Metro Bowls Association (MBA)
Bowls SA in conjunction with the Regional Councillors has formed the Metropolitan Bowls Association. This is a significant change for all metropolitan bowling Clubs. From next season the Metro Bowls Association will run the pennant bowls competitions.
The Match and Program Committee will be under the control of the MBA.
There are approx. 9500 country bowlers in 23 associations spanning 157 clubs.
There are approx. 4500 metro bowlers now in one association with 53 clubs.
Bowls SA will be responsible for the sport as a whole-liaison with Bowls Aust. and Govt. Depts.; high performance teams; overarching policies; overall sponsorship; accreditation of officials and coaches and state events including the Prestige Medley.
MBA will be responsible for the game as it is played and relations with clubs. Club Presidents have been designated the delegates to MBA meetings.
MBA will undertake extensive consultation with clubs on many topics to develop the game in the metro area. Eg the future of women’s bowls on Thursdays. A meeting will be called later in the season to discuss this topic.
The first meeting of the 53 clubs will be Jan 15th at 11.30-3pm at the Payneham Bowling Club starting with a sausage sizzle and then a meeting. We hope every metropolitan club will be represented at this inaugural meeting of the association. Clubs will discuss topics in groups on the day.
Club Presidents have been asked to bring feedback on the current season and ideas for the future. Brief notes can be sent beforehand or brought on the day. There will be further opportunities for consultation.
The complete handover to the MBA will be later this season. This is an exciting and important opportunity for clubs to speak with one voice and come together on common issues.
In time Regions will be phased out and the structure of regional groups will be kept for administrative purposes. The Prestige Medley will continue under regional this format.
Ron Mitchell President
Peter Walter Vice President
Ron Mulliner Secretary
Committee: Anne Phillips; Lesley Slattery; Jack Caulfield; Steve Franks
Email: metrobowls@bigpond.com