APRIL 2023

CONTENTS

10

8 UMPIRE

Get ready for a bumper few months of QLD’s most popular events

Joan Brotherton highlights two new laws to be implemented

24 DEVELOPMENT

Editor: Jo Grey

Editorial Assistant: Dee Ayre

Reporters/Photographers: Kelsey Cottrell, Nicole Lawson, Emma Boyd

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club news

27 Catch up on news from clubs across Queensland

34 COACHING

Jacqui Hineman discusses using the SAAFE Protocol in coaching

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Bowls Queensland Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

– International Blind Bowls Championships

Photo:

From the President with

BQ’s Peter Williamson

It was pleasing to see almost a full turn out at the BQ Council Meeting and AGM held on March, 22.

The Council discussed many and varied views from around the State, which is a healthy sign for the ongoing success of the sport.

Match Committee Coordinator, Ron Sommerville, spoke on the viability of District Sides in the present format, creating discussion which will be taken back to districts for their input.

Umpire Committee Coordinator, John Kirkpatrick, gave an overview of the impending new laws coming into force when the new law books are due for release on April, 1. These books are put out by World Bowls and seen to be controversial in nature. One wit observed that the day was appropriate for the release of those laws.

Vice-President, Kerry Green, spoke on the idea that to have the sport going forward, it needs to reduce overheads, and zones may be the way to be put in place encompassing districts for running events, for example Districts Sides etc. Another view was that the State could go to regions. Ideas for feedback at next Council meeting.

Kerry also gave the delegates an update on the Boundary Review Committee.

Michelle Davidson from the Cunningham District spoke about the costs for a district attending the District Sides and State Championships at the Sunshine Coast. The cost had increased for them by 50% since they attended the Gold Coast in 2022. The CEO was asked to do a comparison cost to date on the two areas. The Cunningham cost for 18 persons being $4,800 to attend the Sunshine Coast, while the Gold Coast (for the same time in May) is $4,860 - $6,126.

The Council continued with a variety of questions and answers.

The AGM followed with the Financial and Annual report being accepted. The result of two Board Directors was announced with the incoming Gary Costigan, Martin Corr and we thank the outgoing Brian Marshall and Geoff Osborne for their service. My position as President returned unopposed. I wish to thank the two unsuccessful candidates for standing for board positions.

On a sad note, I wish to report the passing away of a Past BQ Men’s Section President and Match Committee Coordinator, Neville Galbraith (see Vale for Neville on page 12).

Peter Williamson

CEO REPORT

BQ Board and AGM

with BQ’s Brett Wilkie

The Bowls QLD AGM and Council Meeting held in March was another productive meeting. Congratulations to incumbent President Peter Williamson, who was unopposed and will hold this position for another two years. Congratulations to Martin Corr and Gary Costigan who were elected as Board Members for the next two years. Thank you to Denis Kirkman and Graham Lewis who also showed interest in these positions, and to outgoing BQ Directors Brian Marshall and Geoff Osborne for their time and effort over the past six years on the Board.

Congratulations to Peter Williamson for being awarded Life Membership of Bowls Queensland at the March AGM and to Kerry Green for being awarded a Distinguished Service Member Award at the Council Meeting. Both Peter and Kerry have devoted much time and effort to the administration of the sport of bowls in QLD at State, district and club level.

Strategic Plan

The BQ 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan has been approved by the Board of BQ and districts at the March Council Meeting. This has been distributed to districts/clubs and is available on the BQ website.

BQ Staff

Unfortunately, our Membership Officer Michelle Baguley has resigned from this position. Thank you to Michelle for her contribution over the past four years.

Mooloolaba 75th Anniversary

I attended this celebration at Mooloolaba Bowls Club. Congratulations to the club on this milestone and I wish them all the best for the future.

Clubs QLD Awards

Congratulations to Club Pine Rivers for being awarded the Best Bowls Club for the second year in a row and Bribie Island Bowls Club for taking out the Heart of the Community award. Well done to all bowls clubs that were finalists in various awards.

Multi Nations, 25 – 31 March

Due to the late withdrawal of Malaysia, Bowls QLD was invited to enter a team in this event. This was good experience for our young QLD stars, who conducted themselves extremely well. Well done to our Aussie open and para teams in this event.

QLD Junior Camp

The QLD Under 18 Squad of eight girls and eight boys has been invited to attend a QLD junior camp at Hamilton Bowls Club in Brisbane on April, 13-14.

ANZAC Test

Capalaba Sports Club will host this series which involves a BQ President’s XII playing the Australian Defence Force Bowls Team in a three test series on Friday 21 (1 test at night) and Saturday 22 April (2 tests).

QLD Representative Trial

The QLD Selectors have invited 36 women and 36 men to attend a trial at Club Tweed on Sunday 23 April. Players invited will be vying for QLD selection in the Open, Under 25 and 40-59 and Over 60 QLD Teams. Thank you to Hamilton Bowls Club, Capalaba Sports Club and Club Tweed for their support of the three events above.

2023 State District Sides

State District Sides will be played on the Sunshine Coast from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 May at Coolum Beach, Club Maroochy, Club Kawana, The Waves Caloundra and Tewantin Noosa Bowls Clubs. Twenty women’s and 20 men’s teams will do battle in this annual series.

2023 State Championships

The State Championships will run from Monday 8 –Sunday 21 May with all finals at Coolum Beach Bowls Club. Thank you to the Sunshine Coast Council and Coolum Beach BC for their support of this event.

Bowls QLD Event Hosting

Thank you to all clubs who showed expressions of interest to host Bowls QLD events.

Successful clubs for 2023 are the following:

• Champion of Club Champions – October 21 to 26 at Souths Suburban in Mackay.

• State Pennant – November 4 & 5 at Club Tweed.

• State 8 A-Side – November 11 & 12 at Capalaba Sports Club.

• State District Mixed Pairs – November 18 & 19 at Bargara.

Brett

Wilkie

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UPCOMING STATE EVENTS

ANZAC TEST SERIES

April 21-22, 2023 at Capalaba Sports Club

The ANZAC Test Series commenced in 2014 to mark the centenary of the ANZAC legend. It commemorates the efforts of our soldiers over the past 100 years, since World War 1 started in 1914, with the centenary of ANZAC honoured in 2018. Due to the success of this series it has continued each year and will be held again in 2023.

STATE DISTRICT SIDES

May 3-6, 2023 in Sunshine Coast District

The 2023 State District Sides Championships will be held at Coolum Beach, Club Kawana, Club Maroochy, The Waves Caloundra and Tewantin Noosa Bowls Clubs.

The District Sides Championships is the marquee event on Queensland’s bowling calendar, with districts going head-to-head in separate men’s and women’s competitions. These teams battle it out, not only for bragging rights, but also for the chance to be crowned Queensland’s top bowling district.

The competition is held over four days, with approximately 550 players and team officials attending each year.

Upon the conclusion of the District Sides, players have the opportunity to stay at the host district to compete in Queensland’s State Championships.

2022 WINNERS

Val Woodward Perpetual Shield (Women)

Gold Coast Tweed Blue

Harry Wright Memorial Shield (Men)

Winner: Gold Coast Tweed

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 8-21, 2023 in Sunshine Coast District

The $50,000 2023 State Championships will be played at clubs in the Sunshine Coast area with all finals held at Coolum Beach Bowls Club.

Queensland’s State Championships are open to all Bowls Queensland affiliated bowlers. These championships enable players to compete for State titles in Singles, Pairs, Over-60 Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Triples and Fours.

Winners of the 2023 Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours and Mixed Pairs advance to the Australian Championships to be played in October (venue to be confirmed).

Schedule:

• Mixed Pairs – May 8, 9 & 10

• Men’s Triples & Women’s Triples – May 11 & 12

• Men’s Fours & Women’s Fours – May 13, 14 & 15

• Men’s Pairs & Women’s Pairs – May 16, 17 & 18

• Men’s Over 60 Pairs & Women’s Over 60 Pairs – May 16, 17 & 18

• Men’s Singles & Women’s Singles – May 19, 20 & 21

2022 WINNERS

Mixed Pairs

Kelsey Cottrell & Nick Cahill

Women’s Singles

Kelsey Cottrell

Women’s Pairs

Tilly Orero & Marilyn Emerton

Women’s Over 60 Pairs

Adele Pershouse & Gail Crompton

Women’s Triples

Dareyle Hester, Terese McAlary, Sue Brady

Women’s Fours

Valerie Jackson, Anne McClure, Gail Crompton, Wendy Wilson

Men’s Singles

Dean McWhinney

Men’s Pairs

Chris Le Lievre & Matthew Lucas

Men’s Over 60 Pairs

Max Jaffray & Neville Jenkins

Men’s Triples

Chris Le Lievre, Nick Cahill, Aron Sherriff

Men’s Fours

Michael Breen, Jason Carpenter, Chris Rosanes, Aaron Hewson

2022 State Singles gold medal winners, Kelsey Cottrell & Dean McWhinney

INTERNATIONAL BLIND BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS QUEENSLANDERS SHINE!

March 25-31, Gold Coast

By Kelsey Cottrell

Australia was awarded the Overall Team Champion title for Most Outstanding Country at the International Blind Bowlers Association (IBBA) Championships.

Queenslanders contributed to the medal tally and performed admirably for Australia against seven other countries all boasting the best players in the world.

Not only were there international medals on the line, but all players were competing for their chance to be selected for the World Bowls Championship in August, which is being played in conjunction with the Open World Bowls Championships on the Gold Coast.

All the action took place at Club Tweed and was broadcast live on the Gold Coast Tweed District and Bowls Queensland Facebook pages, which was a boost for the event and for these bowlers to showcase their skills to the rest of the world.

Jake Fehlberg has been a sensation on the international scene for some years now and, at the tender age of 29, there’s no

Director Peter Doherty with Helen Boardman & Jake Fehlberg with director Cody Fehlberg after winning the B2 Mixed Pairs gold medal

stopping this super-star of the sport who is putting disability bowls on the map.

Jake Fehlberg triumphed in the B2/B3 mixed pairs at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games alongside fellow Queenslander Lynne Seymour.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Jake became the first para lawn bowls player to win back-to-back gold medals at a Commonwealth Games, with another Queenslander, Helen Boardman, in the B2-B3 mixed pairs.

Jake was encouraged to play bowls by his father Grant Fehlberg and now teams up with his brother Cody as his Director for the first time in a major international event.

Jake’s eyesight started to deteriorate when he was 10, so he would ask fellow bowlers to stand at the head to guide him to the jack.

After a while, he started using a monocular or binoculars to see the other end of the rink.

Now based at Bargara, Jake Fehlberg claimed gold in the B2 Men’s Singles with a 21-13 victory over South Africa.

He also teamed up with his fellow Commonwealth Games gold medallist Helen Boardman, along with her Director Peter Doherty, to win gold in the B2 Mixed Pairs.

Boardman didn’t share the success her partner did in her singles category, falling agonizingly short with a fourth-place finish in the B2 Ladies Singles.

Other Australian Jackaroos also left the International Championships with medals around their necks. WA’s Calvin Rodgers secured a silver in the B3 Men’s Singles and went one better in the B3 Mixed Pairs, winning gold alongside Jackie Hudson from New South Wales.

Scott Kinnear joined Fehlberg as a dual gold-medallist, claiming victory in the B4 Men’s Singles and B4 Mixed Pairs with partner Sharon Dunk.

Overall, Australia were just seven points in front of second placed South Africa, whilst New Zealand finished third on the overall standings.

Club Tweed once again hosted a brilliant worldclass event led by Bowls Manager Wayne Turley.

The coverage of, and enthusiasm for, this event showed that it’s not just events for the elite ablebodied athletes we should support.

Para bowls in Australia is growing and Queenslanders are playing a big part in that movement.

Well done to Jake, Helen, Peter and Cody and to the other Australians who performed well at this event.

You can watch the live stream on the BQ Facebook page here: facebook.com/ BowlsQld

Jake Fehlberg with director Cody Fehlberg after winning the B2 Men’s Singles gold medal

Photos Emma Boyd & Ellen Falkner

VALE NEV GALBRAITH

Bowls Queensland was saddened to hear of the passing of Neville (Nev) Galbraith (78).

Nev devoted many years to Bowls Queensland in various roles from 2006 – 2017 as BQ Men’s Section President, Board Director, Men’s Section Committee member, Match Committee co-ordinator and member.

Nev also devoted much time to roles with the Brisbane North District and Deception Bay Bowls Club. Condolences to his family and close friends. Rest In Peace, Nev.

Meritorious Award for Derek from Wellington Point

Congratulations to Derek Penny from Wellington Point Bowls Club on his Meritorious Award.

Derek’s bowling career began in Goroka, Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1974.  After leaving PNG in 1990, Derek was a member of Manly Bowls Club until relocating to Wellington Point Bowls Club in 1994.

In recognition of more than 25 years of continuous service to our sport in the Gateway District, Derek was honoured with a special presentation of the award by the President of Bowls Queensland, Peter Williamson, who was accompanied by Earl Klease, Secretary of Gateway District Bowls Association.

Peter Williamson congratulated and thanked Derek for his long-time service and commitment. He also reminded us of Derek’s service over the years, which has included Club President, District President, and Gateway delegate representing the island bowls clubs. Derek is also the current Wellington Point Gateway delegate.

Derek thanked Peter Williamson and Earl Klease for their attendance and the honour they bestowed with the presentation of the Meritorious Award.

bq LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDED TO PETER WILLIAMSON

DSM AWARDED TO KERRY GREEN

Nev Galbraith

Congratulations to BQ President, Peter Williamson, on being awarded Life Membership of Bowls Queensland at the March AGM.

Pictured is BQ Vice-President, Kerry Green, presenting the award to Peter.

Congratulations to BQ Vice-President Kerry Green for being awarded a Distinguished Service Member Award at the 2023 Council Meeting.

Pictured is BQ President, Peter Williamson, presenting the award to Kerry.

Peter Williamson, Derek Penny & Earl Klease

Contributed by Daryl Dodd

MOOLOOLABA’s 75th anniversary

Mooloolaba Bowls Club recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Bowls Queensland President Peter Williamson attended the club’s celebration, where he congratulated the club and presented Mooloolaba Club Chair Col Pritchard with a BQ commemorative plaque.

MACKAY CITY LADIES BC CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

In 1992, the ladies of Mackay City BC formed their own club.  The late Mr Fred Field, a member of the Men’s Club at the time, was a strong advocate for the formation of a ladies club, and inaugural meeting was held on January, 27 1993.

BQ Director, Carmel Gibb, would like to thank the women from the club for the invitation and hospitality.

“It was wonderful to join in the celebrations with the ladies from City and all the surrounding clubs who came along for such a fun day,” Carmel said. “What a pleasure to catch up, celebrate and bowl with all of the ladies.”

President Marie Frederickson with Secretary Janette Dark and the committee organised this milestone event, which was very successful.

“You all did a great job; the bowling was such fun and the lunch was second to none,” said Carmel. “Cath did a superb job on the celebration cake decoration and the taste of the fruit cake was absolutely delicious, such a talented lady.”

Carmel would like to wish Mackay City Ladies Bowls Club many more successful years in the future.

BQ Director Carmel Gibb with President Marie Frederickson

Foundation Members Back L-R: Dawn Field (with President Marie Frederickson), Front L-R: Pauline Jones, Norma Farrell (95) & Doris Munro

Cake by member Cath

Pictured right: Mooloolaba Club Chair Col Pritchard receives commemorative plaque from BQ President Peter Williamson

DISABILITY NO HANDICAP TO BRENDON

Meet young Brendon Turner. He is a wheelchair user, deaf and has no speech. He started coming to Hervey Bay Bowls Club every Monday morning, along with his carer, Doug, to play bowls and loves the game. He attends bowls every Monday morning, and the club provides ramp access to the green and equipment for him to enjoy. He brings his own mat to kneel on while delivering the bowl.

What a truly great inspiration he is to all bowlers with a disability.

On a recent visit when Brendon and Doug returned to our club for another session of lawn bowls, the club had organised a surprise.

Carer Doug and Brendon using the access ramp to the green Brendon accepting his new club shirt

Club Chairman Gary Arthur presenting Brendon with his new set of bowls

Club Chairman, Garry Arthur, presented Brendon with his own set of bowls in a bag, a club shirt and a bowls cloth.

He was also presented a trophy in recognition of his efforts to participate in the game. Brendon then proceeded to demonstrate his skill in front of an audience of club members. He wowed them with several good draw shots to kitty. What an amazing young man!

Brendon receives his trophy while carer Doug signs to him

Contributed by Brian Stumer

BOWLS Premier League

BULLS TAKE THE TITLE

By Kelsey Cottrell

The 2023 Premier League season lived up to the expectations set from previous years. Seasoned players from around the world were drawn in by the top level competition, but the event was not only for the usual deft bowlers. This year, organisers welcomed a new team to the fray: the Western Outlaws. There were upsets most weekends showcasing the closeness of the competition and the finals makeup was not confirmed until the final round, just to keep everyone in suspense!

Burleigh Water Dragons had blitzed through the season, losing just one game and claiming the competition’s best performed rink, skipped by Northern Irish International Gary Kelly. All signs were pointing to a Burleigh back-to-back victory, but whispers of a boil-over were gathering momentum in the week leading up to finals.

Broadbeach Bulls finished 5th after a disappointing loss to the Helensvale Hawks in the last round and would have to take the hard road to victory on finals weekend.

First up they would face the Belmont Blaze in the elimination final, that had defeated all four teams from the top five throughout the season. The Blaze was certainly a threat and a team with nothing to lose.

Broadbeach Bulls were the ones that came out all guns blazing, with a six scored on the first end by Aron Sherriff; that indeed set the tone for the rest of the match and the Bulls went on to win by 23 shots.

Helensvale Hawks and the Pine Rivers Pirates had a double-chance but the loser of that match-up knew they would likely face a red-hot Broadbeach side who most punters were predicting would find their stride come finals.

With the fear of dropping out of the finals race by Saturday afternoon, it was the Helensvale Hawks who came out of the blocks the fastest and cruised home to victory on 2 rinks to 1 over the Pirates.

Broadbeach Bulls - winners of the 2023 Premier League Queensland

That set up a tantalising re-match from round 1 with Minor Premiers, the Burleigh Water Dragons and the high flying Hawks, with the winner to move directly into the Grand Final.

That Major Semi-Final was not as close as many would have thought and, in fact, it was the Helensvale Hawks who shocked the Burleigh crew with a 70-45 victory. They were the first team to book their place in the Grand Final.

The Bulls were far too good for the Pirates in the Minor Semi-final, sending the Pirates home early after a solid season which had seen them finish second on the ladder.

The Preliminary Final between Burleigh and Broadbeach on Sunday morning was entertaining and anyone’s game until roughly that 60 end mark.

A few telling shots from the Broadbeach skippers in those dying stages put the game out of reach for Burleigh.

The battle between two powerhouse Gold Coast clubs, Broadbeach and Helensvale, promised to be an exciting final to finish off the 2023 season.

Both clubs had all-star sides and were no strangers to Premier League Grand Finals.

It was the Bulls who romped home in an emphatic victory in front of a packed Musgrave Hill crowd, cementing their place back on top of the tree.

Broadbeach Bulls were defending champions in the Premier Reserves: however, title defence was looking ominous with the star-studded team struggling to make finals, finishing fifth after an inconsistent season by their own high standards.

The struggles seemed well behind them when they turned up to play on finals weekend, back to fielding their full-strength side and looking the goods.

Broadbeach went on the same hot streak as their Premier grade, knocking out the Helensvale Hawks, then the Pine Rivers Pirates in the Minor Semi-final.

Their next victims were the Tweed Heads Ospreys and in a Grand-Final repeat from 2022 the Bulls once again defeated the Burleigh Water Dragons in a very close encounter.

A new initiative was unveiled on finals day; a prize for the best performed player in the Grand Final being awarded to both the Premier Grade and Reserve Grade.

The players who were awarded the Clive Churchill equivalent were Broadbeach’s Heather Hodgson and Broadbeach Premier Grade lead Andrew Waddell.

Congratulations to the Broadbeach Bulls who took home the silverware in both competitions, fighting back from fifth place on the ladder and starting the 2023 club season in style.

Photos: Nicole Lawson

Broadbeach Bulls - winners of the 2023 Premier Reserves

CLUB ROBINA ROLLS INTO NEW ERA

Bowlers across Robina have breathed a collective sigh of relief, with Club Helensvale coming to the rescue of the ailing Robina Bowls Club.

The club faced several years of financial difficulties, with COVID 19 putting the club’s future on a knife-edge. However, the purchase by Club Helensvale ensures bowls will continue at the site, with big improvements planned for both the bowls and club facilities.

Club Helensvale CEO Wayne Moffatt, said the clubs first started talks in late 2022.

“It was clear to us very quickly that the club was on the verge of closure and without outside support it would almost certainly fold, Mr Moffatt stated.

“As a not-for-profit community bowls club we felt it was within our charter to help out, providing a brighter future for the Robina community and adding another great facility for our members residing to the south to enjoy.”

With the support of our both boards, the agreement to take over the club was approved by Robina Bowls Club members in December, with Club Helensvale taking over operations immediately.

Club Helensvale has already made its mark on Robina, re-branding the venue to Club Robina, re-launching a new restaurant menu, completing improvements to car parking, and employing three new staff.

But that’s just the beginning of an even brighter future according to CEO Wayne Moffatt.

“The club in the leafy streets of Robina will be given a new lease on life, with multi-million-dollar renovations planned over the coming years,” he said.

“Our first priority will be to improve the standard of the bowling greens that support the 180 strong bowling membership.

“Then we’ll turn our attention to the club facilities, with a new masterplan to be created, offering modern club facilities for the whole community to enjoy!”

The support of Club Helensvale has been welcomed by the club’s bowling members including Dawn Forrest who joined the club in 1994 and held the positions of Secretary, Games Director, Treasurer, Ladies President and Board Member.

“I was quite upset to think that my club may close its doors after almost 30 years as a member,” Mrs Forrest said.

“When I heard Club Helensvale was interested in taking on the club, I felt like we were being thrown a lifeline.

“Things are now looking bright for us and I’m very positive and optimistic about the future for Club Robina.” In an ironic twist of fate, Club Helensvale was in its own financial hardship only three years ago. When COVID shut the industry down in March 2020, we weren’t in a great position,” Mr Moffatt recalled.

“However, with the support of our members, we’ve turned that around, completing two major renovations in 2021 and 2022.

We’re now embarking on a $13 million renovation including construction of a new international standard undercover bowling green, two-story bowlers lounge and function centre, and carpark upgrades.

“To be in the position to renovate our entire club and now take on Club Robina is a fantastic achievement for our members.

“Members will be able to join at either club for just $5 for one year, or $20 for five years and enjoy access and member benefits across both clubs.

“Club Helensvale is proud to support our community and the addition of Club Robina ensures the local community can continue to enjoy their local club for years to come.”

For more information on the new look Club Robina, visit clubrobina.com.au

Back L-R: Ann Holmes (Club Helensvale Women’s President), Tom Cowper (Robina Bowls Club Committee Member), Tom Moore (Club Helensvale Deputy Chair), Brent Lowary (Robina Bowls Club Committee Member) & Paul Fern (Club Helensvale Director)

Front L-R: Carmel Gibb (Club Helensvale Director), Dawn Forrest (Robina Bowls Club Secretary), Margaret Donaldson (Club Helensvale Chair) & Gerald East (Club Helensvale Treasurer)

Umpire with Joan Brotherton

Changes to the laws of bowls

Many of the special competitions played over the past three months are coming to a close and we will be preparing for the State District Sides and State Championships. I hope that you have all enjoyed these competitions and are looking forward to May when we will meet in the Sunshine Coast for the State Championships.

From April, we will also have new laws by which to abide and these will be in the World Bowls - Laws of the Sport of Bowls Crystal Mark Fourth Edition. The new law books are being printed and will include Bowls Australia Domestic Regulations. These books will be available when advised.

There are many changes, and I know many districts will be holding workshops to discuss and go through these new laws with you. I will also list and discuss these various new laws in future columns.

However, as you will be commencing many events in April, I would like to list two new laws that are very important for you all to be aware of - unfortunately I won’t know the page numbers until the new law book arrives.

These are as follows and come under Law 37.1 – Bowl displacement by another player, to alleviate the situation of a player stopping one of their own team’s bowls from disturbing the head and gaining an advantage either by lifting a bowl at rest or stopping their bowl in its original course. These are:

Law 37.1.3 If a bowl in its original course is deliberately displaced or stopped by a member of the team that delivered the bowl, the defaulting team will forfeit the game to their opponent.

Law 37.1.5.3 If a player lifts a bowl at rest on their rink to allow their team’s bowl in its original course to pass, the defaulting team will forfeit the game to their opponent.

Player stopping a bowl in its original course before it reaches the ditch – Law 37.1.3 applies

Team B director lifts Team A’s shot bowl to allow their team’s bowl in its original course to pass or come to rest – Law 37.1.5.3 applies

The black bowl is the shot bowl belonging to Team A and the blue bowl belongs to Team B and is in its original course

“The new laws were not introduced to punish players that stop a bowl from entering the ditch that has not disturbed the head.

The Law Committee understands this occurs on a regular basis, but it is a timely reminder and key message from the Law Committee that no bowl belonging to the players, or the rink of play should be lifted, stopped, or displaced.

Other laws are available to deal with situations where bowls and the jack and these should still be applied accordingly.”

I also suggest that should you have a toucher or jack in the ditch, you mark it as stated in Law 14.4 for the bowl (Law 37.7 would apply).

Use Law 18.2 for the jack (Law 38.5.3 would apply) as they could be moved by the bowl that has just been delivered entering the ditch.

I have received many queries regarding the laws around leaving the green for 10 minutes, especially as we are still experiencing hot and humid weather.

Unfortunately, in some cases, bowlers’ requests have been declined.

The laws to cover this are relatively the same in both the Laws of the Sport of Bowls Crystal Mark 3.2 and Fourth Edition, the only change is the law number is Law 32 instead of Law 33 as follows:

Current Law 33 Leaving the green during the course of play (substitutes will be added to this heading in the new Law 32). This situation is very important as we have a Duty of Care to our players.

During hot weather, many players find that they are unwell and need 10 minutes to have a drink/go to the washroom/leave the green to go inside the club where it’s air-conditioned.

Law 32.1 No player must delay play by leaving the rink of play or their team unless their opponent agrees, and then for no more than 10 minutes. (This is important, and you must ask your opponent as it is also a good check to make sure you are OK during that 10 minutes).

Law 32.2 If a player has to leave the green during the course of a team or side game due to illness or some other reasonable cause, and they cannot return within 10 minutes, the umpire or the Controlling Body can approve the introduction of a substitute.

There are also further laws covering other factors relating to the above that have not been changed. Continue to enjoy your bowls and the friendships it brings.

Live Jack and 2 Toucher Bowls in the ditch

Live Jack Law 18.2 and Toucher Bowl Law 14.4 in the ditch and have been marked in the ditch as required

How to get a Junior Program up and running

It’s true, the challenge of getting juniors into our sport of bowls is not new and some of these tips below have been published before. Some clubs may have taken steps towards getting a junior program up and running and other clubs may be thinking about it.

Wherever your club is on this journey, what I urge you to do is to look at the cover of the February 2023 Bowler issue and absorb the smiling, proud faces of the new Junior State Champions and read some of the inspirational stories inside. How can you not want to spread that feeling of participation and achievement across as many juniors as you can?

Sport at a junior level needs to be fun, positive, enjoyable and inclusive. So, what can your club do to ignite the passion for bowls amongst the juniors in your area?

Unlike sports such as soccer and rugby, bowls doesn’t have a feeder club for juniors. It is up to our clubs to play that role.

In practical terms, what need is:

• A very dedicated person or persons who love to work with children.

• A person or persons who love the sport of bowls and have a passion to develop the sport.

• A person or persons who has the time and qualifications to run weekly training sessions.

The next question to ask is: Do we have anyone who meets the above criteria? Once you’ve found these

people, work with them to find a time and the space to start a program. Start small and it will build. It’s very important to secure Blue Cards for all people working with children. Ask your district if they have a junior coordinator, maybe there will be some support available from them and some information on other juniors in the area.

Some other points for consideration are:

• Green space and bowls suitable to run sessions for juniors (nine years to 18 years).

• Programs that focus on providing a simple, fun, accessible and affordable introduction to bowls.

• Cooperation between clubs and coordinator of the program and a Duty of Care document for juniors (to protect both children and the club).

• Family bowls initiatives that encourage participation by the whole family in various forms.

Finally, do yourself a favour and Google “You’re Never too Old to Inspire”, and a five-minute You Tube clip will come up. Watch this clip, then come back to this story. Guaranteed you will be inspired!

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful feeling to know you have played a part in kicking off a junior’s bowls journey?

If you need any support, your local RBM is only a phone call away (see contact details below) and we can and will assist.

Friendships made and rekindled at the 2023 Junior State Championships

Navigating Club Mergers: A Guide to Legal and Financial Due Diligence

Club mergers have become increasingly common in recent years, with many clubs looking to join forces to increase their resources, membership base, and overall success. While there are many cultural and strategic considerations involved in merging with another club, it’s also important to conduct thorough legal and financial due diligence to ensure that you fully understand the risks and benefits of the merger.

In this article, we’ll discuss some key legal and financial considerations that clubs should consider as part of merger discussions.

Financial Health check

One of the most important steps in the due diligence process is assessing the financial health of the clubs involved. It’s essential to understand the current financial position of the club you are considering merging with or acquiring, particularly their liabilities.

Reviewing financial statements, management accounts, budgets, and business plans of both clubs can help ensure that their financial position accurately reflects what has been represented, and that the anticipated financial position following the merger is realistic. Consider enlisting the help of a club industry expert who can analyse figures and budgets to industry benchmarks and provide advice on

the sustainability of revenue and potential for growth.

Conduct Legal Due Diligence

In addition to assessing financial health, it’s important to conduct legal due diligence regarding the assets and parties involved in the transaction. This may involve reviewing title details, leases, encumbrances, zoning constraints, building certificates, fire safety, employment issues, and encumbrances over any assets.

It’s also important to conduct due diligence on the other parties involved to ensure that they have complied with their constitution and have power to enter into the proposed transaction, and that they are not insolvent or subject to any court proceedings.

Determine Merged Club Structure

As part of any merger, it is critical to determine the proposed structure of the club and membership classes. This should be addressed at an early stage, especially if your club is being acquired by a larger club.

It’s essential to ensure that the constitution of the other club allows for the acquisition and recognises any separate membership class and voting or other rights you are expecting to be maintained following the acquisition. Consideration also needs to be given as to whether your existing club will continue to operate in its own

right, and if not, will the merged club become an affiliate with Bowls Queensland?

Document the Proposed Merger

Once the key terms of the proposed merger have been agreed, the detailed legal arrangements need to be documented between the parties. This process can take time, especially if additional documents need to be negotiated, such as a lease, land contract, finance documents, or amendments to a club’s constitution. To expedite the process, parties may agree to basic terms and document them in a memorandum of understanding. This can clarify key terms and provide a period of exclusivity to more fully negotiate a deal, conduct further due diligence, or consult with key stakeholders such as members regarding the merger.

Club mergers can be a complicated process, and it’s important to conduct legal and financial due diligence to ensure that you fully understand the risks and benefits involved. By following the steps outlined above, you can increase the likelihood of a successful merger and set your club up for long-term success. If you have any questions relating to a club merger or

acquisition, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Matt Bradford, directly on 07 3224 0353.

HOW TO PUBLISH IN THE BOWLER

We often get asked how to send in a story to the “What’s your club been doing” section of the Queensland Bowler magazine. We welcome contributions, and, to give your club the best chance of appearing in the Bowler, please follow these guidelines when submitting your article or images:

Images

• Images to be at original size, at least 1MB. Phone photographs are accepted, but only at original size.

• Images of people to be accompanied by names from left to right. Please double check the spelling.

• Images sent to us MUST have the subject’s permission to be published and we need written permission from guardians/parents of minors under the age of 18.

• Images to be original. It is plagiarism to take photos from the internet without permission from the photographer, which includes Facebook, Google images, etc. Please ensure that any photo you send to the Bowler magazine is original.

Tips on taking a photo suitable for publishing

• Try to take photos in natural light. It makes a big difference!

• If you have to take photos inside, consider the background of your photo. Are there cables hanging from a TV? Are there messy bags, food wrappers or untidy tables in the background? Are there people sitting in the background who shouldn’t be in the shot?

• Get closer, take a step forward. The best zoom option is your feet.

• When photographing a group, a wide shot taken from afar never looks good. Arrange people in rows, encourage them to stand close together, so that your shot isn’t too wide.

• Make sure everyone is looking at your camera. Often, other people hijack the shot you’ve lined up and the subjects look at them, leaving you with a photograph of people looking elsewhere.

• Remove sunglasses if possible. Lift the peaks of hats if they are worn in the photo, to avoid shadows on faces.

• Take more than one photo. Usually people relax by the time you’ve taken a few shots and it shows in the photo. Send us the best photo, or send them all and we’ll pick the best for publishing.

• Images should be jpg and png format only.

• Send images separately. Do not embed them in a document, we cannot use them this way. Images should be sent as attachments to an email.

• Clearly label each image.

Words

• Club news articles range from between 200 to 600 words. Bios can be around 600 words, depending on the nature of the story. Quotes from winners, the subject or the president of your club can add some interest to the story.

• Articles should be sent as an attachment in MS Word, or as plain text in the body of the email.

• Attach articles and images to your email. Do not embed images into documents. Images should be sent as separate jpgs with the article, attached to your email.

FAQs

Did you get my email?

Please do not ring us immediately to check if your email has arrived, we will let you know once we have read and processed your story, or if we have any questions. Please allow a few days for us to respond to you first, before following up.

What’s the deadline?

The deadline for contributions is the 15th of each month for the next issue.

Why wasn’t my article published?

We may not be able to get your story in the next issue due to space limitations, but we will try our best. Sometimes, stories get held over to the next issue.

If you get stuck with anything, please email or call us and we can help!

How do I send my article/photos to you?

Email articles and photos to media@bowlsqld.org

WHAT’S YOUR CLUB BEEN DOING?

Happy Hundredth to Hazel!

It was a privilege for the Pine Rivers Ladies Bowls Club (PRLBC) to celebrate Hazel Milligan’s 100th birthday.

Hazel joined the PRLBC on November 26, 1997. Over the years, Hazel has been an affiliated member of Queensland Ladies Bowls Association (QLBA), Brisbane North District Ladies Bowls Association (BNDLBA) and the current Moreton Bay District Ladies Bowls Association (MBDLBA).

Hazel bowled socially until the age of 90 and became a Matriarch of the club in 2013.

No longer an active bowler, she continued her membership as a non-playing member and attends the club’s special day lunches.

On Wednesday 22 February, Hazel received presentations from PRLBC and the MBDLBA to mark this milestone birthday along with gifts, flowers, balloons and a plaque from the district. A special birthday cake was cut and shared with all who attended the day.

When Hazel was approached for some thoughts on this day, she said, “I moved down from Atherton in 1997 after playing bowls for five years”.

“I joined Pine Rivers Ladies Bowls Club that same year and played social bowls until I turned 90, and have enjoyed being a member at Pine Rivers Ladies Bowls Club for 25 years.

“Before playing bowls, I played golf and was an active member of Cairns and Gordonvale Golf Clubs for 30 years, and was lucky enough to make a hole-in-one on the Gordonvale Links!” Hazel said. “I enjoyed playing sport very much and, when I joined the PRLBC, I was warmly welcomed and found the ladies to be friendly and helpful.”

Members of the club enjoyed sharing Hazel’s incredible milestone and look forward to sharing future birthdays with her. Hazel is a delightful lady who is very sociable, always smiling and it is a pleasure to know her.

Contributed by Susan Williams

Centenarian Hazel Milligan with Pine Rivers’ Ladies President Linda Wilson

Hazel’s 100th birthday cake

Friendship Day at Maroochy

Club Maroochy women have proudly commenced a monthly ladies’ morning bowls activity in memory of Martie Pettifer, who sadly passed away in July 2021.

The aim of the Martie Pettifer Friendship Day is to bring together first-time bowlers from our coaching clinics, new members and experienced bowlers within our club.

We see this event as a way to encourage our bowlers to promote new friendships and build confidence to play in a wider array of bowls events.

For many years, Martie was the Vice President of the bowls committee, where her ability to introduce and include new bowlers was exceptional. It could be said she was the ‘glue’ that brought our members together, new and old, and she is sadly missed.

Martie used to encourage everyone to enter our club championships. So many experienced bowlers today would have Martie to thank for encouraging them to give it a go and build new friendships within the club she loved.

In the spirit of Martie, our ladies are enjoying the club select triples concept and are happy to gain and impart bowls knowledge and etiquette to each other.

As coaches and organisers of this event, we hope to bring forth emerging, active club players and prospective club champions of the future, while fostering a wide array of players to represent our club at all levels.

Contributed by Sue Liddelow & Jill Guthrie

Darra Cementco Shafik Torbey Memorial Master Pairs

The 39th Darra Cementco Shafik Torbey Memorial Master Pairs event was held on the last Tuesday in February. When Shafik, a long standing member and patron of the club, started this event in 1984, he could not have realised it would become one of the most popular events in Queensland. This event has been won by many “who’s who” of bowls, including Keith Poole in its first year, followed by Parella, Glasson, Coomber and Hawken and more recently Wilkie, Rice, Baker and the Nelson brothers.

This year was an extremely even competition with Jake Rynne and Troy Tucker of Carina winning over Red Hill duo Chris Mudd and Peter Ellul. In equal third place were the Red Hill team of Steve Hayden and Dave Thomas along with Mark Armstrong and Brendan Wilson of Hamilton.

The medallions and prize money were presented by Anthony Torbey, eldest son of Shafik and the current patron of the Darra Club.

L-R: Anthony Torbey with winners Jake Rynne & Tyler Tucker (Pettigrew)

Contributed by Peter Gilbert

L-R: Anthony Torbey with runners-up Peter Ellul & Chris Mudd

Equal third place Dave Thomas & Steve Hayden

Equal third place Brendan Wilson & Mark Armstrong

Students Enjoy Six Weeks of Bowling

Sunshine Coast Christian College students enjoyed six weeks of playing bowls at Woombye Bowls Club.

They all got involved and showed heaps of promise for the future of bowls, under the guidance of Woombye Bowls Club Coaches Chris Harper (pictured demonstrating how to roll a bowl) with Eric Tomsene (pictured behind explaining the shot).

Westco Men’s Fours Classic at West Cairns Bowls Club

The Westco Men’s Fours Classic was held over the first weekend of March, attracting 16 teams and offering a prize pool of $3,800. Teams came from as far south as Ingham, north to Mossman and west to Atherton.

After playing three games of 16 ends on Saturday, a clear winner emerged with Kevin Richardson leading, John Poplin in second, Mal Taylor in third and Steve Kavanagh skipping. This team picked up the money for the first day.

But, on Sunday there was a change in the leadership and two teams ended in first place with 73 points. So, a count back was needed to separate the teams.

The final winners were Team Cribbin - Mitch Styles,

It was a very social weekend with some great lawn bowls played that was enjoyed by all. Also, having more than 120mm of rain over the weekend, the roof over the green meant play could continue.

Contributed by Eric Tomsene

3rd place L-R Harrison Mauder with Team Kiwi: Col Rowbottom, John Phillips, Mick DeBrien & Kevin Deegan

Winners L-R Harrison Maunder (on behalf of Sponsor Cameron Atkinson from Westco Volkwagen) with Team Cribbin: Mitch Styles, Justin Cribbin, Ben Cribbin & Geoff Ryder

2nd place L-R Harrison Mauder with Team Hanson: Rob Wilson, Steve Hanson, Kim Mitchell & Mac Smith

Contributed by Eddie Czarnecki

Justin Cribbin, Ben Cribbin and Geoff Ryder. This relegated 2nd place to Team Hanson – Rob Wilson, Steve Hanson, Kim Mitchell and Mac Smith and third place went to Team Kiwi – Col Rowbottom, John Phillips, Mick DeBrien and Kevin Deegan.

Laidley’s Eddie Muller - 65 Years of Enjoying Bowls

On the 8th of April 1958, Eddie Muller paid a fee of one guinea (one pound and one shilling) to join the Lowood Bowls Club. Eddie still has the original receipt (pictured below).

In April of that year, Eddie was made a full member of the club and has kept a copy of the meeting minutes recording his joining of the Lowood Bowls Club.

Then, the fee to play a game of bowls was five shillings.

Eddie worked for many years doing different jobs for the club, including rolling and preparing the green for play.

Eddie played lead position in a team for 20 years. He has great memories of playing a format of the game called Cock of the Walk (he was the first player to win 10 shots). He won for seven years running, then retired undefeated.

Over the years, Eddie has won the singles, pairs and fours competitions multiple times.

Eddie was also Patron of the Lowood Bowls Club for seven years.

In 1992, Eddie and his family moved to Gatton, where he played bowls for several years and won many competitions. While there, he played lead position for his skip (Brett Wilkie) when they played Pennants for the club.

Several years later, Eddie went to the Laidley Bowls Club to play a game of bowls and the rest is history. He still plays there today, where he enjoys the friendship of his fellow bowlers.

Eddie uses the original bowls he purchased in 1958 from the McDonnell and East department store in Brisbane.

When asked what he paid for his bowls, Eddie replied, “I think it was about £28 - not bad at less than 10 shillings per year over 65 years”.

Eddie’s first club membership (1958) receipt

Eddie Muller with his bowls bought in 1958

Contributed by Pat Morgan

Prawn Day at The Cross

At the Southern Cross Bowls Club in Warwick, Prawn Day Bowls was a huge success with a large number attending to enjoy the bowls and a big feed of fresh tasty prawns.

President Cameron “Yowie” Wilson raced to the Gold Coast early to get the morning catch straight from the fishing trawler.

Novices were included in the teams and there were some great bowls played with laughter in abundance.

After finishing the game of 18 ends and putting the bowls away, it was down to eating and washing down delicious prawns with a cold one. A great way to end the afternoon. Team Patapus kept in touch with the points, but in the end they were outclassed by the colourful performance of the Wiggles.

Species overcame the Bushrats. The Easybeats lived up to their name when they were trodden all over by team Moose. The Clippers or Flippers didn’t know what game they were playing against the Prawn Stars and The Old Farts blew the Moonys off.

We’re Too Sexy For Our Bodies put on a show against the Scot’s Knees.

Team Trouble were definitely in deep strife against team Focus.

There were plenty of raffles and prizes of even more prawns to take home. A big thank you goes to all those members who put the work in to make the day happen, and to those who attended and played. See you next time at the Cross.

For barefoot bowls, social and competition bowls, functions and bar, it is hard to go past the Southern Cross Bowls Club Inc. opposite St Mary’s Church in Warwick.

Contributed by Geoff Davis

Colourful Paul Grantham played in team “Trouble” at Prawn Day Bowls

Resident Irishman and Super Veteran bowler, Val Gray plays another great shot at Prawn Day Bowls

What could be more delicious after a great day on the green than fresh prawns?

New Experience for Centrepoint Church Deaf Group

Toombul Bowls Club Inc. recently played host to a group of novice, hearing-impaired bowlers of various ages from the Centrepoint Church Deaf Group. These first-timers joined us to learn the fundamentals of lawn bowls.

The event was a new experience for both verbal and nonverbal players. Cheryl, the interpreter, found that while sometimes the messages became mixed, in the end it all became clear and the short game continued in a very jovial manner.

The most confusing lesson was the same as for most of us when we all start – the bias. After many laughs and giggles, it was all sorted out.

After lunch at Toombul’s club restaurant, the group was asked if they would like join us on another day.  The result was a resounding YES.

Thanks go to John De Erneste, Ethel Foyle, photographer Ronnie Taylor and Ladies President Cathy Collins. Toombul Bowls Club looks forward to hosting a further event such as this, which benefits our community.

Crows Nest Open Fours Carnival

The 2023 Crows Nest Open Fours Carnival was celebrated in terrific style during the weekend of March 4-5. Sponsored by the Crows Nest Heritage Bank and Toowoomba’s Burstows Funerals, both days were bathed in splendid sunshine in the high country of the Darling Downs.

A capacity field of 16 teams from across the Downs and further afield did battle for five games over the two days, and ploughed their way through a mountain of fabulous food.

A total of $6,000 of prizes was awarded to the top four teams, as well as to each of the five round winners.

Jim Williams, Andrew Batterham, Gary Peterson and Andrew Raguse were the overall winners, while Len Bartz, Maree and Alby Gibbs and Mick Cherry took second place.

Congratulations to all who participated and officiated, our prize winners, and those who travelled from afar to make the event another memorable success.

Centrepoint Church Deaf Group, with Toombul Bowls Club’s John De Erneste (far right)

Contributed by Cathy Collins, Ronnie Taylor & Ethel Foyle

Contributed by Gary Baker

Overall Winners L-R: Jim Williams, Andrew Batterham, Gary Peterson & Andrew Raguse

Coaching with BQ Coaching Committee

SAAFE Framework

By Jacqui Hineman

This month we are going to explore the SAAFE framework, which the state coaching committee is introducing to the Club Coach Accreditation Course.

The Support, Active, Autonomy, Fair and Enjoyable (SAAFE) framework for coaching is an evidence-based framework.

It is used by PE teachers and coaches whose primary role is to plan, deliver, organise and evaluate organised sporting activities within a school or community setting. A lawn bowls coach has many roles depending on (i) the players they are coaching/training and (ii) the level at which they are coaching.

For example, as a club coach working with new bowlers, a more hands-on approach is needed as the player works through the cognitive, intermediate, and autonomous stages of learning. While working with experienced players, the coach becomes more of a facilitator by guiding players who are working towards achieving their goals.

The SAAFE framework can be of benefit to coaches who work with beginner bowlers, as well as the elite. For example, providing fun activities, where a new player can make mistakes without judgment, ask questions without ridicule and have time to practice without being micro managed, is essential for promoting a positive learning experience, no matter the level of player.

The SAAFE methodology also highlights the need for coaches to be vigilant in recognising how their language, including body language, influences participant behaviours. After the session is completed, the coach is then able to reflect on it.

For example:

1. Did the session support the needs of all players, by providing activities that were challenging?

2. Were all players kept active during the whole session?

3. Did players have the opportunity to act autonomously by exploring shot selection during the session?

4. Were all participants treated fairly and given opportunities to achieve the activity’s set goal?

5. Were the players given the opportunity to provide feedback and did the feedback indicate that the session was enjoyable?

SAAFE Methodology as a Self-Evaluation Tool

The SAAFE methodology can be as used as a selfevaluation tool. The coach can use the framework to check that their activities are meeting the four SAAFE principles, while reflecting on their own personal coaching performance. For example:

1. Was there an easy transition between activities?

2. Was the activity engaging and did it meet the needs of all participants?

3. Was the language used throughout the session controlling or motivational?

These simple questions can help in the coach’s self-reflection process, thus providing coaches the motivation to seek new information and increase their knowledge.

This not only benefits the coach, but also the players.

UPCOMING COURSES

• April 29-30: Club Coach - SCDBA Room

• May 27-28: Club Coach - The Albert

• May 27-28: Club Coach - Beenleigh

• May 29: Skills - The Albert

TIP

To be successful, your mind and body must work together. Your mind is the most important part of this, because your mind controls your body.