckos.
Bowls Victoria schedule competitions for region under 18 squads and provide opportunity for squad members to trial for the Bowls Victoria Under 18 Squad from which the BV junior team is selected. |
Parents/Guardians
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Uniform
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| Parents/Guardians are encouraged to take an active role in the GBR JDS at training sessions and other events. Make yourself known to those in charge of the activities.
It is acknowledged that the success of a young person in the pursuit of enjoyment and improvement at an activity of their choice is not only reliant on his/her skill. The support and encouragement of their family is paramount to their success and continued participation.
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All squad members are required to wear the following at JDS events:
Club training wear:
- Mufti / Casual clothes (appropriate footwear and clothing)
JDS training sessions wear:
- Club shirt
- any trousers/shorts/skirt/skorts
- appropriate footwear
JDS representative events and all competitions wear (The Gippsland Geckos):
- Gippsland Geckos shirt
- Member club bowls shorts/trousers/skirt/skorts
- Member club socks and
- Bowls shoes
- Gippsland Geckos hoodie
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Training
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Competition
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| East and North JDS training takes place on first and third Sundays of the month from 10 till 11.30am at a designated hub club.
There will be regular occasions when the East and North Section squads will meet as the Region development squad to take part in training, competition and other activities.
Attendees:
- are required to wear their club shirt and correct footwear.
- need to be at the venue on time to participate in the entire program including a warm up
- Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and utilise the club facilities
- need to contact and inform the coaching staff (at least a day prior) if unable to attend a training session
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Competition days will be organised by the Junior Development Squad Committee, the U18 Squad organisation and Bowls Victoria. These days will include games for those who have been selected for the Gippsland Geckos and at times the GBR Development Squad.
Types of Competition
- Intra-squad competitions – involving members from the East and North Sections
- Inter-squad competitions – tournaments involving other development squads
- Under 18 Squad tournaments
- Bowls Victoria junior tournaments and championships
- Bowls Victoria representative trial days
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Transport
At times the members of the JDS will be required to attend events in other clubs and/or regions. Where possible transport to and from these events will be organised by the JDS Committee but there will be occasions when parents/guardians will be asked to provide transport.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend these events to assist with the organisation and of course, encourage the young bowlers.
Fees
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Membership and participation in the GBR Junior Development Squad will incur the following fees:
- Squad membership – $20 per annum
- Green fees – payable on occasions to the host club at approximately $8
- Competition fees – various payable for entry into tournaments and competitions (not GBR organised events)
- Transport costs – on occasions to be supplemented by the GBR
Note: the club joined may charge a small junior membership fee. |
