Another policy telling me how to behave

Bowling News

The BCGBA has announced that they are working on a new policy to cover transgender individuals and their most recent statement on this is further down this posting.

I have to say that I despair that I have to have even more people telling me how to behave and interact with other individuals on the bowling green. I have reached an age where I believe that I have seen a lot of life and really don't need a 'safeguarding expert' to tell me how to behave with other individuals. I should declare at this point that I have been banned by the County body from being a Safeguarding Officer at two local bowling clubs because I questioned the capability of a County Official on a matter of financial control. Nothing to do with safeguarding at all.

Suddenly, I read that bowlings 'safeguarding experts' are working on this new policy. Am I the only one who doesn't find that reassuring? This latest announcement includes all the words and phrases compulsory in such matters such as 'inclusive, open dialogue, complex and evolving matter, urgent and diligent', and no doubt will include such management-speak as 'reaching out to you' and 'funding support' in due course.

How soon will it be before this control extends to other outlying individuals such as left-handers, those with a Christmas Day birthday or their name begins with the letter X? I despair, but in my 'all inclusive mode' I present this news from the BCGBA website. On a day when there is no mention on their website news page of their own Champion-of-Champions weekend taking place, I truly believe that we have lost what is most important in bowling.

I don't get the feeling that this policy is something that the BCGBA is taking on with any great relish, but they will not be keen to upset their paymasters on such matters. Here is the BCGBA statement in full which includes a record 6 'c-words' in the opening paragraph - complex, careful, consideration, commitment, clarity and consistency.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Statement from the British Crown Green Bowling Association

The British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) Board acknowledges the importance and sensitivity of discussions around the inclusion of transgender individuals in sport. We recognise that this is a complex and evolving matter that requires careful consideration, open dialogue, and a commitment to fairness, inclusion, and the integrity of our sport. clarity and consistency, and there are more.

Following the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, and in line with actions being taken by other National Governing Bodies, the BCGBA are currently reviewing our policies concerning transgender bowlers.

As we undertake this process, we are aware that we are operating within the ongoing 2025 bowling season, and we want to reassure our members and Clubs that we are approaching this matter with both urgency and diligence. We are actively engaged in cross-code discussions with other Bowls National Governing Bodies to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach across the sport. In addition, we are awaiting further guidance from Sport England, Sport Wales, Isle of Man Sport and the Bowls Development Alliance, all of whom play a vital role in shaping inclusive policies across grassroots and competitive sport in England, Wales and Isle of Man.

The BCGBA is committed to maintaining our sport as welcoming and accessible to all. As part of our review, we will continue to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, including our transgender community, our membership, and safeguarding experts, to ensure any policy revisions reflect our shared values of inclusivity, fairness, and respect.

Once a new policy document has been finalised, it will be jointly communicated across all affiliated Clubs to ensure clarity and consistency in its implementation. We understand that this is a topic that may raise questions or concerns for some individuals. We are here to offer support and guidance to anyone who needs it. For further information or to discuss any specific concerns, please contact us at safeguarding@bcgba.org.uk

The BCGBA remains firmly committed to upholding crown green bowls as a sport for everybody.