From the Chief Executive Officer
KEN PRIDE
Strategic Plan now to be executed Winter is upon us, yet there is plenty of bowls going on around the metro area in particular. For the majority of our country clubs they have bigger issues to contend with, with a patchy at best commencement to the autumn and winter rains.
A wet AO – again For over 15 months various committees have worked on Frustratingly for all involved the third Australian Open on the Gold Coast last month, was hit with plenty of rain – for the third time! A strong contingent from the West headed across to compete in what is a fantastic competition, win, lose or draw. Unfortunately there is not a lot to write about in terms of success but a strong performance from Scott Walker (South Perth) to make the last 16 in the Men’s Singles was perhaps the standout. After leading Commonwealth Games aspirant Wayne Ruediger 12-5, a high standard game slipped away from Scott eventually falling 15-21 – with plenty of West Aussies cheering him on. If you love your bowls the AO is a must to put on your bucket list.
Plans put in motion The Board has ratified the Association’s strategic priorities for the next five years, with Club sustainability a key outcome. It is acknowledged that the lifeblood of our sport – the club – is under pressure from many fronts. Local Councils querying the value of land, a shortage of volunteers, expensive infrastructure to maintain and increasing levels of required governance are all proving onerous for in the main volunteer committees. A key objective over the next period is to provide assistance to club executives in whatever form is sought. The formulation of a Club Resource Guide will be a starting point, which together with our Regional Bowls Manager’s Shenayde Heldt and Clive Adams on hand to personally assist on specific matters, all efforts will be made to ensure the long term future of our club structure. Of course it is a two way street and clubs are encouraged to seek assistance from the RBM’s or the office, before issues become insurmountable.
BowlsWA • Jack Hi • Winter 2017
• AO Singles winners: Nathan Pedersen and Ellen Ryan.
Directors returned unopposed The Annual General Meeting saw the return of Directors Lisa Featherby, Debbie Capper and Brian Lucas for a further two year term; their on-going support is appreciated. Specific portfolios will be allocated at the August Board meeting. My personal thanks to Therese Hastings who has stepped down from the Chair of the Fixtures and Events Committee. Therese’s common sense approach to matters whether be in her past role as a Board Director or her position on F&E has won her much respect in administrative circles. Of course her on-green work continues as a Bowls Australia NTC and as our Women’s State Coach. Thanks T.
Conditions of Play After discussion at various Forums a number of Conditions of Play have been reviewed for the coming season by the Fixtures and Events Committee. Recommendations for change have been forwarded to the Bowls Management Committee which has the final jurisdiction on such matters. Issues such as maximum number of club sides in Premier League, extreme weather outcomes (again!), cross gender requirements and clarification of the integrity in graded pennant competitions are just some of the areas considered. Information on any changes to the CofP for the upcoming pennant season will be communicated to clubs as soon as able.
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