Kerry Andersen joins Hall of Fame

Outstanding efforts recognised

With the pennant season now complete, this bumper edition features many of our most successful individuals and clubs over the season. The articles are there for all to read but mention must be made of some outstanding efforts.

Those who were able to watch the pulsating Ladies Pairs final at the Birmingham Games won’t forget it in a hurry. The match was one of the finest sporting events you could see with a great comeback, wonderful shots to force a draw and extra end, culminating in the final shot of the competition to determine the Gold Medal – it truly had everything! We look forward to in some small way honoring Kristina’s epic win at the Bowls WA Awards Night.

In addition on the playing side Manning Memorial must be congratulated for winning back to back Men’s and Ladies Premier League pennants.

The ladies history is well known having dominated bowls in WA for well over a decade, but now the men must be recognized as a side that is earning the rights to be called a 'dynasty'. Winning flags in a very even competition is tough and with such a comparatively young side, I am sure the Eagles will be keen to add to the tally with a three-peat next season.

Finally, our 42nd Hall of Fame member. I know first-hand the work that Kerry Andersen has done for bowls in WA. Her record on the green speaks for itself, but her standing on the national scene as an administrator was and is significant.

A cool, calm hand at the wheel has enabled WA to be viewed as a leading bowling state – much of that came from Kerry’s tenure as President, thrust into the role on the passing in office of Graham Leeks. Hall of Fame membership was the least WA bowls could do to honour that contribution.

Governance – the word of the day

It appears that priorities set down by Government, whether local, state or national seem to come and go in waves. Without doubt the current wave we seem to be riding is built upon Governance – or ensuring you do things the right way on time every time.

This expands to all areas of an operation and is just as relevant to clubs, the state association or the national body. For some time our Regional Bowls Manager’s (RBMs) have pushed the need for proper planning to be imbedded into clubs – not just for the next six months but the next several years.

What do you want your club to look like in five years-time? This is a basic question that government agencies are asking clubs AND they want the plans to show how the club is going to reach that end goal. If you are seeking substantial funding for synthetic greens, lighting, sunshade, new kitchens/toilets etc. you will have a much better chance of success if you can show carefully considered plans on how that will benefit your club – particularly in increasing participation levels.

Seeking grants from government is a competitive process

Not only are you competing against fellow clubs for a limited sum of money, but also the myriad number of other sports seeking the same pot.

Give yourself the best chance of success by first discussing your project and funding requirements with your RBM and avoid the often disappointment of having your funding application rejected – it happens more often than not.

Constitutional support

Part of the plan to get your Governance right stems from an up to date and functional Constitution. Although most of us see them as a largely un-necessary waste of time, the Constitution comes to the rescue when issues arise that are seen as out of the ordinary.

Voting formats and structures, disciplinary requirements, committee powers are common issues that require the black and white guidance provided by a well written constitution. Shortly Bowls WA will seek to amend sections of our Constitution to bring it up to speed with modern Governance. This requires the support of 75% of our affiliated clubs that vote to support such changes.

These will be explained towards the end of May, with the office and RBMs able to explain any issues of concern. That said, the changes sought, although quite a few in number, do not significantly impact on club operations.

Please support those changes by voting in the affirmative either by postal ballot (country) or by a show of hands (metro) at the July AGM.