Metro Midweek trials to begin at 4.00pm

So far so good…

Well, we have turned the corner of the halfway mark of the pennant season and from all reports it is progressing smoothly.

The shadow of COVID seems to have passed with little disruption and the weather so far has been kind; with both rain and heat yet to affect the majority of matches and events – although the worst may still be to come.

At the time of writing we are still a week or so away from the metro midweek trial of 4.00pm games. Unfortunately, for some interesting reasons, some clubs have chosen to maintain their matches at 1.30pm, although the majority have chosen the opportunity to 'give it a go' and see what works and perhaps doesn’t.

Of course all will be in the hands of the weather gods, mild temperatures will prove little, whereas 37deg+ days may provide some sort of insight into a better system into the future. I look forward to discussing the ramifications of the trial with those clubs.

A new structure

Like any sporting club or organisation finding and keeping good volunteers is becoming more and more difficult.

For this reason a review was undertaken to consider the Association’s committee structure with a view to reducing the number of committees and by that the number of committee volunteers required.

The outcome is a structure that focusses on three standing (compulsory) committees in Game Development, Club and People Development and Finances.

Board Directors and Staff are allocated to those areas, with a clear emphasis on looking forward. These committees have now been endorsed by the full Board and are underway with much to do. The Game Development group in particular will seek to smooth the introduction of Open Gender competition where relevant.

And a new Constitution

As part of a Governance Review undertaken in 2020, a number of updates to the BWA Constitution were recommended.

The majority have little impact in the way we operate, many simply 'updating' some required practices, but some were important for clubs to note.

These are in the process of being forwarded to all clubs, with a view to seeking club support in their passing.

Country clubs will be able to cast their vote by mail, with metro clubs required to attend the AGM.

The areas that most affect clubs will be detailed in a document being forwarded, showing the change from the existing Rule and its effect in practice.

We hope the clubs will support these changes with 75% of clubs who vote required to vote in the affirmative for change to proceed.

The Nationals come to Perth

By now all would be aware of the exciting news that The Nationals will be held in WA in October of this year and in 2026. Due to COVID, last year was the first time that The Nationals were held, with Broadbeach BC on the Gold Coast playing host.

So for only the 2nd time Sorrento, Joondalup and Warwick will share the events that make up the two week bowling extravaganza, with many of the World’s best players in action. The events Under 18, Over 60 and Open Sides, Champion of Champion singles, Australian Championships (for state titleholders) and the Para Nationals will provide plenty of opportunities to support our home grown players and teams.

Many thanks to Tourism WA for providing a substantial grant to Bowls Australia to secure the events in Perth

Our 125th anniversary

A significant year for the Association as we look to celebrate the 125th year of the Royal Western Australian Bowling Association (RWABA). A number of interesting articles and exercises are taking place over the course of the year, but none moreso than the selection of our greatest ever Country, Metropolitan and Overall teams, plus our finest ever male and female players.

Significant research is going into providing background statistics for our current and past champions – to provide the best available information to our selectors. But in addition, the bowling community will also play a part in the selection of our greatest ever, as they go head to head pitting record against record in a knockout type format, with the last man and woman standing crowned accordingly.

More information and statistics will be released over the course of the year, with our final selections to be announced around the time of the Nationals in late October/early November.