Victorian Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Association Inc.
Blind and vision impaired tenpin bowling began in 2001 at AMF Box Hill (now closed). From this small group, five bowlers were selected to represent Australia at the inaugural IBSA Blind Tenpin Bowling Championships in Helsinki, Finland, in 2002. Victorian Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Association (VVITBA) was created in late 2002 with a steering committee and has been incorporated since early 2003.
At the IBSA World Championships, we discovered the guide rail and how it is used. We developed a prototype, which has since been sanctioned by Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) for use by bowlers who are blind or have low vision. A guide rail enables a person to bowl independently without being manually lined up by a friend or family member. The guide rail (long) consists of 2 base trays, 4 uprights and 4 or more pieces for the top rail (see photo). There are short guide rails in various bowling centres in metropolitan and regional Victoria – the list can be found at our Facebook page
A volunteer/spotter will assist the bowler with information when they step off the approach lane, including: pins left, how many pins went down, where their ball went, etc.
Bowlers can chose their own level of bowling – either:
The majority of leagues use a handicap system, which enables a level playing field for all bowlers, regardless of their vision loss or ability.
Tenpin Bowling is suitable for all ages and abilities. The activity develops wellness within each individual person, regardless of their cultural background or disability.
People can bowl any time they wish, at whichever bowling centre they are closest to. If someone does not feel comfortable approaching their local tenpin bowling centre, we are happy to assist and help in liaising with that centre. We also have a coach who is vision impaired and happy to assist.
Any tenpin bowling centre. Information regarding parking and transport can be requested from the centre.
The cost depends on the bowling centre, type/level of bowling and time of day for leagues.
After some time, people may prefer to purchase their own equipment. It is generally a good idea to wait a while for a sale plus this ensures that you purchase the correct weight ball.
Paul / Phone: 0412 224 242 / Email: vic.blind.10pin@gmail.com
Interested? Please fill out the below form to enquire.
A great introduction to Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria, you can participate in group walks, or pair up with a sighted volunteer in your local area.
Come and learn one of the world's most popular sports at the home of the Australian Open. Blind Tennis for all ages.
Join this fun sport, where a specially adapted guide rail enables a person to bowl independently.
Vision Impaired Table Tennis (also known as Swish) is a fast, invigorating game. It was developed by people who are blind in Australia
