This is an enquiry received from a bowler Michael Tang – CLBC, December 19, 2016.
In a League game, players give advice on play tactic or strategy to the players of the same team, but different rink. Is this against the rule of side coaching? Please advise.
Michael Tang
CLBC
Response from VP-Technical:
Someone not playing in the rink but advising players playing there does constitute as side coaching so in this case it should not be allowed. Such advice could be on the overall tactic or suggestions on a specific shot.
However, encouragement wordings such as “come on”, “don’t give up”, “focus” or “be careful” does not consider as advice so will not consider as side coaching.
According to HKLBA byelaws 7.4, side coaching is only allowed for Hong Kong Youth Development Team and the advice can only be given by designated HKYDT coaches. They also need to follow the rules set up in section 44 of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls by World Bowls.
Claudius Lam
VP -Technical