Members’ update — 27 July 2026

This update summarises progress from the Pro Tem Executive Committee across seven key areas, ahead of the new website and member system launching on 1 October 2026.

Who is on the Pro Tem Executive Committee

• Acting Chairman: Trevor Plank
• Secretary: Carol Watt Sullivan
• Treasurer: Lynn Tyler
• Membership Director: Alan Cheeseman
• Coaching Director: Trevor Plank
• Coaching Development: Phil Hensher
• Communications Director: Carole Ash

1. Website Modernisation

A completely new website and member system is being built, with a target launch of 1 October 2026.

• Members will be able to update their own details online
• Trainers and assessors will have tailored access levels
• Designed to significantly reduce admin burden

2. Membership Records

The current email database is no longer reliable. A new email-based contact list will be created when the website goes live. Until then, information will be posted on the current website.

3. New Manuals and Qualifications

All manuals will be completed for the October launch.

Core coaching manuals

• Level 1 — delivery, line & length, safeguarding, and core coaching skills
• Level 2 — delivery analysis with and without video, reading the head, and team play
• Level 3 — advanced delivery analysis and advanced reading the head for elite bowlers; mentoring, assessing, and representing EBCS

Additional manuals

• Club Coaches — introduces the new delivery, line and length method to qualified coaches
• New Bowler — a general introduction to the world of bowling for the absolute beginner
• CPD Manuals — Level 1 and Level 2 CPD manuals designed to allow coaches early progression to the next coaching level

Additional guides

• Coaching U18 and Disabled Bowlers — assists all coaches working with U18 and disabled bowlers
• Risks and Safeguarding — a useful guide to handling risks and safeguarding issues when coaching
• Coaching a Successful Team — a handy guide to developing and coaching a successful team
• A Guide for New Bowlers — introduces new club members to bowling and to being coached
• Guide to Freezing the Head — for current Level 2 coaches updating to the new coaching levels
• A Guide to Using Video Analysis — the second of two Level 2 upgrade documents

4. Training Pathway & CPD

A clearer national policy has been agreed for coaches to progress to the next level, via three routes:

• Experience route — minimum two years’ active coaching at your current level
• Fast track — recommended by an assessor and authorised by the Coaching Directors
• CPD programme — completion of a structured CPD programme

5. Communication: Online Meetings

The committee is aware of the difficulties in getting members together in sufficient numbers to discuss the way forward, and will therefore be arranging a series of online meetings. Full details to follow.

The aim is to give members the opportunity to understand the changes being made and to share their feedback directly with the committee.

6. Stock & Uniform

• New uniform — a more modern uniform is being developed to renew the image of EBCS
• Subsidised price — the first 500 members registering from October 2026 will be able to purchase a top at below cost price, plus postage. One top per person.
• Old stock — current badges and remaining stock have been written off

Read more about the new coaching top →

7. Finance & Administration

Treasurer’s review

• Clearer breakdown of course income and expenses
• Improved banking processes
• Updated expenses policy
• Review of financial income

Investing in development

The Board has approved the purchase of a one-year professional Copilot licence to support the ongoing development and modernisation work across the scheme.

Important Notice: Constitution Review

The EBCS Constitution is currently being reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects the evolving needs of the scheme. Members will be kept informed as the review progresses.

• Status — under review: the Board is actively working through the constitution review process
• Next steps — member update: a full update will be shared with all members once the review is complete

The Board is committed to ensuring the constitution supports the long-term goals and governance of EBCS. The new Constitution will be presented at an AGM for approval.

Key Dates at a Glance

• Completed: all new coach training temporarily paused
• Completed: outdated manuals withdrawn
• Completed: deadline for completing training already in progress
• 1 October 2026 — target launch of new website and member system
• 1 October 2026 — new manuals released and qualifications resume

Get Involved

Become a Trainer or Assessor

Would you like to play a bigger part in developing coaching across EBCS? We are inviting Level 2 and Level 3 coaches to apply for Trainer and Assessor roles. It’s a great way to share your experience and help shape the future of the scheme.

Read the full details and download the application form →

Become an Area Coach

Fancy making a real difference in your local area? We’re looking for Area Coaches to work with the Board in growing EBCS and helping ensure our policies are in place on the ground. This is a rewarding role for anyone who wants to strengthen coaching locally. Open to Level 3 coaches and experienced Level 2 coaches.

We’d love to hear from you — email [email protected] and let’s have a chat about the role.