As agreed in 2016 with Sport England and the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) the transition of coaching to the member National Governing Bodies will be effective from April 1^st 2019. This transition forms part of a long-term sustainability plan to ensure that coaching is embedded into the sport.

From 1^st April 2019 responsibility will move across to English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) and Bowls England (BE) who have made a joint commitment to continue to support and develop coaching for the benefit of the sport.

Both British Crown Green Bowling Association and English Short Mat Bowling Association will continue to support Coach Bowls and to encourage all their coaches to move across to the nationally recognised qualifications.

The BDA and the member National Governing Bodies have been working towards a smooth managed transition over the past twelve months and will continue to do so over the remaining four months.

“Coach Bowls” remains under the direct management of the BDA until 31^st March 2019.

The BDA will continue to deliver its’ “Play Bowls Strategy” through to March 31^st, 2021.

Early next year information will become available from Sport England regarding applications for further funding to take the BDA through to March 31^st, 2025.

Finally, as per the joint statement issued by BDA, EIBA, and BE on 1^st August 2015, Coach Bowls is and continues to be the only recognised bowls qualification for flat green indoor and outdoor bowls.

Further details about the progress of the transition will be released in early January 2019.