Everything you need to know about how EBCS works, the coaching pathway, and how to get started.
The English Bowls Coaching Society is the national coaching body for lawn bowls in England. We qualify coaches, keep them compliant, and support them throughout their coaching career.
All EBCS coaching follows the National Coaching Programme — a structured set of methods, standards, and assessments delivered consistently across England.
Coaches progress from Level 1 (foundation) through Level 2 (independent coaching) to Level 3 (advanced). Experienced coaches can go on to become Trainers and Assessors.
Every EBCS coach holds a current Enhanced DBS certificate and safeguarding qualification. We track expiry dates and remind you before anything lapses.
Create your account on this website and pay your annual membership. Registration takes just a few minutes — you'll tell us who you are, where you bowl, and whether you already hold a coaching qualification.
All coaches need a current Enhanced DBS certificate and a recognised safeguarding qualification. Once you're registered, you can record both in your member dashboard — and we'll remind you well before either expires.
New coaches complete the Level 1 course with a qualified EBCS Trainer, covering the core principles of the National Coaching Programme — safety, session delivery, and working with new bowlers.
An EBCS Assessor confirms you've met the Level 1 standard. Once the EBCS team records your qualification, you receive your membership certificate and lanyard ID, and unlock your level's coaching resources.
Continue your development through CPD, advance to Level 2 and Level 3, and — if you want to help develop the next generation of coaches — train to become an EBCS Trainer or Assessor.
Click Join EBCS and complete the three-step registration form:
Once you've registered, the EBCS team reviews your application and confirms your account — you'll get an email as soon as it's approved. Memberships run 1 January – 31 December; pay between October and December and you're covered for the whole of the following year.
Join EBCS today and take the first step towards becoming a qualified lawn bowls coach.