Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your frequently asked questions
Flexible depending on number of sessions, starting at $40 for 4 sessions
Due to the structured format of the program participants are encouraged to commence at the beginning. But don’t worry – a new program commences regularly at our approved Bowl Abilities centres! Email bowlabilities@tenpin.org.au to register your interest for the next available program.
That’s fine. Just come along the following week and our Lane Rangers will take you through any important points that you missed. Then you can keep progressing at your own pace.
Bowl Abilities has a different theme every week. Themes range from learning how to target, to throw more strikes and how to pick up spares right through to understanding what’s inside a bowling ball.
Each session you have the opportunity to progress to a new level at your own pace. Our new shortened game format with a simpler scoring system mean two 5-frame games happen after a few minutes of practice time. The sense of achievement from going up a level or simply beating your personal best score means there is something to celebrate every week.
Ordinary shoes can damage the surface of the approach some centre will request that you wear bowling shoes that are included in the cost.
However, if changing your shoes is uncomfortable, please let the Lane Ranger or centre staff know.
Wear comfortable, clean shoes, with non-marking soles – sneakers are fine. Wear comfortable, clothing such as t-shirts, tracksuit pants or shorts that allows free range of movement.
Participants can progress at their own pace, providing they have achieved the required points consistently for each level.
All participants begin on the same level and learn the session content as a group, then continue to work their way through each level. With a different theme every session there is plenty to learn and challenge you with. Plus you will want to collect all the rewards for progressing along the way!
In addition to putting carpet over lanes to get you 9 metres closer to the pins, we also modify scoring and breakdown how to deliver the ball to where you want it to go. Where available other inclusions might include ramps for increased access to platforms, pushers or ramps to roll the ball with, balls with inbuild handle grips and more. Our centres and coaches aim to provide inclusive environments by making them accessible and inclusive. Training on communication and supporting people of all abilities is strongly encouraged by Tenpin Bowling Australia and the Bowl Abilities program.
Bowling balls start at 6 pounds or 2.7kg. As a rough rule of thumb, participants should bowl with a ball that is approximately 10% of their body.
As well as light weight balls, we have balls with retractable handles for participants who find it difficult to insert their fingers in the ball. Ramps are also available for those who have additional needs. Supported by additional resources- such as Story Boards, Cue Cards and Timelines- that help to facilitate effective communication and delivery.
Absolutely – in fact the last week of the program sees the participants putting all their new knowledge into practice to beat a carer/support worker or parent – so they better be paying attention! We need some keen helpers to work with our Lane Rangers to help reinforce the skill learnt for the week, provide some encouragement, aid communication and keep participants focused. There is no specialist bowling knowledge required but we encourage you to check out online Lane Ranger training via the links above.
Of course! Like anything, participants will progress at different levels and are not expected to successfully complete all six levels. You can simply enrol in Bowl Abilities again next time and commence from where you left off.
Bowl Abilities is still quite new and we are progressively rolling this out across the country. If you can’t find a suitable venue please drop us an email and we’ll contact you as soon as your nearest centre is running the program.
Our preferred option for enrolment is through the Bowl Abilities website if you’re needing further assistance please contact us via the link above.
All Lane Rangers have undergone training to deliver the Bowl Abilities program and have current Working with Vulnerable People (or equivalent) checks. They are also encouraged to complete the Special Olympics Coaching course, upskill in communication using Scope Australia’s online training and remain aware to ongoing development. They appreciate your feedback though, let them know how you’re going and if they can do anything else to help.