BowlsNSW

Strengthening Integrity in Bowls – Important Information for Members

In recent years, Bowls Australia, in collaboration with State and Territory Associations, has strengthened its commitment to protecting the integrity of our sport to ensure that bowls remains a safe, inclusive, and fair sport for all participants. 

As part of this commitment, Bowls Australia adopted the National Integrity Framework (NIF) in 2022. This is a consistent set of policies applied across all sports in Australia and overseen by Sport Integrity Australia. 

The NIF applies to Bowls Australia, all State/Territory Associations, affiliated clubs, and individual members. This email outlines what it means for you and how you can help uphold integrity in our sport. 

What is the National Integrity Framework? 

The NIF sets clear expectations around acceptable behavior in bowls and provides a standard process for handling breaches. It covers: 
✅ Racism, bullying, abuse, harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination 
✅ Victimisation and vilification 
✅ Child safeguarding measures 
✅ Competition manipulation and betting on bowls 
✅ Improper use of drugs 

Complaints related to these issues are managed through a consistent, independent process, with Sport Integrity Australia handling investigations into child safeguarding and unlawful discrimination matters. 

All members of Bowls are bound by these policies, which can be found on Bowls Australia’s Sports Integrity page. 

What does this mean for you as a member? 

To help protect the integrity of bowls, we ask for your support in the following ways: 

  • Bowls should be a safe and fair sport for all. If you witness poor behaviour, report it. Likewise, if you break the rules, sanctions may apply. 
  • Learn about prohibited conduct under the National Integrity Framework (NIF) by reviewing this fact sheet outlining unacceptable behaviours at all levels of the sport. 
  • Watch this short 10-minute video where Bowls Australia’s National Integrity Manager, Elke Bellgrove, explains Integrity in Bowls, the NIF, and what it means for our community.  
  • Bowls Australia aims to resolve disputes at the local level where possible, delegating complaints appropriately to State and Territory Associations, Districts, Regions, Associations or Clubs.  
  • Non-integrity issues (such as selection disputes, game-related concerns, governance matters, and personal grievances) should be raised with your Club, District, Region, Association, or State body rather than Bowls Australia. 

To increase your understanding around the procedures for raising and addressing concerns at the appropriate level, please visit the Bowls Australia Resources Hub at CLUBMAP x Bowls Australia Resources Hub for guidance and support. 

How to report prohibited conduct: 

  • If you see, hear, or experience any behaviour that may breach the National Integrity Framework (NIF), report it through the appropriate channels:  
  • Bowls Australia Integrity Department via the Bowls Australia Reporting Form 
  • Sport Integrity Australia: For child safeguarding issues or unlawful discrimination, submit a report via the Sport Integrity Australia webform or call 1300 027 232. 

Child safeguarding – your responsibility: 

Ensuring a safe environment for children and young people is a shared responsibility. Please take time to review: 

  • The Child Safe DOs and DON’Ts guide booklet to help you understand best practices. 
  • Additional child safeguarding resources, including but not limited to the recruitment and screening of staff or volunteers in child-related positions booklet, transporting children and young people in sport factsheet, communicating online or electronically with children and young people booklet, photo and video do’s poster, how to involve children & young people in your sporting organisation booklet can be found at:  Resources | Sport Integrity Australia 

Together, we can maintain a safe and fair sport

We all share the responsibility of ensuring that bowls remains a welcoming and respectful
environment. By staying informed and proactive, you play a crucial role in
protecting the integrity of our sport. 



Thank you for your dedication to upholding integrity in bowls. 

This post from BowlsNSW – 14/3/2025