New player ranking system
Fairness, equity, events graded on prize money levels and a stronger emphasis on major event results with a weighted points system are the cornerstones of a new National Player Ranking System announced by Bowls Australia today. The new player ranking system, to be introduced from July 1 until the conclusion of the Australian Open annually, will be a far broader ranking system than the one it replaces boasting more events and a significantly enhanced points system across the spectrum of events approved as ‘ranking events’ giving more weight to higher finishing performances at major events staged around Australia. State and Territory Associations and Clubs will have the opportunity to lodge applications to Bowls Australia for their events to be ratified as a ranking event and when approval is granted they will be categorised into one of four tiers based on certain criteria. The Australian Open, Australia’s most lucrative event, provides the highest number of points available (in each discipline) and sits alone at the top of the tiered structure in tier 1. The Australian Champion of Champions and Australian Indoor Championships represent the events in tier 2 while State Championships, State Champion of Champions and other events carrying a total prize purse in excess of $12,000 represent tier 3. All other events approved that carry total prize money pools between $3,000 and $11,999 will be categorised as tier 4 with a descending points structure through the tiers reflective of the level of events. ‘The ‘Jewel in the Crown’, the Australian Open singles title, carries 120 maximum ranking points. Additional criteria for events to receive ranking status will include events being a minimum of two days in duration and must be either be open, masters or have qualifying events as invitation only events will not be included. In announcing the new ranking system, Bowls Australia Chief Executive Officer Neil Dalrymple said the philosophy behind the changes was to ensure the ranking system offers equal opportunity for all bowlers across the country to earn ranking points. “The new ranking system is not just for the elite players in Australia but it represents an opportunity for bowlers of all abilities to play a number of events from national to club events in a 12-month period and continue to earn ranking points throughout the year. “The improved structure will enable the race to become Australia’s number one ranked men’s and women’s player for each year to be very exciting from start to finish given the number of events a bowler can play. The Australian Open carries the highest number of ranking points and will be the final event of the ranking season so we may not have a winner until the conclusion of the Australian Open which will add so much intrigue to the final result,” Dalrymple said. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Sam Clough and Mick Duprez who have contributed many volunteer hours in the development of the system and road-testing it to ensure its integrity.” Australia’s highest ranked male and female bowler will be awarded at the annual Bowls Australia Awards held in conjunction with the conclusion of the Australian Open on the Gold Coast each year. Each title will be sponsored by Bowls Australia’s Official Preferred Bowls Supplier, Aero Bowls and will receive a cheque, courtesy of Aero Bowls, to the value of $3,000 . Bowls Australia are inviting clubs that host major events to apply to have their event included in the national rankings system. For more details on the new system including points structure, click here