ATBSO South Australia Challenge Teams Information
Each year, all state and territory ATBSO clubs get together for what is commonly called “Seniors Challenge Week”. The purpose of this document is to explain more about the tournament and how the South Australian club addresses the team selection and management of our participation.
Those that regularly participate already know much of what follows but it is hoped the information contained in this document will assist new club member bowlers in their understanding of the Seniors Challenge Week.
What is the challenge?
As mentioned above, the Challenge is between 10 and 12 days of bowling at a bowling centre in a nominated state. The Challenge moves from state to state each year. You will be made aware of the location of the next Challenge location at least 12 months in advance. For example, 2016 will be in Adelaide and 2017 will be in Canberra. If you have any queries regarding the next host state, see one of the committee members.
A program of bowling is issued some months in advance but in summary, there are Three (3) grades of bowling that are based on age or ATBSO average. These are:
Restricted/Graded
Bowlers must be 45 years of age as at the date of commencement of seniors week and have an average of 169 or under for women and 179 or under for men. This is a handicapped event where the handicap is calculated at 90% of 200.
Team Structure
There is a men’s and women’s team each consisting of 6 bowlers. There are 21 games bowled over 3 days (each opposing state is played once each day) with 4 bowlers participating in each game. Each bowler must bowl a minimum of 10 games however a minimum of 14 games must be bowled for a bowler to be eligible for the All Stars team.
Classic
Bowlers must be 45 years of age as at the date of commencement of seniors week and have an average of 189 or under for women and 199 or under for men. This is a scratch event, ie. there is no handicap.
Team Structure
There is a single team from each state made up of 3 men and 3 women. Two men and two women compete in each game but male must bowl against male and female against female. There are 21 games bowled over 3 days (each opposing state is played once each day) with 4 bowlers participating in each game. Each bowler must bowl a minimum of 10 games however a minimum of 14 games must be bowled for a bowler to be eligible for the All Stars team.
Open/Scratch
Bowlers must be 45 years of age as at the date of commencement of seniors week and have an average of 190 or over for women and 200 or over for men. This is a scratch event, ie. there is no handicap.
Team Structure
There is a men’s and women’s team each consisting of 6 bowlers. There are 21 games bowled over 3 days (each opposing state is played once each day) with 4 bowlers participating in each game. Each bowler must bowl a minimum of 10 games however a minimum of 14 games must be bowled for a bowler to be eligible for the All Stars team.
Point Score
One point will be awarded for each “head to head” win, including handicap for Restricted and Grand Seniors with two points for the team game, ie. 6 points are awarded for each game. Half a point is awarded for a tie or 1 point in the event of a team game tie. The total points over the 2 or 3 days will decide the first, second and third place getters.
What are Nationals?
Each bowler participating in the Challenge must also compete in the Nationals for their grade. The Nationals consists of 3 games of singles, pairs and teams which in total is considered the “All Events”. A bowler may bowl in more than one singles, doubles or team with the highest score contributing to the All Events score (NB: This should be confirmed). A bowler can nominate for each event to be counted towards the Master Challenge for each grade but there is an additional fee payable.
More information about the Tournament Rules and Regulation can be found on the ATBSO National website.
How do I make a team?
Each state many vary their team selection and qualification. In South Australia, we conduct a “roll Off” on the Adelaide Cup long weekend where we bowl 7 games each day for 3 days. Bowlers do not need to identify their preferred team at this point. At the completion of the 3rd day, the committee will tally all scores and allocate team selection based on the performance and entering average. Depending on the number of bowlers nominating for selection, a bowler may be invited to participate in more than one team.
Subject to bowler entering average limitations, it is possible for a bowler to be nominated for a team above their entering average. For example, a bowler with an entering average of 195 may be invited to participate in the Open team. That bowler can then opt to bowl in the Open team or reject the Open invitation and bowl in the Classic team.
The committee will assist bowlers with their decision of team acceptance on the days if required.
What is the cost?
Providing expenditure estimates is potentially the most difficult as it varies according to who is the host state, will the bowler fly or drive, will the bowler stay for the whole event or only part, etc.
In 2015, the SA Committee are trying an alternative funding structure however in saying that, ALL Challenge team bowlers are expected to assist the club with fundraising activities, eg. Raffle tickets, quiz night, Bunnings BBQ, etc.
Bowlers are responsible for arranging and funding their travel to and from the venue. Accommodation will be arranged for the 3 days of the actual Challenge but bowlers will have the option to stay for any period before (for National participation) or after if they would like to support (or participate in) other teams. Any accommodation outside the club organised venue is the responsibility of the individual. Transport to and from the airport is the responsibility of the individual although there may be arrangements made at a team level.
The Club will fund linage and Challenge transportation however some contribution may be required from bowlers based on the success of fund raising activities and available funds.
It is recommended all bowlers visit the National and State websites to get more information about the National Seniors Week Challenge, the tournament Rules and Regulations and our state conditions.