BCGBA Governance Statement and Recommendations
To whom it may concern,
On behalf of the Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association (SCGBA) and the Shropshire Ladies Crown Green Bowling Association (SLCGBA)
Governance Statement
The SCGBA and SLCGBA consider themselves to be fully compliant members of the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA). As such, we cannot agree to any imposed deadline requiring us to confirm that compliance, particularly given our belief that the so-called Interim Executive Committee lacks constitutional legitimacy.
We strongly condemn the implication contained within the recent correspondence that failure to provide such confirmation would result in the loss of membership status and exclusion from BCGBA competitions. We regard this as wholly unacceptable and contrary to the interests of both the game and its participants. Our associations fully intend that our bowlers will continue to participate in all BCGBA competitions, as we are, and will remain, compliant members of the Association. Any threat to deny participation serves neither the interests of bowlers nor those of the BCGBA itself.
More broadly, we consider the tone and content of the letter to be inappropriate. Whether constitutional authority exists or not, the approach adopted falls significantly short of the standards of conduct and leadership that should be expected from officers acting on behalf of a national sporting association.
However, none of the above should be interpreted as unqualified support for the currently constituted BCGBA Board. It is evident that the Board has lost the confidence of a substantial proportion of the membership. Nevertheless, we remain supportive of the principle of modernisation and the aspiration to develop a more professional and effective national governing organisation.
Recommendations
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Special General MeetingWe recommend that a Special General Meeting (SGM) be convened, in accordance with the current BCGBA Bye-Laws governing the Unincorporated Association, by Mr Steve Cochrane on behalf of the membership as soon as practicable following the conclusion of the 2026 BCGBA bowling programme.
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Representation and VotingThe meeting should enable all 25 merged and unmerged counties, together with the British Parks and the Federation, to be represented and to exercise their full voting entitlement in accordance with the current BCGBA Bye-Laws.
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Pathway ForwardThe purpose of the meeting should be to agree a clear and constitutionally compliant plan of action that will allow the Association to move forward and culminate in a properly constituted Annual General Meeting in 2027.
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Independent ChairTo ensure impartiality and fairness, an independent chair should be appointed to oversee the meeting. This individual should have no connection to any of the current factions involved in the dispute. Consideration should be given to a suitably qualified representative from Sport England or another independent sporting or governance body with no vested interest in the outcome.
Conclusion
The SCGBA and SLCGBA will continue to honour their commitments to the BCGBA and to support the sport of Crown Green Bowling.
We respectfully request that the alleged Interim Executive Committee ceases the distribution of correspondence that may be perceived as threatening or coercive, and instead engages constructively with all stakeholders in the best interests of the game.
Yours faithfully,
Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association (SCGBA)
Shropshire Ladies Crown Green Bowling Association (SLCGBA)
Shropshire Ladies Crown Green Bowling Association (SLCGBA)
Regards
Phil Scott Shropshire Chairman & DBS Checker Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association
Pauline Wilson – President Shropshire Ladies Crown Green Bowling Association
