Bowls SA Board Endorses By-Law Amendments Welcomed by Associations

by Marketing on August 1, 2025

The Bowls SA Board has endorsed amendments to the By-Laws aimed at making bowls more accessible and flexible for players across South Australia. These updates, developed in consultation with Associations, have been welcomed as a positive step towards connecting more people to bowls, in more ways, more often.

The proposed By-Law amendments reflect Bowls SA’s commitment to modernising governance and supporting growth, while ensuring clubs and Associations can offer greater flexibility for bowlers to participate across mid-week pennant competition.

At the most recent Board meeting, the following motion was carried:
“That Associations are consulted on the By-Laws, and any feedback brought back to the Board for endorsement.”

Feedback from Associations who are the dedicated administrators for our pennant program has been strongly supportive, recognising that the changes will help support competitions, improve member engagement, and allow bowlers to enjoy more opportunities to play.

The key change is an updated Clause 4.6: Pennant Permits, which makes it easier for players to participate in competitions outside their home club or Association in mid-week pennant competition.

Examples of how these changes will benefit bowlers include:

Example 1: Susan plays at her nominated club (Club A) on both Saturday and Thursday. Wanting to increase her involvement in the sport, Susan applies for a pennant permit to also play for Club B, which competes in a different association and plays midweek pennant on Wednesdays. Thanks to the new permit process, Susan is now able to participate in three pennant competitions each week—Wednesday at Club B, and Thursday and Saturday at Club A.

Example 2: John plays Saturday pennant for his nominated club (Club A) but has been unable to participate in midweek pennant due to work commitments located three hours from home. With a new opportunity to rearrange his work schedule, John can now play on Wednesdays—but only near his workplace. By completing a pennant permit form, John is able to play midweek pennant for Club B, which is based near his place of employment, while continuing to represent Club A on Saturdays

“These amendments have been shaped by feedback from our Members, Clubs, and Associations. Together, we’re making bowls more flexible and inclusive, ensuring the sport continues to thrive across South Australia.”

To view the amended by-laws, CLICK HERE

To access the Pennant Permit form, CLICK HERE

Bowls SA looks forward to working together to build a stronger, more connected future for bowls in South Australia.