Highlights
Introduction
The BCGBA would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to watch the recent webinar, provide feedback, ask questions and engage constructively in the discussion about the future of Crown Green Bowls.
The response has come from across the bowling community, with contributions received from a wide range of counties, including Warwick and Worcester, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and Cumbria. We have also heard from people representing many different perspectives within the sport, including club secretaries, county secretaries, county officials, players, parents, coaches, referees and volunteers.
Feedback
The feedback received was mixed but broadly positive. Many people welcomed the webinar and felt it provided helpful context about the changes being made. The strongest recurring concern was that the content was too long, too corporate and not sufficiently connected to the everyday experience of clubs and bowlers.
In terms of what was good and well received, respondents welcomed:
a. the clearer explanation of why change is necessary
b. the professional and well-prepared presenters
c. the focus on stronger governance, safeguarding and sustainability
d. clarification of issues that had previously been misunderstood
e. the webinar format as a useful way of communicating directly with members
Several people supported the direction of travel and encouraged BCGBA to provide regular updates of this kind. Respondents also keen to express what requires further work. They stated that future communications should:
a. be shorter and use clearer, more accessible language
b. explain what the changes mean for individual players, clubs and counties
c. provide more evidence behind key decisions
d. set out the long-term vision for participation and growth
e. clarify the roles of the Board, NAC, regions and counties
f. address concerns about staffing, vacancies and competition delivery
g. explain how members and county representatives will be consulted
h. allow more time for people to consider and respond to information
Overall, the key message is that people are not necessarily opposed to change, but they want it explained in plain English, supported by evidence and clearly linked to a stronger future for clubs, counties and crown green bowling.
Your Questions
Overall, we received 137 individual questions through the webinar feedback forms, direct emails, letters and telephone conversations during the past week.
To ensure every contribution is properly considered, we have adopted a three-stage review process. Firstly, each question was listed individually. Secondly, similar questions were grouped together into common themes. Finally, duplicate or closely related questions were merged, resulting in 15 key subject areas containing 88 headline questions that represent the issues raised by the bowling community.
It is our intention to answer each of the 88 questions that have been submitted. Given the volume of responses received and the time available this week, we have not yet been able to prepare detailed individual responses to every point.
Instead, as an interim measure we have set out an overview of each of the 15 areas with a summary of what we have heard. Over the coming weeks, we will continue working through the detailed questions and prepare full responses in advance of the Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday 22 August, ensuring that everyone who has taken the time to contribute receives a response to the issues they have raised.
The 15 areas covered within the Frequently Asked Questions
Engagement, consultation and decision-making – Members want a clearer understanding of how decisions are made and when clubs, counties and individuals can influence them. Some feel significant organisational changes have progressed without enough explanation or opportunity for discussion. There is also uncertainty about which matters have already been decided, which remain proposals and which will require member approval. Overall, contributors are looking for a more transparent approach to consultation, decision-making and communication between the Board, the executive and the wider bowling community.
Communication and transparency – The strongest theme was a desire for more regular, direct and consistent communication. Many people rely on county representatives or social media for information, while others do not use these channels at all. Members would like official updates to be easier to find, written in plain English and distributed directly wherever possible. There is also strong support for regular webinars and opportunities to ask questions, ensuring that important information reaches clubs, counties and individual bowlers at the same time.
Long-term strategy and the future of the sport – Many contributors asked what the current programme of change is ultimately trying to achieve. They want to understand how improvements in governance, staffing and systems will translate into healthier clubs, increased participation and a stronger future for Crown Green Bowls. There is broad support for modernising the Association, provided that the traditions and identity of the sport are protected. Members would like to see a clear long-term strategy with measurable goals and priorities.
Participation, growth and club development – Members want to know how BCGBA intends to grow participation and support clubs across the country. Questions covered youth development, recruitment, retention, coaching and support for volunteers. There is recognition that counties face different challenges and opportunities, and that successful local initiatives should be shared more widely. Contributors are looking for practical support and a clearer national approach to increasing participation rather than isolated projects.
Membership and participation data – Many questions focused on the information BCGBA holds about the sport. Members want accurate figures for playing numbers, youth participation, county membership and participation trends, together with evidence showing where the sport is growing or declining. There is also an expectation that future decisions should be supported by reliable information and that any limitations in current data should be acknowledged openly.
Membership records and data quality – Many questions focused on the quality and reliability of membership records. Contributors highlighted concerns about duplicate records, inactive members, incomplete contact details and the accuracy of the information held. There is also a strong view that reliable data is essential for communication, safeguarding, insurance and future planning. Members want confidence that records are accurate before they are transferred into a new system.
Membership system and digital administration – Members want to understand what will replace the current membership system and what practical benefits it will deliver. There is support for modernising administration, provided it reduces duplication, improves accuracy and makes life easier for clubs and counties. Contributors also highlighted the importance of testing, training and supporting volunteers so that any new system is simple to use and accessible for everyone.
Regions and regional representation – Questions highlighted concerns about how the current regional structure operates in practice. Some members do not know who represents them, while others questioned whether the existing regions provide effective communication and accountability. There were also suggestions that regional boundaries should be reviewed to better reflect the structure of the sport today. Overall, contributors want regional representation to be more visible, active and connected to local bowlers.
National Advisory Council – Many contributors asked for greater clarity about the purpose and role of the National Advisory Council. Questions covered how representatives are selected, how the Chair is appointed and how the Council influences Board decisions. Members want the NAC to be a meaningful forum that represents the views of the bowling community, with clear accountability, regular communication and a visible role in supporting the future development of the sport.
Board structure, elections and appointments – Members want a clearer understanding of how the Board is made up, how directors are appointed and how different skills and experience are balanced. Questions covered the election of regional representatives and the appointment of independent directors. Contributors are looking for a governance structure that is transparent, accountable and combines knowledge of Crown Green Bowls with the professional expertise needed to lead a modern national governing body.
Articles, company membership and constitutional clarity – Many questions related to the Articles of Association, the Governance Review and how the company’s legal structure operates. Contributors asked about the role of the five regions as company members, the relationship between the Articles and the Byelaws, voting rights and proportional representation. Overall, members are looking for a governance framework that is legally robust, easy to understand and clearly explains how decisions are made and who has the authority to make them.
Finance, fees and value for money – Financial sustainability remains one of the most important topics raised. Members want reassurance that any future investment in the Association will deliver visible benefits for clubs and players. Questions focused on staffing costs, future membership fees, affordability and the balance between generating additional income through sponsorship, grants and commercial partnerships rather than relying solely on members. Above all, contributors want transparency and value for money.
The £1 Player Levy – Many questions sought clarification about the £1 Player Levy, including who is required to pay it, how much has been collected, what remains outstanding and how it will be administered in future. Contributors also asked how the levy is enforced and whether the same approach is being applied consistently across all clubs. Members are looking for a straightforward explanation supported by accurate information.
Organisational structure and local impact – Members would like a clearer understanding of how the national organisation is structured and how responsibilities are shared between the Board, executive, regions, counties and clubs. There are questions about recent staffing changes and whether these will affect the support available locally. Contributors want reassurance that organisational change will simplify administration and strengthen the support provided to the bowling community rather than increase the burden on volunteers.
Competitions, rules and junior recognition – Questions covered the future of national competitions, playing formats, financial sustainability, officiating and the recognition given to junior players. Contributors support protecting the traditions of Crown Green Bowls while remaining open to improvements that enhance participation, the player experience and the long-term sustainability of competitions. There is also a desire for greater consistency in how national events are organised, promoted and supported.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this process. The willingness of members to ask questions, challenge ideas and share constructive suggestions demonstrates the passion that exists across our sport.
This update represents an interim summary of the themes that have emerged from the feedback we have received. Over the coming weeks, we will continue working through each of the individual questions, providing more detailed responses and further information in advance of the Extraordinary General Meeting on Saturday 22 August. Our intention is that everyone who has taken the time to contribute receives a response to the issues they have raised.
We remain committed to listening, improving and working together to build a sustainable future for Crown Green Bowls.