Rituals…just “doing what comes naturally?”

I dislike ritual; don’t you? I cannot be bothered (never have) with answering letters and I like to think I am a writer), shaking hands, observing so-called  holy days and I definitely dislike dogma, cult and anything that smacks of mindless compulsion.

We are surrounded by ritual. It devours precious time, leads to internecine strife because of perceived offence if not observed and is, in a way, the jargon of actions perpetuated usually for symbolic values pertaining to religious, traditional or socially accepted reasons.

It is truly summed up in the Rituale Romanum, one of the official books of the Roman Rite. It contains all the services performed by a priest that are not in the Missal and Breviary and has also, for convenience, some that are in those books. It is the latest and still the least uniform book of Catholicism … “it’s our party and we’ll pray if we want to …” could be its jingle.

It is also argued a ritual may be “… performed on specific occasions, or at the discretion of individuals or communities. It may be performed by a single individual, by a group, or by the entire community; in arbitrary places, or in places especially reserved for it; either in public, in private, or before specific people. A ritual may be restricted to a certain subset of the community, and may enable or underscore the passage between religious or social states…” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual).

From when ancient pagan communities tossed vestal virgins into bottomless pits to appease some now forgotten god, to the equally mystifying and pomp-ridden Changing of The Guard outside Buckingham Palace (now a good tourist attraction, so a mercenary ritual, no less) to a simple “Hello, how are you?” an inquiry common to every one of the world’s tongues, rituals have held sway.

In sport, apart from the dreaded germ-transferring shaking of hands and kisses on both cheeks, time-wasting and futile rituals exist.

Take tennis.

Why do rules permit serving players to waste time “checking the balls”: after each point; the bloody things are changed after each nine games so are hardly worn-out missiles? And why, when the rule says “…after the first game players will change ends without pause…” do umpires permit players to linger for a drink or whatever by their central chairs?

It is because such actions have developed into ridiculous, irritating, but accepted rituals.

In top soccer (probably throughout) players deliberately pull jerseys, trip opponents, handle the ball  and so on, hoping to be unnoticed by an official. When they sense they are uncloaked, they go through the ritual of throwing their hands in the air in a “not me ref” exercise of feigned innocence; “diving” has assumed Olympic pool proportions.

In cricket, especially and disappointingly at the highest level, wicketkeepers and slips appeal for catches after anything and every sound; even when they know the batsman has not hit a delivery.

This is a cheating ritual, designed to put pressure on an umpire to be wrongly persuaded … at least modern technology has obviated many injustices (both ways) but the silly ritual is ingrained.

Bowls have equally time-wasting, useless rituals.

The worst is the “measurer” for shot being doubted by an opponent (deprecatory and insulting), causing the process to be repeated, usually more than once.

Others include the standing by all players behind a head, thus blocking the view from spectators and cameras (Australia has remedied this to some extent by providing wooden duckboard seating on banks) and the continual walking up and down to inspect the head (now being gradually reduced in all disciplines), when information might be supplied by a team mate or a marker.

Moreover, the purposeless ritual of tea (often AM and PM) breaks is archaic, unnecessary, expensive; a complete waste of time for staff and players.

The non-verbal communications we use and take for granted in everyday life are also ritualistic.

And just because someone avoids the cracks between the pavement blocks, or never walks beneath a ladder they are no different from, or better, or worse, than those who put out the cat at night, flush an un-used loo at last twice a day, or clean their teeth morning and night (not always recommended by dentists) or “eat up” all their veggies.

One thing is for sure, rituals sort of creep up on one.

Pavlov’s conditioned reflex, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or whistling a happy tune, plus whatever else you can think of … make a list, you will be surprised, all amount to some sort of ritualistic behaviour.

That’s enough for now; need to go and put the kettle on … oops.

Why is it stereotypes are such an assumption?

A stereotype, avers a Wikipedia scribe (for what it is worth) is “…a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. The concepts of ‘stereotype’ and ‘prejudice’ are often confused with many other different meanings. Stereotypes are standardised and simplified conceptions of groups based on some (sic) prior assumptions …”

Of course, from a psychological point of view, its first mention in the early 20^th century has been bandied; nowadays it represents anything that can be “branded” as being representative of a particular belief, image, persuasion; usually in a less than favourable light. In fact, it has become a cliché; hardly surprisingly, being from the French and with its origins in printing, as did earlier meanings of stereotype.

In the human form, women have been the most abused as “stereotypes.”

For some obscure (probably emanating from some perverse son-mother relationship) reason men delight in reducing the female gender to stereotypical objects of desire, revulsion, a haven or an object of abuse; seldom of genuine admiration, although the women’s lobby had made deep incisions into misperceived delight in chauvinism.

No area escapes scrutiny – lesbianism  stereotypical identification as a “butch” or “dyke” image;  perceived as having short haircuts and unattractively plump; male homosexuality and the horrid identification of gay males having a stereotypical effeminate or camp image; male bisexuals are stereotyped as living on the “down-low,” (whatever that means); female bisexuals as attention-seekers and the totally ill-conceived dirty little boys’ title of the obscure and nearly always misrepresented word nymphomaniac.

It used to be (still is, to an extent, in Korea and Japan, although Detroit woke up a while ago as women’s buying power blossomed) that desirability for a gleaming piece of tin on wheels was synonymous with a scantily adorned bimbo (how’s that for a chauvinistic epithet?) draped over a bonnet.

Why in, say, detergent advertisements must beaming mothers and children in spotless kitchens shriek how wonderful some suds are, when in truth laundry is a drab affair and the households at which the messages are aimed have either automatic machinery or staff to complete the chore?

In DIY diatribe, tough, incredibly able handymen perform countless amazing feats with a variety of tiles, carpets, flooring, paint and carpentry. Always dressed in pristine dungarees or boiler suits, their beaming faces cheerfully conceal split thumbs, burns, splinters and crooked results … any six-fingered jerk who has tried this lark knows how ridiculous and patronising the message becomes.

Of course it is advertising, the ploy subtly designed to make you want something, rather than to tell you to buy it, that uses a plethora of innuendos and euphemisms to blatantly stereotype “mind movers.”

“Renovators’ dream” for broken down house, “vintage model” for scrap on wheels or “bursting with energy” for a sugar-laden “lethal” choc bar and the use of nubile teenagers in slimming ads (who have never had a spare ounce about which to worry), spring to mind.

In sport, the stereotyping of jocks and nerds is insulting and uncalled for. Who says the world chess champion might not run the 100m in 9.7? Why should a lock forward not be a doctor (they often are); are a weight-lifter’s bursting muscles in place of an able mental capability? Of course not, but stereotyping makes typical (hello, here we go again) Joe or Jean Public see it that way.

“Magnificent views,”  “unbelievable bargain,” “incredible saving,” “spacious apartment,” “power-saving unit,”  “the healthy alternative,” “helpful staff,” journey of a lifetime,” are part and parcel of daily life. Closer inspection or disappointment often discloses few of the stereotypical slogans holds water.

Bowls has also permitted itself to be regarded as “old men’s marbles” or “oh that pensioners’ game.” In fact bowls shot itself in the foot a century ago by not recognising so-called “innocent jibes” in that direction actually handicapped  the sport to such a degree, that when economic constraints, natural attrition and security fears combined in a tsunami of destruction to membership, there was no “younger” pool from which to re-build.

Obsolete apparel, ugly hats and shoes, mind-blowing regimen and punctilious drudgery of routine added to no one wanting to wear “broekie-lace” chemises or shapeless bed sheet trousers or dresses.

Modern style and relaxation of almost all dress codes, the introduction of coloured clothing and white shoes, have at least moved bowls within reach of contemporary tennis, rugby, soccer; even hockey.

Moreover, bowls is being forced to stop-gap human resources, making the code as attractive as possible to the youth and hoping those who do take up the sport endure – alas not always the case, as tertiary education,  work logistics, marriage and relationships (not always in that order) take their toll,

Now given the slogan Bowls – the game for all, some experts fear it might be too late to save the sport from all but oblivion, unless …

Stereotyping of a kind is everywhere.

“He’s a good sort;” “she’s a real card;” “what a cracker;” nasty piece of work;” “spendthrift;” workaholic”; “boozer;” and so are all outbursts from those seeking to divert attention from or to themselves; hoping to hide or find favour by a general observation of someone or something they had no right or expertise with which to comment.

Orwell wrote subtly: All animals are born equal…” some, however, it seems are truly more stereotyped (perhaps) than others (oops! sorry).

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To unkindly corrupt some of the words from a well-known South African War song … “Goodbye Bella Gray” …

After struggling to retain this event, where women skip a mixed four, the WPBA secretary Bob Shackleton announced the event was off – only nine sides entered.

At the time I lamented the fact and suggested it was a poor show but, for all you Latin scholars Semper aliquid novi Africa affert, which, as the South African Museum in Stellenboch (it’s their motto) will aver, means, loosely, “Something new always comes out of Africa”; it has.

The WP Provincial Players’ Association (WPPPA) – the only of its type still operating in South Africa – has announced  their struggling Gerry Benson Day will bear the name Warwick Private Wealth, with a generous R3 000 sponsorship.

Ian Kilbride CEO and chairman of The Warwick Group which has ploughed millions into bowls at national and club level, said from his company HQ offices in Constantia:

“I am aware of the struggle the WPBA encounters in sending away their excellent interdistricts sides and in promoting the future of the game through a superb junior bowls programme. With the, hopefully temporary, demise of the Bella Gray, it was an opportunity to step in to assist the Gerry Benson Day which does so much to spur the continuance of excellence … Warwick’s own committed pathway. Warwick wishes all involved good bowling.”

Changes for the event have been outlined.

WPPPA secretary John Binns tells me: “In future this vital fundraising competition for both present and past Proteas and up-and-coming bowlers will be a prominent tournament on the WP calendar. And  to obviate inclement early winter weather this year’s event, set for June 19, is to be held over until early next season, to enable the Proteas to roll off the new season with gusto.

“Over the years we have begged and borrowed wherever we could and prizes have generally been in product rather than an cash injection; we will always be grateful to Distell and Namaqua Wines.”

Excellent news and well done to the Warwick team, the WPBA, whose president Ron Delport expressed his delight and thanks and the WPPA for seizing an opportunity to continue the renewed momentum for bowls in the Western Cape.

The Semi-finals (09:15) and final (13:30) of the Personal Trust WPBA Women’s Pairs is at Plumstead today (Sunday).

WPBA council meets on Saturday, June 25 (9.30) at Pinewood.

Notices:

 Pinelands- Witford-Griffiths/Personal Trust Winter Tournament- Sundays am; June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24; R80 weekly; any format fours- 3 x 7 ends; skins; 1^st prize- R2 400; session prizes; ; Alex Tame- 0825516482/0215314030 / fax 0215315603.

• Goodwood: 2011 Winter League (any format); June 19, July 3,10,17,24,31; R360 a team; contact: Tom Nolan: 0824457635; Chris Roos: 0845112581; club: 0215918251
• Milnerton: Winter Classic; June 25-July23; 1.45pm; any four; 10 players in all; uniform dress optional; John Casey:  0836430601/0215572477/ club: 0215516452
• Pollsmoor:  All Day, June 16, 9am; any fours format; 3×15 ends skins; R200; Entry closes June 13; Neels: 0823753437; Pollsmoor Midweek: Any format fours; June 15, 22, 29; July 6,13; 2pm R100 a game; daily snowball;-Snowball to won every day; contact as above.
• WPCC Midweek 3-bowl Trips (any) : June 15, 22, 29 ; July 6; 2pm many prizes and weekly snowball (must-win final day); R240 a team; 18 ends; skins; Boet Wilsnagh: 0216573325 (am); Patrick Young: 0216716117/ 0825754994/Pat@Nconcentric.co.za

 

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Well I never!!

I honestly never ever thought that I would be reporting the item of news that has just been sent to me.

But before I divulge it perhaps we should go back a few years, in fact we should go to the beginning of the present Century.

That was the year  I was introduced to bowling in South Africa. I had played the harder game of Crown Green bowls in NW England – but we won’t go into that again.

It was also the time that I was made aware of the fall in bowling club membership, generally. My own club Constantia told of the times when 3 greens were filled on the Wednesday  tabs afternoon. On my travels around the country, the same scenario unfolded. This and the rising cost of membership subs made for gloomy table topics at all clubs. The Club Presidents and their committees were forever trying to balance the books and find sponsors to fill the holes left by the withdrawal of many banks from bowling events.

At the BSA AGM,s the same recurring figures, showing an average 5% fall in membership per year.

It wasn’t for the lack of trying to halt the decline – no indeed – many, many committees were launched to analyse and propose methods of stemming the continuing fall. Most clubs had hard working  conscientious committees, and members, who sacrificed their own precious leisure time to devise methods to bring in new members.

Fast forward now to the BSA- Warwick, Men’s Nationals at the splendid Morningside bowling Club in Johannesburg. On Sunday 8 May 2011.

I was to give the address on behalf of Warwick – what can I say – what should I say that hasn’t been said endless times.

Comes the day comes the Man. A man with a message. A message of true hope for this lovely game and its equally nice people.

I must digress again dear reader before I forget to put it all into context.

BSA President , Debby Ferguson has lead the charge to increase Bowls club membership, and must take much credit for her efforts.

The appointment of Warwick’s own Fonny Meyeridricks to Chair the Development Committee has proved to be a very wise choice.

This is not to decry all the excellent work done by previous Developement committee members. I would name Alloma Smith of WP for her good work.   

Fonny tells me, as I’m making notes of my speech, that he has some good news for me to announce. It was this.

Up to Nov 2010 BSA has registered 1674 NEW MEMBERS. WOW that’s incredible news. That is the FIRST rise in membership for a decade.

Truly worth celebrating about I’m sure you all agree. There’s  more to come .

Today  the Ist of June 2011- Fonny informs that a further 420 members have been registered. All this does not take account of the expected new membership recruited during the very well organised Bowling Awareness Day on May day 2011.

The Development Committee set themselves a target of 2000 new bowlers in their first year.  they passed that figure comfortably with a truly magnificent number of 2626 new registered bowlers. Stand up and take a bow President Debby Ferguson and Fonny Meyeridriks lead  Development Committee.

On swallow never did make a summer, but it’s very nice to see a light – almost 9% increase – at the end of the tunnel.

It’s  now up to ALL BOWLERS to keep this momentum going.  Get ONE person to join your club – just ONE. Think about it.