Drug Abuse in Sport
The Welsh Bowling Association is committed to the eradication of drug abuse in sport, and it will strictly adhere to the UK Anti Doping Rules. The W.B.A. supports the policy that will result in bowlers agreeing to undergo drug control tests to ascertain the presence of any forbidden substance in the bowler’s body at the time of the test. These rules will be updated on website: www.ukad.org.uk/documents/uk-anti-doping-rules/
During last year’s Senior International Series in Worthing two bowlers from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales were drug tested. Fortunately all tests proved negative, but the players were only informed ten minutes from the end of their second round matches that they had been singled out for tests. They were escorted over to the Bowls England Headquarters where the test procedures were carried out during the evening. The UK Anti Doping Agency has the authority to carry out these tests before, or after any competition, and refusal to comply can lead to serious consequences.
Any bowler undergoing medical treatment, and in doubt whether the drug prescribed and taken by him is likely to fall into the banned category should consult his doctor. In the case of members of the International Team members they should also contact in confidence the Welsh Team Manager.
We encourage all members of the W.B.A. to also consult the following Websites to obtain further information: -
Clubs may be required to make a private room available where a player may submit himself to a doping test.
Welsh Bowling Association Code of Conduct
ALL MEMBERS OF MEMBER CLUBS AND COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS OF THE WELSH BOWLING ASSOCIATION ARE, AT ALL TIMES, SUBJECT TO THIS CODE OF CONDUCT AND THE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES SET OUT BELOW.
Members are expected to conduct themselves in ways which display the following:
- Standards of good behaviour, both on and off the green.
- A sportsmanlike approach to team colleagues, opponents, officials and spectators.
- Behaviour befitting good ambassadors for the Welsh Bowling Association, its Clubs, and County Associations, and the game of bowls.
Any member of the Association's Clubs and County Associations who falls below these standards, thereby bringing himself and/or the Welsh Bowling Association into disrepute, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
At W.B.A. events, players and officials are expected to be punctual and to meet organisational requests promptly, so helping the event run smoothly.
Players and Officials who represent their Country are in favoured and privileged positions, and have the responsibility of performing to the best of their ability. This assumes a mature and sensible approach, especially in relation to personal fitness and condition, and requires good preparation, sensible enjoyment and recreation and proper rest.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
A. SUBMISSION Of COMPLAINTS
- Any complaint which is made directly to the W.B.A. should be lodged in writing with the W.B.A. Secretary within 14 days of the incident which gave rise to the complaint. If a complaint has been made to a Club or a County Association, but it is felt necessary to refer this to the W.B.A. for further consideration, this referral should be lodged in writing with the W.B.A. Secretary within 28 days of the incident.
- A date for a Complaints Hearing will be set by the Secretary. Written notice of this meeting, showing the date, time and venue of the meeting and indicating the matter to be discussed, accompanied by copies of the complaint and any response, will be sent by the Secretary to all members of the Complaints Sub-Committee, the complainant and the person complained against, no later than 7 days prior to the date of the meeting.
B. COMPLAINTS HEARINGS
- A complaint will be heard by a Complaints Sub-Committee comprised of 3 members of the Executive Committee, one of whom shall be appointed Chairman of the meeting. The meeting will be attended by the Secretary (or an Assistant Secretary) to record the proceedings; he will not be entitled to vote.
- Individual members, Clubs or County Associations presenting the complaint or being complained against may be represented at the hearing. Both parties to the complaint shall be present while the complaint and response are being heard by the Sub-Committee.
- A written report on the incident which gave rise to the complaint shall be submitted to the Complaints Sub-Committee by the person or organisation initiating the complaint, or their representative. Members of the Sub-Committee may then ask any questions relevant to the issue in order to clarify any point in the report.
- Following this report, the party complained against or their representative may present their view of the events to the Complaints Sub-Committee. Members of the Sub-Committee may then ask any questions relevant to the issue in order to clarify any point in the report.
- Witnesses shall be limited to one on either side.
- Following clarification of all necessary points, both parties to the complaint shall be asked to leave the room while the complaint is discussed by the Complaints Sub-Committee, but may be recalled for further clarification if necessary.
C. ADJUDICATION
When the Complaints Sub-Committee has discussed the matter and reached a decision, the Secretary shall, in writing and within 7 days of the meeting, advise both parties to the complaint of the decision reached.
Development
Development is a key area for the Welsh Bowling Association. It is essential that our activities promote the Sport of Bowls, retain and recruit members, and monitor and update policy to assist our affiliated clubs to maintain a healthy membership. We need to offer new bowlers an opportunity to participate, and have an awareness of the best way to develop.
The Welsh Bowls Federation have set up the Clubmark Project involving a team of Regional Development Officers. We are grateful to Sports Wales for funding this initiative with the following main objectives: -
- Helping Clubs to attract new bowlers and members from all sections of our their local community, and with particular emphasis on junior development.
- Helping clubs to achieve a nationally recognised operating standard.
- Helping clubs to modernise their administration structure
- To assist clubs in the Clubmark scheme to retain members for the future.
Contact details for the Regional Managers can be obtained from the WBF or from your County Secretaries.
Junior Development
The W.B.A decided in 2010 to promote the formation of Junior Academies, and to provide a pathway for the young bowlers from their early careers to possible selection for the Commonwealth Games Squad.
To assist in this process John Baggott was appointed Development Administrator and three Regional Trials were held at Penylan B.C., Cross Hands B.C. and Llandrindod Wells B. C. to choose twenty- four young bowlers to form the first Under 18 Academy. John was greatly assisted in this task by the then Team Manager Phil Young, and all the Welsh Selectors.
Liam Bouse (Ystrad Mynach), Ryan Boots (Caldicot), Ben Cloake (Tenby), Jack Davies (Troedyrhiw), Dominic Hardy (Kerry), Ryan Hancock (Tyn-y-Twr), Stefan Harries (Carmarthen), Sean Hawkey (Splott Phoenix) Shane Hill (Porthcawl), Jarrad Jones (Ogmore Vale), Edwards Jelfs (Llandrindod Wells), Tom Jones (Caerphilly Town), James McNair (Llandrindod Wells), Luke Mumford (Kerry), Jo Mower (Beaufort), John Parsonage (Cwmbran Park), Connor Parsons (Murch), Gwynfor Parr (Dinas Powis), Matthew Preece (Melyn-Unt), Scott Loosemore (Porthcawl), Nathan Salmon (Whitchurch), Ben Simmons (Tenby), Aaron O’Sullivan (Havelock Park), Cameron White (Tenby).
The academy continues to go from strength to strength with many young bowlers benefitting from the coaching and experience that the Academy games give them.
Sincere thanks must go to our sponsors:
Taylor Wimpey Developments Ltd (South Wales)
Building 2, Eastern Business Park
St Mellons , Cardiff CF3 5EA
02920 534709
Fax: 02920 534773
Absolute Bowls
Unit 1, Prydwen Road,
Swansea West Business Park,
Swansea SA54 4HN
01792 589147/586767
www.absolutebowls.com
Other Sponsors are invited at any time.