‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

(a weekly edition, commenced 12/9/2001, of thoughts, observations and commentaries on developments for bowls coaching and competition)

‘…hitting the ton – the “Invisible” team’

(edition 100  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Just occasionally you come out with some words / ideas which you think…I like that, even if I say so myself; well mine was / is the ‘Invisible ‘team.

Late 2003 we had an induction with the national coach and national selectors and I referred to them and us in management positions as part of an ‘Invisible’ team where the players are the Visible team. 

And I think in our sport of bowls people need to understand which category group of people they fit in to as the relevant members of the Invisible team.

The Invisible team groups included in bowls are

(fellow) squad members

selectors

coaches

team management

office bearers and management

friends and family

sports scientists

media in bowls.

Four words that crop up for me in relation to the effect of the strong influence the Invisible team has include pride, respect, envy and commitment.

Players (as the Visible team) need to have, or take, more pride in ‘wearing the uniform’ at state and national levels.  It should be something of enormous pride to be selected and represent the elite level of the sport and teams, and the players in the teams, need to reflect that pride, or we should ensure there are only players chosen willing to reflect that pride. And we members of the Invisible team should make the players feel proud.

Therein comes the respect.  Again my view only, however, too often there is an absence of (mutual) respect between members of the Visible and Invisible teams.  The players are fewer in number and the mass of us in the Invisible team support base involved in the elite level programs need to develop and nurture a respect for the players. They in turn will realize the merit of reciprocating it to their support base.  

An example of this is seen in the press coverage of the players performances. Too often it is negative, and quick to criticize the efforts of the players. Players read these comments and understandably are annoyed at the apparent lack of support for them.

Is that envy?  Maybe. No doubt when in the company of elite bowlers it mystifies me why so many people in the sport are so quick to criticize the players who are our elite ambassadors. They are not average.  If they are they join the rest of us and that’s not good enough.  Lets gloat in their success.  They deserve the position, they don’t deserve the envy.

And commitment, the real leveller.  In nearly every circle within the sport I hear people whine about commitment (of players).

I am at the front of the line in demanding the player(s) as the Visible team change their whole approach to commitment to be elite athletes – therefore get rid of the fags and the grog as part of the makeup for elite bowlers – to look at other elite athletes in sport and lets get serious.

However!!!

On behalf of the players, you / me the Invisible team members need to also respect what elite bowlers (as athletes) require and raise your commitment levels of support too.

Those categories of people (selectors, family, media, etc) listed above have a personal responsibility to lift their own level of performance to demonstrate that they are operating at an elite level of support for these future elite athletes. It is no good just having the role.  Players worked hard to be in their Visible team at elite level.  So all of us Invisible team members have to be equally accountable and responsible.  And if not, why not !!!

Craig Fox and I pushed this ‘Invisible’ theme for the South Australia people early in the month and some of the people in responsible positions still are a long way from an elite level of commitment to ensure success can occur for the elite players. Be aware that in saying that I believe people want to take that responsibility, they need guidance and assistance.

We see the value of support in the ‘Elbows’ squad where 4-8 squad members train regularly with Judy since late May to prepare her for the national indoors in Tweed in August.  They all know she is the only one who wins, though they all know their contribution, their feedback to her in these sessions in some small way may have made a difference. We share her pride, her victory, as her victory is our victory.

Recently, I knocked back a player wanting to join Elbows as I thought their level of commitment and apparent reluctance to be supportive to other squad members would be a hindrance.  This stance was done to defend the current commitment level and expectation the members have for the squad.

Another person from interstate wants to come over 1000km to try out with us and train as the player and family have an impression that as a squad we would nurture the development and aspirations of the player at a level of commitment that will not be easily devalued.

That requires (extra) commitment. How can you question the commitment of the Visible team member if as an Invisible team member your / our level of commitment falls short of elite standard and becomes questionable where the one percenters make the difference at elite level.  

As the Invisible team we may have been that one percent deficiency in standard, that sole yet small reason for the team not achieving success on the green.

Lets revel in players success, lets create a mood of mutual respect.  Lets be committed as team members of both teams.

Lets see the ultimate expression in the equation

Visible team + Invisible team = Commonwealth Games 2006 medals success

Lachlan Tighe