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  The Ontario Lawn Bowls Association feels that it is imperative that all clubs establish a BOWLS BUDDY PROGRAM for new bowlers. Regardless of the methodology, it is important that no new bowler get “lost” in a club due to a lack of attention. The OLBA has set forth guidelines to help get the program operational. Clubs may certainly choose alternative plans depending on the size of the club and the number of new bowlers.

GETTING STARTED:

• Appoint a Co-ordinator* (or joint Co-ordinators) for the Buddy Program. In some cases it could well be one (or some) of the club coaches.
• Inform and sell the club members about the Buddy Program and the potential benefit of such a program to the club. Identify the Co-ordinator(s) of the program. Encourage members to be ready to volunteer, when asked by the co-ordinator, to serve as a Buddy.
• As early as possible in the season when Buddies and new members have been matched, attempt to hold a “Buddy Kick-Off” where all Buddies and new members will gather for an informational and social time.
• Consider a way to “tag” or identify your club Buddies and the new bowlers to encourage interaction.
• Display Bowls Buddies Posters.
• If numbers warrant, consider having some kind of “Me and My Buddy” bowling event in mid to late season.

• Pick Buddies to partner with the new bowlers.
• Choose Buddies carefully, the Buddies become the “sales” team for your club and the sport of Lawn Bowls. Buddies should be positive, patient and personable. They must be able to make new members feel welcome and be knowledgeable about coaching strategies, etiquette and laws of the game.
• Co-ordinate skills development coaching for buddies as well, so that they can pass this on to the new bowlers. 
• Coordinate a buddies appreciation night during or end of season, so to help retain buddies who will continue again next year.