Unification – Leading the way
2010 represented an exciting chapter in the history of Scottish Bowls with the unification and formation of a single governing body for the outdoor game.

With Bowls Scotland leading the way, a number of clubs have approached us looking for advice on unifying their men’s and women’s sections. Each club’s requirements will be unique in going through this process; therefore there is no single solution or model to reflect the varying needs of different clubs. However we are able to provide as much guidance as required and share examples of good practice from other member clubs who have already gone through this process.

There will be hundreds of bowling clubs in Scotland who have already made necessary changes to their constitutions and management structures to unify their clubs. We would be delighted to hear from your club and share your example with others looking to embark on these changes.

What are the benefits of unifying your club?

• It will help ensure your club is complying with the Equality Act 2006
• It will simplify your club’s current management structure
• By combining both financial and personnel resources you can strengthen your club by making it more efficient
• It will increase opportunities to attract sponsorship and access new funding streams
• There will be a single point of contact for members and external bowling and commercial organisations

How do we start working towards unifying our club?

• Form a small working group and use members within your club who have the necessary expertise to make it happen
• Approach other local bowling clubs who have already gone through the process and learn from their experience
• Communicate with your members and highlight why you are proposing the changes and outline the benefits of unifying your club
• Consult with your members and encourage feedback as it is imperative you get your members on-side to ensure the proposed changes can take place
• Consider the necessary changes that have to be made to your constitution in order to unify the club
• Ensure procedures in your current constitution are followed in order to make the proposed amends
• Create a clear job outline for each position within the Management Committee. If there is still a desire to have a separate Ladies or Men’s committee then this must report and be secondary to the Management Committee. Members should be made aware that a two tier committee structure represents potential delays in decision –making processes and the double handling of information.
• Outline your new membership structure with each category clearly specified (e.g. Full Membership, Associate Membership & Junior Membership)
• At the AGM or EGM (if required) hold a vote on the proposed changes to the club’s constitution
• Elect the office bearers for your new Management Committee.

This is a simple overview of the steps involved in unifying your club. If you have any further questions please contact your Regional Director or our National Development Officer.