AFFILIATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Affiliation fees, together with grants and sponsorships, underpin the financial operations of Bowls SA. It enables services to support Clubs and Associations that play a vital role in supporting the growth of the game in our State. Please note, Clubs that are affiliated with Bowls SA, also become affiliated with Bowls Australia by way of our affiliation with Bowls Australia.
Affiliation Fees – Sliding Scale Model
Effective the financial year commencing 1 July 2026, the Bowls SA Affiliation Fees for member Clubs will be calculated based on a fee per ‘full member’ on a sliding scale as follows:
| Membership Range | Amount per head (including GST) |
| 0-25 | $70.56 |
| 26-50 | $71.81 |
| 51-75 | $73.06 |
| 76-100 | $74.30 |
| 101-125 | $75.55 |
| 126-150 | $76.80 |
| 151-175 | $78.05 |
| 176-200 | $79.30 |
| 200 plus | $80.55 |
Please note:
- Increase per member is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 4.6% March 2026
- Fees will be reviewed in March – April each year for the following year
- $0 Affiliation Fee For Under-18 Bowlers: In line with the Bowls SA Junior Development Strategy 2024-2028, bowlers under 18 will have the opportunity to experience cheaper memberships due to the removal of the Bowls SA affiliation component, effective immediately.
- The model will be reviewed in one years’ time, with any resulting changes to come into effect for the 27/28 financial year.
- Bowls Australia’s Affiliation Membership fees for Bowls SA are based on a percentage of the affiliation fees collected by Bowls SA from its member Clubs. This is currently 29.47%.
- Bowls Australia’s Affiliation & Competition Eligibility Policy
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to the model:
Definition of Full Member
A Full Member is defined as a member (of a Member Club) with full registration and thus eligible to receive playing rights per Section 4 of the By-laws.
Installments
Affiliation Fees will be invoiced in two installments as follows:
- 1 November based on member numbers taken in October multiplied by 50% of the Affiliation Fee per member
- 1 March based on member numbers taken in February multiplied by 50% of the Affiliation Fee per member
Compliance
Bowls SA will conduct a membership census on an undisclosed date and issue affiliation fee invoices to each club based on the membership data recorded through BowlsLink at that time. A second census will then be conducted approximately three to four weeks later to verify the accuracy of club membership records.
Any variance in membership data exceeding +/- 5% may result in the club being required to provide a formal explanation. Where deliberate misrepresentation or deception is identified, the club will be invoiced for the full affiliation fee owing, together with an additional penalty equivalent to 50% of the total affiliation fee amount.
Clubs are required to ensure that all membership records within BowlsLink are accurate, current, and properly maintained at all times.
Use of non-regular players
Per the By-laws, there is a three-game limit to the use of a non-regular player, for example, a Night Owl as a fill-in (Substitute). After this, they are counted as a full member.
FAQs
Pennant Permits
In the case of pennant permits, which club counts that player towards affiliation?
The home club would cover a player’s affiliation in the case of a pennant permit. For example, if your member who plays at your club has a permit to also play elsewhere on a Thursday, you pay for that player and not the other club.
Clearances
In the case of a clearance, which club counts that player towards affiliation?
The club which the player cleared to pays for that player.
Benefits of Affiliation
Bowls SA and Bowls Australia provide a number of different benefits to Clubs and Associations that are affiliated with Bowls SA. Bowls SA benefits include:
- State Events
- Volunteer Recognition Events
- Participation and Sports Development activities
- Club Development and Education Services
- Communication and Marketing Services
- Governance and Risk Management Services
- Financial and Funding Services
- Advocacy Support
- High Performance
It should be noted, that Bowls SA and Bowls Australia regularly review the roles, responsibilities and benefits on offer to ensure that they are meeting the needs of Clubs.
