Welcome to another edition of The Bowler, and importantly, welcome to the start of another bowls season. It is a privilege to have been reappointed as President of Bowls SA for a further 12 months. I sincerely thank the Board for its confidence in me and our clubs, associations and members for their continued support. I am looking forward to another exciting year as we continue to build on the progress being made across our sport. Our recent Annual General Meeting saw Katrina Green and Heather Cochrane elected as Directors, alongside Keith Seanard and myself. I congratulate Katrina, Heather and Keith and look forward to working together as a Board. I also thank our Member Club delegates who participated in the AGM and contributed to the important governance of our organisation. September 2026 With pennant competitions getting underway across the state, there is always a renewed sense of excitement around our clubs. Whether you are playing at Premier League level, pennants, social bowls or Night Owls, this is the time of year when our greens and clubs really come alive. Plenty is happening at Bowls SA as well. One of the biggest changes this season is the revamped Bowls SA Premier League. The season begins with something completely new — our first Premier League Gather Round on Friday, 6 November, bringing all 10 clubs and around 160 players together for one big opening night. I encourage our bowls community to get behind Gather Round. Bring your family and friends, support your club and help us create the type of atmosphere that showcases bowls at its very best. Premier League provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our players while also presenting our sport to new audiences. This edition also carries an important message about the culture we create within our sport. Respect does not stop when we leave the bowling green. How we communicate with one another, in person, around the club and online, matters. Clubs should be a place where people feel welcome, safe and respected, particularly the young people coming into our game. We can disagree, we can compete hard and we can be passionate about our clubs, but we can always do so respectfully. The future of bowls relies not only on attracting the next generation but ensuring they have such a positive experience that they want to keep coming back. There is a great deal to look forward to over the coming months, both on and off the green. Our sport continues to evolve, our clubs continue to innovate and, most importantly, thousands of South Australians continue to enjoy bowls every week. To everyone pulling on their club colours this season, I wish you the very best. Enjoy the competition, enjoy the friendships and remember why we all became involved in this great game. Good luck, good bowling, and I look forward to seeing you around the greens. Tim Dodds President – Bowls South Australia
A New Era for Bowls SA Premier League The Bowls SA Premier League is back for 2026–27, with a fresh new look, revamped competition and an exciting season ahead. Premier League continues to showcase the highest level of club bowls in South Australia, bringing together 10 clubs and some of the state’s best players, while the revamped competition will place an even greater focus on the players, clubs, atmosphere and entertainment surrounding the game. And there is no better way to launch the new era than with something completely new. On Friday, 6 November, all 10 Premier League clubs will come together for the first-ever Premier League Gather Round. One big opening night to kick-start the 2026–27 season.
Gather Round will showcase around 160 players and create a family-friendly atmosphere where members, supporters, families and friends can come together to experience Premier League bowls. Bowls SA CEO Lou McDermott said the revamp was about building Premier League into the showcase competition for the sport in South Australia. “Premier League is our opportunity to showcase everything that is great about our sport — outstanding players, passionate clubs and quality competition. We want to build an event and a competition that our bowls community is proud of, while also giving new audiences a reason to come along and experience bowls.” Bowls SA President Tim Dodds said Gather Round would provide an exciting start to the new season.
“Having all 10 clubs together for the opening round is a fantastic way to celebrate Premier League and launch the season. There is a lot to look forward to in 2026–27, and we hope our bowls community gets behind their clubs and enjoys what promises to be a great competition.” A major part of the revamp is also the new dedicated Premier League website, giving supporters a home for the latest news, fixtures, results, live scoring, team information and everything happening throughout the season. Check out the Website HERE. The new era of Premier League starts Friday, 6 November. 10 clubs. 160 players. One big opening night.
Millswood players are raring to go for what is set to be a massive Premier League season.
Bowls SA Board confirmed following 2026 AGM Bowls SA held its 2026 Annual General Meeting on Monday, 21 September, bringing together Member Club delegates and representatives from across the state. As part of the AGM, elections were conducted for positions on the Bowls SA Board. Katrina Green and Heather Cochrane were successfully elected as Female Directors following a ballot of voting delegates, while Tim Dodds and Keith Seanard were elected unopposed as Directors. Following the AGM, the Board confirmed the appointment of Tim Dodds as President of Bowls SA for a further one-year term. Tim said he was honoured to continue in the role and thanked the Board and Bowls SA community for their support.
“It is a privilege to be reappointed as President of Bowls SA and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our clubs, associations and members across the state. “There is a lot happening within our sport, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. We have a strong strategic direction and some significant projects underway that will help strengthen our clubs, grow participation and position bowls well for the future. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Board, CEO and staff, clubs and volunteers to build on the progress we have made and ensure bowls continues to thrive across South Australia.” A significant item of business at the AGM was the proposed amendments to the Bowls SA Constitution. The amendments were endorsed by the voting delegates
and will now be submitted to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in accordance with legislative requirements. Bowls SA congratulates Katerina, Heather, Tim and Keith on their election and looks forward to their contribution to the organisation and the broader South Australian bowls community. The coming year is an exciting one for bowls, with Bowls SA continuing to deliver against its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and progressing key initiatives aimed at strengthening clubs, growing participation and ensuring the sport is well positioned for the future. Bowls SA thanks all Member Club delegates who attended and participated in the 2026 AGM and acknowledges the important role our clubs, associations, volunteers and members play in shaping the future of bowls in South Australia.
Bowls SA president Tim Dodds give his opening address at the Bowls SA 2026 AGM held on September 21. The AGM was held for participants both in-person and remotely.
Pennant season is back. Keep it going, rain or shine.
For players. For supporters. For every season ahead.
A covered green does more than protect play. It opens your club to more tournaments, more events, and new ways to grow.
Bowls SA recommends clubs talk to Greenline early when planning a covered green.
Read more about covered greens and courts.
Talk to us about your club 1800 044 200 hello@greenline.com.au
Start the conversation now.
Hawthorn duo crowned Open Pairs champions Following three weekends of bowls across South Australia, where Sectionals, Knockouts, and Finals took place, the 2026 Open Pairs have officially been crowned. In what was the second-ever Open Pairs event, matches were played across Blackwood, Modbury, Payneham, Playford, and Torrensville, with 169 teams taking to the green from both metropolitan and regional South Australia. Proving to be a popular event yet again, the competition was the perfect pre-season opportunity to enhance participation and experience quality bowls.
Four teams progressed through to Sunday afternoon’s semi-finals at the recently renovated Torrensville Bowling Club, with competition proving tight as duos from Hawthorn, Millswood, Port Noarlunga, and Saddleworth competed for glory. The first semi-final saw reigning champions Enio Rossi and Massimo Castiglia, of Millswood, take on Saddleworth pair Judy Rowett and Trevor Reichelt. But it was the country-based pair who outlasted their opponents, winning by 14 shots to nine, keeping their cool in the dying stages as the crowd built.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final saw Hawthorn-based brothers Grant and Darren Siegertsz enjoy a dominant path to the final, landing a bumper 24-6 victory over Port Noarlunga’s Julie Bannister and Brad Napper. Although the final proved competitive early, it was ultimately the Siegertsz pair who proved too strong on the big stage, executing under pressure for a 24-11 victory. Their aggressive, but calculated approach paid off, with both bowlers executing precision shots end after end.
Photos from the Open Pairs Finals Day
Results from the Open Pairs Finals Day can be found here.
MEN’S MGA COUNTRY CARNIVAL Registrations for the 2026-27 MGA Men's Country Carnival are open! Country members, this event provides you with an action packed week across the Adelaide Metropolitan area at multiple clubs. Get your mates together to make this a bowls holiday and meet up to bowl against competition from every corner of South Australia.
Fours Sectionals - Monday, 1 February 2027 Singles Sectionals - Tuesday, 2 February 2027 Pairs Sectionals - Wednesday, 3 February 2027 Fours Knockouts - Thursday, 4 February 2027 Pairs Knockouts - Friday, 5 February 2027 Rest/Back up Day - Saturday, 6 February 2027 Singles Knockouts - Sunday, 7 February 2027 Semi Finals & Finals for all disciplines - Monday, 8 February 2027 Start: Trial ends commence at 9:15am, Play commences at 9:30am Format: Singles 4 bowls, Pairs 2x2x2x2, Fours 2 bowls each Register by 29 September online Singles Qualifying Rounds – Sectional* – 18 shots up bowlssa.com.au/event/stateSingles Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 21 shots up Singles Semi Final & Finals – Knockout – 21 shots up mixed-pairs/ Pairs & Fours Qualifying Rounds – Sectional* – 12 ends QR code or call usUseatthe Bowls SA below on 8234 Pairs Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 12 ends 7544 or call us at Bowls SA on Fours Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 15 ends 8234 7544 Pairs & Fours Semi Final & Finals – Knockout – 15 ends
Registrations Close: 6 December 2026
*Games per day can vary from 2, 3 or 4 and are subject to the amount of entries for this event. Communications will be via your email
https://www.bowlssa.com.au/events/mga-countrycarnival/
WOMEN’S MGA COUNTRY CARNIVAL Registrations for the 2026-27 MGA Women's Country Carnival are open! Country members, this event provides you with an action packed week across the Adelaide Metropolitan area at multiple clubs. Get your mates together to make this a bowls holiday and meet up to bowl against competition from every corner of South Australia.
Fours Sectionals - Monday, 15 February 2027 Singles Sectionals - Tuesday, 16 February 2027 Pairs Sectionals - Wednesday, 17 February 2027 Fours Knockouts - Thursday, 18 February 2027 Pairs Knockouts - Friday, 19 February 2027 Rest/Back up Day - Saturday, 20 February 2027 Singles Knockouts - Sunday, 21 February 2027 Semi Finals & Finals for all disciplines - Monday, 22 February 2027 Start: Trial ends commence at 9:15am, Play commences at 9:30am Format: Singles 4 bowls, Pairs 2x2x2x2, Fours 2 bowls each Register by 29 September online Singles Qualifying Rounds – Sectional* – 18 shots up bowlssa.com.au/event/stateSingles Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 21 shots up Singles Semi Final & Finals – Knockout – 21 shots up mixed-pairs/ Pairs & Fours Qualifying Rounds – Sectional* – 12 ends QR code or call usUseatthe Bowls SA below on 8234 Pairs Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 12 ends 7544 or call us at Bowls SA on Fours Qualifying Rounds – Knockouts* – 15 ends 8234 7544 Pairs & Fours Semi Final & Finals – Knockout – 15 ends
Registrations Close: 6 December 2026
*Games per day can vary from 2, 3 or 4 and are subject to the amount of entries for this event. Communications will be via your email
https://www.bowlssa.com.au/events/mga-womenscountry-carnival/
SCAN THE QR CODE TO BECOME A
BOWLS FOR BRISBANE 2032 By becoming a Bowls For Brisbane 2032 Barracker, you’ll add your name to a growing community that believes bowls deserves its place at the Games. Be part of history - when bowls earns Olympic and Paralympic inclusion, you’ll know you helped make it happen.
Brisbane is on the brink of something big. As the city gears up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bowls is ready to prove it belongs on the Olympic stage. The Bowls for Brisbane 2032 campaign - a joint push by World Bowls and Bowls Australia - is uniting clubs, players and fans to showcase the sport’s tradition, inclusivity and global ambition. Its centrepiece is the Bowls for Brisbane 2032 Showcase Match: the Australian Jackaroos versus a Rest of the World team at Club Pine Rivers during BPL22 on October 29 from 9pm. Featuring both open and para athletes, the clash will demonstrate bowls’ international appeal, elite talent and Olympic readiness. Beyond the match itself, the campaign is a rallying point for the entire bowls community. By signing up as Barrackers, clubs and supporters can actively champion bowls’ inclusion in the Games, build momentum online and in their communities, and show decision-makers the depth of support behind the sport. It’s also a rare opportunity for players and fans to shape the future of Australian bowls. The showcase will highlight not only the calibre of the Australian Jackaroos but also the diverse, world-class competitors travelling to Brisbane, offering spectators an up-close experience of the game’s global reach and inclusive spirit. Clubs, members and supporters are invited to become Barrackers - official advocates for the campaign - to show the world bowls has passionate grassroots support. Don’t miss this chance to see world-class bowls and back the bid. Sign up as a Barracker today and help make bowls part of Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic story.
Eagles soar home to reclaim the Unley Cup LAST Friday night saw the second-ever edition of the Unley Cup take place between Millswood and Sturt, following a highly successful 2025 event.
new players, so it’s great that we can showcase that sort of thing.” Kennedy said having two strong clubs in the district was vital for the long-term success of the sport, but the rivalry still remains.
In what is the perfect way to warm up what’s set to be a sizzling season on the green, the local clubs do battle for bragging rights, as well as the Unley Cup trophy. With Sturt taking out the 2025 edition, competition shifted to Millswood in 2026, and the Eagles proved too good, claiming the win after a brilliant 12-rink battle. Millswood’s Renee Kennedy said “everything went smooth”, in what were perfect bowling conditions. “We had a great crowd, and there were lots of people who wouldn’t normally come to the club came down, because they wanted to see what it was all about, so there was
“I think the rivalry is definitely there, but it’s good to be seen as two healthy clubs in one council,” she said.
a great variety of people,” she said. “Sturt started some of the traditions the year before, so we’re just continuing it on our end, so we had our members cooking the barbeque, and one of our members as the DJ, so it all worked well. “I had some of my friends reaching out wanting to come along, and now some are trying to sign up, and we’re always accommodating
“We know there are obviously differences between the clubs, but at the same time we work very well together and make sure both of our clubs are successful.” As the Cup returns to the Eagles’ nest, Kennedy said it was a great feeling to get it back, with the club determined to bring it back. “There was no way we were going to play at home and let it go back to Sturt, so we made sure it was staying with us.”
CLUB IN FOCUS - Clare Bowling Club FOLLOWING a highly successful 2025/26, which saw it win the coveted Community Spirit Recognition Award at the recent Bowls SA awards night, the Clare Bowling Club is incredibly proud of its achievements. Clare was recognised following its efforts in leadership, where it delivered the ‘Blazing Bowls’ tournament, in partnership with fellow regional clubs. The initiative brought together a massive 96 players, and raised a whopping $5,600 for BlazeAid, demonstrating the powerful role bowls plays in regional community connection. Club president Keith Lawry said it was a cause close to the hearts of many, helping those impacted by bushfires in regional Victoria. “We were very proud of winning that award, and it was all set up due to the fires in Victoria, and we ran it to make money to send across and help people get back on their feet,” he said. “We ran it at our club, even though we weren’t the main instigators, but we wanted to do it because we’re the only club in the association that has two greens. “That allowed us to have over 100 people playing bowls at the time, so they set a little bit of a committee up, and then we got the job of running it all. “Our people catered and put on food for everyone, and the money went to BlazeAid, and it ended up being really successful.” “We had one person volunteer to have their head shaved, and that
Clare Bowling Club won the Community Spirit Recognition Award at the Bowls SA Awards night earlier this year.
was well accepted, and then we donated from the bar too.” As Clare’s season prepares to get fully underway following the long weekend, Lawry said the club is in a strong position at the current stage. “We’ve got a very harmonious group of people, and as president I’m really proud of the way everyone behaves themselves and gets on really well,” he said. “We had a big tournament this week with 112 people playing and our ladies catered for that, and they come from all over the state and it was unbelievable. “They come from Port Augusta to Encounter Bay, and it just shocks you how big the club continues to grow. “Our greenskeeper does so much work for us in keeping us going, and the people who run the bar do an amazing job too. “We really don’t have any troubles
getting people to help out and that’s what makes a successful club.” Fostering an ethos of having a strong club environment, Lawry said everyone is welcome at Clare. He said it’s what helps set the club up for the future, as it moves to wanting a younger generation of bowlers to become involved. “We’re not young, and we’re working hard to get younger people, but a lot of us have moved to Clare for retirement,” he said. “Unfortunately, there’s just not the youth around the place wanting to play bowls which can be frustrating. “Our club is completely mixed gender, and you have to stick together. “We have a four-day tournament in April, and that’s always very successful, and we get a lot of people to Clare from right around the state.”
ze;
1il
Breast Cancer Network Australia
si&-
Every breast cancer. Every woman.
Let's roll together and make a difference. Raise funds. Raise awareness. Support every person affected by breast cancer.
0
WHAT IS A BUCK A BOWLER?
A Buck a Bowler is an easy way for
bowling clubs and members to fundraise for Breast Cancer
Network Australia (BCNA). Ask every bowler to donate just $1 to play on the day and help support
® J��
NOVEMBER
WEEK 2 TO 7
GET INVOLVED!
.,/ Hold a,� Buck a Bowler Day or Week .,/ Collect $1 from each bowler .,/ Wear pink and show your support .,/ Raffle, bake sale or BBQ .,/ Make it fun, social and meaningful!
vital research, information and support services.
YOUR SUPPORT HELPS BCNA:
FUND LIFE-SAVING RESEARCH
0
PROVIDE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
SUPPORT EVERY PERSON AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER
IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR EVERY WOMAN
ADF National Championships Returns to SA Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls (ADFLB) will return to South Australia for its annual National Championship, with the Salisbury Bowling Club again set to host the event from 18–23 October 2026. Last year marked the first time in the championship’s 40-year history that the event was held in South Australia. Following the success of that championship, ADFLB will once again bring Defence bowlers from across Australia together in South Australia, with the aim of growing the profile of lawn bowls within the Australian Defence Force and encouraging greater participation across all three Services. The championship caters for bowlers of all skill levels, from beginners and social players through to experienced competitors and Australian representatives. Recent championships have featured bowlers such as former Australian representative Cate Carriage, current Victorian State representative Anita Jenkins, and Brent “Masha” Marshall, a member of this year’s State Fours-winning team. ADFLB is putting out a call to bowls for ADF-registered bowlers of all abilities to get involved and help build participation numbers for the 2027 championship and beyond. Membership is open to eligible Permanent and Active Reservists, with no requirement to be an elite or experienced bowler. The championship provides an opportunity to represent your State, compete against fellow Defence members and potentially earn selection in the Service and ADF representative squad. The competition is conducted
The Australian Defence Force Lawn Bowls will return to South Australia for its annual National Championships, held at Salisbury next month.
across several stages. The first 2½ days comprise the State competition, followed by 1½ days of Inter-Service competition, bringing bowlers together from the Tri- Services. At the conclusion of the Inter-Service competition, a 16-player ADF representative squad is selected and announced at the championship presentation night. The final day of competition will see the selected ADF squad take on an invitational team, providing an opportunity for ADFLB to thank the South Australian community for its ongoing support of the Defence community and the championship. Following selection, the 16 members of the ADF representative team represent the Australian Defence Force at a range of events throughout the following 12 months. These competitions include: • Remembrance Day Series against the ACT in Canberra • ANZAC Series against the Queensland Bowls President’s XII
• Soldiers Point Six-Way Challenge For those who enjoy lawn bowls, the ADFLB championship provides more than just competition. It offers an opportunity to meet fellow serving members and veterans from across Australia, build friendships and represent the Defence community through sport. ADFLB welcomes members of the general public to attend the Salisbury Bowling Club throughout championship week from 18–23 October 2026 to enjoy the atmosphere and watch some quality lawn bowls. The championship will showcase the quality and diversity of lawn bowls within the ADF while providing an opportunity for the wider South Australian community to meet and support Defence personnel and veterans through sport. For more information ADF members can go to (http://collab/JCG/ Org/JSSD/ADFSC/ADF_Lawn_Bowls or email adflawnbowls@dpe.protectected.mil.au). - Joe Di Santo
BPL24 TEAMS ANNOUNCED '> ;&1 +*''4 43 8*59*2'*7 &STYMJW MNXYTWNH 'T\QX 5WJRNJW 1JFLZJ '51 NX XJY YT HTRRJSHJ YMNX 3T[JRGJW FY the event’s fifth and newest venue, the 4HJFS ,WT[J 'T\QNSL (QZG Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula is set to grace the presence of the sport’s elite for this RFIJ KTW YJQJ[NXNTS J]YWF[FLFS_F YMFY \NQQ XJJ XTRJ GNL HMFSLJX YT YMJ Y\JQ[J YJFRX [^NSL KTW YMJ ZQYNRFYJ UWN_J &HWTXX YMJ YJFRX XN] UQF^NSL HMFSLJX FSI Y\T HTFHMNSL FQYJWFYNTSX MF[J GJJS made from February’s BPL23 lineups in Moama. BPL24 runs from November 9-13, 2026, at Ocean Grove Bowling Club with live streaming on Bowls Australia’s YouTube channel, as well as live broadcasts from Tuesday to Friday from 4pm until 10pm AEDT on Fox, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ. See below the link for the full ins and outs for each BPL franchise: MYYUX GT\QX HTR FZ GUQ YJFRX FSSTZSHJI &WLZFGQ^ YMJ GNLLJXY RT[J HTRJX NS YMJ KTWR
ASK THE UMPIRE Q: W A bowl at rest on the green is displaced by a non-toucher rebounding from the face of the bank. What happens?
A: The jack has been improperly delivered and must be returned for the opposition lead, or player in singles, to re-deliver the jack. Law 10.1.4.
A: If a bowl at rest or a toucher in the ditch is displaced by a non-toucher, reboudning from the face of the bank, an opponent or the marker must put it back to its former position. Law 37.5.3.
Q: Where are the players at the head of the rink who are not controlling play required to stand?
Q: What is considered to be the start of the game? A: In any game, the start of play is the delivery of the jack by the first player to play in the first end. Law 5.3.1. Q: What happens when a jack is delivered and it rebounds from the face of the bank onto the rink of play?
A: Players at the head of the rink who are not controlling the play, must stand: * behind the jack if they are members of the team in possession of the rink. * behind the jack and away from the head if they are members of the team which is not in possession of the rink. *On the surround of the rink if the jack is in the ditch, or * well clear of the head if they are unable to stand on the surround.
Law 12.1.2. Q: A Skip accidentally failed to play a bowl and the thirds have started to measure for shot. Can the skip still play his bowl? A: If the result of an end has been agreed or the process of deciding the number of shots has started, a player who has failed to play a bowl will lose the right to play the bowl. Law 29.4.1. Q: If the jack in the ditch is moved by a non-toucher which takes it back onto the rink, is the jack still alive? What is the length that the jack can travel to remain legal? A: Yes the jack is still live. Law 21.2. A rebounding jack measurement, in Australia, is 18 metres to where the jack has come to rest to the mat.
Do you have a Laws of the Sport Question for the Officiating Committee? Send it through to reception@bowlssa.com.au
SPORT IS FOR EVERY BODY
BODY SHAMING IN SPORT What is body shaming? Body shaming is any comment or action that judges, criticises, mocks, or teases someone because of their body size, shape, weight, or appearance, or makes them feel pressure to change the way they look. In sport, it might come from teammates or opponents, coaches, spectators or family members. It is important that we take any commentary about appearance seriously, even in very young athletes, in order to create teams that feel safe and supportive for all.
Why does this matter? Body shaming is a critical issue in youth sport right now. Sport Integrity Australia research shows that 1-in-5 athletes have witnessed body shaming in sport – it’s the most commonly reported negative behaviour. Body shaming in sport can lead to: •
insecurities about appearance and body image issues
•
anxiety, depression or disordered eating
•
negative impact on performance
•
loss of confidence and enjoyment, or dropping out of sport
•
experimentation with dangerous supplements and substances in attempts to change the body.
What counts as body shaming? Body shaming can be hard to identify. There are a wide range of things that people say make people feel bad about their appearance, or can pressure them to change the way they look. Some examples include: Making negative judgements and comments about body shape, size, muscle tone, facial features, disability, visible difference, or height, or calling people nicknames based on these e.g. “stick man” or “tank”. Subtle backhanded compliments like “Wow, she is really good for her size”.
Comments that can be intended as a compliment e.g. “You look great, have you lost weight?” Comparing athletes to others or to the ‘ideal’ body size and shape for the sport e.g. “Well you certainly have the shoulders to be a swimmer”. Comments about skin, hair, facial features, or body hair, stretch marks, acne, scars, or other traits, particularly those in relation to growth and development in puberty. Blaming poor performance on an athlete’s body size or appearance, or suggesting that someone needs to lose weight or bulk up to be successful. Assuming performance outcomes based on how people look, including size, shape and cultural background e.g. “She should be faster, she’s African”. Making comments about how someone looks in a team uniform or gear, or commenting about needing to purchase new uniforms in larger sizes. Comments about food choices, especially when these are connected to weight e.g. “Let’s lay off the pizza and ice cream over the holidays in the lead up to this competition”. Coaches, trainers, or parents controlling athletes’ weight, body composition, or diet and equating discipline or success with thinness or leanness. Conducting weigh-ins, body fat measurements, or “before and after” photos in ways that create comparison, pressure and insecurities around appearance.
Scan for more free resources sportintegrity.gov.au
SPORT IS FOR EVERY BODY | FOR COACHES
HERE’S HOW WE SHUT DOWN BODY SHAMING TOGETHER: What can you do? •
Take it seriously. Shut down body shaming when you hear it from players, spectators, officials, parents or anyone - even if it sounds like they are trying to make a joke.
•
Don’t comment on appearance, weight, body shape or size. What might seem like a compliment can still cause harm.
•
Don’t compare an athlete’s body size, shape, growth, or appearance to others, particularly those who are ‘successful’ in the sport, e.g. “Jake is the largest on the team so he should go into goals” or “Ruby will only go so far in netball as she is on the shorter side”.
•
Celebrate effort, improvement, dedication, attitude and teamwork, instead of a focus on appearance e.g. “You’ve improved so much at that skill” instead of “You’ve really slimmed down”.
How can you respond? If body shaming happens, your response will depend on the situation. Here are some phrases you can try.
Addressing body shaming language
Supporting the victim of body shaming
• “Those comments are not acceptable here.”
• “I noticed what happened, and I want you to know it’s not okay.”
• “We don’t talk like that here.” • “That’s not respectful. Cut it out.” • “We respect all bodies on this team.” • “Let’s focus on effort, not appearance.” • “I need to talk to you about that comment.” • “You might not have meant to hurt anyone, but those words can do real damage.”
• “There is nothing wrong with the way you look. All bodies are ‘good’ bodies!” • “You belong here.” • “You’re valued for who you are and what you contribute. You bring so much to this team.” • “Let’s talk about what we can do if this happens again.” • “I’m here for you if you want to talk about this.”
Building up the team • “We play hard, respect each other and leave body talk out of it. It’s not ok” • “Let’s support skill, effort and teamwork.” • “We don’t tear each other down, we build each other up.” • “We want everyone to feel like they belong here.” “Let’s talk about why we don’t make comments about other people’s bodies.” • “If someone can’t change something about their appearance in 30 seconds like having food in their teeth - it’s best not to comment on how they look.“
Scan for more free resources sportintegrity.gov.au
SPORT IS FOR EVERY BODY | FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
WORDS MATTER STOPPING BODY SHAMING IN SPORT What is body shaming? Body shaming is any comment or action that judges, criticises, mocks, or teases someone because of their body size, shape, weight, or appearance, or makes them feel pressure to change the way they look. In sport, it might come from teammates or opponents, coaches, spectators or family members.
Comments suggesting that an athlete should/shouldn’t be performing well based on their size, weight, appearance or cultural background. Making comments about how someone looks in a team uniform or gear.
What counts as body shaming?
Making recommendations about what athletes should/shouldn’t eat based on assumptions that this would change their shape or weight.
Body shaming can be hard to identify. There are a wide range of things people say that make people feel bad about their appearance, or can pressure them to change the way they look. Some examples include:
Coaches, trainers, or parents monitoring or controlling athletes’ weight, body composition, or diet and equating discipline or success with thinness or leanness.
Making negative judgements and comments about body shape, size, muscle tone, facial features, disability, visible difference, or height, or calling people nicknames based on these features. Comments that can be intended as a compliment or a joke. Comparing athletes to others or to the size and shape ‘expected’ for the sport. Comments about skin, hair, facial features, or body hair, stretch marks, acne, scars, or other traits, particularly those in relation to growth and development in puberty. Blaming poor performance on an athlete’s body size or appearance, or suggesting that someone needs to change their body or appearance to be successful.
Conducting weigh-ins, or taking body measurements that are not required for competition, or in ways that create comparison, pressure and insecurities around appearance.
Why does this matter? Body shaming is a critical issue in youth sport right now. Sport Integrity Australia research shows that 1-in-5 athletes have witnessed body shaming in sport – it’s the most commonly reported negative behaviour.
Here’s what you can do
At your club:
There are actions that everyone can take to make teams and clubs feel safe and welcoming for everybody and to reduce body shaming in sport.
Be the change: Share the Sport is for Every BODY resources with your parents, coach or the leaders in your club.
On your team:
Be respectful: Respect everyone involved in your sport, including teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and carers.
Focus on what you are doing with your body - not what it looks like. Don’t tease or comment on anyone’s body or appearance, including the opposition! Celebrate effort, improvement, dedication and attitude - not just goals, wins or appearance. Use your voice and speak up if someone is being unkind.
Take a stand: Your thoughts and opinions are important. Work together with your teammates to speak up and talk to an adult you trust. Use your voice: If things don’t feel right, suggest changes to facilities, uniforms, and policies that could help your club feel safe and supportive. Create safe spaces: Put up the Sport is for Every BODY posters in your clubhouse and change room.
Scan for more free resources sportintegrity.gov.au
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES We are offering the opportunity to place an advertisement in the newly refurbished Bowls SA ‘The Bowler’ Newsletter. The newsletter is published to our wide demographic through our channels of email, website and social media utilising the ISSUU platform once a month. With 213 clubs and over 40,000 members we have an all inclusive audience of all ages and backgrounds that reaches every corner of South Australia. During the peak bowls periods our Facebook obtains a reach of over 74,000 thousand and 556,000 views.
$600 One A4 full colour page ad, position at the digression of the business minus, the front and back cover
$500
$400
One A4 full colour page ad
One half A4 full colour page ad
$300
$200
One ⅓ A4 full colour page ad
One 1/4 A4 full colour page ad
CONTACT BOWLS SA TO DISCUSS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY AND ORGANISE AN ADVERTISEMENT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS! Lachlan Dand Brand and Commercial Officer
0497 338 405 08 8234 7544
marketing.media@bowlssa.com.au reception@bowlssa.com.au
www.bowlssa.com.au
MAJOR SPONSORS
PORTSIDE MITSUBISHI
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
CHARITY PARTNERS