Strong Governance & Leadership: The Backbone of Every Bowls Club
THE ROLL UP - INTRO
Every bowls club has its champions on the green but the true measure of a strong club is often what happens off it. Behind the roll-ups, pennant matches, and Friday night raffles, it’s governance and leadership that quietly keep everything together.
Good governance ensures decisions are fair, transparent, and sustainable. Strong leadership inspires members, sets the vision, and gives people confidence that the club is heading in the right direction. Together, they form the backbone that allows clubs not just to survive, but to thrive.
Clubs with clear structures and inspiring leaders are the ones that attract members, win grants, keep volunteers motivated, and adapt to challenges with resilience. On the other hand, when governance and leadership are neglected, clubs often face confusion, conflict, and burnout - problems that can quickly stall progress.
This blog explores the essential elements of governance and leadership in bowls clubs, and how to bring them to life. To show what’s possible, we’ll look at three real-world examples of clubs that turned things around by focusing on these principles....
Strong Governance & Leadership: The Backbone of Every Bowls Club
Why Governance & Leadership Matter
Behind every thriving bowls club is a foundation of good governance and strong leadership. While culture gives a club its heartbeat, governance provides the structure that keeps everything running fairly, transparently, and sustainably. Without it, even the most passionate club can struggle with confusion, conflict, or burnout.
Strong governance and leadership:
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Build trust between members and committees.
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Ensure fairness and transparency in decision-making.
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Provide stability so the club can focus on growth and fun.
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Encourage new leaders and volunteers to step forward.
The Difference Between Governance & Leadership
Governance and leadership often go hand in hand, but they’re not the same thing:
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Governance is about systems and rules — constitutions, policies, finances, and accountability.
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Leadership is about people — inspiring members, setting a vision, and modelling behaviours that reflect the club’s values.
A strong club needs both. Governance provides the framework; leadership brings it to life.
Key Elements of Strong Governance
1. Clear Roles & Responsibilities
Confusion often leads to conflict. A well-structured committee with defined roles ensures accountability and prevents burnout.
âś… Bowls Academy Tip: Use written role descriptions so everyone knows what’s expected.
2. Transparency in Decision-Making
Members should feel confident that decisions are fair and explained.
âś… Bowls Academy Tip: Publish minutes of meetings and provide regular updates to members.
3. Policies That Support Inclusion & Respect
Codes of conduct, child safety standards, and volunteer guidelines ensure the club environment is safe, welcoming, and consistent.
4. Financial Responsibility
Sound financial management is critical for long-term sustainability.
âś… Bowls Academy Tip: Create clear budgets, track spending, and communicate openly about finances.
Key Elements of Strong Leadership
1. Leading by Example
Leaders set the tone. Respect, fairness, and positivity should be modelled in every interaction on and off the green.
2. Creating a Vision
Members are more engaged when they know where the club is heading.
âś… Bowls Academy Tip: Develop a simple vision statement and revisit it each year.
3. Communication & Listening
Strong leaders don’t just talk they listen. Regularly seek feedback and involve members in shaping the club’s future.
4. Mentoring Future Leaders
A club can’t rely on the same faces forever. Strong leaders encourage and mentor new volunteers and committee members, ensuring smooth succession.
Practical Steps for Clubs
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âś… Review your constitution and committee structure once a year.
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âś… Introduce a simple code of conduct for members.
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âś… Share committee updates openly and invite questions.
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âś… Provide small leadership opportunities (e.g., running an event) to encourage new faces.
FINAL END
Governance and leadership may not be as visible as competition results or social events, but they are the backbone of a healthy club. When structures are clear and leaders inspire confidence, members feel secure, respected, and motivated to contribute.
By balancing strong governance with positive leadership, bowls clubs can build not only stability but also a culture of trust, inclusion, and growth - the kind of environment where both people and the sport itself can thrive.
âś… The Bowls Academy is here to support clubs on their journey - from culture and governance to coaching and community engagement, we provide resources and tools to help your club thrive.
đź“– Case Story 1: Regional NSW Club – Clarity Restores Trust
A regional bowls club in New South Wales had been losing members steadily over several years. Their committee was small and overworked, roles weren’t clearly defined, and decisions were often made informally, leaving members frustrated and confused.
In 2021, a group of newer members stepped up with a fresh approach. They reviewed the constitution, clarified committee roles, and introduced a simple code of conduct. The club began publishing meeting minutes and financial summaries, building transparency.
The president also made a conscious effort to lead by example - greeting members, celebrating volunteers, and holding “listening nights” where members could share ideas.
Within two years, the atmosphere had transformed. Membership numbers stabilised, the club secured a council grant to upgrade lighting, and volunteers returned. Members say the biggest change wasn’t facilities or finances - it was trust and leadership.
đź“– Case Story 2: Metro Club – A New Vision for Growth
A metropolitan bowls club in Melbourne faced a different challenge. They had strong membership numbers but lacked direction. The committee was bogged down in day-to-day operations, and the club wasn’t keeping up with modern expectations.
A newly elected president introduced a strategic plan with three clear goals: attract younger members, modernise facilities, and strengthen financial sustainability. The committee shifted from micromanaging to empowering sub-committees and volunteers.
Under this vision, the club built partnerships with local schools, launched social “barefoot bowls nights,” and applied for a state sport grant to refurbish their greens. The leadership’s ability to communicate a simple, inspiring vision energised members and drew in a new wave of players.
đź“– Case Story 3: Country Club – Succession Planning Saves the Day
A small country club in Queensland faced a looming crisis - their long-standing secretary and treasurer were both set to retire after decades of service. With no clear succession plan, the future looked shaky.
The committee acted early, creating assistant roles for newer members to “shadow” the outgoing leaders over 12 months. The experienced committee members mentored their replacements, teaching them processes step by step.
When the changeover came, the transition was smooth, and the new leaders felt confident in their roles. Instead of scrambling, the club had a plan and members felt reassured knowing the club was in capable hands.
✨ Why These Stories Matter
From large metro clubs to small country greens, the lesson is the same: good governance and leadership make all the difference. Clear structures create stability, while strong leaders bring vision, trust, and energy.
When both are in place, clubs can focus on what really matters, building community, growing the game, and creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through the gate/door.
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