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Blind Bowling Program
Blind and visually impaired bowlers can most effectively compete in bowling through one of two adaptive methods: sighted guidance or a guide rail as follows, according to the The American Blind Bowling Association (ABBA) and Southeastern Blind Bowling Association (SBBA).
Sighted Guidance
When sighted guidance is being used, blind bowlers are aligned on the approach by sighted assistants before their deliveries. The bowlers would normally be aligned on a spot which they wish to execute their deliveries. Such a reference point may be a certain board on the approach.
Guide Rail
The guide rails used are made of either wood or light-weight tubular medal and can be assembled, disassembled and stored away very easily. They are held in place on the bowling approach by the weight of bowling balls and can be used in any bowling center without damaging the lanes or interfering in any way with the operation of the center's automatic bowling equipment.
The rails are placed along side the bowling approach and they extend back from the foul line. A bowler who needs the assistance of a guide rail usually slides one hand along its smooth surface while delivering the ball with the other hand. The starting position of the bowler in relation to the guide rail should be carefully noted.
The bowler can determine whether the ball is being released in the center of the lane or near one edge. The rail is positioned to run straight along the first board outside the width of the lane. Of course, bowlers are free to use the bowling technique that they prefer.
A sighted assistant usually is needed to tell a blind bowler which pins have been knocked down or how the remaining pins were missed. These assistants identify the pins either knocked down or left standing by calling the numbered locations of the pins and this information tells a blind bowler where to roll the next ball or how to modify the delivery of the ball the next time to bowl.
Please contact Bobby Cowan at 292-1007 bowling committee chairman, or Michael Fulghum, bowling committee member for more information about participating or how you can help.
We miss our friends Mike and Peggy Hall. Hope you enjoy Michigan and all the snow.
Select this link for the current bowling statistics and information.
Select this link for the current Rules & Regulations.
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