Resignation reveals power struggle at heart of bowls

WHEN POWER struggles in sport are mentioned, you probably think of David Moyes being ousted, or Bernie Ecclestone driving a hard bargain — so you might be surprised to learn that war has broken out in the seemingly genteel sport of lawn bowls.

Although it is run from a modest office in South Gyle, Edinburgh, bowling is a worldwide game, played in 50 countries— but Scotland is its spiritual home.

Sportscotland claims that it is Scotland’s most successful sport in the Commonwealth Games.

However, last week’s shock resignation of Roger Black, a former Scottish Bowling Association secretary, and, for the last 10 years assistant to World Bowls CEO Gary Smith, has raised suspicions of a power struggle raging between the northern and southern hemispheres.

Black’s sudden departure was provoked, he says, by the aggressive attitude of the Australia-based WB president Joe Aarons, and adds weight to rumours of an aggressive takeover bid by the southern hemisphere.

“I f ind Mr Aarons impossible to do business with,” Black said.

“His way of working and constant attacks on our chief executive left me with no alternative but to consider my position — especially when I started to receive similar treatment.

“That is why, after almost 10 years of working very happily as assistant to Gary, I have resigned with immediate effect.

“Having explained the position to representatives of member countries, I have received countless messages expressing regret and surprise at my leaving.”

Seriously hurt by what he describes as “vitriolic and abusive comments” made by Aarons, Black alleges that: “The president’s one aim in life since he was elected has been to denounce and castigate the chief executive — he has been out to get Gary.”

Aarons, who became president in 2012, says he has never exchanged emails with Black, and denies that he has got it in for Smith — though he admits he has been highly critical of the way that World Bowls is administered from the Edinburgh office.

“I can assure you I did not approach my role as president with any hidden agenda,” Aarons said this week from his home in Melbourne.

“Any criticism that I have of the chief executive, and the way he works, is based on what I have learnt in the 16 months I have been in office, and at no time has there been a conspiracy to ‘get Gary’.”

As for rumours that he would like to see the administration of World Bowls moved to the southern hemisphere, Aarons says: “We have no such plans.

“All we want to do now is to concentrate on creating a well-run body to serve the sport that we love.”

Smith, still at his desk in South Gyle, said yesterday: “I was sorry and sad to see Roger go — he is hardworking and has been a great support over the years.

“I have been in my present role for 13 years and have always striven to serve the board in the way that they want,” he added.

“I believe I have done a good job, but I am not afraid of change, and reject the criticisms made by the president.

“I take pride in my job and will continue to ensure that the business of World Bowls is conducted on sound business principles, and to the satisfaction of the board and other stakeholders.”