2024 Indoor Qualifier Decision Statement
It is with careful consideration and thorough evaluation that Bowls Canada Boulingrin announces the decision not to host the 2024 Canadian Indoor Qualifier. Since the originally planned 2024 host venue announced it could not move forward with hosting the event, Bowls Canada Boulingrin staff have been diligently working to explore a variety of options, assessing both the positive and negative implications of each.
When hosting the event at the originally planned venue was no longer an option, Bowls Canada faced two realistic choices: find a new host or cancel the event for this year. Initially, we prioritized finding a new host to honor our commitment to our members. However, after extensive consultations with BCB staff, PSO administrators, and PSO Presidents, we thoroughly evaluated the factors involved in selecting a new host, securing their commitment, agreeing to new hosting terms and delivery standards, and the potential implications of hosting the event at a new location. This comprehensive evaluation led us to the difficult decision to cancel the Canadian Indoor Qualifier for this year.
This decision is supported by several rational and practical considerations:
Organizational and Logistical Challenges: Organizing an event with only a two-month lead time presents significant organizational and logistical challenges. While it is possible to arrange accommodations, travel, and meals within this constrained timeframe, doing so would likely result in participants incurring higher-than-average costs.
Timing and Notice: Hosting the event a month earlier than planned, with such short notice, would impose significant challenges and potential conflicts for players and organizers alike.
Participant Notifications: Informing participants about the event details, travel arrangements, and any changes with only two months’ notice can lead to confusion and difficulties in ensuring everyone has the necessary information. This short timeframe can also make it challenging for participants to adjust their personal schedules to attend the event. Notwithstanding, it may result in challenges for some provinces to schedule their own playdowns.
Surface Replication: No outdoor surface can replicate the indoor surface. While most provinces conduct their playdowns for indoor events on outdoor surfaces, our primary goal is to best replicate the conditions that set up players for success internationally as this event would be a qualifier for further indoor competition.
Given these organizational and logistical challenges, we determined that hosting the event with only two months of lead time would not be feasible without imposing significant financial and logistical burdens on participants, organizers, volunteers, and officials. Our goal is to provide a high-quality experience for all involved, and under these constrained conditions, we would not be able to meet our standards or ensure the best possible environment for competition.
Bowls Canada takes responsibility for announcing the event to take place in BC without having a signed agreement. Acting in good faith on a verbal agreement of provincial participation, we confirmed the host venue’s availability and willingness to host and moved forward with announcing the dates, location, and entry guidelines to provide our provincial partners and the Canadian lawn bowls community with as much notice as possible.
We also want to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the clubs that were willing to step up and host the event. Your commitment and willingness to support the community do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly thankful.
We understand that this decision may disappoint some of our members and bowlers, and we share your disappointment. However, after weighing all factors and considering the best interests of our members and the sport, we believe this is the most prudent decision at this time. This decision took time because there were many aspects to consider, and we appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.
Bowls Canada remains committed to supporting and growing the sport of lawn bowls across the country. What has taken place with the Canadian Indoor Qualifier will be a part of the overall review that Bowls Canada will be conducting on all national events through the formation of the National Championships Review Task Force. We appreciate the understanding and support of our members as we navigate these complex challenges.
About Bowls Canada Boulingrin
Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is the governing body responsible for lawn bowls in Canada. The BCB mission is to advance the sport of bowls in Canada. For more details on Bowls Canada Boulingrin and the sport of lawn bowls, visit www.bowlscanada.com.
