Bowls England is the National Governing Body (NGB) for outdoor, flat green bowls in England.

Affiliation to Bowls England is the way in which a club can access the many benefits BE have negotiated on their behalf, as well as gaining the support of a National Governing Body when exceptional circumstances may cause the club issues in its operations.

For more information on any of the below, or if you want to discuss Affiliation please contact our Clubs & Participation team.

Affiliation

What is Affiliation?

Affiliation is the method by which a club “joins” with Bowls England and contributes to the growth and governance of the sport.  Once a club is affiliated, it can benefit from the numerous partnerships, programmes and support packages available – hence it is the club that enjoys the benefit rather than the individual.  Therefor a club needs to contribute on behalf of all of its playing* members, each season to qualify for those benefits.

It is important to again clarify, an affiliation is not linked to competition.  Any member of a bowls club who participates in any form of bowling (whether competition, in a league, or just social roll ups), contributes a small fee to help ensure the future of the sport.

Club affiliations are a vital part of bowls, and member affiliation fees are the lifeblood of the sport.  They bring great benefits that allow the sport to function effectively and fairly.  When a club member pays an affiliation fee to their county and to Bowls England, they are in effect contributing to the health of the game, and ensuring the sport has a bright future.

Accurate reporting of participation within the sport is vital for us to gain funding from the government and potential sponsors, but also to try to regain a position with national broadcasters so the sport can be a showcase to attract new players and sponsorship into the game.

* Any person within that club who has access to playing bowls as part of their membership agreement with the club, whether that be once a season or competitively throughout the year, regardless of whether that person takes the opportunity to participate or not.  This includes, but is not limited to Full Membership, Junior Membership, Honorary Life Membership, Discounted Rates for Unemployed/Retired/New Members, Weekend Only Membership, Daytime Only Membership

What are the Benefits of Affiliation?

Once a club is affiliated, they are entitled to access any of the Bowls England support services featured.  Every affiliated club will appear on our Club Finder page that you can edit and keep up to date with important information for any prospective new member.  Please click here for a full list of affiliated club benefits

Club & County Directory

Please click  here  to find  a list of all Affiliated Clubs and Counties

How do we Affiliate

To affiliate, a club needs to register with its own county administration, and make a declaration of its membership numbers.  A contribution based on those membership numbers is then made to the county (the county will also request a small affiliation contribution to their organisation) who then forward the club’s registration, along with its contribution, to Bowls England.  Affiliated contribution to Bowls England is set at £5 per playing* member.

Once accepted by the county administration, the club will be deemed an affiliated member of Bowls England and have accepted the rules and regulations of the organising body.

Renewal of Affiliation takes place every May.  Clubs are required to return their affiliation numbers to their county by 1st May each year (some Counties will have different dates but will advise you of these).  A club should affiliate all its members* for the season.  Any additional members the club obtains throughout the year will be requested via final return from the club in September.

* Any person within that club who has access to playing bowls as part of their membership agreement with the club, whether that be once a season or competitively throughout the year, regardless of whether that person takes the opportunity to participate or not.  This includes, but is not limited to Full Membership, Junior Membership, Honorary Life Membership, Discounted Rates for Unemployed/Retired/New Members, Weekend Only Membership, Daytime Only Membership

Associate Membership

Types of Associate Membership

Bowls England also offers a number of additional membership options for any League or Bowling Association who play on a competitive or friendly basis, in accordance with the Bowls England Rules and Regulations.

Associate Membership

‘All those bowling Associations and Leagues who oversee and play in leagues on a competitive or friendly basis, in accordance with the Bowls England Rules and Regulations’.

Discretionary Membership

‘All other ad hoc clubs, groups, Associations and organisations established for a particular purpose as defined by their name, title or constitution, who conform to and abide by the Bowls England’s Rules and Regulations’

Other Membership

‘Such organisations where, at the discretion of the Chief Executive or the Board, the affiliation requirement and other pre-conditions will be waived. The requirement to pay a membership fee be put aside’

Current List Associate Members
Benefits of Associate Membership

Associated, Discretionary and Other members will enjoy some of the benefits normally afforded to fully affiliated clubs:

Please click <here> for a full list of associated member benefits

Who Can Apply for Associate Membership?

Any League or Association can apply for Associated Membership.  Both the Associate member and discretionary membership categories require all clubs and individual players involved in their activities to be Affiliated Members of Bowls England.  Other members will not have this pre-condition.  The main reason Associations or Leagues become Associated Members of Bowls England is to take advantage of the Civil Liability Insurance that we can offer through working with Sutton Winson.  Bowls England recommends that all Associations and Leagues have Civil Liability to protect any Officers against claims arising from their decisions or actions on behalf of an Association or League.

How Much Does it Cost?

Associate membership costs £30 per year with membership running from 1st February each year.  Discretionary membership costs £20 per year, Other membership is free.

How do we apply for one of these Membership Options?

Application will be direct to Bowls England Chief Executive by completion of the form found below.

Associate Membership Application Form

To apply for Associate Membership, please complete all the sections below and return the form to the Bowls England Headquarters.

Contact name
Contact address

League / Association

Please complete a brief history (including formation) about your League or Association
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