Digital matters for Bowling Clubs
Dear Bowling Club Members and Officials,
I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of another successful season.
I’m writing to update you on an important initiative that will shape the future of our sport: the continued rollout of BowlsLink throughout 2026.
Why Digital Matters for Lawn Bowls
Our sport enjoys remarkable participation, with over 600,000 Australians playing socially each year through barefoot bowls, corporate events, and casual games at more than 2,000 clubs nationwide. However, with approximately 180,000 registered members, there’s a significant gap between actual participation and what’s captured in official statistics.
This matters because government funding for amateur sports is directly tied to documented participation numbers. A digital platform enables us to accurately track and report all forms of play, strengthening our position with funding bodies like the Sports Commission and enhancing sponsorship opportunities. Better data means better support for clubs like yours.
Benefits of BowlsLink
- Beyond participation tracking, BowlsLink offers clubs practical advantages:
- Free website hosting and online payment processing
- Automated membership renewal reminders
- Targeted communication tools for different groups (pennants, social events, etc.)
- Enhanced sponsor recognition through websites and email campaigns
- Comprehensive fixture templates for various event formats
- Ticketing system for club functions
- Live scoring with streaming capability
- Digital record-keeping for club championships
- Immediate results updates and reduced scoring errors
- Less administrative burden on volunteers
- While there’s a learning curve initially, the system is quite user-friendly—and younger members often embrace it enthusiastically!
2026 Implementation Timeline
1 January 2026: Live scoring becomes mandatory for ACT pennant grades 1-3
1 January 2026: All ACT clubs encouraged to use BowlsLink for club championships
1 April 2026: Club championship requirement becomes mandatory
Training and Support
We’re committed to supporting your Club through this transition. As a consequence, we have employed Kate Lyttle (Bowls ACT BowlsLink Implementation Coordinator) bowlslink@bowlsact.org.au to arrange face-to-face sessions with our Clubs. Training is also electronically available through BowlsLearn online http://learn.bowls.com.au/.
Moving Forward Together
Technology is enhancing sports across the board—golf has used similar systems for years, even darts has digital scoring. While our demographic may differ from other sports, embracing digital tools helps ensure lawn bowls remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Your feedback during this transition is invaluable. Please share your thoughts and concerns as we work together to strengthen our sport.
Thank you for your continued dedication to lawn bowls. From everyone at Bowls ACT, we wish you a happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful new year.
See you on the greens in 2026!
Warm regards,
Neil Seaman
Vice President, Bowls ACT
