World Bowls news

World Bowls president’s message

Following the recent staging of our World Championships and World Champion of Champions, I thought I should thank and congratulate the representatives of our member countries who contributed towards making these events very successful. 

At the World Championships, the spectacle of almost 600 players, ITO’s and officials gathered together at the opening ceremony is one I shall never forget. The atmosphere that night set the stage for what was to follow over the next two weeks. We saw some amazing play with both the seasoned and experienced and the novice competitors thrilling the spectators at our five venues as well as the many thousands who watched matches streamed or on television broadcasts. Among the many highlights I would have to say that our Para athletes were outstanding and set the example for others to be excited about coming to future Championships. Our event hosts, Bowls Australia, presented an outstanding event as we knew they would. Once again they showed the world the standard needed to deliver such a huge and important event, showcasing our sport at its best. I hope those of you who are reading this message and were at the event returned safely to your homes and felt that taking part in these Championships was well worth it….and that you are already looking forward to the next time they are held. 

In that regard, due to a number of factors, the previously scheduled World Championships to be held in Hong Kong China in 2025 will now not be held. In its place the Bowls Hong Kong China officials have asked that World Bowls stage another event on a smaller scale which will help to showcase the sport in that region. Moving forward, you will shortly receive a survey which will help us to compile a schedule for the next four to five years, including a date and location for our next World Championships as well as what format should be adopted in the future. 

One of the factors I mentioned above includes the issue of the timing of the next Commonwealth Games which obviously concerns many of our members. Once we have a date for those Games, which as you know were scheduled for Victoria, Australia, in 2026, we should be in a better position to settle on a date for our own World Championships.  I am conscious of the cost for these major events for each Country so we will try to avoid having two major events too close together. 

Once we have the results of our survey, which I would encourage all of you to give your serious thought and respond to, we should be in a position to lock in a program which will provide some certainty for you all to be able to put together your own plans and preparations. 

Thank you all for your support of our great sport and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about how we can all make the sport more attractive and enjoyable for our current and potential members. 

Darryl Clout – president

Caption: Darryl Clout

World Bowls Laws Advisory Group – EOI for membership

As a result of some recent resignations, World Bowls are now seeking expressions of interest for suitably experienced and qualified International Technical Officials to join the World Bowls Laws Advisory Group. 

The objective of the Laws Advisory Group (LAG) is to provide advice and guidance to the World Bowls (WB) Board with respect to all aspects of officiating. Each appointed member must have a minimum ITO qualification and a sound knowledge of the Laws of the Sport, marking and umpiring skills, principles of education and training together with experience at a World Bowls controlled events.

The terms of reference of the LAG are attached for information. I look forward to receiving your considered nominations by Tuesday October 31.

Intent to Enter – 2024 World Bowls Indoor Championship

The 2024 World Bowls Indoor Championships (co-sanctioned by World Bowls and the IIBC) is being hosted by the Guernsey Indoor Bowls Association (GIBC) from April 21 – 27, 2024. Preparations are well underway and the organising committee consisting of representatives from GIBC, IIBC and World Bowls are meeting regularly to plan for what will be an excellent event.

An official entry form will be issued next month together with more logistical details but at this early stage, we seek from MNAs, an intent to enter and ask for this to be sent to me by Tuesday October 31 by mail to: ceo@worldbowls.com 

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