Bowling

The player rolls a ball to knock over as many pins as possible.

An Overview of Bowling

Tenpin bowling is a popular sport which can be enjoyed recreationally or a competitive level. It is played by people with a visual impairment in more than 20 countries.

Players take turns rolling a heavy bowling ball down a wood or synthetic lane towards ten pins positioned evenly in an equilateral triangle at the far end of the lane.

For scoring, there are three kinds of marks:

Strike: All the ten pins are down during the first ball
Spare All the pins are knocked down by the second ball
Open: There are still pins standing.

The maximum score for a game of bowling is 300. The bowler with the most points at the end wins.

Benefits

Build strength
Meet new people
Develop balance skills

Involvement

There are several visually impaired tenpin teams around the country, competing in leagues and tournaments or playing as a hobby. Contact your local bowling alley or use our Activity Finder to search for your nearest club.

The BBS Tenpin League allows players from across the country to compete without leaving their local tenpin bowling centre, via our postal league. Teams compete in doubles, trios or as satellite individuals. BBS publishes a fixture list at the start of each season, with approximately 10 rounds per league. Each team submits their results to the league secretary, who matches them with their scheduled opponents. The results are then published on the BBS website.

BBS also hosts the National Championships, a Summer Doubles League, and a Winter Trio League.

Tenpin bowling is one of several sports included in the programme for the IBSA World Games.

Sight classifications are important to ensure fair and equal competition. Success at competitions should be defined by an athlete's skill and ability, not their impairment. The sight classifications should give all athletes the confidence that they are competing against others equally.

Useful Links

Adaptations and Equipment

Visually impaired tenpin bowling has some adaptions to make it accessible for players who are blind or partially sighted. A handicap system provides a fair and equal competition regardless of sight level. Lane glancers (barriers) make the sport more competitive and enjoyable. A sighted assistant can also help with aiming and ensure a safe playing environment.

Rocket Holiday Camps

Our Holiday clubs are 3 camps in 1, with stage, sports and solve, there is guaranteed to be an activity your child will love! We bring children together in fun, safe and active environments where they can try many activities and learn new skills

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

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Bowling

Bowling

An Overview of Bowling

Benefits

Involvement

Adaptations and Equipment

Find Bowling Clubs/Groups Near You

National Governing Bodies

British Tenpin Bowling Association

Rocket Holiday Camps

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum