Jr. Jack Attack renamed Rookie Rollers
Bowls Australia’s introductory participation product has been renamed Rookie Rollers, as its scope continues to extend far beyond just primary school-aged children.
Originally launched in 2015, Jr. Jack Attack was centred around enabling school children to participate in an inclusive and engaging modified version of the sport, with small soft-rubber bowls and an activity kit that could be utilised on any surface.
Over time, the product has evolved into a broader universal introductory product, that can be used effectively by audiences of varying ages and abilities, and has had considerable success with elderly, people with a physical or mental impairment, and many beginners.
Bowls Australia’s General Manager Participation and Programs Chris Wallace said the name and equipment changes will reaffirm that the product is fit for purpose for all new audiences.
“While originally designed specifically for primary school-aged children, we’ve found that the kit of biased rubber bowls, targets and activity cards has been effective in introducing many different audiences to the sport of bowls,” Wallace said.
“It’s a universal product that has proved very popular with those that are elderly or have an impairment, who may have difficulties holding regular heavy bowls or playing across a full-sized green. It is great for beginners unfamiliar with the bowls delivery technique and is excellent for diverse and multicultural audiences.
“The name change is the result of the product moving beyond just children and like the sport of bowls more broadly, is inclusive for all people regardless of gender, age, height or strength.”
The rebrand also negates some confusion in the marketplace caused by the similarly named Jack Attack product, which is considerably different, more akin to ‘barefoot bowls but better’.
New Rookie Rollers kits will be released in early 2021 and feature additional inclusive equipment, including a new circular target mat, hurdle goals, a larger foldable wedge, kit bag, in addition to expanded activity cards and instructional materials for people with disabilities.
The product will continue to form an integral part of the Australian Government’s Sporting Schools initiative.
