National Merchandise Program Policy
National Merchandising Program
The National Merchandising Program has helped to enhance the image of bowls in Australia by creating consistency in attire worn at pennant and above level competitions.
Under the NMP, clothing manufacturers are endorsed by Bowls Australia (BA) and issued with a license that allows them to use the BA logo on garments they have manufactured.
The NMP is an important whole of sport initiative that helps generate revenue to support the employment of 11 Club Support Managers (CSMs), servicing metropolitan and regional areas nationwide, as well as the general development of the game at grassroots level.
CSMs work within their designated states to increase participation and membership within the sport of bowls; provide support to clubs with business planning, member recruitment/retention, governance, funding, programs, information technology and volunteer strategies; implement whole-of-sport programs delivered at club level; increase the quantity and quality of coaches and officials; and accurately record local membership and participation data.
It is envisaged the distribution of funds into the development of the sport will assist in the growth of the game at the grassroots level, as well as create a sustainable structure for the future of the sport.
The NMP is managed internally by BA, who put new measures in place to ensure bowlers’ needs are being met in terms of product range, quality and price.
By collaborating with licensed manufacturers and encouraging innovation, we can ensure that clubs and members across Australia will have access to a broad range of products, across a wide pricing spectrum.
Changes under the BA Logo Policy are specific to BA sanctioned pennant and above level events.
For all affiliated state and territory pennant and above level events, competitors must comply in accordance with the controlling bodies’ dress regulations and conditions of play.
Logo Policy
Bowls Australia (BA) has developed a National Merchandise Program (NMP) Logo Policy which provides guidance regarding the correct use and purchasing of compliant garments for Pennant, Championship Events and Other Tournaments as specified.
For clarity:
‘Pennant’ is any form of structured competition between clubs that are affiliated to their State or district authority, where the competition uses the Laws of the Sport of Bowls Australia and requires Accredited National Umpires to adjudicate.
‘Championship Events and Other Tournaments’ refers to events organised or controlled by BA, State and Territory Association (STA) authorities and/or any division/subdivision of the STA authority; in addition to:
· Club Championships
· Region/District Championships
· Club Tournaments (with the exception of social competitions) where it is specified in the Conditions of Play.
All competition/tournament rights holders are encouraged to reference attire requirements in the associated competition/tournament Conditions of Play.
Participants and Officials within all Pennant, Championship Events and Other Tournaments, as noted above, are also required to be compliant with this Policy.
Enquiries
All National Merchandise enquiries should be directed to:
Emma Hedges
Licensing and Commercial Manager
Email: ehedges@bowls.com.au