More Rachuig worries

[Andrew S.]

Just noticed that NSW has had to extend the nomination time for their Rachuig entries due to disappointing response and as NSW are the Blue Ribbon State with regard to Rachuig it is a real worry when they are struggling.
The demise of Rachuig has been discussed several times on this forum but with no real outcome that can be taken back to TBA. I have to wonder if we can learn anything from our Regional Teams events that we could translate to the Nationals.
Our own Association Challenge here in Queensland is not only highly successful it also has a waiting list of Associations who want to join. There is no prize money - only trophies - yet still there is steep competition to get into a Team.
If this can be achieved on a Regional basis, why not Nationally?
Should we run Rachuig over a long week-end and hold the other events at another time?
Should we put prize money into Rachuig? It is interesting that we now put prize money into the Open Masters at the Nationals maybe we should transfer that into Rachuig. After all most of the Rachuig Team members will bowl masters anyway.
Something has to be done, a new direction needs to be put in place and it has to be radical if we are to retain Rachuig. If we don't do something we run the risk of having what should be our Premier Competition full of perhaps not the highest average bowlers.

 

[grumpie]

Is the problem at the TBA level or is it more at a state level?

Maybe the roll offs are not at a time suited for some bowlers? Is there possibly a criteria they have to meet in order to roll off which they couldn't meet for some reason or another?

By this I am not questioning NSW but all the states.

Liz

 

[storm53]

I know this has been said before.

But maybe it just comes down to cost? People can't afford to not earn money for 8 days in this day and age when the cost of everything is on the rise.

 

[steve jones]

Cost is a relative issue - whatever costs were in the premier days of Rachuig they were relative at that time to the income of the day. You can split hairs on some costs to be sure - but overall it's more likely to do with attitude and priorities. Rachuig from it's start in the early 1960's and pretty much for the next thirty years was the premier teams event in the country - and an event that was [at the time] a priority for bowlers of the day - their attitudes towards Rachuig [and the Nationals as well] were positive. For all sorts of reasons - this priority has slipped and thus the event itself has fallen away [it could be the other way around too of course - but I'd bet against it]. However - there appears to be a positive interest about team bowling supported by commercial interests in another thread on this site in recent weeks - with the change of structure of Rachuig to be more commercially viable [to embrace the conmmercial options that may well be available] - perhaps it [Rachuig] can again become the premier event it once was. If commercialism is the kicker to reset bowlers priorities [and enthusiasm] then so be it...if the upside is a return of interest in team bowling [inc Rachuig] - than in my view that's a significant bonus.

 

[Jasonguru]

My 5 cents worth here. Me thinks it is a combination of a few things but it definately is mainly to do with the cost, time and the politics and personalities involved. There is the nomination fee, the this fee, the that fee, then your accomodation, plus travel expenses, plus an all events etc etc etc. get my drift.

Then, and im not afraid to say it, there are preferences to certain bowlers and certain people when it comes down to selection, if you happen to say have an off day and are still good enough to make it, but if you dont know anyone, or are not in favour with selectors, or the right people, then you have wasted your time and money to begin with.

The there is also the time factor. Not everyone can afford the time away from work for a myriad of reasons, either time poor like me, or just cant afford the time off, also just like me lol.

Don't get the wrong impression here, i think rachuig is the best event in bowling, but at the same time, i personally would not even bother trying to make the team but good luck to all those that will represent the greatest state in the land, NSW of course.

I know this will probably stir a hornets nest, but hey, its a forum after all and if anyone would like to discuss this in person and correct me if i am perhaps incorrect or just straight out wrong in my opinion, then im cool with that. Feel free to set the record straight with me.

 

[CSP]

It definately comes down to cost. Depending on the venue it roughly costs between $1000-$2500 to represent your state. Most people don't earn that as their weekly wage, so are out of pocket straight away. Also factor in the other living expenses that have to be paid. There is not much prize money at the Nationals to cover the loss of income if you did place well in a particular event at the nationals.

Most people I speak to about rolling off cannot justify the expenses. This does post a problem for this year's Rachuig Teams and the future of Rachuig.

My response to jason's opinion about selectors for state team's. It's not about weather your in the know with the selectors, or weather they like you as a person. It simply comes down to a solid bowling resume and Rachuig experience. I'm not going to go into detail about it all, but from my 8 years of Rachuig experience, the selectors only choose the best. NSW selectors have proved this with past teams winning Rachuig.

I have missed the team several times and was not selected because in that particular year I was not good enough, there was someone better to represent NSW.

Sorry Jason but you have the wrong idea about Rachuig and maybe you should give it a go one year.

 

[Jasonguru]

Maybe you are right Christian, i hope!

I know you and i have had our differences on a couple of things i wont mention here and on this i certainly do see your point of view. I just hope it is the case. Maybe i will give it a go in the near future, i dont think i am bowling well enough at present to be a contender, away from gossy.

Maybe one day.

 

[rambo1]

jasonguru you are correct in saying politics do play a part i know of an instance where a bowler was top qualifier but was dropped from the team because the then committee wanted another bowler
i think a lot more bowlers would bowl if
the first 7 past the post made the team
if the australian team for FIQ was picked from the 3 or 4 highest averages in rachuig play(depending how many players were needed) & the winner of the open masters
this i feel would be enough motivation for players to participate

 

[Shoey]

jasonguru you are correct in saying politics do play a part i know of an instance where a bowler was top qualifier but was dropped from the team because the then committee wanted another bowler
i think a lot more bowlers would bowl if
the first 7 past the post made the team
if the australian team for FIQ was picked from the 3 or 4 highest averages in rachuig play(depending how many players were needed) & the winner of the open masters
this i feel would be enough motivation for players to participate

what a great comment, use Rachuig as a means for further representation. now why hasn't that been thought of before.

 

[steve jones]

Rachuig performance was a primary indicator for FIQ team selection in the first ever Australian National teams - both men and women..and in following teams for some years after. The fact that it is not as important now is a reflection of the demise of the standing of the event and of course the sizable number of "open" events that have
come about since the "cups" were started in the mid 1970's. Given this is fact your comment "Shoey" might be "why doesn't this happen now" rather than "why hasn't this been thought of before".

Generally speaking, in circumstances such as this, there is almost never such a thing as a new idea - just an old idea that's time has come.

 

[baron]

If Rachuigs problems are purely cost related as everyone seems to think then the answer is simple.....separate it and the Nationals. When I made the rachuig side (agreed a long time ago) I rolled off to play Rachuig not to spend the first weekend having to bowl all events in the Nationals. If Rachuig was a stand alone event you would only need 4 or 5 days tops effectively halving the amount of accommodation and so on. Self employed people would only need 2 days off instead of a week maybe more. You do the math. Of course still run the Nationals and Masters which I think are important but dont force people to bowl them simply because they are in the Rachuig side.

Baron

 

[Brenton_Davy]

Cost is a relative issue - whatever costs were in the premier days of Rachuig they were relative at that time to the income of the day. You can split hairs on some costs to be sure - but overall it's more likely to do with attitude and priorities. Rachuig from it's start in the early 1960's and pretty much for the next thirty years was the premier teams event in the country - and an event that was [at the time] a priority for bowlers of the day - their attitudes towards Rachuig [and the Nationals as well] were positive. For all sorts of reasons - this priority has slipped and thus the event itself has fallen away [it could be the other way around too of course - but I'd bet against it]. However - there appears to be a positive interest about team bowling supported by commercial interests in another thread on this site in recent weeks - with the change of structure of Rachuig to be more commercially viable [to embrace the conmmercial options that may well be available] - perhaps it [Rachuig] can again become the premier event it once was. If commercialism is the kicker to reset bowlers priorities [and enthusiasm] then so be it...if the upside is a return of interest in team bowling [inc Rachuig] - than in my view that's a significant bonus.

Back when I started bowling Rachuig, the ATBC had a deal with one of the airlines where they provided each state with 14 return airline tickets for the nationals venue. This certainly helped with the costs of the event.

However, given the larger number of events open to players today, I also believe many players are more inclined to bowl in money events over a weekend, rather than spend 7-9 days away (at their own cost) for little chance of return. Team bowling is less popular than it used to be, especially the where there is only state pride on the line and not a cheque. Further, teams these days are required to undergo a lot more training, which most players are not prepared to commit to.

The ATBSO, Youth challenge and Holt/DeVeer interstate tournaments have also taken a lot of entries away from the Rachuig Trials. Obviously where these teams have occurred, people have decided it would be easier to represent their state in these events, than in Rachuig.

So realistically cost, while a significant reason for Rachuig's faltering interest level, it is not the only one.

 

[Playa]

Another question that could be asked is why the people who come back every year bowl Rachuig?

I bowled Rachuig last year and hope to bowl many more because of the love for my state. Then again I'm only 19 but what about the Rachuig veterans that do it every year?

Costs and LACK of passion to represent your state are the reasons in my mind.

 

[ratty133]

I bowl rachuig for one reason, and one reason only. The pride of bowling for my state. Nothing tops it. I bowl money events as well as team events, and while i know there is no money to be won from bowling rachuig, the pride of bowling for my state overrides any amount of money that could be won. Plus a week away with mates is always good

Coming from WA, i know how much it can cost (upwards of $2000 or more EVERY YEAR).

What can be done about all this? Everyone before me has pretty much summed it up.

Matt

 

[mannah]

When it comes down to it there are quite a few who can't justify 8 days off work, $1500+ in costs with the chance of only bowling 1-2 games in Rachuig over the 3 days of competition if you are not the best bowlers in your State or are not in favour with the people responsible for team lineups. Some people say that this motivates them to improve ready for the next year but so many don't try again. Their one experience has soured the whole event for them. Others feel unable to gain acceptance into the "Cliques" that form with longtime team members/officials or are not able to cope with the time pressures of preRachuig training, coaches restrictions/demands etc.

So they try out for ATBSO, Holt Tournament etc where they are guaranteed a minimum number of games for the tournament and the teams are more social. Also they are able to compete in other events while they are there ie Skins tournament (ATBSO last year), Welcome Tournament (Holt) which both offered prize money and a chance to win some money back as well. At least they feel more justified in the time/expense involved knowing they at least get a few games and return home with plenty of bowling under their belt.

I know Rachuig teams need to field their best possible team at all times but this is just the thoughts of someone whose average is improving to the point of considering Rachuig in the future. When my average gets high enough to mix it with the big guns then and only then will I nominate to try out for the team.

I am not prepared to waste so much time/money with a higher than average chance of only getting 1-2 games while away. I have experienced sitting on a bench for the whole day with not one game, being told to take off my bowling shoes and go across to the shops to get more water while the team was bowling etc and I don't want to do it again. It was so demoralising and even with the team medal around my neck I did not feel I deserved it.

Again these are just the thoughts of a fringe bowler trying to improve.

 

[dazzamcg]

I completely agree with mannah. In 2 years of Shield bowling I bowled 11 games, and even though we won in my first year, I was somewhat demoralised as I thought I had done nothing to help the team, and after my second year I lost the passion for the game. I can't imagine what it would be like going through that having lost a week of work as well as spending $2000+!