Highlights
The British Crown Green Bowling Association has taken initial external legal guidance regarding the current governance position following a meeting held at Owley Wood on 22 August 2026.
Having considered that guidance, together with the Association’s Byelaws and the circumstances surrounding the meeting, the BCGBA Board does not recognise the meeting as a properly constituted Special General Meeting of the Association and does not accept that any executive or governing authority arose from it.
Under BCGBA Byelaw 6e, a Special General Meeting must be convened by the Chief Executive following a requisition signed by the Secretaries of at least three Member Associations, with the contents of that requisition circulated to all Member Associations at least 28 days before the meeting.
The meeting held at Owley Wood did not meet those constitutional requirements and therefore did not have the standing of a BCGBA Special General Meeting. The BCGBA consequently does not recognise the authority of any purported interim executive committee or alternative governing body established as a result of that meeting. The existing BCGBA leadership will continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the Association’s governing documents.
The Board recognises, however, that there is significant division within the sport and that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely. The priority now is to stabilise the Association, restore effective governance and identify a clear and constitutionally valid route forward.
This will include:
1. Maintaining the proper operation of the Association and protecting its existing responsibilities.
2. Rebuilding eAective Board capacity and governance arrangements.
3. Engaging constructively with Member Associations.
4. Ensuring that any decisions requiring the authority of the membership are taken through the democratic processes set out within the BCGBA Byelaws.
5. Developing a sustainable governance structure capable of supporting the future of Crown Green Bowls.
The BCGBA remains willing to meet with representatives of the Member Associations involved in the current dispute to discuss how an orderly resolution can be achieved. That engagement must, however, take place within the recognised constitutional framework of the Association and should not be interpreted as recognition of any alternative governing body.
The Board is asking all parties, in the meantime, to avoid taking further steps which purport to exercise executive authority on behalf of the BCGBA or which could create additional confusion for members, employees, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders.
The Association’s focus remains on protecting the interests of Crown Green Bowls and ensuring that the current disagreement is resolved through proper constitutional and democratic processes.
Further updates will be provided as the position develops.